Pymble researchers present at the annual Sokratis Showcase

Have you ever wondered if ice can be mined on the moon? Or if we can learn about re-growing cells and limbs from axolotls? Or about how language shapes our thoughts? 

These are just some of the areas Sokratis students have focused on this year and we would like to celebrate their achievements in research. Sokratis students work with passion, curiosity and creativity to bring to life a project in an area of interest. 

Sokratis is a research project students complete in their own time, outside of school hours. They are given the freedom to choose any topic that interests them, which makes the outputs and journeys as diverse as the students themselves. 

Sokratis commences in February and finishes up in October annually. Students work on this area of interest and passion for the best part of a year. They see it through from idea, rigorous investigation which can involve lots of meanderings and ups and downs and leads to the production of results, conclusions and ideas presented in posters displayed in the Conde Library. They are also given an opportunity to present this work to a wider audience as part of the Three Minute Sokratis competition during the annual Sokratis Showcase. 

Students are supported by mentors throughout their journey. These are fabulous College staff who volunteer their time and skills to meet with, discuss and offer gentle guidance to the students involved in a Sokratis project. These staff come from all over the school – the Executive, Junior School and Secondary School teachers and professional services staff. In-person workshops and online resources and videos are also provided to students to help support them through the journey. 

It is a huge commitment and labour of love that these students have embarked on, and they should be so proud of what they have produced this year. Perhaps we will see some of their ideas turn into real solutions for the future or ideas that they continue to work on as they move beyond in their studies?  

If you would like to see the posters created as part of the Sokratis program, they are on display in the Conde Library right now. Come by and read about a wide range of projects, including topics in science, language and art. 

The Sokratis team 

Mx Spencer Toohey, Ms Tessa Zwar, Dr Sarah Loch and Mrs Victoria Adamovich 

From the Principal

Here we are at the end of Week 2 already and, of course, that also means we are two weeks deep into HSC exams. Our Year 12 girls continue to show up for each paper in a calm, focused and quietly confident manner thanks to all their preparation and hard work – not just in the lead-up to this time but throughout all their years at Pymble. A huge thank you to all the teachers and staff from Junior School through to Secondary who have helped our students arrive at this milestone. Extra special thanks to our Senior School team, headed up by the infinitely calm, focused and quietly confident Mrs Nikki Wyse, and our Director of Studies, Mrs Natasha Stanfield, who have all but taken up residence in the Kate Mason Building to support the girls up until the very last paper on Friday 8 November.

To our Year 12 parents and carers, congratulations! You’re so close to having a newly minted Pymble graduate in your family who has finished her exams. She (and we!) couldn’t have done this without your ongoing support.

This week, I am feeling especially grateful to all our parents across the College, having acknowledged your collective efforts at our Pymble Parent Association (PPA) Annual General Meeting on Tuesday night, followed by a Thank You Cocktail Party to celebrate the invaluable role our parent volunteers play in our community.

To date, the PPA and Parent Support Groups have planned, hosted and assisted at 33 College events this year, ranging from Icebreaker to the PPA Trivia Night, morning teas, afternoon teas, campouts and wellbeing days at Vision Valley, fundraisers and carnivals of all kinds, and the jewel in our crown, Garden Party. We also have an army of helpers who assist students, teachers and coaches in classrooms, during exams, and at countless sporting events and performances.

It was a pleasure to honour our parent volunteers on Tuesday – and we were very grateful to be spoilt in return today with lunch gifted to all staff, thanks once again to the PPA. We love our annual Staff Appreciation Day event, which coincides with World Teachers’ Day and includes all academic and professional services staff at Pymble. Thank you for making our staff feel seen and valued for the work they do, from the highly visible roles to those that beaver away behind the scenes.

A special shout-out to our 2024 PPA Committee members for a job well done, and a warm welcome to our incoming 2025 team, many of whom are already familiar faces.

The full list of PPA, Secondary School Parent Group and Junior School Parent Group committee members for 2025 will be posted following the Junior School AGM next week.

We are choosing a new and courageous path to make the world a better place for our girls

There’s another reason why I am feeling grateful for our parent community. Firstly, your response to our new technology rules announced last week has been uplifting. Every decision at Pymble is made with your daughter’s learning and wellbeing lodged firmly in the centre of our hearts, and with input from the girls themselves. We have been thrilled to see girls untethered from their devices and earphones during breaks and following the new laptop rules in class to encourage greater focus and engagement. Most of our girls have taken to the new guidelines happily and staff have noted the positive energy in the air as they make their way around the campus.

We have also received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents and carers of students in Years 4 to 7 (2025) in relation to our Pymble Wise Phone initiative. In case you missed it, the College is gifting each student in Years 4 to 8 in 2025 with a phone that will allow them to connect with family and friends in safe and age-appropriate ways, without the added distraction and risks of social media.

You can read more about the Pymble Wise Phone initiative here.  

Parents have told us they are 100 per cent behind us – some have almost been in tears of relief to have the means and support to protect their daughters from the risks of smartphones and social media.

We are breaking new ground here, and it’s really exciting. As a united community, we have a choice. We could continue to go with the flow of society at large, allow our young people access to smartphones and social media before they are old enough to use them responsibly, and then deal with any consequences later. Or we can be brave enough to create a new normal for our girls and their technology – one that prioritises their health, friendships, connections and childhood.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for choosing the latter. We know it will be a bumpy road ahead, and we won’t always get everything right. We also know we are travelling in the right direction because we have your daughter’s wellbeing as our guide.

Windows into Learning

They are back! It’s lovely when these submissions from our teachers coincidentally form a loose theme. This week, you are in for a visual treat with the snapshots of learning in our Junior School and Secondary School.

Visual Literacy in English  

Year 5 students have been exploring the power of images as part of our Visual Literacy unit. In this lesson, we analysed and evaluated four advertisements. Students were asked to record which advertisement they found most effective and why, as well as which one they thought was the least effective. Their responses were both insightful and entertaining, with many students driven by their appetites and selecting the food options. Others chose the LEGO advertisement for its creativity and the inspiring message they felt it conveyed.

We had a lively and passionate discussion about the motivating factors behind their choices and the impact of additional influences on their decision making. At the end of the lesson, we reflected on what they had learnt, and many students expressed a new awareness of just how strategic and manipulative advertisements can be. They also recognised that words aren’t always necessary to understand a message.

Ms Lyn Wynne
Junior School Teacher and Year 5 Co-ordinator

Illuminating creativity in Visual Arts

Our Visual Arts Exhibition at Garden Party last term was an awe-inspiring showcase held for the first time in our College Chapel. The exhibition illuminated the dedication and engagement of Visual Arts and Photomedia students from Years 7 to 10 and included ceramic sculptures, drawings, paintings, photomedia and printmaking. It also featured bespoke artisan prints created by our Year 8 Art and Enterprise students.

The exhibition was the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work, material refinement, and conceptual engagement. Students grounded their creations in issues such as the role of the artist in society, the importance of the natural environment, and the intersection of art, science and critical thinking. These thematic explorations are central to the NSW Visual Arts curriculum, which emphasises the development of critical awareness and the ability to express complex ideas through art.

Students also engaged with meta-learning, a strategy that involves self-reflection on their cognitive processes and creative decisions. By reflecting on their creative choices, students develop a deeper understanding of their artistic processes and the conceptual underpinnings of their work, thereby enhancing both their technical skills and their ability to think critically and creatively.

Mrs Brigiat Maltese
Head of Learning Area – Visual Arts

From the Junior School

From the Head of Junior School

Thank you to all our families who attended our Junior School Parent Group (JSPG) Movie Night last weekend. Thank you to all of you who helped plan, set up and run this event and for making sure the event was a huge success and lots of fun despite the weather’s attempts to create problems. True Pymble spirit was in action as the event planners relocated the event at the last moment so all the fun could continue – thank you!

Next week is our JSPG Annual General Meeting (AGM), an important event in our Junior School calendar. As we strive to be an inclusive Community of Kindness, representing and honouring all our families, our JSPG helps foster connection between families and the Junior School. Our JSPG also plan and lead logistics, to include finding necessary family volunteers, for Junior School events for your daughters. As you know these events are much loved by your daughters and as a school we cannot run them without your support.

This year we sadly farewell a number of our leaders who have completed their term of service and so we are looking for other parents to step forward and step into helping to plan and manage much love events for our girls. Thank you to Mr Percy Yang (dad to Christina [Year 5, 2024]) who has agreed to continue in his role as Relationship Leader in 2025.  

Within our JSPG we have a variety of roles which include:

• Relationship Leader – these volunteers are responsible for liaising with the Junior School leadership team and parents to foster our Community of Kindness and to help ensure all families feel included and supported throughout the year; being a visible presence and networking with all families at Junior School events. These volunteers will convene or find others to convene Junior School events throughout the year and will liaise regularly with the Year Coordinators to recruit volunteers to run Junior School events for the girls. Two of the Relationship Leaders will serve as liaisons with the PPA to support the partnership between the JSPG and the PPA.

• Year Co-ordinator – these volunteers help welcome new families into their grade and coordinate communication across media platforms so all parents feel included and have someone to direct questions to. The Grade Coordinator is responsible for running the Grade Stall at the annual College Garden Party and finding volunteers to help run that stall. The Grade Coordinator organises play dates/community events to connect families within the grade in conjunction with the Class Coordinators. From 2025, Grade Coordinators will be invited to meet with Mrs Brown, Head of Junior School, Mr Robinson, Deputy Head of Junior School Operations, Community Engagement and the JSPG Relationship Leaders at the start of the year and at other times throughout the year as may be necessary

• Class Co-ordinator – these volunteers coordinate communication between families within their Compass class and help to build a sense of cohesion between families within that class. They help welcome new families and ensure they are supported as they settle into Pymble.

In terms of volunteering for Junior School events, please be advised that we would love to see many more volunteers next year – the more the merrier, as many hands make light work! For too long we have relied on just a very few volunteers to lead the many events we all enjoy and this needs to change if we are to continue to run these events. Please know that any contribution you can make as a volunteer will be welcomed and appreciated. Whilst I have always been a working mum, and for many years a solo parent, I volunteered at events for my daughters’ school when and where I could (I am very adept with a glue gun and creative projects!) and through my involvement I made my daughters proud and built friendships with other parents I still treasure today, many years after my daughters graduated school.

A message from Mr Robinson – Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations

OSHC Registrations

It is with thanks to parents and carers that we have now surpassed 86 per cent of students (Kindergarten to Year 5) being registered with OSHC. This important step not only provides a backup plan for when pickup may not go as planned but will allow students to be eligible to select co-curricular activities for 2025 (including tennis and swimming).

Separate instructions will be shared via MyPymble notices that demonstrate where to find your OSHC registration number within Kidsoft, as this number will be a mandatory field when registering for 2025 co-curricular activities on 20 November 2024.

A message from Mrs Lara Bird – Deputy Head of Junior School – Academics

Congratulations to Violet Li (Year 3) who has achieved commended in the Dorothea McKellar Poetry Competition 2024 for her poem A Magical City. The Dorothea McKellar Poetry Competition encourages students to express their thoughts and feelings through the medium of poetry.  This year there were nearly 7,200 poems received from children across Australia. Well done, Violet – we are very Pymble proud of you!

Throughout the school year, the girls have embraced a range of challenges and enrichment activities both in and outside the classroom including ICAS, AMC, Maths Olympiad, Maths Games, Maths Challenge, Mathematical Association of NSW Investigating Mathematics Competition and Da Vinci Decathlon. They also showcased their creativity in both writing and poetry competitions, including Write a Book in a Day, OzKids in Print, Dorothea McKellar Poetry Competition and Pens against Poverty. The girls are currently composing poetry to enter the Wild with Words Competition.

By invitation workshops and events such as the IPSHA Speakers’ Challenge and the STEM workshop led by Mr Dan Brown, Head of STEM was hosted by Pymble last term, as part of Northside Gifted and Talented, have provided girls the opportunity to take on challenges and step outside their comfort zone, in turn helping them grow in confidence, build resilience, and discover new strengths. By engaging in diverse activities fosters citizenship in our girls encouraging them to consider their broader responsibilities and the world they are a part of.

2024 Year 3 String Graduation

We are thrilled to celebrate the Year 3 String students as they graduate from our instrumental program. This talented group of 50 students, comprising violinists, violists, cellists and double bass players, have demonstrated remarkable growth in their musical skills over the past year.

From beginners to those who had already embarked on their instrumental journey, each student has made significant strides in their technique and musicianship. Their dedication and hard work have not only enhanced their abilities but have also contributed to a wonderful sense of camaraderie within the ensemble.

Learning an instrument offers numerous benefits that extend beyond music. Studies show that playing an instrument can improve cognitive skills, boost academic performance and enhance creativity. Additionally, it fosters discipline, patience and perseverance – qualities that will serve these students well in all areas of life.

We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing how their musical journeys continue to unfold. Congratulations to all Year 3 String students!

Keep making beautiful music.

Wellbeing Weekly – A message from Mrs Kate Giles – Head of Wellbeing K-6

Thank you to the number of parents who have attended the parent Wellbeing Series this year. The final session in the 2024 Wellbeing Series will be held on 31 October at 8.45am in the 3-6 Library. This session will be focused on supporting your daughter manage worries, change and uncertainty. I will be leading this session alongside Dr Danielle Ellis and Frieda Stemp, our Junior School Psychologists. Please sign up for the event using this link.

We will be holding further parent Wellbeing Series sessions in 2025. If you have any feedback from the sessions or there are any particular areas that you would like to learn more about in sessions next year, please email me at kgiles@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

A message from Mr Kurt Schweinberger – Head of Creative and Performing Arts K-6

Junior School Ensemble Concert:  Symphony of Sounds

Members of the College community are warmly invited to the Junior School Ensemble Concert, Symphony of Sounds, on Wednesday 30 October, starting at 6.30pm in the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts. This evening will showcase the incredible talents of our young musicians, with a diverse collection of performances featuring various musical styles and ensembles. From vibrant strings to lively woodwinds and captivating choral pieces, the concert promises to be a celebration of the hard work and dedication our students have put into their music.

Tickets can be purchased through the GMCPA Box Office, with all proceeds going to support the Music Support Group, whose contributions play a vital role in enhancing the music programme for our students.

Parents of students who are performing are kindly requested to check the Parent Portal for additional information regarding performance times, dress requirements and concert information.

We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of unforgettable music.

Junior School Digital News

From the Junior School Parent Group (JSPG)

Year 3 Mums Lunch

Date: Friday 8 November

Time: 2.00pm

Location: Greengate Hotel, Killara

Year 1 Families Christmas Party

Date: Sunday 24 November

Time: 1.00pm

Location: Bicentennial Park, West Pymble. 

Thank you as always for your support.

Please contact us with any questions at pymblelcjspg@gmail.com

Key Dates – Week 1 and 2, Term 4   

Friday 25 October                                           Links Day

Thursday 24 October                                      Online Parent Information Session 5.00pm to 6.00pm

Saturday 26 October                                      IPSHA Saturday Sport

Saturday 26 October                                      2025 New Families Picnic

Speech Day and Celebration of Learning Dates

Tuesday 3 December                                     Years 3 to 6 Speech Day (9.00am to 11.00am)

Tuesday 3 December                                     Kindergarten Nativity and Celebration of Learning (11.30am to 1.00pm)

Tuesday 3 December                                     Years 1-2 Celebration of Learning (2.00pm to 3.00pm)

Kate Brown

Head of Junior School

From the Middle School

It has been great to see the girls settling into routines for Term 4. Our Year 8 students will be sitting their two-day assessment block next week on Tuesday and Wednesday. This will be an opportunity for them to demonstrate their learning and hone their time management skills. I have been impressed by the way the girls have used their time to study and plan to ensure they are well prepared.

On Tuesday, during Mind Body Spirit time, Year 8 enjoyed the sunshine and each other’s company whilst playing games on Gloucester Lawn. The time to interact across Compass groups and have some fun was well deserved.

The 2025 Leadership process is in full swing with interviews currently being held to confirm positions of responsibility. The girls have been outstanding in the way they have represented themselves with confidence and passion and all deserve congratulations. We hope to confirm successful candidates shortly.

Our Year 7 families will have received information about the Year 7 Mind Body Spirit Day on Monday 4 November. This will be a fabulous day for the girls down at Long Reef Beach. Let’s hope the weather is on our side.

Our Year 7 Christmas Service will be held on Friday 22 November at 1.30pm. Invitations for parents to join us will be sent shortly. This will be a celebration of all that the girls have achieved across their first year of high school. We are so proud of our Year 7 students who have stepped up to new levels of independence and navigated so many changes across 2024.

This Friday we will be holding our traditional Links Day for the incoming Year 7 2025 cohort. I would like to thank our Middle School Leaders and Transition Leaders in advance for their investment across the day to ensure the Year 6 students feel welcome.

Aaira Khan (Year 7) attended the Girls Programming Network held at the University of Technology Sydney last weekend. Here is here reflection of the event:

Hello, I’m Aaira and I am in Year 7.

Last weekend I was given an amazing opportunity to go to Girls Programming Network (GPN) at The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Ultimo. GPN is an opportunity for girls to build new friendships and learn how to code! The network also allows all girls to connect using a talent of coding or simply just to be there to learn a have fun.

It was my very first time walking into the doors of a university and the space was mesmerising and immediately I was warmly welcomed with smiles of other students and the staff. The day was packed with engaging activities all revolving around coding.

The network provided everyone with laptops, food and snacks! Each girl was helped individually in classes to improve their coding skills. I would like to encourage girls in our school to try new things by experiencing them for themselves!

Emma Oyang, Meji You, Adele Jiang and Sarah Zia competed in the VRC Robotics competition in September. Emma has shared her reflection:

On Saturday 14 September, my team (65100F) and I competed at the Barker MS Robotics Competition. It was an amazing day and an experience full of excitement and surprises. In the qualification matches, it just felt amazing to be able to watch our ranking climb from seventh, to second and to first at one point, and it was just amazing to be able to head into the alliance selection in third place, where we got to choose the best alliance partner for our team.

After a tense quarterfinals, two semifinals matches due to a tie the first time and a nail-biting victory in the finals, we emerged as tournament champions. As soon as we left the silence of the main field, the hallway burst out into cheers. It was a surreal feeling to just see all the Pymble teams standing outside, cheering, laughing and hugging us as we passed. Being the driver in the team, I especially felt a mixture of happiness and relief that the nerves didn’t get to me and that I performed my best. It felt like we were all one loud and extremely elated family in that hallway, and knowing that we were all there for each other was just amazing.

While my team won the tournament, we also had many learning experiences and made new friends, which I think is even more important than winning the tournament. Overall, it was an amazing and unforgettable day for me, and it will be something that I cherish forever.

I would like to thank Felicity Dyet who has been Acting Head of Year 7 for the last four weeks in Gina Ventura’s absence. Gina returns on Monday in her capacity as Head of Year 7: Goodlet, Ingleholme, Marden and Thomas.

Get your tickets now to The Government Inspector!

Don’t forget to book tickets for this week’s Year 7, 8 and 9 production in the GMCPA! It’s farce, and it’s famous – The Government Inspector. Click here to purchase your tickets. Don’t miss it!

Jenny O’Donnell

Head of Middle School

From the Upper School

A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School

It has been great to see Year 9 and 10 making the most of our beautiful common room. This week it was lovely to have the official opening of this space by Dr Hadwen and Ms Li-Enn Koo. We are very grateful for the foresight and planning of this space by many areas of the college and know that the space is going to be well used by many students in years to come. We are so proud of this space and being able to share with others how it is helping to build community in the Upper School.

For some of our Year 9 students, the final residential program of the year commenced on Sunday. Our Term 4 cohort have been settling into life at the valley with enthusiasm and apprehension. The first few days of the program focus on establishing new routines, connecting with peers and beginning to expand students’ understanding of real-world experiential learning in comparison to traditional school settings. They will have returned from an overnight camp in the Blue Mountains this afternoon and then they set off again on Sunday for a three-day expedition into the national park on the Central Coast which we are sure will be a rewarding experience.

After a fun evening at the annual Year 10 Pymble Shore Dance last week, we hope that they enjoyed the evening. Icebreakers can be awkward, just like school dances of old but they are proving to help build connections at the event and lead to increased conversation each year. Thank you to the student focus groups who planned and implemented these activities.

Year 10 Examinations

This week has been time for the Year 10s to put their head down in preparation for next week’s exam block. I encourage parents to read the portal notice about leave arrangements during the examination block to ensure that they are aware of the options available to them. It is important that all parents complete the form here.

We are so grateful that some of our Year 10 students can support the students at St Edmund’s school at several events each year. Angela Zhang has shared her reflection of her involvement this week:

On Tuesday I volunteered for the annual St Edmund’s Swimming Carnival held at Pymble, alongside 20 other Year 10 students. We were assigned various roles to interact with the St Edmund’s students and assist in the smooth running of the day, with some girls swimming alongside St Edmund’s students and others engaging in cheers and handing out ribbons for those who placed.

I was timekeeping with Rosa and Anais, joining in on chants and encouraging the swimmers as we coordinated with the runners. It was an invaluable experience, and seeing the joy and friendly competition was truly special. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate these children in their achievements, appreciating their determination and anticipation for their individual events alongside their pure excitement for their friends.

This opportunity deepened my understanding of how important it is to create spaces where everyone can participate and feel valued and I am extremely grateful for the experience, forming connections with both the students and staff of St Edmund’s alike.

Get your tickets now to The Government Inspector!

Don’t forget to book tickets for this week’s Year 7, 8 and 9 production in the GMCPA! It’s farce, and it’s famous – The Government Inspector. Click here to purchase your tickets. Don’t miss it!

Important Dates

Term 4

Thursday 24/Friday 25 November – Years 7-9 Drama Production

Friday 25 October – Year 10 Study Day (All girls to remain at home – no classes being held)

Monday 28 October – Year 10 Examination Week begins and ends on Friday 1 November

Thursday 7 November – Year 9 Residential Program Term 4 Parent Evening Workshop

Wednesday 13 – Saturday November – Co-Curricular Dance Showcase

Saturday 16 November – Year 10 Namadji OEP begins at Vision Valley

Sunday 17 November – Year 10 Snowy River OEP leaves from James Kelso Field

Monday 18 November  – Year 10 Murramarang Expedition and Blue Mountains Program depart from Pymble campus

Friday 22 November – Year 10 Murramarang Expedition and Blue Mountains Program return to Pymble campus

Monday 25 November  – Year 10 Namadji and Snowy River Expeditions return to Pymble campus

Tuesday 26 November – Rest Day for Namadji and Snowy River students

Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 November – Year 10 Future You Festival on Pymble campus

Wednesday 4 December – 2024 Speech Day and Final Day of School Year

Monday 28 October – Year 10 Examination week begins

Victoria Harrison

Head of Upper School

From the Senior School

HSC Continues

Year 12 Higher School Certificate examinations continue this week. I am very proud of the way the students are presenting and should be congratulated on their calm and steady approach in the first week of papers. It was pleasing to chat to the girls after their exams and hear their confidence with their performance. Please remember that the Director of Studies, Mrs Natasha Stanfield, Heads of Year 12, Mr Michael Stern and Mr Adam Moynihan (Acting) are here to assist with any issues if they arise.

I would also like to thank the Year 11 students (Year 12 2025) for their care, support and maturity in keeping the noise and disruption to a minimum around the Senior Centre while the HSC exams in are progress. It can be challenging, especially with some wet weather, but the girls have shown great respect to their peers with their support and kindness.

New Student Leader Induction Ceremony

We enjoyed a great Year 12 Student Leaders’ Induction last Friday. It was so lovely to welcome so many parents and carers to share in this special event. Recognising the key role of all Year 12 students as they step into their final year and leadership positions is an important rite of passage for both the students and their peers. Over the course of this year, it has been impressive to watch them meet their responsibilities and rise to the early challenges of Senior School, establishing solid routines around their study, school commitments and social life. I have every confidence that this group will foster a supportive and empowering environment, making this an outstanding year for our entire community.

The excitement among the new Year 12 students continued as they received their jerseys, marking another joyful moment in their journey. These serve as a powerful symbol of pride, community, and friendship, uniting them as they take on their leadership roles. The joy and enthusiasm reflected in their faces as they donned their jerseys underscored the strong bonds they are forming with one another.

Mentors

Our new Year 12 students have been reminded about the opportunity to work with a staff mentor. Many of the girls are already participating in this voluntary program and report high levels of engagement and satisfaction. Briefly, students can apply to work with a chosen senior member of staff as their mentor. The students themselves nominate areas that they would like to work on or would like to discuss and are responsible for making the meeting times. If they are interested, students have been asked to email me directly to organise a mentor.

Student Reflection: Sydney Adventist Hospital

During the September holidays, I had the privilege of shadowing Dr. Suelyn Lai-Smith, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist at the Sydney Adventist Hospital. From touring the birth unit to observing consultations and ultrasound scans, every moment was eye-opening and inspiring. The highlight was stepping into an empty operating theatre in my first ever pair of scrubs!

This incredible opportunity was made possible by a San Foundation event I attended to empower young women in STEM earlier this year. Dr. Lai-Smith’s passion and care have fuelled my determination to pursue a career in this field and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Written by Jessica Worrell (Year 12)

Year 12 Visual Arts Information Evening

Key Dates

15 October to 8 November – HSC examinations

24 October – Year 12 (2025) Information Night

8 November – Sportswomen’s Awards Dinner

12 November – Jacaranda Day

4 December – Years 7 to 11 (2024) Speech Day

4 December – Last day of Term 4

Nikki Wyse

Head of Senior School

From the Boarding School

Leadership is a common thread that weaves its way through our Boarding family. From our youngest girls through to our Year 12s, our Boarders consistently demonstrate qualities of self-awareness, compassion, respect, integrity and courage. Last Friday we celebrated our most senior leaders at the Student Leader Assembly. It was wonderful see so many of our Boarder parents celebrating these special young people and I am delighted by the calibre of Boarders who will be leading our community throughout 2025. I have no doubt we are in good hands!

Our Year 9s Head Off to the Valley

Most of our Year 9 Boarders headed off to Vision Valley over the weekend to start their four week residential stay. During this time, students live and learn away from home with their peers in a less frantic, technology-free environment, giving them time and space to connect with themselves, their peers and the environment. The residential program offers a carefully curated range of challenges and experiences and the chance to develop and learn in a unique environment. I have no doubt that our Boarders will thrive in this environment and look forward to hearing of their adventures.

Food, Glorious Food!

Food is such an important part of all of our lives and we especially appreciate the significance of ‘getting it right’ for our girls who live on site with us at Pymble. There is a lengthy process to ensure the menu not only meets important nutritional requirements but is also appealing to our Boarders.

This includes a review of the draft menu by staff and Boarders, changes are then made ready for a dietician to review. We continue to review the menu throughout the term and are grateful to the Chartwells team who are as keen as us to get it right for the girls. You can review the Term 4 menu by clicking here.

Live It, Love It, Learn It – Ms Theresa Mimmo, Deputy Director of Boarding

Year 8 took advantage of a window of sunny weather and headed off to Balmoral Beach for a picnic on Friday night. To say they enjoyed themselves is an understatement! The weather didn’t assist with our other activities planned over the weekend which was unfortunate.

This weekend promises to be busy and full of activity. Year 7 will head to Balmoral for a picnic on Friday night and the Year 7 and 8 Knox Boarders will be joining us for Trick for Treat activities and a barbecue dinner on Saturday. Plus, on Sunday we have the option of attending a Sydney Kings game or supporting the Her Village Football Championships on campus.

Our academic staff have been in Learn It this week, assisting the Boarders with their studies. This has been timely given Year 8 and 10 examination blocks in Week 3. The girls have been busy revising their subjects and seeking assistance from staff. It was great to see Year 7 Boarders using flash cards they had made to test each other.

View From My Window

My name is Mia, I’ve been a Boarder at Pymble since Year 7. I am now in Year 12 and will complete my HSC in 2025. I enjoy living in Goodlet House and look forward to moving to Lang House at the end of the term.

My mum was also a Pymble Boarder and her side of the family come from Wye, about two hours up the Central Coast, where we usually spend about two weeks per year with my Nan and Pa. My dad’s side of the family come from Logan Village in Queensland, where we also usually spend a few weeks per year.

Otherwise, the other ten to 11 months of the year, my family – which includes Mum, Dad, Braxton (13) and Nash (4) – travel around Australia as Showmen. We are sixth or seventh generation Showmen, and part of the Showman’s Guild of Australia – as are many other people in my extended family.

Each week, we work one or two shows in various locations around Australia. My family own amusement park rides including the Freak Out, Triple XL, Two Speeds and the Wipeout; as well as classic games such as clowns, darts and balloons. We help out at major events in every capital city in Australia, such as the Easter Show in Sydney and Ekka in Brisbane. The longest event we do each year is the Christmas Carnival in Foster, which usually runs from the start of December until Australia Day.

Before I came to Pymble, I was part of NSTSC – the National School for Travelling Show Children – which educates roughly 100 children at various times throughout the year. There were two semi-trailers and two vans that travelled around with the show circuit, which had teachers for us. They used to educate through to Year 12, but since around 2017 they decided to stop at Year 6. Our school work used to be sent from Dubbo Distance Education.

I love travelling around the country because I get to have fun, not just with my immediate family, but also my extended family. We’re always in a different place which is always fun and exciting. My favourite place to travel is either Cairns or Mildura, because the showgrounds there are so fun and everyone is always in a good mood when we get there. There are also great things to do in town when we aren’t focused on show business.

When you turn 18 you’re allowed to be voted into the Showman’s Guild. When I finish at Pymble I plan to become a Showman and continue my family’s legacy!

Boarder of the Week

Year 8 Boarder Alice was an easy choice for our Boarder of the Week. Alice joined us in Year 7 all the way from Moree in northern New South Wales. Now in Year 8, Alice is a much-loved resident of Goodlet House. Alice consistently demonstrates the Boarder spirit, she is kind, humble and good fun with an excellent sense of humour.

She is well organised and her room is always sparkling. We all appreciate her caring yet pragmatic approach to life and she can be relied on to embrace challenges and turn them into positives for everyone. Alice is always ready to welcome visitors to Boarding and makes sure everyone feels included and valued.

She definitely brings a major sprinkling of magic to our Boarding lives and we feel very lucky to have Alice in our Boarding home and hearts.

Important Dates

Tuesday 26 November – Boarders’ Christmas Chapel and Christmas Dinner, 5.00pm (all Boarders required to be in attendance)

Wednesday 4 December – Year 7 to 10 Speech Day, followed by Boarders’ Travel Day

Carolyn Burgess

Head of Boarding

From the Chaplains

All Saints and Halloween

The end of October is almost upon us. It is a special time of festivals for many cultures and faiths.

If you and/or your family and friends are celebrating one, or a combination of festivals over the coming days, please accept my very best wishes for your celebration. I hope it is a special time filled with faith, friends and family.

For Christians this is also a special time of year. Friday 1 November is All Saints Day. The evening before this is known as All Hallows Eve, or more commonly known Halloween.

This is a day with a long history that draws on a range of traditions and faith origins. Originally it was two separate celebrations – All Saints Day and Samhain.

All Saints Day was established by the Roman Church. It was set aside to honor the Saints of the faith that had passed away. It was originally celebrated early in the year.

Samhain was a Celtic Festival. It was a harvest festival, and celebrated the changing of the seasons, The Celtic believed that during this time the veil that separated the world of the living and the dead was ‘thin’ during this time. They celebrated and rejoiced as their loved ones who had died ‘walked’ more closely with those who were living.

History suggests that Saint Patrick was responsible for the coming together of the two celebrations. He noticed that the now predominately Christian Celtic people still enjoyed this festival and together with the Pope of the day, resolved to bring the two celebrations together.  

Today, All Saints Day and All Hallows Eve is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate and remember the saints of the past, including the special people in our lives that we have loved and lost in our own families and communities, regardless of our faith or cultural background.

There are many things I love about this celebration as we know it in Australia. I really value the way that the modern celebration now draws from all sorts of culture and faiths. More recently we can see the strong influence of Southern and Central American Culture and tradition.

I find the connections to the earth and the harvest powerful. Through them we are reminded to consider the disproportionate abundance and scarcity of food throughout the world, and to honor those who continue to work the land for all of us.

But most importantly for me, I value the way that this celebration reminds us to give thanks for those who we have loved and lost to death. This is a special day where when we can take a moment to pause and remember the saints of our past who formed and nurtured us and have now become part of us through our memories. It is a special day where we can pause to celebrate the people who have made the world a better place for us.  This should not be a scary thing but a special thing, that is both sad and happy because it is filled with love.

This Halloween I invite you to do something to honor those people in your life. Perhaps you might light a candle or say a prayer. Or do something that you enjoyed doing with them when they were still with you.  Remember their love and the love that you still have for them.

Whatever you do, have a safe and hallowed Halloween.

Danielle Hemsworth-Smith

Assistant Chaplain

Term 4 Events Calendar

From the Futures Team

Science curriculum links through visit to Cochlear Australia

At Pymble, we are always looking for connections of learning with industry innovations. These connections help our students to see how skills and content are linked to future career pathways and post school study.

Towards the end of last term, Science teacher Elaine Lau visited the headquarters of Cochlear Australia to investigate curriculum links to student learning in Biology. This particularly interesting for students who are interested in studying biotechnology, biomedical engineering, audiology and software engineering.

Here are her reflections from the visit:

The day started with a presentation on the ear and hearing loss which aligned perfectly to our syllabus outcomes. Then about half an hour Q & A with the audiologist and engineer. After a small break, three other engineers from research and development showed us the technologies and devices in three groups. Finally, we went on the manufacturing tour. 

It’s a very good visit – have talked to Robyn Rudd, our biology coordinator about the potential visit for our year 12 biology classes and careers opportunities especially as engineers. Lots of female engineers who gave presentations to us which were promising. The manufacturing tour was the highlight though I was not allowed to take any photos there.

Parents and carers, if you are working at an organisation willing to host our teachers for a visit to investigate curriculum links, please reach out to partnerships@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.

External Opportunities

The following is an advertisement and is not endorsed by Pymble Ladies’ College.

Water Wise Smart Energy Program💧💧☀  – Open to Year 10 and 11 –  November 5 at UNSW

This dynamic program empowers students to tackle real-world challenges related to clean water and affordable energy. It is a collaboration between UNSW Chemical Engineering & UNSW Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE). This is a great on-campus experience for STEM students.

• Engaging Workshops: Interactive sessions on renewable energy, water conservation, and the role of engineering in creating a sustainable future.

• Hands-On Projects: Students will design solar-powered cubes and engineer water filtration systems, gaining practical skills while making a tangible impact.

To register an Expression of Interest please complete the form using the link below.

Water Wise Energy Smart Program – Student Sign-Up

Please contact Dr Fitri Widhiastuti (f.widhiastuti@unsw.edu.au) and Dr Shukla Poddar (s.poddar@unsw.edu.au) for further information.

UCAT NIE Free Webinar – Pathways into Medicine, and All About UCAT

Free webinar ‘Pathways into Medicine, and all about UCAT on 23 October 2024. Register via: https://www.nie.edu.au/ucat-free/free-ucat-information-sessions.

La Trobe University Sydney Campus now Offering a Bachelor of Cybersecurity offering students cutting-edge skills in cyber defence and digital security. Visit La Trobe University Sydney website: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/sydney or contact sydney@latrobe.edu.au.

Year 11 and 12 Students Medical School Entry Interview Preparation

Considering a career in Medicine or Dentistry? Medical interviews preparation November workshop dates are nearly full. To register please visit https://www.nie.edu.au/medical/umat-interviews/medical-interviews-workshop. or call (02) 4367 0404 / 0404 197 178 / www.nie.edu.au.

NIE CAREERS: Medicine, Engineering, Business, Creative Writing, Psychology, Veterinary Studies

A unique opportunity to experience 11 Days of Residential Career Program, 5 – 15 January 2025 at the University of Sydney, for students 13-18 years of age. TEL. 1300 974 187 or 0412 439 115 enquiries@nie.edu.au Details via this link: https://www.niecareers.com.au/academic-insights.

NIE CAREERS: Future Doctors Australia Program (Age: 14-18) 10 – 13 July 2025

A high-impact, four-day program that provides young people (Age: 14-18) with a unique opportunity to explore medicine as a career. TEL. 1300 974 187 or 0412 439 115 enquiries@nie.edu.au Program details via the link: https://www.niecareers.com.au/future-doctors-australia.

WSU| HSC True Reward Early Offer Program

HSC True Reward provides offers based on students’ Year 11 or Year 12 results. Apply by 6 November to be considered for the HSC True Reward offer round. More information here: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/application-pathways/hsc-true-reward. 

Macquarie University | Museum After Dark Wednesday 30 October, 5.45pm – 8.00pm

This Halloween, Macquarie University invites teachers, parents and students to join them as they bring stories of the dead to life. Bioarchaeologist Professor Ronika Power will explore the concept of museums as places for the stories of the dead—and what this means for us as the living. Register at: https://event.mq.edu.au/museum-after-dark-a-halloween-special/registration/Site/Register.

From the Co-curricular Sports Team

Sports Awards Dinner 2024

On Friday 8 November, the College will honour the achievements of our talented sportswomen in Years 7 to 12 who have achieved great success and demonstrated outstanding commitment to their sports throughout 2024.  

On the night, students who participate in competitive sports will be recognised through several awards which include Athlete of the Year, Para Athlete of the Year, All Rounder of the Year, Team of the Year (Saturday Sports), Representative Team of the Year, Strive for the Highest Awards, Sports Officials of the Year, Australian Representatives, and Sportswoman of the Year.  

Students and teams are nominated for these awards by the sports co-ordinators and head coaches and are then finalised by a committee. The dinner will celebrate the achievements of our students and teams and give due regard to the College values which these awardees exemplify. Awards are a way to encourage good performance and instil competitive spirit. Sport at Pymble provides a platform for girls to be challenged, to achieve and grow and this awards dinner is designed to recognise those who compete at the highest level in their chosen disciplines. 

Also, we acknowledge that not all girls who show excellence and commitment to their sport can be recognised at the awards evening – there are simply too many students who represent the College in sport. For those girls who are not receiving an award at the dinner, we recognise and acknowledge your contribution to Pymble and encourage you to continue to strive for your highest in your chosen sport. 

I would also like to extend special thanks to our College Principal, Dr Hadwen, and the College Council for supporting our exceptional Sport program, and to all the parents/carers who support their daughters in their varied sporting pursuits. 

Invitations have been sent to the families of award recipients, so please check your emails for the invitation and booking link and ensure you book your tickets before they close on Wednesday 30 October.

Co-curricular Administration

Term 1 Saturday Sport Registrations Opened Wednesday 16 October

Registrations for Term 1 Saturday Sport opened via the online registration system at 12.00pm on Wednesday 16 October. Registrations will close on Friday 1 November at 12.00pm (midday)

Please access the online registration via the Co-curricular pages on MyPymble by clicking here. A parent/carer log in is required to be able to register. A reminder that registrations CANNOT be processed via email or phone.

All registrations, including registration requests are actioned on a first come, first served basis. Please select your sport and/or activity carefully. Program fees will not be adjusted for sessions missed due to student sickness, wet weather or school events, such as camps, as per our terms and conditions.

Dates for the diary

• Term 1, Semester 1, and Yearly 2025 Registrations will open at 12.00pm on Wednesday 20 November

If you require any assistance with completing your registration, please contact Co-curricular Administration at ccsa@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or on +61 2 9497 7848

Sally Davidson

Head of Co-curricular Administration

Basketball

IPSHA Basketball – Round 1, Saturday 19 October

Team of the Week: Pymble 2

Pymble 2 had a great game on the weekend and had a well-deserved nail-biting win against Abbotsleigh in the last few minutes of the match. Entering the fourth quarter the girls were down, they kept their composure and intensity and worked together as a team to secure the win, 30 to 28. Alison Kok’s (Year 6) defence and passing along with Chelsea Wang’s (Year 6) full court layups were vital in the team’s success on the weekend. All team members of Pymble 2 contributed energy and effort both on and off the court. Pymble 2 have shown great skill in their first match, we look forward to the rest of the season where students will continue to develop their skills individually and as a team.

A special shout out to Pymble 11 who embodied the Pymble sport values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and team spirit. The girls faced a tough match, however continued to cheer and support each other both on and off the court regardless of the outcome of the match.

Well done to all students who participated in the first round of IPSHA basketball for 2024, we look forward to a fantastic season.

Maddi Scott

Co-ordinator – Basketball

Golf

Holiday Golf Success

Throughout the holidays, our Pymble golfers chipped, putted, and swung their way through various golf courses and competitions. Congratulations to the following students and their efforts over the holidays.

Sarah Quan (Year 8)

Congratulations to Sarah who qualified to go to the 2024 Bonville Champion Trophy. To qualify for this event, a student must win a Jack Newton Tour Event. Sarah also competed at and won the Harvey Norman Sydney Week of Golf U13 Championships.

Sarah competed in the Jack Newton Sheild, coming runner up in the Year 8 girls division and fourth place overall in the Years 7 to 9 girls division.

Sophie Tong (Year 6)

Congratulations to Sophie who compete at The Vintage in the Hunter Valley in the Jack Newton Junior Golf International Sub Junior Classic, from Tuesday 1 to Friday 4 October. This tournament saw players travelling from across to compete. Sophie was the champion for the girls 12 years division and second place overall for girls 14 and under.

Sophie also shot her first under par score, which was a personal best.

Congratulations to both Sarah and Sophie on their incredible efforts over the holiday period.

Maddi Scott

Co-ordinator – Golf

Orienteering

Orienteering Holiday Highlights

Over the holidays, some of Pymble’s orienteers navigated their way through various terrains, running, walking and mountain biking. All students showed a great passion for adventure, learning new skills and challenging their comfort zones.

Congratulations to Anna Smart (Year 6) who came first in the women’s under 14 NSW mountain bike orienteering championships – sprint. Anna also took part in the first ever IKEA orienteering event run by Barbara from Bold Horizons, who runs the orienteering program at Pymble.

Maddi Scott

Co-ordinator – Orienteering

Rhythmic Gymnastics

Junior Gymnastics NSW Invitational

Last Sunday, Pymble Levels 1 to 4 rhythmic gymnastics students competed in their first competition of the season, the Gymnastics NSW Invitational at the Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatic Centre at Rooty Hill. All the girls performed very well and had lots of fun. With this experience under their belts and more training ahead, they’ll be even more prepared for the NSW State Championships. Exciting times ahead for the team!

Results

Samantha Dale

Co-ordinator – Gymnastics

Swimming

SMNE Long Course (LC) Distance Meet Report

On Sunday 20 October, Pride, Engine and Cadet squads raced at the SMNE LC Distance Meet held here at Pymble. This event was not only a key date on our calendar but also an invaluable opportunity for our swimmers to build race fitness and fine-tune their racing strategies. Each race allowed our athletes to assess their current form and gauge how their preparation is shaping up for upcoming competitions.

We saw some fantastic swims, with Gwen Pickthall (Year 8) achieving a ten second personal best in the 200m individual medley and Elsa Yu (Year 7) demonstrating strong form in the 400m Freestyle. These achievements highlight the progress we’ve made in recent training blocks and set a promising tone for the future.

The SMNE LC distance meet provided valuable insights into our athletes’ performances and areas for improvement. As a coaching team, we were encouraged by how race fit our swimmers are, and we will use this feedback to refine our preparation for the upcoming key meets. With the SMNE LC Championships approaching, we’re confident that we’re moving in the right direction.

A special thanks to the parents, Mr Duccio Petri, and his lifeguard team for all their support!

Well done to all girls who competed:

Pride Squad: Lily Barlow (Year 11), Hannah Carmichael (Year 11), Jaya Lilienthal (Year 11), Ruby Pickthall (Year 10), Keira Smith (Year 11), Sarah Tian (Year 10), and Indianna Vale (Year 9).

Engine Squad: Georgia Friedel (Year 7), Penelope Hargraves (Year 7), Anne Liu (Year 8), Jade Mao (Year 7), Gwen Pickthall (Year 8), and Zara Sandham (Year 8).

Cadet Squad: Amelie Berg (Year 5), Emma Deere (Year 6), Ludovica Iacovelli (Year 7), Sarah Kranes (Year 7), Yuxi Lun (Year 5), and Elsa Yu (Year 7).

Lewis Gray

Co-ordinator – Swimming

Touch Football

igsa Touch Football Round 1 Results

On Saturday 19 October we kicked off our first round of igsa Touch Football. We saw a fantastic display of touch football and can’t wait to see how each team develops over the season.

Team of the Week

Congratulations to Pymble 11 who were team of the week! Their tremendous efforts throughout training showcased in their match performance on Saturday.

Congratulations to the following students who received best and fairest from Week 1:

Pymble 1 – Elke Payne (Year 10)

Pymble 2 – Mary Cottrell (Year 11)

Pymble 3 – Alice Beveridge (Year 11)

Pymble 4 – Sophie Ballantyne (Year 10)

Pymble 5 – Zara Tang (Year 10)

Pymble 6 – Eloise Stewart (Year 9)

Pymble 7 – Emily Croker (Year 9)

Pymble 8 – Leila Rich (Year 9) and Lucy Chapman (Year 8)

Pymble 9 – Freya Saunders (Year 8)

Pymble 10 – Ruby Azar (Year 7)

Pymble 11 – Bronte Cardno (Year 7)

Pymble 12 – Isabel Parker (Year 7)

Shellie Davis

Co-ordinator – Touch Football

Volleyball

Volleyball Week 1

Round 1 of the 2024 Santa Sabina Invitational Volleyball Competition took place this past Saturday 19 October. We had a fantastic first week of training with spirits and energy levels at an all-time high, which flowed into our game play in round 1. Our Pymble teams came away with six wins from seven games, with our Year 7 team narrowly losing by two points in their first ever competitive game.  

Week 1 MVPs

Pymble 1 – Ruby Lyons (Year 10) 

Pymble 2 – Iris Wang (Year 11) 

Pymble 3 – Ananya Upmanyue (Year 10) 

Pymble 4 – Camille Xiao (Year 9) 

Pymble 5 – Amelia Lee (Year 9 

Pymble 6 – Kathy Huo (Year 8) 

Pymble 7 – Nawida Rohullah (Year 7) 

Senior First Report from our Volleyball Captain Chloe Gu (Year 11) 

In the first week of the Santa Sabina Volleyball competition, Pymble 1 faced off against Abbotsleigh in a thrilling match. Although the match was played on an outdoor court, and our players had to adjust to both the sun and the wind, they all performed strongly and played the best they could, winning the game 3 to 0.  

Being the first game of the competition, the unfamiliarity with outdoor courts resulted in inconsistencies with serving and spiking, but this was overcome as each player focused more on the skill rather than the surroundings. We hope to see improvements in the coming weeks. 

Chris Wood

Co-ordinator – Volleyball

From the Co-curricular Performing Arts Team

Dance

Guest Teacher Routines

The Dance Program has had the honour of hosting two guest teachers to create routines with our students. These experiences have allowed the girls and staff to network beyond the Pymble context and inspire our girls to think and dream big.

World renowned, Briar Nolet, taught 15 students a lyrical routine for showcase in four hours in the break. The routine challenged the girls in both speed of learning and skillset and Briar provided the girls with support and inspiration during this very special session. We can’t wait to share the dance with the community at Dance Showcase.

Nationally recognised Commercial Choreographer, Lauren Elton, taught a group of Secondary Jazz students and five selected Juniors an upbeat fun Jazz routine with a “CentreStage” concept in seven hours in the holiday break. The day provided the girls an industry level experience where expectations were high, choreography delivery was fast, and feedback was delivered how one could expect in a professional setting. The routine will be performed at Dance Showcase 2024.

Thank you to the dance team who pulled these two projects together with very little time and to all students who stepped out of their comfort zone!

October Holiday Workshops

Several ballet intensives and private lessons were held in the break providing students with a tailored approach to their examination preparation. Ballet is the foundation of all dance forms, and we thank our expert staff in delivering these workshops. Our outstanding ballet staff ensured our girls had fun whilst mastering their syllabus content.

We also held many audition preparation workshops for the 2025 performance stream auditions. These were extremely popular and conducted by our energetic and passionate staff delivering our exceptional audition tutorials created by the audition choreographers. These workshops ensured Pymble dancers felt prepared and confident at their auditions.

DanceLife Nationals Results

Contemporary White represented the College at the DanceLife Unite Nationals and were awarded first place for the High School Contemporary section and runners up for the Highest Pointscore for schools. Congratulations to their teacher Miss Shelley and Contemporary White.

Audition Day 2025

On Monday 14 October, hundreds of dancers arrived at the College to perform their pre-learnt combinations for a panel. Audition day was certainly pumping from 7.15am when the College witnessed a huge line of Junior parents extending from the Main Hall to Flagpole signing in their daughters for their audition. The energy was buzzing and as each student received their audition number to pin on, they headed into the hall to perform their combinations. An expert panel of dance teachers and a guest panel member from the dance industry watched each student perform several times to ensure their grading was equitable. All students cheered each other on and left with smiles on their faces.

Dancers are to be commended on their courage and passion and the panel now has a big task ahead of them with consolidating the groups for 2025. Click here to view a three minute compilation of the day.

Elective Dance Sydney Dance Company Excursion       

Years 8 and 10 Elective Dancers had their wish to spend an entire day dancing granted when they headed to the home of contemporary dance in Sydney, Sydney Dance Company, in the heart of our Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. They were taught by a team of inspiring industry choreographers and had an absolute ball, mastering steps from a variety of dance styles. This was a great way for our girls to break out of their comfort zones.

Thank you to the two staff who accompanied the girls on the day, Ms. Melissa Cooper Findlay and Mrs. Keya Pettigrew.

Dance Showcase 2024

Don’t miss the enthralling 2024 Dance Showcase, “A Date to Remember – A Journey Through Milestones, Moments, and Memories“! These captivating shows promise to take you on an unforgettable journey, celebrating the beauty of dance through life’s significant moments. Each performance is a vibrant testament to creativity and emotion, sure to leave you inspired and moved.

Click here to secure your tickets today and be part of this magical experience that honours the art of storytelling through movement – it’s an event you won’t want to forget!

Katrina Cluff

Head of Dance

Drama

Important Drama Events

CentreStage Behind the Mask dates

25 November – Theatresports and Film CentreStage

26 November – Dress rehearsal for Junior show

27 November – CentreStage Junior Show (all Junior Drama students)

28 November – Dress rehearsal for Secondary show

29 November – CentreStage Secondary show (all Secondary Drama students)

Rebecca York

Co-curricular Drama Co-ordinator

Language Arts

Debating

IDC Debating

IDC Teams have been allocated and coaches will have contacted girls regarding training times, venues, etc. Debates commence tomorrow, Friday 25 October. We know it will be a great season! All debates are online. Primary teams debate at 6.00pm in DK9 and 10, Year 7 teams debate at 7.00pm in Lower RV, Year 8 teams debate at 7.00pm in Upper RV, and while Year 9 debate at 8.00pm in the IH classrooms (administration building). Pick up will be around flagpole area.

Absences

Debaters must inform Mrs Hubbard, their coach and team, in advance, if they will be absent for a Debating round. We do not forfeit, and subs can be arranged.

Debating Auditions

Auditions for 2025 Debating teams commenced last week. It was a delight to meet many keen new debaters. Welcome to Pymble enjoy Have a Go Day tomorrow. Look out for the Language Arts staff and say hello!

The debating audition schedule is as follows. Students should complete the expression of interest form by clicking here to indicate they would like to audition for a debating team, as well providing their interest for public speaking, mock law, and Model United Nations programs. Parents are required to provide permission for students to attend the audition via the Pymble app following their daughter completing the form. Please contact Co-curricular administration if you have any questions, or if you have missed your audition date and still wish to audition. All auditions run after school until approximately 5.30pm. Students should meet in IH3, except for Year 6 students, who will be collected from the Junior School library.

• Tuesday 29 October – Current Year 6 students
• Thursday 31 October – Current Year 7 students
• Monday 4 November – Current Year 9 students not attending Vision Valley long stay
• Tuesday 12 November – Current Years 10 and 11 students
• Tuesday 19 November – Current Year 8 students
• Monday 25 November – Catch ups and call backs
• Tuesday 26 November – Catch ups and call backs

Public Speaking

Public Speaking Auditions

Public Speaking auditions will be held in Term 1 on three consecutive Wednesday’s beginning on 19 February. Students only need to attend one audition date. Students should click here to express their interest in auditioning, with parents required to provide permission via the Pymble app around the start of Term 1.

Model United Nations (MUN)

Evatt

Maya Garg (Year 11) and Catherine Shi (Year 11) have progressed to the Evatt National final and will represent NSW at the National finals during the next holidays.

57th Session of THIMUN – The Hague, January 2025

The Pymble Language Arts International Tour group have been accepted as the first Australian school to attend THIMUN at The Hague. The 16 Language Arts students and three teachers will depart Sydney on Friday 17 January and travellers will commence Term 1 2025 on Monday 3 February. We are excited for this wonderful travel experience! We have heard we have been allocated Ecosoc and our country delegation will be Germany.

Mock Law

Mediation

Congratulations to our Mock Mediators and our coaches! The team was awarded 94/100 in their last mediation, the semi-final. Congratulations on your progression to the grand final. Details to follow.

2025 Programs

A Mock Law workshop was held at lunch on Wednesday 16 October to outline the competitions on offer for 2025, prior to auditions.

Mediation will be open to students in Years 9 and 10 in 2025. Mediation trials ran on Tuesday afternoon this week. Catch up trials will run after school on Thursday 21 November in IH3.

Mock Trial is open to girls in Years 10 and 11, and Mooting is only for students in Years 11 and 12. Places are limited as we only have one mediation team, one Mock Trial team and one Mooting team. Please email Amber Wang (Year 10), Captain of Debating, or Mrs Hubbard with any questions awang2026@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Festival of Speech

The annual Festival of Speech will be held at MLC Burwood this year on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October. On Friday 25 October, debating (junior and senior), junior and senior readings, and theatresports will be held. All other events including junior and senior public speaking, junior and senior poetry, current affairs, religious and ethical questions, soapbox, and drama will be held on Saturday 26 October. All competitors have been notified of venue and timings.

We wish our Festival team all the best and we know you will do us Pymble proud!

Language Arts Parent Support Group for 2025

A meeting is planned for 7.30pm on Thursday 7 November. Please save the day if you are interested in joining and email your interest to Mrs Hubbard BHubbard@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

The venue will be announced in next week’s newsletter. We will be farewelling Mrs Sophia Fang who has been our lead Language Arts Support parent for several years.eld next Wednesday 23 October. All competitors will be notified of venue and timings.

Bronwyn Hubbard

Head of Co-curricular Language Arts

Music

Congratulations

Violin:

Muse Tang (Year 4) – 1st grade – Honours 
Madeleine Martin (Year 4) – 2nd grade – Pass 
Sophie Woo (Year 3) – 2nd grade- Honours 
Arya Shanmugaratnum (Year 6) – 3rd grade – Credit 
Karen Liu (Year 6) – 4th grade – Credit 
Sophie Zhang (Year 10) – 5th grade – Honours 
Rebecca Mak (Year 8) – 7th grade – Honours

Cello:

Sitian Chen (Year 9) – A.Mus.A

Harp:

Scarlett Qiu (Year 5) – 1st place in the biannual Sydney Harp Eisteddfod 11 to 13 years.

Percussion:

Joanna Au (Year 10) has been accepted into the Australian Youth Orchestra Summer Camp.

Save the Dates

Please note the Secondary School Ensemble Concert has been altered. There will not be a performance on Wednesday 20 November due to a significant number of girls being absent. We will organise for the ensembles to perform their items throughout lunch times in Weeks 5 and 7.

The tour Farewell Concert will most likely happen on the afternoon of Friday 15 November, just before the information session. This is to be confirmed.

• Wednesday 30 October – Junior School ensemble concert – 6.30pm to 8.30pm
• Wednesday 6 November – Year 4 Band plus Year 3 Big Band Blow – 8.15am to 10.30am (Please see the notice on the Portal)
• Sunday 1 December – Christmas carols – 6.30pm to 9.00pm
• Tuesday 3 December – Years 3 to 6 Speech Day – 9.00am to 11.00am
• Tuesday 3 December – Kindergarten to Year 2 Speech Day – 11.30am to 1.00pm
• Wednesday 4 December – Years 7 to 11 Speech Day – 9.00am to 11.00am
• Thursday 5 December – Music tour departs

Music Support Group

If you are interested in helping the parents of our musicians, and would like to be involved in any of the upcoming events, particularly the Carols, please email Liz Toh on elizabethtoh@gmail.com

Music Tour 2024

A handbook will be appearing in your inbox this week. Apologies for the delay, but we needed some final details. Please download and keep this as it has ALL the information you will need for the trip, including packing list, venues, instrument packing suggestions, etc.

We invite you to come to the information session on Friday 15 November in the Jobson Lecture Theatre. This will commence at 6.00pm after what we hope will be our farewell concert from 5.00pm.

Sarah Turner

Head of Music

Get your tickets to the 2024 Dance Showcase!

Don’t miss the enthralling 2024 Dance Showcase, A Date to Remember – A Journey Through Milestones, Moments, and Memories! These captivating shows promise to take you on an unforgettable journey, celebrating the beauty of dance through life’s significant moments. Each performance is a vibrant testament to creativity and emotion, sure to leave you inspired and moved.

Click here to secure your tickets today and be part of this magical experience that honours the art of storytelling through movement – it’s an event you won’t want to forget!

Dates: Wednesday 13 November to Saturday 16 November

Location: Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts

Term 4 Bus Registrations are now open!

Term 4 registrations for the Pymble private bus service to and from Pymble Ladies’ College are now open. 

The bus service commenced on the first day of term and will conclude on the last day of term, Wednesday 4 December 2024. Please click here to register for a full term or flexible registration. Upon registering, you will receive an email confirmation with a current timetable attached.

Important changes

We have reviewed our bus routes and have made the following changes based on demand and current usage. Please check the bus stops and times for your preferred bus route prior to registering:

Hunters Hill Bus Route 1

The route will now commence/end at St Michael’s Catholic Primary School on Longueville Road in Lane Cove.

Lower North Shore Bus Route 2

The route will now commence and end at the corner of Countess Street and Wyong Road in Mosman.

North West Bus Route 3

A new stop has been added in Cherrybrook at Castle Hill Road near Edward Bennett Drive. Please note that the bus will no longer be stopping at Round Corner or Cheltenham.

Northern Beaches Bus Route 4

A new stop has been added at the corner of Barrenjoey Road near Hillcrest Avenue/Philip Road in the mornings and afternoons. The Newport Surf Club has become a morning-only stop.

Lower Northern Beaches Bus Route 5

Due to low demand, we have taken the decision to no longer stop at Curl Curl and Freshwater.

Terms and Conditions of Travel

Please read and discuss the attached Terms and Conditions of Travel with your daughter and ensure that she has her student ID card ready to tap on and off the bus service.  If your daughter has lost her card, please contact College Services for a replacement form.

Tracking our buses

Pymble buses can be tracked through the TransportMe Passenger app in real time. Please find attached instructions on how to download and use the free app, available on Android and Apple devices.    

While we may not be able to accommodate all requests, we welcome your ongoing feedback regarding our bus routes and we thank you for your patience as we look into change requests.

Please do not hesitate to contact College Services if you have any further questions about transport to and from Pymble Ladies’ College as we are always happy to assist.

College Services   

E: collegeservices@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au  

T: +61 2 9855 7447

Tickets now on sale for the Junior School Ensemble Concert: Symphony of Sounds

Members of the College community are warmly invited to the Junior School Ensemble Concert, Symphony of Sounds, on Wednesday 30 October, starting at 6:30 pm in the GMCPA. This evening will showcase the incredible talents of our young musicians, with a diverse collection of performances featuring various musical styles and ensembles. From vibrant strings to lively woodwinds and captivating choral pieces, the concert promises to be a celebration of the hard work and dedication our students have put into their music.

Tickets can be purchased through the GMCPA Box Office, with all proceeds going to support the Music Support Group, whose contributions play a vital role in enhancing the music programme for our students.

Parents of students who are performing are kindly requested to check the Parent Portal for additional information regarding performance times, dress requirements and concert information.

We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of unforgettable music.

Garden Party 2024 Survey

Thank you very much for your generous support of Garden Party 2024. 

It was a beautiful day and like the sun, our Pymble spirit was out in full force! Special and heartfelt thanks go to our incredible parent and staff volunteers. Your hard work and commitment made this year’s event an incredible success. We know that we’ve beaten the amount that we raised for our charities last year and are looking forward to updating you on the total amount raised for the Barbara May Foundation and Sony Camp, once all the final figures are in. 

Planning is already underway for Garden Party 2025, and we need your input!  

To go in the draw to win one of four Gold Class movie vouchers for two people at Event Cinemas, we invite you to complete our Garden Party planning survey to help us create a bigger and better event in 2025. Please tell us what you liked, what you didn’t and how we can do things better. You can complete the survey by clicking here.

Please note that the survey will close on 28/11/2024. Winners of the movie vouchers will be drawn in the last week of Term 4 and will be notified by Community Engagement.

Thank you!

The Government Inspector – Drama Production

This Friday and Saturday, the GMCPA stage will be transformed into a satirical and lively portrayal of bureaucracy, greed, and mistaken identity as Year 7-9 students present Nikolai Gogol’s classic farce, The Government Inspector. First performed in 1836, this play’s sharp humour and timeless critique of human folly will be brought to life by our talented students as they dive into the absurd world of corrupt officials and unwitting conspirators.

After seven weeks of dedicated rehearsals, including sessions during the October holidays, the cast is fully immersed in the chaotic and paranoid atmosphere of a small town, where news of a government inspector’s visit sends the local officials into a panic. The students have dived into the absurdity of their characters, honing Gogol’s sharp wit and larger-than-life humour.

At the heart of the production is the hilariously oblivious Khlestakov, the mistaken inspector, performed with flair by Grace McSweeney and her much-put-upon servant, performed candidly by Orla Cottrell. Their comedic timing and ability to balance arrogance with clueless charm is brilliantly captivating at every turn.

Katerina Economou, Isabelle Port, and Lara Waterhouse are so convincing as the scheming mayor, his suspicious wife, and their romantically delusional daughter that you’ll almost forget they’re not a real family. Their chemistry and impeccable comedic timing bring an authentic humour to the stage, adding to the delightful chaos of the production.

Isabella Benjamin, Emily Chiang, Laranya Nanthakumaran, Annabel Taylor, and Chloe Wang round out the town’s hilariously corrupt officials, their interactions full of frantic energy and razor-sharp exchanges. Jessica Allman and Zoe Bloom deliver standout moments with their sharp comic instincts, while the ensemble, including Ava Christofides, Amber Lewis, Grace Neal, Ruby Shepherd-Smith, and Leura Sayers, capture the contrasting dynamics of power and subservience with wit and precision.

It’s been a rewarding process working alongside these students, who have thrown themselves into this farcical world with commitment and creativity. Their performances promise not only laughs but also moments that remind us why Gogol’s critique of human nature remains so relevant. This is a performance that promises sharp wit, chaotic humour, and plenty of unexpected moments—definitely one to catch (no bias, of course!).

Tickets are on sale now – click here to secure your spot!

Register for free mental health webinars

To help promote mental health month this October, KYDS Youth Counselling are covering different topics on youth mental health & wellbeing across eight free webinars, and we’d love you to join us!

These are open to parents, carers, school staff and young people. There is also a flyer attached – please share this wherever it may help!

Event Details

Topic: ADHD

Date & time: Tuesday 29 October (1.00pm) or Wednesday 30 October (6.30pm – repeated) 

Register free: https://form-aus.keela.co/adhd-from-surviving-to-thriving-october

Topic: Transition to high school

Date & time: Tuesday 12 November (1.00pm) and Wednesday 13 November (6.30pm – repeated) 

Register free: https://form-aus.keela.co/small-fish-big-pond-webinar-november