From the Senior School

From our Head of Senior School

To begin something new can be coupled with a range of emotions including excitement, anticipation, trepidation and hope. A new year is no different. As the Senior girls really settle into their routines and make plans for a successful year, I thought it might be useful to consider some of the following, so that they can enjoy their studies, be productive and have time for the things they enjoy in life too.

1. Make an outline of your plans and goals. Keep a calendar so that you are aware of busy times or commitments and can plan accordingly to try to avoid any last-minute rushes.
2. Work on your time-management skills – if you have a large piece of work on the horizon, break it down into smaller manageable tasks with deadlines for each step.
3. Arrange your study area and stock up on any essential stationery supplies. Try to keep your study area in a consistent place and make it an appealing place to be – well-lit, well-organised and well ventilated!
4. Consider your commitments and aim for some balance every day – some study, some exercise, some social and family time, and some time for your own reflections. Work these into your calendar to make sure you have made time for all of these aspects.
5. If you are not sure about a concept you are studying, ask for clarification sooner rather than later. Smaller misunderstandings are usually easier to manage than larger ones.
6. Don’t be afraid to make new friends and sit with them for lunch or recess. This doesn’t mean that you are abandoning your old friends; we all have space in our hearts for new ones. Be an includer – if you see someone on their own, invite them to join you.
7. Develop your own de-stress strategies – try a few options such as taking a walk, playing with your pet, listening to a mindfulness app, or listening to music (I have a longer list for those who are interested). Figure out what works for you and put it into action!
8. Try something new – this will keep your brain active and build your interests – take up a new hobby or volunteer for a group that has meaning to you.

COVID-19: Important update and reminder for families

Please click here for:

• what to do if another member of your household tests positive while you are already in isolation;
• a reminder to inform the school if your daughter has to isolate at home and temporarily switch to learning via Pymble Online; and
• upcoming booster shots for eligible students.

Mrs Nikki Wyse

Head of Senior School

From the Heads of Year 11

Thank you to those of you who participated in the online Year 11 Information Night on Monday night. It was great to see so many of you! For those of you who were unavailable on Monday, a recording will be sent to all families later this week.

The transition into the Senior School is certainly a big one. However, it’s lovely to see that the year group is rising to the adjustment, and even embracing it. We are very proud of the way the girls are settling into the Kate Mason Building and stepping up to their academic commitments.  

Words from the Retreat

Upon reflecting on her Retreat experience, Charlotte noted that “I loved the high ropes and the food was great!”

Eliza was very happy to “spend time with friends and make new ones.”

Sumeera was thrilled to be involved in such a range of activities and reflected that “laser tag was great, so was fun in the sun. Having the opportunity to cool off was a highlight of the camp.”

Aside from an action packed three days of activities, Year 11 also spent time reviewing and planning their study habits through the Elevate program. The final day involved Brent Sanders who spoke with the girls about respectful and responsible relationships.

Tuesday’s Senior School Swimming Carnival saw a wonderful level of involvement and House spirit. Students enjoyed their opportunity to swim in our world class facility, as well as participate in friendly competition.

Bella Zhang broke the 50m Freestyle and 50m Breaststroke records in times of 26.8 and 33.5 seconds. Bella was thrilled with these achievements and was keen to thank her “coach, Leanne. As well as my teammates for all their support.” Bella also reflected on her training over the past few months and indicated that it had been “significantly impacted due to COVID-19.”

Well done, Bella, and to all those who competed and cheered their fellow swimmers on.

From the Heads of Year 12

With the routine of term settling in for the Year 12 girls it has been pleasing to see that a fantastic number of girls have been using the after-hours study times to manage their workload and have focused study time on campus. These sessions are a great way for girls to work independently or quietly in small groups and may be a positive routine to set up for the year.

Our Compass sessions this week have been focused on giving the girls some time with their Compass teachers and peers and we have seen some lovely birthday calendars and room decorations being set up. We want the girls to use this time to connect as a group and with the introduction of Compass X, we hope this will allow the girls to foster new connections and deepen existing ones. It will also give Compass teachers opportunities to have one-on-one conversations with the girls across the term.

Our Year 12 Directions lessons have commenced, with these sessions now occurring weekly during Mind Body Spirit. These classes are a chance for the girls to develop their skills with mindfulness, self-regulation strategies and building connections with others. The girls will get out what they put into these sessions and many of them will be conversation based so we would love to see the girls share their thoughts and insights. Likewise, we would like to see the girls participate in the practical sessions to get the most out of the course.

From the Head of Learning Support

Homework Help Term 1

Homework Help is an after-school service offered to all Pymble students in the Secondary School to provide assistance and support with everyday homework, assignments and research skills in a friendly, quiet environment. Homework Help is staffed by teachers from the Learning Support Team.

For further enquiries, please contact Mrs Lora Lim at llim@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.

Mrs Lora Lim

Head of Learning Support