From the Upper School

From our Head of Upper School

It was so lovely to return to work yesterday from parental leave and see so many smiling faces amongst the Upper School. Whilst everyone is understandably tired at the end of the term and post our challenging Outdoor Education experiences for Year 10, I was so pleased to see our girls enjoying the company of others (and having a laugh in the rain). I also really appreciated all the well wishes for my family. It has certainly been an exciting time bringing Hugo into the world, and I enjoyed showcasing a few photos to the girls in Chapel today.

Please can I ask for your support in encouraging our girls to spend some time over the break switching off. Whilst each day I am in awe of their drive, determination and purposefulness, I too am at times concerned about their busyness. It is so important that they have an opportunity to relax, to recharge, and to enjoy life away from the pace of Pymble as teenagers. We look forward to more excitement in Term 2, and hope they and you have a wonderful Easter break.

Mr Tom Riley

Head of Upper School

From our Deputy Head of Upper School

As the term ends, I would like to take the opportunity to commend our Upper School students for their commitment to their studies and the positive way they conducted themselves throughout the term. We are immensely proud of our Years 9 and 10 students.

Last week was a challenging but fun week for students and staff who participated in the Year 10 Outdoor Education programs. On behalf of the Upper School, we thank the following staff for giving up their time to give our students the invaluable experience: Anthea Wawryka, Kristie Spence, Barbara Labram, Riina Hamalainen, Peter Veliotis, Sree Raniga, Debra Owens, David McKinlay, Katherine Kitto, Mami Izuishi, Peter Fathers, Alana Bowler, Sam Groom, Dylan Beaumont, Karen Michie and the entire Outdoor Education team.

Please enjoy the following student reflections:

Murramarang Outdoor Education Program

“Last week, my peers and I ventured out and took on the scenic south coast. After a very sleepy and snacky five-and-a-half-hour bus ride, the group of six girls which I was lucky to be able to share this experience with, got straight into our activities. We dropped our bags and dived straight into a surf session with our camp instructor, Phoebe. I enjoyed all the awesome activities on this camp with my closest friends but snorkelling on Wednesday had to be the highlight of my five days. To reach the snorkelling checkpoint, we faced the most challenging part of the camp, the 12-kilometre hike from Pretty Beach to the Depot Beach campsite. Volunteering to play the role of navigator, I remained up the front of the group for most of the hike. Through rain, tears, sweat, mud, injuries and, worst of all, leeches, I think it’s safe to say every girl finished it finding something new about themselves and the sense of teamwork amongst the group flourished. The trek was well worth the reward when waking up on Wednesday morning to a day of fishing, snorkelling and hiking. Whilst those all activities were incredible, snorkelling takes the win. Wading all the way out to the Depot Beach headland, I managed to encounter the most incredible Blue Groper fish and was fortunate enough to share that experience with our snorkelling instructor and friend Kyah. After three nights in the tents, we were lucky to sleep in a beachfront villa, falling asleep to the sounds of a big swell and waking up to the sounds of the Indigenous elder Uncle Les clapping his sticks in recognition of the sunrise ceremony held on Friday morning. On behalf of the five other girls I shared this experience with, the memories made and shared on the camp will be remembered and cherished for a long time to come and we hope the younger year groups love this camp as much as we did.” – Sophie L

“The Murramarang Year 10 Camp was an exciting and thrilling adventure which was an amazing experience for me and for those who attended. The camp included a variety of different fun activities that brought us closer together as a year group. My group consisted of six girls and we merged with another group forging new friendships. My favourite activities included snorkelling and surfing where I had the chance to push myself to try things I hadn’t done before. A challenge that I faced during the camp was the hike. The 12-kilometre hike was something that made me step out of my comfort zone. The hike was hard but I persevered through the activity and was so proud of myself once I completed the journey.

Learning about Australian Aboriginal culture with Uncle Les was also most interesting. On the second last day of camp, my group had a two-hour talk with Uncle Les. He spoke about the Aboriginal language, animals, environment, and the native land. That night Year 10 students participated in a ‘smoking ceremony’. We all sat with Uncle Les and watched him make fire by rubbing two sticks together. Going into the ceremony everyone placed a red ribbon around their head to symbolise ‘through the mother’. This was said during the ceremony to represent ‘Mother Earth’. At sunrise the next morning, we repeated this ceremony.

Camp taught me that I have an inner strength and perseverance I didn’t know I had. Participating and connecting with different groups built new friendships. The Murramarang Year 10 Camp is one of the highlights of Term 1 for me and my group. It was an amazing experience to be outdoors, learn new skills, and make new friends.” – Mila S

Namadji Outdoor Education Program

“The Namadji expedition undertaken by the Year 10 girls this week was an eye-opening opportunity. It allowed us to connect with one another and form meaningful bonds that will last a lifetime. Personally, I not only furthered my friendships with those I knew but also built many new ones. While the hike presented many challenges, teamwork and a positive mindset were the two factors that pushed me to strive for my highest. The camp gave me the chance to experience independence, build confidence, and stimulate a sense of adventure in the Australian bush. I was able to escape the hustle of the city to focus on mindfulness and strengthen my resilience which I can apply to several aspects of my life.” – Jiya T

As the term draws to a close, we would like to thank you for the support you have shown the Upper School throughout the term. Life in the Upper School is always busy, and this term has been no exception with a packed academic curriculum, the Outdoor Education programs, Mamma Mia!, Robotics, Burn Bright Spark program, Rowing, Athletics, Swimming, Minimum Standards Testing and careers. We wish you and your daughters a relaxing, well-earned rest and a happy Easter with your families. We look forward to welcoming them back on campus for Term 2.

Mrs Michelle Hunt

Deputy Head of Upper School

From our Heads of Year 9

Congratulations students and carers on a fantastic term. We are so proud of the way Year 9 students have positively navigated the changes and challenges of commencing in the Upper School. They have approached this term with maturity and responsibility.

A huge thank you to those students who volunteered to assist at the Careers Expo. The Year 9 students enthusiastically greeted our guests and are to be commended on actively demonstrating our Upper School behaviours of positivity and inclusivity.

It was lovely to see everyone supporting the Walkathon for cancer research decked out in their beautiful yellow costumes. Thanks for contributing to this worthy cause and for having fun whilst participating.

We want to wish all of the Year 9 Pymble community a lovely Easter with family and friends.

Mrs Karina Richter Head of Year 9

Mr Adam Levin Head of Year 9

From our Heads of Year 10

What an exciting week Year 10 girls have had. A third of the year group tackled the epic nine-day Namadji trek, half the year group visited the scenic Murramarrang National Park and the rest of students completed an online program. The students were challenged to push themselves out of their comfort zone. Whether it be physically pushing themselves to complete hikes and other challenging activities or emotionally challenging themselves to deal with sleeping in tents, being away from home, being wet and uncomfortable. It is fair to say that the weather was challenging for all of us! However, we witnessed some truly gutsy efforts and it was a privilege to be with the girls at Murramarrang and share an amazing experience with them.

Due to conflicting school commitments, a handful of our students could not take part in the Outdoor Education programs, however they had a very busy and worthwhile week topped off with some downtime at the end of the week. They spent two days at the Exodus Foundation working in the Loaves and Fishes restaurant, a delightful day in the Kindergarten to Year 2 classrooms helping with Easter bonnets and putting together a dragon followed by a couple of days of different activities including meditation with Rev Lorenzo, fitness with Jack and baking with Mrs Wiedemann.

Over the upcoming break, should you require assistance or need to speak to someone urgently, please speak with a parent/carer, or contact any of the following services:

The NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Lifeline: 13 11 14

eHeadspace: 1800 650 890

In the event of an emergency, call 000.

National Surf Lifesaving Championships

Bella Cox (Year 10) and Jaya Lilienthal (Year 9) recently competed at the Australian (Aussie) Youth Championships on the Gold Coast. Bella competing for Newport SLS Club and Jaya North Curl Curl SLS Club.

Bella, (Under 15 Years) and Jaya (Under 14 Years) both made it through to semi-finals and Finals in the individual events of board, swim and ironperson. Jaya also competed in team relay events competing up an age group in the Under 15 Years.

Bella went on to compete in the lifesaving events where she was gold medalist in the Under 15 Years Champion Lifesaver, a multi-discipline event of patient resuscitation, theory exam, water events and a beach sprint.

Congratulations Bella and Jaya for your impressive achievements.

Key Dates