From the Principal
Happy Diwali to our families and friends of Pymble who will be celebrating The Festival of Lights on Sunday. Each year, the festival takes place on the darkest night of the Hindu lunar calendar and celebrants create light displays in their homes and the community to symbolise the triumph of good over evil, and wisdom over ignorance. It was such a joy to see students and staff from a wide range of backgrounds came together in our Junior School at lunchtime today to share stories, learn some of the language, and enjoy the dancing, food, music, diyas, rangoli and mehendi associated with Diwali celebrations. Thank you to our Intercultural Connections student leadership committee and helpers from Year 3 to our Senior School who brought this colourful event to life.
We are proud of all our students, staff and families who chose to ‘have a go’ and learn about a new culture this year, whether that was through our Diwali celebration today or other cultural events. Celebrating the traditions and stories that shape us as a community is an important component of our Social Intelligence pillar. At the core of this pillar lies the strong commitment to ensuring our College continues to be a welcoming and safe place where people of all cultures and beliefs know they are free to be their true selves, and where our connections strengthen and deepen from listening to and learning about things of importance to each person in our extended Pymble family.
‘Have a go’ is the resounding theme for tomorrow when Years 6 to 11 (along with our incoming Year 7s for 2024) will attend our third annual Have a Go Expo. Designed to showcase the College’s extensive range of Co-curricular programs, the expo allows students to explore the many and varied different activities on offer at Pymble and, where feasible, ‘have a go’ to see whether they may like to consider signing up for next year.
The beauty of this event is that it is based on students talking to students about the joys and benefits of each program. Girls are encouraged to explore and ask questions in a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our enthusiast Co-curricular leaders relish the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and passion for the programs at Pymble that make their hearts sing. After last year’s event, our Snowsports Team was delighted to record a big intake for this year – which goes to show the power of the passion of our student ambassadors!
I am often asked to define what makes Pymble so special, and it’s near impossible to pinpoint just one thing. In the context of this week, when our students are leading and participating in everything from Diwali celebrations and the Have a Go Expo to our highly-anticipated end-of-year showcase for K-12 dancers called Future. It Could Be…, I would have to say that Pymble fosters an environment where each student is seen and valued for who they truly are, and for what they bring to our Pymble family. They have every opportunity to take a seat at whatever table they choose, supported by teachers and staff who value each student’s wellbeing and sense of belonging at school as highly as they value their learning outcomes.
Research from around the world provides strong evidence that girls-only education leads to higher academic achievement, higher self-esteem and confidence levels, greater participation in STEM subjects, and enhanced career aspirations. In an all-girls’ school, teaching is tailored to girls’ learning needs and preferences, and activities and academic opportunities are free of gender-stereotyping. In fact, a recent study points to girls in all girls’ learning environments being “more likely than co-educated girls to report experiencing learning environments in which they are able to fulfill their learning goals due to substantially lower amounts of disruption or distraction”. However, the following opinion piece in the SMH about why the author sent her two daughters to an all-girls’ school sums it up best.
“I want my daughters to be loud, to take up space, to claim their place in the world. I want them to be bold, to feel comfortable putting themselves out there and taking risks.”
“…when we talk about promoting gender equality, we’re often told we can’t be what we can’t see. At girls’ schools, kids see every opportunity being given to a girl; every leadership position going to a girl.”
“For me, it’s about my daughters being educated in a space where they are seen and valued, where they’re not striving to fit in with the boys – rather, they are celebrated as girls.”
Say hello to our HOLAs
Developing awareness of the ethical dimension of history, society and the world around us is an important part of our work as educators of compassionate and influential global citizens. This week, we resume our series of Head of Learning Area profiles by getting to know Ms Caragh Warth, our HOLA – History, Society and Ethics. Ms Warth leads the team that delivers the following courses to Years 7 to 10: Religion and Ethics, History, Elective History, Big History, Modern History, Ancient History and History Extension, Philosophy, Aboriginal Studies, Society and Culture, Legal Studies, and Studies of Religion. A permanent member of our academic staff since 2015, she currently teaches History, Modern History and History Extension.
Caragh, what was the ‘aha’ moment that led you into teaching?
“It was more of a gradual process than an ‘aha’ moment for me. I loved my subjects that I completed at University in my Bachelor of Arts – History and Italian. I loved the continuous nature of learning History and Italian which led me into teaching.”
What is the most rewarding aspect of the work you do here?
“A definite highlight is the relationship you develop with the students. I find it deeply rewarding in helping them to explore the world and understand the layers of meaning in history. I love inspiring a deep love of learning and allowing them to think about issues and problems facing our world and how it developed from history. The other aspect I find most rewarding is supporting a highly professional and dedicated group of teachers, who are all passionate about their subjects and supporting the students they teach.”
What are you most proud of achieving as a Pymble HOLA?
“I am proud of achieving a dynamic and supportive environment for my colleagues in our faculty.”
Work aside, tell us a fun fact about you…
“There are many fun facts – but I always have a song running through my head and I love to sing.”
Finish this sentence: If I could impart one life lesson to our students, it would be…
“Be open to ideas and people.”
Congratulations to all our students who are taking up space, taking risks and taking their place in the world, whether that’s on stage tonight in the second Dance Showcase for the week or at any table or playing field of their choice. We are #PymbleProud of you, one and all.
