In this week’s assembly, I spoke with the girls about self-improvement and what would it take to become just one per cent better – in assessments, a subject, sport, dance, drama, music, debating or whatever they would like to focus on. Thinking about our Rowers who are heading off to nationals on the weekend, I know they have put a great deal of time and effort into exploring how they can improve their performance, even if it’s just by a fraction, at this time when it really matters to them.
Self-improvement as a sportswoman, learner, leader, friend or family member can be as simple as asking the right questions of the people around you. In my role, for instance, I am focusing on becoming a better leader for the people with whom I have the most contact. In each of my meetings this month, I am asking my team, “How can I be a better leader for you?”. While the answers to this question are mine to take on board, I am fully aware they have greater impact on those who have the courage to voice them. The beauty of self-improvement is that it can also be a gift for others.
Taking on feedback is not always easy, though. If someone gives you feedback that hurts or is hard to hear, it may be because, deep down, you know there is an element of truth in their response. When you’re feeling the most challenged or stretched, that’s when you are learning and growing the most, and it’s important that our girls understand this correlation.
My challenge to all students this week is to think about one area you want to focus on and identify who can you ask for feedback to help you become one per cent better. This is a great dinnertime conversation for the whole family – and, who knows, the growth received from being open to that feedback may lead to even better versions of the people you love the most. My family will certainly be having these conversations around the dinner table, too.
Improving our campus by much more than one per cent!
The big news this week is that the concrete roof of Grey House Precinct has been poured. ‘Topping out’ is a major milestone for this Master Plan project, which has now clocked up more than 102,000 hours of work on the site.
With the roof now in place, the focus has shifted to the interior and, as the building starts to take its final shape, façade work and landscaping will begin. We are well on track for our anticipated opening next year, which is very exciting.
In other Master Plan news…
Ferguson Building
Our Visual Arts students were delighted to kick off Term 1 with further refurbishments, including upgrades to the ceramics room, staff room and walkways delivered over the summer break. Phase 2 has now begun, which includes refurbishments of the prep room and classrooms on Level 1.
Conde Library
We continue to seek feedback from all key stakeholders on design and, following final approval, the Master Plan team will take the project out to tender.
Secondary Innovation Precinct (SIP)
The State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for this fabulous addition to our Secondary School facilities is being prepared, and one-on-one meetings with the community are taking place to answer any questions or concerns of local residents.
Campus Commons
We are absolutely delighted with the design developed by TCL Landscape Architects which will be submitted with the SIP plans in the SSDA. Having more green space, similar to our much loved Gloucester Lawn, was a key goal of this project and we are truly looking forward to the benefits this will bring for our girls.
Improving lives through our Foundation Gala Ball
While we continue to change the world of learning for our students with these improvements to our main campus and at Vision Valley, so too do we continue to focus on opening our arms, hearts and doors to a world-class education for students of refugee backgrounds.
Many of you will be attending our Gala Ball on Saturday 5 April, and for that we are deeply grateful. Even if you are not attending this fundraising event, you are warmly invited to click on the link below to view and bid for the silent auction items and to purchase raffle tickets which will be drawn on the night. The link will ask you to register for GalaBid, which is the platform we are using for anyone who wishes to make an offer.
There are some incredible items up for auction – everything from Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac personally signed by the estate owner, to art, luxury holidays, photography packages, training sessions with Olympians, and a stunning handwoven Afghan geelam (rug). This latter item has been made by widows in one of the poorest provinces in Afghanistan who do this work to supplement their incomes to help feed and clothe their families.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you in advance for supporting our Pymble Foundation as we strive to offer more Bursary Scholarships to students who have experienced hardship and help them rebuild, reconnect and reimagine a positive future alongside our girls at Pymble.
Over the last six days, besides the myriad of learning opportunities they immerse themselves in and the co-curricular adventures they experience, our girls have driven Australia’s first Formula Goblin electric-powered car, had two authors come and share their writing journey, launched their Shark Tank entrepreneurship program and pedalled their own smoothies! All in just one week! It’s such an honour to lead our Junior School and see the impact all these opportunities have on the girls’ knowledge, skills and character. Thank you all for your constant support and partnership.
A huge thank you to our amazing parents who came in over two days to organise and support our girls as they pedalled their own delicious smoothies to support our chosen charity, The Dish, and support our Formula Goblin team with their goal of racing internationally. Thank you so much for planning and leading such a smooth(ie) event and for dancing and pedalling along with such Pymble spirit!
A special shout out to the STEM mindset of our mums who fixed mechanical issues with the bikes during the event to keep the girls pedalling, and a big thank you to AptaGrow who sponsored the event on Wednesday to support our Formula Goblin team.
Thank you to Mr Jason Chan and his fabulous team from SpecSavers Hornsby for once again offering free eye screenings to our Kindergarten to Year 2 girls this year. With over 190 families taking up the offer, this is a fabulous way for us to look after our girls’ eyesight and eye health.
Competing on an international stage
Next week we farewell Gloria (Year 5) and Arlena (Year 6) Duffy who head over to Dublin to compete in the World Irish Dance Championships. Both Gloria and Arlena compete individually on Sunday 13 April and Arlena will also compete with her team on Tuesday 15 April. Good luck to you both! We are extremely Pymble proud of you!
Mr Pryor is also sailing off to compete internationally in Portugal for the J/70 European Championships where he and his team will compete against 80 boats from Tuesday 1 to Sunday 6 April. Mr Pryor’s team previously came third at the world championships. Sail hard, Mr Pryor, and know you have all the Junior School cheering you on!
Our Formula Goblin team is officially on the road! After working tenaciously for the last eight weeks, our drivers tested the car’s performance for the first time. Most impressive was the calm determination shown by the pit crew as they problem-solved a slipping axel whilst parents and staff watched on nervously waiting for the first driver to be able to drive.
Congratulations, girls, on officially being the first Australian team to drive a Formula Goblin car as part of the GreenPower Education Trust. Thank you to all those who supported and mentored the marketing division of our Future Force Racers team as they courageously had their first go at pitching for sponsors. Mirroring Formula 1, our team need to seek sponsorship to support the inevitable costs of motorsport and we are extremely grateful to those companies and families who have sponsored the car and team so far: AptaGrow, Earthy Souls, Clever Choice Design Floors and the Ma family.
A message from Mrs Lara Bird – Deputy Head of Junior School – Academic
Resilience, tenacity and the ability to face challenges are essential skills for learning. The girls are encouraged and supported to embrace academic opportunities, whether working through complex problems, presenting bold ideas or stepping forward to participate in academic competitions.
This week, a group of Year 6 innovators launched into Shark Tank, where teams worked against the clock to create a product from a mystery bag of materials – straws, paper plates, pipe cleaners, balloons, shells and cups – before crafting and delivering a compelling pitch. With only 15 minutes to brainstorm, design and present, the girls showed creativity, problem-solving and equal voice in their teams, proving that great ideas come from collaboration and confidence.
Our Year 5 Sokratis Jr.students have begun tackling big questions under the theme Why not? – exploring bold research topics, perspectives and embracing curiosity in their research project. Throughout their research project they will be working with Dr Sarah Loch, Director of Pymble Institute, Kate Brown and me, experiencing the journey of a researcher, developing critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills by evaluating information, identifying patterns and drawing meaningful conclusions, while also enhancing time management, communication and resilience through facing challenges and being adaptable.
Academic Competitions
Students across Years 1 to 6 have the chance to showcase their storytelling skills in the 2025 WriteOn Competition and the OzKids in Print Competition. For our budding poets, girls can also participate in the Dorothea McKellar Poetry Competition. The girls will be provided details of these competitions by their Compass Teacher.
🚲🛴🚌 On the Move in the Junior School 🚲🛴🚌 – A Message from Mr Stephen Robinson (Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations)
Tuesday and Wednesday saw students in Years 2 to 6 pedal bikes to create their delicious lunchtime smoothie. Tomorrow, we will be joined by hundreds of students in Kindergarten to Year 6 as they ride safely to school. It’s not too late to register via this link!
Students may ride to school with a parent or meet Mrs Brown and the Junior School team at the Grandview Street side of Pymble Station from 7.40am tomorrow.
Participating students can wear their College sports uniform.
The Pymble bus will be on hand to ferry student bags safely to the Junior School
Staff will be positioned at strategic points along the journey route from the station to the Junior School
Traffic changes will be in place along the K-2 drop off zone on Friday to accommodate additional foot, bicycle and scooter traffic.
All riders must be wearing a helmet.
Students will have an opportunity to ride bikes and scooters at lunch and are reminded that they are welcome to bring them to school any day of the year to ride at lunch.
Did you know the College operates coaches to and from five destinations in the morning and afternoon, allowing fast and efficient transport to the College without the hassle of traffic queues for parents?
To support Junior School students to use this service:
Staff collect Kindergarten to Year 2 students each morning from the buses daily and walk them to class.
Staff collect Kindergarten to Year 6 students in the afternoon and walk them to the buses.
All buses are fully seatbelt equipped and can be tracked by parents via Transport Me App in real time.
Bus bookings can be made for a full term or by flexible arrangement.
For more information about Bus Transport, or to make a booking, click this link.
Thank you for showing respect to the College uniform policy by ensuring your daughter arrives at school with her white hat this term. 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.
Please make sure that all your daughter’s uniform clothing item is named including socks and shoes. We recommend white markers to be used to label dark clothing items.
Please be aware that next term the girls will need to be in their winter uniform from day 1. Further information can be found in your daughter’s student diary.
We have an abundance supply of unnamed lost property in the Junior School Canteen/lunch tub room. Unnamed drink bottles, lunch boxes and any non-Pymble branded items will be disposed of at the end of term.
We thank our weekly canteen volunteers, in particular Mrs Skye Benson, for the support in sorting lost property and working diligently to return it to the owners.
Junior School Canteen Helpers
Thank you to the parents who have volunteered this term. The Junior School canteen will continue in Term 2 on Wednesdays and Fridays. Junior School allows students to purchase (through Flexischools) cold drinks and frozen desserts (with an expanded range commencing in Term 2). Once your order is placed your daughter will receive a brown paper bag, where she will go to the Junior School canteen (lunch tub room) to collect her cold treat.
Please click here if you can volunteer your time. For the care and safety of your daughters, all volunteers must have a current Working with Children Check (WWCC). If we do not already have your WWCC on file, please email to juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au your WWCC number and date of birth so your WWCC can be verified.
Name badges
All students in the Junior School are expected to wear a name badge as part of their uniform. At the beginning of the year, the College provides all students with two name badges free of charge. In the event that these become damaged or lost, students will be provided with a replacement, with the cost of $10.50 charged to student accounts. Next Monday 31 March, your daughters Compass class teacher will be doing a class audit of name badges. If a student does not have two name badges in the classroom, a new name badge will be ordered so your daughter can start Term 2 with two name badges. Please assist your daughter by checking at home for any name badges and return them to her classroom on Monday.
Junior School Digital News
Term 1 2025 Key Dates(Week 9 and 10)
Friday 28 March – Ride Safely to School Day
Monday 31 March – Year 2 Author Visit
Tuesday 1 April – Parent Focus Groups: Reporting and Feedback
Wednesday 2 April – Year 4 Author Visit
Important Dates
Friday 11 April – Last Day of Term 1 and Decorate a Cookie & Easter Hat Parade K-2
Tuesday 29 April – First Day of Term 2 (all girls to be wearing winter uniform)
From the Junior School Parent Group (JSPG)
Year 3 Easter Playdate
Come join us for a fun Easter playdate!
📅 Date: Sunday, 30 March ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Location: Bicentennial Park, Prince of Wales Drive, West Pymble
It’ll be a great chance for the Year 3 girls to play, and siblings are more than welcome to join! Feel free to bring your own food and enjoy a relaxed morning together.
Plus, there’s a little Easter surprise for everyone on the day—just keep it a secret from the kids!
Hope to see you there!
Year 1 Easter Egg Hunt
📅 Date: Sunday, 6 April ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 Location: Picnic Area 4, St Ives Showground
Cost: $10 per Child
RSVP: 28 March
Siblings are welcome. BYO Food & bucket. In the event of wet weather, event may be rescheduled or cancelled.
Easter Cookie Decorating (Kindergarten to Year 2)
📅 Date: Friday 11 April
📍 Location: In-class activity (Kindy to Year 2)
📝 Details:
• Easter Cookie Decorating activity for students.
• Each student will receive two nut-free cookies with icing, sprinkles, and a small selection of lollies to decorate in class.
• Gluten-free and vegan options available on request.
• If a student cannot participate, they may bring a treat from home.
💰 Cost: $10
📌 RSVP by: Friday, 4 April 2025
📩 Enquiries: Dee Mathur – deeviya.mathur@gmail.com
Please join us for a relaxed evening to connect and make new friends. Please reach out to your class parents for any questions.
Autumn Family Festival
We are delighted to invite you to the Autumn Family Festival on Thursday 1 May, a special evening celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures within our community through food, art, craft demonstrations, dance and music.
📍 Location: Gloucester Lawn
⏰ Time: 4.30pm to 5.30pm: Exclusive for Junior School students and their families.
5.30pm to 8.00pm: Open to the entire Pymble community.
This festival is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate our diversity.
It is hard to believe we are in Week 9 with the end of term fast approaching. This week our Year 7 Lang, Marden, Thomas and Wylie girls are out at Vision Valley for their Outdoor Education Program. By all reports they are having a great time, embracing the variety of activities and enjoying the change in routine. I’m so proud of those girls who were on camp last week as they were wonderful ambassadors for Pymble who demonstrated a strong can-do attitude. I have no doubt that this week the girls will be just as strong.
We have been impressed by the way Middle School girls are wearing their uniform with pride. There has been a marked improvement across the College, especially in relation to wearing the hat. Thank you for working with us to ensure the girls have all uniform items before leaving home.
We have now finalised the students who have been selected for the Year 8 National Exchange Program that will run early next term. Well done to all of those students who were selected for interview and to those successful candidates who will now have the chance to travel across Australia representing the College. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity to explore new places, connect with peers interstate and grow in independence. We know you will be impressive ambassadors.
The Year 10 Peer Support Program which works with our Year 7 cohort was a great success on Monday and the first of a series of mentoring opportunities across this semester. The girls always enjoy getting to know the older girls and sharing experiences.
A reminder that Year 8 Learning Discussions will be taking place on Thursday 10 April after school, and on Friday 11 April throughout the day. Year 7 Learning Discussions are scheduled for Wednesday 30 April after school. We all look forward to sharing our students’ individual progress and challenges. It is important that the girls also join in these conversations to share their perspectives on learning.
Thank you to the parents of Year 8 who have already completed their MMG Education surveys. I encourage all parents of Year 8 to share their feedback with the College through this survey as your input helps us understand a variety of views and enables us to hear your ideas. Look for the email from MMG Education sent on Friday 21 March or contact Dr Sarah Loch for more information (sloch@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au).
Jenny O’Donnell
Head of Middle School
From the Upper School
A message from Victoria Harrison, Head of Upper School
As we near the end of the term for our Year 9 and 10 students, I encourage you to spend a moment with your daughter reflecting on the term so far and thinking about how she can conclude it in a constructive and supportive manner. It has been wonderful to observe so many positive interactions across the campus, and we hope your daughter is feeling settled in the Upper School.
As we enter the end-of-term phase of the assessment calendar, your daughter may be feeling increased pressure. For some students, this signals a need to refine their study or revision methods, while others might benefit from a boost in time-management strategies. The College’s virtual classroom contains great study tips for them to explore. It’s also advisable for students to connect with their Compass teacher or Head of Year if they need additional help with organisation.
Peer Support
Earlier this week, our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders had the opportunity to meet with their Year 7 Compass groups and run a Compass session. The aim of the peer support program is to allow our Year 10 students to develop their leadership and communication skills whilst supporting the transition of Year 7 students to the Secondary School.
Peer Support Leaders meet as a group with a member of staff in the week prior to their peer support session. During this time, they brainstorm a range of activities that meet the needs of the Year 7 cohort and ensure a careful balance between fun and educational activities. Thank you to Laranya and Amelia for sharing a little about their first peer support session.
On Monday 24 March, some Year 10 students had their first peer support sessions with Year 7 Compass groups. It was an exciting opportunity to connect with the younger students, offer guidance and strengthen our own leadership skills. Throughout the session, we discussed key topics such as academic preparation and building strong friendships, aiming to share the lessons we’ve learned from our own high school experiences. We encouraged open conversations, ensuring the Year 7s felt comfortable asking questions and expressing their thoughts. To wrap up, we played some fun games that helped build teamwork and create a positive, supportive atmosphere.
Written by Laranya Nanthakumaran(Year 10)
On Monday during Mind-Body-Spirt, three other girls and I participated in an engaging peer support session with our Year 7 Compass class. We began the session with a fun class game to get to know each other a bit better, before sitting in a circle to have an open discussion. We discussed how the Year 7s were finding high school so far and addressed any minor concerns that they shared with us. Additionally, there was an opportunity for them to ask anonymous questions on post-it notes about anything they were worried about, or something they needed advice on.
After that, we randomly divided the girls into small groups to play a game called Hotseat, where a girl sits in the middle of a circle, while the other two girls take turns firing random questions at them. This allowed the girls to become more friendly with their peers and learn something new, particularly from the people they hadn’t really had a chance to connect with yet.
As a final reward, we all participated in Just Dance and handed out some lollies that we brought in for the Year 7s. Overall, it was a really fun and engaging experience that allowed me to develop my leadership skills and connect with girls in younger years.
Written by Amelia Gross(Year 10)
MMG Education Survey
Thank you to the parents of Year 10 who have already completed their MMG Education surveys. I encourage all parents of Year 10 to share their feedback with the College through this survey as your input helps us understand a variety of views and hear your ideas. Look for the email from MMG Education sent on Friday 21 March or contact Dr Sarah Loch for more information (sloch@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au)
Photos from the Tildesley Shield Tennis Tournament
Key Dates – Term 1
Friday 28 March – Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing (Mathematics)
Tuesday 1 April – Year 10 Minimum Standards Testing (Reading)
Saturday 5 April – Foundation Ball
Monday 7 April – Careers Expo
Thursday 10 (evening) and Friday 11 (day) April – Year 8 to 10 Learning Discussions
Friday 11 April – Boarders’ Travel Day
Friday 11 April – Pupil-Free Day
Key Dates – Term 2
Monday 28 April – Boarders’ Travel Day
Tuesday 29 April – First Day of Term 2
From the Year 9 Parent Co-ordinators
Jenny and Ira look forward to welcoming as many parents as possible for our end of Term 1 catch up. Please respond to the invite in Year 9 WhatsApp group.
For any enquiries, please feel free to contact us – Ira (0415 112 575) or Jenny 0422716808.
Victoria Harrison
Head of Upper School
From the Senior School
From the Head of Senior School
Respect is the cornerstone of a strong and caring community. Recently, I’ve been lucky enough to witness, and be part of, the numerous displays of school pride and mutual respect within our community. From the special events we’ve celebrated, from an enthusiastic softball game I watched last weekend to the countless students who consistently take time to care for others and promote inclusivity, these actions exemplify the values we cherish. Such gestures not only strengthen our bonds but also create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Let’s continue to uphold these principles, fostering a culture of respect that enriches our entire community.
As we approach the final weeks of a busy and lengthy term, managing time effectively becomes even more important. Many senior students are balancing multiple assessment tasks, and while this can be challenging, it is best approached through regular revision, consistent practice, and well-structured routines.
Maintaining healthy habits – such as incorporating movement, nutritious eating and getting adequate sleep – supports focus, wellbeing and sustained performance. These assessments are designed to provide meaningful feedback, helping students identify areas for further development in their knowledge, skills and understanding. With a balanced and organised approach, students can navigate this demanding period with increased confidence and a clearer sense of progress.
Pymble-Knox Connections Group
I was incredibly proud at our first meeting of the Pymble Knox Connections group. As hosts, our Year 11 students were wonderfully welcoming, creating an atmosphere of warmth and enthusiasm as students from both schools came together. It was fantastic to see everyone having so much fun, whether through getting-to-know-you activities, the excitement of Minute to Win It games, or the thoughtful collaboration in constructing a charter of values for the group. This initiative is already building strong and respectful friendships, and I look forward to our termly meetings as we continue to strengthen these connections.
Year 12 Hospitality
I was thoroughly impressed by the Year 12 Hospitality students who provided a takeaway service for staff last week. The gourmet toasted sandwich and iced coffee I enjoyed were both delicious and showcased their culinary skills. The entire operation was conducted with a high level of professionalism, from the quality of the food and beverages to the efficiency and courtesy of the service. This initiative not only highlighted the students’ dedication and expertise but also provided staff with a delightful and convenient dining experience. Congratulations to all involved!
Visiting Speaker for Year 12 English Standard Student: Vuong Pham
Last Thursday, the Year 12 Standard English students were thrilled to meet Australian poet Vuong Pham, whose work is studied in HSC Module A – Contemporary Asian Australian Poets.
Vuong captivated the students as he shared details of his life’s journey and family history, enlightening the students on the challenges he and his family faced and the way this has informed his writing. His story of loss, resilience, and familial bonds deeply resonated with the students.
In particular, the story of his mother, who fled war-torn Vietnam with a small child, inspired deep reflection and contemplation. Vuong also provided the students with an in-depth analysis of his poem, ‘Mother’, delivering new insights and fresh perspective.
We were grateful for the opportunity to hear his story and appreciate the lasting impact of his poetry.
Key Dates – Term 1
Thursday 10 April – End of Term 1
Nikki Wyse
Head of Senior School
From the Boarding School
It is always a such a treat to be out on the road, meeting with our families on their ‘home turf’. Last Friday evening, I was lucky enough to be at a special gathering in the beautiful town of Scone in the Upper Hunter Region. This was an excellent opportunity to meet past, present and prospective families and to share the joys of life at Pymble.
We were extra lucky to have Dr Hadwen and our Chair of the College Board, Mr Chris Fydler, join in the fun. Both Dr Hadwen and Mr Fydler spoke highly of our Boarding family, each noting the Boarders as the heart of Pymble. I was also super proud to have five of our current Boarders with us on the evening, all of whom are outstanding representatives of our Boarding family.
Community Days
Community Days are special times in our Boarding calendar where all Boarders are required to be in attendance. They are designed to promote a sense of community and to provide Boarders with skills that are important to their time in Boarding. Our next Community Days are scheduled for Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May. Boarders are required to be in attendance from 5.00pm on Saturday 3 May until 11.30am on Sunday 4 May. During this time there will be a whole-of-Boarding dinner, Boarding favourite Just Dance party and on the Sunday morning, Chapel and brunch with the congregation from Pymble and Gordon Uniting Church.
This year, our Prefects have added another special event to our Community Day schedule and on Sunday 1 June, we will be hosting our inaugural Boarders’ Colour Run. Other local Boarding schools have been invited to attend, and it promises to be a day of friendship and fun. There will be a small entry fee, and all profits will go to a charity selected by the Boarders.
I understand that this is a new addition to our Community Day schedule and ask that you add this date to your calendar now as there will be no leave permitted during this time. If you already have an engagement in place, I ask that you please submit special leave before the end of the term so we can make appropriate arrangements.
Star of the track
I am always in awe of our Boarders who not only manage living away from family, but also all of their school commitments and a huge sporting schedule. Year 11 Boarder Jocelyn, from Orange, is a fabulous example of someone who is dedicated to excelling. Most recently, Jocelyn had a fantastic weekend at NSW Juniors at Sydney Olympic Park. Some of her outstanding achievements are included below:
Second (with a huge personal best) in the 100m hurdles
Finals for both the 100m and 200m sprint in which she placed sixth in the state.
A personal best in the 200m and a national qualifying time.
Qualified for the u/18 women’s 100m, 200m and 100m hurdles at the Australia Junior Athletic Championship in Perth in April.
Eat Like a Boarder
We would love you to join us for dinner on Monday 28 April at 6.00pm. This will be the ‘real’ experience, with you being able to enjoy the regular dinner service, just as the girls do each evening. All family members are welcome. If you would like to join us please RSVP to boarding@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au by Tuesday 8 April.
Live It, Love It, Learn It – Ms Theresa Mimmo, Deputy Director of Boarding
It was a social weekend for our Boarders. Year 7 headed to Abbotsleigh after school on Friday to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea with Boarders from various schools. They had a great time and were able to reconnect with some of the Boarders who visited us earlier in the term.
On Saturday, a group of Boarders went to Macquarie Ice Rink for an ice skating session. They had a fun time and staff were very happy there were no injuries to report! On Sunday, Year 9 boarders from Riverview came to Pymble, while our Year 7 and 8 Boarders headed there for lunch and fun activities. All girls reported having an amazing time and liked socialising with boarders from other schools.
A View From My Window
Hi, my name is Olivia and I am a Year 8 Boarder. I have been in Boarding since Year 7. I live on a one-acre property in Scone NSW with my parents Fiona, who is an online auction organiser, and Stuart, who is a livestock and station agent/auctioneer. Dad also sells farm machinery and cattle. I have an older brother Logan who is 15 years old and also a Boarder. I have a dog named Saddle; she is a French bulldog who is two years old. I also have a nine-year-old cat named Bam Bam who is both an inside and outdoor pet. I enjoy tossing the toy for my dog and taking a walk out to the back fence and staring out into the sunsets that sits beyond the valleys.
Scone is around a three-hour drive from Sydney. It is a nice, peaceful, open and beautiful country town with all kinds of farms like crop, beef (cattle), sheep, and horse properties. The thing I love most about Scone is that it is very calm and I appreciate how kind the community is. One of my favourite things to do in Scone is to drive around and admire all the different livestock and land that sits on the edge of the roads, as well as the amazing sunrises and sunsets that we get in the summer. I love staying home and relaxing, but also going out with Dad and my brother to muster/process, drench and vaccinate the cattle. I love going in the pool, sitting in the sun and looking out into the amazing background that shows Scone Mountain and open land.
I adore Boarding here at Pymble mainly because of how kind and caring everyone is and having a change of scenery. Going back to school at the start of term can be tough but knowing that I am coming back to such an amazing group of girls and staff makes returning ten times easier. When I look at Pymble I see my home away from home.
Boarder of the Week
This week our Head of Goodlet House, Kate Inglis, shares the joys of having Phoebe in our lives.
Phoebe joined Pymble Boarding in Year 7 from Rocky Glenn last year, following in the footsteps of her older sisters, Amelia and Emma. Phoebe has brought a warm and gentle presence to Goodlet House and is kind and caring towards her Boarding sisters.
Phoebe is a regular presence at Boarders Get Baking and the ‘Love It’ Program. As just one example of her thoughtfulness, Phoebe ensured that her recent birthday celebration included a cake that was allergy-friendly so all her peers could celebrate, too. Phoebe has been working hard during the Learn It program, keeps a steady routine and ensures her room is tidy. Both staff and peers enjoy an evening chat and catch up with Phoebe, and congratulate her as a well deserving, Boarder of the Week.
Save the Date
Tuesday 1 April – Boarders’ End of Term Chapel Service and Dinner
Thursday 10 April – Face to Face Learning Discussions for Boarding Families (Years 8 to 10)
Friday 11 April – Boarders’ Travel Day
Monday 28 April – Boarders return from 2.00pm
Monday 28 April – Eat Like a Boarder (6.00pm)
Wednesday 30 April – Learning Discussions for Year 7
Friday 2 May – Boarders’ Lockdown and Evacuation Drill*
Friday 2 May – Years 7, 8 and 9 Boarders’ Social
Saturday 3 May – Boarders’ Community Evening (5.00pm*)
Sunday 4 May – Pymble and Gordon Uniting Church and Boarders’ Combined Chapel Service (9.00am to 11.30am*)
Sunday 1 June – Boarders’ Colour Run (10.00am and 3.00pm*)
* All Boarders required to be in attendance, no leave during this time.
Carolyn Burgess
Head of Boarding
From the Chaplains
The Pressing Place
Earlier this week I read a fabulous quote from Eleanor Roosevelt:
A woman is like a tea bag; you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.
Eleanor Roosevelt
In chapel I asked the girls to describe what pressure looked like in their lives, what types they they face and how they respond to it. Some of them spoke about the pressure of academic expectations, expectations of beauty standards, peer pressure and even the pressure of climate change.
Pressure effects each of us differently, but one thing rings true. When pressure hits, we really feel it. The question of ‘when pressures come, how do we respond?’ then arises.
In this week’s lectionary reading we heard from the Gospels of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. His entrance was a loud spectacle that captivated the hearts and minds of the thousands who had gathered to celebrate. Thinking Jesus had come to free Israel from the tyrannical rule of the Romans, Jesus was welcomed as a king.
Within three days, the crowds of thousands had disbanded. Their cheers of Hosanna silenced by their uneasiness in his message. He had not come to liberate the people from Roman rule, but from a deeper and more cosmic struggle. To liberate people from oppression and captivity in their hearts, minds and bodies.
The night of the Last Supper, Jesus sat with his 12 disciples and the women disciples who accompanied him. Once supper was over, Jesus withdrew to the Mount of Olives with three disciples. Exhorting them to pray, they fell into sleep. He was alone in this garden of olive groves.
As the early hours of the morning crept in, Jesus’ prayers to the Father echoed with pain. Luke’s gospel records that the ache in Jesus’ heart as he anticipated the cross and the pressure that he was to endure. Sweat like drops of blood fell from his temple as he asked the Father to take the manner of his death away. “And yet, not my will but yours be done,” he prayed, choosing the way of God over the way of the world.
The pressure of the pain, the punishment, the spectacle that awaited him drew something out of him. He did not ignore the pressure nor implode under its weight. He allowed the pressure to be an opportunity to extract the strength that God had placed within him.
Ironically, as the place in which he prayed this prayer, was known as the ‘Pressing Place’. He sat, surrounded by an olive grove. These olives were to be plucked, then placed in a press in order to extract the oil for use across the world. The only way to access the oil is through the application of pressure.
At the end of our service, the girls each held stalks over lavender. By rubbing them in their hands, the scent was extracted and the chapel was filled with the heady sweet perfume. I encouraged each of the girls that their lives are like the lavender. When pressure comes, this is an opportunity to extract the perfumed oil from within that will affect the entire atmosphere around them.
May each of us, when experiencing the Pressing Place, find in it an opportunity to extract strength and beauty within, to spill out to those around.
Reverend Cass Blake
College Chaplain
Events Calendar – Term 1 and 2
From the Futures Team
BAcc Co-op Scholarship
Ex-student Claire Spring (2024) and her classmate Asher Schonell spoke to Year 11 and 12 students on Friday during Mind-Body-Spirt time about the Co-op Scholarship available at UTS for students in accounting and related business areas. The scholarship is tax-free and valued up to $56,000, a year of full-time work training and great career prospects with the major employers who support the course.
Claire discussed the advantages she has already experienced in being selected for the program with a small cohort of 36 other students. Students had many questions and remained behind to have further discussions with Claire and Asher.
Upper School and Senior School
ANU Open Day
Date: Saturday 29 March
Experience ANU first hand on Open Day. Experience life as a student- information sessions and join activities hosted by our academic colleges around campus. It will be worth the trip.
Based on our Orange campus, Charles Sturt University offers the Joint Program in Medicine in partnership with Western Sydney University. You can expect to study for two years, followed by three years of rural and regional placements.
If you’re considering studying with us, our Open Day is a great way to get to know us better. Explore our studios, browse through our Graduate Exhibition, meet students and Educators, watch a live Info Session and get creative making a mood board or digital model. Information Session & Open Day | Sydney Design School
Career opportunities in medicine beyond being a doctor
Discover the Health Sciences at ACU (North Sydney)
Date: Wednesday 25 April
Time: 9.00am to 1.00pm
Discover what it’s like to study nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech pathology at ACU North Sydney. Take part in hands-on workshops where you’ll get a feel for the practical skills you’ll develop as a future healthcare professional. Tour our campus and experience our state-of-the-art, fully functional simulation wards. Register: Discover Health Sciences at ACU North Sydney
Bachelor of Health Sciences in 2026
Macquarie University will be offering a new Bachelor of Health Sciences in 2026. For students exploring a career in the growing healthcare sector this degree provides foundational skills along with the opportunity to undertake a major in one of four interdisciplinary areas: coaching; counselling; digital health or health administration with hands-on learning in our world-class health precinct. Stay tuned for more information.
Year 12 Experience UTS Day
Date: Wednesday 16 April
Time: 9.00am to 2.45 pm
Students will have the chance to explore various course areas and get a taste of university life. This unique event is designed to help students navigate their path to uni. With over 30 interactive workshops across a variety of disciplines.
Spend ‘a day in the life’ of a uni student! Our Experience Macquarie Days give students the opportunity to attend information sessions, participate in interactive workshops, check out our awesome facilities and learning spaces, and take a tour around our campus with a Macquarie student guide.
Discover the Health Sciences at ACU (North Sydney)
Date: Thursday 24 April
Time: 9.00am to 1.00pm
Discover what it’s like to study nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech pathology at ACU North Sydney.
Take part in hands-on workshops where you’ll get a feel for the practical skills you’ll develop as a future healthcare professional. Tour our campus and experience our state-of-the-art, fully functional simulation wards.
Volunteering and Internships Overseas – Projects Abroad: Nepal
When we first heard about this medical volunteering trip from a past Pymble student, we had no idea it would turn out to be one of the most rewarding and life-changing trips. From exploring Nepalese culture to gaining hands-on experience in hospitals, every moment was unforgettable.
As a medical internship trip, we had the opportunity to visit various hospitals in the area, observing different departments, including the psychiatric ward, maternity ward, infant ward, and ER. The local medical staff were incredibly welcoming, eager to teach us and let us observe procedures up close. The best part was how interactive everything was – we weren’t just passive observers but actively engaged. We even had the chance to cut stitches, observe treatment plans and read patient files. It gave us valuable insight into what a career in healthcare might look like.
Beyond the hospitals, we immersed ourselves in Nepalese culture. We explored local markets, tasted authentic Nepalese cuisine, and even took language and etiquette lessons. On weekends, we were taken safely to different places, including the Chitwan National Park. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was visiting a local school, where we played soccer with younger kids and taught them about dental hygiene.
Our afternoons and evenings were filled with fun activities, from swimming to Nepalese dance classes, which helped us connect with both the culture and the amazing people on the trip.
Above all, the highlight of the trip was the people we met. As the trip was a high school program, we formed friendships with other people our age from Japan, New Zealand, and all across Australia—connections that we still keep to this day. This trip wasn’t just about medical experience; it was about stepping out of our comfort zones, embracing a new culture, and discovering whether healthcare was the right career path for us.
Looking back, we can confidently say this was an eye-opening and rewarding experience. If anyone is considering a similar trip, we would absolutely recommend it.
Program information for this registration period is available here.
All registrations must be completed online via the MyPymble app. Registrations will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 16 April.
Additionally, Term 3 Saturday Sports registrations will open at 12.00pm on Wednesday 30 April and will close at 12.00pm on Friday 16 May.
For any further enquiries, please contact the Co-curricular Administration team ccsa@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
Sally Davidson
Head of Co-curricular Administration
AFL
Round 7
As we are transitioning into finals footy this week, several Pymble teams are looking to secure their sport in the 2025 Independent Girls Schools AFL Grand Final. Congratulations to Senior Pymble 1, Intermediate Pymble 3, and Junior Pymble 5 who all finished top four in their respective divisions and will play in a semi-final this week.
Pymble 2, 4, and 6 will all play regular round matches.
Good luck to all teams!
Round 7 Results
Pymble 1 def St Catherines 1 (61 to 12)
Pymble 2 def by St Schols 1 (25 to 39)
Pymble 3 def Stella Maris 1 (55 to 6)
Pymble 4 BYE
Pymble 5 def Loreto 6 (84 to 13)
Pymble 6 def by Monte 6 (11 to 48)
Jack Garrad
Co-ordinator – AFL
Artistic Gymnastics
High Performance Clinic
Anna Wang (Year 7), a National Level 8 gymnast, proudly represented the school at the High Performance Clinic at Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatic Centre last Saturday afternoon. This invitation-only event provided Anna with an excellent opportunity to refine her techniques under the expert guidance of top-level judges, who offered valuable feedback on her performance. Congratulations to Anna on her achievements, and we look forward to seeing her continued success both at school and in the gymnastics arena.
Jack Garrad
Co-ordinator – Artistic Gymnastics
Cricket
NSW All Schools Championships
Well done to Elizabeth Yates (Year 11), Varada Vinay (Year 10) and Willa Pearson (Year 9) who represented in the NSWCIS U19 Cricket team at NSW All Schools in Tuggerah last week. Congratulations to Elizabeth Yates who was one of three girls from NSWCIS to be chosen into the NSW All Schools 19 Years and Under Cricket team. Elizabeth will compete in the NSW/QLD 19&U Cricket exchange in Kingscliff in September.
Go Lizzy!
Jack Garrad
Co-ordinator – Cricket
Cross Country
Balmoral Burn
On Sunday 25 May, the famous annual Balmoral Burn will be run up the 420m hill of Awaba Street in Mosman. Pymble Ladies’ College have competed for many years in the annual Balmoral Burn. In 2020, Pymble entered 70+ teams, and we placed first overall in the school event. We also hold the record in the Senior Girls “Head of the Hill” relay event and would love to defend our title again this year after winning in 2024.
For more information on the program and to register to run with Pymble, please click here.
Deb Walsham
Head Coach – Cross Country
Orienteering
Orienteering NSW Spring Championships
Congratulations to Anna Smart (Year 7) and Sophie Chiang (Year 7) who competed in the Orienteering NSW Spring Championships on Saturday 22 March. Both students had a lot of fun, and special congratulations to Anna for finishing first in her age group.
Maddison Scott
Co-ordinator – Orienteering
Softball
Week 7
This week’s games started on Thursday afternoon in which our Senior First girls played a mid-week game against Barker College. Even though the girls lost 12 to 4, they put up a good fight against a very experienced Barker team.
Moving on to Saturday’s games, we started early Saturday morning with our Senior First team playing against Loreto Normanhurst here at Pymble. The girls displayed a very dominant performance on the field, winning the game 16 to 4. We had a great combined pitching performance from Zoe Bloom (Year 10) and Madeline Taylor (Year 12) while the team played a great defensive game behind them.
Then we had our Pymble 2 team play against Loreto Normanhurst 2, also at Pymble, in which they showed great fight and determination. The girls ended with a draw, the score being 7 all, in which they displayed great team batting while also making some great defensive plays throughout the game.
Our Pymble 3 team started their day over at Abbotsleigh, where they ended up winning 9 to 5 against Abbotsleigh 2. Annabel Taylor (Year 10) and Varada Vinay (Year 10) had a great game pitching and catching while Ruby Watson (Year 10) led the offense with her home run late in the game.
Our Pymble 4 team played against Loreto Normanhurst 4, and even though the girls lost 19 to 4, the score didn’t reflect the little victories they experienced. The girls had a great offensive display, with Tanvi Raniga (Year 7) having an especially good game, and it was highlighted with some of their defensive plays coming from Nina Peng (Year 7) that stopped runners from advancing.
Lastly, we had a little bit of Pymble rivalry as our Pymble 2 and Pymble 3 team faced off against each other. Even though Pymble 2 was out in front early, it was Pymble 3 that ended up clinching the win with a score of 10 to 5. Truly an exciting game!
Team of the Week
Pymble 3 is our team of the week as they won both of their games on Saturday, beating Abbotsleigh 2 and Pymble 2 in a convincing matter.
Next weekend we have our Independent School Softball finals that will take place at International Peace Park, where all four of our Pymble teams will compete in their respective final divisions. Good luck to everyone!
Results
Team
Opponent
Result
Score
Pymble 1
Barker College 1
Loss
4 to 12
Pymble 1
Loreto Normanhurst 1
Win
16 to 4
Pymble 2
Loreto Normanhurst 2
Draw
7 to 7
Pymble 3
Abbotsleigh 2
Win
9 to 5
Pymble 4
Loreto Normanhurst 4
Loss
19 to 3
Chris Wood
Co-ordinator – Softball
Swimming
NSW State Open Championships
Twenty Pymble girls, including two Alumni teammates, competed at the 2025 NSW State Open Championships from Friday 21 March to Sunday 23 March at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. This meet was a fantastic opportunity for our girls to refine and polish their skills ahead of the Australian National Championships in April.
Knox Pymble Swimming Club were awarded first place in the overall combined team point score.
Being an open level meet, this gave our girls the fantastic opportunity to swim against Olympians such as Kaylee McKeown, with Sarah Tian (Year 11) and Jessica Munk (alumni) lining up in the same heat for the 100m and 200m Backstroke.
This meet also saw some great results including personal best times and many exciting swims. Results below:
A Finalists
Alyssa Gillespie (Year 11)
100m Breaststroke Multi-Class
Sarah Tian (Year 11)
200m Backstroke
100m Backstroke
Jessica Munk (Alumni)
200m Backstroke
100m Backstroke
B Finalists
Lily Barlow (Year 12)
400m Freestyle
Caitlyn Keating (Year 10)
200m Butterfly
Jessica Munk (Alumni)
50m Backstroke
Relays
Woman 4×100 Medley Relay
A team – 2nd place
Sarah Tian (Year 11), Lily Lockhart (Year 12), Caitlyn Keating (Year 9), Keira Smith (Year 12)
Thank you to coaches Leanne Speechley and Rafael Rodrigues for their coaching expertise and support to the team as we nailed yet another successful meet full of insightful learnings, high energy team vibes, and wonderful results.
Lewis Gray
Co-ordinator – Swimming
Tennis
Tildesley Shield
Last week, from Wednesday 19 March to Friday 21 March, our Pymble Tennis team competed in the prestigious Tildesley Shield competition. After months of dedicated training since Term 4 2024, including an intensive training camp in Melbourne in January, our players took to the courts with skill, determination, and fantastic school spirit.
The competition was fierce, but our students rose to the challenge, displaying outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship. We are proud to announce that Pymble finished in sith place overall—a fantastic achievement in a highly competitive field!
Congratulations to the following students on their incredible results at the tournament.
Singles
Fifth Round (Round of 32)
Isabella Su (Year 9)
Aaliyah Chang (Year 9)
Elona Thorne (Year 8)
Sixth Round (Round of 16)
Ayeesha Dowerah (Year 10)
Arial Gunawan (Year 10)
Doubles
Fifth round (Round of 16)
Sophia Kawane (Year 10) and Layla Abdel-Megeed (Year 10)
Quarter Finals
Zoe Liang (Year 7) and Thenulya Gunasekera (Year 10)
igsa Tennis Semi-finals
A special congratulations to the 16 Pymble teams that finished in the top four positions of their tables and have now secured their spots in the semi-finals this Saturday 29 March. We wish them the best of luck as they battle for a place in the finals!
Term 2 Tennis Program – Registrations Now Open!
A friendly reminder that registrations for Term 2 Tennis programs are now open. All tennis programs at Pymble are term-based, so students will need to register again to continue training next term.
For more details and to register, please click here to visit the Pymble Tennis registration system.
Jufri Foss
Co-ordinator – Tennis
From the Co-curricular Performing Arts Team
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Drama
You’re Just Too Good to be Shrew Production
On Friday 4 and Saturday 5 April, the Year 10 to 12 play, You’re Just Too Good to Be Shrew, will light up the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts (GMCPA) stage, featuring some of our talented Drama students. This exciting performance is a must-see for anyone who loves comedy, classic literature, and a modern twist on timeless themes.
You’re Just Too Good to Be Shrew is a hilarious parody and adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and the film The 10 Things I Hate About You! Set at Padua Institute for Sports Studies, this clever play critiques outdated gender roles and presents a satirical look at love, relationships, and power dynamics. It explores how societal expectations shape our interactions, especially in a teenage world where rebellion and romance often collide. The play cleverly subverts these expectations with its sharp wit and strong female roles.
The cast has worked tirelessly to bring this vibrant and energetic interpretation to life with modern themes which are relatable for today’s audience. The cast of You’re Just Too Good to Be Shrew brings a unique blend of energy and passion to the stage, each actor adding their own flair to the well-known characters. The play’s dynamic performances promises to keep the audience engaged, entertained, and even a little surprised by the bold choices. Whether you’re familiar with the original play or film or coming to the story fresh, there’s something for everyone in this delightful production.
Join us for a night of laughter, reflection, and memorable performances that you won’t soon forget. You’re Just Too Good to Be Shrew is more than just a play; it’s an exploration of how love, rebellion, and identity evolve in a modern world — all wrapped up in a hilarious and insightful performance. Don’t miss your chance to see our talented students shine on stage at the GMCPA on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 April.
To book your tickets, click here now, and don’t miss out on supporting our talented drama students!
Rebecca York
Co-curricular Drama Co-ordinator
Language Arts
Debating
ISDA and FED
Round 6 Week 8 Last Friday 21 March
Our FED teams hosted MLC in Round 6 last Friday. Our teams won four out of eight debates. Well done coaches and students. Thank you to Mrs Ning Cao, coaches, and girls for a smooth round.
Our ISDA teams travelled to Shore where they won six from eight debates. Congratulations. Our Senior A and Year 10 teams remain undefeated. This is a commendable achievement at this high level of debating.
Round 7 Week 9 this Friday 28 March
Tomorrow, our FED teams will travel to Sydney Girls’ High. Co-curricular Administration will have forwarded venue and parking details for parents. Please ensure bus bookings have been completed. Mrs Ning Cao oversees FED on Friday evenings. Ning is a past Language Arts parent and Pymble staff member.
Our ISDA teams will travel to Wenona. A bus will be available for ISDA girls; however, tickets must have been purchased through Co-curricular Administration. Return buses will NOT be on offer and parents are required to arrange collection for their daughter(s). Girls will NOT be permitted to take public transport home, unless accompanied by an adult. Wenona’s venue information and parking details have been sent out through Co-curricular Administration.
Year 7 currently on camp are still expected to attend Debating, and Vision Valley buses should be back in time for girls to catch Debating buses.
Parents are welcome to attend and please note that parents must arrange transport home following their daughter’s debate.
Round 7 is the end of FED and ISDA preliminary rounds. This will mean that some teams will not progress to finals and this week will mark the end of their season. Stay tuned for those teams progressing.
As finals can mean multiple venues, please note that no buses will run through finals and parents must be responsible for their daughter’s travel both to and from events. Carpooling is recommended.
Make-Up Rounds
Friday 4 April
Senior A, Barker v Pymble. ISDA Round 3 makeup. Face to face at Barker. Prep commences at 5.00pm
Senior A and Senior B, SBHS v Pymble. FED Round 5 makeup. Online from Pymble, to be confirmed.
Friday 2 May
Primary A and B, Barker v Pymble ISDA Round 3 makeup. Face to face at Barker.
Senior B, Pymble v Roseville ISDA Round 5 online. We are affirmative.
Chinese Debating
Thank you to Mrs Leyya Li, our team parent, who attended the opening ceremony on Saturday at The University of Sydney with her daughter. Please email Mrs Hubbard, bhubbard@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au, ASAP if you are interested in this new offering. Round 1 commences on Saturday 12 April.
Organisation: NSW Chinese Debating Association
Form of debate: Prepared debate. One match per week – three rounds (Weeks 1 to 3) – half (Week 4) – final (Week 5). Rounds will be conducted on weekends, at The University of Sydney, School of Business.
NSDC
NSDC is Australia’s premier school debating competition and brings together the most talented young debaters from across the country, fostering excellence in critical thinking, persuasive communication and civic engagement. This year NSDC is coming to Sydney for a week in mid-May. Details and opportunities can be found on the NSDC events page.
Further Debating opportunities
An externally run Debating camp is being offered in the April holidays. Please click here for more information and the form to enrol.
Harvard School Australia New Zealand Debating Championship is once more open for registrations.Click here to register.Please direct any questions to competitions@speakerscornerau.com or phone on 02 8091 7946.
Public Speaking
UN Voice of Youth, National Finalists!
Congratulations to Katherine Pan (Year 11) and Hakone Liceralde (Year 10) who have both progressed to the national finals of the UN Voice of Youth Public Speaking competition. This competition will be held on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April. Best wishes girls and congratulations from all the Language Arts ‘family’, on your progression to the national finals.
Rostrum
Pymble hosted a Rostrum Public Speaking heat after school in the lower Kate Mason building and the library classrooms on Wednesday 19 March. Congratulations to our Pymble Junior speakers – Sahana Shasidharan (Year 7), Lexie Wang (Year 7), and Chelsea Wang (Year 7), and our Senior speakers – Katherine Pan (Year 11), Angela Tao (Year 10), and Grace McSweeney (Year 10). All our speakers were strong, and the North Shore heats are of a very high standard. Special congratulations to Katherine and Angela who were runners up in their heats.
Another speaking opportunity – Soapbox
Pymble’s very own Autumn Festival will be held on Thursday 1 May from 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Language Arts will run a fun Soapbox event. Soapbox is where students get to present a three-to-four-minute, fun speech about a pet peeve. What bugs you? Here is your opportunity to present it in a funny way. Auditions will be run at lunch and after school on Tuesday 8 April. Please email Jenny Xu, Captain of Public Speaking, Jixu@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or Mrs Hubbard to register your interest Bhubbard@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
DELO launch
Pymble is pleased to have been involved in the planning and March 2025 launch of DELO – The Dame Enid Lyons Oratory award.
Sonia Berry, IGSA’s Executive Officer, wrote,
“I just wanted to thank you all for supporting this, our first Oratory Competition. It has taken many years of planning, and we are delighted that finally, there is a competition to rival the Lawrence Campbell Competition.”
Lawrence Campbell is the 90-year-old oratory competition run for boys attending independent boys’ school and it has been noted,
“The Lawrence Campbell Oratory is widely regarded as the most prestigious, and difficult of the New South Wales Public Speaking Competitions.
Not anymore! DELO is for the girls!
Ms Berry thanked the committee which is made up of two representatives from the NSW Department of Education, two external speaking coaches, three school speaking coaches, and herself.
The DELO final will be held in the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday 21 May.
Bravo to Jenny Xu (Year 11), our Public Speaking captain, who was the first Pymble girl to enter this competition. Her heat was last night. Results to follow.
Model United Nations (MUN)
EVATT – UN Youth
Requiring no prior debating experience, Evatt immerses young people in Years 9 to 12 to uncover the driving forces of influence that threaten to destabilise world order all while mastering the art of public speaking through negotiation. Going beyond ordinary debating, Evatt challenges delegates to think critically, problem solve carefully, and search for answers in the rapidly changing world of current affairs surrounding them.
Evatt commences in May. This is a highly valued diplomacy competition where girls work in pairs to represent a country. Pymble plans to take a bus to Cranbrook, and we ask that you register and attend through school rather than register online individually. When girls register themselves online, we cannot offer additional training should they progress, and we have a duty of care issue. Any senior girls who still wish to register themselves, should ensure this occurs on a weekend rather than a weekday, and parents, please note a teacher from Pymble will not accompany the girls to UTS.
Harvard MUN
Harvard MUN in Australia – Pymble is sending a delegation. Thank you to those girls and parents who registered interest. Registrations were completed on Friday 7 March. We look forward to receiving news about our allocated delegation. Late registrations are open if anyone would still like individual entry. Please let Mrs Hubbard know if you are attending. Click here for information.
Pymble Model UN Club (PMUN)
PMUN runs each Monday lunch in DK06. Come along. Everyone is welcome. Learn how to prepare for a MUN conference. We will hold our own Winter conference later in the year. We have received expressions of interest for a MUN conference to be held at Castle Hill High. Please see our MUN captain, Kiki Chen (Year 10) if interested.
THIMUN – THE Hague 2026 Proposed International Tour
In January this year, Pymble Language Arts girls attended THIMUN, The Hague which was a wonderful opportunity. Having secured a highly coveted place at this Model United Nations conference, we are keen to attend again this year as membership is ongoing and we do not want to lose our place.
The proposed January 2026 Language Arts tour will be open to girls currently in Year 8, 9, 10 and 11. We are currently gaining prices on two options – a two week tour including a visit to Paris, prior to travelling on the Eurostar to the Netherlands and journeying to The Hague for the conference, or a shorter tour which just focuses on The Netherlands and the conference. If you have a preference, Mrs. Hubbard would love to hear from you ASAP!
An international MUN conference is an amazing experience. THIMUN has over 3000 students from around the globe attending. These experiences for learning and growth are valued highly in Europe and by ivy league universities. This opportunity is open, but girls must join our own PMUN club and attend regularly to apply.
Mock Law
Bond Mooting – Training will commence soon.
Young Lawyers’ Justice Day at Wollongong University on Friday 2 May
Thank you to those who have registered interest. Notes have been sent via Co-curricular Administration. The bus will leave Pymble at 7.30am and return at 5.30pm.
Bronwyn Hubbard
Head of Language Arts
Music
Congratulations!
Ria Iyer (Year 7)- Grade 1 Musicianship – A+
Sana Iyer (Year 6) – Grade 1 Musicianship – A+
Congratulations also to Mrs Patrice Goodman for being awarded the Most Outstanding Private Teacher in the AMEB examinations.
Ensemble Concert
Please note the Secondary School Ensemble Concert is on Wednesday 9 April, commencing at 5.30pm on Gloucester Lawn. This is a compulsory event for all members of the Secondary School music ensemble program and is always a wonderful evening, showcasing our brilliant young musicians. Choirs, bands and strings will all perform an array of repertoire and you can sit back on a picnic rug and enjoy the free entertainment.
Students and their families are welcome to purchase a meal to support the Music Support Group. This is a sausage in a roll, a biscuit, and a drink, and can be ordered by clicking here.
Musicians’ Lunch
The Music Support Group has kindly organised a pizza lunch for the musicians on Monday 7 April. Please order by clicking here.
Dates for Your Diary in Term 2
Thursday 15 May – Year 8 Elective Music production of High School Musical Jr. at 6.30pm in the GMCPA
Monday 2 – Wednesday 4 June – Ensemble photos for Secondary students
Week commencing Monday 10 June – Eisteddfod week for Hindson Chamber Strings, Senior Chamber Strings, Pymble Chorale, Capella Chamber Choir and Brass Ensemble.
Tuesday 24 June – Term 2 Ensemble Concert in the GMCPA at 6.30pm.
Wednesday 25 June – Farewell lunch to Year 12 Music Ensemble members, hosted by Year 11 musicians.
Sarah Turner
Head of Music
Homework Help
Year 12 Study Camps
Click the poster below to register.
After-Hours Study
How to Balance School Life and Co-curricular Activities
1. Set Little Deadlines
Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Assign specific timeframes for each smaller task. This helps reduce overwhelm and creates a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.
Adjust deadlines as necessary, depending on your progress or any changes that come up.
2. Review Reminders Every Night Before Going to Sleep
Set aside a few minutes each night to review your to-do list.
Reflect on what you accomplished during the day and what’s still pending.
Adjust or prioritise tasks for the following day.
This helps you mentally prepare for tomorrow, reducing stress or anxiety.
3. Before Going to Sleep, Think About Tasks for Tomorrow
Take a moment to mentally organise your day ahead.
Consider what needs immediate attention and what can be tackled later.
Visualise success to help set a positive mindset for the next day.
4. Don’t Try to Multi-task
Focus on one task at a time for better efficiency.
Multi-tasking can lead to mistakes and lower the quality of your work.
Research shows that multi-tasking can actually reduce productivity in the long run.
5. Focus on One Thing at a Time
Prioritise tasks based on importance and deadlines.
Minimise distractions while working on a task (e.g., turn off notifications, limit social media).
Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to work in focused intervals.
6. Finish One Thing Before Starting Another
Complete a task fully before moving on to the next.
This helps maintain consistency and prevents tasks from piling up unfinished.
Completing a task also gives you a sense of accomplishment and momentum.
7. If You Can’t Seem to Concentrate, Switch Between Tasks for a Refresher
Take a break if you feel stuck on a particular task; switching to another task can provide a fresh perspective.
Use this strategy sparingly to avoid constant task-switching that leads to distractions.
Try doing something physically engaging (like a quick walk) to reset your focus.
8. Always Seek Out Better Methods to Maximise Time Output
Stay open to experimenting with new productivity tools and strategies.
Regularly evaluate your time management habits and refine them as needed.
Learn from others (books, podcasts, mentors) about ways to improve productivity.
Be willing to adapt your workflow for better efficiency over time.
This week’s edition of Clued In was created by Catherine Li from your Student Communications Leadership team:
Maya Garg (Year 12): Student Communications Prefect 2025 Abby Christopher: Year 12 Leader Kitty He: Year 11 Leader Catherine Li: Year 10 Leader Nicole Fan: Year 9 Leader Charlotte Pang: Year 8 Leader
Gala Ball raffle tickets now on sale!
Purchase your Pymble Foundation Gala Ball raffle tickets now for your chance to win some incredible prizes!
First prize: 2 x Apple Vision Pro VR glasses
Second prize: Sub-Zero 46 Bottles Integrated Wine Storage Cabinet
Third prize: Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz 2019 (750ml)
Fourth prize: The Greengate Hotel $200 Voucher
All proceeds from our raffle support the Pymble Foundation Bursary Program, providing a Pymble education and life-changing opportunities to girls facing adversity.
To purchase your raffle tickets today, click here.
Anyone can enter the raffle and you do not need to attend the Gala Ball to win.
Raffle tickets are electronic and distributed automatically by the GalaBid platform. The Pymble Foundation Gala Ball Raffle will be drawn electronically on 5th April 2025 via the GalaBid Platform random number generator. Winners will be notified by the GalaBid Platform. All proceeds will be donated to the Pymble Foundation. Ticket purchaser must be 18 years or older. Full raffle Terms & Conditions are available on request.
The silent auction is now live!
Our exciting silent auction this year has something to tempt everyone. All funds raised support our Pymble Foundation Bursary Program so bid now to secure something special whilst supporting a wonderful cause.
We’ve showcased a small selection of the exciting items available for bidding now:
Meet our event partner, Rachel Johnson
Rachel is proud to be the event partner for the 2025 Pymble Foundation Gala Ball on Saturday 5 April.
As a passionate real estate professional on the Upper North Shore, Rachel has strong connections to the Pymble community. As a former Pymble girl, she was actively involved in school life, including being part of the Tildesley Shield tennis team and participating in various co-curricular activities.
Rachel’s commitment to Pymble is also reflected in her generous donation of the ‘Butterfly Space’ and seating area outside the War Memorial Chapel, under the jacaranda tree, dedicated in memory of her late mother, also a proud Pymble girl.
Rachel is truly excited to be the Pymble Foundation Gala Ball event partner and support this incredible event, which brings together the Pymble community.
Reminder: MMG Education Survey for Year 3, 5, 8 10 and 12 parents
Thank you to the 69 parents who have completed the MMG Education survey, however, we are hoping more parents complete it to help strengthen the accuracy of our data.
The annual MMG Education surveys give us the chance to receive feedback on our programs and approach. It is critical for us to ensure we are listening to our whole community as we build on our strengths and prioritise areas of focus. Whilst doing surveys takes time, we are eager to use the research-informed feedback parents and students provide to develop and improve the College and are very appreciative of each response.
Parents of students in Year 3, 5, 8, 10 and 12 will have last week received their personal email with a link to the MMG ‘Tracking’ survey. This voluntary survey takes about half an hour. It invites parents to share feedback on areas including academics, wellbeing, boarding, co-curricular activities, sport and leadership. If parents are in one of the target year groups and have not received a personal email with a link by Friday 21 March, please let me know.
Students in Years 5, 8, 10 and 12 will receive links to their own MMG ‘Tracking’ survey on the day designated below. Students will be supervised in Compass time to do their survey which are voluntary to complete, but we encourage students to give their valuable feedback. The MMG email each student receives will provide a link to students’ own, confidential questionnaire. Students must not share their link with others.
(Please note, in Term 3, students from Year 6 to 12 will be invited to complete the MMG Wellbeing survey. This survey goes into greater depth than the Tracking survey which also includes some wellbeing questions. Further information will be shared in Term 3).
MMG Tracking survey will be given to students on the following dates:
Year 5: Week 10 Term 1, Friday 4 April, 1.30pm
Year 8 :Week 10 Term 1, Wednesday 2 April, 1.30pm
Year 10: Week 1 Term 2, Friday 2 May, 1.30pm
Year 12: Week 3 Term 2, Thursday 15 May, 1.30pm
If you do not wish your daughter to participate in the MMG survey/s, she can ignore the link sent to her or you are welcome to let me know of your preference in advance.
To ensure confidentiality and encourage frank and full expression of views:
All responses will be treated by MMG Education in strict confidence.
No student or parent will be identified to the College by MMG Education on the basis of responses made.
If points of safety or wellbeing concern are found in the students’ responses, MMG Education staff liaise directly with Deputy Principal – Students, Mr Justin Raymond who will connect the student with appropriate wellbeing support.
All data collected by MMG Education will remain under its control and archived according to research protocols. The College will not be able to access it.
At the conclusion of the research period, MMG Education compiles final reports for the College. In months ahead, we look forward to sharing insights from the research with the community.
Please remember, that by completing the questionnaires, parents and students are making an invaluable contribution to the future of the College as we strive to ensure that we are providing the best opportunities possible for our students.
You’re invited to the 2025 PPA Trivia Night
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of trivia, prizes, dancing and fun!
The Pymble Parent Association warmly invites you to our annual Trivia Night on Saturday 31 May. Create your own table of ten or we’ll seat you with others from your year group to meet new people! Fantastic prizes will be won and auctioned throughout the night and raffle tickets are available for advance purchase. This year’s prizes include a designer handbag, a champagne basket and pamper package.
Time: 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start, concluding at 11.30pm
Theme: Hop in your time travel machine and come dressed from any era, past or future, for a chance to win best costume! Don’t worry if costumes aren’t your thing – your presence is what matters most. We encourage dressing up to add to the festive atmosphere, but it’s entirely optional.
Ticket includes a welcome drink, two course meal (entreé and main) followed by a dessert platter and coffee/ tea. Additional drinks can be purchased at the bar.
The Trivia Night is also the PPA’s major fundraising event of the year. To make it a successful evening, we rely on the kind support of our community for donations to the live and silent auctions, and the raffle.
Any monetary donations would also be much appreciated. The organising committee will use this money to purchase items for gift baskets. These gift baskets will be part of the silent auction on the night. Please donate by clicking here.
Register by: Friday 16 May. Registrations are essential. This is a parent-only event.
To purchase tickets, please click here. Please find attached an invitation with full details of the event.
Important information about the winter uniform in Term 2
With the end of Term 1 approaching, parents are reminded that when the girls return to school for Term 2 on Tuesday 29 April, they need to be wearing the winter uniform. This includes the navy blazer which is a compulsory garment to be worn to and from school in Terms 2 and 3.
Please do not leave your uniform shop purchases until the last week of term. You do NOT need an appointment for the winter uniform. The uniform shop is not open during the school holidays; however, we will be open on Monday 28 April from 9.00am to 4.30pm for any last-minute purchases.
Important uniform notes
Girls in Kindergarten to Year 8 wear the winter tunic with a plain white-pointed collar blouse and tie.
Girls in Kindergarten to Year 6 have the choice of knee-high black socks or 70 denier black opaque tights.
All Secondary School girls wear 70 denier black opaque tights.
Girls in Years 9 and 10 wear the winter skirt with a plain white pointed collar blouse and tie.
Girls in Years 11 and 12 wear the skirt with the long sleeve tartan trim long sleeve blouse and tie.
Please note, that a hat is not required to be worn with the winter uniform in Term 2 and Term 3.
