From the Upper School

A Message from Mr Riley, Head of Upper School

A surprise for our Vision Valley Pioneers!

Please enjoy the reflection written by Doris Li and Annika Lee:

On 9 November, 18 students from Year 9 travelled to Vision Valley. We were accompanied by Mrs Hunt who drove the bus so we could visit the Term 4 Residential Program pioneers. It was the highlight of our weeks, seeing all our friends again and listening to their stories, whether they were the leeches or something funny someone did during rehearsals for the Pioneers Festival which we had the great privilege of watching. The Festival featured many women-empowering music theatre songs, such as The Ballad of Sara Berry, Someone Gets Hurt, On My Own, and Almost There, to name just a few. It also showcased many art-based talents of the students. They created murals, scrapbooks, food and time capsules, and it was clear that they had put hard work into their projects and were extremely proud of the outcome. At the end of the festival, they performed a rendition of Girl On Fire.

The visit was a very emotional but pleasant surprise for the students at Vision Valley after being unable to keep in touch for 2 weeks. It was a brilliant way to spend a Wednesday afternoon and definitely worth spending time at Vision Valley because of all of the amazing memories we heard about and made.

A Message from Ms Beaumont and Mrs Stephanie Attley, Heads of Year 10

This week in the Upper School was a quiet one. Our Year 9 sisters were split between the Outdoor Education Great return and Year 9 camp. As term ends, we are starting to start transitioning into Senior School.

We are extremely proud of how the students conducted themselves during the Jacaranda Assembly. Thank you for your support in helping your daughters bring in non-perishable food items for the Exodus foundation.

All students received an email from ‘Motivational Maps Youth’ which allows them to complete the Motivational Mapping task. It will take them approximately 15 minutes and will give them a personalised report of their own educational and life motivators. This is something which we will be using throughout next week and the Future You Festival. It will help the students to learn what gives them energy and drains it – all helpful information for our workshops during the festival. Please encourage your daughter to complete this activity this week and have it done by Friday 9am.

The Motivational Map is based on three clusters of motivation: motivation through your relationships, motivation through your own achievements, and motivation through your individual growth.

Within these clusters there are nine individual motivators. Of these, three will typically be stronger, with one as a core motivator. Motivational Maps technology asks some simple, yet pertinent questions that generates a unique, individual map, detailing the contribution of each motivator and how this can affect personal performance. The Motivational Map is presented as an easy-to-read report that accurately describes an individual’s drivers, and practical steps they can take to make use of this self-knowledge.

Throughout the week, students will also need to select two (2) workshops to attend during the Future You Festival.

These workshops will be conducted by external visitors from universities and industry representatives. The workshops’ aim is to give insight into a particular course or field of study in a hands-on experience. All students will need to choose wisely as there are limits on numbers for each workshop. First in, best dress, if you do not select a workshop, you will be automatically allocated one. Sign up for workshops on the Future You Festival site.

Another part of the festival will include all students participating in mock interviews. This will be their chance to try out their interview skills and gain feedback to help you with similar opportunities. All students will need to be dressed appropriately for the interview.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Alicia Ge (Year 10) who placed equal-second in New South Wales in the O-level Tournament of the Towns. This is an extremely challenging mathematical problem-solving competition which students are invited to participate in. Well done, Alicia!

Student Exchange Program 2023

Pymble will be running the Student Exchange Program in 2023. The program is open to all students in Year 10, 2023. Students will have the opportunity to participate in either the Cultural or Language Exchange Programs. The program provides students with the opportunity to live and study abroad to gain newfound cultural and/or language understanding as well as global perspective. The program involves reciprocal hosting whereby participating students and their families host a visiting exchange student and operates for generally 4 to 6 weeks.

To find out more information, click here to view the Student Exchange site.

Important Dates – Language Students (France)

Applications are now open for students wishing to travel to France on exchange in 2023. Click here to view the application. Students are asked to read the site first (with their family) before submitting their application. It is also recommended that students speak to their Language teacher about this opportunity.

Applications close on Wednesday 23 November 2022.

Interviews will occur in Week 8 of Term 4, 2022

Important Dates – Cultural Exchange and Language Exchange (Germany/Japan)

Applications for all other exchanges will open on Wednesday 23 November. Students will receive an email with the details. Please ensure students have read the website before submitting your application.

Interviews will occur in Week 3 of Term 1, 2023

For further information regarding Student Exchange at Pymble, please email studentexchange@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Key Dates

Term 4

Friday 18 November The Great Return – Year 9 Residential Program

Monday 21 to Friday 25 November Year 10 Future You Festival

Friday 2 December Speech Day and Final Day of Term 4