Where are they now? Lexi Ibbotson (2012)

Amy Jarvis, Year 12 2021 ESU Scholarship Recipient interviews Alexandra (Lexi) Ibbotson (2012). Lexi is Assistant Co-ordinator and Educational Leader at the College’s Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) program. 

How long have you worked at the College?

I started working at Pymble OSHC in 2013 – six months after finishing Year 12. I came back to work at Pymble after deciding to change uni degrees. However, after joining the ‘department of fun’ (Out of School Hours Care) I realised that this was a career that encompassed both my strengths and passions. I completed both my Certificate IV and Diploma in School Aged Education and Care in 2016 and 2017 and became the Educational Leader and Assistant Co-ordinator in 2018.

A standout memory from your time?

There are so many it is hard to narrow it down! A real highlight from school would have to be playing in the riverbed in the Prep School. Using gumnuts as currency to buy different rocks to make all sorts of coloured powder. Mum would get so annoyed with the gumnuts in my pockets! I remember in Year 12 we had a visit back to the Prep School for afternoon tea and it was amazing how all the memories came flooding back. Definitely the diverse friendships that I have made while at school during class, through sporting teams and other co-curricular activities. 

The biggest change you’ve seen to the College?

The biggest change that I have experienced at the College would be going from a student to a staff member. It has been interesting to learn about what goes on outside the classroom and to learn about the connections between the different schools and departments. Another significant change that affects all areas of the school, is the change in Principals. I have been at Pymble for the last three Principals, each of whom have brought their own style to Pymble.

I can also remember the development of the Gillian Moore Centre of Preforming Arts, (being one of the first to perform in the theatre in the Year 6 musical in 2006), the building of the Kate Mason Building (again the first year group to be in the KM Building from 2011 to 2012) and the Braith Williams Aquatic Centre. I am very excited to see what is to come in the new Grey House Precinct – the new location for OSHC!

A teacher who made a significant impression?

Mrs Shaw for always reminding me to tidy my hair and put my hat on… for her strong leadership, approachability, kindness, and most of all her sense of humour. I can remember when I was in Year 9 or 10 and we were leaving the Biggest Morning Tea on the oval, Mrs Shaw had only been at Pymble for four-ish months, and she saw me and my friends jumping the fence to cross the road and instead of getting us in trouble she said “quick, quick, before someone sees” and helped us jump the queue! And when I had first started working at OSHC I was walking the bus girls up to Kelso and she stopped me to ask me where my hat was and why I was walking train line not in my uniform…it took me a minute to realise she was joking!

What is it about Pymble which has kept you here?

Strength in opportunities, connection to community and continuous drive for improvement.