From the Principal
‘Love over Hate’ may seem a bit abrasive for the title of this week’s Newsletter, but there’s a story behind it, which I’d like to share with you now.
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting The Wayside Chapel (Wayside) at Kings Cross for a behind-the-scenes experience that was deeply moving. Wayside began providing support for those in need in 1964 and its motto, ‘Love over Hate’, seems to ooze out in every possible way, through the design of the facilities to the staff, the initiatives – everything. We were asked to bring along old bras and socks and new undies; a pretty simple task and it didn’t take much effort for me to fill a shopping bag, ready to go.
Laura Henry, who began at Wayside as a volunteer more than 11 years ago, was our magnificent guide; deeply sensitive, wise, caring, strong and smart – all the qualities we are working to support and develop in our Pymble graduates. The next day, a little note appeared from Laura, thanking those who attended and sharing a story of the impact the smallest gesture can make.
“I walked into Wayside this morning to see a volunteer handing over a brand-new set of bra and undies to one of our regular female visitors. She headed off down the hallway for a shower, looking very impressed with the set. Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference in the lives of people who are sleeping rough and feeling isolated from society. As I said last Thursday, nothing says ‘I love you’ like a clean pair of undies!”
The evening left me reflecting on the importance of love, hope and joy (in the smallest of things) for all of us. Our Senior Deputy Principal, Mrs Julie Shaw, and I have been working on a plan that includes further developing links with our girls and families to support organisations that do wonderful work in helping everyone feel a sense of hope and joy in their lives; more on this will follow in a future Newsletter.
It also made me consider how we can create opportunities for our children to feel hopeful about their future and grateful for the joy in their daily lives. Sometimes routines can help us establish a pattern of behaviour that continues beyond a one-off initiative. Is there time in your family schedule to make the first day of each month a dinner focussed on hope and joy? Could this be a weekly event, say every Sunday?
Being surrounded by incredible staff and students, I feel immensely hopeful for our future as we work together to develop young people who will go on to positively change their world.
In the spirit of this optimism, we took to the campus to ask our girls what brings them joy and happiness at Pymble. Here’s what they had to say…
“I like that there are many kind teachers and I love our colourful classrooms.” Ivy – Year 2
“All the activities, gymnastics, dancing, diving, swimming, art and OSHC!” Issa – Year 2
“All my friends and that I get to see my teachers every day. I love that everyone is very kind.” Olivia – Year 3
“Learning new things every day and having so many opportunities to try.” Aria – Year 5
“I love seeing my friends at school and the amazing teachers.” Mia – Year 7 (Boarding)
“I like our gym and the ovals, and I really appreciate the opportunity to learn from my great teachers.” Imogen – Year 7
“When it is a sunny day and we are walking through the beautiful school gardens” Catherine – Year 9
“When I see Ms Beaumont’s beautiful smile.” Adelia – Year 9
“When we know we have History with Mr Moynihan because he makes us laugh.” Catherine and Adelia – Year 9
“My teachers, just going to class and my friends and the grounds. Walking past the chapel and the grounds and thinking this is just so beautiful.” Piper – Year 10
“How there is such a great sense of community and I love seeing my friends every day.” Angelina – Year 10
“When I come to school in the morning and I see my friends waiting for me on the bench under the tree.” Pip – Year 11
“Seeing the animals in the ag plot.” Freya – Year 11
“Being in the KM Building with Year 12.” Issy – Year 11
“Making breakfast in the morning with other Boarders before heading off to school for the day.” Brin – Year 12
“There are so many things – seeing people smile back at you when you walk past them, going to dance with my friends, and today we connected music to the KM speakers and played uplifting music that made it feel like a Friday.” Megan – Year 12
Seeing these words from our girls is a great joy for me and leads me to another quote from a former Patron of Wayside Chapel which is as apt for Pymble as it is for Wayside:
“This is a place where love prevails. And where we find, as we seek to learn more about our community, we understand a little more about ourselves.” His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley, Governor General of Australia.
Stay well, stay safe and continue to share and celebrate joy, hope and optimism with your children.
Dr Kate Hadwen 