105 Years of Pymble
To mark 105 years since the foundation of Pymble Ladies’ College, College Archivist Enid O’Carroll will share a piece of Pymble history in the Newsletter each week – 105 Objects in 105 Years.
1967 – Rose window
1967 saw the dedication of the Rose Window in the chapel. It was designed and executed by David Saunders and donated by the Ex-Students’ Union to commemorate the Fiftieth anniversary of the College in the previous year.
This window was the first stained glass to be installed in the Chapel and was situated high above the gallery. The window was dedicated at the Ex-Students’ Commemoration Day service by College Chaplain, Reverend R.A. MacArthur on the 30th of July 1967.
The window design is described in Margaret Coleman’s book, The Heart of the College. The whole window may be said to represent symbolically the life of Christ. Each segment shows something different. The Greek Alpha and Omega refer to the everlasting nature of God. The words from John 14:6 run around the parameter of the window:
I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me.
Researched and written by Archive volunteer Angelica Tan Year 11, referencing The Heart of the College by Margaret Coleman.
1968 – Portrait of a Principal
Miss Jeanette Buckham was appointed Principal in 1968 on Miss Knox’s retirement. Miss Jeanette Buckham had been a student at PLC Melbourne and graduated with honours as a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Geography from Melbourne University.
Her first teaching appointment was to PLC Melbourne, taking up the position of Principal at Goulburn PLC in 1956. Miss Buckham went on to be the second principal to remain in succession for over 20 years at Pymble. During her period as Principal, she saw the construction of the Ferguson building, the Junior School building, the Isabel McKinney Harrison Library, and the Jeanette Buckham Physical Education Centre. Also during this era was the change in 1977 from Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Pymble to Pymble Ladies’ College.
Miss Buckham not only saw the expansion of the number of students at Pymble but also the range of opportunities offered to all girls. For most of her years at Pymble she continued to teach Geography, saying it helped her to:
‘Keep in touch with what the girls were thinking and saying!’
Written and researched by Rebecca Peters Year 10. The portrait by Brian Dunlop was painted to celebrate Miss Buckham’s 25th year as Principal of Church schools in 1980 and hangs in the foyer of the Conde Library. Miss Buckham is pictured with Senior House Prefect V. Tourle and House Prefect S.A. Wilson in 1968. In 1989, Miss Buckham stepped down from her role, and was followed by Mrs Gillian Moore.
1969 – Prize book
This beautifully embossed and illustrated volume was awarded to Philippa Graham (Myers, 1969). The book titled, The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy, with illustrations by Anthony Gross was a gift of the Principal to the Head Prefect.
On the world stage 1969 saw the first landing on the moon. Miss Buckham’s Magazine forward in 1969 refers to the unforgettable event:
‘…we joined with others to watch Man take his first halting footsteps on the Moon. In my youth we became familiar with the idea of space travel through the stories of Jules Verne and the space fiction writers, but I never expected that the journey might be made during my lifetime.’
While at Pymble August 1969 saw the formation of the Students’ representative group. Described by Janet Williamson (Lennox, 1969), Chairman of the Students’ Representative Group, 1969.
‘The group held its first meeting during Term 11 and is aimed at promoting a greater interest and participation in all school affairs by the girls.’
The prize book is held in the Heritage Archive collection along with other items of memorabilia and uniforms belonging to the Graham family. Philippa has a long connection with the College. Serving as Development Office and ESU President, as well as student, parent, and future grandparent to Pymble girls. Philippa is pictured standing to the left of Miss Buckham.
