From the Principal

What a start and what a finish for our Class of 2024! You may recall our Year 12 cohort began their HSC examinations knowing they had already received 58 showcase nominations collectively for their practical and performance works in Drama, Dance, Textiles and Design, Design and Technology, and Music. We also had one student nominated for the Young Writers Showcase for her work in English Extension 2 and, just this week, we were delighted to learn that 24 of our Year 12 Visual Arts students’ major works have been nominated for ARTEXPRESS. That’s 83 nominations in total!

We are incredibly proud of our students and their teachers who put in countless hours of thought and creativity to arrive at their finished works and performances; each one a true labour of love and a massive team effort. Thanks also to our families who nurture the creative talents of their children and provide hours of love and support – well done! The last big reveal will be on Thursday 19 December when all HSC results are released, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with our Class of 2024 girls and their parents who are able to join us for morning tea.

Feeling the joy of Jacaranda Day

This week also saw us host our annual Jacaranda Day service where we acknowledge and affirm our community’s commitment to being of service to others, along with the joy we experience by giving.

In our Junior School in 2024, this included:

• Visiting elderly residents in Uniting Care facilities.
• Delivering meals and food hampers to The Dish at St John of God at Hornsby for disadvantaged people.
• Teaching and playing with students at St Lucy’s School at Wahroonga.
• Donating countless items of clothing, toys, board games, stationery packs and children’s books to different support organisations.

Service in the Secondary School has supported:

• Days for Girls.
• Taldumande Youth Services.
• St Edmund’s College swimming and athletics carnivals.
• Environmental service at Vision Valley.
• The World’s Greatest Shave for blood cancer research.
• Wrap with Love.
• The Push Up Challenge for mental health.
• Hornsby Women’s Shelter.

Students and staff across the College have also provided many hours of practical assistance, along with donations from various fundraisers, to support the specialist work of The Barbara May Foundation and Sony Camp. Thank you to our army of kind souls who have been part of all these events, and some!

Our special guest speaker at the Jacaranda Day Service was former student, Katherine Halliday (2017), who is now an ethical fashion advocate at Baptist World Aid Australia working to create a fashion system that benefits people and our planet. Katherine also co-authored the 10th edition Ethical Fashion Report which gives brands a score out of 100 to show how they’re protecting workers and the environment.

In her address to students, Katherine recalled being in Year 10 at Pymble and shocked to learn how underpaid young mothers working in garment factories overseas were unable to feed their families. After class, she had a conversation with her teacher that went something like this:

Katherine: “Mrs Gleeson, does knowing so much about the world’s problems make you overwhelmed about the impact of your choices?” 

Mrs Gleeson: “Katherine, sometimes it is overwhelming but I’m making an impact by teaching you about these problems so you can understand and make a difference.”

Ten years on from that conversation with her teacher, Katherine is often reminded of just how right she was.

“The things we learn in school about how the world works don’t just matter for our next assignment. They matter for the people we become and the impact that we go on to have,” Katherine said.

This was the perfect message for Jacaranda Day and our students who strive to bring positive change to the world through their actions and future vocations.

Introducing our Service Framework for 2025

Service has been a big part of life and learning at Pymble for many, many years and we are incredibly proud of some of the life-changing opportunities we have established – our Tanzania Service Tour supporting school communities, maternity hospitals and the work of The Barbara May Foundation being just one example.

In 2025, we will be launching our official Service Framework, which aims to achieve several outcomes:

• Link service at Pymble to increased knowledge and understanding of issues in the world, and the reciprocal benefits of serving others.
• Introduce students, staff and parents to opportunities for service in local, national and global contexts of need and injustice, working together for practical, respectful and lasting change.
• Build respectful and collaborative service partnerships so we can contribute positively towards the goals of those we serve.
• Demonstrate our College values in our actions.

Our focus for 2025 will be women and girls and putting our vision for service into practice across the College in ways that are meaningful and appropriate for the different ages, skills and resources of each year group or sub-school.

This vision is to shape the world together, through care, solidarity, respect and justice. You’ll be hearing more about our service opportunities next year, and I warmly encourage all in our community to join us on this life-enhancing learning journey.

Windows into Learning

This week, we shed a light on the development of mathematical skills in the Junior School and plunge into the darkness of film noir.

Hands-on learning in Year 1 

Teaching volume and capacity with sand and water brings mathematics to life in the most delightful ways. Watching our Year 1 girls pour, measure and make discoveries together is a wonderful reminder that learning isn’t just about numbers – it’s about curiosity, teamwork and the pure joy of understanding the world. By interacting with physical objects students grasp concepts more deeply and develop critical thinking skills that develop beyond the classroom.

Later, while exploring History, students played games from the 1800s, including pick-up sticks and quoits. Like mathematical measuring, these traditional games teach skills such as strategy, precision and patience. Seeing our girls dive into these experiences was a beautiful example of how timeless the joy of discovery really is.

Ms Hilary Alo-Emile
Year 1 Compass Teacher

Year 9 Drama

This week in Year 9 Drama Film, students stepped into the shadowy world of Film Noir. After studying camera techniques, editing, and acting for screen, they were given just two lessons to create their own short noir-inspired films. From sharp silhouettes and shadowed alleys to mysterious, low-lit frames, students experimented with classic noir elements like tension, intrigue, and suspense. One group devised a storyline about a detective trying to uncover who killed his wife in a clip entitled The Lonely Man. Watching them adapt their ideas on the spot, using their newfound skills in framing and editing, was a joy and a reminder of how quickly students can bring a genre to life when encouraged.

Mrs Rebecca York
Co-curricular Drama Co-ordinator

From the Junior School

From the Head of Junior School

As we come towards the end of the year and the end of tenure for our Year 6 leaders, I am delighted to announce our Junior School leaders for 2025.

The competition was extremely fierce this year, with 152 nominations for leadership and some amazing applications by our Year 5 students. Whilst not every girl receives a specific portfolio, we work hard to create leadership opportunities throughout the year for as many of our aspiring leaders as possible.

Here are the leaders for 2025:

Chapel Leaders	Amelié Berg, Sophia Hanna, Isabelle Lau and Claire Zhou
Kindness Leaders	Sooin Lee, Nouvelle Nicholson, Christina Yang and Isabella Yue
Library Leaders	Rebecca Cooke, Alex Handley-Greaves, Emily Pu Genevieve Wong
STEM Leaders	Evie Cho, Candice L,i Lucy Ma and Ellie Zhang
SRC Leaders	Emma Feng, Emily Long, Sarah Lu and Loriah Zhang
Bennett House Leaders	Ava Azizmohammad, Isabelle La, Charlotte Lau and Stephanie Zhao
Goodlet House Leaders	Charlotte Elliot, Evie Haslam, Vanessa Lee and Zara Ware
Hammond House Leaders	Mya Aggarwal, Naomi Shi, Emma Wang and Alicia Yao
Ingleholme House Leaders	Dorothy Ban, Pipi Chen, Zoe Soumboulidis and Aaisha Suresh
Lang House Leaders	Zara Batten, Zoe Hanna, Olivia Headley and Julie Kang
Marden House Leaders	Claudia Birrell, Madeline Dreverman, Alice Na and Emily Walker
Thomas House Leaders	Bhuvika Bhatia, Jennifer Chen, Isabel Khattar and Evie Sumner
Wylie House Leaders	Angelina Kim, Ivy Li, Summer Wang and Sunny Wang

Congratulations to Safina Burgess who was shortlisted as a finalist in the Fred Hollows Humanitarian awards. As one of our exceptional Kindness Leaders this year, Safina has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary capacity for compassion and leadership. She has also been instrumental in various service initiatives at school including leading our social justice club, advocating for female equality and role models. Her leadership in these initiatives has been marked by enthusiasm, dedication and an unwavering commitment to making a difference to the world around her. We are very proud of you, Safina.

Congratulations to Lakshi Rajeev who placed first in Australia in the Australasia Debating Competition 2024 and first place in the Under 11s in Australasia. This is an exceptional achievement in a hotly contested competition.

Lakshi, Charlotte Xue and Emma Popli also qualified for the quarter finals in the U12s division with Charlotte placing 2^nd and Emma placing 3^rd. We are very Pymble proud! 

Congratulations to Vivian Li (Year 5) who has been awarded Highly Commended in the John Locke Institute essay competition for 2024. It’s phenomenal that two of our students; Lily Zhang (Year 6) and Vivian Li (Year 5) have been recognised internationally for their essay writing skills.

Congratulations to our Robotics teams who are headed to national championships. We wish these three teams all the best in the competition in a few weeks.

6510U – Year 6	6510V    – Year 6                   6510B   – Year 5
Bianca Ng	Emma Fu                             Diya Dhanpal
Chelsea Wang	Emma Popli                         Mia Farthing
Lily Zhang	Charlotte Wu                      Aisha Younus
Adeline Wu	Lydia Chen

Our amazing dancers

This week approximately 300 of our Junior School girls danced with confidence and grace on the stage in our 2024 Dance Showcase. We are so proud of the girls’ dedication and passion for dance and the way they have worked together to bring this year’s vision to life. Congratulations girls; you are dance superstars!

Kindness through music

A huge thank you to Emma Popli, Charlotte Wu, Ashleigh Yip and Jana Zhang who performed as a string quartet for international educators who visited the College this week. The girls played with such poise that our visitors assumed they were Secondary students.

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

Congratulations to Lakshi Rajeev and Adeline Wu who were finalists in the IPSHA Speakers’ Challenge and were awarded Highly Commended. Our team of girls, including Ria Iyer, Alice Jiang and Sarah Tew, competed against 64 students across 23 schools and presented on the topic “Think Big”. The girls demonstrated courage and resilience in stepping forward to share their ideas and perspective, with confidence and poise. Public speaking is a skill that requires not only preparation but also bravery and the girls exemplified both. We are Pymble Proud of you all!

Congratulations to the Year 6 students in Ms Davenport and Mrs Meacock’s maths groups for their outstanding achievements in the APSMO Maths Olympiad Inter-School Competition.

Their hard work and dedication have earned them well deserved recognition; the girls in Mrs Meacock’s group placed within the top 10 per cent of participants across Australia and New Zealand, and the girls in Ms Davenport’s group placed within the top 20 per cent. This is a testament to your commitment and your passion for learning.

Well done to each of you on this remarkable accomplishment!

Also a huge congratulations to all students who participated in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge through Australian Maths Trust (AMT).  Our students performed exceptionally well and congratulations to Charlotte Wu who achieved a perfect score and was awarded the Certificate of Excellence. The following students achieved a Certificate of Distinction or High Distinction.

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

Co-curricular 2025

The opportunity to book your daughter into a co-curricular activity for 2025 will commence on Wednesday 20 November. Links and times will be published by CCSA.

It is a mandatory requirement of co-curricular registration to provide your OSHC number in order to complete your booking (for 2025 Junior School students). This number can be found within the Kidsoft App once confirmation of your OSHC registration has been received and processed by OSHC. This process includes tennis, co-curricular music and swimming. Please contact our OSHC team if you cannot find your registration number.

End of Term Afternoon Supervision

A reminder to parents that from Week 5, some co-curricular activities will be finishing prior to the end of term. If this impacts your daughter, please ensure you have arranged alternative supervision. Parents who have recently registered their children for OSHC but have yet to try this service may be eligible for the complimentary ‘Welcome Afternoon’.

End-of-Term Events

Invitations for our Celebration of Learning (Kindergarten to Year 2) and Speech Day (Years 3 to 6) have been sent to families this week. Please complete this survey regarding departure times and attendance in the final days.

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

Unstructured Play

Thank you for those families who have already offered some items for our unstructured play sessions. We would still love donations of any of the following items:

• Tyres
• Ropes
• Large cardboard boxes (for example boxes that would fit whitegoods such as fridges)
• Large plastic tubs/drums
• Pipes (plastic, PVC or cardboard)
• Hammocks (or sheets that can be used to make hammocks)
• Plastic crates
• Cones
• Barrels

Please let me know if you have any of these items that you may be able to provide.

204 for 2024 Service Initiative – A message from Kindness Club

This term Kindness Club is leading a final kindness challenge for the year – 204 for 2024!

In conjunction with our College Chaplains, we are supporting the Rev Bill Crews/Exodus Foundation with their Christmas Appeal. We are seeking 204 (or more) items of either Christmas children’s gifts (new, not pre-loved, books, toys, board games, Lego or craft items) or Christmas food items (non-perishable/non-refrigerated).

Kindness Club is also partnering with Trisha Viswanathan (Year 6) to donate NEW picture books and board books (for babies).These will be donated to the Westmead Children’s Hospital to be given to the children’s wards following Trisha’s passion to help babies and children with their emotional and cognitive development while in hospital. These items need to be new as the hospital does not accept pre-loved items.

We are asking all girls in Kindergarten to Year 6 to bring in either a new picture/board book for Westmead Children’s Hospital OR a Christmas gift or food item for the Rev Bill Crews Foundation to Hedgehog House by the end of week 7 and it will be then delivered in time for Christmas.

Please help us with the 204 for 2024 challenge this year and let’s support these two great initiatives. Should you have any questions, please email kgiles@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Thank you!

From Trisha Viswanathan, Riya Iyer, Chloe Morrison, Melody Chen and Safina Burgess (Year 6)

Freshly Made Lemonade: Year 2 and Year 6

A group of Year 2 students came up with an idea to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged and homeless children and young people by raising money through selling homemade lemonade. The girls will be making and selling their homemade lemonade to Years 2 and 6 on Monday 18 November at lunchtime for $1 or $2, with all proceeds going to Taldumande Youth Services. Thank you to Ella Birch and Kitty Mae Ruiz del Portal Greene for this incredible act of service and kindness to others.

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

Registrations for the 2025 Year 3 String Instrumental Program opened yesterday on Monday 11 November and will close on Monday 18 November.

Stringed instruments are wonderful to start at an early age as the instruments come in little sizes. In Year 3, viola players can either learn on a small size viola or have a violin strung up as a viola. 

The Year 3 String program is open to both beginning students and students who already have experience with the violin, viola or cello. All Year 3 String players will participate in the Co-curricular Year 3 String Orchestra which rehearses on a Wednesday afternoon. 

Click here for more information outlining the program.

Please note all Year 2 students have met with the Head of Strings and participated in a String demonstration. This allowed the girls to ask questions and hear what each instrument sounds like. 

Students may choose from violin, viola, cello or double bass. If you have further questions, please contact Music Admin – musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

From the Junior School Parent Group (JSPG)

Year 6 Parents Cocktail Party

You are warmly invited to attend the Year 6 Parent Cocktail Party on Friday 29 November from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Marden Lawn. This is a parent-only event (no siblings) held during the Year 6 Silent Disco. While the girls enjoy their final Junior School function, parents will have the opportunity to celebrate their journey through the Junior School and look forward to the new adventures to come in Year 7 in 2025.

The cost of the event is $28.00 per person, which includes beer, Prosecco and Aperol spritz as well as soft drinks and water. Guests are invited to bring a plate to share. If you would like to bring a plate, please sign up here to indicate what you will be bringing.

Please click here to purchase a ticket by Thursday 21 November. We look forward to seeing you there!

Year 1 Families Christmas Party

Date: Sunday 24 November

Time: 1.00pm

Location: Bicentennial Park, West Pymble. 

Year 5 Christmas Drink

Thank you as always for your support.

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

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Key Dates – Week 4 and 5 

Friday 15 November – Dance Showcase 5 (Performance Stream – 6.30pm)

Saturday 16 November – IPSHA Saturday Sport

Saturday 16 November – Dance Showcase 6 (Kindergarten to Year 2 – 3.00pm)

Saturday 16 November – Dance Showcase 7 (Performance Stream and awards – 6.30pm)

Tuesday 19 November – Year 4 Windows into Learning 8.30am – 10.25am

Tuesday 19 November – Year 5 Windows into Learning 11.00am – 12.45pm

Tuesday 19 November – Year 3R/3M/3BM Excursion to Maritime Museum

Wednesday 20 November – Year 3S/3L Excursion to Maritime Museum

Wednesday 20 November – Year 5/Year 11 Buddy time in KM Building

Thursday 21 November – K-2 Swimming Carnival

Friday 22 November – Best of PJ Factor Years 3 to 6 (10.45am to 12.45pm)

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Speech Day and Celebration of Learning Dates

Tuesday 3 December – Years 3-6 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 and 2 Celebration of Learning (2.00pm to 3.00pm)

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Kate Brown

Head of Junior School

From the Middle School

Last Friday, artist, songwriter and pastor Dave Gungor performed during lunchtime on Gloucester Lawn for students and staff at the College. Our Middle School Students were also lucky enough to participate in a singalong with Dave during their chapel service. During chapel, Dave shared his faith story and adjusted his song lyrics for our students to sing too.

I would like to congratulate all of the girls who have been successful in their application to be leaders in 2025. We have a very strong body of leaders who will represent their peers. Thank you to all students who put themselves forward. The process has underscored the girls’ confidence and diverse skills.

Position	First Name	Surname
Middle School Leader	Sofia	Gurjian
Middle School Leader	Amelia	Hanstrum
Middle School Leader	Thazin	Naidoo
Middle School Leader	Kaylene	Chiu
Middle School Leader	Chloe	Sun
Middle School Leader	Athena	Ng
House Leader – Bennett	Edith	Cullinane
House Leader – Goodlet	Chloe	Xiong
House Leader – Hammond	Jessamy	Facer
House Leader – Ingleholme	Chloe	Deng
House Leader – Lang	Gloria	Yang
House Leader – Marden	Skye	Mitchell
House Leader – Thomas	Madison	Aikman
House Leader – Wylie	Georgia	Blue
Intercultural Connections Leader	Jing	Liu
Wellbeing Leader	Madeleine	King
Community Service Leader	Emiliana	Barry
Environment Leader	Georgia	Friedel
Student Communications Leader	Charlotte	Pang
Chapel Leader	Danielle	Hu
Chapel Leader	Penny	Xing

Nicole Fan (Year 8) has won a merit in the Junior Category of the John Locke Institute’s 2024 Global Essay Prize! This is a tremendous achievement, and she was invited to the Awards Ceremony in London, although she was unable to attend.

Nicole has shared the following:

“I chose the Junior Topic: ‘When will advancing technology make most of us unemployable? What should we do about this?’ In August I discovered that I was shortlisted (top 16.9 per cent) and was invited to go to London for the awards ceremony. I didn’t get the chance to go due to still having school. The shortlisted essays went through a third reading and commendations or high commendations were awarded. On the night of the ceremony, I was awarded a merit. I was sent another email where I received my Certificate of Commendation and a scholarship for their summer school in Singapore next month.”

Year 7 will have an opportunity to come together in celebration of the year for their Mind Body Spirit Day at Long Reef Beach on Tuesday 19 November. As part of our wellbeing program, and in conjunction with the PDHPE Stage 4 Curriculum, your daughters will be partaking in a day of surf safety, including learning to surf or bodyboard with Manly Surf School. The day will also include a beautiful coastal walk along the Long Reef headland and rock platform.

Please ensure that you have completed the permission form on MyPymble.

Jenny O’Donnell

Head of Middle School

From the Upper School

A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School

Next week, our Year 10 students head off on a range of Outdoor Education Programs. We are excited for the wonderful opportunities that the girls have to connect with their peers and be challenged (by choice) in the beautiful Australian environment. Thank you to the teaching and outdoor education staff members who are spending time away from school and home to facilitate these programs for Year 10. We look forward to sharing stories about their experiences in the coming weeks. 

We are so proud of the 254 Year 9 students who have completed the Vision Valley Residential program this year. This term our Pymble students have been fortunate to share this experience with four students from Milingimbi Island. It has been wonderful seeing the bonds develop between the girls and lifelong memories being made. Completing the residential program is a huge personal achievement for the girls. To have spent an action-packed four weeks living and learning away from home brings unique personal challenges for everyone. Congratulations to all of Year 9 on this special accomplishment.  

On Friday, our final honouring ceremony will be held at Vision Valley for the Term 4 group. Each term, this is a very special experience in which the girls share stories of their time at the valley and are reunited with their families. We recommend that where possible, both parents or another significant adult role model attend to honour the rite of passage for your daughter from child to young adult.  

Important Dates

Term 4

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

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Victoria Harrison

Head of Upper School

From the Senior School

2024 HSC is finally done!

The Year 12 students have officially wrapped up their HSC exams, and what a relief it is! After months of dedicated study and hard work, the geographers rounded out the examination schedule, completing their final exams last Friday, marking the end of a significant chapter in their academic journey. They received a rousing cheer and round of applause from the girls in the Kate Mason Building as they came out from the exam.

With the stress of exams behind them, it has been a joy to watch the new Year 12 students enjoy a bit of freedom, moving around the building, making noise, and sharing their excitement with friends. A real highlight this week was the performance by the Senior String Orchestra, who treated us to a stunning lunchtime concert on Monday. The music was an absolute delight, and we’re grateful to have had such an entertaining break from the usual routine!

Sportswomen’s Awards Dinner

In addition to the celebration of the Year 12 exams, I also had the privilege of attending the Sportswomen’s Awards Dinner last Friday evening, an event that highlighted the incredible achievements of our Pymble girls in sport. Congratulations to all the Senior girls who were award recipients, who were recognised for their commitment, service and talent in their chosen sports. Special congratulations to Sarah Baker, Year 12 2024, who was named Sports Girl of the Year for her outstanding achievements in athletics and fine modelling of the College values.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr Adam Raw, Mrs Katie Edwards and the entire team of coaches whose dedication and care continue to inspire our athletes to reach their full potential. It was a wonderful evening, full of pride and celebration of our girls’ hard work and sporting excellence.

Remembrance Day

A heartfelt thank you to our Senior Cadet Unit for their dignified parade at this year’s Remembrance Day service. Your presence and respect on this significant day, as we honour the sacrifices of those who served, truly embody the spirit of remembrance and patriotism that defines this occasion.

I also extend my gratitude to our History Captains, Thinara and Nandika for their leadership and thoughtful contributions to the service, and Mia and Sahara, who delivered the acknowledgement of country. Special congratulations to Lauren, who delivered an inspiring speech, adding warmth and reflection to our ceremony. Your words brought depth to the day and reminded us all of the importance of remembering our past.

Jacaranda Day

Our Jacaranda Day Service this week embodied a sense of community and warmth, as we came together to reflect on the many blessings in our lives and consider how we can give back to those in need. Our special guest speaker was Katerine Halliday (ESU, 2017) who spoke about her role in the ethical fashion industry. It was inspiring to hear Katherine’s thoughts about how we can all be more mindful consumers, and show more care for others in the industry and the environment. I have included a section of her speech below:

You might not realise it, but before our clothes reach our wardrobes, they’ve passed through around 100 pairs of hands, from the people that picked the cotton, to those who sewed the fabric into clothes. We may never meet these people but we are connected to them through the clothes we wear and our everyday choices affect them! Katherine, our Jacaranda Day guest speaker, reminded us that the things we learn in school about how the world works don’t just matter for our next assignment. They matter for the people we become and the impact that we go on to have. And one person trying to do everything perfectly has less impact than hundreds of us committed to small, meaningful changes.

Katherine shared how the fashion industry only achieved a score of 31 out of 100 for how they’re protecting workers and the environment. You can see how 460 brands performed using the Ethical Fashion Guide.

This special occasion reminds us of our fortunate positions and encourages us to think beyond ourselves, fostering a spirit of generosity and service. As part of this reflection, we invite all families to contribute to our Jacaranda Day Christmas Appeal in support of The Bill Crews Foundation, helping to spread kindness and make a positive impact on our community during the festive season. Together, we can make a difference.

Key Dates

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

4 December – Last day of Term 4

18 December – HSC 2024 results released

19 December – Gradu-bration! For Year 12 2024 students

Nikki Wyse

Head of Senior School

From the Boarding School

Our Amazing Athletes

Our Boarders were once again very well represented at the Annual Sportswomen’s Awards Night, held last Friday evening. It was wonderful to see so many Boarders and their parents gathered to celebrate a wonderful year of sport. It was also lovely to see Mrs Katie White, former Deputy Director of Boarding, being recognised for her contribution to Pymble sport for more than 20 years. We are delighted to celebrate and congratulate the following Boarders who won awards on the night.

Millie Sutcliffe – 2024 Athlete of the Year, Basketball

Madeleine Gaden – 2024 Athlete of the Year, Equestrian

Bella Croker – 2024 Athlete of the Year, Hockey

Charlotte Craig – 2024 Athlete of the Year, Netball

Grace Townsend – 2024 Athlete of the Year, Touch Football

Lana Pike – 2024 Athlete of the Year, Triathlon

Quinn Parry-Okeden – 2024 All-rounder of the Year

Isabelle Burke – 2024 All-rounder of the Year

Evie Farr – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, AFL

Jocelyn Blair – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Athletics

Grace Townsend – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Athletics

Dezi Magann-Jones – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Cricket

Lola Barwick – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Equestrian

Poppy Barwick – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Equestrian

Saskia Fitzgerald – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Equestrian

Sophie Webster – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Hockey

Lily Bartz – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Netball

Sophie Laing – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Netball

Madeleine Gaden – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Rowing

Ellie Pointon – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Rowing

Evie Farr – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Rowing

Daysie Leahy – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Rugby 7’s

Ellie Pointon – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Rugby 7’s

Lana Pike – All’ Ultimo Lavoro – Strive for the highest 2024, Touch Football

Eden Azar –  Officiating Award 2024, Touch Football

Alethea Levy – 2024 Team of the Year, Football Senior Firsts

Grace Townsend – 2024 Team of the Year, Football Senior Firsts

Boarders Hit the Town

We were fortunate to have our Year 7 2025 Boarders visit with us again last Friday for a fun day ‘on the town’. Accompanied by our Deputy Director of Boarding, Theresa Mimmo, Head of Avonmoore, Dan Bukovinsky, Head of Year 7, Michael Stern and Boarders Get Baking Convenor, Kathryn Weidemann, along with our Avonmoore Prefect, Alice Beveridge and their new ‘Big Sisters’ it was a wonderful opportunity for our staff to learn more about the girls. Better still, it was another chance for the girls to get to know each other before taking up residence in 2025.

Boarders Get Baking

And, as if they didn’t have enough fun! In a special edition of Boarders Get Baking, the girls cemented their friendship over ‘pink lemonade’ and Valentinos. Thank you to Kathryn Weidemann, who after an exhausting day on the town, pulled out all stops to ensure a delicious end to the week for our new girls.

Our Boarding Family Friends (BFFs)

Boarding Family Friends (BFFs) are families of day students who are keen to support our youngest boarders who join us onsite, usually a long way away from their family.  They are invaluable in providing a family home environment where our Boarders can visit and relax. BFFs also assist Boarders with lifts to sport and other activities. It is a lovely reciprocal arrangement and we look forward to welcoming the BFFs to Avonmoore and our Boarders often take their BFFs home for holidays.  It is our hope that lifelong friendships will emerge from the BFF program.

Last Saturday was the first of our BFF events and a huge hit! I look forward to seeing the emerging friendships in the years to come.

Leave for Boarders

Social contact with family and friends and outings away from the Boarding House is important for all Boarders. At Pymble we use Orah to manage leave for our Boarders and we have been reviewing the information that is available to Boarders and their parents and families who are hosting our Boarders. It would be wonderful to have feedback from some of our Boarding community and if you are interested in being part of a small focus group, please contact us at boarding@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.

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

Our Year 12 Boarders enjoyed a Balmoral picnic on Friday night as the Year 7 2025 Boarders had their second sleepover. The pool was a welcome relief for all after a hot day. Our beach education sessions for Year 12 commenced, and a big thank you to Mrs Katie Edwards who is teaching the girls beach safety such as how to spot rips. The Boarders who went to Kirribilli Markets enjoyed wandering through the stalls and seeing what was on offer. This weekend, we have planned the Dance Showcase, Christmas tree picking, a trip to Manly and house movie nights.

Learn It will wrap up for the year at the end of Week 6. All Boarders will be able to complete homework in their respective houses.

View From My Window

Hi, my name is Ruby, and I am a Year 7 student that started boarding at Pymble this year. I am from Mudgee, in the Central West of New South Wales, about three-and-a-half hours away from Pymble. I live on a small farm of 110 acres, five minutes out of town with my brother Cooper, who is 15, my sister Edie, who is 17, and my mum and dad. We have lots of animals, including sheep, cows, chickens, Bruno the alpaca, and a dog called Zoe, who is an Australian Kelpie or, as a lot of people know, a sheepdog.  

I have lived in Mudgee since I was four and have loved it ever since. Even though it gets very annoying when dad makes us mark 100 lambs on Christmas Day in 30-degree heat, or when you wake up in the middle of the night to a screaming potty lamb that’s banging on your laundry door, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  

When I look out my window, I see wide open spaces and tall green grass, I see my sheep grazing in the paddocks either sleeping or eating, and I see my dog chasing the birds trying to jump up and grab them with her teeth, hoping to catch a snack. When I’m at home, I love riding my motorbike and racing my brother up our driveway, kicking and playing footy with my brother and versing my dad in fence ball (beating him every time), driving up the hill to watch the sunset and going out tubing on the dam with my brother and my friends.

One of my favourite things to do at home is watch the baby lambs during lambing season run around and play tag with each other, and when we get potty lambs, I love watching my dog Zoe mother the lamb and cuddle it like it was her own (so much for Zoe being a working sheep dog!). In conclusion, I love living in Mudgee with my family, but I also love coming back to my home away from home, Pymble. Thank you! 

Boarder of the Week

Congratulations to the marvellous Milly who joined us in Boarding in Year 7 from Walgett, about eight hours from Pymble in Northern New South Wales.

Milly is loved for her kindness, sense of independence and calm approach. She is popular amongst her peers and always has a friend by her side. It has been wonderful to see her growth in confidence over the year and to see her embrace many of the opportunities at Pymble including surfing, touch football, both school and club rugby, as well as Culture Club and Dance.

Milly takes pride in her appearance and keeps a very tidy personal space, including her bed which is perfect every morning. We love having you as part of our Boarding family, Milly.

Friday 15 November – Lang House Housewarming – Year 12 2025 and their families

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

Wednesday 4 December – Year 7 to 11 Speech Day, followed by Boarders’ Travel Day

Save the Date

Tuesday 26 November from 5.00pm – Boarders’ Christmas Chapel and Christmas Dinner – all Boarders required to be in attendance.

Wednesday 4 December – Speech Day followed by Boarders’ Travel afternoon.

Please also make a special note of our 2025 dates, in particular note the dates highlighted in pink. These include Community Days and important safety sessions that all Boarders are required to attend.

---

Carolyn Burgess

Head of Boarding

From the Chaplains

The Message of the Shepherds 

One of my favourite pictures as a child was of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as He carried a little lamb in one arm and His staff in the other. 

Perhaps our image of shepherds and their sheep has been formed from some of the most famous, godly shepherds in the Bible, ones like, Moses, King David, and our Good Shepherd, Jesus. 

Over the last few weeks in chapel, the girls have enjoyed re-telling the Christmas story using dress-ups to act out the characters. We have explored the journey of a young Jewish girl called Mary, as she travelled along the long and dangerous road to Bethlehem, alongside her husband Joseph. We have spoken of angels from above and wise men from afar. 

This week we are speaking about the shepherds. The shepherds are usually the least sort after characters amongst the girls. In Luke’s account we read, the shepherds were “keeping watch over their flock by night”. They were taking turns watching over their flock by night. The bible tells us that a great company of angels appeared to them with the words: 

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

Astonishingly, the first people to receive the news of the birth of a Saviour were a group of shepherds – and that is significant.  For shepherds then were a bunch of rascals and rogues, who defied all conventions of decency and respectability. Indeed, according to one rabbi: ‘You will find that there is no more contemptible occupation in the world that that of shepherds’. 

They were commonly thought to be on margins of religious society. Living out in the fields, they were unable to keep the Jewish ceremonial law nor attend worship due to their extensive hours. 

They were untrusted. Things went missing when the shepherds went to town. As a result, no shepherd was allowed to play a part in a court of law – no shepherd could be called to act as a witness. Their words were false.  

Further, they were named with derogatory terms, being referred to as vile and unclean. Their lives were spent handling animals, often sleeping outdoors surrounded by dung and possible disease.  

From our very human perspective, God was sending a band of filthy, smelly outcasts to be the greeting party for His Son and to spread the good news of salvation to all who would listen. By today’s standards that might equate to an angelic choir appearing to a group of homeless people sleeping on the street in cardboard boxes or camped out under a highway overpass.  

God looks at the heart. It doesn’t matter to Him if someone is dressed in rags or royal robes. 

The Bible says the shepherds ran to see the babe, so they didn’t have time to take a bath or change into a nice set of robes, which they most likely didn’t have anyway.  

Not only were the shepherds honoured by God, but they were also given the responsibility – as well as the privileged task – of spreading the good news to others. These their lips that had probably said a lot of rough words, but these same ones were given the task to speak the message of angels.  

I love that God doesn’t scold them for what they had said, he simply gives them something better to talk about. 

In response to the story of the shepherds, I ask of myself: 

What news will you spread this Christmas season?  

What words will come out of your mouth?  

What are the better conversations that you need to have? 

The voice of God, the song of the angels, is heard in the good news we spread. 

Cass Blake

College Chaplain

Term 4 Events Calendar

From the Futures Team

Uni of Notre Dame Info Day

Date: 18 December

Register here: Info Day Sydney 2024 

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

A unique opportunity to experience 11 days of residential career program

Date: 5 to 15 January 2025

Location: University of Sydney

Who: Students 13 to 18 years of age

Contact: 1300 974 187 or 0412 439 115, or email enquiries@nie.edu.au

Details here: https://www.niecareers.com.au/academic-insights. 

NIE Careers: Future Doctors Australia Program

A high-impact 4-day program that provides young people (Age: 14-18) with a unique opportunity to explore medicine as a career.

Date: 10 to 13 July 2025

Who: Ages 14 to 18

Contact: 1300 974 187 or 0412 439 11, or email enquiries@nie.edu.au

Details here: https://www.niecareers.com.au/future-doctors-australia. 

Studying Psychology at Macquarie University 

Bachelor of Psychology: A student’s perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqlH8lJowcU 

About the B. Psychology and B. Psychological Science (Honours) at Macquarie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIsTjBbXbxM 

Med View Medical Admissions Online Summit: 7^th and 8^th December

Tailored for high school students and parents this two-day immersive webinar offers a guide to navigating the admission process to Medicine in Australia, New Zealand and even the UK.

Date: 7 and 8 December

Details here: https://www.medvieweducation.org/au/events/december-24-/the-ultimate-medical-school-admissions-summit-2024/ 

Studying in the USA 

Introduction to Studying in the USA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25MSuKxzhz8 

From the Co-curricular Sports Team

Sports Awards Dinner 2024

On Friday 8 November, the Pymble Sportswomen’s Awards night took place at Miramare Gardens in Terrey Hills, with an impressive turnout of 397 students, staff and parents. This annual event celebrated the exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication of sportswomen from Years 7 to 12 who have excelled in their respective sports throughout 2024.

The evening featured inspiring guest speakers, including Olympian and Pymble Alumni Kristie Edwards, and Paralympian Mali Lovell, who were interviewed by Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, Pymble’s Head Coach for sprints and a three-time Olympian. Their personal stories and insights were truly motivational.

A total of 185 students involved in competitive sports received recognition through a variety of awards. These accolades included Athlete of the Year, All-Rounder of the Year, IGSA Team of the Year, Representative Team of the Year, Strive for the Highest Awards, Sports Officials of the Year, Olympic Changemaker Awards, Australian Representatives, and the Para Sportswoman and Sportswoman of the Year awards.

The College recognises that not every student who demonstrates excellence can be honoured during this event due to the high number of talented participants who proudly represent Pymble in sports. For those unable to attend, your contributions to the College’s sporting community do not go unnoticed, and we encourage you to keep reaching for your highest potential.

Furthermore, the evening was an opportunity to commend two dedicated staff members, Chris Lang and Katie White, for their longstanding commitment and service to the College.

A special thanks extends to our College Principal, Dr Hadwen, along with Chris Fydler, Chair of Council, and the College Council for their steadfast support of our outstanding sport program. We also appreciate all the parents and carers who consistently encourage and support their daughters in pursuing their sporting passions.

Please click here for the complete list of award winners. There were also many photos taken on the night by Anthony Khoury Photography. Please click here if you would to view and/or order photos from the night. The password for the album is kelso.

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Co-curricular Administration

End of Term 4 Registration

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

A parent/carer log in is required to be able to register. We recommend families check they can access the system well in advance of the opening date to avoid any technical issues on the day as registrations CANNOT be processed via email or phone. Please access the online registration via the Co-curricular pages on MyPymble by clicking here.

All program information will be finalised on the Co-curricular pages of MyPymble by Friday 15 November.

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.

The registration period will close at 12.00pm Wednesday 8 January 2025.

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

Artistic Gymnastics

WAG NL1-10 State Levels Championships and Foundations Festival

Congratulations to our 40 gymnasts who competed at the WAG NL1-10 State Levels Championships and Foundations Festival on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November at Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatic Centre, Rooty Hill.  All results can be viewed online here.

Thank you to all our support teams, coaches and parents/carers who help each gymnast achieve their best. We are Pymble Proud!

Our Level 2 gymnasts had a blast! They competed on ten stations and received a coloured ribbon for each of their efforts on bars, beam, floor, and vault.

Congratulations to our Level 2 gymnasts:

Olivia Zhuang (Year 2)

Mia Xu (Year 3)

Kitty Mae Ruiz del Portal Greene (Year 2)

Katherine Gu (Year 3)

Aeka Ashwin (Year 2)

Su-Ya Koo (Year 2)

Amalia Kekatos (Year 2)

Melaina Kekatos (Year 2)

Claire Xu (Year 2)

Aanya  Rao (Year 2)

Gwyneth Ho (Year 1)

Jelena Chen (Year 1)

Iyla Jolopara (Year 1)

Claudia Qiu (Year 1)

Alycia Yong (Year 1)

Isla Merritt (Year 1)

Melissa Liu (Year 1)

Stella Shen (Year 1)

Alice Ye (Year 3)

Our Level 3 team continued the fun with the following gymnasts competing and receiving the following medals:

Silver Medals

Li-Ya Koo (Year 3)

Ruby Shi (Year 2)

Selena Rezaei (Year 3)

Bronze Medals

Riya Samy (Year 4)

Eleanor Lim (Year 2)

Queenie Sun (Year 4)

Hailey Judd (Year 7)

Grace Wang (Year 4)

Eldora Xu (Year 2)

Olivia Yang (Year 2)

Ailisa Yumi Liu (Year 2)

Celine  Shen (Year 2)

Our Level 4 team consisted of:

Evelyn Lu (Year 5) – Gold Medal

Monica Li (Year 4) – Silver Medal

Maggie Li (Year 6) – Bronze Medal

Our Level 7 girls brought it home! Congratulations to:

Vivienne Eaton (Year 10) – Gold Medal

Emma Baikie (Year 10) – Bronze Medal

Vanessa Clyne

Acting Head Coach

Basketball

IPSHA Basketball Round 4 – Saturday 9 November

Round 4 of IPSHA Basketball continued to highlight how dedication and hard work at trainings can translate into great basketball. All IPSHA basketball teams implemented key defensive principles and confident dribbling and passing. The teams should be proud of their efforts on the weekend and their ability to implement training concepts into matches.

Team of the week: Pymble 1

Pymble 1 had their first win of the season against Barker College. It was a heart-stopping game with many lead changes. Zoey Wen (Year 6) and Sofia Novak (Year 6) started the game with strong aggressive attacks at the basket and clever dribble moves. Bethany Tucker (Year 6) and Greta Campbell (Year 6) were dependable in their decision-making and effort.

Yumi Liang (Year 6) made some incredible passes and had some great defensive stops. Flossie Murphy (Year 6), who later found out she had played the whole game with a broken finger, and Moyan Zhang (Year 6) changed the game with their incredible defence by not letting Barker’s best two scorers be able to even touch the ball.

Madison Burns (Year 6) came up with the steal that sealed the game and while the game was only within one to two baskets the whole time, we pulled away and won by six points in the end. It was a fantastic team effort against a tough team.

The girls perfectly stuck to our game plan with our defensive strategies and our full court passing, and when it really counted we came up with every rebound we needed to win the game!

Maddi Scott

Co-ordinator – Basketball

Cricket

Cricket Players in Years 7 to 9 – WE NEED YOU!

Any students (day or boarder) in Years 7 to 9 that may be interested in playing in Round 2 of the Cricket Schools Cup against Abbotsleigh on Friday 22 November should contact Mr Garrad, Cricket Co-ordinator, via email at jgarrad@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au. The game will be held from 4.00pm at Primula Oval, 10 Primula St, Lindfield.

Parents/carers are required to transport their daughters to the game, however, if you do require transport for your daughter, please contact Mr Garrad for assistance.

NSWCIS Cricket

Last week, Pymble students Willa Pearson (Year 8) and Aaleyah Bookless (Year 8) participated in the CIS U15 Cricket trials. Well done to both girls on their efforts and congratulations to Willa Pearson who was selected into the NSWCIS team to compete on the Central Coast later in the month.

Jack Garrad

Co-ordinator – Cricket

Fencing

2024 State Championships

Congratulations to Ivy Li (Year 5) and Mila Li (Year 3) for competing in the U8 to 14 Years Foil competition at the 2024 State Fencing Championship this weekend.

Ivy won a gold medal in the U12 State Championship.

Mila won a bronze medal in the U10 State Championship.

Samantha Dale

Co-ordinator – Fencing

Junior School Sport

Kindergarten to Year 2 Swimming Carnival

We wish to invite you to the Kindergarten to Year 2 Swimming Carnival which will be held on Thursday 21 November. This is a very special occasion for our students, and we hope that you can attend.  Please see details below for scheduled start and finishing times. 

Pymble Blue Zone

8.30am to 9.30am: Year 1 and Year 2 25m events, and Year 2 50m events

Pymble Red Zone

9.30am to 10.30am: Year 1 and Year 2 16m events in the Learn to Swim pool

Pymble White Zone

10.45am to 11.45am: 16m events in the Learn to Swim pool for KD and KT

11.45am to 12.45am: 16m events in the Learn to Swim pool for KL and KA

The students will have either Blue, Red, or White written in their student diary on Tuesday 19 November so you will be aware of the zone in which they will be participating. This will assist parents as to when their daughter will be swimming. Parents are asked to remain in the parent designated areas during the carnival.

Please refer to the parent information and program posted on the MyPymble app for more information.

Matt Tyson

Head of Sport (K-6)

Pymble Elite Sportswomen’s Program

Are you interested in becoming a future green and gold athlete?

The Australian Sports Commission is running a National Talent Identification Program. They are looking for Australians aged 13+ who are keen to put their sporting skills to the ultimate test. 

The Future Green and Gold campaign will be the nation’s greatest ever talent search, with a goal to find hidden sporting talent across the country. From rugby to para canoe there is more than 40 sports ready to welcome a new wave of athletes.

If you haven’t tried sport before, don’t worry – no sporting experience is required to take part. The talent search is designed to help guide you towards a sport you may be best suited to.

The opportunity is also open to current high performance athletes who are looking to transition into a different sport.

Future Green and Gold is a partnership between the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the National Institute Network, national sporting organisations and Paralympics Australia. Some states have existing Talent Programs which this campaign will support.

Who is eligible?

• People aged 13 to 23 (born from 2001 to 2011 inclusive)
• Australian citizens or people who are eligible to become citizens
• People with a general level of athletic ability and are interested in participating sports
• State or national representatives looking to transfer to a new sport.

To register please click on the link below:

Talent Search

Paralympic Talent Search

Future Green and Gold

Skye Halliday

Co-ordinator – PESP

Swimming

2024 SMNE Summer Championships

The 2024 SMNE Summer Championships held last weekend at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC) was a truly successful meet. With a team of 39 Pymble Ladies’ College students (including two alumni), and 28 external Pymble swimmers, we are proud to announce that the Knox Pymble Swim Club (KPSC) finished FIRST in the Northern Suburbs point score, winning by a large margin over the second place.

As a coaching team, we were impressed by everyone’s spirit and performance. The bar was set high, with countless personal bests achieved across all levels, a testament to the dedication of our swimmers and coaches alike. A special mention goes to the Mini and Star swimmers for bringing great energy and attitude to their races, thanks in large part to Coach Nicola’s leadership. Congratulations also to our Cadet swimmers on achieving Junior Metro qualifying times in multiple events; your hard work, guided by Coach Sara, is clearly paying off!

The Engine squad had an outstanding performance, with many smashing personal bests, achieving new state age qualifying times, and even securing national qualifying times. The squad’s energy is evident, and Coach Michelle has been instrumental in guiding these swimmers toward senior level athletes. Our Pride girls also deserve a big thank you for their leadership and for inspiring our younger swimmers along their development pathway. Together, we’re learning that with trust and belief, nothing can stop us from reaching our goals.

As always, the relays were a highlight, particularly for our 11/U and 13/U teams, who showed fantastic team spirit and determination to win.

Well done to everyone on a fantastic meet! Let’s keep up the hard work in training as we prepare for the NSW Junior Metropolitan Championship and NSW Senior State Age in the coming weeks.

A big thank you to the club committee and parents/carers for your invaluable support over the weekend, these events wouldn’t be possible without you!

Below is the list of competitors from Pymble that represented KPSC on the weekend, including our top five point scorers.

Top 5 Point Scorers:

• Sarah Tian (Year 10): 191 points
• Megan Chia (Year 8): 150 points
• Keira Smith (Year 11): 138 points
• Amélie Berg (Year 5): 136 points
• Georgia Friedel (Year 7): 134 points

Pymble students who competed:

Mini Squad: Yue Zhou (Year 4)

Star Squad: Mia Hong (Year 2), Leah Ji (Year 2), Vera Le (Year 3), Emma Wang (Year 5), Rose Wang (Year 4), Hailey Zhang (Year 4)

Cadet Squad: Amélie Berg (Year 5), Geena Chen (Year 8), Emma Deere (Year 5), Ludovica Iacovelli (Year 7), Avika Kapoor (Year 7), Sissi Ko (Year 6), Crystal Li (Year 4), Yuxi Lun (Year 4), Chenxuan Yu (Year 7), Olivia Yu (Year 4)

Engine Squad: Jennifer Chong (Year 12), Carla Eibach (Year 7), Oriana Fenton (Year 7), Georgia Friedel (Year 7), Anne Liu (year 8), Jade Mao (Year 7), Quinn Parry-Okeden (Year 7), Gwen Pickthall (Year 8), Zara Sandham (Year 8)

Pride Squad: Lily Barlow (Year 12), Hannah Carmichael (Year 12), Megan Chia (Year 8), Arabella Cox (Alumni), Jessica Croll (Year 12), Jessica Cullen (Year 12), Piper Gregory-Reid (Alumni), Jaya Lilienthal (Year 12), Lily Lockhart (Year 12), Ruby Pickthall (Year 10), Keira Smith (Year 12), Sarah Tian (Year 10), Indianna Vale (Year 9).

Rafael Rodrigues

Swimming Coach

Tennis

Round 4 igsa Tennis

Round 4 of the igsa Tennis competition saw strong efforts from our teams, with 15 wins, ten losses, and one wet weather washout. Our Year 7, Junior, and Senior Firsts teams all celebrated victories, showing resilience and teamwork on court. Despite the rain, spirits remained high as our players demonstrated their commitment to the sport and to each other.

A reminder to all players – please ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your match start time to allow for signing in and a thorough warm-up. This preparation is essential for optimal performance and a great game experience. Keep up the excellent effort, everyone!

Full results from Round 4:

Team	Opponent	Result	Score
Pymble 1	PLC Sydney 1	Win	5 to 3
Pymble 2	Meriden 1	Win	4 (25) to 4 (21)
Pymble 3	St Catherine’s 3	Loss	3 to 5
Pymble 4	MLC 2	Loss	3.5 to 4.5
Pymble 5	Loreto Kirribilli 6	Win	6 to 2
Pymble 6	Danebank 2	Loss	1 to 7
Pymble 7	Monte 4	Loss	1.5 to 6.5
Pymble 8	Loreto Kirribilli 9	Loss	2 to 6
Pymble 9	Loreto Normanhurst 2	Loss	3.5 to 4.5
Pymble 10	Wenona 11	Win	8 to 0
Pymble 11	Monte 6	Win	8 to 0
Pymble 12	MLC 5	Win	8 to 0
Pymble 13	Ravenswood 7	Win	7 to 1
Pymble 14	PLC Sydney 5	Loss	2.5 to 5.5
Pymble 15	Kambala 7	Washout
Pymble 16	Roseville 17	Win	4.5 to 3.5
Pymble 17	St Vincent’s 6	Loss	2 to 6
Pymble 18	Loreto Normanhurst 13	Win	6.5 to 1.5
Pymble 19	Santa Sabina 5	Win	4 (29) to 4 (19)
Pymble 20	St Vincent’s 7	Loss	2 to 6
Pymble 21	Kambala 9	Win	5 to 3
Pymble 22	Danebank 6	Win	5 to 3
Pymble 23	Ravenswood 16	Win	5.5 to 2.5
Pymble 24	St Catherine’s 8	Win	7 to 1
Pymble 25	Loreto Normanhurst 17	Win	7.5 to 0.5
Pymble 26	Loreto Normanhurst 18	Win	5 to 3

Jufri Foss

Co-ordinator – Tennis

Touch Football

igsa Touch Football – Round 4 Results

As the season progresses, it’s great to see how teams are starting to refine their skills and become more disciplined. With just three rounds left, teams are really starting to show their cohesion and adaptability. and desire to improve

Team of the Week

Congratulations to Pymble 4 who will receive team of the week for last week! Your hunger, willingness to improve, and commitment to giving 110% is showing on the field. Keep up the great work—you’ve earned this recognition!

Team	Opponent	Result	Current Standing
Pymble 1	Stella Maris 1	11 to 6 Win	2nd
Pymble 2	St Catherine’s 2	5 to 2 Win	1st
Pymble 3		Bye	4th
Pymble 4	Wenona 5	4 to 2 Win	2nd
Pymble 5	Queenwood 3	6 to 2 Loss	7th
Pymble 6	Meriden 4	2 to 1 Win	2nd
Pymble 7	Ravenswood 9	3 to 2 Win	3rd
Pymble 8	Monte 8	1 to 1 Draw	2nd
Pymble 9	Abbotsleigh 12	2 to 1 Loss	8th
Pymble 10	Abbotsleigh 14	6 to 0 Win	1st
Pymble 11	Wenona 21	7 to 1 Win	1st
Pymble 12	Santa Sabina 6	6 to 3 Win	5th

Congratulations to the following students who received best and fairest from Week 4:

Pymble 1 – Maya Atkinson (Year 11)

Pymble 2 – Lily Stallan (Year 11)

Pymble 3 – Bye

Pymble 4 – Rose Kirkby (Year 10)

Pymble 5 – Zara Tang (Year 10)

Pymble 6 – Sanduli Bandara (Year 8)

Pymble 7 – Eloise Fisher (Year 9)

Pymble 8 – Raeya Bhat (Year 9)

Pymble 9 – Charli Conn (Year 8)

Pymble 10 – Camilla Metcalfe (Year 7)

Pymble 11 – Georgia Blue (Year 7)

Pymble 12 – Amelia Blaiklock (Year 7)

Shellie Davis

Co-ordinator – Touch Football

Volleyball

Volleyball Week 4

Round 4 of the Santa Sabina Invitational Volleyball Competition took place this past Saturday. The weather conditions were much more favourable this weekend. We had a fantastic set of results, with all our teams coming away with a win. A special shoutout to Pymble 2 who had to come from 0 to 1 down to win 2 to 1. Pymble 1, Pymble 3, Pymble 5, and Pymble 6 have continued their strong start to the season and remain undefeated.

Team	Opponent	Result	Score
Pymble 1	Danebank 1	Win	3 to 0
Pymble 2	Kincoppal Rose Bay 2	Win	2 to 1
Pymble 3	St Vincent’s 2	Win	3 to 0
Pymble 4	Monte 6	Win	3 to 0
Pymble 5	Mount St Benedict 4	Win	3 to 0
Pymble 6	PLC Sydney 11	Win	3 to 0
Pymble 7	Brigidine 7	Win	3 to 0

Week 4 Most Valuable Players

Pymble 1 – Vicky Hu (Year 11)

Pymble 2 – Cynthia Xie (Year 11)

Pymble 3 – Sophie Lin (Year 10)

Pymble 4 – Angela Chen (Year 9)

Pymble 5 – Grace Park (Year 9)

Pymble 6 – Kathy Huo (Year 8)

Pymble 7 – Fiona Chen (Year 7)

Senior Firsts report from our Volleyball Captain, Chloe Gu (Year 11)

Despite having two players down, Pymble 1 displayed strong determination in their week four match against Danebank in the Santa Sabina competition, closing off the game with another 3 to 0 win.

Compared to the game against Monte, everyone adjusted well to the sun and external changes; we even had a pigeon join the court. We all played to our abilities, aiming to keep points lost at a minimum. There were highlights for everyone, like Lucy Cheong’s (Year 10) spikes, Ruthia Moore’s (Current Year 11, 2025 Year 12) amazing foot saves, and Vicky Hu (Current Year 11, 2025 Year 12) with her 12 serves in a row. 

Next week’s game will be a tough one. To secure a win, we will need to work on our communication and consistency. There were a few points lost this week that were purely our mistakes, and these mistakes should be minimised. However, we believe that as long as we are having fun and keeping a positive mindset, there will be no regrets.

Chris Wood

Co-ordinator – Volleyball

Water Polo

Sportswomen’s Awards Dinner

Congratulations to all our water polo players who received an award at the Sportswomen’s Awards Dinner on Friday 8 November. 

Strive for Highest Awards

Paige Gram (Year 12)

Melijah Dwight (Year 12)

Tessa Gregory-Reid (Year 10)

Zara Cooke (Year 10)

Eleanor Rowe (Year 8)

Keira Donovan (Year 7)

Athlete of the Year

Kiera Mironova (Year 11)

Australian Representatives

Kiera Mironova (Year 11)

Zara Cooke (Year 10)

Well done to all deserving recipients. 

Round 4 igsa Results

Team A	Team B	Score	Result
Pymble 1	Bye
Pymble 2	Ascham 3	9 to 4	Win
Pymble 3	Monte 6	4 to 17	Loss
Pymble 4	Monte 8	5 to 5	Draw

Canberra Cup

Congratulations to all our water polo girls who competed down in Canberra at the Canberra Cup from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 November last weekend representing Sydney Northern Beaches Water Polo Club. 

Keira Donovan (Year 7)

Sarah Kranes (Year 7)

Eleanor Rowe (Year 8)

Emma Roberts (Year 8)

Gemma Dixon (Year 8)

Brigette Moore

Head Coach

From the Co-curricular Performing Arts Team

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Drama

CentreStage Behind the Mask

Click here for the poster for CentreStage. See dates for CentreStage below.

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)

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Rebecca York

Co-curricular Drama Co-ordinator

Language Arts

Stop Press!

Katherine Pan (Year 10) and Hakone Liceralde (Year 9) are through to the UN Voice State final to be held at NSW Parliament House on Friday 22 November. Congratulations girls!

Debating

IDC Debating

IDC Debates continue this Friday 15 November. Thanks to all teams and coaches. See you again this Friday.

See schedule of debating times and locations:

• Primary teams debate at 6.00pm in DK9 and DK10
• Year 7 teams debate at 7.00pm in Lower RV
• Year 8 teams debate at 7.00pm in Upper RV
• Year 9 teams debate at 8.00pm in the IH classrooms (administration building).

Pick up for all students will be around flagpole area (enter via Gate 1). 

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. 

2025 Junior School ISDA Auditions

Junior School ISDA Auditions for 2025 ISDA Debating will be held in Week 6 during lunch times. Interested students are asked to see Ms. Itzcovitz in the Years 3 to 6 Library for an information sheet and to sign up for an audition.

Debating Auditions  

Auditions are continuing. If you missed your audition or can no longer make the day, please contact Mrs Hubbard. The Debating audition schedule is as follows. Please contact Co-curricular Administration to be added to a catch-up audition date if you have missed out. All auditions run after school till around 5.30pm and students should meet in IH3.

• 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 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.

UN Voice of Youth 

• Congratulations to 
• Hakone Liceralde (Year 9) 
• Arabella Hoang (Year 7) 
• Helena Tang (Year 9)
• Katherine Pan (Year 10) 

The above students were selected to progress to the Voice of Youth State Semi Final, held last Friday at UTS. Well done girls! Thank you to all who entered this interesting competition, where students select a global issue and pitch a solution. 

Model United Nations (MUN)

Evatt 

Maya Garg (Year 11) and Catherine Shi (Year 11) have now progressed to the Evatt National final, to be held at the end of November.

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. We will also have two delegates in the UN Water committee.

Our back packs and beanies have arrived. We will also be issued red scarves. Coats and gloves will not be provided. Coats must be warm as the average temperature in The Hague in January is 1 to 6 degrees. Thermals are advised and girls are reminded to pack as lightly as possible as they must manoeuvre their own bags on and off the Eurostar train.

A THIMUN group meeting for parents and travellers will be held from 6.00pm to 7.00pm in the Library Studio on Monday 2 December.

Mock Law

Mediation 

Congratulations to our Mock Mediators and our coaches! The team was awarded 94/100 in their last mediation, the semifinal. Congratulations on your progression to the grand final on Tuesday 26 November. The event will be held at The Law Society premises. We will travel in the morning for an early afternoon session. Co-curricular Administration will send details.

Parents and friends who wish to attend, please click here to complete your registration to attend. Please note all attendees must be registered prior to the day of competition. Only people who have completed their registration will be allowed to enter.  

Mock Law 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

Upcoming Programs and Events  

Language Arts Parent Support Group for 2025

A meeting was held last week of Thursday 7 November. If you did not attend but would like to assist, please email Mrs Hubbard BHubbard@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

We farewelled Mrs Sophia Fang who has been our lead Language Arts support parent for several years. Thank you, Sophia, for all the love you have shown to our Language Arts community. You have helped us in so many ways and we will miss you.

Mini Language Arts Showcase

Save the date!  Our Christmas supper and mini–Language Arts Showcase will be held in the Drama Theatre/Science Lecture Theatre on Thursday 28 November. We really hope to see you there!

UN Youth State Conference 2025. 

Save the date for the UN Youth State Conference!  This will be held from Friday 14 March to Sunday 16 March 2025. Please note if you are involved in a Debating team held on Fridays (FED or ISDA), you will still need to attend Debating on the Friday evening. 

Please click here to register.

Bronwyn Hubbard

Head of Co-curricular Language Arts

Music

Farewell concert “Adios” – Friday 15 November

You are warmly invited to the Music Tour Farewell concert, which will be held from 4.30pm in the College Chapel. Following the concert will be the information session from 6.00pm in the Jobson Lecture Theatre (Kate Mason Building). Please note this is the same date as the Dance Showcase and we are aware that some students will be involved in both dance and music.

College Christmas Celebration – Sunday 1 December from 5.00pm

Please save the date for this wonderful event, marking the end of an incredibly busy year. Bring a picnic and sit on Gloucester Lawn whilst being serenaded by our wonderful Jazz musicians from the Junior and Secondary Schools. There may even be a visit from Santa Claus…

At 6.30pm, there will be a service in the Chapel with a musical feast of carols and lessons. Community Carols are made successful with the inclusion of our fabulous community. So, bring your picnics, your voices, and your Christmas Cheer!

Ensembles involved are Piccoline choir, Pizzicato strings, Hindson strings, Junior Jazz, Junior Choir, Capella, Senior Jazz ensemble, Tour stage band, Tour singers, Tour chamber strings, Tour band, Chorale, and Senior choir

DRAFT rehearsal times on the day:

• 2.00pm to 3.00pm CHAPEL: Chorale, tour members, School Choir (rehearse Feliz Navidad, Festive Alleluia)
• 2.30pm to 3.00pm: School Choir (O Tennenbaum)
• 2.30pm to 3.30pm OUTDOORS
  • Junior Jazz, Senior Jazz ensemble, Stage Band 
• 3.00pm to 3.45pm: Chorale/Tour strings (Away in a Manger)
• 3.45pm to 4.00pm: Tour Strings (Ding Dong/Merrily on High)
• 4.00pm to 4.40pm: Tour combined (Christmas Festival)
• 4.40pm: Hindson Strings 
• 5.00pm: Capella
• 5.20pm Junior School Choir 
• 5.40pm Piccoline/Pizzicato 
• 6.00pm Chapel doors open 

Ensemble rehearsal conclusion times for 2024

Junior School parents have been notified of their final rehearsals.

Secondary School:

The following ensembles will complete rehearsals in Week 6:

• String Orchestra
• Middle School Concert Band
• School Concert Band

All other ensembles will finish with the Carols service/tour.

Musical Buffet

Due to the inability to have all our performers for our Week 6 ensemble concert, some of our groups have provided a musical buffet, performing their repertoire during lunch or as students come in to school. Congratulations to the String Orchestra for performing in the Kate Mason Building on Monday, and then providing a wonderful processional/recessional for the Jacaranda Assembly.

Sarah Turner

Head of Music

Robotics

VEX State Championships

We were thrilled to have six VEX IQ Elementary School teams and five VEX V5 Middle School teams representing Pymble at the recent VEX State Championships. It was a day filled with excitement and a full range of emotions; our students were thrilled just to be there, felt nervous and focused as they worked hard to perform their best, and experienced stress when things didn’t go as planned.

There were moments of relief, celebration, and some frustration, but above all, perseverance as our teams kept pushing until the end. Some teams faced setbacks and couldn’t perform their best due to various challenges, but they never stopped giving their all.

What stood out the most was the Pymble spirit, with students supporting and cheering for one another every step of the way. We couldn’t be prouder of their resilience, teamwork, and determination. A special thanks to all the volunteers including the Pymble students and staff, making the event run smoothly for everyone.

Our teams achieved some incredible results:

VEX IQ Highlights:

• Team 6510U Velocity placed fourth in Robot Skills out of 30 teams, won the third Place Teamwork Award, and received the Build Award.
• Team 6510V earned the fifth Place Teamwork Award and the Amaze Award.

Both teams have qualified for the National Championships, congratulations!

VEX V5 Highlights:

All VEX V5 Pymble teams advanced to the playoffs, with Team 65100S Shark Attack and Team 65100N Nailed It reaching the quarterfinals, and Team 65100R making it to the semifinals before falling to the eventual champions. Team 65100S also earned the Build Award and secured their spot at nationals, and team 65100F Dunkin Donuts won the Judges Award. Well done!

We are immensely proud of all our Pymble teams. Congratulations on your achievements and the inspiring effort you put into this journey.

Cristhina Boni Lavratti

Robotics Manager

Reports of dangerous driving near the College

We have recently been advised of dangerous and illegal driving practices on Pymble Avenue. 

Vehicles have been observed dropping and picking up Pymble students on private driveways close to the pedestrian crossing at Grey House Walk. These drivers are then reversing into oncoming traffic to exit the driveways. 

This is dangerous and illegal driving behaviour that puts the safety of our children, local drivers and pedestrians at risk.  

If you are dropping or picking up children in this area, please only do so when you are safely parked on Pymble Avenue.  

Of course, we expect all members of our school community to respect the law and road rules, particularly in school zones, at all times. Ku-ring-gai Council has also advised that they are increasing the number of rangers who will issue fines for any illegal parking or dangerous driving.  

It is very important that we work together as a community to protect our children, each other and our fellow citizens by driving safely and with courtesy.  

Thank you for your co-operation and support.  

Please consider donating to our Christmas Appeal

The Christmas Story reminds us of the importance of giving to the most vulnerable. The first Christmas gifts were given by the Magi to the newborn Christ Child and his family. This family desperately needed these gifts. They had already been forcibly relocated from their homes by the government. Shortly after receiving the gift they were forced to flee from this new home. Jesus spent his early years as a refugee in a foreign land. The gifts of the Mag together with the kindness of a community of strangers in that foreign land ensured that the baby Jesus grew into someone who changed the world.

For many years Pymble has supported the work of Rev. Bill Crews Foundation (formally The Exodus Foundation) at Christmas through the donation of non-perishable food items, personal care essentials and gifts. These essential and simple donations are used by the foundation for those most in need. The difference that these small gifts make those receiving them cannot be over-emphasised. Donating gifts is simple way that we, as the Pymblecommunity, can bring hope and joy at Christmas to people we will never meet, but know matter in our community, because everyone matters. Through your support you can give the gift of a smile to the face of a child and family who are scared, worried and hungry. And who knows what this might do into the future? It is very possible, that these simple gifts, like the gifts of the Magi to the Holy family can change the world.

Donations can be drop off any time from now until Wednesday 4 December 2024.

Collections points can be found at:

• Middle School Office
• Upper School Office
• Senior School Office
• Hedgehog House
• Chapel Foyer

Thank you for your generosity!

Join us for the College Christmas Celebration!

Updated Flexischools ordering process

We are writing to advise that there have been changes to the Flexischools recess and lunch ordering system, specifically for those girls who have allergies and/or dietary requirements, to ensure food safety across the College.

Please see the screenshot below the dot points for what to look for when ordering. The changes are as follows:

• For students with an allergy, you MUST select the Allergy Junior/Senior Recess/Lunch option.
• For students with dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or vegan, please also select the Allergy option.
• For students with no allergies or dietary requirements, please continue to order through the regular options.

Please note that whilst steps will be taken to minimise risk and safely handle foods that contain potential allergens, cross contamination may occur by factors beyond our control.

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

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!