Our Cross Country Carnival on Tuesday was a momentous day in the life of the College. For the first time in Pymble’s history, we had the majority of Junior School students and all Secondary School students racing on the same day and proudly representing one of our eight spirit Houses. It was wonderful to see our girls having a go at the course, despite the heat, and seriously getting into the cheering competition. This is still something of a novelty for our younger Junior School girls, who had a ball screaming out House cheers at the top of their lungs. Congratulations to our runners, walkers and place-getters, and thank you to the parents who came along to add to the excitement of the day. The winning House will be announced soon, so stay tuned!
Building House spirit will continue to be one of our focus areas this year, and there’s a very good reason why. Research shows it plays an important part in promoting engagement, a sense of belonging and inclusion, and school pride – all essential components for optimal learning outcomes. School spirit is naturally a priority for our 2023 student leaders, so today it is my great pleasure to handover to our Head Prefects to share their vision and goals for the year ahead.
A message from your Head Prefects
“For those of you who haven’t met us, we are Alyssa Yee and Freya Carmody, your Head Prefects for 2023. We are really looking forward to working with our Prefect body, students and staff to make the year ahead as special and impactful as possible.
“The Prefect theme for this year is ‘2023, You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ and speaks to our intention to focus on friendship and see a growth in our school spirit and connections – we hope to see each and every student truly support each other and continue developing our strong community. We want school to be a place of friendship and enjoyment, as well as a place of learning.
“On a smaller scale, we have decided to choose one character from Toy Story to align with each term. It’s an upbeat and fun way of focusing on a key value that we aim to embody, alongside the College’s core values of Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility, to help guide us through the school term. We have chosen Slinky Dog for Term 1. Just like Slinky, we want students to approach new things, changes and challenges with an open mind, flexibility and the ability to adapt to change, whilst always remembering to take care of themselves and others.
“To carry our theme throughout the year, we have a range of exciting plans and opportunities within the Junior, Middle, Upper and Senior Schools that focus on building school-wide connections and school spirit.
“A big part of what we hope to achieve this year will be thanks to our Prefect body of 50+ Year 12s who are dedicated to bettering the various sectors of the school across learning, community, wellbeing, Boarding, sports, performing arts, House groups, and the Student Representative Council. Our 2023 Prefects are introduced in the video below which we hope you will enjoy.
“We are dedicated to making 2023 an unforgettable year for every student, and always remember – you’ve got a friend in us!” – Alyssa and Freya
Alyssa starting Pymble in Kindy.Freya starting Pymble in Year 7.Freya and Alyssa, aka Buzz and Woody.
Don’t miss A Chorus Line – coming soon to Pymble!
In other exciting news, tickets for A Chorus Line are now on sale and, trust me, you won’t want to miss it. You could say the show is a bit of a late entry to our 2023 program of events, artfully orchestrated by our Director of Co-curricular Performing Arts, Michael Griffiths, to celebrate our talented Performing Arts (PA) students in Years 9 to 12 – and gift our soon-to-be PA graduates with one last opportunity to shine in a Pymble production.
Our PA Prefects, Piper Markson and Claire Oslington are in their creative ‘happy place’ working as Assistant Directors to Mr Griffiths, which involves helping with vocal training and direction, and collaborating with the cast of 40 to make the show come together. And they really, really, really want you to come along to witness their final hurrah on stage.
“It is an incredible opportunity to be in a production in our final year of school. Working with our peers and teachers to bring the show to life is so rewarding and gives us a break from our studies! Knowing that this is our final production at Pymble makes it all the more special, and we know it will leave many lasting memories.
“The cast and crew is beyond incredible, and their hard work and dedication is evident in the quality of the show. It will make you laugh – it might make you cry – but most of all it will really showcase the amazing talent that we have at Pymble. We really love the show, and we hope you do to.”– Piper and Claire
The part musical, part dramatic production runs from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 March and is suitable for ages 12 and older due to the sophisticated nature of content.
The link to ticket purchases will be shared with you shortly.
House spirit and spirited performances are just two of the many things that bring us joy at Pymble. We also derive a great deal of joy when our students perform brilliantly in the world of academics. I’m speaking about our recent NAPLAN results, of course, which have been acknowledged in the media this week as among those of the top performing schools in NSW. This follows on from our outstanding HSC results last December. We are justifiably proud of our Academic Intelligence strategic pillar and the work being done across the College to ensure our students develop excellent foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, along with their own unique gifts and talents for singing, dancing, playing, performing, competing and cheering their hearts out when it counts. Go team Pymble!
Dr Kate Hadwen, Principal
From the Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
Walking on Wiradurji country last week with a group of Year 6 students brought home to me the power of connecting with nature and community. Uncle Brad, an elder within the community, spoke at length to us about the need to live in harmony with nature and respecting our environment. He also explained the lack of competition within the Indigenous culture and the focus instead on finding and celebrating each person’s strengths to lift up and support the whole community. It was an honour to spend time with the Brewarrina community and lessons and memories I will hold for the rest of my life. This sense of self as part of a greater whole is an important lesson for us to teach our children. Whilst we focus this term on kindness to self, we want our girls to not only realise their unique strengths but to think about how these are valued and can be shared within our community.
I also walked away from this trip, prouder than ever of our Pymble girls. We are the first Junior School invited to spend time at Brewarrina Central School, which in itself is a huge honour, and the Year 6 girls we travelled with were exemplary in terms of their kindness, their resilience in the face of unexpected adventures and their openness to new friends and new experiences. Watching them chat, play and plant trees on country with their new friends at Brewarrina Central School is a lifetime highlight for me. The girls have forged authentic friendships and we are looking forward to continuing to connect and learn from and with these children in the months and years to come.
Whilst on the long journey, the Year 6 girls who travel by train used the time to advocate for Year 6 to be able to walk to the train station by themselves. This is usually an honour bestowed on Year 6 later in the year. Having seen how responsible this group of girls were during the trip, and having listened to their powerfully persuasive arguments, I have agreed to let Year 6 walk to the station on their own in the afternoons. The girls will therefore be allowed to walk in front of the teachers who will continue to walk all other Junior School girls to the station each day.
A kindness to self challenge for us all
As we continue our focus on being kind to ourselves, I have posed a challenge to the Junior School. I would love you, as families, to get involved with this fun challenge over the next two weeks! The challenge is:
Dance a little bit in the morning before you leave the house and see how it changes the way you walk out in the world.
I would love any photos of your family enjoying a little dance before you leave home in the morning! Please send them to me on kbrown@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au and we will share them in our Digital News during assemblies over the next two weeks.
Lent – a time to disconnect and connect
As you know, the period of Lent is now upon us and we are asking the girls to think deeply about a creative or reflective question each day with their family. This is an initiative led by Mrs Nerissa Davey, Deputy Head of Junior School Operations and our Reverends Punam Bent and Lorenzo Rodriguez Torres and a chance for us all to hear a story from each of us within our families. Mr Brown and I will be doing the challenge too with our daughters Hannah (whom we will connect with via Face Time as she is working in a school in the UK before commencing University over there later this year) Sophie and our niece Olivia who is living with us this year as she’s on her post university GAP year. Each week in Chapel we will invite girls to share their responses to these conversation starters. Please click here to see the Lent challenge.
Our Be of Service Superstars
This week I am celebrating the Year 6 girls who travelled to Brewarrina and their families. Each family made a donation so that the girls could help a student from Brewarrina Central School plant a native tree (mainly Acacia trees) on country. Thank you for this gift to those children who will now tend to the trees for many years to come. The trees have been planted by the children outside the Cultural Museum, overlooking the historic fish traps (the oldest human made structure in the world) and therefore an important part of the community.
Our Be of Service Staff Member Superstar
This week I would like to give a shout out to Mrs Tracy Reid from 3R. Over the past 21 years, Tracy has partnered with her cousin to raise funds and purchase Christmas presents for the children who attend Dalwood House and their families. They usually purchase gifts for about 40 to 50 children.
Dalwood House at Seaforth is part of the Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service and provides services for children from families who are facing emotional, physical or financial difficulties. The children need to be referred to attend the centre. Every year a different family touches Tracy’s heart.
A message from Lara Bird, Deputy Head of Junior School – Academics
Throughout the year there will be opportunities for our Junior School girls to participate in various opportunities and competitions. They may have an academic focus, encourage passions and interests or develop leadership skills and may involve a whole year group or a small group of students. Set out below are some of the current opportunities for the girls.
Internal and External Academic Opportunities
Sokratis Junior – Years 3 to 6
This week in Assembly we launched Sokratis Junior for Years 3 to 6. The theme is “What matters to me.” Girls are expected to work independently to complete this research project, developing an inquiry question, completing research on their topic, and creating a presentation. In Term 4 parents will be invited to attend the Sokratis Junior Showcase.
Girls will be working on their Sokratis Junior project once a fortnight at school and they are responsible for catching up on work from mixed lessons. This opportunity will be open to 80 Junior School girls across Years 3 to 6. Girls have been asked to write an expression of interest on why they would like to participate in Sokratis Junior which is due by Friday 24 February.
OzKidsinPrint – Kindergarten to Year 6
Calling all budding writers, poets and artists who would like to see their work published!
Girls in Kindergarten to Year 6 are invited to submit short stories, artwork or poetry as part of the OzKids in Print Competition. Student work may be chosen to be printed in the OzKids magazine throughout the year or selected as an overall winner. Entries close September 2023. For more information please visit: https://ozkids.com.au Girls are asked to submit work to Mrs Lara Bird, Deputy Head of Junior School –Academics, who will upload work on behalf of students.
National History Challenge – Years 4 to 6
The National History Challenge is a research based competition for Australian students. The 2023 theme for the challenge is“Change and Continuity”. There are eight special categories students can enter: Australia’s Wartime Experiences, Democracy Matters, History of Sport, Indigenous History, Australian Women’s History, Using Primary Sources, Asia and Australia and Museum Exhibit. The theme “Change and Continuity” needs to be incorporated in the special category entry.
Entries are to be submitted online before 25 August 2023. If your daughter is interested in undertaking research work as a historian, please email Lara Bird, Deputy Head of Junior School – Academics at lbird@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
HARK Refugee Clinic
As part of the College’s focus on service, we will be supporting HARK Refugee Clinic at the Children’s Hospital Westmead. We are seeking donations of new stationery items to assist students at school. This could include lead or coloured pencils, pencil cases, pens, texters, exercise books, scissors and other small stationery items. These items can be brought to school by your daughter or dropped at the Junior School offices. If you have any questions, please email kgiles@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au. We thank you for helping support this initiative.
Uniform and Appearance
All students are expected to wear their uniform correctly and with pride. Uniforms cannot be mixed with each season. Junior School has a strict ‘no hat no play policy’, please ensure your daughter has her bucket play hat at school every day. The navy ‘P’ cap is only to be used for sport not PE lessons or in the playground. The Junior School raincoat should be packed in your daughter’s school bag every day. Please make sure that your daughter’s uniform is named.
Jewellery: please note that the girls are only permitted to wear plain gold or silver studs as earrings. Whilst sparkly and gemstone earrings are beautiful, they should only be worn on weekends (not to Saturday sport) or during school holidays. Girls are permitted to wear a religious necklace as long as it is not visible over her uniform. Please do not send your daughter with a smart watch that can receive texts, emails or phone calls. Girls are not permitted these devices during the school day.
Please refer to pages 32 and 33 of your daughter’s student diary for further information.
Car line
Parents are reminded that parking along the LOWER Road is not permitted at any time.
Please be aware that girls arriving before 7.45am must attend Out of School Hours Care. Our playgrounds are not supervised before 7.45am.
From 7.45am, staff will be in attendance at car line and in the playgrounds. Students in Kindergarten to Year 6 may enter grade spaces to put their belongings in their lockers.
Please do not arrive before 2.30pm in the afternoon. Girls are escorted to car line after the conclusion of the school day at 2.45pm. We do our best to ensure drop off and pick up is a smooth process but we need your help! Please be patient with the queues at the start of this term and please only arrive at the set times. Once co-curricular activities start, car line becomes much quicker.
Parents are reminded to remain in their car for the safety of both girls and adults and to assist with traffic flow. If you are delayed in collecting your daughter please be reassured that she will be taken to Out of School Hours Care until your arrival.
Our Week in Learning
From the Junior School Parent Group (JSPG)
A big thank you to all our parents who attended the JSPG Breakfast functions over the past two weeks. It was fantastic to connect with you all and enjoy a lovely breakfast together hank you to the Community Engagement team for hosting us in the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts. Welcome to our new families who were able to attend, it was great to have the opportunity to meet you all. Also thank you to Mrs Brown and Mrs Bird for attending.
We are looking forward to catching up with families tomorrow night at the Pymble Parent Association Icebreaker from 6.45pm to 9.00pm on Gloucester Lawn.
Also, please note that our New Parents’ High Tea will be held on Friday 24th March. Details will be sent out via the MyPymble app shortly.
We have two class events coming up. Please see the attached flyers for more information.
This Sunday 26 February, there will be a park play date for 1C at St Ives Village playground.
On Friday 10 March, there is a Mum’s Morning Tea being held for 3M.
Hope you have a wonderful week.
JSPG Relationship Leaders
Key Dates
Friday 24 February
Year 3 Ranger Jamie Incursion
Friday 24 February
PPA Icebreaker Event 6.45pm – 9.00pm
Wednesday 1 March
Kindy Explore Pymble and Nature Immersion
Thursday 2 March
JSPG Term 1 Meeting
Thursday 2 March
K-6 Class Photos – All girls in full summer uniform please
Monday 6 March – Friday 17 March
Duckling Hatchlings visit Kindergarten girls
Thursday 9 March
Australian Reading Hour – 1.30pm
Thursday 9 March
Academic Series: Being a Junior Mathematician on Campus 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Kate Brown
Head of Junior School
From the Middle School
This week students in Years 7 to 10 were invited to get involved in the Sokratis program which involves working on a passion project under the guidance of a staff mentor. This is a really exciting initiative and I encourage you and your daughter to click on the link below for more information. The PDHPE Year 8 Dance Fusion Incursion is taking place this Thursday.
The girls have been actively rehearsing their group routines, incorporating various moves and rhythms. It is wonderful to see everyone enthusiastically collaborating in such a creative way. I look forward to being part of the judging panel and sharing with you some student reflections and photographic highlights from the dance off competition.
Next Tuesday 28 February, our Compass team will be available to catch up informally with parents prior to the Year based information delivery part of our Knowing People, Knowing Pymble event. This evening promises to be an opportunity to make connections with teachers and other parents as well as providing an overview of the year ahead. I do hope that you can join us.
Term 1 Key Dates
Tuesday 28 February – Knowing People, Knowing Pymble
Monday 6 March – Year 7 Mind Body Spirit Day
KeyActions
Middle School welcomes parents and carers to join us for our Middle School information evening, Knowing People, Knowing Pymble. Please RSVP by close of business Friday 24 February.
Secondary School Parent Group (SSPG) Middle School Breakfast (Years 7 and 8):
The SSPG warmly invites parents and carers from Years 7 and 8 to meet over coffee and a delicious breakfast. Parents will have the opportunity to speak with a range of staff including the Head of Middle School, Mrs Jenny O’Donnell, in a relaxed, social setting. The breakfast will be held on Monday 13th March from 7.30 am to 9 am in the Gillian Moore Centre of Performing Arts (GMCPA). Please click here to RSVP for this event by Tuesday 7 March.
Jenny O’Donnell
Head of Middle School
From the Upper School
A message from Mr Riley, Head of Upper School
With the lovely weather of late, it has been great to see our Upper School girls actively enjoying each other’s company.
We were also blessed with fantastic weather for our Year 10 Urban Challenge on Monday. The girls and staff did a fantastic job of dressing up in their themes before all 18 groups raced off around Sydney and back in an epic clue hunt! Whilst it was a hot one by mid-afternoon, the girls did not tire too much as they fathomed clues, chased bonus points challenges, worked out how to feed their team on a budget, and enjoyed escape rooms, laser tag, or a dance battle in Surry Hills! The day, designed in collaboration with Urban Challenge, was aimed at promoting leadership skills and teamwork, and dovetails nicely into our journey to interconnectedness as we prepare our girls to live and thrive in community.
We were also extremely fortunate with the weather for our Cross Country, and it was great to see so many Upper School students cheering on their peers, running with gusto, and participating for house points!
We look forward to seeing many of you at our Information Evening on Monday, and really appreciate you making the time.
Year 9 Commerce – Macquarie University and Centre Visit
On 17 February, Year 9 Commerce had the opportunity to take a trip to Macquarie Shopping Centre and Macquarie University to learn more about advertising, consumer behaviour, rights and decisions. We undertook a variety of activities while there, gaining an insight into how large companies sell and advertise their products to different customers.
One of the activities involved comparing Aldi and Coles to identify how their store layout, prices and marketing affected consumer purchasing habits, including their use of small items near the checkout to encourage impulse purchases. We also observed the types of customers in particular stores, identifying how businesses like Woolworths and Sephora target different demographics. The day ended with a tour through Macquarie University before heading back to Pymble.
From the Secondary School Parent Group
The Secondary School Parent Group (SSPG) warmly invites all Year 9 to Year 12 parents and carers to join us for breakfast on Monday 6 March at 7.30am in the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts (GMCPA) foyer.
This is the first Secondary School event of the year and a great opportunity to meet other parents, as well as the Head of Senior School, Mrs Nikki Wyse and Head of Upper School, Mr Tom Riley.
Monday 27 February Upper School Information Evening
Friday 3 March Year 9 Residential Program 1A Returns
Tom Riley
Head of Upper School
From the Senior School
Year 12 students, their guests and staff celebrated and danced the night away last Friday at the Year 12 Formal. My thanks to all who attended for their lovely behaviour – it really was a pleasure to be with you all.
Tips for effective study
As the term progresses and the assessment program becomes more crowded, it is worth considering some techniques to keep motivated and on track. Situations can become stressful when the workload increases but the most effective way to manage this is to get organised.
Some strategies include going on a ‘media diet’. Clear your mind of social media and Tik Tok of Instagram clips and let your focus be on the work in front of you. Time is precious, so if you’re committing to study or work, ensure that you are using that time wisely.
Don’t wait until you feel entertained by the subject matter to begin your work. The truth is that we become interested in what we know more about, and deeper knowledge and understanding of a subject will make the content more engaging.
Working collaboratively is also motivating. Teaching your peers and listening to their perspective will challenge and enrich your understanding.
Try to establish routines of studying and then taking time to relax. This opportunity to recharge will allow the brain to sort and manage information and be more receptive to further work.
From the Senior School Parent Group
The Secondary School Parent Group (SSPG) warmly invites all Year 9 to Year 12 parents and carers to join us for breakfast on Monday 6 March at 7.30am in the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts (GMCPA) foyer.
This is the first Secondary School event of the year and a great opportunity to meet other parents, as well as the Head of Senior School, Mrs Nikki Wyse and Head of Upper School, Mr Tom Riley.
Wednesday 22 March to Wednesday 29 March – Year 11 Assessment Week
Nikki Wyse
Head of Senior School
From the Boarding School
Pymble comes to you!
Last week I was lucky enough to be on the road and visit families in Port Macquarie and Jerrys Plains. It was lovely to catch up with past, present and new families. I especially enjoyed hearing the fond memories that our ex-students shared and meeting the little ones who plan to join us at Pymble in the years to come.
Boarders dominate the Cross Country course
Tuesday was certainly a special day for our Boarders with a fabulous turn out at the Cross Country event. This year, the Cross Country Carnival was a whole school event, and it was so lovely to see so many of our Boarders dominate. Congratulations to Phoebe Pockley, Sophie Beveridge, Lana Pike and Mads Gaden on their top-level finishes. The Boarders showed their strength in this sport with so many crossing the line early.
Loving Love It
Last weekend we had a few false starts with the Love it program on Saturday evening for our Marden girls. The outdoor cinema adventure to Puss in Boots was disrupted by the storms and our back up event of laser tag was disrupted by a black out! Thank goodness for Sunday – a great day for the beach and the Boarders from Years 7 to 11 loved all the sights and sounds of Manly. Sunday night was a special treat with 20 Boarders heading out to the Matildas vs Spain as part of the Cup of Nations event.
This weekend we are hosting out first BFF event for the year. While the parents all head up to the College Icebreaker, our new Boarders will have the opportunity to host a day girl for the evening for pizza and a movie. Saturday will be our last opportunity to head to the Glebe Markets as this Sydney institution closes down. We have scheduled another beach day on Sunday with a trip to Wylie’s Baths and Coogee.
Year 12 Formal
It was a flurry of excitement last week in Lang House as our Year 12 prepared for their formal. Spray tans, nails, hair, makeup, learning to walk in heels – we had it all. Some Boarders were joined by dates for the evening, and they were all treated to a beautiful sunset at Le Montage and then danced the night away. The Boarders looked stunning and by all accounts it was a great event.
View From My Window
Hey, my name is Ellie Pointon. At home I live with my mum, dad, two younger brothers, eight dogs, two cats, many birds and a few chooks. I live in Western New South Wales in Forbes. Forbes has a population of about 8,000 people and it takes me about five hours to get to Pymble by car.
My family first moved to Forbes in 2017 and I have enjoyed it ever since. I live on two acres in town. I first started at Forbes Public School in Year Two and I stayed there I’ve been there until I came to Pymble in Year 7.
When I look out my window, I first see my clothesline, but I also see a beautiful big palm tree and many different trees around it. In the morning the sun usually wakes me as it bursts through my window. What I love about home is all the close relationships I have with my friends and family friends. Just up my street is the ski dam and I love water skiing with my friends and family. Returning to Boarding was quite challenging, but this year I have made close relationships with both day girls and Boarders. I am really excited for the rest of the year.
Boarder of the Week
Congratulations to Lang Boarder Alice Hillsdon who is our well-deserved Boarder of the Week. Alice joined us in Year 10 from Port Macquarie and, over the last two and a bit years, I would be hard pressed to think of a time when she wasn’t wearing a huge smile. Alice is always kind, calm and responsible – she’s a cheerful friend to everyone – and always shows respect to her Boarding sisters and staff. She seems to glide through the day, getting on with everything she needs to do and involving herself in so many aspects of school and Boarding activities. She’s a great Year 12 role model who encourages others, especially younger Boarders. She balances her Boarding life with so many sporting commitments and takes a quiet pleasure in her achievements and the achievements of others – she’s always out there always cheering them on!
Save the Date
24 February – College Icebreaker and Boarders’ Family Friends Movie and Pizza Night
16-17 March – Pymble Comes to You: Port Macquarie and Jerrys Plains
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding
From the Chaplains
This week we enter into the space of Lent in many Christian traditions. This begins with Shrove Tuesday – or Pancake Tuesday – where many will have pikelets or pancakes for breakfast as a religious or fun observance. Shrove comes from shrive, referring to the confession of sins as a preparation for Lent, a practice dating back to the Middle Ages. Although the day is still used for self-examination and reflection, Shrove Tuesday through time has acquired the character of a carnival or festival.
Eggs, sugar and fat were commonly forbidden during the Lenten fast, meaning they were all used up for pancakes on Shrove Tuesday so that they would not go to waste.
I Corinthians 3:16 speaks of how we are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in us. I often use this image when I engage in centring prayer as a spiritual practice. It calls the mind and heart to pause and centre on God, not unlike the dinner table conversations (Word of the Week, Contemplative Outreach, Feb 19) we have with our children when we put our devices aside. We are enriched by focusing on God’s presence and then taking the love we have experienced into the world – our world.
As we continue to remember the people of New Zealand following a series of natural disasters and those in Türkiye and Syria and other places around the world, as well as families we know who are grieving the loss of a loved one, we consider the invitation to sit awhile and take time to reflect, renew and respond in love to ourselves and one another. May you have a blessed Lent if you are observing, and for our Orthodox families a bit later, but for all a time of drawing closer to God who longs for our company.
“To practice Centring Prayer is to descend into the furnace of divine love. Christ turns up the thermostat to burn away our undue attachments to life in this world and to ourselves … The heart (understood as the inmost centre of our being) contains the Spirit as a living flame of love … We enter contemplative prayer to access this flame and to allow it to intensify … We carry this flame into everyday life, where it transforms our intentions and actions into the appropriate response to the now of each passing moment … God in us loving God in everyone else.”
This can be viewed in the MyPymble app from the calendar tab. We advocate all parents and carers check this regularly to keep up to date with the many opportunities to connect with the community. This week we look forward to welcoming more than 550 parents, carers and staff onto campus for our annual Pymble Parents Association (PPA) Icebreaker event.
Focus Groups
If you would like to attend our upcoming focus group in Week 6 and provide feedback on the MyPymble parent portal, or if you have any comments or feedback, please email communityengagement@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Junior School Parent Group (JSPG) News
The JSPG will hold their first meeting of 2023 on Wednesday 8 March in the DMC. The meeting will be a chance to hear from our JSPG leaders as well as Kate Brown and other key Junior School staff. All parents and carers are welcome.
The JSPG is hosting a number of activities in Term 1. The calendar began with our Parent Breakfasts, which were very well attended. Upcoming events include:
Pedal Your Own Smoothie: Wednesday 29 March – Year 2 to Year 6
Easter Decorate a Cookie Sessions: Wednesday 5 April – Kindergarten to Year 2. More to follow.
Secondary School Support Group (SSPG) News
The SSPG will host two Parent Breakfasts in Term 1. To find out more and to book please click on the links below:
The Pymble Parents Association (PPA) warmly invites all parents and carers new to Pymble in 2023 as well as allYear 7 parents to join us for a High Tea on Thursday 23 March in the Jeanette Buckham Gymnastics Centre from 10.00am to 12.30pm.
This event offers all new parents and carers as well, as all Year 7 parents and carers, a juncture to co-mingle as well affording them the opportunity to meet Dr Kate Hadwen, members of the PPA and key academic staff.
There is no cost for this event, however booking is essential. To RSVP, please click here.
Kelly Mancey
Director of Community Engagement and Advancement
From the Co-curricular Sports Team
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From the Co-curricular Performing Arts Team
One of the joys of the Performing Arts at Pymble is the wide range of performance opportunities that the girls enjoy right across the College. This week is no different.
On Thursday, all of Year 8 will enjoying a Dance Day with the Dance department in collaboration with the PDHPE Department.
On Friday night at Icebreaker, the Senior School Band will be performing and wowing those attending with a dynamic and electrifying program of music under the fabulous leadership of Head of Bands, Mr Marcus Stafford.
There are well over fifty Language Arts student teams, and the 8 ISDA teams are heading to Redlands tonight for an engaging and absorbing evening of debating
The cast of the upcoming production of A Chorus Line will be rehearsing Friday and Sunday to polish complex and exciting sequences that are employing their considerable skills in acting, dancing and singing. More details about this production will be communicated next week.
It is clear that these performance opportunities provide Pymble girls with unique and inspiring experiences.
Michael Griffiths
Director of Co-curricular Performing Arts
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Co-curricular Administration
Performance Awards
Congratulations to students who have received an upgrade to their Term 2 2022 Performance Awards. Please click here view the full list of upgraded award winners.
Mrs Susan Lindsay
Acting Head of Co-curricular Administration
AFL
An amazing effort from all teams over the weekend. Round 2 saw many improvements in very hot conditions.
Massive congratulations to the Senior Pymble 1 team who overcame a strong Barker College side. The Pymble team played one of the best games to date and truly silenced the loud Barker College crowd. Notable mentions to Lily Race (Year 12), Madeline Lawson (Year 11) and Sophie Van Kerkwijk (Year 12) who were outstanding on the field.
Our top Junior Pymble 6 team were dominant in their 85 to 1 victory over a stunned Brigidine College. There are some very promising players rising the ranks in this team, with great performances from Skye Macleod (Year 8), Madeleine Gaden (Year 7) and Willa Pearson (Year 7).
Both Pymble 5 and Pymble 2 were strong contenders and came up against some tough sides but were not able to come away with the victory. Well done to Amber Halliday (Year 11), Brianna Armstrong (Year 11) and Giselle Garey (Year 11) who performed well for Pymble 2. Siena Pascoe (Year 9), Olianna Tighe (Year 9) and Zoe Lupton (Year 9) stood out in the Pymble 5 fixture.
Round 2 Results:
Pymble 1 defeated Barker College 1 (41 to 31)
Pymble 2 lost to St Scholastica’s College (17 to 42)
Pymble 3 lost to Ravenswood 2 (16 to 41)
Pymble 4 defeated Brigidine College (46 to 3)
Pymble 5 lost to Stella Maris College 1 (16 to 31)
Pymble 6 defeated Brigidine College 6 (85 to 1)
Pymble 7 lost 2 Barker College 4 (0 to 60)
Jack Garrard
Sports Co-ordinator – AFL
Artistic Gymnastics
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Senior State Trial 1
Congratulations to our Artistic Gymnasts who attended the State Trials over the weekend. Competing under intense pressure, our students did an impressive job and did Pymble proud. Well done!
Results:
Piya Parimu Kapur (Year 11) 7th Overall and 4th Beam
Siobhan Hsu (Year 9) 5th Vault
Amalia Bond (Year 7) 6th Vault
Alison Gestier
Sports Co-ordinator – Artistic Gymnastics
Badminton
Well done to all our Badminton players who competed over the weekend with 20 of our 28 teams winning. It was great to see so many players find their confidence, deliver competitiveness, and enjoy themselves at the same time.
We look forward to some more wonderful results this Saturday as our players head into Round 3. We will see some close and nail-biting games, with our Senior Firsts taking on MLC School, our Junior Firsts and Year 7 Firsts will compete against the well-known and experienced Meriden School teams.
We wish all our players the very best of luck! GO PYMBLE!
Laura Verlinden
Sports Co-ordinator – Badminton
Cricket
A very hot Saturday for our cricketers, but in true Pymble style the players still went out on the pitch and gave it their all!
Our Pymble 1 team came up against the Carlingford Bulls Under 15 side. Well done to Sophie Webster (Year 8), Phoebe Cooper (Year 10) and Laranya Nanthakumaran (Year 8) who were the top run scorers for Pymble. Unfortunately, we were not able to break the Bulls defences and no wickets were taken.
Our mighty Year 7 Pymble 2 team came up against a very strong North Sydney side. Well done to Bethany Carruthers (Year 7), Indigo Meldrum (Year 7), Phoebe Hutton (Year 7) who posted runs on the scoreboard! Unfortunately, North Sydney were too strong for our team and were able to surpass our total.
CIS Cricket
Last week we had five students attend the Open Girls CIS Cricket Selections. Elizabeth Yates (Year 9), Lucy Yates (Year 11), Wynter O’Regan (Year 12), Willa Pearson (Year 7) and Varada Vinay (Year 8) all students performed exceptionally. Elizabeth Yates, Lucy Yates, Willa Pearson and Varada Vinay were also selected into the squad to play in a match trial the following day at the Shore School.
After a gruelling day two, both Elizabeth and Lucy Yates were selected into the NSW All Schools team to compete at the NSW All Schools Championship next week in Barooga.
Well done to all!
Jack Garrad
Sports Co-ordinator – Cricket
Junior School Sports
IPSHA Basketball Representatives
Congratulations to Emma Fogale (Year 5), Adele Cassidy (Year 6) and Sofia Novak (Year 5) who were selected to trial for the IPSHA Basketball Representative team last Monday 20 February. Special mention to Emma who was selected in the team, and Adele who was selected as a reserve. Well done, amazing effort.
IPSHA Tennis Representatives
Congratulations to Gabrielle Chan (Year 6) and Zoe Liang (Year 5) who were selected to trial for the IPSHA Tennis Representative team last Friday 17 February. Special mention to Gabrielle who was selected for the team, and Zoe who was selected as a reserve. Well done, amazing effort!
IPSHA Netball
IPSHA Netball trials are being held on the following days:
Years 5 and 6 – Thursday 30 March at 7.00am
Years 3 and 4 – Monday 3 April at 3.00pm
IPSHA Hockey
IPSHA Hockey trials are being held on the following days:
Years 3 and 4 – Monday 3 April at 3.00pm
Years 5 and 6 – Wednesday 5 April at 3.00pm
Sporting Success
Congratulations to Sophie Tong (Year 5) who had a very busy holiday period, competing in several Junior Golf tournaments and some world amateur ranking tournaments.
Sophies most exciting achievements were:
Killara Junior Girls Championship – 2022 Champion
Harvey Norman Sydney Week Golf – Girls 11 and under champion
North Ryde Junior Open – Girls best scratch runner-up with a score of 85.
Well done Sophie!
Matt Tyson
Head of Sports – Kindergarten to Year 6
Rowing
NSW Rowing State Championships
On Saturday 11 February and Sunday 12 February, Pymble crews competed at the NSW Rowing State Championships at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith. Despite soaring temperatures of 38 degrees, the team produced some highly encouraging results that will now help build momentum into upcoming regattas.
The Year 9 1st 4x+ who having qualified for the final having raced both a heat and a semi-final in sweltering conditions, managed to secure a 3rd place finish in the under 16 women’s 4x+ final, taking home the bronze medal for Pymble. A full record of results can be found on the Rowing NSW website, here.
The Year 9 1st 4x+ Mia Solomons (Year 9), Zoe Hart (Year 9), Arabella Wheatley (Year 9), Scarlet Olesen (Year 9) and Millie Cullinane (Year 9) with coach Angus Webster.
The Year 9 1st 4x+ Mia Solomons (Year 9), Zoe Hart (Year 9), Arabella Wheatley (Year 9), Scarlet Olesen (Year 9) and Millie Cullinane (Year 9) with coach Angus Webster.
On Saturday 18 March, the Pymble Rowing team competed in the Riverview Gold Cup. A unique event on the rowing calendar, the course is raced over 1,400 metres on Sydney’s Lane Cove River and held annually by Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview. Unusually, the winners of each event receive a set of silver oars, of which the Pymble rowing team walked away with an outstanding ninesets, meaning nine wins out of 14 entries and every crew also achieving a podium finish. This is a tremendous result which builds further momentum as the team approaches IGSA Regatta this Sunday 26 March.
Round 3 of the Invitation Independent Schools Softball Competition took place this past Saturday with Pymble hosting for the first time this term.
Round 3
Team
Opponent
Result
Score
Pymble 01
Barker College 1
Lost
12 to 0
Pymble 02
Tara 3
Win
12 to 10
Match Report from Zoe Bloom (Year 8) – Pitcher for Pymble 2
In game three last week, Pymble 2 went up against Tara 3, and won 12 to 10. We played two full innings, although we got an extra fielding inning.
Pymble won the toss and chose to field first. We started the game off strong in fielding and got two outs but then slowed down, allowing Tara to get seven across the home plate.
Although in our batting, we got five across home plate, we were only two runs down after the first inning. In the second inning, we got Tara out quickly and Pymble had some amazing hits off the bat, so we managed to gain a lead. Due to lack of time, in the last inning, Pymble got to field, and we were able to take the win from Tara.
Tara gave us a challenge, but our team figured it out and worked together. My team and I had such a fun time working together and using our skills for some fantastic plays in the diamond.
Chris Wood
Sports Co-ordinator – Softball
Music
Congratulations
Amelie Matthews (Year 11) was a contestant on Australian Idol, currently airing on Channel 7. Amelie received a “Golden Ticket”, placing her in the top 50 of all entrants, which is an achievement on its own. However, it wasn’t the actual ticket that proved Amelie’s worth; it was her maturity, not only when singing, but in the accolades bestowed upon her. The attitude Amelie portrayed showed respect and integrity far beyond her age. Although Amelie did not make it through the “Chorus Line” component of the competition, she continues to win our hearts and demonstrate musical maturity.
ENSEMBLES
I have had frequent visits from students asking about their commitments in our ensembles, so I have some FAQ’s here:
Q: “I have sport training on the same day as my rehearsal. If I don’t go to training, will I be dropped from the team?”
A: The Performing Arts department has a very good working relationship with the Sports department, and we are often in consultation over our shared students. The basic rule of thumb is that Music only has one rehearsal/week, whereas sport has two training sessions. If you let your coach know you are in a music ensemble, you will be excused from one training session and not be dropped from the team.
Q: “I play piano and it’s a solo instrument. Does this mean I can’t be part of an ensemble?”
A: The world of music is only ever made better when you are part of a team. Dr Anita Collins (neuromusical educator) has researched the effects on our brain when we are in an ensemble. Our serotonin and dopamine levels increase, allowing positivity to flow through our bodies, as well as getting our brains ready for the day ahead. Piano players are always welcome to join the choir, join the percussion ensemble, start a band, or a small chamber ensemble. Alternatively, you may volunteer to accompany the Chapel services or play at assemblies for the processional and recessional.
Q: “I have an assessment straight after rehearsal. Can I sleep in to help my preparation for the task?”
A: This is a tricky one and we all sympathise with the dreaded assessment period. Stresses abound, mood swings are prevalent, and all in all, it seems the whole world is about to implode!!! As educators, we understand this pressure, but as musicians, we are only too aware of the GOOD a rehearsal does prior to a task. This is also something Dr Anita Collins discusses. Sleep is vital for success, so your best bet is to ask your conductor directly about a solution – it will depend on the situation and the child. Bottom line is to ask first and not assume you can be excused.
Our roles are being finalised for the ensembles but if you join later in the term, it is easy to be added. There are no restrictions to String Orchestra, School Concert Band, Middle School Band, or Choir – they are all non-auditioned and open to everyone.
Small Ensembles in the Secondary School
Percussion Ensemble is a new introduction to the College and will be conducted by Mr Chiron Meller (our percussion tutor), rehearsing on Friday lunch times. If this is something you are interested in, regardless of your experience in percussion, please email Mrs Turner sturner@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
The Flute Ensemble is back!!! Covid had a dire effect on our flute players, and we are now beginning to rebuild this instrumental section. All flute players at a standard beyond 4th Grade AMEB are welcome to attend Wednesday lunch times in MS04 with Miss Naomi Dodd. Please check with your tutor to see if they recommend you are ready for this.
Clarinet Ensemble is for clarinet students beyond 4th Grade AMEB level. They rehearse on Wednesday lunch times in MS05 with Ms Jennie Ford.
Brass Ensemble rehearses on Wednesday lunch time in the Music Gallery with Mr Matthew Walmsley. This is an ensemble open to trumpet, French horn and lower brass players.
Baroque Ensemble We are very fortunate to own a harpsichord and established an ensemble to play Baroque music. If you are a string player, or wish to learn the Harpsichord to extend your piano skills, please email Mrs Turner at sturner@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
String Quartet There is a College string quartet established now, working with Mr Rossman, but if you are interested in stepping in, please do let Mrs Colbey know at ncolbey@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
Rock Bands are groups formed by the students, usually from an existing music class. Girls are welcome to form their own group and organise a lunch rehearsal with their class teacher. These cannot rehearse on Wednesday or Friday due to room restrictions.
Chamber ensembles With the amazing talent we have at the College, you are welcome to form your own small group: trio or quartet and organise with the music staff a time to rehearse.
SAVE THE DATES
25 and 26February: Junior School Music Camp
All students involved in the Junior School band and strings program are required to attend this camp. Mr Schweinberger has sent information home, so please contact him if you have any questions.
31 March: Senior School Ensemble Concert – 6.30pm on Gloucester Lawn
Bring your picnic rugs/chairs and dinner and enjoy the sonorous tones of your daughter as she brings to life some wonderful music to serenade you whilst you eat.
Performance Jackets
Please return any performance jackets that are no longer required. We are running low. They can be returned to the Music Admin office.
Mrs Sarah Turner
Head of Co-curricular Music
Language Arts
Our Debaters are off and running. Congratulations to all our FED and ISDA girls for a great season start last Friday 17 February.
FED
A fantastic FED result buoyed our debaters as we won every debate against Newington last week! Congratulations to all and especially to those girls who debated up. Miss Boyd, Mrs Hubbard and the FED coaches are very proud of you all. What a great start.
ISDA
Well done ISDA on Round One. We won four out of seven debates against Scots.
Archdale
Archdale and Social debaters will be contacted later in the term regarding their start of season arrangements.
Zonta
The Zonta Club of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai is seeking written applications from students aged 16 to 19 years, who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes. One scholarship worth $USD5,000 is on offer to the most exceptional applicant from NSW/ACT. Applications should be sent by email to zontahornsbykrg.ywpa@gmail.com by 5 March 2023. Please email Mrs Hubbard BHUbbard@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au for further details and to discuss your application.
PMUN
Pymble’s very own Model United Nations club has welcomed many new Year 7 students at lunch on Mondays in DK 06. See you next Monday! Contact Mulan Xu, MUN Captain for further information. MLXU@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
MUN State Conference
Please contact MUN Captain Mulan Xu for further information.
Mock Lawyers
Please keep an eye on the Portal for release dates of teams and comps. These should be announced prior to the end of this month.
Debating
Bronwyn Hubbard
Head of Co-curricular Language Arts
Save the date: The Village Championship
Bookings now open: Vision Valley Holiday Camp
Bookings for the Easter holiday camp at Vision Valley are now open!
The holiday camp which runs from Monday 17 to Friday 21 April is open to Junior School girls, their siblings and friends (male or female) in Years 3 to 6.
The camp offer overnight and day visit options and will feature a full activity program, including outdoor adventure activities, nature play and recreational games, all supervised by our experienced Vision Valley staff.
Places are limited and will be allocated on receipt of payment.
To secure your daughter’s spot at the camp, click here to register.
Term 1 Bus Registrations are now open!
Registrations are now open for the Pymble private bus service during Term 1 – all students must be registered to catch the bus and must have a current student ID card to tap on and off each trip.
The bus service commences on Tuesday 31 January and concludes on the last day of term with the scheduled afternoon run on Wednesday 5 April 2023.
Registration for the Pymble bus service is offered on a term-by-term basis, in two formats:
Term registration enables the student to access the bus service every day in the morning and afternoon. The charge is currently set at $390 per term.
Flexible registration enables the student to register for specific day(s) with a choice of morning and/or afternoon runs. The charge is currently set at $6.50 per trip.
While face masks are no longer mandatory on Pymble buses or all public transport options as per the updated COVID-19 rules in NSW, students are encouraged to wear one when travelling on Pymble buses. Existing government guidelines for household contacts/positive cases remain in place.
Notification of upcoming price increase
The College is committed to supporting our families by providing the Pymble bus service as an option for students travelling to and from school
Unfortunately, increased running costs due to inflationary pressures on all operating expenses, particularly fuel, has necessitated an increase in our bus registration fees. We are conscious of this impact on our families and have endeavoured to keep this increase to a minimum.
From Term 2 2023, bus registration fees will be as follows:
Full Term registration: $430.00 per term
Flexible registration: $7.50 per trip
Please contact College Services via collegeservices@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you have any further questions about transport to and from Pymble Ladies’ College.
Thinking of a career change? Think Pymble!
At Pymble, you will be wrapped in a culture of care, community and commitment to educational excellence. You’ll also enjoy all the benefits of a big and beautiful working environment. For more information about working at Pymble, click here.
Job of the Week: Assistant Campus Manager
Due to an internal promotion, we have the opportunity for a proactive and enthusiastic manager with a trades background to join our team, stepping into an assistant leadership position on a full-time, permanent basis, commencing as soon as possible.
You will bring a qualified trade background and experience in leading prospects from start to finish, either in an educational space (highly desirable) or within the property management sector. Displaying strength in decision making and organisation, your daily tasks will include trade discussions, stakeholder communication and management of end-to-end tasks, and the allocation of various jobs using our ticketing system. You will bring a proactive and long-term vision, working to the Pymble strategic plan and ensuring there is always a focus on safe practice and service delivery.
As someone who is energetic, enthusiastic and a team player, your ownership and proactive management of both the jobs on hand and upcoming projects will see you succeed in this integral and career-changing role.
Our kind of team member
You will display the following skills and attributes:
A demonstrated ability to provide effective, collaborative, operational leadership in the management of College facilities, buildings and grounds.
Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the relevant legislation relating to the property management of the College and including WHS Legislation and WorkCover NSW requirements.
The ability to lead staff in best practice procedures and identify further essential training needs to achieve a shared goal. Supervisory/managerial experience would be highly desirable, as well as the skills to effectively direct and mentor a team.
An understanding of contracts and the process for tenders would be desirable.
Excellent interpersonal oral and written communication and demonstrated capability in developing rapport and quality relationships with the range of stakeholders in the College community.
Demonstrated ability to display initiative, contribute new ideas, evaluate and challenge current systems and contribute to ongoing improvements.
Previous experience in an education setting would be advantageous.
Experience in using QFM Management or other similar trade/ticket-based systems.
For more information or to apply, please click here.
Pymble Construction Update
You may be aware of recent construction activity in the Junior School relating to the new Administration Hub we are building.
We will be communicating regularly with the College community to keep you informed of the progress of the construction work
The following works have commenced:
Site set up and mobilisation
Demolition works
Service search and identification
Survey set out of building
Excavation
The following works are programmed for the coming weeks:
Bulk earthworks
In ground services
Screw piling and excavation for footings
Strip footings will be poured.
Pymble’s safety measures:
All vehicle movement will occur outside of drop off and pick up times.
All vehicles are accompanied by a spotter walking in front of the vehicle.
Noise minimisation and dust suppression measures are in place.
Students will be involved in the theoretical construction process through discussion with the school construction representative, learning about the materials and methods used, and developing solutions to on-site problems.
Safety Requirements
Please do not walk onto the site.
Please do not talk directly to the workers or construction staff. If you have a concern, please reach out to communityengagement@pymblelc.nsw.edu,au
The construction workers are instructed not to engage with the students.
Meet Pymble’s Bus Drivers
Every week we will feature a profile on one of our wonderful Pymble bus drivers. This week, we learn more about John on Bus 2 and what makes him tick!
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, my name is John and I have lived on the Northern Beaches of Sydney for about 40 years. Following a successful corporate career, I decided to take up a career as a bus driver as a semi-retirement option – I’ve got too much to offer to retire early. I didn’t think that I would enjoy it as much as I do. I am married with two adult boys; one is a lawyer specialising in criminal law and the other is a business analyst focusing on data analysis. Both boys were married last year so it was a big year for our family. My wife is a community pharmacist and enjoys her role helping others in the community.
How long have you been a Pymble bus driver?
This will be my first term driving for Pymble having worked with other private schools over the past year or so.
What do you love about your job?
I find the job really rewarding. I appreciate the thanks I receive from the public when I work on general routes and the appreciation shown by school kids each day on regular school runs or charters. There is something really satisfying about completing your day knowing that you have delivered your passengers safely and comfortably.
What do you find challenging in your job?
No surprise here – the other drivers on the road. You see some weird and wonderful things when you drive a bus and the key to being a great bus driver is to stay calm and composed irrespective of what happens. I am a very calm driver and nothing really upsets me when I drive.
How did you get to school when you were young? Did you travel by bus?
Yes, I travelled by bus however buses in those days were far less comfortable than the modern coaches we drive today.
What did you like about school when you were young?
I enjoyed school when I was young and achieved strong grades. Perhaps the best thing about school was the long-term friendships I enjoyed – some of which are still going strong today.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love playing golf and have enjoyed some amazing trips over the past few years including a trip to France and Spain in 2019 and perhaps the highlight on every golfer’s bucket list – a trip to Augusta in the USA to watch the US Masters in 2018. I am travelling to Vietnam in April this year for another golfing holiday and am very much looking forward to that.
Do you have a pet or did you have one growing up? If your pet could talk, what would it say?
Much to our boys’ displeasure we didn’t have a pet as with both of us working full time, we didn’t feel that it would be fair to leave a dog alone all day at home when everyone was out and about. Our youngest son and his wife now have a schnauzer and they love her to bits. It is fun to play with her whenever they visit and she certainly has a personality of her own.
Dr Kate Hadwen, Principal
