Good evening, I hope you and your daughter(s) have had an enjoyable and productive week. It has certainly been productive for our Year 12 students as they approach the end of HSC Trial Examinations calmly and confidently, thanks to their hard work and the efforts of our academic staff, who have ensured they are well prepared. With only two days of exams remaining, our Class of 2024 are on the downhill run to their final exams and last days at Pymble, which is both exciting and a bit sad as they are wonderful role models and leaders of our student body.
You may be aware we brought the process of electing Prefects forward from Term 3 to Term 2 this year for the first time. The reason for this was to allow more time for our current Year 12 Prefects to share relevant information and handover advice that will assist our incoming leaders when they officially assume their roles in Term 4. It has been wonderful to see many of our current Prefects meet with their incoming counterparts, bring them into their leadership team meetings, and engage their help with projects in progress.
Building leadership experience and providing mentoring opportunities is a huge part of what we do at Pymble for students and staff across the College as these are critical skills for life.
I have the great fortune of being mentored by Dr Hadwen, who provides exemplary guidance and support as I navigate my professional journey. Dr Hadwen has helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses, provides valuable feedback on different projects and issues I am dealing with, and encourages me to take on new challenges. Additionally, she has introduced me to new networking opportunities and helped me develop a strong sense of direction for my career.
It is a pleasure and a privilege to have the opportunity to step into the Acting Principal’s role while Dr Hadwen takes four weeks of well-deserved sabbatical leave. My first full day was interesting, to say the least, starting with a phone call at 7.00am advising that our water supply had been accidentally cut off while Sydney Water was doing maintenance in the local area.
Just as our staff go to great lengths to ensure our students are thoroughly prepared to undertake all their commitments and responsibilities at Pymble, our leadership team goes above and beyond to ensure the College is equipped to respond to any operational or safety issues that may arise while the girls are in our care. Our risk assessment is second to none and we regularly engage expert external facilitators to help us develop best-practice responses to a wide range of scenarios and challenges that could potentially affect our main campus at Pymble or Vision Valley. This came in handy on Tuesday. Our real-life challenge was: how long could we function comfortably and safely on the main campus without running tap water and flushing toilets (other than a few in the Senior School Centre that are connected to rainwater tanks) while waiting for the water supply to be restored?
Our critical incident team assembled in minutes and flew into highly efficient management mode. Each person knew their role. Simultaneously, we had staff negotiating deadlines with Sydney Water, redirecting students to the Senior School bathrooms, placing hand sanitiser near all taps, distributing crates of drinking water around campus, confirming Plan B learning arrangements for the day, and lining up communication of our K-12 response plan to send to our community should the water supply be unavailable indefinitely.
Fortunately, Sydney Water came to the rescue, water was promptly restored, and the school day was uninterrupted, with student comfort and safety ensured at all times.
I share this anecdote proudly to reflect the College’s unwavering commitment to the care and safety of our community, and as a reminder to all parents about how we will communicate to you in the event of an emergency.
Firstly, you will receive a short text message to your mobile phone from PymbleLC directing you to a more indepth notification via the MyPymble app and/or email.
The notification will outline what is happening and what we require you to do.
Please follow the instructions relevant to you depending on whether your daughter(s) is/are in Junior School, Secondary School, both Junior and Secondary, or Boarding.
Signing off today with a wonderful quote that sums up what I believe leadership to be from an incredible woman who was a volunteer in WWII, a two-star flag officer in the US Navy, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a pioneer of the computer industry who invented the compiler.
Leadership is a two-way street; loyalty up and loyalty down. Respect for one’s superiors, care for one’s crew.
Rear Admiral Grace Hooper (1906 – 1992)
Windows into Learning
Please enjoy this week’s Windows into Learning at Pymble.
Building House spirit at the K-2 Athletics Carnival
One of the most exciting and heartwarming House events in the Junior School is the K-2 Athletics Carnival, made even more special this year as it coincided with the Olympic Games in Paris. Our youngest students competed with joy, enthusiasm and commitment to our College values. Courage and responsibility were demonstrated by all students as they took ownership of their participation in every event. Respect and integrity were evident as students displayed outstanding sportsmanship, and care was shown as they cheered each other on and helped each other overcome challenging moments.
Proud teachers and parents watched as the Year 6 House Leaders embodied kindness, serving as shining role models of House spirit by encouraging their younger peers. The carnival was a wonderful reminder of the joy in participation and movement, the strong community spirit within our school, and the importance of supporting one another in all endeavours.
Miss Penny Charalambous Year 2 Compass Teacher
Collaborative discussions in PDHPE
Year 10 students are currently deepening their understanding of social justice and the diverse populations that make up Australian society. After investigating the impactful work of Street Side Medics, students divided into small groups to consider how they could further advance social justice for people who are experiencing homelessness, using a creative card-based activity. Each card suit had a specific role: a club allowed students to ‘Offer an idea’ (joining the club), a heart to ‘Challenge’ an idea (showing heart and courage), a spade to ‘Evaluate’ an idea (calling a spade a spade), and a diamond to ‘Extend’ an idea (polishing the diamond). This was a fun and effective way to facilitate the sharing and development of ideas and perspectives.
Mrs Alison Cruz Head of Learning Area PDHPE
Have a fabulous weekend, when it arrives!
From the Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
This week we celebrated Science Week across the Junior School, and we thank Dr Jennifer Tan, anaesthetist, proud Junior School mum and Pymble alumni who launched Science Week for Years 3 to 6 with a presentation on the power of STEM in our assembly on Monday. Dr Tan spoke to the girls about the power of curiosity and questioning as scientists and how Science shows the magic there is in all aspects of our world. Thank you, Dr Tan, for sharing your wisdom and your journey from schoolgirl to phenomenal anaesthetist at Royal North Shore Hospital.
There is good news from the Australian government on the state of STEM gender equity with data from 2023 showing that 48 per cent of parents in Australia talk to their daughters about STEM at least once a week (an increase of 6 per cent from 2022) and girls now make up the majority of students in Year 12 STEM subjects. Whilst the number of women in STEM occupations has increased by 68 per cent from 2012 to 2022, there is still work to be done in terms of equity as only 23 per cent of senior management and 8 per cent of CEOs in STEM qualified industries are women. #watchuschangetheworld.
Throughout the week our girls were able to explore and investigate through a series of activities on offer outside Hedgehog House including making electrical circuits using lemons, bubble structure challenge, gravity defying paper clips, using Spheros and making an animal using only six Lego blocks. Each of these activities is designed to challenge the girls’ thinking, encourage creativity and foster a problem-solving mindset.
During Science lessons, our girls are learning to be more independent as learners, working collaboratively to discover answers for themselves and justifying their findings. Whilst this is often hard and can be frustrating, the girls are learning critical skills in how to be tenacious as they investigate and it’s lovely to see and hear how passionate the girls are about Science:
Dora Chen (Year 5): “I love Science because of the questions and logic in it, for example, we actually see upside down, our brain just turns our vision right side up. Does that mean we can defy gravity and are upside down? I also like the deep questions where we have to really 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 about it.”
Hayley Du (Year 5): “I love Science because I always get to learn information I never knew. Science is absorbing, and you never know what happens next. Maybe your project/experiment fails, or maybe it succeeds. That’s the best part. You can always keep trying when it fails. 😃”
Emma Feng (Year 5L): “I think that Science allows students like me to push harder and above our limitations to learn. In Mars Ascent, I had fun learning about all the aspects of launching, such as aerodynamics, gravity and parts of the rockets. I was also super excited and glad that we had the privilege to go up to high school and get the materials necessary to build our rockets. I loved seeing the fabulous fails of the rockets as well. Science has the been the subject that I have learnt most about this year, and I realised something that I have never noticed or thought about, what is beyond the universe? It is not really related to rockets, but it is a question that maybe no one would be able to answer! But I still want to know, really, really badly. So, I have learnt that I am a very curious scientist.”
Angelina Kim (Year 5): “I love Science because there is no limit when completing my work. There are so many topics not yet discovered in the universe. Science is all around me, whether it is gravity pulling us down or simply forces, including actions such as pulling or pushing. I love how physics just works on its own like magic, casting a spell of innovations and possibilities into my mind. I also enjoy how chemistry explodes and pops and plops into me, their functions operating in such a weird yet interesting way.”
Vanessa Li (Year 5): “I love Science because it helps me express my understanding of the universe, which is filled with surprises. The more you learn about something in it, the more you discover about it. It’s just like a tree, it starts with the trunk, then it links to the main branch, which is then linked to three others; you can choose one to follow to find more branches in an infinite loop!”
Chloe Huang (Year 4): “In Science I loved going to all the stations in the classes, and my favourite was about heat. I loved learning that metal is a good conductor of heat and having lots of experiments. My favourite experiment was that if you blow a balloon with water in it on the bottom, and you light a flame under the water, the balloon won’t pop!”
Arin Sadananda (Year 4): “Last term I enjoyed doing the different rotations in different classes and learning with different teachers, for each class there was a different activity for example 4K was learning about solar energy and got to build solar cars. In 4L we learnt about different types of light and holograms. We had two weeks of each rotation and two weeks on our final presentation where we got to choose if we wanted to improve a solar car to make it faster or if we wanted to make a light show based on a celebration.”
Olivia Jin (Year 4): “I enjoyed the Science rotations which included sources of energy such as sun, wind, heat and light energy. I liked the balloon experiment the most which included the energy of heat. I chose to do the Sunsprint Challenge which was making solar panel cars and improving the design and adding modifications such as adding an F1 car tail gear, adding more wheels or adding more weight. I found working together as a team challenging because we all wanted different modifications, so it was difficult making a final agreement but in the end we came together to build an amazing design.”
Kaylee Yang (Year 4): “In Term 2, I enjoyed doing the Science rotations because I got the chance to share my knowledge with my class, my teachers and get feedback from different people. It was really cool how my parents also got to see it at windows into learning, I felt so proud of what I had achieved and made.”
Siena (Year 3): “I have enjoyed the Lego Spike as it has shown us how the Earth rotates and revolves around the sun.”
Echo (Year 3): “I liked learning about the sundials because when I was young I always wondered how people could tell the time because there was no technology.”
Grace L (Year 3): “I loved making the Oobleck because I am fascinated how cornflour and water can turn into a non-Newtonian fluid.”
A message from Mr Dan Brown, Head of STEM K-6
We are thrilled to celebrate Science Week with an exciting new addition to our school’s resources: the World of Possibilities website, which you can explore here and through the MyPymble parent portal by searching STEM in the shortcuts menu.
The World of Possibilities has been created by the wonderful Ms Lee, whose passion for STEAM and the arts is second to none. Through her creation students can dive into creative challenges like building candy structures, solving mysteries with forensic science and designing eco-friendly factories. These activities are designed to spark curiosity and creativity, making science fun and accessible for everyone.
Additionally, our amazing STEM Leaders have set a challenge for K-2 and 3-6. View the website for more.
The Magic of Science
At its heart, Science is like magic – the magic of understanding how the world works. Every discovery, from the way apples fall from trees to the way rainbows form, is a piece of that magic revealed. Just as Isaac Newton found the magic in an apple falling, Marie Curie discovered the magic in glowing elements, and Galileo saw the magic in the stars above. Science is all about finding the magic in everyday life, and through these activities, we hope to inspire our students to see the world with wonder and curiosity. During lunchtimes this Science Week, students have been finding this magic through bubbles, gravity defying paperclips, lemon circuits, construction and the diversity of life in our playground.
The Importance of Curiosity and Creativity
At our school, we believe that curiosity is the key to learning, and creativity is the tool that unlocks endless possibilities. Science Week, coupled with our World of Possibilities website, is all about encouraging students to ask questions, think outside the box, and explore new ideas. By participating in these activities, students not only learn about the world around them but also develop critical thinking and problem solving skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Sharing Creations and Earning House Points
After completing their creations, students can proudly post their work on a dedicated Padlet, where they can share with their peers and receive feedback. Additionally, house points will be awarded for participation and creativity, adding an extra layer of excitement and motivation.
We encourage you to explore the website together at home and discuss the activities that spark your child’s interest. Let’s make Science Week a celebration of creativity, exploration, and discovery!
A message from Lara Bird, Deputy Head of Junior School – Academics
This week the Junior School girls participated in Science activities both in the classroom and at lunchtime in recognition of National Science Week – Species Survival – More than just Sustainability.
Across Kindergarten to Year 6 our girls are actively engaged in weekly Science lessons that foster curiosity and critical thinking. Lessons spark the girls’ interest in a wide range of future career opportunities and helps them understand the world around them.
These lessons are designed to encourage the girls to take an active role in their learning, prompting them to ask insightful questions and explore a variety of ways to solve problems and find solutions. Whether they are collaborating on experiments, investigating natural phenomena, or tackling real world challenges, the girls are continuously applying their critical thinking and creative problem solving skills. This hands on approach ensures that the girls not only understand scientific concepts but also appreciate the importance of evidence based decision making.
Our Science programs emphasise the development of diverse thinking skills. With a focus on building a STEM mindset, the girls are provided with opportunities to apply and develop their computational thinking, design thinking, scientific thinking, and systems thinking as they encounter new problems, unfamiliar information and innovative ideas. Together with their teachers, the girls use strategies to organise data, break down problems into parts and interpret patterns. By using design thinking methods, the girls try to understand the problem, ideate, evaluate and test their designs. During scientific investigations, the girls ask questions, observe and gather data, and learn to communicate their findings by applying scientific language and through scientific diagrams.
By developing their skills and nurturing their curiosity, we want the girls to be confident in their ability to use evidence, ask questions, be challenged when solving problems and continue to be curious about the world around them.
ICAS
If your daughter is unwell on the day we are invigilating ICAS, we will organise a make-up day. Please do not send your daughter to school unwell.
A message from Mr Robinson – Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations
An important notice about OSHC Registration
Commencing in Term 4, it will be a requirement that all Junior School students be registered for OSHC (through the Kidsoft Website) in order to enrol in new or additional co-curricular offerings. This includes swimming and tennis. If your daughter is not registered with OSHC she will not be able to be enrolled in any co-curricular activities from Term 4, 2024.
I strongly encourage all families to register with OSHC now, in order to access both the Term 4 activities, but also 2025 offerings when they go live on 20 November 2024.
Wellbeing Weekly – Kate Giles, Head of Wellbeing K-6
Parent Wellbeing Series
The next session of the Parent Wellbeing Series will be held on 22 August at 8.45am. The session will be focused on helping to support your daughter to build self-confidence and healthy body and self-image and I will be joined by Dr Danielle Ellis, one of our Junior School Psychologists. To register for this event, please click here.
A message from Heidi Lynch – Sustainability Club
Nature Poetry Competition
Our Year 6 Sustainability leaders wish to celebrate the beautiful greenery and wildlife throughout the stunning environment in which we are lucky enough to learn and play in each day. This week in assembly, they announced a Nature Poetry Competition.
The winning poems will be displayed along our College nature walks for students, teachers and parents to enjoy. They will also be published in the next issue of Curiosus to celebrate the girls’ creativity and expression.
Please hand in all entries to Hedgehog House by Friday 30 August (Please include your full name and class).
A message from Kurt Schweinberger, Head of Creative and Performing Arts K-6
Congratulations to our outstanding bands!
We are thrilled to share the fantastic achievements of our talented musicians at the Ryde Eisteddfod. The Grainger Concert Band delivered a stellar performance, earning a well-deserved 2nd place in their category. Their dedication and hard work were evident in every note they played.
A special round of applause goes to our Junior Jazz Band, who took home 1st place with their incredible performance. The energy and enthusiasm they brought to the stage was truly remarkable.
These achievements are a testament to the talent and commitment of all our students, guided by their dedicated conductor, Mrs. Patrice Goodman. Well done to everyone involved.
Around the Grounds
Junior School Digital News
From the Junior School Parent Group (JSPG)
Father’s Day Breakfast – Friday 6 September
You are warmly invited to a BBQ breakfast to celebrate Father’s Day on Friday 6 September from 7am – 8.15am at Hedgehog House. This event is open to all Pymble students and their fathers or father figures.
Please purchase parent and student tickets here if you would like to attend.
All proceeds will be donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Garden Party – Saturday 21 September
Junior School Poster Competition
With just under one month to go until Pymble’s biggest event of the year, Junior School students are encouraged to enter the Garden Party Poster Competition.
First prize: 50 house points
Highly commended: 25 house points
All submitted entries will receive 5 house points
Entries are to be submitted to the Junior School Office by Friday 23 August 2024. All posters entered will be displayed at Garden Party 2024. Prizes and certificates will be presented at Assembly in the week before Garden Party. Multiple entries are welcome.
Click here to download a copy of the poster which you can print at home. Students / parents can also pick up copies at Junior School reception.
Cake Stall
The stall caters to a broad range of customers from those wanting a delicious on-the-go snack to keep up their energy levels, to those looking to take home a cake, tart or pie for a special occasion. All baked goods are welcome!
You can help in two ways by:
Baking delicious cakes, biscuits, slices and treats for sale.
Assisting on the stall during the day.
The cakes and baked goods can be dropped off at the stall in the foyer of the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts (GMCPA) on the day of the Garden Party from 7.30am.
We also need volunteers to work on the stall and sell the delicious treats throughout the day. If you can help at the stall for an hour, please register here.
There are also competitions for cake decorating and cake box decorating, with generous prizes on offer. More information to come soon.
Lucky Prize Stall
We are excited to announce that our Year 5 and 6 students will be running the Lucky Prize Stall at the upcoming Garden Party! To make this event a success, we need your help. We’re looking for volunteers to assist at the stall throughout the day.
If you’re available to lend a hand, please sign up to support this fun and rewarding activity by clicking here. Your involvement will make a huge difference.
Friday 16 August – Year 4 Incursion State Library 2.00pm
Friday 16 August – Years 1-2 Showcase Performance 2.00pm
Friday 16 August – Years 1-2 Showcase Performance 5.00pm
Saturday 17 August – IPSHA Saturday Sport
Monday 19 August – Friday 23 August Book Week – Reading is Magic.
Monday 19 August – ICAS Spelling Bee
Tuesday 20 August – ICAS Science
Thursday 22 August – igsa Track and Field Heats
Thursday 22 August – Parent Wellbeing Series: Body Image 8.45am
Friday 23 August – igsa Track and Field Championships
Kate Brown
Head of Junior School
From the Middle School
In this week’s year assemblies, the team spoke again about the importance of the College values and what they look and feel like for each individual, each day. Building on Dr Hadwen’s recent conversation during assembly about how the values are displayed as behaviours, we felt it was useful to reiterate this within a Middle School context.
Considering this, we worked through how all the values look for the girls and how they could be their best selves by displaying them positively through their daily actions. We specifically wanted to highlight the importance of care and look at how we care for ourselves and each other, whether that means inviting a new person into their group or how they present themselves in their uniform each day.
In addition to this, we also expressed some concern about the sharing of passwords and the importance of digital safety when it comes to the use of social media. The Middle School has been made aware of students sharing their passwords with peers as a sign of trust and friendship, however we wanted to reiterate that this behaviour should be avoided. The Middle School heard from ySafe last term and again we want to reinforce the importance of privacy and cyber security. We encourage you to have a conversation with your daughter about living the College values, the importance of online safety and the ways in which the girls can protect themselves digitally.
Throughout August, the College has been encouraging the girls to get involved in the 2024 Skipping Challenge as part of our focus on healthy lifestyles and keeping active. We have provided easy access to ropes during recess and lunch and are asking the girls to attempt 100 skips each day for the month of August.
Coincidentally, news has just been shared regarding the achievements of one of our Year 8 students. Congratulations to Kimmy Wong (Year 8) who has been rope skipping competitively, and represented the Northbridge Knockouts Club at the states competition.
Last weekend, Kimmy competed in the 2024 NSW/ACT Rope Skipping Championship which hosted over 150 skippers from the age of seven to adults from interstate and overseas.
Kimmy results were inspirational:
– Gold in Single Rope Speed Relay – Silver in Single Rope Team Freestyle – Bronze in 30 Second Speed Sprint
Kimmy is now training hard for the 2024 Australian National Rope Skipping Championship to be held in Canberra at the end of September.
Well done and good luck!
Student reflections on last week’s Goodooga Immersion at the Indigenous Games
On Monday 5 August, we had the most amazing opportunity to travel up to Dubbo, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina and Goodgooga as part of the 2024 Cultural Immersion Project. We started our trip bright and early at Central Station, with an eight-hour train ride up to Dubbo with some really beautiful views along the way. Then we drove another four hours to get to Lightning Ridge.
On Tuesday morning, we woke up early and drove to Brewarrina to go visit the fish traps and Cultural Museum. The exact age of the fish traps is unknown but archaeologists believe that they are one of the oldest human constructions in the world. These fish traps were a meeting and fishing place for eight different language groups: Morowari, Baranbinja, Kula, Brewarrina, Ualarai, Koamu, Kamilaroi and Weilwan.
Our tour guide, Bradley, explained that the fish traps are an ancient Dreamtime site built by Baiame and his two sons Booma-ooma-nowi and Ghinda-inda-mui. Visiting the fish traps was a really amazing learning experience and it was really cool to see something that old that was used so long ago still being used to this day. The museum held a number of really important tools, weapons and information about the river and nearby mission.
We also learnt Aboriginal words for the local animals, birds and people. After that, we drove to the Walgett high agricultural plot and got to see all the animals and the First Nations Medicine Nursery which was very interesting to see the wide variety of plants that are made for medicines. We even got to hold an emu chick.
On Wednesday we visited the opal shops which was really special because Lightning Ridge is famous for them. We also got mullot cups which were super delicious as they were soft serve with three lollies of your choice. By midday, we traveled to Goodooga which was long but we spotted many animals like emus and kangaroos along the way. When we arrived at Goodooga, we decided to go to the artesian baths, also known as hot springs. We had a great time there hanging out with everyone.
After that we went to a Boarding family’s grandmother’s home to stay. When we got there, we got our beds ready for the night. Then we went to a disco with all the other schools. Lots of the schools stayed in classrooms as there was no accommodation in Goodooga. It was so fun dancing and making friends with the little kids. We also helped make dinner which was spaghetti bolognese. It was delicious.
Thursday was our big day and we attended the 2024 Indigenous Games. Ms Budd started the day by helping out with making breakfast with a number of the Googooda community members for all 300 kids due to attend. After breakfast, we attended the official Goodooga Indigenous Games opening ceremony which included a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and cultural dancing. Twenty-two schools from around NSW came to Yuwaalaraay Country to celebrate and immerse in culture.
After this, everyone split into 24 animal groups for example Guba (Koalas), Gilaa (galahs) and Muyaay (cockatoos). Groups were made up of students from many ages from all over NSW. We then participated in games like Munhanganing (a tag game), Kokan (hockey-like game), Buroinjin (soccer/NRL game), Pulyugge (AFL-like game, Keentan (netball-like game) and Parndo (rugby target game).
The games were energetic, competitive and a time to make new connections. We learnt so many new skills and learned about new perspectives and lifestyles. We were able to make connections and really enjoyed supporting the primary school students in our groups. Goodooga Central School was an amazing place and we cannot thank them enough for the best lunch of the entire trip! The whole Goodooga community was involved including the local PCYC who cooked the barbecue, as well as the flying doctors. After lunch, we attended the closing ceremony. We were so sad to leave but we had to get to Dubbo!
On Friday we woke up early in Dubbo and drove to our last breakfast of the trip. Then we got on the bus and drove all the way to Lithgow which was about four hours. Then we got off to get lunch at a bakery near the train station. We got on the train and traveled all the way back to Central and said our goodbyes to everyone and went home.
The week is one we will never forget. We were able to build connections with older and younger students and learn more about our country’s First Nations culture. We also have so many new stories to share.
Written by Silka Czyniewski, Maddison Gabila and Abigail Martin (Year 8)
The Pymble Family Book Club
We are writing to announce a very exciting opportunity for Pymble families with the launch of The Pymble Family Book Club.
With this initiative, we are offering families the chance to read great stories together, share ideas, and attend events to connect with authors and fellow readers.
The first author we will be showcasing is Maryam Master. Her books Exit Through The Gift Shop and No Words have been celebrated by critics and readers alike. We are very pleased to announce she will be joining us for the first ever Pymble Family Book Club on Wednesday 28 August at 5.00pm.
We invite you to come along to spend time with your family and friends, discuss Maryam Master’s books, led by the author herself, and connect over literature. You can see Maryam talking with Pymble students earlier in the year about her books in this video.
How the Pymble Family Book Club works:
Check out Maryam Master’s books and discuss with your carer/student if there is one (or both) you wish to read, and if you’d like to attend the Family Book Club together. You could even get a reading group together. Reach out to other carers and students in the year and organise to make it a social event!
RSVP to attend the Family Book Club on Wednesday 28 August. Please RSVP via this form. There is no cost to attend the event.
You are welcome to obtain a copy of Maryam’s book/s through a library or borrow from a friend. For those who wish to purchase the books, we have organised an easy way for you to source Maryam’s books through a supplier. Please see the order form attached or click on this link to order one or both of Maryam’s books. These will be available for collection at the College in the last week of Term 2.
Both carer and student read the book/s prior to the event on Wednesday 28 August.
Put the event in your calendar and come along on Wednesday 28 August to the Conde Library at the College to have a great time.
If you can’t make the event but still want to read some Maryam Master, you are still welcome to order the books through us and email us at library@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au for some ideas about what we will discuss on the night.
We look forward to you joining us for this special opportunity to connect over some incredible stories and ideas. If you have any questions, please reach out to library@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Kind regards and happy reading!
From the Middle School Parent Groups
Middle School Sweet Sensations Stall 2024
We are currently working behind the scenes in preparation for our “Sweet Sensations” lolly stall at the Garden Party on Saturday 21st September.
The Garden Party is the biggest and most exciting event at Pymble and we really hope to see you there on the day. Our stall is one of the most popular so we are expecting huge crowds. Please help us out by either volunteering your time or donating money to help us buy lollies. See links below for both options.
To donate money to help buy lollies, please click here.
We thank you in advance for your generous support.
Year 8 Coffee Morning
We look forward to our Term 3 coffee morning! Please come along and join us on Friday 23 August at a favourite local café, Brick Lane Expresso, in West Pymble from 8.30 am onwards.
We will confirm numbers via WhatsApp poll closer to the date.
A message from Mrs Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
On Tuesday evening, it was lovely to host the parents of our current Residential Program students at the Rites of Passage Parent Workshop facilitated by Dr Arne Rubenstein. The intent of this evening is to help parents understand their daughters’ developmental stages and the cultural significance of rites of passage, which is intricately linked to our Vision Valley Residential program.
This program aims to help our girls develop a stronger understanding of who they are and where they fit in the world, foster respectful relationships with others, and cultivate a greater appreciation of the natural environment around them. The parent workshop builds on the independence nurtured by the program and creates a supportive community where parents can share experiences and insights. It emphasises the role of parents in navigating these transitions and offers practical advice on preparing their daughters for these important rites of passage.
Additionally, the evening provided a space for parents to ask questions and discuss their daughters’ growth, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to support their daughters during these significant life transitions. We are very grateful to the parents of our Vision Valley adventurers for supporting this initiative and the positive feedback we received about the event. We are looking forward to welcoming the girls back in Week 6.
In the Upper School, we have a commitment to providing opportunities for the girls to experience the world beyond Pymble and the chance to be of service to others. Last week Ellie Pointon, Sienna Melton, Jaidey Samuelsson and Evie Farr attended the Goodooga Games. Thank you to Sienna for this reflection:
Last week, together with a handful of other Pymble students, I travelled to regional NSW to attend the annual Indigenous Games at Goodooga. At the start of the week, we travelled from Sydney to Lightning Ridge – home of the famous black opal – and stayed there for two nights. We took a day trip to Brewarrina, where we met with a local Elder from the community.
He explained to us the significance of the heritage listed Brewarrina Aboriginal fish traps. We learnt about how they came to be, how they worked and why they are still important landmarks. For the remainder of the trip, we stayed in Goodooga, which is a small town located 20 kilometres south of the QLD border. While staying at Goodooga, we enjoyed a relaxing swim in the hot spring bore baths and attended the Indigenous Games held at the local school.
We saw many students from various schools across the region compete in a series of traditional Indigenous games. Our Pymble students had a lot of fun participating in the games and helping out the younger kids. At the conclusion of the games, we started the long journey back to Sydney with a night stopover in Dubbo.
It has been a very busy week for Year 10. The girls have been involved in a range of activities including the Knox-Pymble Social Cup on Thursday afternoon, the RYDA excursion, as well as Write a Book in a Day and the Patricia Burgoyne Speaking Competition. Well done to all involved. We will share more about RYDA next week.
Here are two reflections on Write a Book in a Day by Cindy and Jocelyn (Year 10):
“Write a Book in a Day is an initiative for high school students from years 7 to 11 and is separated into two levels: middle and upper school. It is an organisation that raises money for child cancer research and gives these written stories to kids in hospitals to read.
We came into school early at 8.00am and stayed at school until 5.00pm to finish the book. We had two illustrators on our team and the rest were writers. We finished writing the book fairly early but since there weren’t many illustrators, it took a while for all the drawings to be coloured and finished. Overall, it was an amazing experience for a good cause, and I recommend more students participate in this initiative next year.”
Written by Cindy Xu
“Participating in Write a Book in a Day was a really enjoyable and meaningful experience, where everyone in the team collaboratively worked together, applying both writing and illustration skills to create a picture book to support children with cancer.”
Written by Jocelyn Ying
The Patricia Burgoyne Speaking Competition
Every year, the Pymble English Department runs the Patricia Burgoyne Public Speaking Competition. Patricia Burgoyne was the Head of English many years ago (1966) and later went on to be Deputy Principal of the College in 1970. She felt passionate about the need for the girls of her time to have a voice in the outside community. Mrs Burgoyne began the speaking competition in 1991 as a way to empower the girls to find a voice of their own. We think it is important to honour her mission.
The competition continues in Year 10 English. Congratulations to the ten students who were part of the competition this week: Jenny Xu, Macy Sun, Sara Joung- Nguyen, Thyra Schuszler, Ann Kyle, Maria Yang, Amelia Brandon, Grace Beck, Addison Seeto and Sophie Lin. The students delivered engaging and thoughtfully articulated presentations about the importance of hope, optimism, and curiosity.
Congratulations to Jenny Xu, the winner of the competition for 2024, who considered the importance of identity, culture, and history as elements that shape us as individuals. Congratulations also to the runners-up, Amelia Brandon and Grace Beck.
Jenny’s speech appears below:
What’s in a name?
Recently, my older cousin became pregnant with a little boy, and I was tasked with helping to find names for the baby. We considered Austin, James, and about a million variants of William, but nothing seemed to fit perfectly. My parents, on the other hand, were tasked with finding the baby a Chinese name, yet all of the options they had brainstormed were also rejected by my cousin. Because according to her, there is no greater regret than picking the ‘wrong’ name for your child. A name they’ll have to shrivel and wither away with for the rest of their life.
This got me thinking about the purpose of our names. When most parents name their children, they’re looking for something symbolic or something pretty that rolls off the tongue. But names are also a signifier of identity, culture and history – something that ties us to the past, and something that can shape our experiences in the present.
So, given that names are so important, why do people ever change their names? Aside fromthose wishing to hide their history as an international super spy, data collected by a variety of sociologists seems to suggest that the vast majority of people who alter their names are immigrants, and people of colour. These alterations usually occur in three ways – erasing,shortening and anglicising.
For many immigrants who fear missing out on opportunities, changing their name gives them a better chance at cultural assimilation and economic mobility and reduces their chances ofdiscrimination. Even when it comes at a cost to their personal and cultural identity. In the same way that if a product has a better name, there’s a higher chance that a consumer will remember it, or want to buy it, unconscious bias means that ‘unfamiliar’ or ‘ethnic’ names are less likely to be remembered when listed on a CV.
But immigrants and people of colour shouldn’t have to change or erase elements of their identity just to save someone the thirty seconds it takes to learn and remember a name. I’ve come to regret how during the process of immigration, my name was anglicised, because it led me to feel disconnected from my culture and history as someone of a Chinese background. There is no way to phoneticise the letters x and u in English, yet the word is also no longer Chinese, distorted and adapted to fit the limitations of a foreign language.
Once a character, rich with meaning, now anglicised and reduced to two simple letters that are essentially nonsense. I’m immensely privileged to go to a school that is extremely aware and appreciative of cultural identity, and there are people who have to grapple with the prospect of far greater regrets than what name to put on their Year 12 jersey. But they’re regrets, nonetheless. And it’s not names, or the cultural connotations that come with them, that are the enemy, but rather the lack of willingness for society to learn or remember them.
And so, it’s that willingness, and not the names themselves, that needs to change.
Written by Jenny Xu (Year 10)
Important Dates
Term 3
Thursday 15 August – Year 10 Pymble/Knox Social Cup (3 Thursday afternoons)
Thursday 22 August – Year 10 Pymble/Knox Social Cup (3 Thursday afternoons)
Thursday 22 August – igsa Track and Field Heats
Friday 23 August – IGSA Track and Field Championships at Homebush
Friday 23 August – Year 9 Residential Program – End of Program Celebration
Monday 26 August – Year 10 girls attending St Edmund’s AIM Initiative
Friday 30 August – Year 9 Subject Selection presentation and Launch of Leadership for 2025
Friday 30 August – Year 10 Pymble/Shore Focus group meeting
Victoria Harrison
Head of Upper School
From the Senior School
Celebrating student achievements in Dance, Sport, and the Performing Arts
Year 11 assembly this week provided a perfect time to reflect on the amazing achievements and contributions of so many of our students in dance, sport and the performing arts. Our dancers have shown remarkable dedication and artistry, captivating audiences with their performances and achieving outstanding results in recent competitions. In sport, our teams have continued to demonstrate resilience, teamwork and sportsmanship, making us proud with their successes across various disciplines. The performing arts have also been a highlight, with students showcasing their talents in drama and music, proving once again the vibrant cultural life that enriches our College community.
Congratulations to Year 12 and support from Year 11
A special congratulations to our Year 12 students for their diligent and sensible approach during the recent HSC Trial examinations which run for just a few more days. Their focus and determination during this challenging period have been truly commendable. We also want to acknowledge the Year 11 girls for their care and support, providing encouragement and assistance to their Year 12 peers. This sense of community and mutual support is one of the many strengths of our Senior School, and it has been heartening to see our students embody these values.
Upcoming presentation on the GAP Program for 2026
We are also excited to announce that next week, Deputy Principal, Ms Rockwell will be giving a presentation on the GAP Program for 2026. This session will be held in the JLT and will provide valuable insights into the opportunities available for our students to take a year of working and exploration abroad. We encourage all interested students to attend this informative session to learn more about how the GAP Program can enrich your daughter’s post-school journey.
Fun at the Pymble-Knox Connections final meeting
Last week students had an absolute blast at the final Pymble-Knox Connections meeting, where they competed in a thrilling Great Race. Teams navigated a series of challenges that tested their problem-solving skills, creativity and teamwork. Laughter filled the air as students raced to complete tasks, forging stronger bonds with their peers and creating great memories. It was a fitting and joyous conclusion to a successful year of collaboration between our schools.
Term 3 Key Dates
5 August – 16 August – Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations
2 September – 13 September – Year 11 Yearly Examinations
16 September – Year 12 GPs In Schools
16 September – Year 11 and Year 12 Y-Safe presentations
21 September – Garden Party
25 September – Year 12 Picnic Day at Clontarf
26 September – Year 12 Graduation Assembly (students and staff in attendance)
27 September – Year 12 Speech Day
27 September – Year 12 Honouring Ceremony
27 September – Year 12 Chapel Service
27 September – Year 12 Valedictory Dinner
27 September – Term 3 ends
Nikki Wyse
Head of Senior School
From the Boarding School
Our Boarders are certainly a sporty bunch, so much so, sometimes it is a challenge to keep up with their triumphs. So this week I am playing catch up with a snapshot on just some of our sporting superstars starting with Year 9 Boarder Allegra who spent the previous holidays training with the Perisher Winter Sports Club and had a very successful Interschools event, coming away with her best individual results and a Team Gold and Silver. Allegra continues training and we look forward to celebrating her successes in the weeks to come.
Year 11 Boarders, Alethea (Lethy) and Allyana (Ally) continue to shine on the football field and over the term break, once again competed at the national level as members of the NSW Country Under 16 side. Lethy had the additional, and well-earned honour of captaining the side in her fourth national tournament.
Not to be outdone, tennis sisters Giselle and Sophia, did us all proud at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin over the weekend. It was a great experience for the girls and they were thrilled to catch up with some other tennis superstars. Special congratulations to Giselle who placed second in the under 18 division and Sophia who came third in the under 14 division.
Goodooga Games
Last week four of our Boarders – Jaidey, Sienna, Evie and Ellie – headed north west to experience the annual Indigenous Games in Goodooga. I hope you enjoy reading about their experiences, as written by Sienna:
Last week, myself and a handful of other Pymble students travelled to regional NSW to attend the Annual Indigenous Games at Goodooga. At the start of the week, we travelled from Sydney to Lightning Ridge – home of the famous black opal and stayed there for two nights. We took a day trip to Brewarrina, where we met with a local Elder from the community.
He explained to us the significance of the heritage listed Brewarrina Aboriginal fish traps. We learnt about how they came to be, how they worked and why they are still important landmarks. For the remainder of the trip we stayed in Goodooga, which is a small town located 20 km south of the QLD border.
While staying at Goodooga we enjoyed a relaxing swim in the hot spring bore baths and attended the Indigenous Games held at the local school. We saw many students from various schools from across the region compete in a series of traditional Indigenous games.
Our Pymble students had a lot of fun participating in the games and helping out the younger kids. At the conclusion of the games, we started the long journey back to Sydney with a night stopover in Dubbo.
Dinner with Dr H and Mr Bell
As our Boarders enjoy the last of their special dinners with Dr H and Mr Bell, it is clear that the love of these Boarder-only events grows stronger. Year 10 Boarder Rose shares her recount of a fabulous evening:
Last Sunday, Year 10 Boarders were lucky enough to attend Dr Hadwen and Mr Bell’s home for a delicious meal and a catch up. Mr Bell was a chef extraordinaire and whipped up an amazing fresh pasta dish that we all inhaled immediately, followed by Dr Hadwen’s yummy cheesecake. It was so nice to have a warm, home-cooked meal on such a chilly night.
Each year, these dinners are highly anticipated by all Boarders. They are a great opportunity for us to get together with our grade and talk with Dr Hadwen about all things happening with school, Boarding and the journey we’ve had since coming to Pymble.
Dr Hadwen’s personal experience as a Boarder is clear and she shows a deep interest, appreciation and excitement in regards to our boarding lives. We are grateful for the care and kindness shown to us by Dr Hadwen and Mr Bell and feel so lucky to have been invited to their home and to have Dr Hadwen as our school leader.
Love It – Mrs Beth Ayling, Acting Deputy Director of Boarding
We were incredibly lucky that the weather held out this weekend and the Boarders got to enjoy a wide range of activities here at Pymble and off-site.
Friday afternoon saw the return of one of our favourite Love It staples, Boarders Get Baking, where Mrs Wiedemann leads the girls in the creation of the Brookie, a brownie/cookie fusion treat! This is always a wonderful afternoon and the Boarders adore having the time and space to try new recipes.
Saturday was busy with the likes of netball, hockey, rugby and various other sports. In the evening, our Avonmoore Boarders headed off to Strike Bowling to knock down some pins. Sunday saw a Sydney adventure to Pancakes on the Rocks and the Rocks Markets where the girls enjoyed browsing for handmade or unique treasures. Our Year 10 Boarders also had a special weekend with their dessert and games night on Friday and dinner with Dr H and Mr Bell on Sunday.
This coming weekend will be another eventful one. Those attending Boarders Get Baking will be trying their hand at a Viennese apricot cake. Year 9 also have their turn for dessert and games on Friday. Saturday evening will see us heading to the Swing Factory at Terrey Hills to work on our drive. Sunday is our annual trip to Luna Park to catch up with our Boarding brothers and sisters from Knox, Wenona, Riverview, Abbotsleigh and Loreto Normanhurst. Always such a fantastic event.
The Press Club
Don’t forget to sign up for our next Boarding Community Event, to be held on 20 September, the eve of the Garden Party. Following the Boarder Parent Group meeting and some last minute Garden Party preparations, join our Boarding parents for a dinner at the Butcher’s Block at Wahroonga before heading to the Warrawee Club for an evening of live music and dancing. All Boarders are required to be in attendance on this night and we hope our families can join in the fun too.
A message about our Garden Party
As you may be aware the Garden Party is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Boarding community. Last year we raised $17,000 and $20,000 the year before. It is being held on Saturday 21 September and is a fantastic day. We will be running three stalls: the Produce Stall, the Boarders’ Barbecue and the fabulous Hillbilly Cider Shed. We will also be holding a raffle. This is a shout out to get you thinking of what you may be able to donate or contribute to the Produce Stall or the raffle.
Anything produced by Boarding families is welcome. Some examples include baked goods, jams, chutneys, sauces, pickles, fruit, eggs, bunches of herbs, flowers, wheat and cotton. It is a very popular stall and loved by all the city folk. Any donations for raffle prizes would also be greatly appreciated.
On the barbecue this year, we will also be serving bacon and egg rolls with tomato relish between 10.00am and 11.30am, and after that it will be our delicious pork and slaw rolls. Any donation of eggs for this stall would be amazing.
Finally, keep your eye out for the Google form to book a spot on the roster. Any help is appreciated and it really is a great way to catch up with other parents while contributing to the day.
View From My Window
Hi, I’m Lucy! I am 14 years old and I come from Glenthorne on the mid-north coast. We live approximately three hours north of Sydney and our farm is located along the Manning River.
I started at Pymble this year as a Boarder in Year 8. I reside in Marden House and have loved Boarding so far. From my window at school, I see buildings and sporting fields which are completely different from home; this has been a huge change.
Our family consists of Dad (Rob), Mum (Kylie) and my brother Hunter who is in Year 11 at St Ignatius, Riverview. My parents run their own Ray White agency business throughout the Manning Valley. In the holidays, I love to go into the office and help where I can. I often go and look at the ‘for sale’ properties with Dad. When I finish school, I too would love to work in the real estate industry.
From my window at home, I look out over our paddocks across the river and to the distant mountains with the big blue sky. I often see my dad driving around and around on his mower making our lawn perfect. We have a joke that he’s obsessed!
We live along the Manning River and we run cattle who are stirred up by my favourite dog Zoey, a Border Collie. I have my own small herd of speckle park cows which have just calved so I can’t wait to see them next time I’m home. When I’m home, I also work on a speckle park stud and have done several shows including Sydney Royal which was a great experience.
During the summer, we go water skiing and tubing with friends and we have this really cool spot down at Manning Point which we all love to go, we park the boat on the sand and swim. Each New Year’s Eve, we watch the fireworks off the boat.
My grandparents live in Tamworth and Armidale, so we often head out to see them, we always play tennis, yet last time I tried golf which was cool. My favourite sport is hockey, and I’ve represented the Manning Valley and recently in the under 14’s Northern Suburbs and Beaches at the Field State Championships. I am looking forward to this term representing Pymble in the Juniors team.
Pymble has provided the opportunity for me to continue my interests in hockey and cattle, and I love that I have made so many great friends at Pymble!
Boarder of the Week
Stella joined Pymble at the start of Term 2, from her hometown in Bolwarra. She quickly settled into Goodlet House and it feels like she has been part of the Pymble family for years! With her friendly nature, infectious sense of humour and eagerness to include everyone, she has quickly won the admiration of both staff and peers. A true champion of all things Boarding, Stella is always the first to volunteer for activities, showcasing her incredible team spirit.
Even on crutches, she doesn’t let anything hold her back—Stella has been all over campus, cheering on her fellow Boarders during sports events. She has fully embraced the vertical Boarding experience and loves sharing teatime with her friends. Stella also bakes delicious cookies with her mum to share with Goodlet House. Thank you, Stella, for being such a shining light in our community. You truly deserve the title of Boarder of the Week!
Upcoming Events
Save the Date
25 August – Dads and Daughters event
20 September – Boarders and their Families event (all Boarders required to be in attendance)
21 September – Garden Party
24 September – Boarders’ End of Term Chapel and Farewell to Year 12 Boarders (all Boarders required to be in attendance)
26 September – Year 12 Boarder and Parents’ celebration event (Year 12 Boarders and parents only)
27 September – Year 11 and 12 Speech Day, followed by Boarders’ Travel Day
Term 4
14 October – Boarders return from 2.00pm
18 October – Boarding lockdown and evacuation drill (all Boarders required to be in attendance)
Term 4 TBA – Mother Daughter Lunch
4 December – Year 7 to 10 Speech Day, followed by Boarders’ Travel Day
Boarder Parent Group Meetings
20 September – 2.30pm onsite
24 October – 7.00pm TEAMS meeting
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding
From the Chaplains
There are many things I love about winter.
Hot chocolate, the crunch of frost under my feet on the grass in the early morning, big warm jumpers that wrap around me like a hug.
But sometimes I struggle with the cold and the dark.
Often by this time of year I long for that lovely feeling that comes from the gentle heat of the sun on my face, and the freedom that comes with the whispers of a summer breeze.
In those moments, when something happens to upset my usual cheer and calm, I find it much harder to shake my sadness. This could just be something simple like one of my loved ones eating the last of my favourite breakfast cereal, which is silly really. There is always something else to eat, but in the winter and the dark it feels bigger than it should be. Sometimes the darkness of the early evening comes much faster. Sometimes the dark of the night lasts longer than it should. Sometimes the wind bites and cold deep into my bones.
Jesus tells us that he is the vine and we are the branches (John 15.5), and that he is the light of the world (John 8.12). But in those moments, I wonder how this is the case when the world is a bit darker on some winter days than I would like?
I think the answer is found in the natural world. All new life begins in darkness. The vine begins with a seed. The seed, more often than not, germinates in darkness.
Strengthened and nourished by things now dark with decay, dust or compost if you like. Embryos grow into living things in wombs. Dark places deep within their biological mothers’ bodies. Their energy force giving flicker of light into the darkest places, away from our sight, often unnoticed, sometimes unknown to almost every other living thing.
And so, even though I still long for those summer breezes and the gentle kiss of the sun I have taught myself to embrace the darkness. By being intentional in this teaching, I have discovered a peace and a warmth that I previously didn’t see.
Winter has a chillier, but invigorating embrace that propels me into action and movement in the great outdoors.
Winter also encourages me to find warmth inside with those I love.
Winter encourages me to give myself time to grow and to nurture the light inside myself so that I can embrace the spring with all the wonder of a seed that has broken out into the sunlight.
Winter is also the perfect place to light a candle of hope for all things and all people struggling to grow. If this is you, please know that the candle I light this evening as the darkness draws close is for you.
Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School Open Day
You’re invited to attend the Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School Open Day!
This year, our Open Day will be held on Saturday 14 September. Doors will open at 11am.
Come along and experience what Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School have to offer. It will be a day full of workshops and masterclasses, led by our expert tutors, who are all industry-working professionals. You are welcome to participate, and have a chat with any of our current students and staff members about the day to day life at SAS & SFS. Learn what makes our schools great! See our facilities first-hand. Have a tour of the building! And enjoy a free barbecue lunch too!
We will also be holding an information session and Q&A with our Directors of Education, and Executive Chairman of Waterloo Studios. This is the perfect opportunity to hear about the details of our courses, and have any of your burning questions answered.
Registrations are nowclosed for Term 4 Saturday Sports.
For late registrations, please contact Co-curricular Administration at ccsa@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or on +61 2 9497 7848.
Late registrations are NOT guaranteed
The Term 4 Sports include:
igsa Touch Football (Years 7 to 12 – Saturday mornings)
igsa Tennis (Years 7 to 12 – Saturday mornings)
igsa Water Polo (Years 7 to 12 – Saturday mornings)
Santa Sabina Volleyball (Years 7 to 12 – Saturday mornings)
Pymble Cricket (Years 7 to 12 – Saturday afternoons)
Rowing – Summer season (Years 7 to 12)
IPSHA Basketball (Years 3 to 6 – Saturday mornings)
IPSHA Cricket (Years 3 to 6 – Saturday mornings)
IPSHA Tennis (Years 3 to 6 – Saturday mornings)
Sally Davidson
Head of Co-curricular Administration
Artistic Gymnastics
Congratulations to all gymnasts that competed at the WAG NL5-7 Sydney Metro Zone 1 State Trial on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August at the Sydney Gymnastics Centre in Rooty Hill.
We entered 25 gymnasts however due to illness and injury, only 18 were able to complete. We wish those who couldn’t compete a speedy recovery.
Congratulations to the following gymnasts made it through to the NL5-7 State Championships which will take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August: Sophie Ahn, Summer Zhou, Claire Ni, Sydney Zhou, Anna Wang, Mahika Swamy
Results and Competitors:
Level 7 Senior
Mahika Swamy (Year 10)
Joint 2nd Beam
Sasha Clark (Year 10)
1st Vault
Joint 6th Floor
Level 7 Junior
Anna Wang (Year 6)
1st Floor
5th All Around
Level 6 Senior
Sydney Zhou (Year 7)
1st Vault
1st Uneven Bars
3rd All Around
Claire Ni (Year 7)
2nd Vault
3rd Beam
Stella Pieterse (Year 7)
5th Bars
Joint 6th Beam
Holly Graham (Year 10)
Level 5 Senior
Miranda Wu (Year 7)
Joint 6th Beam
Sophie Ahn (Year 6)
Joint 5th Vault
6th Beam
Isabella Niu (Year 6)
3rd Vault
Summer Zhou (Year 7)
Joint 3rd Vault
Joint 4th Floor
Autumn Wang (Year 7)
Hayley Nguyen (Year 6)
Michelle Shi (Year 7)
Celine Chen (Year 9)
Level 5 Junior
Lia Sloane (Year 4)
Ava Azizmohammad (Year 5)
Charlotte Elliot (Year 5)
Vanessa Clyne
Acting Head Coach – Artistic Gymnastics
Athletics and Cross Country
igsa Athletics
The excitement is building as the igsa Athletics carnival is now just a week away. Due to an electrical storm on Friday evening last week, unfortunately the 1500m event was postponed, however our three athletes, Eliza Lawton (Year 8), Gemma Dixon (Year 8), and Sarah Baker (Year 12), are ready to compete again this Friday night in the last of the twilight carnivals. Let’s maintain our intensity and consistency throughout the next week. The personal bests achieved last Friday are a testament to the hard work the girls have put in over the last few weeks. Well done, girls!
City2Surf
Congratulations as well to the girls and several staff members from different departments who joined over 90,000 participants in the 53rd City2Surf, making their way through the streets and up heartbreak hill to Bondi last weekend.
Deb Walsham
Head Coach
Diving
School Sport Australia Diving Nationals
This week I have the privilege of being the manager in charge of the NSW diving team competing in Adelaide at the School Sport Australia (SSA) Diving Championships.
As of day three of the seven day event, already the experiences have been spectacular for the entire contingent. SSA Diving is a spectacular opportunity for divers from all states of Australia and New Zealand to come together in competition, friendship, sportsmanship and comradery. As with all competition, there are the highs and the lows, the personal bests, and the not so personal bests! These moments are all part of rich tapestry that is sport.
On day three, congratulations to our youngest Pymble divers Zara Ware (Year 5) and Amélie Berg (Year 5) who both competed with the following outstanding results:
Zara Ware
2nd 11 Years Springboard
5th Team Synchro
Amelie Berg
3rd 10 Years Springboard
2nd Team Synchro
Congratulations on this great start to your SSA experience and we look forward to all your remaining events.
Passing The Baton
I would like to congratulate our incoming Head Coach of Diving, Kurtis Mathews, on his spectacular performances at the Olympic Games in Paris. Kurtis competed in the 3m men’s springboard preliminary and semi-finals, qualifying for the final. In an outstanding display of dives, Kurtis debuted in his first Olympic final, achieving a commendable tenth place, congratulations on this inspirational performance.
As I pass the baton to Kurtis, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all our diving community past and present. For the past 37 years in the independent system, with 27 of those at Pymble, I have had the privilege of sharing my passion and experience for diving with hundreds of young divers, instilling in them courage and resilience, whilst providing educational and competitive experiences that provide an invaluable springboard to life.
I look forward to watching Kurtis and our coaching team continue to grow the quality and successful program that is Pymble Diving.
Chris Lang
Head Coach – Diving
Hockey
igsa Hockey Competition – Round 3
We had tough matches across the board for all our Hockey teams in round three. We are so proud of all our Pymble Hockey teams this week for their intensity, never give up attitude, and for having belief in their game plans.
All teams are still sitting in good positions in the current standings for their divisions and we look forward to seeing you all back in action on Saturday.
igsa Captain’s Report
Over the weekend, both our Senior First and Junior First teams faced off against PLC Sydney in what proved to be a challenging series of matches.
The Senior First team had their third game of the season bright and early at 8.00am at Sydney Olympic Park. From the moment the whistle blew, it was clear that this was going to be a tough contest. Our backline displayed exceptional strength and resilience, fending off numerous shots on goal, with only one slipping through. Despite our best efforts, we struggled to convert our opportunities during the first half, leaving us down 1 to 0 at halftime.
Determined to turn things around, we regrouped during the break and came out stronger and ready to put up a fight. Our hard work paid off early when we were awarded a penalty stroke, which Bella Croker (Year 11) converted into our equalising goal. For the remainder of the match our defence worked hard to secure the one all draw, successfully defending many short corners. The girls demonstrated excellent teamwork and connection on the field, ultimately securing a well-earned one all draw.
As for our Junior First team, they also took to the field at Sydney Olympic Park, with their match kicking off at 10.00am. Right from the first whistle, the girls showcased their determination, staying strong on the ball and supporting each other throughout the game. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, PLC Sydney managed to break through our defence twice, leading to a 2 to 0 defeat. Whilst the result didn’t go our way, the team’s spirit and effort were impressive.
Both teams demonstrated great resilience and teamwork, with plenty to build on as the season progresses.
See below Round 3 results:
Team
Opponent
Result
Pymble 1
PLC Sydney 1
1 to 1 Draw
Pymble 2
Kambala 1
0 to 4 Loss
Pymble 3
Ravenswood 2
1 to 0 Win
Pymble 4
PLC Sydney 4
0 to 2 Loss
Pymble 5
Ravenswood 4
2 to 4 Loss
Pymble 6
Queenwood 4
1 to 1 Draw
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded best and fairest for their match in Round 3!
Pymble 1 – Gwendolyn Meek (Year 11) and Delfina De Benedetti (Year 10)
Congratulations to IPSHA AFL Pymble 1 for being awarded this week’s Junior School Sport Team of the Week! Although the team faced a strong opposition and came up short in the game, their unwavering determination and sportsmanship truly shone through. Every player demonstrated resilience and teamwork, embodying true Pymble spirit from the start to finish of the game. Well done for your commendable attitude and sportsmanship throughout the match.
Matt Tyson
Head of Sport – Kindergarten to Year 6
Netball
igsa Netball Competition – Round 3
In round 3 of the igsa Netball competition, Pymble teams experienced a range of outcomes. Pymble 1 battled to a 31 all draw against Ascham 1, while Pymble 19 impressed with a standout 30 to 0 victory over Roseville, earning them the title of most improved. Notably, Pymble 21 delivered a commanding performance, securing a 43 to 11 win against Abbotsleigh. Congratulations to all teams, and we look forward to seeing the girls back in action next week!
See below round 3 results:
Team
Opponent
Result
Pymble 1
Ascham 1
31 to 31
Pymble 2
MLC 1
23 to 40
Pymble 3
St Vincent’s 2
32 to 18
Pymble 4
Roseville 3
8 to 28
Pymble 5
Abbotsleigh 5
12 to 32
Pymble 6
St Vincent’s 7
26 to 12
Pymble 7
Brigidine 8
31 to 9
Pymble 9
Meriden 6
20 to 8
Pymble 10
Ravenswood 6
19 to 13
Pymble 12
Abbotsleigh 12
15 to 4
Pymble 13
Queenwood 8
30 to 19
Pymble 14
Abbotsleigh 14
28 to 14
Pymble 17
Wenona 12
16 to 30
Pymble 21
Ravenswood 11
30 to 20
Pymble 22
Abbotsleigh 20
23 to 14
Pymble 23
Roseville 14
9 to 6
Pymble 25
PLC Sydney 14
4 to 40
Pymble 26
Brigidine 20
12 to 7
Megan O’Keeffe
Head Coach and Co-ordinator
Pymble Elite Sportswomen’s Program
I am delighted to offer the following workshop: ‘Female Athlete Health and Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle’ on Tuesday 27 August from 3.45pm until 5.00pm in the Kate Mason Lecture Theatre.
The workshop will be facilitated by Lizzie Welborn, one of the youngest competitors to qualify for the professional Ironwoman series at the age of 16. She has been competing professionally for 9 years. Lizzie has placed in the top 3 of the Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series and Summer of Surf series on multiple occasions and is known as one of the best board paddlers in the country. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree and is the co-founder of KaMana. KaMana is a program designed to educate and empower female athletes to build confidence so they can reach their potential in sport and life. For more information, visit https://www.kamanacommunity.com.
The workshop will explore:
Understanding female physiology (we are different to men)
What it means to be a healthy athlete
Understanding your menstrual cycle
Tracking your cycle and using this to support training, performance, and recovery
Tips for training in different phases of your cycle
This valuable presentation and workshop is open to any student-athlete who represents Pymble in a sporting team in Years 7 to 12 and their parent/carer. Staff are also strongly encouraged to attend.
Students, staff and parents are also encouraged to complete the following AIS education modules from the Female Performance and Health Initiative prior to the workshop presentation:
We look forward to seeing staff, students, and parents/carers in attendance for this valuable and informative workshop.
Please only RSVP if you intend on attending as the College is being charged based on the numbers attending the workshop. RSVP’s are required by Friday 16 August to assist with final numbers. Unfortunately, late RSVP’s will not be accepted.
This week’s team of the week goes to our Senior Pymble 3 team. Pymble 3 put on two excellent performances this week with victories over both Brigidine (15 to 5) and Tara (17 to 10).
This team are in Division 2 and have several new players to the sport, but do not let that fool you. This team have gone from strength to strength and week and are proving to be a handful for their opposition. Notable mention to Eden Azar (Year 11) who showed her speed out wide, finishing several well executed back line moves to score a number of tries. Tully Black (Year 11) was lethal with the ball in hand and kept the opposition guessing. Lola Barwick (Year 11), Jemma Hodder (Year 11), Scarlett Marles (Year 11), and Amy O’Donnell (Year 11) were strong through the middle in attack and defence. Erin Porter (Year 11) and Sophie Suttor (Year 11) made several barnstorming runs resulting in constant pressure for the opposition.
Keep up the great work girls! We look forward to seeing how you progress through the season!
Jack Garrad
Co-ordinator – Rugby Sevens
Swimming
Knox PymbleSwimming Club (KPSC) 2024 Winter Short Course Invitational
We had a fantastic turnout of Pymble girls at the KPSC 2024 Winter Short Course Invitational, ranging from our Juniors to our Seniors, with commendable performances all around. The meet provides a valuable opportunity for race practice, as well as focusing on technique and skill acquisition. Several swimmers achieved personal bests and new state qualifying times, which is an indication to their hard work and dedication. While technique and skills development will always be key areas for growth, we are pleased with the progress our swimmers have made. We look forward to seeing them represent us proudly at the upcoming State Short Course Championships.
A big thank you to Mr Petri and the lifeguard team for their invaluable assistance in ensuring a smooth meet and for setting up the pool for the following day. We also want to extend our gratitude to the parents for their ongoing support and dedication to KPSC. Your contributions are greatly appreciated!
Well done to the Pymble girls who competed: Lily Barlow (Year 11), Hannah Carmichael (Year 11), Megan Chia (Year 8), Annalise Chow (Year 10), Jessica Croll (Year 11), Carla Eibach (Year 7), Oriana Fenton (Year 7), Penelope Hargraves (Year 7), Leah Ji (Year 2), Avika Kapoor (Year 7), Sisi Ko (Year 6), Katherine Kong (Year 5), Sarah Kranes (Year 7), Vera Le (Year 3), Anne Liu (Year 8), Jade Mao (Year 7), Gwen Pickthall (Year 8), Ruby Pickthall (Year 10), Charlotte Sadler (Year 7), Lily Lockhart (Year 11), Keira Smith (Year 11), Carlyn Suhendra (Year 12), Sarah Tian (Year 10), Indianna Vale (Year 9), Grace Wang (Year 5), Elsa Yu (Year 7), and Hailey Zhang (Year 4).
Lewis Gray
Acting Co-ordinator – Swimming
Water Polo
Water Polo Australia 13 and Under National Development Carnival
Congratulations to Gemma Dixon (Year 8), Keira Donovan (Year 7), and Sarah Kranes (Year 7) who travelled down to Tasmania to represent NSW in the Water Polo Australia 13 and under National Development Carnival from Thursday 4 July to Sunday 7 July.
The 13 and under development program aims to create a positive and supportive environment where young athletes can gain expert coaching in skill development, physical fitness, and building strong foundations. The emphasis is on individual and team development rather than the outcome of the competition. It is an opportunity to promote and reinforce the values of sportsmanship, fair play, respect for opponents, officials, and teammates.
Northern Suburbs and MLC Competitions
Well done to all teams who are finding their roll, finishing off round 3 on Friday 9 August.
Best of luck to our Intermediate team who will play their final game Monday 19 August. Go Pymble!
Brigette Moore
Head Coach – Water Polo
From the Co-curricular Performing Arts Team
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Dance
Platinum Dance Competition
Last Saturday, our junior eisteddfod groups, Scarlet, Navy, and the Hip Hop Crew, took the stage at the Platinum Dance Competition, wrapping up the season with a fantastic morning of dance, camaraderie, and success.
It was the final eisteddfod of the season for most of our groups, and the atmosphere was electric with everyone cheering each other on and celebrating the hard work and dedication that has gone into this year.
Our students showcased their talents with outstanding performances, and we are thrilled to share the results:
Lyrical Year 3 to 6: 1st place – Junior Lyrical
Lyrical Year 7 to 12: 3rd place – Contemporary Navy
Contemporary Year 7 to 12: 1st place – Contemporary Scarlet
Hip Hop Year 7 to 12: 1st place – Pymble Ladies’ College Hip Hop Crew
Jazz Year 3 to 6: 1st place – Junior Jazz
Jazz Year 7 to 12: 3rd place – Jazz Scarlet
Technique Award: Jazz Navy
A huge congratulations to all our dancers for their incredible performances and for supporting one another throughout the competition. We are so proud of the hard work and spirit you’ve shown this season!
HSC Dance Showcase
Click here to purchase your tickets to the 2024 HSC Dance Showcase!
Katrina Cluff
Head of Dance
Drama
This weekend, our drama students showcased their incredible talent and hard work at the Sydney and Ryde Eisteddfods. It was a strong competition with outstanding performances that highlighted the depth of creativity and dedication within our school community.
Sydney Eisteddfod
Sunnyside Retirement
Congratulations to Grace Jacobs (Year 7), Grace Neal (Year 7), Fiona Wu (Year 7), Rebecca Zhou (Year 7), Mia Zhu (Year 7), Matilda Bentley (Year 8), and Melanie Ma (Year 8) for their captivating performance in Sunnyside Retirement. Set in a retirement village, this comedic murder mystery follows a quirky group, including a deaf war veteran, a confused dementia patient, and a fed-up nurse, as they bumble through clues to solve the case.
Will of Fortune
Our Year 10 group earned third place with their comedic and thought-provoking piece, Will of Fortune. Sehjal Baveja, Mahika Swamy, Verity Haslam, Holly Graham, Kristine Weng, Selina Huang, Chloe Brown, and Rosa Kim portrayed a complicated family fighting over a grandfather’s inheritance. The unique game show format, which determined the family members’ fates, left a lasting impression on the judges and audience.
Murderous Misunderstanding
Another standout performance was Murderous Misunderstanding, which received a Highly Commended award. Aisha Suresh (Year 5), Safina Burgess (Year 6), Summer Wang (Year 5), Sunny Wang (Year 5), Alice Wu (Year 6), Cecilia Zhang (Year 6), Shilin Zhao (Year 6), and Tanvi Raniga (Year 6) kept the audience on the edge of their seats with a gripping and suspenseful tale. The story of a group of friends summoning a ghost at a sleepover, and the subsequent mysterious appearances of the ghost, was both comedic and chilling, making for a memorable performance.
Ryde Eisteddfod
For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls
Leura Sayers (Year 9) and Jessica Allman (Year 9) performed their rendition of For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls. The judges highlighted their great characterisation and authentic southern accents. The beautiful character relationships, especially the dynamic between mother and son, and the eccentric characterisation, were standout features that made this performance memorable.
An Ideal Husband
Nandika Singh (Year 11) and Doris Li (Year 11) brought Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband to life with great costumes and subtle yet powerful hints at feminist views, skilfully adapted for a contemporary audience. Their performance showcased how far these themes have evolved since Wilde’s time.
Top Girls
Finally, Indianna Joyce (Year 11) and Elizabeth Tang (Year 11) delivered a poignant and emotionally complex performance in Top Girls. Their exploration of mature themes and the use of silence and tension heightened the relationship between the sisters. This beautiful and emotional piece left a lasting impact on the audience.
Congratulations to all participants and thank you for representing our school with such excellence and creativity!
Important Drama Events
31 August – Ryde Eisteddfod at West Ryde Community Centre
Please note that some eisteddfods have yet to be confirmed. More information will be sent to all students involved.
Rebecca York
Co-curricular Drama Co-ordinator
Language Arts
Debating
Archdale Debating – Shield and Invitational
Results from Round 7 on Tuesday 6 August with St Catherine’s are in and Pymble won seven out of eight debates. Bravo teams!
On Tuesday 13 August, an online Round 2 makeup was held against Kambala, with Pymble winning four out of eight debates.
Archdale Shield debates will have a tie breaker round next week prior to moving to finals rounds. Any teams needed for next weeks debates will be contacted.
Invitational/Virtual Archdale debaters will be contacted separately regarding the forthcoming finals.
Debating Notes
Debating Bootcamp – The Language Arts High Level Debating Bootcamp continues this Friday after school. A continued thanks to Maya Garg (Year 11), State Debating representative, and the Language Arts Captains for this initiative. Girls are on a steep learning curve!
IDC Debating – Term 4 – Teams will be released in the forthcoming weeks.
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 substitutes can be arranged.
Staff v Student debate – stay tuned for this forthcoming highlight
Public Speaking
Junior Secondary School Speaking Award
Congratulations to Leahara Wijesuriya (Year 8) and Estelle Lee (Year 8) who competed in the Junior Secondary School Speaking Award (JSSA) heat at Abbotsleigh on Monday. Both girls excelled in their prepared and impromptu speeches. Estelle will now progress to the JSSA Regional round to be held at The Arts’ Centre, Lewisham, between Monday 2 and Monday 9 September.
UN Voice Registrations
Pymble will host a UN Voice of Youth heat on Monday 14 October. In 2022, Jenny Xu (Year 11) was the national winner. Last year, Isis Li (Year 9) was the national runner up. This is a wonderful competition and is open to all. In the first instance, please email our incoming Public Speaking Captain, Jenny Xu at JIXu@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au to register interest. Please use UN Voice interest as the subject heading. Please copy Mrs Hubbard bhubbard@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au and Co-curricular Administration ccsa@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au into the email. You will then be invited to a workshop run by past winners, and registrations will be completed through Co-curricular Administration.
Model United Nations (MUN)
Evatt
Maya Garg (Year 11) and Catherine Shi (Year 11) have progressed to the Evatt National final and will represent NSW at the National finals during the upcoming summer holidays.
UN Negotiations
Well done to our negotiators who competed in the first of their two preliminary rounds last Saturday at Pymble. They are awaiting their second scenario.
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. Sixteen 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!
A compulsory MUN training day will be held on Wednesday 28 August from 8.40am to 12.00pm in CL02.
Mock Law
Mediation
Well done team on a wonderful score in the first round of Mediation last week. We now await new of finalist teams.
Mock Trial
After progressing to the next of the finals rounds following a win, the material for Elimination Round 1 will be released on Monday 19 August.
Festival of Speech
The annual Festival of Speech will be held at MLC Burwood this year on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October. A Pymble representative team will be formed over the coming weeks.
Bronwyn Hubbard
Head of Co-curricular Language Arts
Music
Congratulations
Joanna Au (Year 10)participated in the duet section of the 2024Australian Percussion Eisteddfod last Saturday with her friend Celina Yuen and they won the Silver Award!
Grace Yu (Year 2)has had successes in recent Eisteddfod competitions:
St George Eisteddfod
1st Restricted seven years session2nd Open String Grade 4
Ryde Eisteddfod
3rd Open String Grade 4\
Alice Lin (Year 7) participated in a drum kit solo competition (Australian Percussion Eisteddfod) for the first time and achieved first place.
Junior Jazz and Grainger Band – Congratulations to Junior Jazz for placing first and Grainger Band for placing second in the Ryde Eisteddfod, as we as all students who participated.
Scholar’s Concert
Thank you to all the parents who have secured tickets for this event. We are limited in numbers, so if you know you are not able to attend, please email music admin at musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au so that we can pass your ticket onto someone who is on the wait list.
The evening will commence with a short performance on harpsichord and Baroque flute from two of our fabulous peripatetic staff, Anthony Abouhamad and Jessica Lee.
All musicians are expected to be available for Garden Party – whether to perform or to help – especially with our littlest performers in Kindergarten to Year 2. The Music Support Group would also appreciate any help if you are able. Please contact Liz Toh at Elizabethtoh@gmail.com
Music Tour – Spain and Portugal
The final instalment for the tour is due by Sunday 1 September. Information will be emailed to families. All students were asked to try on the tour jackets, and I am pleased to say they look awesome! The music is coming along well, and the girls are putting in a great effort. Please do not book appointments during the rehearsal times. We are playing on international stages and we need to be at our best, therefore requiring ALL girls to be in attendance at ALL rehearsals.
Sarah Turner
Head of Music
Speech and Drama
Ryde Eisteddfod
Congratulations to all the talented solo performers in the Ryde Eisteddfod. There are more results to come as the Eisteddfod continues.
During the July break, nine students had the extraordinary opportunity to attend a summer school program at the prestigious Oxford University. Accompanied by teachers Karen Michie and Gabrielle Zolezzi, the students immersed themselves in a range of subjects, including architecture, medicine, economics and business.
They lived and studied in the historic colleges, soaking up the rich academic and cultural atmosphere of Oxford. The experience was further enriched by interactions with peers from around the globe, creating a truly international learning environment.
Our students made us immensely proud by embracing every opportunity the program offered. Their hard work and enthusiasm were recognised at the graduation ceremony, where Macy (Year 10), Anita (Year 10) and Andelle (Year 11) received prizes for their academic performance and participation.
Reflecting on their experience, students highlighted the friendships and connections they made, the insights gained about their courses and careers, and the unique cultural experiences. This tour not only broadened their academic horizons but also fostered personal growth and independence.
“I definitely made so many friends and connections. I also learned so many things about my course and the careers, and it definitely taught me a lot about the industry” (Andelle, Year 11).
“The best thing about my experience at Oxford was meeting new people. I made a lot of new friends from all around the world, and we keep in touch nowadays.” (Ruth, Year 10).
“I most enjoyed the outings and spending time with my friends in the common room playing ping pong or hanging out in their rooms. However, even during class, everyone was so involved and comfortable so it didn’t really feel like we were being ‘forced’ to learn content.” (Anita, Year 10)
“The best part of my experience at Oxford was going to the Roman Baths and the college debate session. The baths and beautiful architecture really immersed me into the history of the area and we were lucky enough to experience beautiful weather too! The architecture of the buildings really made me feel like I was in Europe and I had a wonderful outing with some memorable souvenirs. The (one-sided) debate session between the colleges was incredibly interesting and a hilarious experience. There were also two adorable campus British shorthair cats that roamed around and if you were lucky, they would let you pet them and were quite sociable. They were certainly a highlight at the college.” (Natalie, Year 10)
“The best thing about my experience at Oxford Royale was the immersive environment in which we could truly experience college life at one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. It was an amazing opportunity to meet new friends from all around the world and to push myself academically. After my experience I feel that I am definitely thinking more widely in terms of overseas study pathways. Experiencing student life so realistically absolutely has got me considering applying if an opportunity arises in the future.” (Jessica, Year 10)
Karen Michie
Science Teacher + Head of Year 12 (Lang, Marden, Thomas and Wylie)
Garden Party – Map and Entertainment Schedule
We can’t wait to welcome you to our Pymble campus on Saturday 21 September from 10.00am to 3.00pm for our biggest event of the year.
Open to the whole community, our fete will have rides, food and market stalls, demonstrations, live music, competitions and more!
Funds raised at this year’s Garden Party will go to the Barbara May Foundation and Sony Foundation.
As parking will be limited on the day, we recommend families catch the train to Pymble Station from where our campus is only a short five-minute walk away.
We look forward to welcoming students, their families and members of the public for a day full of fun, all while supporting a good cause!
Pre-order your Unlimited Rides Pass!
We are delighted to invite the College community to celebrate all things Pymble at our annual Garden Party on Saturday 21 September.
The Unlimited Rides Pass allows you to go on as many rides as you would like at Garden Party 2024 between 10.00am and 3.00pm. This is great value for money and is sure to keep the young ones entertained over the course of the day.
This year there are two options based on a child’s height:
Unlimited Rides Pass for children 130cm and over – Cost: $45
Unlimited Rides Pass for children under 130cm – Cost: $35
Each pass provides unlimited access on any ride or activity where the minimum height/age requirement is met:
The Superhero Ride (130cm and over)
The Round Up (120cm and over)
The Whirlwind (110cm and over)
Storm Ride (110cm and over)
Cup & Saucer (Two years and over)
Swinging Pirate Ship
Turbo Flyers
Giant Slide
Inflatables
Order now: Click here to pre-order your Unlimited Rides Pass.
Registrations close: Thursday 19 September 2024
Enquiries: Please contact the Rides Convenor, Sangeeta Venkatesan at sangeeta.venkatesan@gmail.com
Click here for more details on Pymble Ladies’ College Garden Party 2024. We look forward to seeing you there!
Give FunDive a Try!
Ever wondered what it takes to be a diver? Curious about how it feels to springboard from a height into a pool of water beneath you?
If you’re looking for a thrill at Garden Party or just want to try your hand at learning a new skill, you don’t want to miss Pymble’s FunDive event taking place in the afternoon in the Braith Williams Aquatic and Fitness Centre.
Led by Olympian Kurtis Mathews, Pymble’s Head Coach of Diving, FunDive will give you the rare opportunity to learn the principles of diving, participate in a session guided by an expert coach and truly understand the courage involved in this fantastic sport.
There are only a limited number of tickets being sold for this event, so you’ll need to be quick to secure your spot. Please note: Students must be able to swim 15 metres unassisted in the deep end of the 50 metre pool to participate.
For further information please contact Kurtis Mathews at kmathews@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or events@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Junior School Garden Party Poster Competition
With just under two months to go until Pymble’s biggest event of the year, Junior School students are encouraged to enter the Garden Party Poster Competition, with winners receiving house points.
Entries are to be submitted to the Junior School Office by Friday 23 August 2024. All posters entered will be displayed at Garden Party 2024. Prizes and certificates will be presented at Assembly in the week before Garden Party. Multiple entries are welcome.
Click here to download a copy of the poster which you can print at home. Students/parents can also pick up copies at Junior School reception.
Good luck!
Cake Stall
Pymble is hosting its annual Garden Party on Saturday 21 September and the Cake Stall is always a highlight of the day. All funds raised are donated to the Garden Party charities – the Barbara May Foundation and Sony Camp Australia.
You can help in two ways by:
Baking delicious cakes, biscuits, slices and treats for sale.
Assisting on the stall during the day.
The stall caters to a broad range of customers from those wanting a delicious on-the-go snack to keep up their energy levels, to those looking to take home a cake, tart or pie for a special occasion. All baked goods are welcome!
The cakes and baked goods can be dropped off at the stall in the foyer of the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts (GMCPA) on the day of the Garden Party from 7.30am.
We also need volunteers to man the stall and sell the delicious treats throughout the day. If you can help at the stall for an hour, please register here.
Thank you, as always, for your support.
Cake and Cake Box Decorating
With the theme of Enchanted Garden, students from Kindergarten to Year 12, parents and families are invited to bake and/or create their most creative cake and/or cake box! Any size, shape and skill level is welcome to enter, and you can submit multiple entries should you wish.
Cake Decorating Competition
Cake Box Decorating Competition
Reminder: Term 3 Pymble Bus Service – Register now!
A reminder to parents to register your daughter for the Pymble private bus service for travel during Term 3 if you have not already done so.
Students must use their student ID card to tap on and tap off each trip. If your daughter has lost her card, please contact College Services for a replacement form.
Please contact College Services via collegeservices@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you have any further questions about transport to and from Pymble Ladies’ College.
We are pleased to announce that the trial of the two additional Northern Beaches bus services in the early morning and late evening will continue in Term 3.
This is a shared and co-branded bus service between Pymble, Barker College and Abbotsleigh.
The continuation of these bus services is dependent on continuing demand throughout the year so please register your family’s interest in this service for Term 3 at collegeservices@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Times
The early AM bus departs Avalon at 5.50am and arrives at Pymble at 6.41am
The evening service departs Pymble at 5.00pm (departure from Pymble at 5.10pm on Monday evenings) before making its way to Avalon via Abbotsleigh and Barker College. It is scheduled to arrive at the last stop at 6.30pm (or 6.45pm on Monday evenings). This is also a co-branded bus.
We are writing to announce a very exciting opportunity for Pymble families with the launch of The Pymble Family Book Club.
With this initiative, we are offering families the chance to read great stories together, share ideas, and attend events to connect with authors and fellow readers.
The first author we will be showcasing is Maryam Master. Her books Exit Through The Gift Shop and No Words have been celebrated by critics and readers alike. We are very pleased to announce she will be joining us for the first ever Pymble Family Book Club on Wednesday 28 August at 5.00pm.
We invite you to come along to spend time with your family and friends, discuss Maryam Master’s books, led by the author herself, and connect over literature. You can see Maryam talking with Pymble students earlier in the year about her books in this video.
How the Pymble Family Book Club works:
Check out Maryam Master’s books and discuss with your carer/student if there is one (or both) you wish to read, and if you’d like to attend the Family Book Club together. You could even get a reading group together. Reach out to other carers and students in the year and organise to make it a social event!
RSVP to attend the Family Book Club on Wednesday 28 August. Please RSVP via this form. There is no cost to attend the event.
You are welcome to obtain a copy of Maryam’s book/s through a library or borrow from a friend. For those who wish to purchase the books, we have organised an easy way for you to source Maryam’s books through a supplier. Please see the order form attached or click on this link to order one or both of Maryam’s books. These will be available for collection at the College in the last week of Term 2.
Both carer and student read the book/s prior to the event on Wednesday 28 August.
Put the event in your calendar and come along on Wednesday 28 August to the Conde Library at the College to have a great time.
If you can’t make the event but still want to read some Maryam Master, you are still welcome to order the books through us and please email us at library@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au for some ideas about what we will discuss on the night.
We look forward to you joining us for this special opportunity to connect over some incredible stories and ideas. If you have any questions, please reach out to library@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
