Tents and trestles are in place, the grounds look more stunning than ever, and Saturday is predicted to be a perfect spring day – sunny but cool. Yes, it’s Garden Party time!
Students, staff and parents alike have been working hard to ensure our biggest and much-loved community event is a huge success, and this year all proceeds will go to our nominated charity partners for 2025, Mahboba’s Promise and Her Village Foundation. Both organisations hold a special place in our hearts, with Mahboba’s Promise deeply connected to students in our Refugee Scholarship Program and Her Village Foundation launched and run by one of our former students, Tahmara Thomas (2022), to welcome and support Afghan refugees in our community.
Garden Party is a joyful celebration of the people, places and programs that make Pymble so special, and we look forward to seeing our community out in droves – via public transport or on foot, if possible, as parking will not be available on campus.
Our community is our superpower
Thinking of the passion and commitment that goes into creating such a joyful experience for all reminds me of the inestimable value of our community. We care for each other, and we share with each other in a myriad of ways that truly make a difference. That’s our superpower.
For instance, recently our Junior School girls in Years 3-6 proudly stepped up to support one of their peers in a walkathon to raise awareness of Juvenile Arthritis. Meanwhile, Year 11 students are busily training as volunteers for Sony Camp. We have wonderful parents who also give to our community in innumerable ways, arranging meals, care packages and providing support for families going through tough times. Our day families lend a hand to ensure our Boarders have lifts to co-curricular commitments and company on weekends, and our Boarding families open their homes to students, parents, staff members and alumni for holidays and College events. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of care.
Members of our community also generously share their professional expertise to add unique layers of learning and insight to the educational opportunities we offer our girls.
This week, we had the privilege of hearing from one of our Junior School dads, Mr Jerry Huang, who was interviewed by our Year 9 student Leahara Wijesuriya along with his delightfully composed daughter, Olivia in Year 4. Jerry spoke about his learnings as a successful software designer and STEM/AI entrepreneur; how STEM promotes a unique blend of technical, logical and creative thinking, and how important it is to make mistakes and “learn to learn” in this space.
Mr Huang has generously gifted two incredible new learning tools to the College – Pudding the robot dog for our Junior School, along with a codable, educational humanoid robot which should be with our Secondary School students by the end of the year. We were thrilled by the demonstration of both robots at the assembly, as were residents at Uniting Northaven who met Pudding during their fortnightly visit from Junior School last week!
Our girls truly are blessed to be part of a united community of parents and College staff who go above and beyond to ensure Pymble stays at the forefront of all four teaching and learning pillars, and continues to lead the way in kindness and generosity towards others.
As we prepare for a big week of celebrations to farewell our Year 12 students, I’m proud and grateful to lead a school that comes together so respectfully to support one another in all circumstances.
See you at the Garden Party on Saturday!
From the Junior School
A Message from Mrs Kate Brown, Head of Junior School
‘Now, think of the happiest things. It’s the same as having wings!’ – Peter Pan by J M Barrie
This week our Year 6 girls showcase and celebrate their hard work, skills and passion for the Performing Arts with their performances of Peter Pan an adaptation of the children’s classic by Sir J M Barrie. The Year 6 musical is a happy highlight in our annual Junior School calendar and an important rite of passage for our Year 6 girls. All girls are part of the musical perform and for some of them this may be the last time they perform on a stage.
Over the past two terms the girls have worked collaboratively and assiduously in their Performing Arts lessons supported by Ms Buckley and Miss Lee to choreograph and plan scenes. This is a huge team effort which extends to our Performing Arts Coordinator, Ms Farlow and more recently in Ms Lee’s absence due to health, by Mr Schweinberger, Director of Co-curricular Performing Arts K-12 and of course our phenomenal theatre staff led by Tonya Grelis. We are deeply grateful for the endless energy, costume creativity and support from Jen Sproull and Lalenya Waterhouse who have given up lots of time to support the production and to our Year 6 teachers and Teaching Assistants who have all been part of the backstage crew.
The girls have created magic on the stage by planning and rehearsing together and the spirit within the cohort has been phenomenal. It’s important to remember that the performance is put together during Performing Arts lessons rather than on weekends and after school rehearsals so it’s impressive to see such a high level of poise and polish in the final performances. Congratulations Year 6, we are extremely proud of you – you are certainly flying high!
Whilst many girls love stepping out onto the stage and naturally thrive and shine in this arena, I also want to give a well deserved shout out to the many girls who are understandably reticent about being on stage and who have therefore dug deep in terms of courage to perform in front of large audiences.
I also want to give a shout out to Christina Yang who stepped up into the challenge of taking on the role of Peter Pan for her class scene when Isabelle La was unavailable for the matinee performance to the school – a great example of Pymble spirit and team commitment – the show must go on!
The Garden Party
I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our annual Garden Party this weekend. This is always a wonderful family event and a special way to celebrate our sense of community. Please come up and have a chat if you see me there on the day as it’s a great way to catch up with as many of you as I can. I will be supporting our young entrepreneurs with their market stalls and helping on our Foundation stall throughout the morning. This year we are also showcasing our STEM blocks (generously funded by JSPG donations a few years ago) to engage some of the youngest children who attend the event.
Congratulations to the following Winners and Highly Commended for the Colouring Competition. Each winner receives 50 House Points and Highly Commenced get 25 points. Students will be presented with their rosette next week following the Garden Party.
This week some of our passionate STEM students presented to all students from Year 7-12 in a Secondary School STEM-focused assembly. As part of this assembly, the College acknowledged the support of one of our Junior School families, Jerry and Lin Huang who have donated Pudding our robot dog and who are, very generously, continuing to support the College with the latest technology including a humanoid robot.
Thank you to these courageous STEM legends who showcased their skills in Dash robots, Fable robots and explained the STEM learning across the Junior School:
Lena Chen, Lareina Sun, Annabella Wu (Year 1)
Ava Chen, Melody Chen, Adeline Dong, Elaine Liao (Year 2)
Freya Holland (who MC’d the showcase), Emma Jiang, Isabella Li, Arin Sadananda, Lia Sloane (who MC’d the showcase), Charlene Wang (Year 5)
A special shout out to Olivia Huang (Year 4) who was exceptionally brave in sitting on the stage and leading the interview of her dad, Jerry Huang, with questions including whether STEM can make the world kinder, not just smarter.
A Message from Mrs Kate Giles, Head of Wellbeing K-6
As parents and educators, we all want the girls to bounce back from setbacks, to keep trying when things are hard and to believe in their own ability to overcome challenges, so it is important that we support them to develop their resilience and perseverance. The Harvard Center on the Developing Child has shown that children who have resilience and perseverance are more likely to succeed academically, maintain emotional wellbeing and cope better with change and stress long term. Importantly, research says that resilience is not a fixed trait, but something that can be grown and developed over time, when children face challenges, draw on supports, build skills and emerge stronger.
For this to occur, there are a number of ways we can support them at home and at school:
Show them we are there to support and are in their corner
Model work, effort and overcoming obstacles and talk about how we are going
Allow manageable challenges, failures and natural consequences without shielding or rescuing them immediately. For example, a loss in a sport game, trying new things
Explicitly teach emotional regulation, problem solving and growth mindset (this is also done through our Compass programs) For example, ask “What are some different ways to solve this?”
Emphasise their existing strengths and talents and have high but realistic expectations for them
Praise effort and process rather than outcomes
Celebrate small wins
For our girls, building these capabilities at a young age is protective and provides them with the skills to navigate challenge and change across their lifetime.
Year 3 and Year 6 Walkathon to support The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation Australia
‘After sharing how I feel about living with JA with my Compass class, I came up with the idea of walking around the oval as much as we can in one afternoon to help others with Juvenile Arthritis. It makes me feel grateful to know that I’m not the only one going through this and that other people have what I have. This is something that I wanted to do to help them. Its not really about the money, it’s about the love that we share and the care for others. Last Friday, I walked as many laps as I could with my friends and my Year 6 buddies so that more people could know about JA. I’m so grateful for the love and care from everyone’.
Estela Valente – Year 3
The Year 3 and Year 6 Buddy Walkathon showed me how lucky people are to be able to walk, run and be able to have working legs and arms. I am grateful to Estela, my Year 3 buddy, who thought of this idea and wanted to help others and raise awareness for JA. It’s important to me that more people can learn about JA in this way and as a school we can support people like Estela and raise awareness for the cause. The Buddy Walkathon was so much fun!!! We collected over 2000 house points and had a lovely afternoon walking, dancing and connecting with our buddies.
Emily Walker – Year 6
Living Libraries
On Thursday last week, the girls had the opportunity to attend a number of Living Library sessions to learn from a number of our staff members who shared their stories and experiences with the girls, connecting through ‘telling stories with our hands’. Thank you to the amazing staff from across the College who came to share egg dying, golf, card making and knot tying with the girls.
Sustainability Club News – Miss Avalon Treharne
Pymble Sustainability Journal:
A reminder to continue working towards completing the Pymble Ladies College Sustainability Journal by the end of Term 3. As you complete your challenges, please upload a photo via the QR Code. These photos will then be shared in Assembly.
Spring Clothing Collection:
This term, as we focus on Kindness to the Environment in the Junior School, the Sustainability Club is organising a Spring Clothing Collection. This is well timed as we transition from the cold months to the warmer months.
What to do: Go through your wardrobe. Pick out any items which you no longer wear. Some of the items that you can donate include: jackets, t-shirts, pants, dresses and shoes. Drop them into the collection point outside Hedgehog House and see what difference we can make to those people less fortunate.
When: We are collecting from today, until Friday 19 September (end of Week 9).
Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations: Mr Stephen Robinson
School and Co-curricular Attendance
A reminder to families that regular full attendance at school is essential for all students. When a child is sick and unable to attend school, they are precluded from attending after school co-curricular activities. Should students have appointments during the school day, please ensure they are at school by 11.45am in order to attend co-curricular activities.
Walking Groups
Do you want to avoid the traffic in the morning? Consider dropping your daughter off at Grandview Street (near the train station) between 7.40am-7.55am or Grey House Walk 7.30am-7.45am. Junior School staff are at these locations between these times and walk students to school. This eases congestion with vehicles on Avon Road and within the College and allows students to undertake a little morning exercise.
College Coach Travel to and from School
The College operates five private bus services, open to students from Kindergarten:
· Hunters Hill – Bus Route 1
· Lower North Shore – Bus Route 2
· North West – Bus Route 3
· Northern Beaches – Bus Route 4 (this includes an early and late service in addition to the school hours service)
· Lower Northern Beaches – Bus Route 5
Parents can opt for a full-term or flexible registration for their child. The full-term option allows your child to travel on the bus unlimited times throughout the term, mornings and afternoons. Alternatively, they may select the flexible registration and select the travel days and times you require and will only be charged for the number of trips your child takes during the term. This will be added to your account at the end of term.
Many Junior School students use the private bus service as a convenient way to get to school and a fun way to catch up with their friends. They are met at the Pymble bus stop at Kelso by a Junior School staff member in the morning and if in Years K-2 are walked to the Junior School. All students are walked to the bus at 3.15pm in the afternoon, ensuing full accountability for who is on the bus.
To find out more about the bus service or to register, click here.
Minibus shuttle servicePymbleLoop
Did you know that we have a complimentary minibus shuttle service to assist families during the closure of Grey House Walk in Term 3 and Term 4?
This free minibus service is available to all students from Kindergarten to Year 12. The minibus stops at Courallie Avenue, Golfers Parade and Pymble Avenue. Many families have found it convenient to drop their daughter at one of these stops, knowing that they will make it to school safely and on time without getting caught up in traffic around the College campus. To book your daughter a seat on the minibus, click here.
Message from Junior School Administration Office
A reminder to email juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au when your daughter is late or needs to leave early. Please continue to use MyPymble to mark your daughter absence, for two days or more absence please complete the Exemption from Attendance at School form or email though a medical certificate for illness.
After school arrangements for girls in YearsK-2, please email juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you have changes to your daughter’s after school arrangements in Term 3.
Important Dates for Term 3 – Week 8 and Week 9
Friday 19 September
Year 6 Musical Performance 2, 6.00pm
Saturday 20 September
Garden Party
Monday 22 September
Year 3 OEP Vision Valley
Tuesday 23 September
Year 3 OEP return from Vision Valley (flagpole normal pick-up time)
Wednesday 24 September
Year 6 Strings graduation
Friday 26 September
Kindergarten Windows into Learning P3&P4+ picnic, Last Day of Term 3
Important Dates for Term 4
Tuesday 14 October First Day of Term 4, Summer Uniform including white hat
From the Middle School
From the Head of Middle School Jenny O’Donnell
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday at the Garden Party. Don’t forget to call by to say hello. The Middle School Office has been inundated this week with beautiful baskets to sell at our stall. The creativity and generosity that has gone into making the baskets is most appreciated.
This week, Year 8 have headed out to the Colo River for their 5-day Outdoor Education Program. We have been so blessed by the weather and the location is naturally stunning. Each group is currently moving across the Somerset campus on the banks of the Colo River taking their own route and camping in a different location each night. The girls will partake in a selection of challenge by choice activities: Abseiling, Hiking, Canoeing, an Obstacle course, Raft Building, a Low Ropes course, the infamous Wombat Hole, Archery, the River Run- just to name a few. Evening meals include a My Kitchen Rules challenge, handmade pizza in the outdoor pizza oven, a BBQ and a meal in the dining hall. At the end of the day, each group will debrief around the campfire and plan for the day ahead. This week is a great opportunity to make new connections and gain insight into self. Resilience is integral to independence and already we have seen so many examples of girls putting themselves outside their comfort zone and celebrating their achievements. We are so proud of the girls and I know you will be excited to welcome them home on Friday, keen to hear your daughter’s story.
An experience like this only happens when many people work hard to invest in the organisation, taking into account individual needs and working to empower the girls to step up and embrace opportunities. So much goes on behind the scenes to ensure positive outcomes for everyone. I would like to acknowledge the team who have dedicated their energy to make this happen: Mrs Budd (Deputy Head of Middle School), Mr Raymond (Deputy Principal Students), Mrs Hunt (Head of Wellbeing), Mrs Ventura, Mr Howells and Ms Stapp our Heads of Year 8.
Last week, we held the second of our Transition Workshops for the current Year 6 Junior School girls who will be heading up to Year 7 next year. The current Year 7 Transition Leaders were outstanding when running the sessions and responding to the many questions posed. Their confidence and care were consistent and in turn made for a very successful program. Thank you to these girls- 64 in total!
Chloe Morrison of Year 7 is to be congratulated for having won the U12 girls singles Tennis Championship title at Lake Macquarie this weekend after an exhausting 2-hour final.. Chloe was previously ranked at 24th place at Tennis Australia’s U12 girl’s leader board. This latest win is sure to assist her in achieving her goal to qualify for the Nationals later this month.
Athena Wu of Year 8 competed in the World Scholar’s Cup Sydney Round and received the following awards:
Trophy as Overall Champion Scholar – Junior, Trophy as Champion Debate Team – Junior, Trophy for Second Place Junior Team, Gold Medal as Challenge Social Studies Winner, Gold Medal as Debater, Silver Medal in Collaborative Writing, Silver Medal in Challenge Science and Technology, Silver Medal in Challenge Literature and Media.
Congratulations and good luck Athena, for now qualifying for the Global Round in Christchurch from September 19 to 24.
Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Year 8 Obstacle Course Design Competition! The girls submitted some amazing designs and made the selection very difficult for the PDHPE department! A special shout-out goes to Chloe Sun, who took out first place and scored a $25 Archie’s voucher – well done!
Jenny O’Donnell
Head of Middle School
From the Upper School
A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
It’s an exciting time as finals season arrives in sport. It has been wonderful to see so many Upper School students participating in co-curricular activities this term. Good luck to all the girls competing in finals this weekend, and congratulations to our Year 9 and 10 students on their success in the Rugby finals last weekend. Well done to these girls and to everyone else involved this season, especially considering the wet weather earlier in the term.
It is looking like great weather for this weekend’s Garden Party; it has been great to see the crates of bottles arrive recently. Your donations of two or three jars for Saturday are greatly appreciated. It’s not too late for the girls to contribute, so we hope to see some more jars brought in on Friday. Together, we would love to make a fantastic charitable contribution from Upper School on the day. Thank you to the girls that have volunteered for a time slot on the stalls this weekend. We know that many girls have busy Saturday schedules, but we hope that the girls recognise the importance of attending, being involved in whole school events and doing their bit to support our service partners.
Year 10 Outdoor Education Program – Term 4
A reminder to all Year 10 parents to complete the consent form for your daughter’s Term 4 Outdoor Education Program. Forms are required urgently to finalise arrangements.
Participation in the OEP is compulsory, and it is a wonderful way for the girls to connect, challenge themselves and celebrate the end of Term 4 together. Thank you for your prompt attention and for supporting your daughter in this valuable experience.
All required links and detailed program information have been sent to families through the My Pymble portal, specific to each daughter’s allocated program. Additional information about the Year 10 Outdoor Education Program can also be found HERE .
St Edmunds AIM Initiative
On Monday, a group of 24 Year 10 students visited St Edmund’s College to take part in the AIM (Advocacy, Immersion, Mission) Initiative.
This program provides students the opportunity to share in a meaningful experience, encouraging them to:
Advocate for the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities
Immerse themselves in a community enriched by diversity and ability
Embrace a sense of mission to support and stand alongside those who are marginalised or disadvantaged
empathetic and respectful way.
Students will follow up this workshop by supporting the St Edmunds students at their annual swimming carnival which is hosted by Pymble in term 4.
Thank you to Leander and Jaya for sharing their reflections from the day.
On the 15th of September I had the privilege to participate in the AIM initiative at St Edmunds College alongside a handful of other year 10 students. As part of this immersive experience, we took part in a variety of activities that advocated for the rights of those with intellectual disabilities.
We began the day by learning about St Edmunds’ history and their mission. We were taught about a range of disabilities people had and how the school supports them. Students who attend the College have a range of disabilities including intellectual disabilities in the mild to moderate range, these disabilities limit intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour especially in children, St Edmunds is a specialised education facility that focuses on supporting each individual. We learnt about different means of communication, such as sign language that is used at the school that fosters an inclusive environment. We even had the opportunity to learn and practice braille which I was keen to try!
During break times, we engaged with students in the playground. We immersed ourselves in the community by joining in games and connecting with students. Using the communication skills we learnt before, I took part in conversions and activities to contribute to the warm and supportive atmosphere at the school. We had to be adaptable and patient when communicating as students could have difficulty understanding what we were saying. However, it was extremely rewarding to see the students feeling understood and having an enjoyable time. At recess we took part in a soccer game with some St Edmunds students, encouraging teamwork as we all got involved in the fun.
Another highlight of the day was when we all joined in on lessons, participating in their interactive classes. I was interested in this activity as I was keen to explore the differences between the structure of St Edmunds teaching styles to Pymbles. I joined a Year 9 PDHPE class where we were skipping. We took part in warm up activities and skipping drills, where we encouraged students to get involved in the activities and support their peers. This was a valuable experience to engage in their learning environment, redefining my understanding of inclusive education and the teaching methods at St Edmunds that provide the necessary support for students with disabilities.
Overall, the AIM initiative allowed me to further develop my empathy and respect for others as we supported St Edmunds mission of empowering young people with a range of disabilities. I am grateful to have immersed myself in the community through this initiative and I am looking forward to the swimming carnival with St Edmunds in Term 4!
Jaya Chand
On Monday a group of us year 10s travelled to St Edmund’s college in Wahroonga. A school for students with a range of disabilities. We spent the day learning about the school, its students and its history. We had a tour around the campus, and we interacted with the students at recess and lunch. We did a blind folded walk around the school with a cane to replicate how vision impaired people move around. It really puts into perspective the struggles people with blindness have doing tasks we do without thinking. We also spent a period in a class. I went to year 7 history. It was very interesting and impressive to see the amount of patience the teachers have, especially when students were being difficult and not cooperating. The class had breaks regularly in a period to keep the students engaged. The biggest takeaway from this experience was the sense of community and inclusion in the school. Students in year 7 would sit with students in year 12 with no hesitation. Everyone was friendly and joyful which we could learn a lot from.
Leander McLaughlin
2026 Civic Leadership Opportunity
The following opportunity may be of interest to students.
The Department of the House of Representatives and Y Australia are bringing National Youth Parliament to our democratic capital in August 2026.
This all-expenses-paid program will bring together 150 young people – one from every federal electorate, including Bradfield – for a five-day leadership and civic education experience in Canberra.
We invite you to encourage all eligible students to apply and share this opportunity with your networks. Kindly forward this email along if there is someone well-placed at the school to assist with the promotion, as we think this could be a phenomenal opportunity for a student at Pymble Ladies College.
No prior civic education is required – just curiosity, passion, and a willingness to learn.
Why it matters for schools and students:
Direct exposure to parliamentary processes and civic leadership
Development of leadership, communication, and policy skills
Collaboration with a diverse cross-section of young Australians
A chance to showcase commitment to student voice and civic engagement
Program details:
Flights, accommodation, meals, and activities are fully covered – no cost to families or schools
Students should be aged 16-17 in August 2026 (with reasonable flexibility permitted)
Expressions of Interest to close on 21 November 2025
Residential program to occur in August 2026
One young person will be selected from every single electorate in the country
Friday 26 September Boarder’s Travel Day/LAST DAY OF TERM 3
Key Dates for Term 4
Monday 13 October Boarder’s Travel Day/Staff Day
Tuesday 14 October FIRST DAY OF TERM 4
Friday 17 October Year 10 Pymble/Shore Dance at Miramare Gardens
Sunday 19 October Year 9 Residential Program Group 4 begins at Vision Valley
Monday 27 – Friday 31 October Year 10 Yearly Exams
From the Senior School
From the Head of Senior School – Mrs Nikki Wyse
For the first time in a number of weeks, the Senior School building has returned to normal classes. All the examinations have been completed for the term, and the students are taking some well-earned space to reflect and settle back into their normal routines. It is timely for all the students to spend some time in honest self-assessment, and consider any changes to their preparation for academic growth and progress.
A special visit from the Ex-Students’ Union
As the Year 12s begin to think about their final days, they have been invited to join the Ex-Students’ Union. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Corcoran and the dedicated members of the ESU for their recent special presentation to our graduating Year 12 students. Their thoughtful words of encouragement and well-wishes for the upcoming exams and future endeavours truly resonated with our students. The Ex-Students’ Union’s generous offer of support, including access to a valuable network of career mentors, overseas support, special interest groups, and enduring friendships, provides a wonderful resource as our graduates embark on their next chapter. Additionally, the beautiful keyrings presented were a lovely token of their continued connection and encouragement. We are deeply appreciative of the Ex-Students’ Union’s commitment to supporting our students and fostering a strong, interconnected alumni community.
Pymble Connections
As your daughter approaches the end of her Pymble school journey, we are excited to offer her early access to Pymble Connections – our new Alumni platform designed to support and connect our community beyond the College gates.
With your consent, your daughter will be invited to join the Year 12 2025 section on the Pymble Connections platform where they can begin building their profile and engage with the Year 12 Alumni Forum: a dedicated space for the girls to post questions to the Alumni community about further study, gap years abroad, career guidance and to keep in touch.
National Youth Parliament
The Department of the House of Representatives and Y Australia are bringing National Youth Parliament to our democratic capital in August 2026.
This all-expenses-paid program will bring together 150 young people - one from every federal electorate, including Bradfield - for a five-day leadership and civic education experience in Canberra.
No prior civic education is required - just curiosity, passion, and a willingness to learn.
Why it matters for schools and students:
Direct exposure to parliamentary processes and civic leadership
Development of leadership, communication, and policy skills
Collaboration with a diverse cross-section of young Australians
A chance to showcase commitment to student voice and civic engagement
Program details:
Flights, accommodation, meals, and activities are fully covered - no cost to families or schools
Students should be aged 16-17 in August 2026 (with reasonable flexibility permitted)
Expressions of Interest to close on 21 November 2025
Residential program to occur in August 2026
One young person will be selected from every single electorate in the country
You will find a range of collateral to assist with the promotion of this program (such as social media tiles, posters, FAQs / copy, and more) in this folder.
Please contact nationalYP@the-y.org.au or phone 0493 090 316 if you require any further assistance.
Term 3 Key Dates
20 September – Garden Party
24 September – Year 12 Picnic Day at Clontarf
25 September – Year 12 Graduation Assembly (Students and staff in attendance)
26 September – Year 12 Speech Day
26 September – Year 12 Chapel Service
26 September – Year 12 Honouring Service
26 September – Year 12 Valedictory Dinner
26 September – Term 3 ends
Term 4 Dates
14 October – First Day of Term 4
14 October – Pymble Knox Connections Afternoon (at Knox Grammar)
17 October – Year 12 and Student Leader Induction Ceremony
21 October – Year 12 Information Evening
From the Boarding School
It has been another happy week as we enjoyed the beautiful spring weather. Our Year 12 students are cherishing every moment of their final full term at Pymble, while our younger Boarders are looking forward to the upcoming term break.
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the Association of Independent Schools, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference. It was an invaluable opportunity to deepen my understanding of how we can enhance educational and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. I am excited to share learnings with our community in the months ahead.
A particularly proud moment for our Boarding family was seeing our First Nations scholars represent us with such skill and grace. Latiah delivered a moving performance of “Man in the Mirror” and later joined Dezi on the student panel. Watching these remarkable young women was a powerful reminder that they are poised to make an incredible impact on the world.
Orange turns pink!
Last Friday was a beautiful celebration of our Boarding family with a very well attended event in Orange at beautiful Printhie Wines hosted by our very own Emily and Ed Swift, parents of Annabel in Year 9. The Orange event is an extra special one as it seems to draw in a huge range of ex-students. It was particularly wonderful to be joined by Meg Kierath, class of 1958, to share happy memories of Pymble Boarding and to hear updates on the numerous members of the wider Kierath, Beveridge, Green and Johnson families who have joined us at Pymble over many years. There were other alumni of a similar vintage, and it was great to hear their enthusiasm for the 100th birthday celebrations for Goodlet – they are all signing up to sleep on the balcony at the sleepover!
There were also the more recent previous Boarders and Boarding staff who joined in the fun. It was especially wonderful have Pip Kensit share her memories of time at Pymble. Pip was a Boarder at Pymble from Year 7 and eventually an outstanding Head Boarder in 2012. She loved Boarding so much, Pip returned as an Assistant Head of House while studying nursing. Following her time as a remote nurse, Pip went on to study medicine and is now enjoying life in Orange as a doctor at Orange Hospital. Everyone enjoyed hearing Pip’s fond memories of Boarding and the impact it has had on her life beyond Pymble.
Garden Party
With just one more sleep to go, Garden Party is shaping up to be a fabulous day. Huge thanks for the many donations that have found their way to us, our produce stall is looking very healthy! If you haven’t had a chance to send through your donation, it’s not too late – we will gratefully receive local produce, baked goods or anything that you think represents our Boarding family. Please remember all funds raised at our Boarders’ Stall go directly to the Boarders’ Parent Group Scholarship fund.
Eat like a Boarder – back due to popular demand!
I hope you can join us for dinner on Monday 13 October at 6.00pm, when you return your girls from the Term 3 break. This will be the ‘real’ experience, with you able to enjoy the regular dinner service, just as the girls do each evening. If you would like to join us, please rsvp to boarding@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au by Friday 3 October.
Love It
A busy Friday night was enjoyed by our Boarders who travelled out for dessert at YoChi. We tried to entertain a different dessert spot but they love what they know! There were a few busy Boarders on Saturday afternoon enjoying the art of candle making led by Renee C, one of our Marden staff members. Year 7 caught the train to Hornsby for a shopping trip to purchase a few required items before the end of term. We were incredibly lucky to have beautiful weather all weekend which meant our Boarders were out and about. We celebrated the Moon Festival early last night with a beautifully themed dinner in the Dining Hall. On completion of dinner, Boarders were lucky to read their fortunes from fortune cookies.
We’re all looking forward to our Boarding event on Friday night with FABBA and the Garden Party on Saturday.
Our Pink Ladies – Sophie Laing and Celeste Mc Dermott, Head Boarders
It was lovely to have Sophie and Celeste award their very last Pink Ladies and I think they made the perfect choices ….
You’ve heard it before; Pink Ladies are special people in the lives of our Boarders who go above and beyond to make our time in Boarding easier and more connected. And seeing as it’s Term 3 and we’re on our way out, who better to dedicate it to than Year 12!
Year 12, we want to say on behalf of every Boarder in our year, thank you for the kindness you have shared with us over the last 6 years. Whether that’s offering lifts to sport, welcoming us into your homes, or offering some delicious food. Our time in Boarding wouldn’t have been the same without your support and care towards us, and for that we are extremely grateful.
We’d also like to extend a massive thank you to all the day school staff. To all the teachers, thanks for giving us the best education possible. To facilities, the gardeners and security, thank you for keeping the College turning and making it a beautiful environment for us to live in. Thank you to the Healthcare staff for always looking after us and Chartwells for providing delicious and nutritious meals. So as a token of our appreciation we have got a pink lady apple for all the day school staff and Year 12 students. Thank you!!!
View From My Window
Hello, my name is Bella, and I live In Crookwell NSW about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Canberra. I live with my mum, dad and little brother Ollie and have two pet dogs Sadie and Reggie.
My mum is a school teacher at the local primary school, and my dad works in the construction industry. My big brother Jesse owns his own butchery, and my little brother Ollie just started high school this year.
When I look out my window, I see my front yard and the street alive with our neighbours playing backyard cricket as the sun begins to set. Kids riding bikes and scooters around till dusk, while family friends stroll with their loved ones and pets.
Family is a huge part of my life. When I return home, I love spending time with them, whether that’s relaxing together or racing from one sporting activity to another. One of my favourite family traditions is heading down to the dam every New Years. Surrounded by my cousins, we spend all day skiing, tubing, knee boarding or just soaking up the sunshine on the bank. As the sun sets across the water, the view is always breath taking, a picture-perfect way to end the year.
Another view I love is from my Boarding room at Pymble. It overlooks Molly Dive Field and the Braith Williams Aquatics and Fitness centre. There is always a buzz of energy, with people playing sport, grabbing coffee or a snack at Archie’s or catching up with friends. That sense of community makes Boarding life exciting and full of connection.
Coming back to Boarding is always something I look forward to, not only because I get to reunite with my friends, but also because it gives me structure and routine. Pymble has taught me to balance my schooling and sport while opening doors to incredible opportunities. I’ve had a truly life-changing experience, and for that I will always remain grateful.
Overall, I am proud to be a Pymble Boarder and Pymble Ladies’ College. The friendships, opportunities and lessons I have gained, I will cherish forever.
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Save the Date
19 September – Boarder Parent Group Meeting followed by FABBA event
20 September – Garden Party
25 September – Farewell to Year 12 Chapel Service* (all Boarders required to be in attendance until 6.00pm) followed by Year 12 Celebration dinner for Year 12 Boarders and their families
25 September – Boarders’ Travel Day
26 September – Year 12 Speech Day and Valedictory Dinner
Term 4
13 October – all Boarders return from 2.00pm
13 October – Eat Like a Boarder 6.00pm
14 October – HSC Examinations commence
17 October – Boarding Lock Down and Evacuation Drill*
14 November – Lang Housewarming for Year 12 2026 and their families
November- End of Year Chapel Service and Christmas Party*
3 December Year 7-12 Speech Day*, followed by end of term Travel Day.
* No leave will be permitted during this time.
From the Futures Team
2025 Term 3 Week 9
Year 10 – Careers Education during MBS
This week Futures spoke to Year 10 about “transferable skills” for the work force. We introduced them to Cadi Clusters. The Cadi Clusters are six flexible groups that represent different ways of working, based on shared skills, tasks, work environments, and values. Rather than focusing on specific job titles, the Clusters help you and your teenager explore broader career possibilities and understand how their strengths and interests might translate into fulfilling work. This flexibility helps them stay open to opportunities whilst building confidence in their career direction.
If you would like to know which Clusters you are in, so you can join in the conversation – find out your own Clusters at cadiclusters.com
Year 12
It’s a very busy week for Year 12 on many fronts. This week we are focussing on post school pathways that are not directly into university.
If Trial results and predicted ATARs are not what students were hoping for we are encouraging them to keep perspective that there are many ways to get to the end goal.
Some pathway options to reach the preferred courses are:
Start a diploma or pathways program at uni
Diploma pathway via TAFE
Find a degree that will let you transfer to your preferred course in Year 2
Take a GAP year to do something different, have a break or work in industry you are interested in
Many universities and TAFE offer a range of Diplomas that can be used as an entry pathway to a degree or to access employment. Here are some helpful links.
We encourage students to come and see Futures if they would like some help finding these pathways.
External Opportunities
Interior Decoration Workshop
Sydney Design School, North Sydney.
30 September – 1 October 2025
Be inspired. Be creative. If you love interiors magazines and beautifully styled spaces, this fun two-day workshop is for you. It’s perfect for any interiors enthusiast who wants to decorate their home with skill and confidence.
Registrations are still open for Experience Sydney, their free, invitation-only event for Year 11 students (graduating Year 12 in 2026) to experience life at the University of Sydney on Thursday 9 October.
On the day, you will have the chance to participate in immersive sessions, meet current Sydney students, discover their clubs and societies, and explore the campus with a tour.
Engineer Australia Summer School.
Location: Uni Sydney
7- 12 December, 2025.
For students sitting their HSC or equivalent in 2026. The aim of the week is to provide an insight into the vast number of areas where Engineers work, the numerous degrees available, and the amazing career opportunities both in Australia and globally.
This week’s reflection is a message from our Yr 12 chapel captain, Kathie Ong. Kathie has been serving on the chapel team since she was 11 years old, Phoebe Paleologos also by her side, has served since she was 9 years old. Today at our Yr 12 Farewell Chapel, Kathie reflected on Jesus’ Great Commission (below) and gave a beautiful message on pilgrimage. Seeing life as a pilgrimage, she encouraged her fellow students to continue to live out their faith and Pymble values as they journey into new chapters in their lives.
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him, but they doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 24: 16-20.
The word pilgrimage means a journey of discovery, whether personal, spiritual, or religious. And honestly, that might just sum up what we’re doing right now.
We all know that in just eight days, we’ll be moving on from this stage of our lives. For Year 11, congratulations, you guys are almost the leaders of the school. Year 12, as much as the word graduation only has 4 syllables, we still have to get through 8 assemblies between now and then (two for each day left wow). But before we do all that, let’s take a moment to look back on how far we’ve come.
For many of us, the first time we stepped into the chapel was during Year 7 orientation.
Then came COVID. Suddenly, chapel was online. Singing hymns through a screen wasn’t quite the same.
Then we came back. And for the first time, we got to sing together properly. Loudly. Questionably in tune, not really in time, but together.
Then Lorenzo and Punam left. And we all cried. Then Cass and Danielle became the newest Revs. And we all cried again (of joy this time) And now… here we are. The Senior School of 2025.
So, what have we learnt from our time in chapel?
Try not to sit under the spot where the birds sit, you know what I mean
Shine Jesus Shine is the best song
We might come from different faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs but we are still one big family.
And in this family, there have been ups and downs. But there’s no one else we would have rather shared it with. We’ve found happiness here even if, let’s be honest, some of us are also looking forward to running away from it all for a bit of peace.
As we move through life, we’re grateful for everything we’ve shared as the Senior School of 2025. We all move on to new things, but we will remember where we’ve come from.
And as today’s reading reminds us: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
We will always have each other. As the school song says we are stuck in the unending chain especially as Year 12 are now part of the ESU but it’s proof that the power of connection stays with us through the adventures that lie ahead.
Prayer for the Class of 2025
Lord, as the Class of 2025 have grown together over the past six years, we thank You for the gift of friendship and the sense of family we have found in the Pymble community.
We pray that this family always remains connected, supporting one another in love and unity no matter where life takes us.
Lord, as we have faced tough times together from COVID to the trials, and now the HSC, through ontological crisis and mountains of work we pray that we will continue to find strength, courage, and comfort in one another through all challenges, big and small.
As we prepare to leave school and begin the next chapter of our lives, we pray that the values we have learnt here care courage integrity respect and responsibility travel with us, shaping the people we become and the communities we become part of.
As we celebrate the friendships and memories that have brought us so much joy, we pray that our Pymble sisters will always know how much we have cherished their love over the years and we pray that these bonds will remain a source of laughter, support, and warmth in the years ahead. As we step into an unknown future, we pray that we will continue to encourage one another in faith, hope, and love, remaining always a light in the world.
Events Calendar – Term 3 and 4
Co-curricular Administration
Term 4 Registrations Now Open
Registrations for Term 4 Co-curricular programs are now open via the online registration system. Registrations will close on Wednesday 1 October.
To register, please access the online system through the Co-curricular pages on MyPymble by clicking here. A parent/carer login is required to complete registration. Please note that registrations cannot be accepted via email or phone.
Note both Kitchen Whiz and Smart Cookies are listed under Co-curricular TAS.
All registrations, including requests, are processed strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Please choose your sport and/or activity carefully. Program fees are non-refundable and will not be adjusted for sessions missed due to illness, wet weather, or school events (including camps), in line with our terms and conditions.
All information regarding Co-curricular programs throughout the term will be communicated via the MyPymble app. If you have not yet downloaded the app, please click here to do so.
From the Co-curricular Performing Arts Team
Head of Co-Curricular Performing Arts – Strategy and Operation
Mr Kurt Schweinberger
2026 Secondary School Musical
We are excited to announce the25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Beewill be the Secondary School musical for 2026. Itfollows a group of six quirky middle-school students as they compete in their local spelling bee. Each contestant arrives with their own unique personality, backstory and personal challenges.
The musical is well known for its audience participation, where members are invited onstage each performance to join the competition as extra spellers.
Performance Dates:
Performance 1 – Thursday 26 February 7.00pm
Performance 2 – Friday 27 February 7.00pm
Performance 3 – Saturday 28 February 1.30pm
A rehearsal session will be held on Tuesday 23 September (Term 3, Week 10) to assist students in learning the required audition material. This session will take place in the Music Gallery during lunchtime. Attendance is not compulsory but is highly recommended as it is a way to consolidate the songs and receive audition tips.
Round 1 of audition videos (singing and dance) are due Term 4 Week 1.
Please see the audition information pack on the portal. This contains all the required information.
110th Anniversary Concert – Sydney Opera House
In celebration of the College’s 110th anniversary, we are honoured to present a landmark concert at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 18 August 2026. This occasion will bring together the full breadth of our Performing Arts program, showcasing the outstanding achievements of our students in Dance, Drama, Music and Language Arts.
We look forward to sharing this historic celebration with our community in one of the world’s most iconic venues, as we honour our past and look with confidence to the future.
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From the Co-curricular Sports Team
Term 4 Registrations Now Open
Registrations for Term 4 Co-curricular programs are now open via the online registration system. Registrations will close on Wednesday 1 October.
To register, please access the online system through the Co-curricular pages on MyPymble by clicking here. A parent/carer login is required to complete registration. Please note that registrations cannot be accepted via email or phone.
Note both Kitchen Whiz and Smart Cookies are listed under Co-curricular TAS.
All registrations, including requests, are processed strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Please choose your sport and/or activity carefully. Program fees are non-refundable and will not be adjusted for sessions missed due to illness, wet weather, or school events (including camps), in line with our terms and conditions.
All information regarding Co-curricular programs throughout the term will be communicated via the MyPymble app. If you have not yet downloaded the app, please click here to do so.
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Artistic Gymnastics
Alison Gestier, Head Coach of Artistic Gymnastics
NL5-10 State Club Championships
What a spectacular weekend it was for Pymble Gymnastics at the NL5-10 State Club Championships! Our talented athletes took to the floor with determination, showcasing exceptional skills, sportsmanship, teamwork and an unwavering Pymble spirit.
The dedication of each gymnast, coach and supporter was evident from the very first routine to the final applause. Throughout the competition, Pymble gymnasts delivered outstanding performances, earning a series of individual and team accolades across all levels—culminating in Pymble proudly securing an astonishing second place overall point score among a talented arena.
Highlights included:
Stunning routines from all our NL5-10 gymnasts, reflecting countless hours of hard work and commitment.
Numerous podium finishes in individual apparatus and all-around events.
NL5 A Team – 2nd Vault, 6th Bars, 5th Beam, 1st Floor, 4th Overall
NL5 B Team – 3rd Vault, 6th Bars, 3rd Beam, 5th Floor, 4th Overall
NL6 A Team – 2nd Vault, 3rd Bars, 1st Beam, 2nd Floor, 2nd Overall
NL6 B Team – 3rd Vault, 6th Bars, 4th Beam, 5th Floor, 5th Overall
Fantastic teamwork and camaraderie, creating an uplifting atmosphere for all involved.
A well-deserved second place overall, making our club and community exceptionally proud.
This achievement is a true reflection of the passion and resilience within our gymnastics family. Congratulations to every athlete, coach and supporter—you have contributed to this success and upheld the values of Pymble Gymnastics!
Let’s continue to celebrate our achievements and look forward to more magical moments at the 2025 National Clubs Carnival in two weeks time!
Go Pymble!
Cricket
Jack Garrad, Co-ordinator of Cricket
Congratulations to Elizabeth Yates (Year 11) who competed in the NSW v Queensland Cricket tournament in Kingscliff. NSW won the two-day format match and the T20, with QLD winning the one-day format match. Overall, NSW came away with the Shield!
Well done Elizabeth!
Drama
Interschool TheatreSports Competition
On Tuesday 9 September, Pymble hosted an interschool TheatreSports competition that was filled with scenes completely improvised by the performers that made the audiences laugh and cry. We were joined by numerous schools, including Barker College, Knox Grammar School, Northholm Grammar, and Abbotsleigh, with guest judges from these schools who offered brilliant insight and feedback to our performers.
Our timekeepers and hosts for the evening were our Captains of TheatreSports, Chloe Brown (Year 11), Captain for 2024 to 2025 and Lara Waterhouse (Year 10), Captain for 2025 to 2026, who did a wonderful job encouraging the spirit of the room.
It was a fabulous night where the girls were able to perform in front of a live audience and meet peers that had a shared appreciation of the art of improvisation.
Hockey
Shellie Rocca, Co-ordinator of Hockey
Week 8
What a phenomenal weekend it has been for igsa Hockey at Pymble! Our teams put on extraordinary performances, demonstrating outstanding skill, resilience and school spirit.
A special shout out goes to our Pymble 2 team, who played a truly spectacular match over the weekend. Their hard work, unity, and determination paid off as they earned a well-deserved spot in the grand final this Saturday. We are so proud of your achievements and wish you all the very best for the upcoming final. The whole Pymble community is right behind you, and we can’t wait to cheer you on!
We also want to give a massive shout out to the Pymble 6 team. Competing in their very first igsa Hockey semi-final, these students played with so much pride, passion and determination that they truly inspired us all. The match went down to the wire, heading into extra time, and while the final result saw them narrowly go down to Frensham, their spirit and effort were second to none.
We are tremendously proud of every single student who represented Pymble this weekend. Your commitment, sportsmanship, and teamwork exemplify all that is wonderful about Pymble Hockey. Each of you has contributed to an incredible season, and we cannot thank you enough for your courage and effort on the pitch.
Best wishes once again go the following teams who will play their semi-final match on Friday night. See details below:
Pymble 1
4.30pm at Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Olympic Pitch
Pymble 3
5.45pm at Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Field 2
Let’s get around these two fantastic teams so we can see them feature in the grand final on Saturday morning!
Results
Division
Team A
Team B
Result
S04
Pymble 2
St Vincents 1
1 to 0 win
J06
Pymble 6
Frensham 10
0 to 1 Loss
Congratulations to the following students who received best and fairest for Round 8:
Pymble 2 – Mary Cottrell (Year 12)
Pymble 6 – Molly Turner (Year 7)
Pymble 1, 2, 3, and 5 had no match
Language Arts
DEBATING
Debating season is now in recess until the commencement of the International Debating Championships (IDC) in October.
Forthcoming Debating Activities and Opportunities
Chinese Debating Auditions for the 2026 team
These auditions will be held after school commencing on Monday 22 September in IH rooms. Pymble entered this competition for the first time earlier this year and placed in the top ten teams. The competition will be held across weekends in the 2026 Easter break. All debates are held in the Business School at Sydney University. Students who registered for an audition have now received their time and instructions. It is hoped that we will select a competition team and a back up team.
IDC
Thank you to the students who have registered teams internally for IDC. Students who registered as individuals, thank you for your patience as we finalise teams for this Term 4 online competition. We will try to accommodate you.
Garden Party – Saturday 20 September
Language Arts will present some Soapbox speeches at Garden Party, commencing at 11.20am at the Butterfly on Gloucester lawn. We will then move to the Chapel to present some other speeches and restage our Antigone Mock Trial.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Junior Secondary Speaking Awards
Congratulations to Estelle Lee (Year 9) who attended the regional finals of the Junior Secondary Speaking Awards last Tuesday.
TEDx
Please note classes will not be held this Saturday 20 September due to the Garden Party.
UN Voice of Youth
Thank you to our two senior Language Arts girls who progressed to state and national finals in this competition in previous years, and who led a preparatory workshop. Registrations are being finalised by Co-curricular Administration.
Pymble Model UN Club (PMUN)
PMUN runs each Monday lunch in DK06. Come along and join us this term. Everyone is welcome. Learn how to prepare for a MUN conference.
Other MUNS
Yesterday over 40 girls attended the Trinity MUN conference and we look forward to the continuation of this conference next Wednesday after school.
Well done to Leahara Wijesuriya (Year 9) who received a special award at Ruse MUN last weekend and best wishes to our nine girls who will attend Barker/Knox MUN this weekend.
Mock Law
A Mock Law workshop was held last Friday to outline our three Competitions – Mediation, Mock trial and Mooting. Team selection will occur in the IH rooms after school this Friday.
Music
Mrs Sarah Turner
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following students on their music achievements:
Audrey Quan (Year 7) – A+ 6th Grade Euphonium
Isobel Goodridge (Year 8) – B 5th Grade Euphonium
Scarlett Qui (Year 6) – First prize in Charleston 2025 World Music Competition harp category
Battle of the Bands
On Saturday 13September, two of our Rock Bands performed at the Battle of the Bands held at the Barker College Spring Fair. The Thursdays and KAIC were two of 35 bands who performed, singing songs by Evanescence. This was their first performance, and once the nerves settled, they proved themselves to be worthy of “rock chick” status. I was immensely proud of the way they performed and watching them have fun brought joy to my heart. Thank you to Ms Aquaro and Ms Zeltzer for preparing the girls so ably.
Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble
On Sunday 14September the Junior Jazz Band performed at The Concourse in Chatswood as part of their Spring Fair. Mrs Goodman and 19 students demonstrated great resilience as their music was swept up by the wind and they also faced the sun without having any sunglasses on. Well done, girls!
Dates for your Diaries
Thursday 18 and Friday 19 Septemberat 6.00pm – Year 6 Musical, Peter Pan. See the portal for information and bookings.
Saturday 20 September all day – Garden Party – Various ensembles will perform at this event. Please see the times below. Information for time to arrive has been placed on the portal, so please check carefully.
Tuesday 23 September 5.00pm – Music Elective Night in the Music Gallery – all girls from Years 8 to 11 who study Music will perform an item for family and friends.
Wednesday 24 September 3.30pm – Year 3 String graduation performance. Please see details from Mrs Colbey.
Friday 26 September – Year 12 Valedictory Dinner – Randwick Racecourse. College Quartet to perform. Please remember to complete permission through MyPymble for the girls chosen for this performance.
Garden Party Ensembles Schedule
Clarinet Ensemble
11.00am to 11.15am
GMCPA Foyer
Brass Ensemble
11.05am to 11.20am
Butterfly Space
Flute Ensemble
11.15am to 11.30am
GMCPA Foyer
Years 1 and 2 Piccoline School Choir Pizzicatos String Ensemble
12.30pm to 1.00pm
Music Gallery
Junior Jazz Band
1.00pm to 1.15pm
Music Colonnade
Jazz Ensemble
1.15pm to 1.30pm
Music Colonnade
Pymble Rock Band – KAIC
1.30pm to 1.40pm
Music Colonnade
Pymble Rock Band – The Thursdays
1.40pm to 1.50pm
Music Colonnade
Stage Band
1.50pm to 2.10pm
Music Colonnade
Junior School Grainger Band
2.10pm to 2.30pm
Chapel Court
Junior School Stanhope Band
2.30pm to 2.45pm
Chapel Court
Junior School Year 4 Training Band
2.45pm to 3.00pm
Chapel Court
Please note that all rehearsals will continue during Week 10. If any changes have been made, the conductors will email the students and parents.
Netball
Megan O’Keeffe, Head Coach of Netball
Week 8
Semi-final weekend was filled with excitement, energy and nerves! All 21 Pymble teams stepped onto the court ready for a tough game. All teams cheered, passed and defended their way to the end. We are so proud of all 21 teams that played on the weekend, although not all teams achieved the result they had wanted, reaching the semi-finals is a huge achievement.
Congratulations to Pymble 4, Pymble 7, Pymble 9, Pymble 11, Pymble 14, Pymble 15, Pymble 17, Pymble 21, Pymble 22, Pymble 24, Pymble 28 and Pymble 30 who will be playing in the grand finals this week! We wish you all the best of luck!
Results – igsa
Division
Team A
Team B
Result
S01
Pymble 1
Ascham 1
16 to 32 Loss
S07
Pymble 4
Brigidine 5
29 to 13 Win
S10
Pymble 5
Tara 2
Forfeit
S11
Pymble 6
Brigidine 7
9 to 41 Loss
S12
Pymble 7
Wenona 7
34 to 9 Win
S13
Pymble 8
St Scholasticas 2
24 to 26 Loss
S14
Pymble 9
Meriden 5
24 to 14 Win
S16
Pymble 11
Roseville 9
24 to 15 Win
S17
Pymble 12
Roseville 10
25 -26 Loss
S19
Pymble 13
Wenona 12
5 to 25 Loss
S19
Pymble 14
Abbotsleigh 16
17 to 16 Win
J01
Pymble 15
Brigidine 13
30 to 21 Win
J03
Pymble 16
Roseville 12
10 to 24 Loss
J07
Pymble 17
Abbotsleigh 20
28 to 11 Win
J09
Pymble 18
Brigidine 16
16 to 8 Loss
J12
Pymble 20
BYE
J13
Pymble 21
Roseville 17
31 to 21 Win
J13
Pymble 22
Queenwood 11
13 to 21 Loss
Y701
Pymble 24
St Vincents 17
24 to 20 Win
Y707
Pymble 28
Abbotsleigh 34
20 to 8
Y709
Pymble 30
Abbotsleigh 36
14 to 12 Win
Touch Football
TOUCH FOOTBALL
Shellie Rocca, Co-ordinator of Touch Football
Week 8
As the term draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible achievements and joyful moments from this year’s IPSHA Touch Football and K-2 Skills season. What an extraordinary journey it has been for our enthusiastic players, dedicated coaches, and supportive families!
From the first whistle to the final try, our Touch Football teams have shown remarkable skills, sportsmanship, and resilience. Each match was an opportunity for growth, and our players seized every chance to support each other and shine on the field. Whether it was a lightning sprint down the sideline, a strategic pass, or a crucial touch, the commitment and determination displayed each week filled us all with pride. Most importantly, friendships were forged and memories made that will last a lifetime.
For our youngest learners in K-2 Skills, the season was a vibrant introduction to teamwork, coordination, and the joy of movement. The giggles, focused faces, and “I did it!” moments have made Saturday mornings something truly special. The progress made across the season, from learning to hold and pass the ball, to mastering those tricky footwork drills, has been inspiring to watch. We are so proud of every one of you.
A massive thank you to our wonderful coaches for nurturing a love of sport in every child, and to our families for your ongoing encouragement and presence on the sidelines. Your support makes all the difference.
A big shout out to our referees who did a fantastic job week in and week out with our IPSHA Touch Football matches. No sporting season would be complete without the incredible efforts of you all, and this IPSHA Touch Football was no exception. We want to extend a massive thank you and a huge round of applause to each and every referee who has given their time, energy, and expertise every week.
Thank you for your consistency, integrity, and unwavering dedication, you are vital to our community, and we are so grateful for all that you do!
Though the season is ending, the spirit and skills gained this term will carry on. We cannot wait to see what our students achieve next, both on and off the field. Until then, congratulations on an outstanding season to all our IPSHA Touch Football and K-2 Skills participants!
See below list of our Pymble student referees:
Eden Azar (Year 12)
Ruby Azar (Year 8)
Rosalie Eggins (Year 11)
Mia Lorimer (Year 11)
Lana Pike (Year 12)
Ruby Polson (Year 11)
Ruby Scarf (Year 11)
Marley Titley (Year 8)
If you would like to be part of our Touch Football referee program, please email Mrs Shellie Rocca to get started! srocca@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
Results
Grade
Team A
Team B
Result
Year 6A
Pymble 1
Loreto Normanhurst 1
5 to 1 Win
Year 6B
Pymble 2
Barker 2
6 to 6 Draw
Year 5A
Pymble 3
Roseville 5
6 to 3 Win
Year 5B
Pymble 4
Roseville 6
2 to 8 Loss
Year 5C
Pymble 5
Queenwood 6
2 to 5 Loss
Year 4A/B
Pymble 6
Ascham 8
0 to 8 Loss
Year 3A
Pymble 7
Barker 13
6 to 3 Win
Year 3B
Pymble 8
Roseville 10
11 to 5 Win
Year 3B
Pymble 9
Kincoppal Rose Bay
0 to 9 Loss
Congratulations to the following students who received best and fairest for Round 8:
Pymble 1 – Emily Long (Year 6) and Claudia Birrell (Year 6)
Pymble 2 – Chantal Cheung (Year 6)
Pymble 3 – Grace Edwards (Year 5)
Pymble 4 – Rachel Shi (Year 5)
Pymble 5 – Queenie Sun (Year 5)
Pymble 6 – Sarayah Wijesuriya (Year 4)
Pymble 7 – Charlotte Cross (Year 3)
Pymble 8 – Georgina Harris (Year 3)
Pymble 9 – Claire Sun (Year 3)
Player of the Season and Most Improved
Congratulations to the following students who received player of the season and most improved for their allocated team:
Pymble 1
Player of the season: Claudia Birrell (Year 6)
Most Improved: Emily Long (Year 6)
Pymble 2
Player of the season: Chantal Cheung (Year 6)
Most Improved: Summer Wang and Sunny Wang (Year 6)
Pymble 3
Player of the season: Allegra Blackman (Year 5)
Most Improved: Zoe Hindmarsh (Year 5)
Pymble 4
Player of the season: Rachel Shi (Year 5)
Most Improved: Adela Wu (Year 5)
Pymble 5
Player of the season: Queenie Sun (Year 5)
Most Improved: Ishana Singh (Year 5)
Pymble 6
Player of the season: Mackenzie Kelly (Year 4)
Most Improved: Saryah Wijesuriya (Year 4)
Pymble 7
Player of the season: Charlotte Cross (Year 3)
Most Improved: Isla Coupland (Year 3)
Pymble 8
Player of the season: Georgina Harris (Year 3)
Most Improved: Olivia Birrell (Year 3)
Pymble 9
Player of the season: Madeleine Nam (Year 3)
Most Improved: Claire Sun (Year 3)
Rugby Sevens
Finals Weekend
An amazing weekend to round out the Chloe Dalton Rugby Sevens competition on the weekend. Our Senior Pymble Firsts won their grand final in a nail-biting extra-time golden-point match against Ravenswood, winning the match 19 to 12. Our Intermediate Pymble 3 team finished off a very dominant season, beating Monte 2 35 to 7. This was a very close match up until the second half where our fitness kicked in, and we scored three unanswered tries. Our Junior Pymble 6 team bounced back after a devastating extra-time loss in 2024 to come away with the silverware, beating Ravenswood 42 points to 7.
A notable mention also to Senior Pymble 2, who won their division two competition knocking off Loreto in their grand final 14 to 12.
Good luck to our Senior team who will be competing in this Friday’s Waratah Shield!
Well done to all teams on an amazing season! We look forward to seeing you at next Mondays BBQ!
Results
Division
Finals Round
Team A
Team B
Result
Senior 1
Semi-final
Pymble 1
Frensham 1
27 to 5 Win
Senior 1
Grand final
Pymble 1
Ravenswood 1
19 to 12 Win
Senior 2
Semi-final
Pymble 2
Brigidine 1
14 to 10 Win
Senior 2
Grand final
Pymble 2
Loreto 2
14 to 12 Win
Inter 1
Semi-final
Pymble 3
Frensham 3
35 to 7 Win
Inter 1
Grand final
Pymble 3
Monte 2
35 to 7 Win
Inter 2
Place Game
Pymble 4
Frensham 4
19 to 21 Loss
Inter 2
Place Game
Pymble 4
Pymble 5
42 to 21 Win
Inter 2
Place Game
Pymble 5
Frensham 4
7 to 35 Loss
Inter 2
Place Game
Pymble 5
Pymble 4
21 to 42 Loss
Junior
Semi-final
Pymble 6
Pymble 7
52 to 0 Win
Junior
Grand final
Pymble 6
Ravenswood 4
42 to 7 Win
Junior
Semi-final
Pymble 7
Pymble 6
0 to 52 Loss
Junior
Place Game
Pymble 7
Frensham 5
7 to 17 Loss
Swimming
Jaimi Arthur-Newman, Co-ordinator of Swimming
NSW Youth Short Course Age Championships
On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September, 17 of our Pymble girls competed at the 2025 NSW Youth Short Course Age Championships held at Sydney Olympic Park.
This is one of the most competitive meets of the short course season for swimmers aged 13 year and under, giving them the chance to race against the fastest athletes in NSW. It was a busy and exciting weekend filled with personal bests, great swims, team spirit, and lots of learning.
Our Pymble girls finished the meet with an outstanding 18 Top 10 finishes, including five individual medals.
A huge congratulations to all our Pymble girls who competed: Priscilla Miller (Year 7), Leah Ji (Year 3), Amélie Berg (Year 6), Emma Deere (Year 6), Carla Mikkeline Eibach (Year 8), Sophia Li (Year 7), Yuxi Lun (Year 5), Jade Mao (Year 8), Isabella Wang (Year 7), Alicia Gong (Year 4), Mia Hong (Year 4), Vera Le (Year 5), Rose Wang (Year 5), and Olivia Yu (Year 5).
Medallists
Priscilla Miller (Year 7)
1st 50m Backstroke
2nd 100m Backstroke
3rd 200m Backstroke
Penelope Hargraves (Year 8)
2nd 50m Butterfly
Georgia Friedel (Year 8)
2nd 50m Backstroke
The Knox Pymble Swimming Club also concluded the short course season with an excellent result, ranking second overall at the 2025 Youth Short Course Age Championships and finishing second in the combined point score for Junior and Senior State.
Top 3 Point Scorers
Priscilla Miller (Year 7) – 139 points
Georgia Friedel (Year 8) – 89 points
Lilly Andrews (Year 7) – 88 points
Top 10 Individual Results
Priscilla Miller (Year 7)
4th 50m Freestyle
5th 50m Butterfly
10th 100m Buttefly
Leah Ji (Year 3)
8th 100m Breaststroke
Penelope Hargraves (Year 8)
6th 100m Buttefly
Georgia Friedel (Year 8)
5th 50m Freestyle
7th 50m Buttefly
7th 100m Backstroke
8th 100m Freestyle
Lilly Andrews (Year 7)
4th 50m Backstroke
5th 50m Buttefly
5th 100m Fly
6th 100m Backstroke
9th 100m Freestyle
Relay Results
1st 11 to 13 Years Medley Relay: Priscilla Miller, Penelope Hargraves, Lilly Andrews
1st 11 to 13 Years Freestyle Relay: Priscilla Miller, Lilly Andrews, Georgia Friedel
10th 9 to 10 Years Freestyle Relay Team B: Alicia Gong, Mia Hong, Vera Le
8th 9 to 10 Years Medley Relay Team B: Vera Le, Mia Hong
10th 9 to 10 Years Medley Relay Team A: Rose Wang, Olivia Yu
Well done to all swimmers who raced over the weekend, and a huge thank you to our coaches Sara, Jarrod, and Rohan for supporting the team, as well as to our wonderful parent group for their ongoing encouragement.
Water Polo
WATER POLO
Samantha Dale, Co-ordinator of Water Polo
Season Wrap
The MLC Water Polo competition wrapped up in style on Friday night, with both our Senior and Junior teams showcasing the progress they’ve made this season.
The highlight of the evening was our Senior Firsts’ dominant gold medal grand final victory over Ascham.
After a tight opening quarter, the girls lifted their intensity in the second and never looked back, powering to another title in the Friday Night Invitational competition.
Earlier in the evening, our Junior team played with great determination in their fifth-place playoff, finishing their season on a strong note. The improvement in teamwork, decision-making, and game awareness throughout the season has been terrific to see, and we’re proud of how far they’ve come.
A huge thank you to all our students for their commitment, and to our outstanding coaches for guiding the program with expertise and energy.
With this season complete, our attention now turns to the igsa term 4 competition where we will enter four teams in the competition.
We’re excited to see even more students developing their skills, enjoying the game, and building the next generation of water polo success.
Year 8 Geography Field Trip – Blue Mountains
Last week, Year 8 went on a Geography field trip to the Blue Mountains. The day started off at Echo Point, but the weather wasn’t really on our side—it was super grey and thick with fog, so we couldn’t see any of the famous mountain views at first. Luckily, after recess, the fog cleared, and we finally got an epic view of the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley. It was definitely worth the wait!
During the trip, we collected primary data for Geography, mostly about how tourism affects the natural environment and the Indigenous communities living in the area. It was interesting to think about how so many visitors change the place, for both the good and bad.
Next, we went over to Scenic World, which was just a quick 5-minute drive away. There, we hopped onto the cable car—it was pretty big and could fit about 50 of us. Even though the fog was still hanging we could see the cliff faces, which the guide told us had been part of the ocean floor 250 million years ago! Once we got to the bottom, we walked along the Lillipilli Track, looking out for all sorts of native plants and animals. I spotted lyrebirds, heaps of ferns, turpentines, sassafras and lillipilli trees. It was amazing to experience the track in the fog.
Our data collection continued, measuring wind speed, the direction it was blowing, temperature, and light using a Lux meter. I was surprised by how different the conditions were above and down in the valley. The highlight of the day was the Scenic Railway. It’s super steep—like, 52 degrees—which made the whole ride feel like a rollercoaster in the dark. Everyone, including me, was screaming (I definitely practised my horror movie scream for fun). Even though the sun didn’t shine, the foggy, overcast conditions contributed to the atmosphere. We all ended up having a very unique experience and made a bunch of new memories.
Mia Zhu and Wenhui Zheng
Macquarie Empowering Women in Finance and Technology Event
On Monday 1st of September, a group of Pymble students and I had the exciting opportunity to attend the Empowering Women in Finance & Technology: Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders event, held at Macquarie Group’s headquarters in Sydney. This program was designed to inspire young women in Years 9 and 10 by showcasing the wide range of career pathways in finance, business, economics, and technology. We had the chance to hear from and network with several influential women in STEM-focused careers, including the CEO of Macquarie, and came away with valuable insights into what it means to be a female leader in traditionally male dominated fields. Alongside these inspiring discussions, we also took part in engaging activities and connected with students from other schools. It was a truly eye-opening and empowering experience that highlighted the importance of female leaders shaping the STEM careers of tomorrow.
Imogen Kee, Year 10
The Macquarie Group Empowering Women in Finance and Tech event provided valuable insights into the financial and technological industry. We engaged in activities exploring markets, stocks, and technology by using interactive games such as Pictionary, which gave us hands-on experience. I most enjoyed the networking lunch session, where I had the chance to speak with recent graduates, including one from our school. They generously shared their experiences, discussing the university subjects that prepared them for their roles, as well as how artificial intelligence is likely to transform both the financial industry and the workplace. We also had the opportunity to hear directly from the CEO, Shemara Wikramanayake, who gave us a broader perspective on leadership within such a large financial organisation. I felt very grateful to be able to attend this excursion, learning valuable information and gaining inspiration to reflect on my own academic journey and the pathways I may wish to pursue in the future. Thank you to GBE teachers for coordinating this opportunity!
Arin Yoon, Year 10
After-Hours Study
Homework Help
Year 12 Study Camps
Click the poster below to register.
Scholarship Opportunity
Scholarship Opportunity – open to a current and external Year 9 student who is a daughter, granddaughter or niece of an ex-student.
Year 9 students who have a mother, grandmother or aunt who attended Pymble are eligible and encouraged to apply for the Ex-Students’ Union Scholarship. This scholarship funded by the College on behalf of the Ex-Students’ Union provides the equivalent of 50% remission of tuition fees for Year 11 and Year 12 to a successful recipient.
Information about portfolio requirements and how to apply can be found online through the Scholarship webpage.
Registrations close on 4.00pm24 October 2025.
(PPA) (SSPG) and (JSPG) Roles 2025
Expression of Interest – Pymble Parent Association (PPA) (SSPG) and (JSPG) Roles 2025
We warmly invite you to submit your Expression of Interest for any of the available roles by completing the Google Form link
Pymble Transport
Register now – Pymble Bus Service
A reminder to register your daughter for the Pymble bus service if you have not already done so. Registrations are essential, as we cannot guarantee a seat without a booking.
You can choose between a flexible registration, whereby you are only charged for the number of trips taken, or you can reserve a seat for your daughter for the full term.
Grey House Walk Closure – Alternative travel options
Grey House Walk remains closed during Term 3 and Term 4 to allow for the timely completion of Grey House Precinct. The College has introduced the following initiatives to support students who usually walk to school from Pymble Avenue via Grey House Walk.
Minibus Shuttle Service (Pymble Loop)
This shuttle travels down Livingstone Avenue and up Pymble Avenue via Courallie Avenue and Golfers Parade. This is a convenient way for parents to bypass traffic near the College on Pymble Avenue and Avon Road.
This supervised walking group is available for our Junior School students. It runs in the morning only, meeting from 7.30am at the entrance of Grey House Walk on Pymble Avenue, departing together at 7.45am. Register to join the walking group here.
Additional stops on our Hunters Hill Route (Bus 1)
The shuttle service is being supplemented by additional Pymble stops on our Hunters Hill route. These stops are free of charge during the closure of Grey House Walk. As seats are limited, bookings are essential to utilise this service and can be made here.
For further information on travelling to and from Pymble Ladies’ College, please contact College Services on (02) 9855 7447 or collegeservices@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Unlimited Rides Pass
The Unlimited Rides Pass allows you to go on as many rides as you would like at Garden Party 2025 between 10.00am and 3.00pm. This is great value for money and is sure to keep all entertained over the course of the day.
Unlimited Rides Pass – Cost: $40.00 pre-purchase
Unlimited Rides Pass – Cost: $50.00 on the day of Garden Party
Each pass provides unlimited access on any ride or activity where the minimum height/age requirement is met:
The Superhero Ride (130cm and over) – Adults can ride
Dodgem Cars (NEW ride)
The Whirlwind (110cm and over) – Adults can ride (NEW ride)
Storm Ride (110cm and over) – Adults can ride
Cup & Saucer (2 years and over) – Adults can ride
Swinging Pirate Ship – (must be over 80cm) – Adults can ride
Turbo Flyers – (2 years and over – Adults can ride
Giant Slide (3 and Under must be accompanied by an adult)
Inflatable Obstacle courses
Soccer Shoot Out
Mini Golf
Please note that parents can ride for free only if they are accompanying their child(ren).
Garden Party 2025 – PPA BBQ Request for Volunteers
We are looking forward to our wonderful annual Garden Party on the 20th September. This is a fantastic school event bringing together thousands from our school community.
The PPA BBQ is a busy, exciting stall and we need volunteers to assist on the day. It is a wonderful way to meet other parents, while keeping busy preparing food, cooking and serving our wonderful school community.
The Garden Party is one of Pymble’s most beloved events on the school calendar, and the ever-popular Cake Stall remains a highlight for many visitors throughout the day. Its success depends entirely on the generosity and baking talents of our wonderful community.
Join our friendly team!
We need enthusiastic volunteers to help staff the stall and share these delectable treats with visitors. Even an hour of your time would make a big difference!
Our stall caters to everyone — from those wanting a quick, energizing snack to those looking for a special cake, tart, or pie to take home.
Baked goods can be dropped off at the stall, located in the foyer of the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts (GMCPA), from 7:30 am on Garden Party day.
All proceeds from the Cake Stall will be donated to the HerVillage Foundation and Mahboba’s Promise charities.
Please contact the Cake Stall Convenor for further information:
