Reflecting on spoken and unspoken stories - 2 October
From the Principal
Tuesday was a significant day in the life of Pymble, marking 106 years since we officially welcomed our very first students way back in time on 8 February 1916. As per tradition, we celebrated our birthday with an annual Foundation Day Service to reflect on the journey of the College and all the students, past and present, who are part of our collective story.
Our Community Prefect, Nina Breckenridge, gave a lovely potted history of Pymble in her address to the girls:
“On the 8th of February 1916, [Principal] Dr Marden opened the school with just 60 students on the roll, 20 of whom were Boarders. Marden house, Lang house, the Colonnade and Main Hall were the only buildings standing tall in the otherwise empty field. Ten years later in 1926, Goodlet House was officially opened and named after John Hay Goodlet.
“By 1956, the pupil body had risen to 897 alongside the opening of the beautiful PLC War Memorial Chapel that Year 12 is sitting in today.
“Now, after years of massive building projects, Junior School being established, cafés being built, two very cute dogs joining our community and about 2,500 students, we can safely say a lot has passed since that day in 1916. But, despite all of this, the heart of Pymble remains the same. I know that I speak for us all by saying how grateful we are to be in such a beautiful and fulfilling place. By acknowledging the richness of our history, we can be truly connected to one another and appreciate the gift of being at such an amazing school.”
It is another Foundation Day tradition to invite one, sometimes more, of our Alumni to speak at the service and provide our girls with a tangible link to our past, present and future beyond Pymble. This year’s speaker was Jacqueline King (2012), a shining example of a Pymble girl who is using her compassion and influence to make a positive contribution to our world through her work as an Environmental Scientist, Cultural Geographer and Educator at Taronga Zoo Conservation Society.
Jacqui led the girls in a short exercise designed to create awareness of the connections all around us, not just among humans, but within our environment and especially in nature. Specifically, she drew the girls’ attention to the myriad connections that may not be visible – the “unspoken spaces in between” what we see before us and what we know. She encouraged the girls to use their creative minds to seek out the “stories that connect the dots between what we see and know and what we might not be aware of straight away.”
“It takes a creative mind to see connection, networks and patterns. To be creative is to learn and solve problems like climate change,” Jacqui said.
“You and I are part of the generation that has woken up to what is happening around us. Environmental conservation and climate change affect all of us, directly and indirectly. We need to rally around each other, focus on those connections, and recognise ourselves as agents of positive change. We are part of the pattern. We’re a force of nature. It’s time to change the story.”
Following the service – which included the first live performance in a long time from our Chorale, who sang as beautifully in masks as they do without – our Head Prefects, Isabel Dean and Chloe Hoang buried a Time Capsule in a patch of garden near the Junior School. Contents of the capsule include a USB of interviews with girls about their experience of living in the COVID-19 pandemic, College artefacts and items each Compass group chose to represent 2021, an extraordinary year in our College’s history. The capsule is scheduled to see the light of day again in 2028.
How exciting to think ahead to Foundation Day in six years’ time when we are reacquainted with these storytelling items and give pause to reflect on 2021, when we spent nearly five months running the school via Microsoft Teams and learning with Pymble Online. Our current Kindergarten girls will be in Year 6, and our Year 7 girls will be our school leaders in Year 12. Who knows, maybe one of our current Year 12 students will be standing at the lectern in the Chapel as our Foundation Day guest speaker, inspiring the next generation of students to use their unique, creative, inquiring minds to be the change they wish to see in the world.
There’s another wonderful chapter in our story we have to look forward to.
Dr Kate Hadwen
Principal
From the Senior Deputy Principal
Excitingly, the IGSA and IPSHA sports kick off on Saturday for Term 1. We are delighted to see our sports competitions return to normal and look forward to seeing you on the sidelines cheering for your daughter, for Pymble and sport as we know and love it. Please refer to the Sports section of this newsletter for detailed information. In conjunction with the start of the Sports season we are pleased to advise you of an exciting new initiative for all our active girls.
New on-campus Injury Assessment Clinic at Pymble
As of Monday 14 February, the College will have an onsite Injury Assessment Clinic (IAC), which students can access conveniently, without a GP referral and at no cost to her family.
The purpose of the IAC is to provide prompt and accurate diagnosis, streamline and accelerate injury management, and provide a gold standard level of care for our sportswomen, athletes, dancers and all students at Pymble who engage in any form of physical activity
The clinic will be located in the Aquatic and Fitness Centre, where we have allocated a private consultation room. This service will be headed up by Dr Nicole Sly, MBBS BPhty, a Sports and Exercise Medicine Doctor who will work in partnership with our existing onsite Sports Physiotherapists, Ashleigh and Simon.
About Dr Nicole Sly
Dr Sly has experience supporting elite athletes in Rugby Union, Rowing and Paratriathlon at an international level. She has also worked at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead Institute of Sports Medicine and Paediatric Emergency, and as a Physiotherapist prior to studying Medicine. Dr Sly comes highly recommended by our Sports Physio Clinic physiotherapists, with whom she has an existing working relationship.
Consent must be given by a carer/parent to attend the IAC.
Carers and parents are welcome to attend appointments with their daughters.
In alignment with our COVID safety guidelines.
No GP referral required.
No out-of-pocket expense for consultations.
For additional information about this new service, please email our Director of Sport, Mr Greg Meagher on gmeagher@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
COVID-19 update and reminder for families
Thank you to all students and staff who are doing a sterling job of remembering to wear masks, keep their distance and undertake a Rapid Antigen Test twice a day, or more frequently as required, to ensure they can attend school safely. Your efforts are noticed, valued and appreciated.
Vaccination Hub
Our Vaccination Hub on Tuesday this week saw more than 170 students aged 16 and 17 and many staff receive their booster shots, which was a great turnout. It is wonderful to see so many of our students and staff taking up every opportunity to protect our community. Our next Vaccination Hub will be in approximately two weeks, so please keep an eye out for an email inviting eligible students (and staff) to make a booking.
Household close contacts
Please be aware that you do not have to restart your isolation period if another member of your household tests positive while you are in isolation. An isolation period ends on Day 7 following a negative RAT on Day 6, even if a member of your household tests positive during this time. More information on exposure to COVID-19 can be found here.
Please remember to keep the College informed
If your daughter needs to isolate at home and switch to Pymble Online temporarily due to being exposed or testing positive to COVID-19, please remember to advise your School Office as soon as possible so that her teachers are informed of the change before classes begin and can respond accordingly.
Mrs Julie Shaw
Senior Deputy Principal
From the Chaplains
Happy 106th Birthday Pymble Ladies’ College! We have come a long way in 106 years. Originally being the Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Pymble, until 1977 when the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) was born which included the Presbyterian Church – since then we have been Pymble Ladies’ College.
The birth of the Uniting Church, with its idealism, its inclusive attitude and celebration of diversity has definitely rubbed off here at Pymble. Our community is rich in diversity and inclusive in practice and ethos. We have so many nationalities represented here at Pymble, cultural and religious diversity and members of the LGBTQIA+ community represented and supported at our College.
It is important to acknowledge this diversity and to recognise the respect and support that every student and staff member can expect in a 21st century school. Celebrating our history whilst living in the 21st century context, in the leafy and highly educated area of the North Shore.
We celebrate 106 years of dedication to the education of young people. A girls’ school that seeks to enable and empower all of our students, celebrating who they are now, what they have to offer and the possibilities that await them in their future. A school which sees and supports individuals to be themselves and celebrate their own identity and culture. Raising awareness and practice of supporting the diverse community around us. ‘Watch us change the world’ is very positive and empowering and a very important message especially in the context of the small print. Changing the world by being good friends, caring sibling, justice seeking, and in areas of Science, etc.
It is a privilege to be a part of Pymble Ladies’ College and its amazing staff. An educational institution is an incredible place to belong to. Schools are about supporting and educating the children of the present and leaders of the future. We are a holistic school that recognises that our students are intellectual, social, physical, emotional and spiritual beings.
Blessings in Christ on this Foundation Day and many more.
Rev Lorenzo
Reverend Lorenzo Rodriguez Torres
College Chaplain
From the Director of Student Learning (Years 11 to 12)
NESA Assessment-Related Procedures
Year 11 students are having an assembly on Friday which will introduce them to the NESA rules and procedures for assessment tasks. They will download and sign for their handbooks on Monday during Compass.
There are times during the year when situations arise around an assessment task. Students may be ill or require an extension due to an event or something unforeseen may occur during a task. NESA has policies and procedures to cater for these situations.
Students can refer to the Years 11 and 12Assessment Booklets on the Senior School Canvas course for the full instructions and Illness Misadventure Form (IMA Form).
Parents are encouraged to also download these handbooks for your reference:
Listed below is a short summary of some situations.
Absent on the Day of a Task
If students are absent on the day of an in-class assessment task, they must complete an IMA – Illness/Misadventure Form (tick ‘Absence on the day of Assessment’). Supporting evidence, for example a medical certificate, must be attached to the form. Please note that medical certificates cannot be completed by anyone related to the student. The student will be notified of the date for the catch-up task.
If a student is absent on the day of a hand-in task, their work can be emailed to their teacher or submitted to Canvas – students should follow the instructions on their notification for each assessment.
Late on the Day of a Task
Students must attend a full day of school on the day of an assessment task This is to ensure that no girl is advantaged by using school time to work on an assessment task. If they arrive after 8.45am, students must advise their assessment subject teacher, complete the assessment task, and then complete a IMA – Illness/Misadventure Form (tick ‘Late arrival on the day of an assessment’) with a medical certificate or evidence of an appointment or event. Sleeping in on the day is not an acceptable reason for lateness.
Illness/Misadventure During a Task
If a student is ill during a task for which they had no previous symptoms, they may apply for Illness/Misadventure. During and after the task, they alert their teacher, complete an IMA – Illness/Misadventure Form (tick ‘Misadventure during an Assessment’) and get a medical certificate.
Requesting an Extension
Should special circumstances arise requiring students to need an extension of time to complete an assessment task, they should complete the IMA – Illness/Misadventure Form (tick ‘Anticipated Absence on Day of Assessment’) well ahead of the date of the assessment and submit it to the Director of Student Learning outlining the reason for the request and attaching supporting evidence.
There can be no consideration for:
General difficulties in preparation or general loss of preparation time
Loss of study time or facilities
Long-term illness
Matters that could have been avoided by the student
Other commitments, such as attendance at a sporting or cultural event
ICT-related issues, including the loss of work due to technical issues.
Mrs Natasha Stanfield
Director of Student Learning (11-12)
From the Director of Student Learning (Years 7 to 10)
Years 7 to 10 Online Maths Support – Study Time and After School
We are very excited to offer two online Maths Support options to our students. The two support offerings are as follows:
1:1 Maths Support during timetabled study lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
After School Maths Support after school on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday (from 4.00pm to 5.00pm).
NOTE: The After School Maths Support is capped at 12 students per day (hence, there are only 12 booking times available); however, those 12 students can join the call at any time between 4.00pm to 5.00pm.
The link to the booking system will be added to our virtual classrooms for students to access but is also available below:
The booking system will ask your daughter to indicate what topics she is working on, which class she is in, and whether there are specific questions or exercises that might be of particular challenge – is it vital that your daughter provide as much detail as possible so our teachers can prepare for the session.
Your daughter will receive an email reminder about her booking. If she books a 1:1 Maths Support, a calendar invitation with an online link will be sent as well; however, if she books an After School Maths Support, a link to a group teams call will be included in the confirmation email.
Thank you for your support and engagement with this exciting new offering during Study Lessons.
Mr Jake Plaskett
Director Student Learning (Years 7-10)
From the Director – Pymble Institute
Exciting opportunities for students interested in psychology, psychiatry and science, and research in these areas
Thanks to the easing of COVD-19 restrictions and the assistance from our girls in the mental health Irritability Study with the CADE Clinic at the University of Sydney, we are pleased to offer a valuable opportunity for students in Years 10, 11 and 12.
Students in these years who have elected to participate in the study now have the opportunity to see behind the scenes into how data from this study and others is turned into ‘research’, research outputs and, ultimately, into information that leads to change and improvement in mental health services for people. If you and your daughter (Years 6 to 12) are still interested in her participating in the research study, please check your parent email for the required information or contact the Pymble Institute.
Ms Erica Bell, researcher with the CADE Clinic and PhD candidate, and colleagues from her team, will be holding workshops at the end of Term 1 for small groups of students to visit their centre and see their work in action. These students will then have the opportunity to work on their own research and inquiry questions and, if they wish, present a paper at the Pymble Student Research Conference to be held later this year.
The visits will be run by the Pymble Institute and participating students will be supported to further their interests in research in this area through future projects.
You can read an article by Erica Bell and Professor Gin Malhi in the latest edition of Illuminate, pp.8-9, A new model of resilience, in which they discuss why mild adversity is a necessary ingredient in the development of adversity.
Please contact Dr Sarah Loch, Director – Pymble Institute for more information or to receive copies of the Information and Consent forms for the Irritability Research Study: pymbleinstitute@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Dr Sarah Loch
Director – Pymble Institute
COVID-19 Response Plans and Advice
Vaccination Hub
Our Vaccination Hub on Tuesday this week saw more than 170 students aged 16 and 17 and many staff receive their booster shots, which was a great turnout. It is wonderful to see so many of our students and staff taking up every opportunity to protect our community. Our next Vaccination Hub will be in approximately two weeks, so please keep an eye out for an email inviting eligible students (and staff) to make a booking.
Household close contacts
Please be aware that you do not have to restart your isolation period if another member of your household tests positive while you are in isolation. An isolation period ends on Day 7 following a negative RAT on Day 6, even if a member of your household tests positive during this time.
If your daughter needs to isolate at home and switch to Pymble Online temporarily due to being exposed or testing positive to COVID-19, please remember to advise your School Office as soon as possible so that her teachers are informed of the change before classes begin and can respond accordingly.
From the Junior School
From our Head of Junior School
Our Kindergarten girls were thrilled to discover their outdoor kitchen this week and have enjoyed lots of collaborative and creative play baking sand cakes and pies to share, modelling kindness in the way they include one another in their play.
We are all growing and learning together and celebrating our diversity is a key value within our community. We have loved celebrating Lunar New Year as a Junior School family over the last week. Seeing and hearing the dancing dragon was an exhilarating experience. Our girls danced enthusiastically to the sound of the drums as the dragon weaved its way through our courtyards.
We are extremely proud of Amber Chen (Year 5) whose Lunar New Year artwork was acknowledged by Clover Moore and will now appear in bus stops around Sydney throughout this year. What a wonderful accolade for her creativity and passion for art.
Amber with Clover Moore
Our Lunar New Year thoughts
Our Lunar New Year Display
“I put lanterns up in my home and ate dumplings for dinner. I watched a movie about dancing dragons and ate ice cream.” – Katherine Wang (KD)
“I had dinner with my grandma and grandpas.” – Cindy Lin (KT)
Korean New Year
“This year we celebrated with a special meal of dumplings and noodles. If I am in Korea we go to my Grandma’s and we all help to make the food. In Korea I would also wear an outfit called hanbok which is traditional Korean clothing.” – Isabelle La (3N)
Vietnamese New Year
“My mum is Vietnamese, so we visited her parents, my grandparents. We spoke Vietnamese and received red pocket gifts from my family. The pockets have money inside them.” – Emily Long (3T)
“We celebrated the new year by eating traditional foods. We had soup, fish and delicious lobster. We also sang traditional new year songs.” – Angela Chiang (4M)
“I have been learning lots about the Lunar New Year. I have been able to celebrate and share with my friends and learn what they do with their family.” – Amari Wilson (4M)
“We had a huge family dinner at a restaurant and invited some of our close friends to join us. It was really special as we were able to finally see some family and friends that we haven’t been able to see for a long time.” – Jocelyn Chow (5R)
“To celebrate we have a big dinner and we give family and friends red pockets with money inside. We also take time to relax and have a break from work. At the weekend I was reading a book and my mum was playing video games!” – Olivia Liu (6L)
Emily Long
Isabelle La
Integrity – our College value focus for this week
This week our girls have been building their understanding of integrity. We want to empower our girls to stay true to themselves and their personal moral code in all situations and to know the strength of their own voice. As a community of kindness, we want our girls to be kind by being honest with everyone, including themselves.
We also want our girls to be true to themselves in their learning by asking questions, thinking of their own ideas when completing learning activities and to be honest with themselves by speaking out if they don’t understand a concept which they are learning in their lesson. By doing this, the girls are then able to feel a sense of accomplishment as they speak up about what they don’t understand and in doing so are supported to finish the lesson with a stronger understanding.
Integrity means:
“I do the right thing when no one is looking.” – Neve Sadananda (KM)
“I put other people’s rubbish in the bin.” – Charlotte Cross (KC)
“Helping my friends when they are learning, encourage them to keep trying and not give up.” – Sarayah Wijesuriya (Year 1)
“Helping my friends to try new things and make good choices in the classroom.” – Li-Ya Koo (Year 1)
“Respecting the teacher by sitting and listening when she is talking.” – Jasmine Smith (Year 2)
“Not talking to my friends when the teacher is talking.” – Doris Pei (Year 2)
“Telling the truth even if it will get you in trouble. Looking after our environment by picking up rubbish that isn’t yours. Respecting school rules. Owning your own actions. Not copying – having your own thoughts.” – Maya Sharadan, Isabella Wang and Julie Kang (Year 3)
“When I need help, I ask my teacher for help. It is really important to ask for help so I know what I need in the future.” – Betty Su (Year 4)
“I ask questions in the classroom so I learn new things that I didn’t already know. If I don’t ask questions then there will be gaps in my knowledge.” – Anika Verma (Year 5)
“It is important to ask questions as so you can better understand what you’re doing. I often find I ask questions in Maths when I am confused, so it can be explained again and I understand.” – Imogen Jones (Year 6)
URSTRONG
As we build the girls’ understanding of being a good and honest friend, we begin our URSTRONG sessions this week.
Through the URSTRONG workshops our girls will investigate what’s normal in a friendship, the importance of trust and respect, and explore how to assess healthy versus unhealthy friendships. The girls will reflect on how to extinguish disagreements within friendships (known as ‘Friendship Fires’) and how to put a voice to their feelings with respect and integrity.
Year 6 Leaders’ Induction Service
This week we inducted our Year 6 into their roles as leaders within our Junior School in a special Chapel Service. As we think about how we can be creative this year, I invited our Year 6 girls to imagine they are artists painting a rainbow of colours throughout our Junior School using colours to symbolise the qualities of an effective leader. Starting with red, I challenged the girls to be courageous as leaders, standing up for what they believe in and encouraging the younger girls to have heart and be brave in all their learning. I also encouraged our Year 6 girls to use their orange paint to lead a harmonious Junior School family, where each of us celebrate who we are and feel empowered to share and celebrate our unique story. Each colour of the rainbow represents a different leadership trait I look forward to seeing our Year 6 girls showcase throughout the year.
A special thank you to Abigail Martin, Emma Wang, Eesha Adusumilli, Valerie Zhao, Rosanna Rew, Yuna Shin, Ella Gungor, Isabella Eum, Pia Vandeleur, Annabella Bayfield, Heidi Ferreira, Indigo Meldrum, Sasha McGarrick, Emily Woods-McConville Estelle Lee, Leahara Wijesuriya, Lily Xing, Kathy Wang Allison Wang, Charli Conn and Callista Eskenazi.
Learning around our Junior School this week – our week in pictures
Notices
Year 1 Incursion tomorrow, Friday 11 February
The girls are exploring the College campus tomorrow as part of their Outdoor Education program. Please send your Year 1 daughter in her PE uniform for the whole day.
OSHC
New service for 2022! The Pymble Ladies’ College Out of Hours School Care (OSHC) is now offering Pre-Co-curricular Care (PCC) for Years 3 to 6. The cost is $13 and includes afternoon tea. This exclusive price is only for the time directly after school.
This is exclusively for Years 3 to 6 girls booked in for Co-curricular activities that commence before 4.15pm.
Your daughter can come directly to the OSHC entre after school, enjoy a yummy afternoon tea, relax with friends, and then head off to her Co-curricular lesson.
If your daughter’s Co-curricular lesson starts at 3.30pm or 3.45pm she can be cared for in the Junior School Library without the necessity for OSHC.
To utilise the service you will be required to enrol in the OSHC Centre and complete a Kidsoft enrolment. Please see the College website for further information or email oshcadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Changes to travel arrangements
Parents are reminded to email the Junior School at juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you need to arrange another parent to pick up your daughter at the end of the school day. All changed travel requests should be communicated to the office before 2.00pm to ensure messages can be conveyed to girls and staff.
Medications
On occasions your daughter may require medications to be administered during the day. If your daughter requires any medications during the school day, including prescribed antibiotics, they need to be delivered to the School Office, clearly labelled and in original packaging. Clear instructions from parents need to be included with the medication. We cannot administer medication in the form of syrups or tablets if they are not in their original packaging as we have no knowledge of what they are.
Please send to the School Office any medication eg Ventolin, Epipen, eczema cream etc. if your daughter has specific medical conditions which warrant their use. The Action Plan for its use should be included in the pack.
Nut allergies
Please ensure that your daughter’s food does not contain any nuts as some of our students have severe allergies to food containing nuts and nut products. This includes spreads such as peanut butter and Nutella.
Arrival: daily routines
Please be aware that girls arriving before 7.45am must attend Out of School Hours Care.
From 7.45am, staff will be in attendance at car line and in the playgrounds. Kindergarten to Year 2 students may enter grade spaces to put their belongings in their lockers.
Departure: daily routines
Kindergarten to Year 2 parents will need to complete the after-school travel arrangements if you have not done so as yet. Any changes to these routines must be sent in writing to the Junior School Office at juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Please note that it is important that any changes to travel arrangements are received prior to 2.00pm.
Girls with older sisters
Girls wait at the Junior School Library until their sister collects them by 3.30pm.
Girls travelling on College buses
Girls wait in the Kindergarten to Year 2 School Office and are supervised until 3.00pm when they are walked to Sunshine Square to join the Years 3 to 6 girls. All Junior School girls are then walked to the Kelso bus area by a teacher.
Car Line
Please remain in your car displaying your daughter’s name as you approach the collection area. Parents are asked not to exit their vehicles as staff will assist students to vehicles if necessary. Please note that this is a single lane and drivers must wait for the car in front to depart rather than exiting the car line lane. Parents may be asked to go around if their daughter is delayed.
Please follow directions from College staff at all times.
Parents are reminded that parking along the lower road is not permitted at any time. Please do not arrive before 2.30pm in the afternoon. Girls are escorted to car line after the conclusion of the school day at 2.45pm. The College looks to facilitate ease of drop off and pick up of your daughter but does require parents to be mindful of designated times to ensure a smooth and safe car line process.
Parents are reminded to remain in their car for the safety of both girls and adults and to assist with traffic flow. If you are delayed in collecting your daughter, please be reassured that she will be taken to Out of School Hours Care until your arrival.
We wish to thank parents for their patience with car line.
Dates to note
During Term 1 our assemblies will be held online. We will send links to parents and carers for Kindergarten to Year 2 assemblies in the coming weeks when the girls are ready to share their learning.
11 February
IPSHA Swim Times Trials
15 to 18 February
Year 6 Camp Group 1
22 to 25 February
Year 6 Camp Group 2
24 February
JSPG Term 1 Meeting
27 February
Years 3 and 4 Training Band and Year 3 Strings Day
1 March
IPSHA Swimming and Diving Carnival
3 March
Cross Country Kindergarten to Year 6
6 March
Stanhope Band and Grainger Band Day
10 March
Class photos
22 March
JSPG Parents’ Morning Tea Years Kindergarten to Year 3 (new date)
23 March
JSPG Parents’ Morning Tea Years 4 to 6 (new date)
COVID-19: Important update and reminder for families
what to do if another member of your household tests positive while you are already in isolation;
a reminder to inform the school if your daughter has to isolate at home and temporarily switch to learning via Pymble Online; and
upcoming booster shots for eligible students.
Mrs Kate Brown
Head of Junior School
From the Middle School
From our Head of Middle School
Welcome to Week 3 in the Middle School and happy Chinese New Year for last week! The Middle School marked this important occasion on the Lunar calendar with a colourful display outside our office and along the Colonnade which contributed to the atmosphere of celebration across the College.
Our girls have had an exciting week with opportunities to demonstrate their House spirit at the Years 7 to 9 Swimming Carnival here on campus. Congratulations to all who participated. Thank you to Ms Carr and Ms Lombard for their organisation and facilitation of our first Middle School Mind Body Spirit Day on Tuesday. Year 8 enjoyed the experience together as they gathered in Compass groups and took time to get active whilst appreciating the rejuvenating natural surrounds of our Vision Valley campus.
The 2022 academic timetable has provided students with more time for flexibility and independence with the introduction of a 40-minute supervised study period on Tuesday or Thursday. This is part of our Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing belt which occurs across each day of the week after Compass time. Your daughter’s Directions lesson is also scheduled within this belt of time, as is a Year Assembly and Compass X. The team has been busily planning a variety of initiatives for Compass X sessions which will include guest speakers, extended time for Compass activities such as our focus on the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and Service initiatives in an attempt to ensure our Middle School girls are connecting within their Pymble community as well as strengthening their awareness of the wider world.
It was great to see so many Middle School parents online for the Pymble Parent Association meeting on Tuesday night. We look forward to getting to know our new families in particular over the coming weeks. A reminder that we will be hosting an event for Year 7 parents on Thursday 24 February which will provide an opportunity for you to meet your daughter’s Compass teacher and learn more about the Year 7 program. Details to follow.
COVID-19: Important update and reminder for families
what to do if another member of your household tests positive while you are already in isolation;
a reminder to inform the school if your daughter has to isolate at home and temporarily switch to learning via Pymble Online; and
upcoming booster shots for eligible students.
Mrs Jenny O’Donnell
Head of Middle School
From our Deputy Head of Middle School
Middle School students have had an exciting start to the year building new friendships, reacquainting with old and busying themselves with academic studies and Co-curricular activities. The Middle School has been abuzz with the girls’ excitement and positivity.
It was wonderful to have worked with Year 7 as they commenced their Orientation program and participated in Connections week activities. Year 7 students connected with their Compass teachers and staff from across the campus as well as students from our Middle School and Senior School Leadership teams. Below are a few images taken from our Orientation program.
The theme of connections will continue over the next few weeks as our Year 8 Middle School Leaders and Year 12 Middle School Liaison Leaders prepare a term of Gloucester Gatherings. A calendar of Gloucester Gathering activities will be shared with Year 7 students in the coming weeks. In previous years activities included handball tournaments, biscuit decorating, crafting and origami. Gloucester Gatherings provide all Year 7 students with the opportunity to meet new students, connect with our student leadership team and build new connections over lunch.
We look forward to seeing your daughter at a Gloucester Gathering soon!
Mrs Sarah Budd
Deputy Head of Middle School (Acting)
From the IT Department
During the Orientation program, your daughter received her new laptop and charger. It is important to note that she will keep this device until the end of Year 9. The IT Department would like to remind you that it is a brand-new laptop, so please encourage your daughter to treat it with care. All laptops were tested and checked before allocation.
It has been wonderful seeing Year 7 settle into the Middle School so well. The girls are doing a great job of reading their timetables, navigating their way around campus, and getting to know their new teachers and peers. We have seen the beginnings of beautiful new friendships during recess and lunch and in the classroom. We look forward to spending more time getting to know the girls in the weeks ahead.
In addition to the preparation activities the girls experienced during Connections week, time has been spent working through the Year 7 Organisation booklet which is a great tool to help Year 7 students organise their learning and establish good routines for the year ahead. It would be helpful to ask your daughter about the activities she has completed in the booklet and to sign each page she has worked through. This is a great way check your daughter understands her schedule and for you to understand what we have been working on at school. We encourage Year 7 students to have a copy of their timetable in a prominent place at home and pack their bags the night before school so as to be well prepared for the day ahead.
Many girls have embraced the wide range of Co-curricular activities available at Pymble which is fantastic. This does add another location to find on campus so please make sure you have communicated this venue to your daughter as we may not always know where every single activity is held. This information will have been emailed to you by the relevant Co-curricular Co-ordinator or Sports Manager.
On Monday the girls experienced their first Years 7 to 9 Swimming Carnival. There was a great sense of fun and enthusiasm as the girls joined in the action in the pool. Well done to all those girls who swam competitively, contributed to House points and all those for showing great House spirit.
In our Directions lessons this week we have had great fun playing a range of icebreaker games as we get to know each other and ensure that we establish strong bonds for this special lesson each week. Establishing connections and positive relationships will be a focus of these lessons over the next few weeks to help the girls feel comfortable in the Middle School.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions during this time of transition and beyond.
Year 8
What a busy week it has been for our Year 8 students! Well done to all who took part in the swimming carnival on Monday. From our competitive swimmers to those who jumped in the pool to accumulate House points and our fabulous cheer squads – it was wonderful to hear the excitement and to share in some House spirit.
The energy continued on Tuesday with Year 8 once again donning their House shirts for a Mind, Body, Spirit Day at our second campus, Vision Valley. Students took part in an array of activities including Zumba in the soft rain on the lawn. It was a great way to shake off the bus ride and a busy start to the term! On the bush walk, students had the opportunity to practise awareness (5 Ways to Wellbeing) by meditating or drawing for five to ten minutes. Students and teachers reported that this reflection time gave them a valuable sense of calm. After a long summer break, it’s been lovely having these opportunities for students to reconnect and enjoy some time together.
Ruth Shen (Year 8) has kindly shared a brief overview of the day:
“Year 8 participated in the Mind Body Spirit Day on Tuesday 8 February. It was a relaxing and peaceful day spent at the beautiful Vision Valley. Girls were split into compass groups and each group spent the day canoeing, doing archery, mountain biking, swimming, and going down the exhilarating water slide, playing volleyball and even going on calming bush walks. It was a truly wonderful experience that will be remembered.”
To complement our Mind Body Spirit Day this week, Directions lessons have focused on the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, with classes centred around build connections and putting in place plans to ensure a healthy balance for the term ahead.
This year we have had the pleasure of welcoming seven new students into Year 8. We warmly welcome Sara, Grace, Neve, Sophie, Olivia, Libby and Vivian. The girls are to be congratulated on the way in which they have eased into life at Pymble, taking on a range of Co-curricular activities and getting involved in their classes. We are looking forward to sitting down with our new students for a morning tea in the weeks to come.
From the Head of Learning Support
Homework Help Term 1
Homework Help is an after-school service offered to all Pymble students in the Secondary School to provide assistance and support with everyday homework, assignments and research skills in a friendly, quiet environment. Homework Help is staffed by teachers from the Learning Support Team.
When
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday after school: 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Where
Classroom C3 (Top floor of the Colonnade Building)
Dates
From Monday 7 February (Week 3) to Thursday 31 March (Week 10)
It has been so lovely to hear the excitement of the Jacaranda Courtyard and students moving through the Upper School Office over the past week. We have loved seeing our girls welcome new students to the College, pop in for a mask, participate in their swimming carnivals, enjoy face-to-face Chapel, buy chocolate roses for Valentine’s Day, and generally relish reconnecting with each other back on campus.
As you may have noticed we have been encouraging our Upper School girls to be courageous. For me that means having the courage to break old habits and forge new ones. Supposedly it takes 66 days to form a habit (https://jamesclear.com/new-habit), so please encourage your girls to be creative with their ambitions and to stick with it when the going gets tough! We hope that some of the exciting opportunities detailed below offer suitable inspiration for change, challenge and connection, and look forward to sharing news of our collective growth over the coming weeks.
COVID-19: Important update and reminder for families
what to do if another member of your household tests positive while you are already in isolation;
a reminder to inform the school if your daughter has to isolate at home and temporarily switch to learning via Pymble Online; and
upcoming booster shots for eligible students.
Mr Tom Riley
Head of Upper School
From our Deputy Head of Upper School
We are proud to report that our Upper School students settled into their new routine with impressive maturity. What a fantastic start to Term 1!
There are several exciting events during Weeks 3 and 4 and we encourage the girls to engage in opportunities applicable to them:
Year 9
Burn Bright Spark Program
There are many influences on young women which may make the journey through adolescence tricky and conflicting. Having to navigate peer pressure, body image, media influences, expectations, online and digital spaces and much more can be daunting, and often girls find it difficult to deal with these changes that are occurring. SPARK provides the tools which help young women build confidence, positively express themselves, understand their values, cultivate gratitude and perspective, and build their capacity to be resilient. The program aims to enhance emotional intelligence and empowers students to build positive and healthy relationships with their peers, parents and their community.
Year 10
Peer Support training
Peer support is a unique opportunity for students to contribute to the growth and wellbeing of students younger than them, whilst actively serving the school community. Peer support leaders help new students make the transition into a new school environment. They actively build relationships with younger students and often run structured sessions that help younger students navigate this new environment. This program focuses on servant leadership, how to facilitate effectively, work in a team and care for new students.
Mrs Michelle Hunt
Deputy Head of Upper School
From our Heads of Year 9
What a fabulous start to 2022 with our first full week at school. This week students were privileged to learn about Lunar New Year from two students who performed and spoke about what Chinese New Year means to them.
Congratulations to all those students who have attained leadership positions and best wishes as you carry out your roles with inclusivity and positivity.
Year 9 students have been embracing our theme to challenge yourself to ‘Get out of your COMFORT zone and into your COURAGE zone’. This is as simple as making a new friend, or participating in a race at the swimming carnival, or as courageous as making the first steps toward a new goal. Everyone is encouraged to begin their Duke of Edinburgh Award or to try Cadets this year. For Duke of Edinburgh information, contact Ms Loviero at lioviero@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
In Directions this week, students have learned how to cope with uncertainty, with many of us using worrying as a tool to (unsuccessfully) try and predict the future and avoid nasty surprises. Whilst worrying can make it seem like we have some control over uncertain circumstances, this week we are encouraging our students to become more self-aware in maintaining perspective and solving problems as they arise.
Mrs Karina Richter
Head of Year 9
Mr Adam Levin
Head of Year 9
From our Heads of Year 10
On Thursday Year 10 had the opportunity to hear from renowned Drug and Alcohol Research and Training expert Paul Dillon who provided practical strategies on how to navigate challenging teenage experiences.
Year 10 will also hear from Paul in Year 11 and Year 12, as he adapts his presentation to suit their evolving maturity and experiences. We hope that Paul’s presentation enabled great dinner-time conversations and we welcome feedback from parents and carers.
Thank you to all Year 10 students who participated in or supported their friends at the swimming carnival on Tuesday 8 February. There was a great number of girls competing in races, and it really supported our theme ‘Getting out of your COMFORT zone and into your COURAGE zone’.
We would like to remind families that the Year 10 Camp is coming up in Week 10. The students had two options to choose from:
The Namadji program will take place in the Victorian Alpine National Park where students will be involved in a challenging nine-day hike traversing Australia’s highest peaks and spectacular mountain scenery.
The alternative Murramarang Coastal Expedition will see students go on a coastal journey exploring the cliff lines, headlands, and pristine beaches of the beautiful southern region of Murramarang National Park. The experience also encompasses kayaking through pristine clear water, an interactive Indigenous session in the bush and an opportunity to participate in a surf/yoga session.
Save the Date
We will hold an online information night for parents on 24 February at 6.00pm to hear all about the two camps. The link will be included in the next newsletter.
Ms Dylan Beaumont
Head of Year 10
Mrs Karen Michie
Head of Year 10
From the Upper School Office
If you have not received a copy of the 2020 Magazine, please ask your daughter to pop into the office to collect one within the next week.
A reminder that students will be given their supply of Rapid Antigen Tests for Weeks 4 and 5 on Friday 11 February. We do ask that you ensure that your daughter does a RAT test every Monday and Wednesday prior to coming to school.
Could you also give your daughter some additional face masks to have in their locker or school bag as they do need to change them regularly and often break.
We appreciate your support in keeping our College as safe as possible.
From the Head of Learning Support
Homework Help Term 1
Homework Help is an after-school service offered to all Pymble students in the Secondary School to provide assistance and support with everyday homework, assignments and research skills in a friendly, quiet environment. Homework Help is staffed by teachers from the Learning Support Team.
When
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday after school: 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Where
Classroom C3 (Top floor of the Colonnade Building)
Dates
From Monday 7 February (Week 3) to Thursday 31 March (Week 10)
Paul Dillon Seminar to Year 10 and Parents (6.00pm to 9.00pm)
Friday 11 February
Make-up photographs for students
Saturday 12 February
Saturday Sport commences
Monday 14 February
Peer Support Leaders Training
Thursday 17 February
Year 9 Connections Day – Spark Program
Tuesday 22 February
Cross Country Carnival
From the Senior School
From our Head of Senior School
To begin something new can be coupled with a range of emotions including excitement, anticipation, trepidation and hope. A new year is no different. As the Senior girls really settle into their routines and make plans for a successful year, I thought it might be useful to consider some of the following, so that they can enjoy their studies, be productive and have time for the things they enjoy in life too.
Make an outline of your plans and goals. Keep a calendar so that you are aware of busy times or commitments and can plan accordingly to try to avoid any last-minute rushes.
Work on your time-management skills – if you have a large piece of work on the horizon, break it down into smaller manageable tasks with deadlines for each step.
Arrange your study area and stock up on any essential stationery supplies. Try to keep your study area in a consistent place and make it an appealing place to be – well-lit, well-organised and well ventilated!
Consider your commitments and aim for some balance every day – some study, some exercise, some social and family time, and some time for your own reflections. Work these into your calendar to make sure you have made time for all of these aspects.
If you are not sure about a concept you are studying, ask for clarification sooner rather than later. Smaller misunderstandings are usually easier to manage than larger ones.
Don’t be afraid to make new friends and sit with them for lunch or recess. This doesn’t mean that you are abandoning your old friends; we all have space in our hearts for new ones. Be an includer – if you see someone on their own, invite them to join you.
Develop your own de-stress strategies – try a few options such as taking a walk, playing with your pet, listening to a mindfulness app, or listening to music (I have a longer list for those who are interested). Figure out what works for you and put it into action!
Try something new – this will keep your brain active and build your interests – take up a new hobby or volunteer for a group that has meaning to you.
COVID-19: Important update and reminder for families
what to do if another member of your household tests positive while you are already in isolation;
a reminder to inform the school if your daughter has to isolate at home and temporarily switch to learning via Pymble Online; and
upcoming booster shots for eligible students.
Mrs Nikki Wyse
Head of Senior School
From the Heads of Year 11
Thank you to those of you who participated in the online Year 11 Information Night on Monday night. It was great to see so many of you! For those of you who were unavailable on Monday, a recording will be sent to all families later this week.
The transition into the Senior School is certainly a big one. However, it’s lovely to see that the year group is rising to the adjustment, and even embracing it. We are very proud of the way the girls are settling into the Kate Mason Building and stepping up to their academic commitments.
Words from the Retreat
Upon reflecting on her Retreat experience, Charlotte noted that “I loved the high ropes and the food was great!”
Eliza was very happy to “spend time with friends and make new ones.”
Sumeera was thrilled to be involved in such a range of activities and reflected that “laser tag was great, so was fun in the sun. Having the opportunity to cool off was a highlight of the camp.”
Aside from an action packed three days of activities, Year 11 also spent time reviewing and planning their study habits through the Elevate program. The final day involved Brent Sanders who spoke with the girls about respectful and responsible relationships.
Tuesday’s Senior School Swimming Carnival saw a wonderful level of involvement and House spirit. Students enjoyed their opportunity to swim in our world class facility, as well as participate in friendly competition.
Bella Zhang broke the 50m Freestyle and 50m Breaststroke records in times of 26.8 and 33.5 seconds. Bella was thrilled with these achievements and was keen to thank her “coach, Leanne. As well as my teammates for all their support.” Bella also reflected on her training over the past few months and indicated that it had been “significantly impacted due to COVID-19.”
Well done, Bella, and to all those who competed and cheered their fellow swimmers on.
Mrs Cara Foley
Head of Year 11
Mr Michael Stern
Head of Year 11
From the Heads of Year 12
With the routine of term settling in for the Year 12 girls it has been pleasing to see that a fantastic number of girls have been using the after-hours study times to manage their workload and have focused study time on campus. These sessions are a great way for girls to work independently or quietly in small groups and may be a positive routine to set up for the year.
Our Compass sessions this week have been focused on giving the girls some time with their Compass teachers and peers and we have seen some lovely birthday calendars and room decorations being set up. We want the girls to use this time to connect as a group and with the introduction of Compass X, we hope this will allow the girls to foster new connections and deepen existing ones. It will also give Compass teachers opportunities to have one-on-one conversations with the girls across the term.
Our Year 12 Directions lessons have commenced, with these sessions now occurring weekly during Mind Body Spirit. These classes are a chance for the girls to develop their skills with mindfulness, self-regulation strategies and building connections with others. The girls will get out what they put into these sessions and many of them will be conversation based so we would love to see the girls share their thoughts and insights. Likewise, we would like to see the girls participate in the practical sessions to get the most out of the course.
Mr Andrew Heggie
Head of Year 12
Ms Theresa Mimmo
Head of Year 12
From the Head of Learning Support
Homework Help Term 1
Homework Help is an after-school service offered to all Pymble students in the Secondary School to provide assistance and support with everyday homework, assignments and research skills in a friendly, quiet environment. Homework Help is staffed by teachers from the Learning Support Team.
When
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday after school: 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Where
Classroom C3 (Top floor of the Colonnade Building)
Dates
From Monday 7 February (Week 3) to Thursday 31 March (Week 10)
Another busy week for us here at Pymble! While we weren’t necessarily triumphant in the pool, we certainly won the prize for team spirit. It was wonderful to see the sideline of the pool resplendent in pink as our Boarders cheered on their Boarder ‘sisters’ in the Day girls versus Boarders relays. Congratulations to our Marden and Goodlet/Lang squad who did us all proud.
Farewell to much-loved colleagues
Our first Boarders’ Chapel Service for the year was an opportunity to farewell three wonderful staff members. Claudia Fulford has been with us for almost four years and as the girls recounted, has left an indelible mark on our Pymble family. Claudia is admired for her outstanding organisation and ability to turn her hand to just about any activity. We have all appreciated the manner in which Claudia has gone “above and beyond” to maximise the Boarding experience. Kirstie Ogilvy has been a kind and warm presence in Marden House, greeting the girls enthusiastically each afternoon and always ready to hear about the day’s events. Emily Behan joined us relatively recently but her fun and down-to-earth approach quickly endeared her to all. Claudia, Kirstie and Emily have all taken on new positions that will build on their many skills and create new opportunities. I am excited for what the future holds for their lives beyond Pymble and I thank them for the many gifts they have given so generously to our Pymble family.
A new tradition
It was with much excitement that our most senior Boarders took ownership of their Year 12 Boarder jerseys. The jerseys were presented in Chapel, and we all agreed that this was a special way to celebrate the leadership, camaraderie and culmination of their Boarding journey. We look forward to adding this new tradition to our Boarding calendar.
Mrs Carolyn Burgess
Director of Boarding
From our Deputy Head of Boarding
Last weekend was the first ‘Love It’ weekend of the year. The Goodlet girls got back into the swing of things with a trip to the driving range – they even managed a sneaky trip to the beach on Sunday afternoon to enjoy some hot chips and an evening dip. The Marden girls had great fun on their adventure to Wylie’s Baths and while the ocean was a little too wild for us, the day was enjoyed by all. Thank you to Mrs Myles for making it so special!
This weekend we have some more beach trips on the agenda. Saturday will see a trip to Manly and Shelley Beach for the Marden girls followed by an adventure with Mardi to the Botanical Gardens on Sunday. The Goodlet girls will also have the opportunity to head to Manly Beach on Sunday. As we all get in the mood for Valentine’s Day next week, we are heading to the cinema on Saturday night to check out the latest JLo rom-com, Marry Me. We will share a comprehensive ‘Love It’ schedule in next week’s newsletter!
As always there will be plenty to do around the grounds. The swimming pool will be open each afternoon over the weekend and we are looking forward to the first official weekend of sport. We can’t wait to cheer the Boarders on!
Mrs Katie White
Deputy Director of Boarding
Prefect Supper Club
On Tuesday, our wonderful Year 12 Prefects organised a delicious ‘Supper Club’ for our new Year 7 Boarders to welcome them and help them settle into the term. It was great to see that all of the new girls had settled in so well, not only into the Boarding regime, but also building strong relationships within Marden House. Many stories were shared around the swing set as everyone delved into bowls of ice cream and chocolate. Thankfully, we shipped them back off to Marden before we had to endure the wrath of the sugar high (sorry Mardi!). If you are reading this and are a parent/carer, rest assured, your children are in great hands!
P.S. We were so excited about hosting this event, we forgot to take photos of the girls!
Pip Austin
Head Boarder
A View From My Window
Hi, my name is Tilly and I’m a new Year 10 student at Pymble joining Boarding just this year. I’ve moved here from South Korea, having lived in Asia my whole life. I’ve lived in Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea. My family is still living in South Korea. I have my mum, dad, sister and cat. My sister is 18 and is just about to graduate. Some of my interests include playing music. I play three instruments – the drums, the flute, and bass guitar. I also like sports such as netball and cross country.
The first thing I would want to do if I went back to South Korea is drink an iced matcha green tea, visit my best friend Isabella, hang out with my family in the snow, and cuddle my cat, Bowie. In South Korea, it’s currently winter and the temperature goes down to -15 degrees celsius and it snows almost every day. Although it is really pretty and there are a lot of fun activities like ice skating, snow angels, snowball fights, skiing, and sledding and my front yard looks like a winter wonderland, I do not miss shovelling the snow, slipping down the hill to get to the bus stop, and my fingernails literally turning blue. At school we would have snowball fights and then sit through the rest of the day in wet clothes!
Living my whole life in Asia, I’ve been exposed to a diverse range of cultures and learned about them first-hand. I celebrate lots of holidays that are special in Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea. I actually don’t really know anything about Australia even though I’m an Aussie. I am looking forward to getting to know more about my new hometown.
Boarder of the Week
Congratulations to Lucy Robertson, our Year 11 Boarder of the Week. Lucy joined us from Gunnedah when she was in Year 7 and continues to embrace life as a Boarder with all her might. Her enthusiasm has been obvious again this term as Lucy led the way on the Community Weekend as she made the most of all the activities and encouraged others to join in the fun. She was a superstar at the swimming carnival and entered countless races and cheered on her Boarder ‘sisters’. Lucy is a Spirit House Captain for Goodlet House and is an exemplary role model for others. We thank Lucy for her diligence, sense of fun and for being a beautiful friend to all.
Speech and Drama
We take great pleasure in congratulating the following students who completed their AMEB exams late last term.
AMEB Voice and Communication
APCA Diploma in Professional Communication Australia
Tara Narayan Year 12 High Distinction
Xuan Vivian Wen Year 12 High Distinction
CVCA Certificate of Voice and Communication Australia
Thanya Paidi Year 11 High Distinction
Zoey Chen Year 11 Honours
Hana Kassam Year 12 Honours
Jessica Wang Year 11 High Credit
Anna Wang Year 11 High Credit
Lauren Eyers Year 12 High Pass
Grade 8
Tilly Morgan Year 10 High Distinction
Jessie Yo Yo Xie Year 10 High Distinction
Chantelle Wu Year 10 High Credit
Grade 4
Maria Yang Year 7 High Credit
Grade 3
May Zhang Year 7 High Credit
Helena Tang Year 7 High Credit
AMEB Speech and Performance
Grade 8
Shubhi Sethi Year 10 Honours
Ning Ning Jin Year 10 High Credit
Rachel Johnson Year 10 High Credit
Grade 7
Isabel Aveling Year 9 High Distinction
Evelyn Zhu Year 8 High Distinction
Gigi Spiller Year 9 Honours
Isabelle Huang Year 9 High Credit
Grade 6
Estelle Vander Year 9 Honours
Alyssa Xu Year 8 High Credit
Scarlett Zeng Year 9 Credit
Grade 5
Charlotte Ford Year 8 Honours
Diana Attinger Year 8 Honours
Grade 4
Abigail McKinnon Year 7 Honours
Ruby Lyons Year 7 High Credit
Sports
From our Director of Sport
New on-campus Injury Assessment Clinic at Pymble
Great news for our sporting enthusiasts, dancers and all students at Pymble who engage in any form of physical activity. As of Monday 14 February, the College will have an onsite Injury Assessment Clinic (IAC), which students can access conveniently, without a GP referral and at no cost to her family.
The purpose of the IAC is to provide prompt and accurate diagnosis, streamline and accelerate injury management, and provide a gold standard level of care for our active Pymble girls.
The clinic will be located in the Aquatic and Fitness Centre, where we have allocated a private consultation room. This service will be headed up by Dr Nicole Sly MBBS BPhty, a Sports and Exercise Medicine Doctor who will work in partnership with our existing onsite Sports Physiotherapists, Ashley and Simon.
About Dr Nicole Sly
Dr Sly has experience supporting elite athletes in Rugby Union, Rowing and Paratriathlon at an international level. She has also worked at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead Institute of Sports Medicine and Paediatric Emergency, and as a Physiotherapist prior to studying Medicine. Dr Sly comes highly recommended by our Sports Physio Clinic physiotherapists, with whom she has an existing working relationship.
Congratulations to our Speech and Drama students on their very fine results from the AMEB examinations that were held at the end of 2021. The list of results is published in the Speech and Drama section.
The Performing Arts Support Group held their first meeting for 2022 this week and we warmly welcomed some keen and enthusiastic new parents to the group. If any other parents are interested in joining this dynamic group or helping in some way to support Performing Arts events and activities at the College, please contact the Group Leader Mrs Kim Johnson at kimbo.johnson@gmail.com.
Mamma Mia! The musical is coming to Pymble later this term on Thursday 17 March at 7.00pm, Friday 18 March at 7.00pm and Saturday 19 March at 1.30pm and 7.00pm. Tickets will be on sale from Week 6. Save the date in your diaries now and watch this space for the launch of the ticket sales!
Mrs Sabina Turner
Director of Co-Curricular Performing Arts
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Extended Learning
Robotics
The VEX IQ and EDR season is almost over, yet our VEX teams entered some amazing robots in the final tournaments of the season.
Our Year 5 and 6 VEX IQ teams competed earlier this year and posted nation high scores and personal bests. Cereal Eaters, with Amelia Carlan (Year 7) and Nicole Zhang (Year 7) representing the team, worked tirelessly over the holidays rebuilding their robot. Their efforts were rewarded as they and Vex Vibes, Emily Woods-McConville (Year 6), Valerie Zhao (Year 6) and Chloe Shao (Year 6), teamed up in the final and posted the tournament high score and one of the highest scores in Australia.
Pymble Tinkers, Sophie Kidd (Year 6), Lily Xing (Year 6) and Annabella Bayfield (Year 6), posted their best score and earned a place in Nationals. Leahara Wijesuriya (Year 6) and Jessica Persson (Year 6), who showed amazing determination and creativity in realising a design for a catapult, were also rewarded a place in Nationals for their original design and amazing documentation of their design process.
Pymble Juniors Salty Sea Salt, Emily Yu (Year 7) and Catherine Zheng (Year 7), qualified for Nationals with their drivetrain design, which utilises H-drive. This means their robot can not only move forward and backwards but also left to right, a first for this year’s competition and for Pymble. Along with Pymble Tinkers, the ‘Salty Sea Salt finished in second place in the tournament.
Our Middle School girls competed in the final tournament of the season. Team 20731A Lacuna recorded their highest score in programming and Maya Garg (Year 9) scored an impressive 100 points. EDR team 20731G Pymble Pliers won the programming matches with a total score of 120 points, having worked on their autonomous code using Microsoft Teams to communicate during lockdown throughout online learning. 20731P used advanced coding and posted an impressive total score with a reliable robot thanks to their efforts and skills.
In the spirit of ‘Having a go’, 20731F Græssoup focused on an element of the game that does not score highly, but nonetheless posed an engineering challenge. Eager for the challenge, the girls put in a lot of effort to surmount the difficulties posed by collecting and placing rings in various places around the field. As a result, they have one of the few robots capable of completing this task and scored an impressive 140 points.
The new Years 3 and 4 program started this term led by the amazing Mrs Tedesco. In these sessions the girls learned about the various parts of the VEX GO system and completed challenges including making moveable figures and flags representing space exploration and catching the robotics bug in the process. We look forward to the robotics road ahead for these girls.
Please congratulate our teams below:
Tournament
Excellence Award
6510A Donut Assassins – Milly Xu (Year 7), Isis Li (Year 7), Scarlett Li (Year 7)
20731G Pymble Pliers – Katrina Lin (Year 9), Grace Beck (Year 8), Penelope Danziger (Year 8), Michelle Pan (Year 8)
20731M Pymble Pterodactyls – Imogen Wu (Year 8), Kitty He (Year 8), Iris Li (Year 8), Alice Mao (Year 8), Jessica Xu (Year 8)
20731P – Isabella Nguyen (Year 9), Thinara Siriniwasa (Year 9), Isabella Chen (Year 9), Chi Ien Zhan (Year 9)
Mr Dan Brown
Digital Learning Leader
Secondary School Swimming Carnival
The 2022 Secondary School Swimming Carnival was held over two days on Monday 7 February and Tuesday 8 February at the Braith Williams Aquatic and Fitness Centre at Pymble.
The carnival was a huge success with a great display of House spirit and participation by all students. The format of the carnival included both championship and non-championship events, as well as relays. The annual House mascot dance off was a crowd favourite and the relays were exhilarating to watch. A diving display was performed as the finale of both carnivals that showed off our divers’ expertise and outstanding abilities.
There were countless amazing performances on the day and highlights included seven records that were broken. Congratulations to the following girls:
Ellie Beck (Year 10)
16 Years 50m Backstroke 29.97 – Old record: 30.04
Bella Zhang (Year 11)
16 Years 50m Breaststroke 33.50 – Old record: 34.45
16 Years 50m Butterfly 29.24 – Old record: 29.40
16 Years 50m Freestyle 26.85 – Old record: 27.34
One of the most exciting and closest races of the day was the Open Championship 50m Freestyle race which showcased the fastest eight swimmers in the whole school. Well done to the following girls involved, please see below for the results:
Well done to the students who competed and thank you to our NSW Swimming Officials, Pymble staff and swimming coaches who run and officiate the day. Results will be published in detail in the newsletter next week including all race results and House cup results.
Mrs Katie Edwards
Head of Sport – Years 7 to 12
Dance
The year is well underway for Co-curricular Dance, and we are so excited to be back in full swing. For now, masks are required in Secondary Dance classes and are highly encouraged in Junior Dance classes.
All Dance families are to be reminded about the P2 options in Dance. Click here to see full details.
Dance Awards Evening 2021
The Dance Awards Evening will be held from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts (GMCPA) on Friday 11 February to recognise our 2021 Eisteddfod and HSC cohorts. Parents and students have been sent the information and the event will be live streamed. Click here to view the live stream. We invite all Pymble families to watch this event.
Dance Showcase 2021 SHORT FILM RELEASE!
The Dance Showcase ‘Museum’ link will be released following the Awards Evening on 11 February. All 2021 Dance families will receive a link via email at 8.00pm Friday evening. Gather your friends and family together to watch some sensational short dance films. All 2021 Dance students and staff are to be congratulated on pivoting this event to a digital format.
Peter Pan – Years 7 to 9 Co-curricular Drama Auditions
Auditions are this week for the Years 7 to 9 Drama production of Peter Pan. Information about the auditions has been emailed to students, and also placed on the school Portal. A copy of the audition information can also be found here.
Drama Captains 2022
Our wonderful Drama captains will be attending various classes over the coming weeks to introduce themselves to the classes. Our Drama captains for 2022 are:
Charlotte Allen (Drama Festival Teams/Drama Performance)
Grace Scott (Improvisation and Theatresports)
Annie Chen (Filmmaking)
Co-curricular Drama Uniforms
A reminder that all Drama students (with the exception of Filmmaking) should be wearing Drama blacks to their classes. If students have ordered the Pymble Drama uniform, this should arrive shortly. CCSA will advise about the distribution of these uniforms. In the meantime, students can wear a black t-shirt and black pants or leggings to their Drama classes.
Drama Rooming
There have been some changes to rooms for Co-curricular Drama classes. Please check the link carefully for the latest room information for classes. Click here to see the most current timetable.
Late Enrolments to Drama
If you have a query about joining Co-curricular Drama, please do not hesitate to contact the Head of Drama, Ms Tamara Sweetman at tsweetman@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Ms Tamara Sweetman
Head of Drama
Language Arts
Congratulations! Update
We had two exciting announcements to commence the Language Arts year. On the last day of the school year in 2021, our Mock Mediation team won the Mediation Grand Final, run by The Law Society of NSW. Warm Congratulations to Jessie Xie, Sophie Christopher, Emma Parsons, Amelie Matthews, Sienna Srikanth, Zoe Pfitzer and Tiffany Bae. Thanks also to our coaches Mrs Helen Jarvis and Miss Amy Jarvis.
Evelyn Zhou and Chelsea Shi spoke at the state finals for UN Voice. Both Evelyn and Chelsea have been selected to attend the National finals in April. Congratulations students!
Debating
Debating auditions have now been completed. Teams will be released. Registrations will soon follow.
A Welcome to Debating 2022 will be held for all teams on the afternoon of Wednesday 16 February and the FED and ISDA seasons will be commencing on Friday 18 February. Archdale will commence in May. It has been decided that the first three rounds of both FED and ISDA debating for 2022 will be online. Students will be coming to Pymble to debate with their team from an allocated classroom. Each team will have their coach with them.
Public Speaking Classes and Opportunities
Classes commenced last week. This week classes were able to watch the Rostrum Public Speaking heats. We hope students found this opportunity inspiring. On 16 March, Pymble will be hosting the NSW state heat. Please contact Mrs Hubbard at BHUbbard@pymblelc.nsw.edu,au if you would like to assist by chairing or timing a heat.
Rostrum Public Speaking Competition
Thank you to all students who accepted the challenge to enter Rostrum heats and thank you for your dedication. Unfortunately, only three Juniors and three Seniors can progress. Names will be published next week.
MUN Conference
Students in Years 9 to 12, please see the Portal notice for details of the MUN conference.
The NSW State Conference for 2022 is coming up soon and positions are limited!
Model United Nations (MUN) is a Mock UN conference activity and a great way to develop negotiation, diplomacy and public speaking skills, as well as learn about international law.
It is also a fantastic opportunity to make new friends with students from all over NSW, all with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The conference is a fun way to learn about your global community! All welcome!
The conference will span three days. You will represent a certain country from the United Nations and engage in a series of problem-solving activities and negotiations. The event also includes a brilliant array of workshops and speaker panels.
After two years of COVID-19 restrictions, the Music Department is excited for all music ensembles to return to the rehearsal rooms. Students have the opportunity to participate in a vast array of music ensembles at their individual level of skill and interest. All enquiries should be directed to the Music Office at musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or phone +61 2 9855 7666. Information regarding private music lessons, ensembles and activities can also be found on the College website and in the Music Directory Booklet, which is available from the Music Office. Please come and see us!
Any girl who plays an instrument and would like to be in an ensemble but has not yet been placed in one, please come to the Music Office at lunchtime or before school. All students who learn an orchestral or band instrument at the College are expected to participate in an appropriate ensemble. In addition, all vocal students should also be involved in the School Choir.
We need to continue to follow the guidelines set by the NSW Health regarding COVID-19. As a result, the following protocols will be put in place:
All brass students must bring a cup and rag so they can clean up their condensation throughout the rehearsal.
Secondary string and keyboard players and percussionists will need to wear a mask during rehearsals.
Secondary brass and woodwind players will be able to take their mask off to play their instrument but will then need to put it back on while they are not playing.
Junior School students are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in rehearsals.
As singing is a higher risk activity, all Secondary and Junior School students will be required to wear a mask at their choir rehearsal.
Please note the following rehearsal times. Most ensemble rehearsals commenced this week unless indicated below. If you have any concerns, please contact the relevant ensemble conductor.
Wednesday 7.25am to 8.05am – School Choir, Chapel (Mr Kurt Schweinberger)
Secondary School Orchestras
Monday 6.50am to 8.05am – Senior School String Orchestra, Music Gallery (Mrs Luczia Bain and Mrs Sarah Crawford-Turner)
Thursday 6.50am to 8.05am – Senior School Chamber Strings, Music Gallery (Mrs Narelle Colbey)
Thursday 1.25pm to 2.05pm – Senior School String Quartet (Mrs Luczia Bain)
Friday 6.50am to 8.05am – Senior School Symphony Orchestra, Big Rehearsal Room (Mrs Narelle Colbey and Mr Marcus Stafford)
Secondary School Concert Bands
Monday 6.50am to 8.05am – School Concert Band, Big Rehearsal Room (Mr Ralph Wilcock)
Commencing Week 4: Monday 1.25pm to 2.05pm – Flute Ensemble, Music Room 4
Commencing Week 4: Monday 3.30pm to 4.15pm – Middle School Band Tutorials, Big Rehearsal Room and Percussion Studio (Mr Kurt Schweinberger and Mr Marcus Stafford)
Tuesday 6.50am to 8.05am – Middle School Concert Band, Big Rehearsal Room (Mr Kurt Schweinberger)
Tuesday 3.30pm to 4.30pm – Jazz Ensemble, Big Rehearsal Room (Mr Ralph Wilcock)
Wednesday 6.50am to 8.05am – Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Big Rehearsal Room (Mr Marcus Stafford)
Wednesday 1.25pm to 2.05pm – Clarinet Ensemble, Music Room 5 (Miss Amy Whyte)
Wednesday 1.25pm to 2.05pm – Lower Brass Ensemble, Music Room 6 (Mr Matthew Walmsley)
Thursday 1.25pm to 2.05pm – Rock Bands, Music Room 5 (Mr Ralph Wilcock)
Thursday 3.30pm to 5.00pm – Senior School Stage Band, Big Rehearsal Room (Mr Marcus Stafford)
Junior School Music Years 3 to 6
Strings Orchestras
Monday 3.00pm to 4.15pm – Junior School Brumby String Orchestra, Music Gallery (Mrs Narelle Colbey and Mrs Sarah Crawford-Turner)
Wednesday 7.15am to 8.10am – Hindson Chamber Strings, Music Gallery (Mrs Narelle Colbey)
Commencing Week 6: Wednesday 3.00pm to 4.15pm – Year 3 String Orchestra, Music Gallery (Mrs Narelle Colbey and Mrs Luczia Bain)
Friday 12.45pm to 1.30pm – Junior School String Quartet, Music Gallery (Mrs Narelle Colbey)
Choirs
Tuesday 7.20am to 8.05am – Junior School Choir, Chapel (Mrs Jill King and Ms Ellen Buckley)
Friday 7.15am to 8.05am – Junior Capella (formally known as the Junior School Chamber Choir), Chapel (Mrs Sabina Turner)
Concert Bands
Tuesday 3.00pm to 4.15pm – Stanhope Band, Music Gallery (Mrs Patrice Goodman)
Wednesday 2.30pm to 3.15pm – Years 3 and 4 Training Band Tutorials, Music Building
Wednesday 3.15pm to 4.15pm – Junior School Jazz Band, Big Rehearsal Room (Mrs Patrice Goodman)
Thursday 7.15am to 8.10am – Grainger Band, Big Rehearsal Room (Mrs Jill King)
Commencing Week 4 Thursday 3.00pm to 4.15pm – Years 3 and 4 Band Training Band, Music Gallery (Mrs Jill King, Ms Ellen Buckley and Mr Ralph Wilcock)
Junior School Music Kindergarten to Year 2
Monday 7.30am to 8.00am – Kindergarten to Year 2 Pizzicato Strings, Lower Performing Arts Room (Former Preparatory Performing Arts Room) Mrs Narelle Colbey and Mrs Rhonda Purvis
Tuesday 2.55pm to 3.35pm – Year 1 Violin, Music Room 5 (Mrs Michelle Steele)
Wednesday 2.55pm to 3.35pm – Year 1 Cello, Music Room 3 (Mr Nigel Parry)
Thursday 7.30am to 8.00am – Years 1 to 2 Piccoline Choir, Lower Performing Arts Room (Former Preparatory School Performing Arts Room) Mrs Tiffany Farlow and Mrs Julie Hare
Small ensembles (Piano Trio, String Quartet and Baroque ensembles) will commence later in the term and individual teachers will make contact with the relevant students.
School Choir: Be in it!
The School Choir is open to anyone who likes to sing! No audition is necessary, but please come and see Mr Schweinberger in the Performing Arts Staffroom so that you can be placed in the correct voice part. School Choir rehearses every Wednesday morning at 7.25am to 8.05am. All Elective Music students are expected to attend. Mr Schweinberger is looking forward to seeing you all!
Year 10 Student Awarded her LMusA
Congratulations to Year 10 student Vienna Li who as awarded her LMusA (Violin) at the end of 2021. Vienna is a valued member of the College String program and performs in many ensembles. This is a wonderful achievement for such a young student. Bravo!
Sport and Music Ensemble Rehearsal Clashes
When sport practices and music rehearsals clash, it is the policy set by the Sport and Music Departments that the student attends one weekly sport practice and one weekly music rehearsal. It is imperative that the student notify their sport coach that they are unable to attend that practice due to their music rehearsal, so that they are not penalised for poor attendance. This policy works on the basis that for most sports there are two scheduled practices per week, but for each music ensemble there is only one rehearsal per week. If a student encounters further problems with clashes, they must alert both staff members concerned so that the student is not disadvantaged.
Parents are requested to not sign their daughters up for other activities that clash with scheduled music rehearsals to which their daughter is committed.
New Student Auditions
Any students who are new to the College this year who play an instrument and have not auditioned for or been placed in an ensemble, please email Music Admin at musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Secondary School Instrument Cases and Storerooms
There are three security storerooms in the Music Building for the storage of students’ instruments while they are at school. They are labelled clearly as to which instruments are to be placed in each. Please ensure that instruments are placed neatly and carefully on the shelves and not left in the middle of the floor where they could be damaged or cause harm to someone tripping over them. Instruments must not be left in a classroom or locker. Every girl must ensure that her instrument case is clearly named on the outside.
Junior School Instrument Cases and Storerooms
All Junior School Band instruments are to be stored in the Instrument Storage Room in the Music Gallery (David Blackwell Music School). Cellos are to be placed carefully in the Guitar/Cello storage room at the end of the Music Colonnade. Every girl must ensure that her instrument case is clearly named on the outside.
Private Music Tuition
Information and commitment forms for private music tuition in any instrument, voice, or musicianship are available online and places are still available for all instruments. If you experience difficulties with accessing this information, please contact the IT Department.
Mr Kurt Schweinberger
Head of Co-curricular Music
Junior School Sport
Good luck to Pymble Junior School girls playing in the first round of IPSHA Football, IPSHA Water Polo/Flippa Ball, Year 1 and Year 2 Have a Go @ Saturday Sport (Football) this weekend. Please make sure you have downloaded the IPSHA app prior to the game as it has all the venue information and ground closures in case of wet weather.
IPSHA Sport Representative Teams
Congratulations to Abby Pisani (Year 6), Claudia Wyatt (Year 6) and Alina Shi (Year 6) who were selected to trial for the IPSHA Basketball Representative team last week. Special mention to Abby Pisani (Year 6) who was selected in the IPSHA team and will now trial for the CIS Basketball team.
Good luck to Jaiyi Thong (Year 6), Abigail Martin (Year 6) and Gabrielle Chan (Year 5) who have been selected to trial for the IPSHA Tennis Representative team this Friday 11 February.
IPSHA Swimming Selection Policy
Selection to the Pymble IPSHA Swim team will be based upon ‘official’ times recorded throughout the Long Course Swimming season from September 2021 through to Sunday 13 February 2022. This also includes our IPSHA Swim Trials happening on Friday 11 February. If your daughter(s) would like to be considered, please email Mr Steven at SQu@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au prior to Monday 14 February.
Mr Matt Tyson
Head of Sport K to 6
Snow Sports
Congratulations to Rhiannon Castle (Year 11) who has been selected to represent Australia at the International Biathlon Youth and Junior World Championships in Soldier Hollow Utah in late February and early March. This is a wonderful achievement by Rhiannon and we wish her all the best for great success in Utah.
Miss Skye Halliday
Co-ordinator – Pymble Elite Sportswomen’s Program
Tennis
The Pymble Tennis Academy is excited to be bringing back the Parent Clinic this term every Thursday morning from 8.15am to 9.45am on Mollie Dive Field. The clinic is open to all standards from beginner through to comp level players. It’s a great way to work on your general fitness and tennis skills while in a social environment with other Pymble parents. If you are interested in joining the Parent Clinic, please get in touch with the Tennis Head Coach via email at tcalderwood@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.
Miss Tyra Calderwood
Head Coach – Tennis
From the Futures and Careers Department
Careers Information @ Pymble
Years 11 and 12
Please encourage your daughter to make an appointment with either Mr Kozyra (international and cadetships) or Mrs O’Kelly for domestic applications. Please email for Careers bookings for Mr Kozyra and please use the booking system via the VC Senior School page for Mrs O’Kelly.
Upcoming Careers events / Presentations
University and cadetship presentations
This will start in the next few weeks. Dates will be published on the Portal, emailed to your daughter and placed in the newsletter.
Open Days and Info Sessions
iCanMed | Free UCAT Webinar: How to Solve Section 1, 2 Questions Quickly and Accurately
Open/Closing Dates: 6 December 2021 – 18 February 2022
Rural Bank has a focus on supporting the next generation of leaders in agriculture, by offering financial support in the form of scholarships. We will be seeking first time tertiary students looking to pursue studies in agriculture, agribusiness or related fields and who are committed to the success of Australian agriculture.
Open/Closing Dates: 1 February 2022 – 30 November 2022
Larsen Jewellery recognises the need to support and educate young adults wishing to begin a career in jewellery, design or visual arts; or who wish to further their studies in a jewellery, design or visual arts related course.
Commonwealth Scholarships Program for Young Australians
Value: Up to $13,000 AUD
Open/Closing Dates: 1 February 2022 – 11 March 2022
The Commonwealth Scholarships Program is awarding young Australians up to $13,000, to study a vocational education and training (VET) qualification and complete a paid internship.
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a compulsory test that you may have to sit in order to apply for some degrees in the fields of Medicine or Dentistry. It is designed to help universities select applicants with the appropriate abilities and professional behaviours required to practise successfully as doctors or dentists. It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes, such as interviews and academic qualifications.
Thirteen of the universities in Australia offering Medicine and Dentistry, and two in New Zealand, will require you to sit the UCAT ANZ test as part of your application. So, if you’re thinking of applying to uni in 2023 for a degree in one of those fields, you should check the entry requirements as soon as possible to find out if taking the UCAT ANZ is necessary.
Registrations for concession and access schemes are open now. Bookings opened on 1 March 2021 and close on 17 May 2022. You’ll sit the tests between 1 July and 12 August 2022. Results will be delivered to the universities in early September.
It costs $305 to sit the test ($199 concession fee, but you only have until 10 May to register for concession prices).
Additional information about dates, fees and how to register can be found here.
To find out which universities and courses apply, the eligibility criteria, or simply to find out more, head to the official UCAT ANZ website.
From Out of School Hours Care
Jumping right back into the swing of things, this week can you please ensure your travel arrangements/co-curricular are up-to-date with the Junior School and OSHC Admin.
New Families
Pymble Ladies’ College OSHC provides quality care for children from Kindergarten to Year 6 in the Junior School campus next to the John Reid Building. Our highly-qualified educators provide an exciting play-based curriculum that adheres to the National Quality Standards and encompasses the My Time, Our Place – Framework for School Age Care in Australia. We manage our programs in accordance with National and NSW laws and regulations.
Before School Care – 7.00am to 8.00am (during school term)
After School Care – End of the school day until 6.30pm (during school term)
For more information on how to book a place, please click here, contact us via email at oshcadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au, or phone (11.00am to 6.30pm) +61 2 9855 7741.
Miss Lexi Ibbotson
Assistant Co-ordinator/Educational Leader
ySafe Cyber Safety Event
On Wednesday 9 March Pymble is hosting an important and engaging online education session for Years 7 to 10 parents and carers. The session will be co-presented with ySafe, Australia’s leading provider of cyber safety education.
This practical, strategy-rich session will cover the important points that families need to know about online safety; covering key information about social media and gaming, screen time recommendations, and step-by-step instructions on how to set up a cyber-safe home.
Please register for this event by following the link provided. This is an important school event that we recommend all parents and carers of Years 7 to 10 students attend.
From the Director of Community Engagement and Advancement
Pymble Events are back!
After a disrupted two years due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are very much looking forward to bringing our Pymble family together (in person) on many more occasions in 2022. In order to do this, we will continue to follow NSW Health and Department of Education guidelines to ensure that our community events are held in a COVID-safe way.
While we understand that it is inevitable that there will be COVID cases in our community, we will endeavour to proceed with our events for as long as the case numbers amongst staff and students remain low. As such, we will be rescheduling the events which were postponed this month, we know how important events are to our girls’ journey at Pymble, as well as you, their parents and carers.
We have plenty of events planned for Terms 1 and 2, and while dates are subject to change, we are excited to be filling our calendars with campus activities once more. Please click here to view the events calendar.
Meanwhile, thank you to everyone who attended our Pymble Parent Association (PPA) Semester 1 Meeting online on 7 February. What a great turnout – and so much enthusiasm for the new year! If you were unable to attend and would like to view a recording of the meeting, please click here.
Alumni Mentoring Cocktail Party – Save the Date
We are thrilled to again host our Mentoring Cocktail Party, designed exclusively for Pymble alumni, aged 18 to 30 years. This is an opportunity to gain invaluable connections with senior leaders from a wide range of industries and backgrounds as well as other Pymble graduates and community members who could help to advance your career.
Please see the event details below:
Event: Alumni Mentoring Cocktail Party 2022
Date: Thursday 26 May 2022
Time: 5.00pm to 7.30pm (TBC)
Location: KPMG, Barangaroo
Stay tuned for more information about this event for our Pymble alumni. For a highlights video of our first mentoring event in 2019 please click here.
Mrs Kelly Mancey
Director – Community Engagement & Advancement
Pymble Business Directory
Pymble Business Directory – Now Live
The College is pleased to announce the Pymble Business Directory to current families. The Pymble Business Directory will allow Pymble families to advertise your business or service to our Pymble family.
Businesses who have registered can now be found on the Pymble website here.
To list your business, please complete the attached form.
With your support, we hope the Pymble Business Directory will grow to become a valuable resource to our Pymble families.
PymConnect
PymConnect is our online mentoring platform, designed to link our Pymble alumni, parents and carers to facilitate mentoring opportunities that help create a culture of shared learning, and enhance personal and professional growth.
Since the launch of PymConnect last year we have received an enthusiastic response from our community. We currently have 177 mentors and 159 mentees making connections and building a sense of belonging.
The past 18 months have been extraordinary with lockdowns and restrictions impacting the lives of everyone – including our current Year 12 students. As they prepare to complete their HSC studies and embark on their next life journey, this is a time where connections and support are important. In preparation for our newest graduates joining PymConnect, we would like to invite you to participate in this program as a mentor.
A special thanks to those of you who have signed up to join the program following our last invitation.
To express your interest or to ask us a question, please feel free to reach out to us at pymconnect@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or call Mrs Katrina Corcoran on +61 2 9855 7304.
Elizabeth Toh, Aimee Birch, Stephanie Pickford and Kai Jones
Welcome to 2022! We hope all families had a wonderful holiday break and your girls have settled nicely back into Pymble over the past two weeks. A very special welcome to all the new families joining us this year.
This is an exciting year for the JSPG as we now have the opportunity to host functions across our entire Junior School community, from Kindergarten to Year 6. We are particularly focused on making connections both within and across year groups, given what has been a challenging environment over the last two years. We are very hopeful that this year we can return to holding many wonderful events for your girls and your families.
As this is an evolving situation please check the newsletter each week for updates on JSPG events and activities.
Important dates in Term 1
JSPG Term 1 Meeting
Thursday 24 February
JSPG Pedal Your Own Smoothie
Wednesday 16 March
PPA New Parents’ High Tea
Friday 18 March
JSPG Parent Morning Tea (K to 3)
Tuesday 22March
JSPG Parent Morning Tea (Years 4 to 6)
Wednesday 23 March
PPA Icebreaker
Friday 1 April
JSPG Decorate a Cookie Fundraiser
Thursday 7 April
Further details on these events will be distributed shortly.
Please note that our next event, the JSPG Term 1 meeting, is open to all parents and is a great source of information on our Junior School. The meetings are attended by Mrs Brown, Head of Junior School, and feature guest speakers on key areas of interest to the Junior School. We will provide more details shortly about whether this meeting will be held on Zoom or in our usual venue in the Junior School Library.
We are currently looking for class parent volunteers for each year group and are in the process of setting up our WhatsApp communication groups for each class. If you are interested in becoming a class parent, or have any other queries, please contact your year co-ordinator or one of us.
Looking forward to a fantastic year ahead.
From the SSPG
Middle School
Carol Bai, Shiva Rich, Malini Srivastava and Sunny Hres
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to all new and existing families to an exciting year in the Middle School.
We will inform you of any upcoming events and activities through the school newsletter. Please note that parent events at the school have been postponed until March.
SSPG Meeting (online)
21 February
Middle School Parent Evening
24 February
SSPG Parent Breakfast
8 March
SSPG New Parents’ High Tea
18 March
From our Year 7 Co-ordinators
A very warm welcome to Year 7. Hope your girls have had a great start to the new school year. Carol Bai and myself (Shiva Rich) have volunteered as Year 7 Co-ordinators. We hope that many of the school events will be able to go ahead this year. Our role is to keep you informed of upcoming events and any opportunities for you to volunteer in order to have a supportive and engaged school community.
Another mode of communication is our Facebook group, ‘Pymble Ladies College Parents Class of 2027’. This is a private and closed group. Please let us know your daughter’s name when you request to join the group. We will then check the name on the Year Group List and approve your request to join the Facebook group. We have also set up a Year 7 WhatsApp group. If you haven’t already joined that group and would like to join please let us know and we can add you to the group.
A number of parents have expressed an interest to have a catch-up this month.
Year 7 Coffee morning
Thursday 17 February at 10.00am
Turramurra Memorial Park, Eastern Rd Turramurra
This will be a great opportunity for new parents to come along and make connections with other parents. Please feel free to bring along a plate to share. We also request that you perform a RAT test on yourself prior to attending so that we can relax and chat knowing that we are keeping each other and our families safe.
Please feel free to contact Carol (+61 450 855 866 or carol_baiguo@hotmail.com) or Shiva (+61 414 322 874 or shivarich@icloud.com) if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing many of you at the coffee morning catch-up.
From our Year 8 Co-ordinator
Hope the girls have had an exciting start to the school year! For new families joining Year 8, you are invited to join our Facebook group ‘PymbleLC Parents Class of 2026’ for general communication. It is a closed group; therefore, you will need to put in a request providing your daughter’s name to join.
Year 8 Coffee Morning
Friday, 25 March after school drop-off at 8.20am
Brick Lane Espresso
Philip Mall, Kendall Street, Pymble
Contact Sunny with any questions via +61 424 878 781 or email sunny.hres@gmail.com.
Congratulations to our Class of 2021
Congratulations to our Class of 2021 provides an overview of the outstanding efforts of our students, as well as some personal stories of achievement and their future learning destinations.
We wish to congratulate and acknowledge our 2021 graduates for the completion of their personalised education at Pymble and for their exceptional HSC results.
Pymbulletin
Pymbulletin is our magazine-style publication covering student, staff and College news, initiatives, events and achievements.
The Ex-Students’ section of Pymbulletin reports on the achievements of Pymble alumni, news items and engagements, weddings, births and vale notices.
Illuminate
This journal shines the light on Pymble people as designers and innovators of education, and the creative, connected and engaged practice in our community of learners.
The articles will take readers into classrooms from Kindergarten in the Preparatory School to Year 12 in the Senior School, from Drama to Science to the Library. We invite you to enjoy this insight into the depth and diversity of innovation in our learning environments and our commitment to sustainable capacity building.
Mrs Julie Shaw
Reverend Lorenzo Rodriguez Torres
Mrs Natasha Stanfield
Mr Jake Plaskett
Dr Sarah Loch
Mrs Kate Brown
Mrs Sarah Budd
Mrs Lora Lim
Mr Tom Riley
Mrs Michelle Hunt
In Directions this week, students have learned how to cope with uncertainty, with many of us 
Ms Dylan Beaumont
Mrs Karen Michie
Mrs Cara Foley
Mr Michael Stern
Mr Andrew Heggie
Ms Theresa Mimmo
Mrs Carolyn Burgess
Mrs Katie White
Mrs Sabina Turner
Mr Dan Brown
Mrs Katie Edwards
Miss Katrina Cluff
Ms Tamara Sweetman
Mrs Bronwyn Hubbard
Mr Kurt Schweinberger
Mr Matt Tyson
Miss Skye Halliday
Miss Lexi Ibbotson
Mrs Kelly Mancey
