Grey House Walk closed in Term 3 and 4

Construction of Grey House Precinct continues at speed, and it is exciting to see the building take shape ahead of opening in Term 1 2026.  

The next stage of construction includes civil works, landscaping and overhead crane movements on the southern side of the building in the vicinity of Grey House Walk.  

Student and staff safety continues to be our priority. For this reason, we are required to close Grey House Walk to continue works in, around and above the walkway.  

Grey House Walk will be closed to all pedestrian access on Friday 27 June 2025 from 6.00pm until the opening of Grey House Precinct in Term 1 2026 to allow these critical works to take place, safely.  

We understand that this will be an inconvenience to many in our community and we are committed to supporting families that are impacted by this closure.  

In line with our Green Travel Plan to encourage healthy and active transport options for our girls, and in efforts to ease local traffic congestion, the College is seeking expressions of interest in new travel initiatives to support students who usually walk to school from Pymble Avenue via Grey House Walk.  

🚶‍Walking Group from Grey House Walk 🚶‍ 

This supervised walking group will operate in a similar fashion to our current Grandview Street walking group, departing from the entrance to Grey House Walk on Pymble Avenue and walking together to the Junior School.  

🚌 Free Pymble Suburb Bus Services 🚌 

We are working with Ku-Ring-Gai Council and local families to introduce a new minibus loop service for families living in Pymble who will be most impacted by the closure of Grey House Walk.   

This free service will travel through:  

• Livingstone Avenue 

• Courallie Avenue 

• Golfers Parade and  

• Pymble Avenue.  

The minibus loop service will be supplemented by additional Pymble stops for our coaches, which will also be free of charge to use during the closure of Grey House Walk. The proposed stops are:  

• Ward Street and  

• Yarrara Road after Hesperus Street.  

If you are interested in your daughter joining either of these initiatives, please complete this Expression of Interest form before the end of term Friday 27 June. For more information, please contact collegeservices@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au  

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to deliver world-class facilities though our Master Plan while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and families. 

From the Principal

Leadership announcement week is always a time of great excitement – and a range of other emotions, too. This includes a sense of loss for many of our staff as we acknowledge that our current Year 12 cohort will be leaving very soon. One of the great joys of working in education is getting to know our students as they grow and flourish into young adults, and these goodbyes always feel bittersweet, not to mention a little too soon. 

Our current Head Prefects, Emily Abadee and Ang-Ya Koo, along with our Boarding Head Prefects, Sophie Laing and Celeste McDermott, are to be congratulated for being exemplars of our College Values, and for always leading with belonging and inclusion at front of mind. A huge thank you to the entire Executive Prefects team and non-executive Prefects for upholding your roles with Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility – not to mention a great deal of passion and energy. You have certainly Come Alive in 2025. 

Now it’s time to celebrate our incoming leaders for 2025/2026. Congratulations to: 

• Head Prefects Grace Beck and Jenny Xu 

• Boarding Head Prefects Rose Kirkby and Phoebe Roberts 

• 64 Executive Prefects, Prefects and Boarding Prefects  

• 43 Co-curricular Captains. 

You have earned these positions for being who you are and how you show up each day, and we have every confidence you will make your own marks on the College when we officially handover leadership to you in Term 3. 

Holding space for each other  

In this week’s announcement assembly, I shared the above photo with the girls to put the range of emotions associated with leadership roles into perspective. It was taken one weekend when I was flying home and just descending into the Ballina Byron Airport. The sunshine, rivers, light clouds and gloomy clouds struck me as the perfect metaphor for life. 

Sometimes, when everything is going right for you, it feels like you are basking in warm sunshine – but that’s just one part of life’s landscape. There are also times when you feel like you are wading through a river, only to find, when you get out from the other side, that there is still more water ahead to get through. On some days, we might be up in the light and bright clouds, and we can see that sunshine is within reach. On others, we might feel bogged down in the weight of the grey. 

What I respect most about our Pymble family is how we rally around one another through the good times and the struggles. It’s the one thing that always makes me feel incredibly proud of being a member of this amazing community.

Recognising that this week’s announcements are cause for celebration for some and disappointment for others, I encourage all our students to hold space for one other in your thoughts, words and actions. Leadership is not just about a badge. It’s about what you give to others, how you’re available for them, and how you influence, care for, and positively impact on their lives. We all have the capacity to find that space, no matter where we are on our own personal journey. 

From the Junior School

A Message from Mrs Kate Brown, Head of Junior School

This weekend I went to watch the premiere of Prime Minister, a documentary about Jacinda Ardern, as part of the Sydney Film Festival. Regardless of political views, Jacinda Ardern used her platform as a leader to advocate for kindness and the power of kindness. In our world where there is increasing uncertainty and moments of true darkness, there is a greater need for simple acts of kindness, as these small moments can create ripples of kindness that sweep across a community and beyond. As Jacinda Ardern says: ‘Kindness has a power and strength that almost nothing else on this planet has. I’d seen kindness do extraordinary things: I’d seen it give people hope; I’d seen it change minds and transform lives.’

Given our College focus on respect this year, I hope that our girls will actively look for ways to show respect to others through their kind words and actions and that they will have the moral courage to stand up for what they believe in, to lead through kindness and do the right thing even when that’s tricky.

Speaking of courage, this week our Years 3-6 girls were privileged to hear from three Secondary School students, Baheshta, Malalai and Nawida, Year 8, who are refugees from Afghanistan. Baheshta, Malalai and Nawida spoke about their dreams for their future and the challenges their families had faced prior to leaving their homes.

We were extremely proud of our Year 5 girls who this week demonstrated their collaboration, skills and passion for the Performing Arts through their outstanding showcase, Why Not?. For some of the class items, students had the wonderful opportunity to learn cultural dances from amazing parent volunteers from our Year 5 community. Many thanks to Cici Li (Chinese traditional dance), Dee Jolapara (Bollywood Indian dance), and May Yang (Chinese fan dance) who generously gifted their talents and time.

One of our Year 5 students, Jasmine Smith, shows moral courage and optimism with her determination to lead change and kindness through her charitable focus, Cook2Care. This year, Jasmine is inviting Year 4 and Year 5 students to each bring in one item of non-perishables, which we will collate and donate to the Dish – a local charity that supports those who are struggling to afford food. As the weather continues to cool, this is an opportunity for our girls to do something small to have a significant impact on other families who are finding times tough.

One of our Kindness Leaders, Sooin Lee, is leading with respect and kindness through the K-Pop club she has initiated and has led throughout this term with Charlotte Liu. On Friday 20 June, 2025, our Junior School girls will have the opportunity to take part in K-Pop club at 1.00pm – 1.30pm for a gold coin donation, which will go towards the charity Therapy and Dance supporting young people.

A message from Ms Lyn Wynne – Acting Deputy Head of Junior School Academics (whilst Mrs Bird is overseas with our Formula Goblin team)

Today, we were excited to welcome in our Kindergarten and Year 1 families to our Windows into Learning. Our Kindergarten scientists demonstrated their curiosity, creativity and collaboration skills during their Windows into Learning. Parents and students teamed up to explore hands-on Science stations including billy carts, bouncing and rolling, spinning art and toys, Bee-Bots, sliding or rolling, and a water regatta. Each rotation offered a chance for the girls to demonstrate their understanding of forces in action, proudly sharing their skills and discoveries. Parents then joined their daughters for a lovely morning tea.

Year 1 stepped into the magical world of numbers for their Windows into Learning. Parents were treated to a joyful journey of hands-on, play-based learning that highlighted counting, number recognition and creative ways to represent numbers using real-world materials. The girls proudly presented their colourful Look at the Sky Science projects and Features of Places Geography brochures and posters, offering fascinating insights into clouds, stars, the sun and special destinations across Australia.

A message from our Kindness Captains: Sooin Lee, Nouvelle Nicholson, Christina Yang, Isabella Yue

We have now achieved 3086 acts of service, and we’re still going! We want to thank all our families for supporting us in our mission to change the world through kindness.

A message from Maria Lee and Ellen Buckley, Year 5 Creative and Performing Arts Teachers

Year 5 students were immensely proud to perform their Year 5 Showcase inspired by the Junior School picture book for 2025, Why Not? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Gabriella Barouch. This book is centred on themes of hope, courage, exploring new horizons and embracing opportunities. This perfectly encapsulated the journey Year 5 students undertook to put together their very own Showcase. Students were not only learners but collaborators, contributors and teachers as they brainstormed, rehearsed, shared and taught their ideas to each other. Almost all of the choreography and dramatic works featured in the Showcase were fully devised by students and were a celebration of what all students can achieve when they collaborate to create together.

At the beginning of our journey, students participated in a reflective survey which encouraged them to set personal goals and identify their own challenges. The results revealed that many students were eager to try new things—especially singing solos, dancing, performing, acting, and most importantly, building their confidence. When asked what excites them most about performing, students highlighted learning new skills, expressing themselves, working as a team, and overcoming challenges. The survey also found that the greatest sources of support students rely on are their own determination and practice, as well as encouragement from their class peers, teachers, and families. The most common challenges identified were nerves (especially singing in front of others) and time management. Together, these insights show that our students are embracing a ‘Why Not?’ mindset—ready to step outside their comfort zones, support each other, and discover new possibilities as they prepare for the showcase. Below are quotes from some students reflecting upon their experiences:

Riya Samy (5A) : “I’m very excited to showcase the choreography, the class has contributed all together”

Charlotte Allen (5W) : “Something that excites me the most for the upcoming Year 5 showcase is to have an opportunity to express myself through dance and drama”

Grace Wang (5S) : “I felt our class was working together as one… we have weaved a tapestry and created a masterpiece!”

Alia Rashid (5B) :“It was really fun to explore and learn how to do Bollywood dancing!”

Jasmine Smith (5A) : “I feel very proud of myself and class as we came up with the dance together”

Emma Ware (5L): “I really enjoyed collaborating with everyone in the class. I felt that everyone had a voice, and no one was left out”

Catherine Wang (5L) :“My goal was to be more confident…I feel I’m achieving towards my goal as I feel more confident with my friends. I don’t feel alone”

The Showcase was an opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to do things they might not otherwise do, like performing for an audience or volunteering to teach their peers. This perfectly aligned with the message of the picture book Why Not?. This year’s Showcase additionally featured the portraits that students had been working on in their Visual Arts lessons, in keeping with the theme of showcasing students’ talents and celebrating the opportunity to share their creations with others. The Year 5 Showcase was a fabulous experience and we are so proud of the students for all their hard work and dedication.

A message from Emily Clutterham and Emily Gregory, Visual Arts Teachers

The Visual Arts Room is buzzing as students across the Junior School embark on, or in some cases complete, their third major project of the year.

Year 6 students have begun constructing woven homes for creatures, either real or imagined, using cane and natural fibres. This project challenges students to think in three dimensions as they explore structure, new materials and bringing their design to life through hands-on experimentation. It’s a joy to see students constantly surprising themselves with their newfound talent and abilities.

Year 5 has launched into an artistic exploration of space junk and planetary science through their tonal collage project. Students have chosen a planet and are beginning to carefully construct textured works using gradients of colours of recycled plastics, beads and embroidery threads. These artworks will highlight environmental concerns through stunning visuals. It is requiring great patience and precision, which the girls are well and truly rising to.

In Year 4, students are dipping into the world of traditional Asian ceramics. Working with clay, they are shaping and embellishing miniature vessels that reflect cultural influences and personal design choices. They are combining technical skill with artistic expression through form, patterning and eventually some painting. There is an extreme sense of zen in the classroom as students manipulate this beautiful material into fabulous forms.

Year 3 artists are deep into their printmaking experiments, using their own architectural sketches of Pymble buildings as the foundation. From foam etching to gelli plate inking, they are learning how to transform their drawings into striking prints that celebrate our unique school environment while having lots of ‘wow’ moments along the way. It’s a vibrant and inspiring time in the Art Room, where every year group is thinking, making and imagining boldly.

Junior School Canteen Helpers 

Please click here if you can volunteer your time. For the care and safety of your daughters, all volunteers must have a current Working with Children Check Number (WWC). If we do not already have your WWC on file, please email to juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au your WWC number and date of birth so your WWC can be verified. 

Upcoming Important Dates for diary

Friday 27 June            Last day of Term 2

Tuesday  27 July        First day of Term 3

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

Kate Brown

Head of Junior School

From the Middle School

Welcome to week 8 in Middle School.

This week some of our newly elected Year 7 Leaders had the opportunity to participate in a focus group with our Deputy Head Academic, Christine Kenny, and our Director of Professional Learning, Kerryl Howarth, to share their thoughts on Academic Feedback. This is part of a College-wide review of effective feedback practices. Information from this and other focus groups will be used to inform College strategy in the Academic Pillar. The girls were praised for their eloquence and insight. Recognising the power and importance of student voice is something we celebrate at the College. I am proud of the way these girls and others across Middle School step into this space to confidently share their opinions and ideas across a range of subjects.

In line with celebrating student voice, I would like to thank all of the Year 8 students who have volunteered throughout the term to lead Pymble Morning Tours. There are too many girls to list here, but I want to acknowledge the important role these girls have played in representing the College as ambassadors. Their willingness to share their own journeys with prospective families is so important. We receive many compliments from the families involved and I would like to pass these on to our girls.

Congratulations to our outstanding Middle School debaters who competed in the ISDA NSW Grand Final last Friday night. The Year 7 team consisting of: Sandra Wang, Lexi Wang, Bianca Ng, Alice Jiang, Connie Huang were declared Runners Up after a well-argued and persuasive presentation. The Year 8 team consisting of: Athena Wu, Emma Ouyang, Penny Xing, Arabella Hoang and Selina Jiang were declared the Grand Final 2025 Winners of this prestigious competition. What an incredible achievement! Please enjoy the student reflections below.

We started our ISDA journey in Week 3, Term 1, with our first debate. Although we got off to a rocky start, we were determined to improve and, with the support of our coach, trained hard to win enough debates in the preliminary round. We ended up winning five out of seven debates, with topic areas from Law and Order to Health and Medicine. Coming into the first knockouts (the octo-final) after the term break, we were a bit nervous and slightly rusty, but we worked together as a team and pushed through to the next rounds.

The grand final was our most challenging debate of the season. Pymble was fortunate enough to have two teams qualify for the grand finals: Year 7 and Year 8. Our training was electrifying, and the prep time was equally so. We shook off our nerves, focused on showcasing our best skills, and hoped for a win. As the adjudicators announced their results, we held our breath and, in the end, they declared Pymble the Year 8 ISDA champions. We’ve grown so much through this season and would be proud regardless of the overall win.

By Arabella Hoang and Athena Wu, Year 8

Congratulations also to Wendy Wei of Year 8, who was recognised as runner-up in the Harmony Day Poster Competition. This is an amazing accomplishment! Wendy has now been invited to NSW Parliament House to receive her certificates.

Pymble Wise Phone research project, led by the Pymble Institute 

Your continued input is essential in helping us understand how the Wise Phone initiative is working and how we can continue to support our students. If you did not complete the survey in February, you can still complete it this time. The survey is open to all Year 4 to 8 parents and carers, regardless of the type of phone your daughters have or don’t have. 

 Some important points to note about the survey: 

• The survey will take 5 to 10 minutes. 

• Surveys are completely anonymous; no names or email addresses are collected. 

• If you have more than one daughter in Years 4 to 8, we encourage you to complete a separate survey for each daughter. 

The survey can be accessed here: https://pymbleinstitute.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d7hX0bxYHxVMxCu 

The Wise Phones Parent Survey closes on Friday 27 June. 

Jenny O’Donnell

Head of Middle School

From the Upper School

A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School

As we enter the final week of term, students are reminded to look after their health, especially with many coughs and colds circulating. Maintaining regular exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet are all important. Please take the time to discuss your daughter’s assessment results with her, recognising her efforts regardless of the outcome. Encourage her to keep things in perspective and to use her results as constructive feedback for future growth. 

It has been an inspiring week for our school community with the announcement of the 2025–26 Prefects. We are particularly delighted to congratulate the following Year 10 students, who have been selected as Co-Curricular Captains for the coming year. This is a significant achievement, and we look forward to seeing these students approach their new responsibilities with enthusiasm and integrity. 

Dance (Co-Curricular): Saskia Nicholson and Emily Mah 

Dance (Ballet): Charlotte King 

Drama (Festival and Skill): Katerina Economou 

Drama (Theatre Sports): Lara Waterhouse 

Language Arts (Model UN): Isis Li 

Language Arts (Debating): Imogen Kee 

Language Arts (Public Speaking): Grace McSweeney 

Music (Captain of Bands): Zoe Manning 

Music (Captain of Choir): Isabelle Port 

Music: Captain of Orchestras Sitian Chen 

Fencing: Alexandra (Lulu) Hargraves 

Robotics: Jacquelyn Zhu and Charlotte Henderson 

While we celebrate these appointments, it’s important to remember that leadership is not defined solely by a title or position. Every student has the opportunity and the capacity to make a positive impact, whether by setting an example, supporting their peers or contributing to the life of our school in their own unique way. Leadership is about action, initiative and the everyday choices we make to lift those around us. I encourage all Upper School girls to consider how you demonstrate leadership each day:

• What ways are you getting involved in the school’s service activities?
• For example, have you attended the Days for Girls lunchtime session, prepared dignity dishes or contributed underpants to our Undie drive?
• Do you attend and get involved in school carnivals and house events?
• How do your actions make a positive difference to our school community?
• Are you wearing the school uniform with pride?
• How are you embodying the school’s values each day, each year?
• Are you a kind and inclusive friend to those around you?

Student Achievements and Reflections

Premier’s ANZAC Scholarship – Alice Zhang-Kim Congratulations to Alice-Zhang-Kim, who has been awarded the Premier’s ANZAC Scholarship, an honour presented annually to just 20 outstanding NSW Year 10 and 11 History students, following a rigorous personal essay submission and school recommendation process. This prestigious scholarship offers recipients the unique opportunity to participate in a study tour designed to deepen their understanding of Australians at war. Guided by a military historian, the tour features visits to significant historical sites, enabling students to learn about and commemorate the service of Australian men and women in the World Wars and other conflicts.

Later this year, Alice will travel to the Republic of Korea, where she will visit locations including Gapyeong, the site of the Battle of Kapyong, Maryang San, the Incheon landing site, and the UN First Battle Memorial. The journey will also take her to Singapore, with stops at the Kranji War Memorial, Changi Prison Chapel and Museum, as well as Fort Siloso and the Surrender Chambers.

Thank you to Alice for sharing how she is feeling about her upcoming experience.

I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the Premier’s ANZAC scholarship and the unique opportunity to visit significant memorial sites across both South Korea and Singapore. As someone who has always had a profound interest in history and the personal stories it holds, I find it incredibly meaningful to engage with the personal stories behind these historical events, something I will be able to do throughout the tour. I am particularly eager to explore how Australia’s wartime contributions are commemorated and how these stories continue to influence contemporary peace. Being able to stand where these events have unfolded will provide me with a unique perspective, an unforgettable experience I am thrilled to anticipate. 

Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment – Imogen Kee 

Over the weekend, I was lucky enough to receive the Rotary Leadership Scholarship and was able to attend the RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) camp in the Blue Mountains. This intensive leadership program brought together 60 teenagers from across New South Wales, each eager to grow, learn, and develop their potential as future leaders. 

Throughout the three-day camp, we were guided by passionate mentors who challenged us to rethink leadership beyond the traditional ideas of authority and control. Instead, we were given the opportunity to understand on a deeper level that true leadership is about empathy, active listening, and creating spaces where every voice is not only heard but valued, uplifted, and respected. The workshops and group activities emphasized the importance of inclusivity, embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds strengthens a team and drives meaningful change. 

Leadership, I discovered, requires vulnerability, humility and a willingness to learn continuously. The camp taught me to lead with integrity, compassion, and openness, qualities that build genuine connections and foster collaboration. 

Winning the Leader’s Award for the Blue Colour group was incredibly rewarding, affirming my efforts to embody these values throughout the weekend. Receiving a beautiful photography book as a prize is a treasured reminder of this experience and the responsibilities that come with leadership. 

Most importantly, RYPEN has equipped me with tools and insights that go beyond leadership titles; it has shown me how to be a better person in any role I take on, by leading with a heart of service, inclusiveness, and a vision for positive impact. I am grateful to Rotary for this opportunity and I am committed to applying these lessons to inspire and uplift those around me in all future endeavours. 

Write a book in a day 

Write a Book in a Day was such a fun and exciting experience. I got to meet new people, be creative, and do something meaningful—all while raising money for the Kids’ Cancer Council. 

 Our team had nine hours to write and illustrate a complete book, which felt crazy at first, but we got into the flow pretty quickly. There were a few small obstacles, like figuring out how to put everyone’s ideas together, but we worked through them by supporting each other and staying focused. 

 The best part was seeing how well we could work as a team and how much fun we had doing it. Knowing that what we were creating would help kids going through cancer made the whole experience even more special. I’m really proud of what we made, and I’m so glad I got to be part of something that combined creativity with a great cause. 

 From Akshara Bhattacharya 

Big Sister Little Sister  

Throughout the year, a group of Year 9 students spend their Tuesday lunch times in the Prep School playground playing games and having their lunch with our Kindergarten to Year 2 students. This is a voluntary service opportunity that a number of our girls can participate in, with a new group starting each term. Both age groups thoroughly enjoy their time together.  

Key Dates – Term 2 

Secondary School Ensemble Concert (Term 2) – Tuesday 24 June 

Boarders’ Travel Day – Friday 27 June 

LAST DAY of TERM 2 – Friday 27 June 

FIRST DAY of TERM 3 – Tuesday 22 July 

Year 10 Agriculture Excursion – Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 July  

Year 9 Residential Program Term 3 starts – Sunday 27 July  

Year 10 Commerce Tour to Melbourne – Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 August 

Year 10 Subject Selection choices for Year 11  DUE – Friday 8 August 

From the Year 10 Parent Co-ordinators

From the Year 9 Parent Co-ordinators

Victoria Harrison

Head of Upper School

From the Senior School

What a Week in the Senior School!

It’s been a busy and meaningful week in the Senior School, with students embracing opportunities for service, leadership and future careers. We celebrated the inaugural Behind the Curtain performing arts event, facilitated brilliantly by our Performing Arts Prefects Elizabeth and Madeline, showcasing talent and creativity behind the scenes. We also proudly announced our new Student Leadership Body for 2025–2026. Congratulations to all students stepping into these important roles.

In the spirit of service, students came together for our annual Knit-In, supporting Wrap with Love and raising valuable funds for the Sir David Martin Foundation. A huge thank you to all who participated and contributed—what an inspiring week!

Wrap with Love Knit-In: Every Stitch Counts

Our annual Wrap with Love Knit-In created a warm and welcoming community atmosphere, with students, staff and parents coming together to knit for a great cause. Knitting skills ranged from beginner to experienced, but as we like to say, every stitch counts! This year, we’ve set ourselves an ambitious goal: to beat last year’s total of 1200 squares. At the halfway mark, we’re a quarter of the way there, so there’s still plenty of time to get involved.

As the cooler weather sets in, we invite you to knit a few squares at home while you stay cosy by the heater or a crackling fire. All completed squares are due by Friday 19 September. Let’s see what we can achieve together!

Inspiring Talk: Sir David Martin Foundation

On Monday 16 June, we were honoured to welcome Ruth Markham, Philanthropy Manager, and Molly Hutchinson, Marketing and Communications Administrator, from the Sir David Martin Foundation. Their powerful presentation left us both inspired and deeply moved by the vital work of this small but mighty organisation. The Foundation raises much-needed funds for Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, which supports young people aged 16–24 as they navigate recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and work towards a successful reintegration into society.

Our students have proudly supported the Foundation through a range of initiatives, including Trivia Night, selling hot chocolate and lolly bags, and spreading awareness throughout the school community. We are especially proud to see Ellie in Year 12 serving as part of the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Group, contributing her voice to such a worthwhile and life-changing cause.

Introducing Our New Student Leaders

Following a thoughtful and rigorous process that began in Week 1, the anticipation culminated in a special assembly where a buzz of excitement filled the air. We are delighted to introduce our new Student Leadership Team, led by Grace Beck and Jenny Xu. We look forward to the leadership, initiative and energy this new team will bring to the Senior School. Next term marks an important period of mentorship, as they work closely with the current Student Leadership Body to learn and prepare for their official transition into leadership roles in Term 4, 2025.

Congratulations to all members of the new leadership team!

Behind the Curtain – A Celebration of Performing Arts

The inaugural Behind the Curtain event offered a unique and inspiring glimpse into the world behind the stage. A more detailed article will be featured in the Performing Arts section, but we would like to take a moment to acknowledge the success of this special event. Congratulations to Maddie and Lizzie, who chaired a thoughtful and engaging Q&A discussion with Lisa Campbell, one of Australia’s leading theatrical casting agents. The sage advice shared by Ms Campbell, along with insights from our own talented Pymble alumni now working in the performing arts industry, provided our budding performers with valuable perspectives and plenty of food for thought.

Key Dates – Term 3  

Secondary School Ensemble Concert (Term 2) – Tuesday 24 September

Boarder’s Travel Day – Friday 27 September

LAST DAY of TERM 2 – Friday 27 September

Patricia Gallardo

Acting Head of Senior School

From the Boarding School

It has been another busy week in Boarding and it doesn’t get much more exciting than the announcement of our new Boarding Leaders for the 2025 – 26 year. I look forward to sharing more details of these exceptional young women in the future but for now, please join me in me in congratulating the following Boarders: 

Head Boarders: Rose Kirkby and Phoebe Roberts 

Avonmoore Prefect: Summer Phillips  

House Liaison Prefect: Chloe Browning  

Community Spirit Prefect and Captain of Hockey: Elke Payne 

Community Prefect (Day School Executive): Joanna Au 

Outdoor Education Prefect (Day School) and Captain of Theatre (Technical): Livia Armstrong  

Captain of Athletics (Field): Jocelyn Blair  

A celebration of our generous donors

On Tuesday we came together in the Lang House lounge to give thanks to some of the people who so generously support our First Nations program. It was an excellent opportunity for our scholars to share their journey and we couldn’t have been prouder of Year 12 First Nations scholar, Latiah who shared her story since arriving at Pymble when she was in Year 8. I hope you enjoy sharing in Latiah’s words which I have included below:

As a proud Gamilaraay Woman I would like to start by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today. The Duramurragal peoples and also to the land, water and skies that watched me grow into the person I am today, Wiradjuri Country and pay those respects forward and to all Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

Good morning I am Latiah

I am from Dubbo NSW and my journey at Pymble started in 2021. I was in Year 8. My path here at Pymble hasn’t been a straight road to say the least but in saying that I wouldn’t change it for the world, and that’s the thing about moving away from everything and everyone you know, it gets tough and you learn how to navigate things on your own, gaining that independence and through those situations you learn new things about yourself and you learn that you’re a lot stronger than what you thought you were. Boarding has been one of the best things to happen to me as I got to meet the girls who were so quick to support me through anything that was thrown my way, big or small. My mum was the woman that pushed me to apply to be here, to do well here and to stick it out even when I wanted to come home and for that I’m so beyond grateful. My mother is the strongest woman I know. She’s a single mum and has been for all of my life but she made sure that didn’t make my little brother or me feel any different one bit. As Rebekah loves to say: “without education you have nothing”. Education is the thing that will break the cycle and that’s why I’m here today. To break that cycle.

During my time at Pymble I have nearly tried everything from the early 4.00am rowing starts, learning how to hit a tennis ball that eventually made it over the net, to rugby, But music is something that will always be my passion and through my private music lessons here at the College, it has helped me to open up and allow me to give the gift of music to the others around me. From a young age music has been something that has connected me to not just the people listening but to myself, it’s something that reminds me of home when I’m away. To be able to share my story through the thing I love is something so powerful and to me more than just lyrics. It gave me a voice.

Pymble not only gave me these incredible opportunities in school but also carried this out of our grounds all the way up to the NT twice. The immersion to the Homelands was an eye opening experience I will forever hold with me. While up there we had the chance to connect – really connected with the land, people and culture that surrounded us. I got the time to learn. Learn about our culture that had such massive gaps of unknowing, But having that one on one time with the most knowledgeable Elder gave me that hope back. Using just words to describe this immersion doesn’t do it enough justice. It was a once in a lifetime trip and I can’t wait for the younger girls to be able to experience it.

In Year 11 I was given the chance to go to The Garma Festival, and it was genuinely one of the most fun experiences I’ve had. I got to spend the week with my close friends including my tent buddy Dezi who had to deal with the question of going on adventures and for her gum. This festival had a way of bringing everyone around us closer through your shared experiences of being somewhere new, even in times of playing uno with Sahara, Dezi and Mia in the dark with our phones as flashlights. We were also able to meet the most incredible people, including Dr Ngaree Blow, a strong Indigenous woman who had an amazing story behind her about her journey through medical school and the chance to be interviewed by news channels which was pretty cool. But by far the best times of it all was laying on the hammocks with the kids who I don’t think ran out of energy ever but also became like little best friends, they were genuinely the sweetest kids I’ve met. I know that the girls to come will have the best time up there and take those memories with them beyond Pymble.

So not only has Pymble given me the opportunity to further my education in classrooms but has given me the tools to become more interested and curious in the answers I’m given, the chance to make something out of myself, to make my family proud, to be exposed to the most incredible people, To make those memories I truly do cherish and to have the sisters I never got. So, for that I thank you.

Boarders Get Giving

Another wonderful initiative of our current Head Boarders, Sophie and Celeste is Boarders Get Giving. I hope you enjoy reading Celeste’s recount of a special afternoon in which our Boarders came together to support others who are less fortunate.

On Friday 13th May, the Food Tech room in the TAS Block was abuzz once again for our second “Boarders Get Giving” afternoon. On the menu this time: breakfast muffins, both blueberry and spinach, corn and fetta.

With a strong turnout of roughly 20 people, we broke into groups of 2-3. It was especially lovely to see some of the older Boarders pairing up with the younger girls – cross-year connections are what makes these things so special!

The food tech room was split into two stations; one side sweet and one side savoury. With the tunes playing and our sleeves rolled up, we jumped straight into it. The game plan was to bake six batches of each flavour and be ready for delivery by 5:15pm to the Dish of St John’s delivery man.

Each group got to work, measuring, sifting, stirring, and then spooning the mixture into lined trays. Meanwhile, others manned the milkshake station on the other side of the room, whipping up drinks to share while we worked.

The atmosphere was light-hearted but focused. As the trays filled the ovens, others jumped onto labelling bags, cutting up recipe cards, and washing up. The smell of blueberries filled the rooms as we wiped down every surface, leaving the kitchen as spotless as we found it. When we took them out of the oven, we were proud of our results. They smelled and looked delicious, with crispy brown tops.

We packed up the 150-odd muffins into red bread crates, wrapped them in cling wrap, and headed to the loading dock. There we waited outside the loading dock at 5:15 when Dan the Man with his Van from the Dish drove in and we were waiting with the three big red trays of muffins, all wrapped up and most importantly, made with love, to give to him.

We’d like to thank Mrs Wiedemann whose supreme organisational efforts came in clutch once again, enabling this all to happen. It was most rewarding seeing just simple ingredients, 90% of which were already in stock, turn into a warm, fresh treat to be given out to those who needed and appreciated it most. We later heard back from the Dish that afternoon who shared their thanks, saying that they “shared them as a special weekend treat”.

Boarders, it was so inspiring and humbling to see so many of you give up your Friday afternoon, especially when you didn’t even get to eat one muffin yourselves! Usually, Boarders Get Baking ends with us stuffing our faces (I plan to do so next time Mars Bar slice is on the agenda…) – thank you to every one of you who showed up and got involved. We hope this initiative lives on after we’re gone!

Looking back to the Athletics Carnival

Yes, it was last week but we are still basking in the glory of victory in the Boarders’ verses Day girls relay! It was great to see our Boarders demonstrating their trademark teamwork and making the most of this memorable occasion.

Love it, Ms Theresa Mimmo

We’ve had a busy weekend which started with Year 9 enjoying a pizza night and movie in Goodlet House. On Saturday, the excitement was on display as a large group of Boarders headed to Flip Out. There was a lot of jumping, flipping and laughing during the session. We attended our first NRL trip of the year by heading out to Accor Stadium to watch the Rabbitohs play the Bulldogs. An eventful afternoon was had, which included a 30-minute play suspension due to a lightning storm; however, once the football started again, no one was disappointed by the game.

This is our final weekend of Love It for the term. We have Year 7 having a pizza night on Friday and Years 10-12 heading to the Knox Senior Social. Saturday, there is a planned trip to the Rocks Market and a game of Netball on Sunday to watch the Swifts.

View from my Window 

My name is Grace, and I am in Year 12, I started at Pymble in Year 7, and joined Boarding in Year 10. I live in Freshwater with my sister Claudia, travelling between Sydney and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to visit my parents Kate and Danny. My Dad moved to Saudi for work in 2023, getting to travel all around the world, whilst my Mum travels between my Dad and Sydney.  

I live on Queenscliff headland, looking over Freshwater and Curl Curl, my favourite thing about living at the beach is when the sun comes up in the morning and fills my home with orange light. Travelling to Saudi Arabia is a big change from the life I live by the beach, instead of kilometres of water, I look out my window and see sand all around. The architectural development occurring in Riyadh is vast, with buildings being constructed in only a matter of months, returning to Saudi after months away is always different, with new buildings and shops constantly emerging.  

Growing up I lived predominantly in the northern hemisphere, moving to Australia gave me the ability to compete in year-round sport, competing predominantly in Track and Field. My weeks at home are filled with running along Manly promenade and walking my dog Champ down to the beach. When in Saudi Arabia with my parents, we explore the city, my favourite part of Saudi is Old Riyadh, where the traditional architecture marks where the original city was developed.  

Whilst leaving Riyadh always means saying goodbye to my Dad, coming home to Sydney has always been something I have cherished since growing up overseas. 

Boarder of the Week

Congratulations to Alethea (Lethy) our fabulous Year 12 Boarder of the Week. Lethy hit the ground running when she joined us in Year 9 from Lake Albert in the Riverina district of New South Wales. A national football player, Lethy manages her heavy training schedule and academic responsibilities with apparent ease.  She is a delightful member of Lang House, known for her friendly nature, beaming smile and positive disposition. She has the deep respect of her peers and goes out of her way to make our younger Boarders feel valued and included. She keeps an immaculate room and can always be relied on to help out around the house. We love having her here with us at Pymble and can’t wait to see her continue to shine beyond the College gates.

Save the Date

18-20 June                              Boarding Schools Expo, Griffith

20-21 June                              Boarding Schools Expo, Wagga Wagga

Wednesday 25 June               Boarders’ End of Term Chapel Service – note adjusted dated

Friday 27 June                        End of Term 2 Boarders’ Travel Day**

Monday 21 July                      Boarders return from 2.00pm for the start of Term 3

** All Boarders to be collected by 4.00pm

Carolyn Burgess

Head of Boarding

From the Chaplains

This week, I was moved by a beautiful poem written by two of our Junior School students, 

Kindness is important 

If we want to be like God then we need to be kind 

because God is kind and we are too. 

When we are kind the kindness comes back to us  

as a mirror of kindness in our world. 

(Hayley and Flora Yr 3) 

Seeing Hayley and Flora regularly in Chapel and Junior Ignite, I can testify that like so many of our Pymble girls, they walk the talk. They embody kindness and respect in a myriad of ways.  

This week, Junior School Chapel joined with Assembly in celebrating diversity and inclusion through highlighting Refugee Week. We heard stories from our very own Pymble students about the cost, about the strength and resilience of what it means to leave their family and home country and embark on a new life in Australia. By supporting charities like Her Village and Mahboba’s Promise, Pymble upholds its mandate to champion education for young women, reaching across the globe. 

Here in Sydney, the Pymble Foundation actively supports our refugee students through covering tuition, fees, laptops, and other expenses, ensuring refugee girls can access a quality education.  

In this way, in the words of Hayley and Flora, Pymble becomes God’s mirror of kindness to the world. 

I am reminded of the writer to the Hebrews own words: 

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.  

(Hebrews 13:2) 

Why are refugees and the power of welcome so vital to God’s heartbeat?  

Because Jesus himself was a refugee. The Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:13-15) tells us that he was forced to flee the threat of Herod’s persecution. He was carried by Joseph and Mary to Egypt, beyond Herod’s dominion, where they would be safe from the genocide inflicted by a jealous ruler on the little boys of Bethlehem.  

This forced relocation makes Jesus, and his parents, refugees in the traditional sense, as they left their homeland due to persecution. 

Jesus “gets” what it means to be a refugee from his lived human experience. That’s a powerful reality for the more than 32 million refugees in our world today, a number unprecedented in recorded history.  

Many of today’s 32 million refugees know viscerally what it means to awaken in the middle of the night and to flee with what little they could carry, as an angel instructed Joseph to do. To feel danger just behind them. To complete a grueling journey only to arrive in a new land and a new culture with the ongoing grief of the loss of one’s homeland. Jesus presumably lived all of that in his fully human flesh as a small child. And millions today find solace in that reality. He gets them. 

Let us join our hearts in prayer, 

Jesus, friend and brother, 

You know how it feels to leave your home and family, 

To carry nothing with you, to travel as a stranger. 

Help all refugees far from home, driven out by war and hunger. 

Lead them safely on. 

They are our sisters and brothers. 

Inspire us to show our love and a true welcome. 

Help us to create space in our lives to stop and listen, 

Let our day be interrupted by people who need us, 

To listen with open hearts and compassionate ears, 

Amen. 

Blessings, from Rev Cass. 

From the Futures Team

Internal Events

UBS came in on Wednesday to talk about their cadetship program which combines university studies with work experience in banking and finance.

In the sporting and performance spaces, Macquarie Uni, Sydney Uni, UNSW and UTS are coming on Friday 20 June to share information on their Elite Athlete and Performers Schemes. These are university admission pathways that provide adjustments to selection rankings for students whose commitments to high-level sport or performing arts may have impacted their academic performance. These schemes acknowledge the challenges faced by balancing education with demanding training, competition, or rehearsal schedules.

Year 10-12 students are encouraged to sign up to Masterclasses they are interested in.

Upcoming external events 

The Hotel School – Open Campus 

Date: June 21, 2025 

Find out more and register 

Australian Institute of Music Open Day  

Date: June 21, 2025 

Find out more and register 

UTS Tech Fest – Careers in Engineering and IT 

Date: June 23 to July 4, 2025 

Find out more and register 

UTS – Discover Nursing 

Location: UTS City Campus 

Date: June 25, 2025 

Find out more and register 

Western Sydney Careers Expo 2025 

Location: Sydney Olympic Park 

Date: June 26 to June 28, 2025 

Find out more and register 

University of Wollongong Open Day  

Date: June 28, 2025 

Find out more and register 

Western Syd Uni – Open Day 

Location: WSU Parramatta South Campus 

Date: July 6, 2025 

Find out more and register 

Holiday Workshops and Short courses (external) 

Academy of Music and Performing Arts – Dance Experience Day 

Date: July 7, 2025 

Find out more and register 

National Art School – Winter Short Courses 

Location: Darlinghurst, Sydney 

Date: July 7 to July 11, 2025 

Find out more and register 

Interior Designer for a Day Workshop 

Location: Sydney Design School, North Sydney 

Date: July 9, 2025 

Find out more and register 

ICMS – Event Manager Workshop 

Date: July 10, 2025 

Find out more and register 

UNSW Girls in Business Camp 

Location: NIDA Kensington Campus 

Date: July 15 to July 17, 2025 

Find out more and register 

Events Calendar – Term 2 and 3

Pymble Athletics Carnival 2025

Pymble Athletics Carnival 2025: A Record-Breaking Day of Competition and Camaraderie 

On Thursday 12 June, the competition arena at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre was a hive of energy and anticipation as the entire Pymble Secondary School and selected Years 3 to 6 Junior School athletes gathered for the 2025 Athletics Carnival. This much-anticipated event was a true showcase of Pymble talent, determination, and school spirit, with every event fiercely contested and the sidelines buzzing with encouragement.

Amongst a host of outstanding performances, one remarkable achievement stood out. Amalia Bond (Year 9), competing in the 15 Years Long Jump, soared to a stunning 5.68m, shattering the previous record—held by her sister and Pymble alumna, Sienna Bond (2022)—by an impressive 4cm.

The carnival spirit extended beyond individual events, with house pride on full display during the ever-popular relays—including the exhilarating Boarders v Day Girls v Staff showdown. The grand finale, the Champion of Champions race, saw the fastest ten girls in the Junior School and Secondary School compete in a breathtaking sprint to the finish, providing a spectacular end to a memorable day.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff, whose hard work and enthusiasm were integral to the day’s success. The carnival celebrated not only individual excellence but also the shared pride and camaraderie of the entire Pymble community.

Record Broken: 

• Amalia Bond (Year 9) – 15 Years Long Jump – 5.68m 

Major Trophy Winners: 

• Secondary School Champion 100m – Samara Bond 

• Junior School Champion 100m – Isabelle Lau 

House Trophies: 

• Day Girls vs Boarders vs Staff – Boarders 

• House Overall Winner – Goodlet 

Congratulations to all competitors on their remarkable performances. To view the full results, please click here. 

From the Co-curricular Sports Team

From the Co-curricular Performing Arts Team

Behind the Curtain: A Glimpse into the Performing Arts Industry 

Fifty students recently attended Behind the Curtain, an inspiring event that offered a unique insight into the many career pathways within the performing arts.

The afternoon featured a panel discussion and Q&A sessions with industry professionals, including renowned casting director Lisa Campbell and a host of talented Pymble alumni. Students heard from Ally Morgan (actor and script writer), Safia Arain (actor), Genevieve Graham (costume designer), Catherine D’Souza (script writer and film production), and Freya Finocchiaro (arts management), who generously shared their experiences and advice. Creative conversation over some delicious lunch provided a relaxed setting for students to engage directly with the guests, gaining valuable insights into the diverse world of theatre and production. We look forward to offering further opportunities for students to explore their passion for the performing arts and connect with leaders in the field.

Last chance to sign up for the 2026 Drama Tour to London and Paris 

Registrations are about to close for the 2026 Drama tour to London and Paris. This exciting tour promises an unforgettable experience for students with a passion for the performing arts, theatre, and cultural exploration. 

Open to all students in Years 8 to 11, the tour offers a unique opportunity to visit world-renowned theatres, participate in workshops, and immerse themselves in the rich theatrical heritage of two of Europe’s most iconic cities. 

We are also welcoming interest from non-Drama students who are curious about the world of theatre and production. 

Please click here to view the online webinar and learn more about this exciting tour. 

For more information, please speak with Ms Eliza Bell (Head of Drama) 

Football

IGSA Football Round 6

The sixth round of the IGSA Football season took place this past weekend with all 12 of our Pymble teams competing. After having the King’s Birthday weekend off, our teams came back rejuvenated, capturing eight wins, two draws, and only two losses.

Our Senior Firsts team continued their winning streak with a solid 3 to 0 win against Monte. This means we go into the final weekend (which is a double-header), knowing a win in our first game against Meriden will capture the S01 trophy. Our Junior Firsts team had a stellar performance against Ravenswood. A 3 to 0 win means there is still a chance of finishing in the top 4 of the J01 division.

A 5 to 0 win for our Year 7 Firsts team keeps them in second place. A win in their last game still gives them a chance of winning the Y701 division, but they will also need Monte to lose their last game.

Our Senior Seconds kept their winning streak going with a nail-biting 2 to 1 win over Ascham. A mouth-watering tie against Monte in the final game of the season will see two undefeated teams compete for the S04 title.

Pymble 3 kept their status as the number one team in S07 thanks to a 4 to 1 win over Wenona. They enter the final game of the season knowing that a win will capture the title. Good luck to all our teams in their final matches of the season.

Round 6 MVPs

Pymble 1 – Willa Pearson (Year 9)

Pymble 2 – Annabel Taylor (Year 10)

Pymble 3 – Abby Sywak (Year 12)

Pymble 4 – Caitlyn Bilney (Year 11)

Pymble 5 – Addison Seeto (Year 11)

Pymble 6 – Zoe Carroll (Year 10)

Pymble 7 – Grace Santoso (Year 11)

Pymble 8 – Sanduli Bandara (Year 9)

Pymble 9 – Edith Cullinane (Year 8)

Pymble 10 – Eloise Gavagna (Year 8)

Pymble 11 – Marlia Uhl (Year 7)

Pymble 12 – Nina Peng (Year 7)

School Pathway Updates

Good luck to Amelia Brandon (Year 11) and Willa Pearson (Year 9) who compete for NSWCIS in the NSW All Schools Football Tournament on Tuesday 17 June. Our CIS Football Cup team was knocked out of the tournament in a semi-final clash with Central Coast Sports College. A 3 to 1 scoreline may have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for the heroics from our goalkeeper Amelia Brandon (Year 11).

A huge thank you to our Year 12 leavers who have left a longing legacy on our CIS program. Their leadership will have a massive impact on those that now take up their mantle.

Our Bill Turner Trophy team will be competing against William Clarke College on Thursday 19 June, for a spot in the Sydney North Final. Good luck girls!

Netball

Megan O’Keeffe, Head Coach of Netball

Week 7 Netball – IPSHA and NetSetGo

As we wrap up Week 7, we would like to congratulate all our players, coaches, and supporters on another inspirational week, demonstrating incredible sportsmanship, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to the Pymble Netball program. We are delighted to celebrate not only your impressive performances on court but also the way you consistently uphold the Pymble values of Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility.

IPSHA Netball Highlighted Results – A Showcase of Team Spirit

Pymble 5 – 23 to 1 Win With a commanding 23 to 1 victory, Pymble 5 exemplified teamwork and responsibility, supporting one another both in attack and defence. Whether it was sharing the ball or encouraging their teammates after every goal, the team’s positivity was infectious, embodying the respect we value at Pymble.

Pymble 7 – 10 to 1 Win Pymble 7’s 10 to 1 win was testament to their courage on the court—taking risks in passing, communicating confidently, and persevering throughout the match. The players demonstrated integrity by always playing with fairness and humility, regardless of the scoreboard.

Pymble 8 – 17 to 0 Win A stellar 17 to 0 score for Pymble 8 was the result of patient play and consistent care for each other. The team rallied around every player, ensuring everyone contributed and felt valued. Their ability to maintain focus and responsibility in both attack and defence shone brightly.

NetSetGo – Growth and Encouragement Each week we witness amazing improvements across our NetSetGo teams. This week, a special congratulations to Ingrid He (Year 1), Isabella (Year 2), and Luna He (Year 1) who earned MVP nominations—an achievement reflecting their dedication, positive attitude, and the courage to push themselves to new heights. Our younger players continue to demonstrate care for their teammates, always cheering for one another and helping out, remaining true to the spirit of Pymble Netball.

KNA Junior Gala Day – Community and Friendship This year marked a milestone for Pymble, as we entered six teams spanning Kindergarten to Year 5 into the KNA Junior Gala Day for the first time. The courts were alive with laughter, applause, and friendship, and it was wonderful to see every player embracing the strong spirit of respect and integrity that our community is known for. The smiles on the girls’ faces were a testament to the day’s success, and we are so proud of the way our players supported one another and represented Pymble with pride.

NSW Senior State Titles We extend congratulations to Adison Hartog-Smith (Year 11), Maithili Nagarajah (Year 11), Isobel Grant (Year 10), Holly Watson (Year 10), and Harriet Murphy (Year 10) for representing their associations at the 2025 Senior State Titles. After three days of intense competition, these students displayed remarkable courage and responsibility, never wavering in their commitment. A special mention to Maithili, runner-up in Division 2 for Inner West Netball Association!

NSW All Schools Championships We are immensely proud of Harriet Murphy (Year 10) and Charlotte Craig (Year 12) on their selection for the NSWCIS Netball team at the NSW All Schools Championships. Their achievement reflects their skill and dedication, and the way they represented our school community on the state stage.

Celebrating Our Values Throughout every match, training, and event, our students live the values of Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility. These aren’t just words—they’re at the heart of everything we do at Pymble Netball. We see care in the way teammates support and motivate each other; courage in pushing beyond comfort zones; integrity in playing by the rules and honouring the spirit of the game; respect in the way all players, coaches, and officials interact; and responsibility in the commitment to training and improvement every week.

Thank you, girls, for another fantastic round. Let’s continue to lift each other up—with smiles, encouragement, and the values that make Pymble Netball truly special.

Go Pymble!

Orienteering

Maddison Scott, Co-ordinator of Orienteering

KB111 NSW State League Events

Over the June long weekend, Anna Smart (Year 7) and Sophie Chiang (Year 7) proudly represented Pymble at the KB111 NSW State League Events. This competition was also the selection trials for the NSW Schools Orienteering Team.

Despite challenging conditions, including icy temperatures and even snow, both students gave impressive performances in the Scots All Saints College W14A Sprint Distance event in Bathurst on Monday.

Anna took on an additional challenge by competing in the Kahli’s Rocks W14A Middle Distance event, held on intricate granite terrain just outside Bathurst. The course was a true test, featuring a mix of open bushland and thick scrub dotted with boulders.

We are delighted to announce that, following her outstanding efforts, Anna has been selected for the 2025 NSW Schools Orienteering team where she has the opportunity to compete in the Australian Schools Orienteering Championships.

Congratulations to both Anna and Sophie on their dedication and achievements. We are incredibly proud of your hard work and representation of our school!

Dance

Bangarra Dance Theatre Excursion – Illume at the Sydney Opera House

Year 10, 11, and 12 Elective Dance students recently attended Bangarra Dance Theatre’s 2025 production of Illume at the Sydney Opera House. This excursion was closely aligned with syllabus outcomes across all senior year levels and provided a rich, real-world learning experience.

The performance deeply inspired our students, who were moved by the powerful storytelling, striking lighting and set design, and the physicality of Bangarra’s work. Experiencing Illume in the iconic setting of the Opera House made the evening all the more memorable and impactful.

It was a special night for our dancers, one that sparked valuable reflection, meaningful discussion, and fresh creative ideas they will carry into their own practice and performance work.Congratulations! 

Extreme Eisteddfod 2025

Pymble Dance recently showcased their talents at the Extreme Dance Competition on Sunday 15 June. Our Secondary dancers proudly represented Pymble Ladies’ College with grace, energy, and professionalism, reflecting months of hard work and commitment.

Throughout the competition, our dancers delivered captivating routines marked by technical precision, expressive artistry, and strong stage presence. Beyond their individual performances, the teamwork and collaboration leading up to the event were truly impressive. With numerous re-blocks and rehearsals, the girls demonstrated responsibility and leadership, ensuring the success of their group pieces.

Our students truly reflected the spirit of Pymble Dance, one of resilience, respect, and passion for the art form. We sincerely thank our dedicated teachers for their guidance and involvement, as well as our parents for their ongoing support, which played a vital role in our dancers’ success at Extreme.

Results High School Open Age Contemporary Troupe Highly Commended – Contemporary White – From the Ashes Highly Commended – Contemporary Scarlet – You Are Your Own Worst Critic

High School Open Age Jazz Troupe 1st Place – Jazz White – Poker Face Highly Commended – Jazz Navy – Code Red

High School Open Age Hip Hop Troupe 1st Place – Hip Hop Crew – Gyal Dem

Katrina Cluff

Head of Dance

Artistic Gymnastics

Border Challenge

Congratulations to Sydney Zhou (Year 8) and Vivienne Eaton (Year 11) who attended the Border Challenge Level 7 trial last weekend at Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatic Centre.  Sydney placed second on the Vault

Vanessa Clyne
Acting Head Coach of Artistic Gymnastics

Hockey

Shellie Rocca, Co-ordinator of Hockey 

IPSHA Hockey

As we move into the second-last round of the IPSHA Hockey season, it’s impossible not to reflect on the remarkable journey our teams have undergone since the first whistle all those weeks ago.

The improvement in teamwork, communication, and commitment on the field has been outstanding. Our coaching staff have noticed the rise in skill levels and game understanding. With just one more round to go, we encourage all players to keep giving their best, supporting each other, and savouring these last moments of the season. Thank you to the coaches and supporters for your unwavering encouragement week after week.

Let’s finish the last week strong and be proud of how far we’ve come.

Results

Player of the Match

Congratulations to the following students who received player of the match for Round 6:

Pymble 1 – Charlotte Lau (Year 6)

Pymble 2 – Isabelle Lawry (Year 5)

Pymble 3 – Anya Jolapara (Year 5)

Pymble 4 – Eugenia Lo (Year 4)

Pymble 5 – Isla Coupland (Year 3)

Have a Go Hockey Kindergarten to Year 2

It’s hard to believe we are already approaching the second-last week of Have a Go Hockey! Over the past weeks, it’s been an absolute delight to watch our students take on every session with such enthusiasm and joy.

From the first tentative stick taps to now confidently dribbling, passing, and working together as a team, every player has shown incredible growth. It’s been wonderful to see so many smiles, friendships, and the sound of laughter and encouragement ringing out each week. Our focus remains on fun, learning, and giving everyone the chance to try something new, something our students have truly embraced.

As we look ahead to the final week, let’s continue to celebrate every achievement and support each other.

Go Pymble!

Mollie Dive Hockey

Last week marked an important milestone as both Pymble 1 and Pymble 2 played their final round games of the season. It was a fitting finish, showcasing the teamwork, growth, and determination our teams have demonstrated all year.

Congratulations to Pymble 1 for their stellar performance in the final round, securing their spot in the semi-finals this week. The journey so far has been marked by hard work, resilience, and fantastic improvement from every player. The semi-final presents a fantastic opportunity to put all that experience and dedication into action. We know you’ll give it your all and continue to make our community proud.

Pymble 2 also wrapped up their final round last week and will be taking a well-earned bye this week. Congratulations to all players and coaches for your commitment and enthusiasm as we await to see results for Grand Finals next week.

As we celebrate another successful season, let’s continue to support each other, whether you’re preparing for an intense semi-final or enjoying a week’s rest. Thank you to all our players, coaches, families, and supporters for your dedication and encouragement every step of the way.

Go Pymble!

Results

Congratulations to the following students who received player of the match for Round 6:

Pymble 1 – Grace Scammell (Year 7)

Pymble 2 – Skye Mitchell (Year 8)

Basketball

Round 6 – Match Report – Rachel Maenpaa

With the Basketball season drawing to a close, our teams delivered inspiring performances in the second-to-last round, showcasing skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Two teams of note were the Junior Firsts and Seconds:

Junior Firsts – Pymble 9

It was the match everyone was waiting for; the clash of the two undefeated Junior Firsts teams, with Wenona standing between our girls and a top-of-the-table finish. Rising to the occasion, our Junior Firsts put on a magnificent display, playing with heart and composure. Holly Mitchell (Year 8) was a defensive powerhouse, relentlessly guarding opponents and making tough shots under pressure. Kaylene Chiu (Year 8) had her standout game of the season, contributing decisively at both ends of the court. The team’s relentless effort paid off, coming away with a commanding victory by more than 20 points and sealing the number one spot for the regular season.

The team now prepares to face Wenona once again in what promises to be an epic Grand Final showdown this coming Saturday here at Pymble Ladies’ College at 9.00am. Their determination and team pride set the scene brilliantly for the championship decider.

Junior Seconds – Pymble 10

Our Junior Seconds continue to impress with every match and this round was no different. Mataya Burgess (Year 9) was a whirlwind on both ends, making key stops and charging to the basket for well-earned points. Jade George (Year 8) kept everyone on the edge of their seats, draining a clutch three-pointer to keep the margin tight. Jamilla Soo (Year 9) led the floor with poise, controlling the tempo and ensuring the team kept their composure under pressure.

Although the Junior Seconds were narrowly edged out in the end, their commitment, progress, and fighting spirit were on full display and bode well for the future.

As the season finale approaches, we congratulate all teams on exceptional performances and look forward to an exciting Grand Final for our Junior Firsts. Let’s get out there this Saturday and cheer them on!

Results

Cross Country

NSWCIS Cross Country Championships

On Thursday 12 June, 21 Pymble students represented the College at the NSWCIS Cross Country Championships. All girls were amazing and recorded some incredible results:

Siena Cassidy (Year 4) – 3rd in the 10 Years

Anna Smart (Year 7) – 10th in the 12 Years

Gemma Dixon (Year 9) – 2nd in the 14 Years

Isabel Shorter (Year 10) – 6th in the 15 Years

Lily Jones (Year 12) – 7th in the 18 Years

Tully Black (Year 12) – 6th in the 18 Years

Sophia Slater (Year 12) – 10th in the 18 Years

The above students all finished top 10 and will progress to the NSW All Schools (Secondary) and NSW PSSA (Primary) Cross Country Championships held in Week 1 of Term 3. In addition, Lily, Tully, Sophia, and Tessa also won their teams event in the 18 Years. Well done girls!

Chloe Morrison (Year 7), Harper Lee (Year 7), Safina Burgess (Year 7), Harriet Murphy (Year 10), Claudia Wyatt (Year 9), Aniela Knight (Year 10), Laya Abdel-Megeed (Year 10), Saja Abdel-Megeed (Year 10), Poppy Barwick (Year 10), Rachel Schwulst (Year 11), Tessa Newitt (Year 12), Charlie Slater (Year 8), Chloe Huang (Year 5) and Lia Sloane (Year 5) also ran on the day and did the College proud!

Jack Garrad, Co-ordinator of Cross Country

Deb Walsham, Head Coach of Cross Country

Co-curricular Administration

Registrations for Term 3/Semester 2 Co-curricular programs are now OPEN and will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 9 July. Registration is available via the online system, which can be accessed through the co-curricular pages on MyPymble by clicking here. A parent or carer login is required to complete the registration process. 

Please note that registrations cannot be accepted via email or phone. 

Important Reminder: If your daughter is currently enrolled in a Semester 1 program (Term 1 and Term 2) and wishes to continue in Semester 2 (Term 3 and Term 4), re-registration is required. 

Re-registration is NOT required for yearly programs. 

Programs available for registration include: 

Term 3 Programs

Semester 2 Programs (Term 3 and 4) 

For any further enquiries, please contact the Co-curricular Administration team ccsa@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au 

Sally Davidson

Head of Co-curricular Administration

Music

Week 8 has been a busy week (again) in the Music Department. We have had eisteddfods, exams, and excursions to nursing homes, which are in addition to our preparations for the Term 2 Secondary School Ensemble Concert and end of term assessments.

Every child is worthy of congratulations in our eyes, but I would like to make mention of the girls below. Their tutors sent through these AMEB exam results, and I am very proud of the girls.

Saxophone AMEB Exams:

• Adele Cassidy (Year 8): Grade 5 – A
• Mia Davies (Year 10): Grade 6 – A
• Imogen Martin (Year 7): Grade 4 – A+
• Madison Pearce (Year 11): Grade 7 – A+
• Annabel Taylor (Year 10): Grade 6 – A
• Kimberly Zhao (Year 5): Grade 2 – A
• Freya Andrews (Year 8): Grade 3 – B+

Singing AMEB Exams:

• Evelyn Zhu (Year 12): Certificate of Performance in Musical Theatre – A+

Eisteddfods Congratulations to the Hindson Chamber Strings and the Senior Chamber Strings, directed by Mrs Colbey. This magnificent group of string players received a Highly Commended in the City of Sydney Eisteddfod yesterday. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this event, but the calibre of string player must be beyond exceptional if our girls are getting Highly Commended. This is a wonderful testament to Mrs Colbey and her passion for all things strings. Well done girls.

Ensemble concert – Tuesday 24 June at 6.30pm All girls must attend their sound checks. The music building will be closed until 5.00pm unless girls are required for sound checks to ensure we have enough seats on stage. Girls are encouraged to go to any co-curricular event they have planned.

Please ensure performance uniforms are worn with BLACK socks, red ribbons and clean shoes.

Soundchecks for Monday ensembles will be during their scheduled rehearsal times:

Monday 24 June 7.00am – MSCB Lunch – Combined item MBS – Stage Band 3.30pm – Jazz Ensemble 4.00pm – SWE 4.20pm – Symphony Orchestra 4.45pm – Chamber Strings 5.15pm – Choir 5.30pm – String Orchestra on stage for final sound check 6.00pm – DOORS OPEN

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday night.

Drama

Eisteddfods 

This weekend was a great success for our co-curricular drama students at the eisteddfod duologue and monologue competitions.  

Inner West – Shakespeare 

At the final Inner West day, Jessica Allman (Year 10) and Lara Waterhouse (Year 10) performed a Shakespearean piece from Romeo and Juliet as Juliet and Lady Capulet. Their performance was attended by Helena Bailey, who founded the competition 42 years ago. Jessica and Lara earned second place and were personally awarded a special prize of a book authored by Helena herself. 

Northern Beaches 

At the Northern Beaches Eisteddfod, four monologues and two duologues competed. Cecilia Bryant (Year 9) won first place for her monologue The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Matilda Bentley (Year 9) earned second place, and Annabelle Stack (Year 8) and Ava Christofides (Year 9) tied for third. In the duologues, Ria Iyer (Year 7) and Jessica Parker (Year 7) performed an excerpt from Stories in the Dark and received a Highly Commended, and Stephanie Port (Year 7) and Sophia Mohseni (Year 7) earned first place for their performance from Jasper Jones.  

 
Upcoming Competitions and Events 

Northern Beaches Eisteddfod – Sunday 22 June 

When: 10.30am to 12.30pm, 12.00pm to 2.00pm, and 1.00pm to 3.00pm 

Where: Curl Curl North Public School 

Parramatta Eisteddfod – Friday 21 June 

When: 12.30pm to 2.30pm 

Where: Dundas Area Neighbourhood Centre, Telopea 

Sydney Eisteddfod – Thursday 3 July 

When: 4.00pm to 6.00pm 

Where: Chippen St Theatre, Chippendale 

Language Arts

DEBATING

ISDA Grand Final! Congratulations to our Year 7 and Year 8 teams who debated in the ISDA Grand Final at Riverview on Friday. Year 7 were narrowly defeated, and our Year 8 team was victorious.

Congratulations to girls and coaches. This marks the end of our ISDA Debating season. Thank you to all the Language Arts parents for your support this season.

More Debating Opportunities Social Debating coaches – Thank you to those who have volunteered to assist uni coaches with social debating. This competition runs until and including Friday 27 June

Social Debating girls – We look forward to seeing you again after school on Friday, in Jobson Lecture Theatre, KM building, to continue your online season. Attendance is compulsory.

Archdale – Shield and Invitational Round 6 Shield and Invitational Debating continued on Tuesday when Pymble hosted Monte for Round 6. Round 6 Senior Invitational will have a make-up round against PLC Armidale on Tuesday 24 June due to a clash.

Round 7 will be held on Tuesday 29 July, and we will travel to St Catherine’s. Please ensure bus tickets have been booked through Co-curricular Administration.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN)

Pymble Model UN Club (PMUN) PMUN runs each Monday lunch in DK06. Come along and join us this term. Everyone is welcome. Learn how to prepare for a MUN conference. Please see our MUN captain, Kiki Chen (Year 11), for further information, and email your interest to Mrs Hubbard.

THIMUN 2026 Tour All who have expressed interest in the THIMUN Tour have been contacted by Travel at Pymble.

MOCK LAW

Bond Mooting Congratulations to Catherine Shi (Year 12) and Kitty He (Year 11) who attended the semi-finals of Bond Mooting on Saturday 7 June at Bond University on the Gold Coast. Unfortunately, Kiki Chen (Year 11) was unable to attend due to sickness. Both Catherine and Kitty did very well, and we thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of Bond University. A highlight of the trip was watching a Moot from the staff and students of Bond.

Young Justice At our recent excursion to the Young Justice Day, we discovered that our lecturer was a Pymble Alumni who lectures in Ethics and the Law. We are delighted that she is keen to return to Pymble for a tour and to conduct a lunchtime session in Jobson Lecture Theatre on Monday 23 June for all interested in Ethics and Law. See you there!

After-Hours Study

Homework Help

Year 12 Study Camps

Click the poster below to register.

Clued In @ Pymble

From The PPA

What a fabulous night for our parent community! Parents from across the College from K to 12 enjoyed an evening of trivia, prizes, games, fundraising and dancing. Our theme this year was “Time Travel” which inspired incredible creativity in costumes and table decorations.

It was our biggest and most successful Trivia Night with over 280 attendees and $20,000 raised. The funds will go towards staff development programmes, teacher appreciation initiatives and facilities benefiting students.

We had an amazing group of parents on the Trivia Night organising committee who planned the event with much enthusiasm and dedication. The parent community showed wonderful support through generous donations, raffle ticket purchases and bidding on live and silent auction items. We are also very grateful for the generous donations from local businesses.

Special thanks to Dr Hadwen, Mrs Brown and Kurtis Mathews (Head Diving Coach and Olympian) for their fantastic auction contributions. A very special thanks also to Natalie Lowndes and the Community Engagement team for working right alongside us in organising this event and contributing very popular Pymble items for the silent auction.

There was such a great atmosphere at this event and everyone is already looking forward to Trivia Night 2026!

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Apply now for a range of Pymble scholarships

Senior Academic Scholarship registrations open to Year 9 students

Pymble offers a number of scholarships each year to girls who are currently in Year 9 at Pymble or external to Pymble who will be in Year 11 in 2027.

Registrations for Year 11 2027 Senior Academic Scholarships are currently open. For more information and to register to sit the Academic Test in August, visit our Scholarship webpage.

Registrations close on 30 July 2025. The examination will be held at the College on Sunday 10 August 2025.

Scholarship registrations open to current Year 5 students

Pymble offers a number of Year 7 scholarships each year that are open to current Pymble Junior School students and girls joining the College in Year 7.

The 2027 Rosalie Ramsay Junior Academic Scholarship and Year 7 2027 Performance Scholarship – Music are currently open to our Year 5 Pymble students.

Registrations close from 23 July 2025 depending on the scholarship. The examination will be held at the College on Sunday 10 August 2025.

Information about portfolio requirements and how to apply can be found online through our Scholarship webpage.

Scholarship registrations for new RTG STEM Scholarship open to current Year 8 students

Pymble has a new scholarship for students with a passion and competent skills in STEM. The RTG STEM Scholarship offered through the Pymble Foundation is open to Year 8 students (current and external students) for a scholarship commencing in Year 9 2026 until Year 12 2029.

Registrations close on 30 July 2025. Students are required to sit an examination held at the College on Sunday 10 August 2025.

Information about portfolio requirements and how to apply can be found on the Scholarship webpage.