The joy of end-of-year celebrations at Pymble continues. Congratulations to all our students who proudly shared their growing skills and talents in Co-curricular Filmmaking, Theatresports and Drama showcases this week – girls, take a big, long bow. Well done also to our Rhythmic Gymnasts for their amazing showcase on Tuesday. I am really looking forward to our Artistic Gymnastics Christmas Display tonight to watch the incredible routines our girls have worked so hard to master and to experience the magic of our new program, Aerial Circus.
Speaking of artistic, thank you to our Year 11 Visual Arts students who have gifted us with a stunning variety of portraits to marvel over in their 2023 Pymble Archies Exhibition. The display is in the GMCPA foyer until Wednesday 6 December, and you can vote for your favourite portrait by clicking here.
This week we also had a beautiful Boarders’ Christmas Celebration on Tuesday (see the Boarding section for more details and photos), following our ‘Barbie meets Christmas’ themed Combined Assembly earlier in the day. You might be wondering why we frequently add elements of playfulness and whimsy to our assemblies. The simple reason is that we want students to look forward to coming together to celebrate each other’s achievements and to share moments of joy, even if it means bringing in the unicorns and whacky socks or a dance-off to Mariah Carey’s much-loved Christmas anthem, All I Want For Christmas Is You. School should be a place where joy and fun abound, in the classroom, outside of class and when we come together as a community.
In this instance, we shared the joy of Christmas, dancing and acknowledging all our students who will be receiving awards and leadership positions at next week’s Speech Day events for Years 7 to 11. The girls also had an opportunity to celebrate our much-loved Reverend Bent before she leaves to embark on her next journey with the Uniting Church. (Junior School, it’s your turn on Monday!)
Phoebe Paleologos (Year 10) and Soraya Catchpole (Year 9) did such a beautiful job in conveying how much Rev Bent means to the students that I have sought their permission to share their tribute here:
“Rev Bent, on behalf of all the students of the Secondary School, it is our honour today to thank you for the eight years of service that you have given us here at Pymble.
“You have guided us, encouraged us, laughed with us, cried with us, mourned with us, celebrated with us. You have prayed with us and sung with us. (Sorry our singing has been so bad sometimes!)
“You have seen so many groups of students graduate from school, and many of them still keep in touch with you.
“Thank you for eight years of your prayers for us.
“Thank you for all your love, for all the hours you have given when no one has noticed, for all the late nights at school functions and trips into the city for Climate Action rallies, and for all the early morning starts setting up the chapel for special events.
“You have shown us what God is like – loving, forgiving, inclusive and a bringer of joy. Thank you for making a difference in our lives.
“And now we have a surprise for you.
“We know that the Scriptures are close to your heart, and that we are close to your heart.
“This gift is not a scroll of Scripture, but a scroll which wraps up all of our love for you.
“On this scroll is a message to you from every single student in the Secondary School.
“We hope you know that with this scroll comes all our love and gratitude.” – Phoebe and Soraya (pictured with Rev Bent and the scroll below)
There will be more opportunities to celebrate and give thanks for our “dear one”, Rev Bent, including at our Joy of Christmas Celebration at the College this Sunday, Speech Day events next week and a Closure of Ministry service with staff and Boarders early in 2024.
For now, there are no more words to say so I’m ending with Rev Bent’s trademark sign-off to the girls, “God bless” and “Peace out”.
From the Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
At this time of year, we enjoy celebrating the girls’ passions and achievements. This week it’s been a joy to watch our 2023 Rhythmic Gymnastics, Artistic Gymnastics and Drama showcases. Congratulations to all the girls who have performed in these showcases; your skills and dedication are impressive. Most of all I love to see how proud you are of the skills you have learnt this year.
Congratulations to Jade George (Year 6) who won our ‘design a new letterbox for our Junior School’ competition. Jade’s winning design has been made for our Junior School by our phenomenal Head of TAS, Mr Peter Ellis who embodies kindness and creativity in the way he helps bring our creative concepts to life.
Congratulations to our FLL girls who rose to an innovation challenge posed and designed and coded a prototype which is controlled solely by head movements. This robot was designed by our Year 5 and 6 girls as they thought about how robots could help people with limited limb mobility. Watch the video below!
Good luck to our FLL Robotics girls who head to Nationals at Macquarie University this weekend and to our VEX IQ girls who head to Nationals in Adelaide this weekend. We will be cheering you all on and are #Pymbleproud.
As we come towards the end of the year, I am handing over this week’s newsletter to our Junior School Deputies, Mrs Lara Bird and Mr Stephen Robinson and our Lead Coordinator K-3, Mrs Kate Giles as they share their reflections from their portfolio areas.
I look forward to catching up with as many of you as possible at our Celebrations of Learning and our Junior School Speech Day next week.
A message from Lara Bird – Deputy Head of Junior School – Academics
K-2 Celebration of Learning and 3-6 Speech Day will take place in Week 9. As our school year ends, it is important for our girls to reflect on their own unique academic journey and celebrate their personal growth across the year. A learner’s journey does not end because the school year comes to a close, but rather that journey continues for life. Whilst it is important for the College to acknowledge academic achievement for our highest achieving students in our end of year formal events, we must also remember as a school community to celebrate the process of learning and the progress made by each student who may or may not be a recipient of a prize or an award.
We are very proud of every student in the Junior School, and it is important to remember as parents to not compare your daughter’s learning, skills, strengths and areas of growth with other students as the girls are unique and diverse in their learning styles, passions and interests, and no journey is the same. Thank you to the girls for having a go, embracing challenge and for no longer being afraid of making mistakes, these dispositions will take you far in your journey as a lifelong learner.
Semester 2 Academic Reports will be uploaded to the portal in Week 9.
Wild with Words Poetry Competition
Congratulations to the following student award recipients in the Wild With Words Poetry Competition
Year 3
Highly Commended: Irene Du for ‘Rainforest’
Year 4
Highly Commended: Loriah Zhang for ‘The Ocean’
Highly Commended: Ellie Zhang for ‘The Slitherier Awakes’
Year 5
First place: Alison Kok for ‘Dancing In Our Hearts Forever’ in the Most Effective Use Of Poetic Techniques category
First place: Lily Zhang for ‘Magpie’ in the Most Descriptive Use Of Words category.
Highly Commended: Diya Dhanpal for ‘An Unbreakable Bond’
Year 6
First place: Gabrielle Guo for ‘The Numbats’ in the Most Awareness For Caring For Country category
Year 6 Maths Olympiad – Joanne Meacock, Year 6 Compass Teacher
In Term 2 and 3, the 6M and 6P Maths classes completed the APSMO Maths Olympiad. This is a competition where students complete a set of five questions in 30 minutes. This year there were four test papers. The questions were designed to extend our thinking and we had to use different components in Mathematics to solve the questions. It was challenging to finish, and the questions escalated really quickly, but it was an excellent learning opportunity for all of us. We learnt many new problem solving skills and how to think critically, outside the box, during this process. – Written by Isabella Dong (Year 6)
A message from Stephen Robinson – Acting Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations
As the academic year draws to an end, Hub technicians will be working with Compass Teachers to collect back the IT assets of all students for inventory, servicing and updates. Should your daughter have any items at home, please ensure they are brought to school for return.
Tomorrow Friday 1 December 2023 (Kindergarten to Year 2)
iPad
Logitech crayon
Monday 4 December 2023 (Year 3)
iPad and case
Logitech crayon
Monday 4 December 2023 (Year 5)
iPad
Keyboard case
Logitech crayon
iPad carry sleeve
Tuesday 5 December 2023 (Year 4)
iPad and case
Logitech crayon
Note: Students do not return their headphones. These will be taken home at the end of year as a spare pair for 2024.
Pymble Gives Back – Final donations welcomed!
As the academic year draws to a close, our final three initiatives for the year of Pymble Gives Back, will soon end. If you are able to contribute to one or more of these fantastic opportunities, please do so by Tuesday afternoon.
Recycled clothing and linen drive: Whether it be last season’s fashions, or something that has been outgrown, drop off unwanted clothing and linen to the large bin outside Hedgehog House.
The Bill Crew’s Foundation Food Drive: Do you have something in your pantry that could benefit those less fortunate? Drop off any long-life items to the crates located inside Hedgehog House.
HARK Refugee Toy Drive: In support of the many families with children that are still adjusting to life in Australia, toys and activities for young and middle age children are welcomed. Please drop to Junior School reception.
We are also incredibly thankful to the donations made throughout the year to our many service and charitable endeavours. Seen below are some of our Year 5 and Year 6 students presenting cheques to two of our College charities for 2023, The Smith Family and Dignity.
Christmas is a time for joy, love and coming together, and one meaningful way to show gratitude for others is by crafting handmade gifts.
Thank you to Dionne Jacobs and Amelia Blaiklock who enthusiastically led the final SRC initiative for this semester, thoughtfully combining suggestions from their peers to show kindness to the environment and support the 2023 initiative, Pymble Gives Back at the same time!
Over the past few weeks, the SRC has been busy decorating pots, planting succulents and writing Christmas cards for Year 6 students to take with them as part of their fortnightly visit to Bowden Brae Gardens aged care facility. Through the act of decorating, planting and writing, students have been able to show their appreciation for the wisdom, guidance and friendship provided by those at Bowden Brae this year while connecting with their environment.
‘Leading SRC was a really fun experience because it taught me leadership skills but also allowed me to help residents in Bowden Brae and give them a gift for Christmas’ Dionne Jacobs
‘I loved being able to see the SRC representatives contribute their ideas each week and watch their ideas turn into a reality’ – Amelia Blaiklock
A message from Kate Giles – Lead Coordinator K-3 & Jayne Mercer- Lead Coordinator Years 4-6.
Over the year, the girls have engaged in Compass Directions lessons to build connections with their teachers and each other, as well as grow and develop their social and emotional skills. Highlights over the year have included the Year 9 Big Sister program, Unstructured Play sessions and House Spirit events such as the House Robotics Competition.
We have continued our focus on developing the girls’ understanding of friendships and how to manage them through the URSTRONG program. It has been wonderful to see how the language of friendship has become embedded in the Junior School, with the girls empowered to manage their friendships using the skills learned.
“I found the URSTRONG lessons really useful and in the playground I have used these with my friends. It helped me understand friendship fires and to understand the friend-o-meter and whether our friendships are healthy or not”- Arin Sadananda Year 3
A highlight of Compass Directions this year have been the Mind Body Spirit Days. Years 2-6 have enjoyed a special day this year where they focused on their wellbeing, building their social and emotional skills and connecting with their classmates and teacher. The activities across each year group included a range of different things from mindful watercolour painting sitting under the jacaranda tree, the creation of mandalas using items found in nature and playing with the big balls on the main oval.
Other ways that we have fostered connection across the Junior School have been through the Kindergarten and Year 2 buddy program. The girls have enjoyed catching up with their buddies across the year, playing, creating and building things together as well as learning from each other and growing connections between the girls.
“My favourite thing in Compass directions lessons has been our Buddy time. It is so much fun getting to know our Kindy buddies and teaching them how to do different things and playing with them.” -Audrey Conn Year 2
We encourage you to talk and reflect with your daughter about her learning during Compass Directions lesson this year. As we approach the end of the year, it can sometimes be an unsettling time for our girls as they realise they are approaching a time of change with the move to a new class. We encourage you to talk with your daughter about this change and let her share her feelings. Some practical ways to do this might be:
Discuss with your daughter how she is feeling and how she wants to feel about next year. For example ‘I am feeling worried but I want to feel more excited’ and discuss how to work towards feeling that way.
Reflect on all her achievements and growth this year and how proud you are of her.
Remind her how she felt at the beginning of this year and how much she has grown since then.
Check in regularly with your daughter to help her name and share any emotions, reminding her that all feelings are ok.
Around the Grounds
A message from Mrs Josephine Laretive, K-2 Teacher Librarian and Mrs Martha Itzcovitz, 3-6 Teacher Librarian
Last date for borrowing and date need to be returned
Please note that all library books are due back by Friday 1 December.
Final day for Years 3-6 borrowing is Friday 17 November
Final day for K-2 borrowing is Friday 24 November
All books due back by Friday 1 December
If you have any concerns regarding book loans, please contact:
When your daughter is late to school could you please assist us by remining your daughter to sign in at the Junior School Administration Hub (Hedgehog House). When your daughter needs to leave early for an appointment please send an email to juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au and sign your daughter out from the Junior School Administration Hub.
Could we kindly ask if your daughter has her school name badge at home if she can return it to the Junior School office.
Lost property
A reminder all unnamed items are stored in the K-2 Upper Performing Arts Room. Any unnamed items will be disposed of at the end of term.
Medications
We are returning medications belonging to your daughter which have been stored in the Junior School Office for use over the summer period. Please check these items before use as some may have short expiry dates.
On the first day of term one next year, we would ask you to once again provide a supply of any medications your daughter may require. Where possible, please provide items with a long expiry date. Items should be dropped to the Junior School Office.
Thank you and Seasons Greetings
The Administration Office team would like to thank you for communicating with the office when your daughter’s normal school day changes.
We wish you and your families a safe holiday season break and looking forward to seeing your daughters return to Junior School in 2024. For those girls currently in Year 6, all the best for their first year in Secondary School, we hope you come and visit us in Hedgehog House!
Important Dates for Term 4
Tuesday 5 December
Kindergarten Celebration of Learning 9.00am-10.30am Year 1 and Year 2 Celebration of Learning 11.30am-12.30pm Students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2 will be able to go home with parents at the end of the events, or they can remain at school until the end of the day. A form to advise of family preference will be sent to families.
Wednesday 6 December
Years 3-6 Speech Day Supervision for students in K-2 is available. Last Day of Term 4 2023 – Happy holidays!
Kate Brown
Head of Junior School
From the Middle School
During our combined assembly on Tuesday, I had the pleasure of reading out the award recipients for Middle School for 2023 and the new leaders for 2024. I took the opportunity to congratulate all of our Year 7 and 8 students who have worked hard across the year to achieve their goals in both academic and co-curricular pursuits.
I acknowledged the individual contributions that have strengthened our community and thanked the girls for their efforts and compassion. We are all looking forward to next Wednesday’s Speech Day event to formally conclude the year. Please remember that this is a compulsory event for all students and an opportunity to celebrate each other before moving off into the Christmas holidays.
Last Friday we held the end of Year Middle School Barbecue on Gloucester Lawn. This was a fun way to gather and acknowledge our time together. We are sad to be farewelling Year 8 but know that they are ready to embrace the new challenges associated with Upper School. This week our Middle School Leaders led a fantastic event across Mind Body Spirit time on Monday. All the Year 8 students were invited to be part of a Christmas Scavenger Hunt taking them across the college campus in pursuit of treasure. On Thursday Year 8 shared their Compass Christmas videos which showcased their creativity and sense of fun. It was wonderful to see the girls come together in celebration. A great end to the year.
Thank you to the budding artists in Year 7 and 8, Alexa Wu and Yuechery Xu, whose beautiful artworks have been selected to be presented as farewell gifts to Reverend Punam Bent and our Chair of Council Mr James Hunter.
Congratulations to Emma Wang of Year 7 for her service initiative whose reflection is below:
I came up with the initiative for ‘Pom Pals’ as a way to raise awareness and money for the charity Oxfam. ‘Pom Pals’ are woolen pom poms with googly eyes and felt feet which I designed and made in the last school holidays. Creating the Pom Pals took a few weeks after I found a pom pom making kit. I made so many of them that my Mum suggested selling them for charity. I organised the sale of Pom Pals with the support of Ms Mimmo and Mrs Rockwell. I sold them for $2 each at school and raised $103.
I chose to raise money for Oxfam as they support families in developing countries by providing health kits, food and clean water. Oxfam is currently providing crisis relief in places such as Gaza, East Africa, Turkey and Syria. Overall, it was such a fulfilling experience to see the happy looks on everyone’s faces when they bought one (or fifteen!) of my creations. I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to raise money at school. – Written by Emma Wang
Congratulations to Isis Li of Year 8 on progressing to the Grand Finals round for the prestigious Voice Competition for 2023! Isis will be competing and representing the college on Friday the 15th of December at the Parliament House of NSW. We wish her every success.
Gloucester Gatherings
Our Gloucester Gathering Liaisons along with our Middle School Liaisons, have put together a wonderful schedule for Gloucester Gatherings this Term. See below for the exciting activities planned for Middle School. We look forward to sharing many photos throughout the term.
Jenny O’Donnell
Head of Middle School
From the Upper School
A message from Mr Tom Riley, Head of Upper School
It has been a massive penultimate week in the Upper School with Year 10 engaged in their Future You Festival, and over 60 Year 9s enjoying Peer Support Training on Tuesday.
In collaboration with our Futures department, we have designed an exciting week for Year 10 to culminate their time in the Upper School and to get their mind thinking about what is to come. The week began with a fabulous talk by ex-student Sam D’Souza on being open to change and putting yourself in a position to experience luck. The girls then worked with Kathryn Taylor from Turning Point Consultancy to further explore their strengths profiles established earlier in the year, and to consider how to weave these into a job interview. We also made 1000s of menstrual products for Days for Girls, enjoyed an active session titled ‘Let’s Get Moving’, ‘speed-dated’ parents, alumni, and industry professionals to hear their journeys and stories in the working world, and also heard from senior staff on how to prepare for a leadership, Sony Camp, or gap year interview in Year 11. And this was just Monday and Tuesday! To get a sense of the full breadth of the week, please click here to view their workbook. We look forward to sharing some student reflections and more photos next week!
Our Year 9s enjoyed a session facilitated by Burn Bright on Tuesday as they prepared to become Peer Support Leaders for our incoming Year 7s. The girls spent the morning playing games, sharing stories, learning activities they can use to break the ice, and considering what actions an approachable and caring peer support leader might embody. We are excited to share with you their first steps on this journey in early January!
Key Term 4 Dates
Wednesday 6 December – Year 7-11 Speech Day in Gym
Tom Riley
Head of Upper School
From the Senior School
From the Head of Senior School
Christmas has arrived in the Senior School!
This penultimate newsletter brings many congratulations to all our new Year 12 students who have started their final school year so strongly. As a Year group, they demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and respect for each other, the College and themselves. I would like all students to reflect on the significant growth they have shown this year, academically, socially and personally. It would be a great conversation at home to chat with your daughter about this and reflect together on the determination, enthusiasm and care shown.
In Compass this week the students wrote notes of gratitude to teachers who they wanted to specially thank. These have been so gratefully received by the staff, who were genuinely touched to be thanked so kindly. Gratitude is an important practice to establish, as many studies have shown that taking time to be thankful can help build and maintain relationships with others, resulting in hope, life satisfaction, and more proactive behaviours toward others.
This week we announced students who will be recognised at our annual Speech Day next week. Congratulations to all those students and I would like to remind all families that attendance for all students is compulsory at this event. Please check your daughter’s uniform is in good order for this important event.
This week we have been busily preparing for our Christmas festivities that will take place on Friday. We will be enjoying a huge Secret Santa, lunch and sing-a-long. Many thanks to Brielle and Sameera for all the work they have done leading up to this lovely event.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Caprian Liu of Year 12 who has been selected to attend the National Mathematics Summer School for two weeks in January. The school is being held at ANU in Canberra, and is aimed at talented and keen young Mathematicians from around Australia. Caprian is one of only 25 students from NSW who have been chosen to attend. Well done, Caprian!
National Agriculture Day
National Agriculture Day is held annually in November as a day to commemorate those working in the industry and celebrate the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives. National Agriculture Day is a major event in the calendar where both rural and non-rural communities can come together to acknowledge and learn about Australia’s incredible farming sector.
This year’s theme was ‘Grow you good thing’, where farmers were thanked for the crucial role they play in the Australian economy and for the work they do each day to ensure food is brought to everyone’s table. For Australia, agriculture is more than just an industry that provides food and fibre to community, it is also a lifestyle in which producers and their families earn a living and pave a way of life.
Last week, Mr Jackson’s Year 12 Agriculture class held a special barbecue at the Pymble Ag Plot and heard from female agriculturalist and ex-Pymble student, Ms Lizzy Glen, who spoke to the students as a way of recognising the day. The students were fortunate enough to hear about Lizzie’s journey after school into the agriculture sector and the struggles she overcame when choosing her career. She was able to expand on the importance of working in the Agriculture industry and spoke about possible career paths after leaving school, along with reference to some interesting casual job opportunities that may present in small rural towns. Year 12 were also able to gain some crucial tips from Lizzie in terms of study for their upcoming HSC year.
Lizzie is currently studying at UNE where she is completing an Ag and Law double degree, living on campus and involving herself in the local community. To Lizzie in particular, agriculture is a way to give back to the community and create a sense of purpose for herself by learning about the heritage and history of the land. Her involvement in the industry is a way to explore some of the issues faced by primary producers, with a mission to bring awareness to the hardships faced by those working in the agriculture sector and bring solutions to rural communities in need.
She found that living and working in a rural township is an incredible experience, where she is able to meet new people from all walks of life and embrace change on a wider-scale. Not only did she find moving from the city to the country as a way to re-start her life, but it was also an opportunity for her to challenge herself and further develop her passion for the agriculture industry. From Lizzie’s presentation, Year 12 were able to grasp the imperative nature of the industry and spread awareness amongst their cohort on the importance the ag industry plays in everyone’s life
Written by Torie Burton (Year 12), Agriculture Captain
From the Secondary School Parent Group
FINAL REMINDER: Any parents or carers from Year 12 2024 who would like to join us for this end-of-year event being held at the Yemma’s home on Friday 8 December, please RSVP asap to Susan (sma.liu@yahoo.com). We have had a great response so far and it will be a perfect opportunity to reconnect before the summer break.
Cost: $42 per person
When: Friday 8 December at 7.00pm
Where: The Yemma’s home at 103 Junction Road, Wahroonga
23 November – Dan Haesler presentation – Winning’s a Lousy Teacher
6 December Speech Day Year 7 to 11
6 December Term 4 concludes
Nikki Wyse
Head of Senior School
From the Boarding School
And so the end of term celebrations begin! Last night was a terrific way to herald the end of a great year, starting with a beautiful Chapel service, followed by Christmas feast and dancing. It was certainly a lovely way to return to Boarding following my travels overseas.
A real highlight was the musical performances with Edie Azar performing a spine-tingling version of Hallelujah and our Pymbellas entertaining us with a fabulous rendition of All I Want For Christmas. My congratulations go to Giaan Jackson, our Prefect for Sport, Art and Music who coordinated the ensemble, encouraging not only vocal excellence but also including many of our accomplished musicians including Lauren Whitfield Lowe on glockenspiel, Allegra Taubenschlag on guitar, Isabelle Burke on cello, Ella Mitchell on drums, and Airiana Chan on violin. It is truly delightful to see such a professional standard of musicianship emerging in our Boarding family.
None of this would have been possible without the hard work of our Boarding staff and I am particularly grateful to Katie White who so capably took the reins in my absence. My special thanks also go to Laurel Foley who worked tirelessly to be a wonderful support to all of us in Boarding.
It’s good to be home
I had a fantastic three weeks visiting schools in the United States and Canada and attending the Annual Conference of the American Boarding Schools’ Association. There was much to learn and many great connections to be made. I look forward to sharing and implementing my learnings in the months to come. For now I am sharing a few snaps of some of the schools I visited and feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this incredible school.
Our Pink Ladies
Written by Head Boarders Aspen Moore and Skye Pockley
Pink Ladies are special people in the lives of our Boarders who go out of their way to make our time in Boarding easier, happier and much more connected.
This term we would like to recognise Mrs Enid O’Carroll who has been a fabulous friend to Boarding and key to preserving and celebrating the long and fine tradition of Boarding at Pymble. Marden House and Lang House are original buildings in the College, built in 1916. Goodlet House came not much later in 1926. As you can imagine, the Houses were filled with beautiful furniture and fabulous traditions. As our College Archivist, Mrs O’Carroll has ensured that these treasured objects have found their way home, allowing current and future generations of Boarders to enjoy them as their Boarding sisters did in the past. Just some examples of these treasures include the historical artworks that adorn our Houses, the Lang ‘love seat’ and the stunning Honour boards displayed in the Boarders’ Dining Room. Mrs O’Carroll has also shared with us traditions such as the Lang House Warming which dates back to 1917 and was happily celebrated by our latest Lang residents just last week. She has brought a renewed sense of tradition and great joy to our Boarding family and she will go down in our history books as a true friend.
Not only are the fabulous staff at the College a significant help to our Boarders, but of course, there are so many wonderful families in our Day school who so kindly help our Boarders with a place to stay, transport to and from sport, and if your lucky some yummy meals. This term we would like to recognise the Fisher family, Billie (Year 11) and Ellie (Year 8) for constantly helping our Boarding family through their constant taxiing to and from sport as well as being a genuine smiling face around the college.
The Margaret Brooke Award
The Margaret Brooke Award, also known as the ‘Brooksie’ is awarded in the final Chapel service at the end of each term to a Boarder who exemplifies the spirit of a tenacious, courageous, compassionate and giving woman. This term the decision was unanimous in bestowing this award on Year 12 Boarder Charlotte Leung. It was lovely to have Brooksie here with us to present ‘her’ award and I have no doubt that you will agree that Charlotte is an excellent choice.
Charlotte joined us at the start of 2022 from Hong Kong when she was in Year 10 and quickly became an integral member of our Boarding family. She is unfailingly kind, generous and sprinkles joy wherever she goes. She is a gentle, humble and gracious presence, much loved by her peers and staff. Charlotte is dedicated to her studies, hardworking and diligent and always finds time to assist peers when stuck on a homework question. She is famous as an amazing listener and is always ready for a cup of tea (and a chat!).
Charlotte is an incredible musician and has demonstrated great courage and leadership in sharing her musical talents with our Boarding family. Despite being a new student last year, and probably a bit nervous, she stepped up and performed in Boarders’ Chapel and at wider Boarding events. The flow on effect of this was that other Boarding students were inspired to put their hand up and ‘have a go’ and we now have a number of musicians who are sharing their talents more widely. I largely credit this shift to Charlotte’s positive influence. We are beyond delighted to have Charlotte as part of our Boarding Family.
View From My Window
Hi, my name is Allie Ritchie, I am 12 years old and I come from Bourke, in North West NSW.
I was born in Sydney and I live with my Mum (Prue), Dad (Ben) and my siblings Campbell and Georgie. I have 3 cats and 4 dogs and at the moment there are also 6 puppies.
My mum works in town at the early childhood centre. My dad also works in town at his business and he sells stuff like fencing gear, livestock handling, steel, building supplies and more. My brother is in Year 9 at Kings and my sister is in Year 5 at St Ignatius Bourke, she is coming to Pymble in 2025.
Bourke is famous for its Splashe cola, which is a like coke but better. We also have two great mountains, Mount Oxley and the other Mount Gundabooka. Bourke also has the famous Darling River.
When I look out my window, I see my siblings tackling each other and my dad starting a fire and my mum hanging out the washing. After my brother tackles my sister a bit too hard, Georgie comes back inside and makes lunch, Campbell goes and does something else.
I can see the chooks walking around outside and the dogs barking at them through the fence. Out my window, my dog is laying down with its puppies and resting.
The journey from home, Bourke to Pymble takes about 10 hours, (depending on which parent is driving!) and 13 if I catch the bus back.
Growing up in Bourke I was used to having as much space I wanted at a time. But, now I am happy to be here with my friends.
I am proud to be a kid from Bourke, but I am equally proud to be a Boarder at Pymble. When I look out my window at Pymble, I see my home away from home.
Save the Dates
Wednesday 6 December – Year 7 to 10 Speech Day (all Boarders required to be in attendance)
Wednesday 6 December – Boarders’ travel afternoon (following Speech Day)
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding
From the Chaplains
As a student minister in the Uniting Church, there are three main components of the formation program which lead to ordination. The first, is participation in weekly worship, group classes (with practical and spiritual input), and pastoral reflection – all of which take place at the Centre for Ministry in North Parramatta. The second is field education, which for me, has led me to be the Assistant Chaplain here at Pymble Ladies’ College for the past two terms. And the third, is theological education, of which I recently completed the subject, Reconciliation: The Theological-Political Nexus in Indigenous Public Policy, as part of my Bachelor of Theology. During this study, I learnt several things that I did not know before but perhaps the most impacting was the land where I and we at Pymble Ladies’ College live, work and play.
This land was first inhabited by the Dharug or Darug people and is formerly known as the Broken Bay tribe. The Dharug, originally a Western Sydney people, were bounded by the Kuringgai to the northeast around Broken Bay, the Darkinjung to the north, the Wiradjuri to the west on the eastern fringe of the Blue Mountains, the Gandangara to the southwest in the Southern Highlands, and the Tharawal to the southeast in the Illawarra area. When we acknowledge this land, we do so by paying our respects to the Darramuragal (Darramura which is derived from the Dharug tribe and gal, meaning belonging to). Darramuragal is also said to be ‘in the district of Wanne’, but on similarity of name associated with the suburb Turramurra, at the headwaters of the Lane Cove River. However, despite the information we have surrounding the first inhabitancy of this land, it should be noted that these names and terms are to be held loosely, as a definitive understanding is somewhat difficult to obtain and such an understanding is in itself a Western construct.
There are no records that indicate the name given for the Darramuragal language or for that matter a word for ‘language’. However, linguists in the late nineteen century and again in the twentieth century have sometimes referred to the language as ‘lyora’ (spelt variously), which in the earliest date was given to mean ‘human’. The same name has also been used by linguists to refer to the coastal dialect of the language. ‘Dharug’ has been used by linguists since the early twentieth century to label their language. Records indicate that there were at least two dialects, inland and costal (constituting a single language).
The Durramuragal lived well on the products of the sea shoreline and were experts at catching fish. They were also known for braving the water in canoes made from sheets of bark bunched and tied at the ends and sealed with gum. By 1971, several Aboriginal people had become reconciled to the colonists and their settlement. In 1789 a devastating plague swept through the Aboriginal population. The symptoms of the disease, similar to smallpox, is believed to have affected only one colonist while destroying many of the local Aboriginal people. As a result, the entire Aboriginal population was left weakened physically and emotionally by the onslaught of the disease. Those who did not die or flee the area to escape its ravages became permanent residents in and around the settlement and became increasingly dependent on help from the colonists to survive.
Today, in metropolitan Sydney, there are close to 6500 Aboriginal sites, including rock art, shell middens, axe grinding grooves, ceremonial grounds, burial sites, stone quarries, fish traps and water holes. All these sites are significant to Aboriginal people because they are evidence of the past Aboriginal occupation of Australia and are valued as a link with their traditional culture. It is this culture and peoples that I see both the Uniting Church and this school also uphold and value.
In 1994 the Uniting Church in Australia formally entered into a Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress so that together they may contribute to a more just church and nation. On behalf of the Second Peoples of the UCA, the Uniting Church’s 7th President Dr Jill Tabart read a statement acknowledging past wrongs and making a new commitment to the relationship.
In 2009 the Assembly of the UCA passed a resolution to revise the Preamble to the Constitution, acknowledging: Aboriginal and Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia; the tragic colonial history of injustice, violence and dispossession of First Peoples and the Church’s complicity in this history. The church also acknowledged that the First Peoples had already encountered the Creator God before the arrival of the colonisers and that the Spirit was already in the land revealing God to the people through law, custom and ceremony.
In the same spirit, Pymble Ladies’ College also places importance on First Nations peoples. This is evident through the Pymble Ladies’ College First Nations Scholarship Program, which has been established to provide Leadership and Performance Scholarships for First Nations girls from remote and regional Australia to attend the College. In addition to this, the College has a First Nations Education Program, which is an integral part of the curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12 to enable students to develop a better understanding and appreciation of First Nations peoples’ history, literature, and culture. The college is also a proud partner of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) and has designated staff who are focused on integrating the First Nations Student Program.
As my time at Pymble draws to an end and I move on to my next field placement, I am grateful for this opportunity and for this land where I have been blessed to live, work and play. I am also thankful to belong to a church that is committed to reconciliation and to have been part of the Pymble family that acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which Pymble Ladies’ College and Vision Valley stand and for the respect given to its Elders past and present and to other First Nations people within the Pymble community. For after all, God has told us what is good and what the Lord requires of us: To do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6: 8).
Pastor Michaela Antill-Cassie
Assistant College Chaplain
From the Community Engagement Team
Calendar of Events
All community and academic events can be found on the MyPymble app in the Calendar tab.
College Values Parent Survey
Our community means the world to us – we consider our past and present students, families and staff to be valued members of our ever-growing Pymble family.
Our values of Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility provide a common language and framework for each member of our Pymble family to live by.
The College is embarking on an important project to determine how these five values are embedded in our daily behaviours.
The project also intends to create a set of statements that describe our values as behaviours to support the next phase of our Strategic Direction, particularly the Social Intelligence Strategic Pillar, which focuses on amplifying our College values through daily behaviour and by actively being of service to others.
Coming up this weekend is the College’s Christmas Celebration on Sunday 3 December. The College jazz bands will be playing from 5.30pm on Gloucester Lawn followed by a special Christmas service with carols in the War Memorial Chapel at 6.30pm, led by Reverend Punam Bent. This is a special evening celebrating Christmas with the Pymble community as well as a chance to farewell our wonderful Rev at her very last Pymble Christmas service.
Please note that there will be snacks available to purchase on the evening, however, you are welcome to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy with your friends and family.
See more details about the event below.
Secondary School and Junior School Speech Days
Don’t forget Speech Day, for both Junior School and Secondary School, is next Wednesday 6 December. Join us to celebrate an incredible 2023 and farewell Mr James Hunter at his final Speech Day as Chair of the Pymble Ladies’ College Board.
Parking will be extremely limited on this day and traffic will be heavy. Please drive and park with care, obeying traffic rules.
We strongly recommend our families take public transport where possible
Please register for the Junior School Speech Day here and the Secondary School Speech Day here.
Updated Uniform Shop Trading Hours
The Uniform Shop will close for the year at 1.00pm on Wednesday 6 December (Speech Day).
The shop will re-open in our new demountable building opposite Goodlet House (next to the famous mulberry tree) on Wednesday 17th January. During the holidays, we will be open weekdays 9.00am to 3.00pm until Thursday 25th January.
We will then open on Orientation Day, Monday 29 January, from 9.00am to 4.30pm.
Normal trading hours will resume at the start of Term 1. Uniforms can be ordered online during the holidays and will be available for collection during our opening hours
Kelly Mancey
Director of Community Engagement and Advancement
From the Futures Team
TESLA Work Experience Program 2024
We are offering students who will be in Year 10 to 12 in 2024 an opportunity to participate in the Women in Tesla Go Anywhere Program.
The program offers school-aged students an opportunity to partake in a work experience placement at Tesla. This year, we were the first school to participate in this new program and six students from Year 10 were involved. You can read more about their experiences here.
Our key focus will be providing students with an opportunity to gain insights into various STEM roles through hands-on experience and career advice.
Key Program Details:
Duration: 1 week (Initial NSW placement date to be finalised but likely w/c 8th April)
Objective: To connect students with careers in STEM within the Automotive & Energy sector
This week our Year 10s have been participating in the Future You Festival, a milestone event designed in collaboration with the Upper School.
Our week kicked off with ex-student Sam D’Souza who spoke to the students about being flexible with their career goals, ‘zig zagging’ and saying “yes to opportunities that allow luck to hit you in the face!”
The program aims to provide students with experience in:
turning strengths into talents
the importance of service
diverse career pathways
learning from industry talks
interview preparation
mock interview
The week culminates in two days offsite, at a service based volunteering opportunity and a day at Macquarie University engaging with talks about study pathways and topics such as Marketing, Brain and Cognitive Science, Business Analytics and Cybersecurity.
We thank the industry guests, alumni and parents who have made this event incredibly special for the students in their transition into Senior School.
Next week, we will provide a further report on Day 3 Mock interviews, the offsite activities and have some student reflections of their experiences throughout the week.
From the Co-curricular Sports Team
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Co-curricular Administration
Performance Awards
Congratulations to students who have received a Performance Award for Term 4 2023. Please click here to view the full list of students.
End of Term 4 Registration Period
The End of Term 4 registration period is now open! This will allow families to make selections for their Term 1, Semester 1, and Yearly 2024 Co-curricular Programs (including Music). Registrations opened at 12.00pm on Wednesday 22 November and will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 10 January. Please view all program information and access the online registration via the Co-curricular pages on MyPymble by clicking here. A parent/carer log in is required to be able to register.
A confirmation of current selections email will be sent prior to school finishing for the year. Changes can still be made following this email until the system closes in January. A final confirmation will then be sent prior to school starting for 2024.
Please note that Term 2 2024 Saturday Sports will no longer open during this registration period. Saturday Sport registrations are changing and will now open on the first Wednesday of each term for the following term. As such, Term 2 2024 Saturday Sport registrations will open at 12.00pm on Wednesday 31 January and close on Friday 16 February.
Term 1 2024 Saturday Sport Registrations
Term 1 2024 Saturday Sport registrations closed on Monday 20 November. If you have missed registering your daughter for a Term 1 Saturday Sport or need to make any changes, please contact Co-curricular Administration at ccsa@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or on +61 2 9497 7848.
Monique Zahra
Head of Co-curricular Administration
Junior School Sport
Junior School Sport Team of the Week
In a thrilling Saturday Sport match, IPSHA Basketball Pymble 1 displayed outstanding skill in a closely contested battle against Abbotsleigh. Despite not securing the win, the team’s commendable efforts were truly inspiring. Our Pymble players exhibited unwavering determination, showcasing impressive skills throughout the match. Despite the tough competition, the team never gave up, embodying the spirit of Pymble sportsmanship. The players thoroughly enjoyed themselves on the court, contributing to a memorable and spirited performance. IPSHA Basketball Pymble 1’s commitment and positive attitude make them a deserving candidate for Team of the Week.
Matt Tyson
Head of Sport – Kindergarten to Year 6
Pymble Elite Sportswomen’s Program
Congratulations to Sarah Hunter (Alumni 2021) for being chosen to step into Sam Kerr’s shoes in the upcoming international matches for the Matildas against Canada. The initial game is scheduled for this Friday 1 December. Sarah’s journey to the Matildas is a testament to her determination and resilience. Overcoming various challenging injuries, including hip operations and ACL injuries during her teenage years, Sarah’s unwavering commitment, concentration, and refusal to give up have led her to the honour of representing her country on the global stage. It’s a remarkable achievement to step into the shoes of arguably one of Australia’s greatest footballers.
Please read more about Sarah and this incredible achievement by clicking here.
Rowing
On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November, the Pymble Rowing Team competed in the Loreto Normanhurst and Loreto Kirribilli regattas respectively.
Loreto Normanhurst Regatta – Saturday 25 November
The Learn to Row squad started the day with a win! Madison Landgrebe (Year 7) competed in the single scull in a nail-biting finish that saw her beat her opposition from Sydney Girls by only 0.41 seconds – well done Madi!
The Junior 3rd Quad raced brilliantly to win the Year 9 3rd Division, beating St Catherines by a decent margin of 4.47 seconds. Well done to Emily Englund (Year 8), Ellie Pointon (Year 8), Leander McLaughlin (Year 8), Sanaya Lakhani (Year 8) and Angelina Attinger (Year 8).
Congratulations to Megan Wood (Year 11) from our Senior Squad, winning her race in the Schoolgirl Single Scull in a superb showing of boat-speed.
Loreto Kirribilli Regatta – Sunday 25 November
In the Learn to Row squad, Madison Landgrebe (Year 7) secured her second win of the weekend in the single scull – congratulations again Madi! All of our Pymble Rowers in the Learn to Row squad raced with heart and Pymble determination, achieving some outstanding results.
The Junior 1st and 2nd Quads won their races with the Junior 1st Quad taking home the trophy for the ‘Fastest Year 9 Quad’.
More success was seen from the Junior Squad in the small boats, with Annie Pennington (Year 8) and Zara Kinniburgh (Year 8) winning the Year 9 double scull. Well done!
The Intermediate Squad had a busy weekend, racing in multiple events, showing Pymble determination, grit and stamina. The Intermediate Eight raced in the 2nd Eight division straight after their race in the Year 10 Eight. Congratulations to our Intermediate Eight rowers for your staying power!
The 1st Eight raced well to achieve a second placing, improving on their result from Saturday’s race. Well done to our 1st Eight rowers! A hotly contested race with rowers displaying Pymble courage and determination. Well done to Mia Booth (Year 11) from the Senior Squad winning her single scull race with great execution and technique.
We would like to congratulate everyone in the Rowing team, including parents and coaches. It was a fantastic weekend of racing where every rower won points to achieve a 3rd place finish in the overall point score out of 16 schools entered in the competition. We look forward to finishing up the Term with more fun racing and improving our technique.
Over the weekend, 17 Pymble students showcased their swimming prowess at the NSW Junior Metropolitan Championships held at Homebush. The team demonstrated exceptional spirit, and their dedication to their races was commendable. Well done to all of our Pymble swimmers!
Special recognition goes to Oriana Fenton (Year 6), our highest point scorer with an impressive 102 points. Oriana participated in nine events, achieving personal best times in all and securing a bronze medal in the 200m breaststroke. Oriana also achieved six top ten placings – an extraordinary accomplishment!
In total, nine of our Pymble swimmers listed below contributed points to our Knox Pymble swim team, earning 22 top ten placings:
Oriana Fenton (Year 6) – 102 points
Charlotte Sadler (Year 6) – 65 points
Isabella Wang (Year 4) – 65 points
Carla Eibach (Year 6) – 25 points
Puisai Ko (Year 5) – 25 points
Emma Deere (Year 4) – 11 points
Amelie Berg (Year 4) – 5 points
Anne Liu (Year 7) – 5 points
Lena Pan (Year 4) – 5 points
Congratulations to all Pymble swimmers for their remarkable achievements:
Amelie Berg (Year 4), Emma Deere (Year 3), Carla Eibach (Year 6), Emma Feng (Year 4),
Anne Liu (Year 7), Yuxi Lun (Year 3), Lena Pan (Year 4), Gwen Pickthall (Year 6),
Charlotte Sadler (Year 6), Chloe Shires (Year 6), Isabelle Wang (Year 4), Chloe Xiong (Year 6),
Chenxuan Yu (Year 6)
Michelle Thomas
Swimming Coach
Tennis
Unfortunately, our final round of igsa and IPSHA Tennis matches were washed out over the weekend, but a special congratulations to teams Pymble 9 (Junior Firsts), Pymble 10, Pymble 16 and Pymble 18 (Year 7 Firsts) for winning their respective divisions. We hope that all players enjoyed this igsa season of tennis and hope to see you back for tennis in 2024!
Team
Division
Final Result
Pymble 1
S01
3rd
Pymble 2
S02
7th
Pymble 3
S04
8th
Pymble 4
S06
7th
Pymble 5
S08
5th
Pymble 6
S10
=4th
Pymble 7
S12
8th
Pymble 8
S15
7th
Pymble 9
J01
1st
Pymble 10
J02
1st
Pymble 11
J03
=6th
Pymble 12
J05
=3rd
Pymble 13
J07
2nd
Pymble 14
J10
3rd
Pymble 15
J11
6th
Pymble 16
J13
=1st
Pymble 17
J13
8th
Pymble 18
Y701
1st
Pymble 19
Y702
=6th
Pymble 20
Y703
7th
Pymble 21
Y704
=4th
Pymble 22
Y705
5th
Pymble 23
Y707
3rd
Term 1 igsa Tennis registrations have now closed, but if you missed signing up, you can still make a late registration by completing the Co-Curricular Request Form. Please click here to access the form.
Trials for Term 1 igsa tennis will be held at Mollie Dive Field on the following dates:
Senior Team Trials – current Year 9 to 12 students
Monday 4 December 2023, 3.30pm to 5.00pm
Junior Team Trials – current Year 7 and 8 students
Tuesday 5 December 2023, 3.30pm to 5.00pm
Year 7 and New Student trials – current Year 6 and new students in 2024
Saturday 3 February 2024 8.00am to 10.00am
Tennis Holiday Program
Pymble Ladies’ College students and their school aged siblings/friends are invited to attend a Tennis Training Camp from Monday 11 December to Friday 15 September – the first week of school holidays. The camp will run from 9.00am to 12.00pm each day and students may register for as many days of the program as they like. Registrations are now open! Please click here to access the registration form on Humanitix.
Jufri Foss
Sports Co-ordinator – Tennis
Touch Football
he Pymble Touch Football season of 2023 concluded with a diverse range of performances across the divisions, showcasing each team’s resilience and competitive spirit.
Pymble 6 emerged as division champions, securing a well deserved 1st place.
Pymble 2 showcased impressive skills, finishing in 2nd place.
Pymble 9 demonstrated their dedication throughout the season, claiming the top spot in their division.
Across all 20 Pymble teams, six teams finished their divisions in 2nd place.
Notably, Pymble 12 and Pymble 20 secured a commendable 3rd place, contributing to the overall success of the Pymble Touch Football contingent.
Each team exhibited Pymble determination when faced with challenges and created memorable moments and valuable experiences for all players involved. Congratulations to everyone for their hard work and sportsmanship, making for an excellent and successful 2023 Pymble Touch Football season!
Final results are below:
Division
Pymble Team
Opponent
Result
Final Placing
S01
Pymble 01
Loreto Normanhurst 1
2 to 3
8th
S03
Pymble 02
MLC School 1
2 to 1
2nd
S04
Pymble 03
Roseville 2
2 to 3
7th
S06
Pymble 04
Abbotsleigh 4
4 to 11
8th
S06
Pymble 05
Santa Sabina 2
Washout
7th
S07
Pymble 06
Tara 2
4 to 3
1st
S08
Pymble 07
Abbotsleigh 6
14 to 6
2nd
S08
Pymble 08
Brigidine 5
1 to 2
6th
S09
Pymble 09
Queenwood 2
6 to 4
1st
S10
Pymble 10
Frensham 6
4 to 1
2nd
S11
Pymble 11
Abbotsleigh 9
Washout
2nd
S12
Pymble 12
Loreto Normanhurst 11
4 to 1
3rd
J02
Pymble 13
Meriden 4
11 to 2
4th
J03
Pymble 14
Frensham 8
2 to 4
2nd
J05
Pymble 15
Frensham 10
2 to 3
4th
J06
Pymble 16
Brigidine 12
0 to 7
5th
J07
Pymble 17
Loreto Normanhurst 17
8 to 1
2nd
J09
Pymble 18
MLC School 5
1 to 5
5th
Y701
Pymble 19
Frensham 13
2 to 0
4th
Y705
Pymble 20
Brigidine 20
0 to 5
3rd
Samantha Dale
Sports Administrator Assistant
Volleyball
Congratulations on an outstanding Volleyball season to all Pymble Volleyball teams. Unfortunately, the last round of games at Santa Sabina was cancelled due to the wet weather.
We applaud each team for their enthusiasm, teamwork and courage throughout the season. Thank you to our amazing coaches and a very special thankyou to Sheilah Adams, our Head Coach, for her energy, expertise, dedication and knowledge. Special congratulations to the following teams who placed in the top 2 in their grade.
Division
Final Result
Team
Open 1A
1st
Pymble 1
Opens 2A
1st
Pymble 2
Year 9 1A
2nd
Pymble 3
Best of luck to our Volleyball team competing at the Volleyball Australia Schools Cup from Sunday 3 to Sunday 10 December on the Gold Coast. This is the first Pymble Volleyball team to compete at the National Championships. The team will be led by Chloe Teng and Caitlin Costello, coached and managed by Mrs Sheilah Adams and Mr Chris Wood. Go Pymble!
Chris Wood
Sports Co-ordinator – Volleyball
Water Polo
Congratulations to all Pymble Water Polo players on a great 2023 Term 4 igsa season. We saw huge improvements throughout the season with all players showing resilience, teamwork, passion, and dedication.
Our players were focused, driven, and motivated throughout their final game and their end results were well deserved!
Pymble 1: 3rd place
Pymble 2: 6th place
Pymble 3: 2nd place
Pymble 4: 3rd place
Pymble 5: 5th place
Reports from the Water Polo coaches:
Tasma – Pymble 1
Super proud of the Senior Firsts team. They showed great resilience and were very eager to learn throughout the year. Coming 3rd in SO1 against Junior Australian players is an amazing achievement and something they should be proud of.
Madi – Pymble 2
The Senior Seconds had an incredibly rewarding season, their dedication and hard work paid off as they significantly improved their ball handling skills and swimming each week. Their commitment to making trainings fun and their unwavering support for one and another made this season an unforgettable experience!
Brigette – Pymble 3
Pymble 3 players showed drive and dedication to their team throughout the season, achieving some very strong results placing equal second overall. I had a great time coaching and watching each of you improving and gain confidence in your ability. Awesome work!
Nikki – Pymble 4
I am so proud of Pymble 4 this season. The team always gave 100% effort and improved so much. They have been a great team to coach throughout the season.
Charlie – Pymble 5
This year I had the pleasure of coaching the Year 7 Water Polo team. It was great seeing improvements from these players starting Water Polo earlier in the year and developing so much by the end of this season. They are a lovely group and learnt so much this year.
Brigette Moore
Head Coach – Water Polo
From the Co-curricular Performing Arts Team
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Language Arts
International Debating Championships (IDC)
We have now reached the Grand Final of IDC this Friday. Good luck to Averie Sun, Jemma Hung, Nicole Zhang and Sophie Guo who will be competing. Congratulations on reaching the Grand Final in this competition.
ZONTA
The goal of the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award Program is to encourage young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing the candidate’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to building a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy. This competition will be open to girls aged 16 to 19 years on 1 April in 2024.
Girls who demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.
Active commitment to volunteerism.
Experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid).
Volunteer leadership achievements.
Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
Support for Zonta International’s mission of building a better world for women and girls.
Please note that students will be supervised at KMUN but will need to make their own transport arrangement to Knox. Please note that students are to be picked up from Knox at 5.00pm. This will be the final KMUN for the year.
Pymble Model UN runs in DK05 and DK06 every Monday lunch time – All welcome! We will conclude the year with a mini conference.
Pymble MUN Tour
We are planning a January 2025 Language Arts tour to London, Bruges, Amsterdam and The Hague. We plan to attend THIMUN at The Hague. Details can still be obtained from Travel@Pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
Thank you to all who have submitted their letters of application.
Secondary School Debating Auditions
Debating auditions have almost concluded.
Make up auditions and call backs will commence on the week commenced this week. Students needed for call backs will be emailed.
Any 2024 Year 7 students who have still not auditioned, are welcome to attend this Friday 1 December at C10. Auditions will run from 3.30pm to 5.15pm.
Junior School Debating Auditions
Please see Ms Itzcovitz in Junior School regarding any issues relating to Debating in Year 6, for 2024.
UN Voice of Youth Public Speaking – State finals
Congratulations to Katherine Pan, Isis Lee, Nikita Serban and Catherine Shi, who were all selected to progress to the semi-finals of this competition. Good News! Isis and Nikita and Katherine are through to the State Finals, to be held at NSW Parliament House on 15 December.
Rostrum Voice of Youth – Public Speaking 2024 competition.
Internal auditions for this competition will be held on Wed 21 February 2024. All welcome. Please email Mrs Hubbard if interested.
Contestants in the Junior Section must be at least 11 years of age as at 1 January 2024 and must be students in school years 7, 8 or 9. Contestants in the Senior Section must be under 18 years of age as at 1 January 2024 and must be students in school years 10, 11 or 12.
In the Pymble auditions and Heats, contestants will be expected to present a prepared speech of 6 minutes (Juniors) or 8 minutes (Seniors). In the Regional Finals, contestants may choose to speak on the same subject as their Heat or choose another of the Heat topics for their prepared speech.
Additionally, in the Regional Finals, contestants will also be required to give a 3-minute, short-notice speech for which they will be given 15 minutes to prepare.
The adjudication criteria will be 50% content and 50% delivery. Three Junior and Three Senior speakers will be selected to progress to Rostrum heats. Pymble will host a heat on 3 April.
All who auditioned will be encouraged to join our Ted X.
Bronwyn Hubbard
Head of Language Arts
Music
Congratulations
Camellia Zhou (Year 8) Grade 8 Viola – A+
Yuna Shin (Year 7) Grade 5 Clarinet – Honours
To all our musicians across the schools: what a year it has been, and this term has been incredibly hectic. The students here at Pymble have demonstrated such a strength in their personalities, their musical prowess, and their ability to put their best musical feet forward at all costs. It is my joy and privilege to witness these amazing students daily, and also to work with their wonderful conductors.
This week has been the last rehearsal for many of our ensembles and the Music staff would like to thank parents and students for all their hard work. For those who are going right to the end with Speech Day and Carols, we thank you for your amazing diligence and approach to your learning.
Rehearsals for 2024 will most likely commence in week 2. Registrations have been done through the CCSA team. Auditions for Senior Chamber Strings, Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Wind Ensemble and Stage Band will be done once we have settled; likely Week 3 or 4.
The last few days are busy as we prepare the Final events for the year.
Climate Change Event – Choir
2 December: Please read the notice that was on the portal.
What your daughter needs to do:
Learn their part of the music (this will be done during rehearsals too)
Be available on Saturday 2 December 2023 for the live recording, starting at 3.30pm
Saturday 2 December 2023: Arrive at the College at 12.00pm to be on a bus to Dawes Point, Wharf 2/3, Hickson Road. The event will conclude by 4.00pm and we aim to be back to Pymble by 4.45pm
Dress code is smart casual in earthy tones. Wear closed shoes please
Please log in to MyPymble to access the event and provide your permission by Monday 20 November, as well as registering officially at Earthkind.
3 December: College Carols Service
All students involved in the Junior Jazz, Senior Jazz, Stage Band, Choir, Chorale, Capella, Pizzicato, Piccoline, and Symphony Orchestra are required to be at this event. Details will be communicated through the portal – soundchecks will begin at 2:00pm and are listed below.
Students involved in The Addams Family rehearsals will be allowed to leave early to get some lunch and return for the soundchecks. It is a busy day for some of our musicians, so please stay hydrated and fed.
Sound Checks
Below is a list of the participating ensembles and the times they need to arrive for their sound check/ rehearsal. These rehearsals will be held in the College Chapel:
2.00pm to 2.30pm: Chapel
Chorale, School Choir, Jessamy Facer to rehearse Community Carols
2.30pm to 3.00pm: School Choir
2.30pm to 3.30pm: Outdoors
Junior Jazz, Senior Jazz Ensemble, Stage Band
3.00pm to 4.00pm: Chorale/Symphony Orchestra
4.40pm: Hindson Strings
5.00pm: Junior School Choir
5.20pm: Capella
5.40pm: Piccoline/Pizzicato
6.00pm: Chapel doors open
Red Performance jackets, black pants, white t-shirt, black shoes and black socks are to be worn. Christmas “bling” is permitted for this event.
6 December: Speech Day
All students involved in Symphony Orchestra, Chorale and all of Year 7 will be performing at this event. Rehearsals will be held throughout the day on Tuesday 5 December, and all students in Symphony Orchestra and Chorale must be at the gym by 6.50am on Wednesday 6 December. Year 7 are to arrive no later than 7.30am
Please note the rehearsal times listed below:
Tuesday 5 December
Lunch / MBS 1.00pm to 3.20pm
Musicians: (Orchestra and Chorale)
Tuesday 5 December Period 5: 2.20pm to 3.20pm
Year 7 Music Rehearsal
All Year 7 students
Wednesday 6 December 6.50am to 8.00am
Final music rehearsal
All Year 7 students Musicians: (Orchestra and Chorale)
Sarah Turner
Head of Music
Secondary School Speech Day Dismissal Times
For Secondary School students, Term 4 will conclude after Speech Day on Wednesday 6 December. Students will be dismissed at 11.30am and we would ask that, if possible, you collect your daughter at that time. Many will have belongings from their lockers that they need to take home with them. Public transport can also be used for travel home if that is preferred.
For those students who travel via Pymble bus, these will leave campus at their regular departure time. In the event that your daughter needs to remain at school to catch a Pymble bus, supervision will be provided in the Conde Library. Please be aware that the library will close promptly at 4.00pm on 6 December.
We hope to see you at Speech Day on 6 December.
Lamia Rockwell
Deputy Principal
You’re invited: College Christmas Celebration
Vision Valley Summer Holiday Camps – Bookings close tomorrow!
Bookings for the December Holiday Camp close tomorrow, Friday 1 December at 1.00pm.
Bookings for the January Holiday Camp will close Wednesday 13 December at 4.00pm.
The camps are open to Pymble students, their friends, and siblings (girls and boys) who are in Years 3 to 6 in 2023 and 2024.
Camp 1 – Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 December
Camp 2 – Monday 15 to Friday 19 January
December is the last opportunity for the current Year 6 students to spend time with their friends at our popular holiday camps while you get ready for the Christmas rush!
We have lots of great activities planned including our new archery tag, and outdoor cinema, our nocturnal nature walks and myo pizza in our new pizza oven.
Bookings are strictly limited and allocated on receipt of payment.
A few months ago, Community Engagement put the call out to the Pymble community to submit your favourite recipes to feature within a College cookbook, and after an enthusiastic response and outpouring of contributions, we’re thrilled to announce The Pymble Pantryis now available to download for just $9.95!
Inspired by Lucinda Woodfield (Year 11), the 2023 Food Technology Captain, The Pymble Pantry is a crème de la crème, digital collection of over 100 recipes, crafted with passion and brought to you by the talented students, staff and parents of Pymble Ladies’ College.
Within these deliciously curated chapters, you’ll embark on a journey through the kitchen of our talented, cooking-savvy contributors, with each recipe a testament to the rich tapestry of flavours, techniques and cultural influences that shape our vibrant community. From classic comfort foods to exotic masterpieces, you are sure to find something to make your taste buds tango.
But this cookbook is about more than just good food – it’s about making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. As a part of the College’s 2023 Pymble Gives Back initiative, every cent generated from the sale of The Pymble Pantry will be divided evenly and donated to two amazing charities: Dignity and The Smith Family.
So, whether you’re a seasoned chef, an aspiring home cook or simply someone who loves enjoying a good meal, through The Pymble Pantry, we invite you to open your own pantry and experience the tastes of Pymble for yourself – all while contributing to the betterment of the lives of those doing it tough.
Click here to purchase your copy of The Pymble Pantry today!
