From the Principal

“In this quiet moment

I give myself

permission to acknowledge my progress;

to focus less on the distance

I’ve still left to go,

and more on the mighty distance

I’ve come.”
Quiet Moment, by Beau Taplin

Look at these smiling faces! Well done to our Year 12 students who began their HSC Trials yesterday, starting with English examinations. Our Class of 2021 will go down in history as incredibly resilient young people who have risen above challenge and demonstrated grace under fire. Congratulations, we are so proud of you.

As we entered this week feeling, frankly, a little ‘duck like’ – you know, graceful on the surface but peddling like mad under the water – I felt compelled to share the lovely poem above, Quiet Moment, with our staff.

Let’s face it, we are a high-performing community built of hard-working staff, students and parents who all value an excellent education and the power it has to transform lives. We have come a great distance since the College penned its first COVID-19 letter to families back in January 2020. Staff have refined their online skills, parents have become supreme jugglers and, at times, supreme ‘shushers’ (it’s a word, okay!) as they manage their own commitments in amongst the frivolity and laughter that comes from learning online at Pymble, and our students have dedicated themselves to showing up as the best possible versions of themselves to engage in every opportunity offered.

I’m so proud of you all – please, let’s take just a moment to focus less on the distance we have to go, and more on the distance we have come.

It’s always risky to start a list of who to thank in this Newsletter, particularly in a school like Pymble. Some of us, by the nature of our roles, take centre stage, while others toil away, often unnoticed, doing what must be done for an outcome to be achieved. It’s been a big couple of weeks for Team Pymble as many, many staff members toiled into the nights and weekends to ensure everything was in place for our Year 12 Trial examinations to begin online yesterday. THANK YOU to those seen and unseen for making this happen. THANK YOU to our Year 12 students and families for your grace under fire. Thank you to our Director of Student Learning (11-12), Natasha Stanfield, and our Deputy Principal – Academics, Justin Raymond, for working day and night and over many weekends to support our students and staff.

To give you an insight into what our HSC Trials model looks like, we are working with an external company who are providing online, professional invigilators to supervise our Year 12 girls on a 1:10 ratio. The girls will have their screens on from the beginning to the end of each exam to enable this face-to-face supervision, in addition to filming themselves using a second device positioned behind where they are sitting to capture their screens and the process of handwriting their answers. Any potential infractions noticed by the invigilators will be logged and checked against this recording, just as they would be reported and investigated by an invigilator supervising exams held on campus. To be able to sit handwritten HSC Trials remotely is a blessing indeed and provides our students with the best possible preparation for the final handwritten HSC examinations.

Year 12, you have come so far in your Senior School journey, and I know you will look back and marvel at the unprecedented challenges you overcame to go on and change the world in your own, unique way. Best wishes as you complete your remaining exams over the next two weeks.

Tokyo games are over but our Pymlympics continue!

Community connections are critical during times when we remain distanced from one another. It was pure joy to drop into the filming of our Junior School Pymlympics Opening Ceremony which was held virtually yesterday morning – even Archie joined in on the festivities, leading the ‘parade’ with Mrs Brown!

Our whole school Pymlympics will now extend beyond the duration of the Tokyo Olympics into the second half of Term 3, with our next major event a Family Trivia Night on Friday 20 August at 5.00pm. Please click here to join us for the fun and games.

Long weekend – no Pymble Online on Friday 13 and Monday 16 August

In taking stock of all you have accomplished as a student, in your workplace and in your homes, please enjoy the upcoming Pymble long weekend – you’ve earnt it. Our Year 12 examination timetable will continue to run on Friday 13 and Monday 16 August but, other than staff who are working to support our students during this time, I have asked all staff to take the weekend off their technology, including emails. Thank you in advance for supporting this as we allow our team, girls and families an opportunity to rest and recover, ready for the second half of Term 3.

Stay safe, stay well, stay home – and take a quiet moment to celebrate the mighty distance you have come.

Dr Kate Hadwen 

Principal

From the Chaplains

This week in our Chapel services we have been speaking about meditation. The idea of learning to stop and be still, to let go of concerns, thoughts and all those things in our heads which demand so much of our mental time, and not always in a helpful way.

Every spiritual tradition has the practice of stillness/meditation. A practice that invites us to learn to be still, to do this without judgement of the self, it is a practice of self-acceptance. A practice which acknowledges those thoughts/concerns that consume us and for a moment, learn to say no to them and yes to us. Yes to breathing and stopping, to accepting where we are now at this moment. Breath entering and leaving our bodies, bringing attention to our bodies in the here and now.

Meditation like spirituality is not about rising above life and our world, rather it is about learning to be still within life and within ourselves. Whilst we are currently in lockdown, the idea of stopping and being still may seem unhelpful, but perhaps more than ever we need this time. A time to let go of our screens, to let go of our concerns, to let go of our fears and frustrations, and to simply be in this moment. To be still with ourselves and the Divine One.

My prayer, God, is that you would enable us to practise or explore stillness – that we might learn to be still and practise self-acceptance and self-love. Be with us all!

We pray especially for our Year 12 students as they have started their trials; bless them and be with them. May they trust in their abilities, trust in their hard work and not sweat the small things. Bless and protect them we pray.

Blessings in Christ

Rev Lorenzo

Reverend Lorenzo Rodriguez Torres

College Chaplain

From the Deputy Principal – Students (K-12)

Mind Body Spirit tip of the week – dealing with stress and uncertainty

As our lockdown and all the uncertainty around it continues, it is understandable that students of all ages may be feeling frustrated, stressed or overwhelmed at times. 

In the lead-up to this week’s HSC Trial examinations for our Year 12 girls, I put together a few tips and strategies, which you might also like to share with your daughter to help her feel a little more grounded or centred during these uncertain times.  

Use your senses to help calm your mind 

• SMELL: place something pleasant to smell, like a diffuser, candle or fresh flowers, in your room or workspace. When you enter the room or sit down at your desk, take a moment to breathe in the scent. 
• TASTE: make a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Take time to appreciate the warmth of the cup held in your hands, breathe in the smell, and finally notice the taste when you take a sip. Try different flavours to increase the effect. 
• SOUND: make your own family playlist on a music app of your choice. Think of each person when their favourite tunes are played. You might even include a classical piece or a punk song for variety. 
• TOUCH: give yourself the gift of a good night’s sleep, using all of these tools to help you unwind at the end of the day and wrapping yourself in comfort – your favourite PJs, hoodie, oversized Oodie, fluffy blanket or doona. 

Retrain your breathing 

• Our body’s response to stress is governed by our sympathetic nervous system, which we also refer to as our “fight or flight” response. Retraining our breathing can help settle this system and allow us to feel calmer and more focused again. 

• A simple way to try this is to sit comfortably and then breathe in for four seconds through our nose, hold it for two seconds, then exhale for six seconds. 
• When you are breathing, remember to use a stomach breathing style rather than a chest breathing style. You can check this by placing one hand on your stomach and one hand on your chest. Only the hand on your stomach should rise when you breathe in. 

I also stumbled across a fantastic resource for families from Education Queensland. Please click on this link https://education.qld.gov.au/curriculums/learningfromhome/wellbeing-activities-booklet.pdf to discover more ideas to help get the whole family on track to a more positive mindset. The yoga description is particularly useful! 

Finally, please remember that, even though we are off-campus and working online, we are still here for you and your daughter. If you are concerned about your daughter, please get in touch with me, her Head of Year, Deputy Head of School or Head of School. If your daughter needs to speak with one of our College psychologists, we can facilitate this for her.  

I hope the mid-term break allows you and your daughter to enjoy some downtime together as a family. 

Ms Lamia Rockwell

Deputy Principal – Students (K-12)

From the Director of Student Learning (11-12)

Exams online – Year 12 are champions

Days 1 and 2 of Trial examinations are done and the students were awesome! The Janison invigilators are so impressed by their polite manners, resilience and ability to adapt to online exams in such a short period of time. Thank you to the parents and families for helping your daughters to be set up and ready to go and for being that calm voice when students get a bit anxious which is very normal.

We are immensely fortunate to have a fabulous Curriculum, Senior School and IT team to support these online exams. I am sure you can appreciate the long hours everyone is putting in to ensure these valuable learning experiences can take place.

Even though we had two practice events, there were a few students with unforeseen issues on the first day. All students were contacted by phone and we met with the invigilators to resolve these issues for the next exam.

Please read the points below to ensure a smooth exam experience moving forward.

• Make sure students have the latest versions of Canvas student and Microsoft Teams apps installed and are signed into Canvas and Teams with their Pymble email (not Gmail account)
• Unmute the chat function in Teams on the laptop.
• Don’t be late! Log in and join your exam 30 minutes before the start time.
• Number pages of writing paper clearly at the top and put the student number on every page in advance – tonight.
• Start each section/question on a new writing page to make sure the question number is written clearly. Write single-sided.
• Use the SCAN button in the Canvas app, not the camera if possible, (the writing is clearer) and hold the camera horizontally above the page.

Congratulations to all our conscientious Year 12 students and very best wishes for the rest of your exams.

Year 11

It was wonderful to be able to give a shout-out to the girls who were nominated by their teachers as being exceptionally engaged in learning online. Keep up the motivation as not long now until your exams.

The Year 11 students are following in the footsteps of Year 12 and will complete their exams online too. They will be:

• In Week 8 and 9 of Term 3 – click here for the exam timetable.
• Supervised online by Pymble teachers over Microsoft Teams using their laptop and a second device – phone or tablet.
• Open book – this means that students can bring a double sided A4 ‘cheat sheet’ to each exam but will not be able to access resources on their screen.

I spoke to Year 11 today in assembly about how their exams will be organised, click here for the link to the presentation.

Students can start to get ready by downloading the ‘Microsoft Teams’ and ‘Canvas – Student’ apps to their phone or tablet.

I will email students and parents with more comprehensive details and FAQs shortly plus the girls will have the opportunity for some practice tests in their classes.

Mrs Natasha Stanfield

Director of Student Learning 11-12

From the Director of Student Learning (7-10)

Mr Jake Plaskett

Director of Student Learning Years 7-10

Essential Workers

Introducing the Pymble Institute

I’m very excited to start sharing some of the initiatives of the Pymble Institute, the College’s new home of research, innovation and professional learning. Plans to launch the Pymble Institute a few weeks ago understandably shifted, and we have set a new date for 7 October, but in the meantime, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Pymble Institute through some of our initiatives.

It has been inspiring to lead a great team of staff and students who have been working hard on shaping the message of the Pymble Institute: what we are and what we do. Under the vision of Driving our Thinking, we have developed the following mission statement:

The Pymble Institute amplifies our capacity to make a positive impact in the lives of girls and women. We are driven by a commitment to building our own skills in research, innovation and education. What we learn is shared in ways that inspire others to drive their own thinking forward and to find new ways of doing.

In the following items, I am proud to share stories from the area of student-initiated research as students share insights into their research processes and outcomes. I look forward to giving further information about the growing work of the Pymble Institute in the near future.

Junior Journal Club by Charlotte Hartin and Lucy Clark (Year 10)

This new club started in Term 3 and encourages students to read and discuss academic journal articles and to understand the publication process behind academic research.

The world of academia is one of fascination. It has the ability to captivate the interest of a diverse audience. After the parameters are understood, research can enable one to appreciate the many facets of the world around us. Academia is often viewed as secluded and ‘elite’, however it is important to spread the ideas and opinions from research throughout society. Throughout last year, we had the opportunity to interview Professor Mockler. This enabled us to understand the thought process of a journal editor, in terms of selecting articles and compiling information.

Through the process of interviewing Professor Mockler, we furthered our understanding of the academic world. We recognised its importance within the community. This experience inspired us to launch the Junior Journal Club to enable academia to reach a wider audience, specifically within the younger generation. At the launch of the club, Dr Hadwen shared her personal experience and knowledge of academia to motivate the girls. The club aims to educate the student community and encourage the idea that academia is not as daunting as it may seem. The club is largely discussion-based, enabling members to convey their thoughts whilst learning new information. We aim to keep it interesting, so we are currently exploring a paper regarding the likelihood of unicorns alongside the use of an abstract within journal articles. 

If you would like to join Junior Journal Club, please contact us or Mrs Tarrant for more information.

Read Lucy and Charlotte’s interview with Associate Professor Nicole Mockler in Illuminate, Edition 5.

The student research journal – Perspective. Submissions now open. By Hana Kassam and Victoria Graves, Pymble Institute Service Prefects (Year 12)

Students across the College are invited to submit research articles for the student research journal, Perspective. The inaugural edition launched at the start of 2021 with a collection of essays from our Year 12 Extension English, Science and History courses. We hope to broaden the submissions to include papers or other research works from students in other year groups and covering a broader range of areas and styles of research.

Ideas include:

• Papers written for other courses
• Literature reviews
• Original research
• Non-tradition research forms e.g. audio, video, digital
• Interviews, Q&As

The Pymble Institute Service Prefects, Hana Kassam and Victoria Graves can assist with more information. Students are also welcome to contact Dr Sarah Loch with research ideas and for support for writing. Email submissions to pymbleinstitute@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au by week 3 of Term 4.

What are students researching? The Lunchline/Young Entrepreneurs Society project

Jessie Xie, Sasha Wong, Christy Xue, Celine Hu and Maya Hu (Year 10) are members of the College’s Young Entrepreneurs Society. The team have been developing the concept for a new product to improve students’ experiences of ordering food through a canteen. This is a theoretical design to help students gain skills in all stages of the entrepreneurial thinking cycle, but it may one day come to fruition.

The group conducted research based on student experiences of food services which are based on our previous canteen provider. We’re looking forward to being back on campus and getting to know the exciting new options our new provider will have available and we are certain students will be watching with great interest.

The Lunchline team have prepared the following written and visual reports as a way of communicating their findings

Over our years at Pymble, we’ve experienced the inconveniences of our current lunch-lines and canteens, from long waits to running out of food to other forms of troubles that are taking up the valuable recess/lunchtimes of our fellow students. 

For the Young Entrepreneur Society, our group has decided to establish a project aimed at improving the convenience and efficiency of school lunchtime services, starting from Pymble. 

Our initiative Lunchline is a food ordering online platform and provider for school canteens. We hold partnerships with schools for the convenience of lunchtime services through our ordering application and forthcoming lunch catering machinery. We aim to improve the quality and efficiency of school lunch ordering and receiving services for all students. Additionally, it is our duty to enhance the health and safety of our fellow peers while receiving food. Please refer to the infographic for more information and statistics. 

In order to improve our initiative, we need your help. For students, we would love for more feedback about the current lunchtime services at Pymble, so feel free to complete this very quick survey to express your opinions. 

Thank you for your support.  

Lunchline – Celine, Christy, Jessie, Maya, Sasha

Dr Sarah Loch

Director of Research and Development

From the Preparatory School

From our Head of Preparatory School

Reflecting on what brings joy and happiness is a little different than it was perhaps two years ago. Some things will remain constant over time but other things, perhaps previously taken for granted, take a more valued position. Last week, in both the newsletter and to the girls in Assembly, I mentioned a favourite book that inspires me. In particular, my attention was drawn to an activity to create a case or box of small things. 

This week, my box of small things is about looking at small celebrations of joy and happiness. Things that may seem insignificant on their own but can collectively impact your emotions and view of the world. While in this reflective moment, I remembered with great joy a small gift I once received from a class of Year 1 girls. This gift was a simple recycled jam jar full of small, written memories of the girls. They had labelled it Mrs Ahearn’s Happy Jar! Yes, it had notes about fractions, solving problems and a great deal of Mathematics learnings undertaken together, but it was also full of other shared memories and experiences. It certainly was and continues to be a precious Happy Jar! 

If I was to personally create a Happy Jar this week for each girl, there would be much that could be added. While some additions for individual girls would be needed, there would also be many commonalities. 

• Seeing my friends and teacher at morning check in
• Choosing my mindfulness activity that I really loved!
• Sharing my artwork with my class and feeling proud
• Listening to the recording of my teacher after she had watched my dance in Performing Arts
• Talking with my teacher; she called me on my iPad and it was just me!
• Talking with my friends in break out rooms
• Doing my PE lesson and recording it (in the family room)!

Beyond the school day there is so much more that could be added to each girl’s jar. As our Year 2 SRC Leaders identify below, things such as: 

• Playing tennis with my brother
• Trampolining and ping pong
• Going for a bike ride with family
• Building Lego
• Playing in the backyard
• Taking time to relax!

By filling a Happy Jar of small activities and memories, what you being to see is an abundance of joy and happiness. A tactile piece of evidence that connection and joy is very present in the world of our girls. 

Some small pieces of small joys this week from the Prep Happy Jar! 

Take care and know that we are journeying together with the knowledge that your daughters are achieving great things!   

Mrs Karen Ahearn

Head of Preparatory School

From our Year 2 Co-ordinator

Despite some very tired faces at the end of each day, the girls continue to work with determination, focus and engagement. This week we have been reminding the girls of the importance of break time and time away from their iPad for both physical and mental wellbeing. We encourage you to talk to your daughter about this at home and support her to turn her iPad off at the end of the day and take a well-deserved break. 

In Science, the girls undertook a STEM challenge to design and make a bridge made from paper. The bridge could be made using only paper, glue and sticky tape and needed to be able to hold the weight equivalent to a toy car. As you can see from the designs and models, our girls will definitely have the capabilities to be the engineers of the future!

It has been wonderful to see the Year 2 Leaders continue to share their voice and encourage the girls in the Preparatory School to be kind, read books, do physical activity and have a go in the Pymlympics! 

From our Year 2 Communication Leaders  

Christina Yang, Pipi Chen, Loriah Zhang and Lakey Boyes 

We are going to share some of our thoughts about online learning, our favourite things and what we are doing to be kind to ourselves: 

“My favourite subjects when learning online are Maths, Art, PE and Performing Arts. When it is break time, I like to go outside in my backyard to play and after school my favourite thing to do is go bike riding with my family.” – Loriah  

“My favourite subjects learning online are Art and Maths as they are fun. After school I like to play tennis and cycle with my brother which is lots of fun.” – Pipi 

“At home during online learning I still find so many fun things to do! I like to play on my trampoline, play ping pong, draw and build Lego. I also like to do ballet and dance. I have really enjoyed watching the Olympics at night with my family too as when I grow up I want to be an athlete and compete in the Olympics too.” – Christina 

“The thing I love best about online learning is you get more time to relax but one thing I wish I could do whilst learning at home is have my friends with me.” – Lakey 

From our Year 2 Library Leaders  

Isla Lu, Angelina Yang, Elaine Wang, Julie Kang, Afra Sarchami, Candice Li, Lola Yang and Kate Bi 

While we are at home, we have been rediscovering some of our favourite books. Here are some we think you should read too! 

Thea Stilton and the Cherry Blossom Adventure – Julie  

Dragon Keeper – Elaine 

Weirdo series – Candice 

Ivy and Bean – Angelina 

Ella Diaries – Kate  

Cat Kid Comics – Lola 

From our Year 2 Library Leaders  

Carolyn Sang, Emily Pu, Stephanie Zhao, Evelyn Lu, Vanessa Lee, Alicia Miao, Mikayla Ho and Nouvelle Nicholson 

We have been working hard to spread kindness and positivity throughout the Preparatory School. One of the ideas was to create a sense of fun by having a theme day. The first suggested theme day from our SRC girls is Rainbows and Sparkles. We encourage everyone to wear something bright and sparkly (anything you have at home already, like a hair accessory, scarf or hat) on Friday 20 August to spread some sparkle throughout the Preparatory School online! 

Mrs Kate Giles

Year 2 Co-ordinator

From our Deputy Head of Preparatory School

As we head into a much appreciated and needed mid-term break, it is a timely reminder to recognise that our emotional wellbeing at this challenging time is paramount. We know our days can be a roller coaster of emotions, perhaps even more so as we juggle working from home and the commitment of learning online. It would be unusual not to have days where we just want to start over!  

All the teachers have been including opportunities for your daughter to take a breath. In Kindergarten, bunny breaths, in PE, a pause for some mindfulness. In Year 1 the girls have continued to build skills recognising their feelings on the ‘mood meter’, utilising the Kimochi feelings and music to engage with. In Year 2 the girls have been reminded of the importance of positive self-talk, and how important it is to be kind to ourselves, each other, and the earth.  

I think this message extends also to you as parents. Not every day will be perfect, and that’s okay. Look forwards and know that the sun will come up tomorrow! What’s important is knowing when to pause, get some fresh air or do something that presses the reset button for you. Our wonderful Kindergarten to Year 6 psychologist has some wise words on coping with the rough days. Take care and enjoy the mid-term break. 

Mrs Tracey Frater

Deputy Head of Preparatory School

From our k-6 Psychologist

Being at home for an extended period of time can cause added stress and conflict for us all. We know that many families are continuing to juggle work, school and family commitments simultaneously which can understandably take a toll on one’s mental health and wellbeing. 

The restrictions associated with the Coronavirus outbreak and our sudden need to adjust to a different, (rather strange) way of doing life can be very difficult for children to understand. However, children are not always able to articulate their feelings and frustrations and so, it is not uncommon for parents to see a change in their child’s behaviour including increased meltdowns, crying, clinginess, defiance, lack of focus or even changes in sleep and appetite. Know that this is a normal response in children as they are trying to process changes in their world around them. Also know that this is temporary and should pass once they are able to return to their usual routines. Most importantly, know that you are doing the best you can and it’s especially important to be kind to ourselves and each other during such times. 

Below is a link with tips and ideas on ways that might help you maintain family wellbeing during lockdown.  

https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/coronavirus-covid-19-guide/coronavirus-physical-distancing-and-family-wellbeing

Mrs Frieda Stemp

K-6 Psychologist

From our Teacher Librarian

BOOK CHARACTER DRESS UP – Who will you be?  

Who is your favourite character in the world of stories and imagination? As we celebrate Children’s Book Week on Friday 27 August, we encourage girls to dress up as their favourite book character; parents and brothers and sisters may also like to join in the excitement! So have some fun for the day and dress up as your favourite book character and post a picture to the Book Character Dress Up Padlet! We can’t wait to see who you choose to be for the day. 

SPECIAL EVENTS: Author and illustrator online presentations! 

Kindergarten and Year 1 will meet Aura Parker in an online presentation. Aura’s books include Cocoon, Goodnight Glow Worms, Meerkat Splash, Twig and The Silly Seabed Song. During the interactive presentation, Aura will share her stories and behind the scenes knowledge of working as a children’s book author and illustrator. Girls will be guided in a drawing activity by Aura.  

Signed books by Aura Parker can be purchased from The Children’s Book Shop (add link to Aura Parker form) 

Year 2 will meet the illustrator Tannya Harricks in an online presentation. Tannya is an artist and children’s book illustrator. Her books include Dingo and Kookaburra by Claire Saxby and Mallee Sky by Jodi Toering. Each Year 2 class will join a session with Tannya who will share insight into being a children’s book illustrator and the processes and techniques required to illustrate a book. Girls will also be guided in an art exercise. 

Signed books by Tannya Harricks can be purchased from The Children’s Book Shop (add link to Tannya Harricks form) 

Session times and links for the Book Character Dress Up Padlet and Presentations will be provided closer to the day. 

Read by Us! Stories for Prep by Years 9 and 10  

Girls in Years 9 and 10 have been joining together online to read and share stories for the Preparatory School. You can view the stories on this Padlet.  

Click here to listen 

Online resources available from the Preparatory Library  

Have you visited the Preparatory Library App? The App provides access to a range of online resources including World Book, Britannica, BrainPOP, Story Box Library, and links to a small selection of suitable websites.   

Prep Online Learning Resources

This video briefly overviews how to search World Book Kids, World Book eBooks, Britannica School and DK Findout! All of the online resources are available to the girls via the Preparatory Library App.  

Mrs Josephine Laretive

Preparatory School Teacher Librarian

Notices

Pymlympic Games: Mind, Body and Spirit

Although the Tokyo Olympics have come to an end, the Pymble Olympic fever continues! Our girls are continuing to engage in our Kindergarten to Year 6 Pymlympic Games, with our Year 2 House Leaders, promoting House spirit each week in Assembly.  

The challenges are not compulsory but a way of providing the girls with an avenue to engage, create and have fun while take part in healthy House competition. Girls are now familiar with Padlet and are exploring activities that capture their excitement and interest as they upload their photos to their House padlet to accumulate House points.   

Click this link to access the challenges for Kindergarten to Year 6 students.  

Correspondence to the Preparatory School

Please note that all correspondence to the Preparatory School Office should be via prepschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or by phone on + 61 2 9855 7720.  

A friendly reminder from our Healthcare Team

If your daughter has a Critical or Medical Alert plan, these need to be updated every 12 months with your GP and forwarded to the College. This includes, but is not limited to, medical plans for asthma, anaphylaxis and allergies. We appreciate the challenges of organising a consult with a GP during lockdown, but please know that you can also arrange a telehealth appointment to have your daughter’s plan updated. It is vital that we have a copy of the plan in Healthcare so we are aware of how to manage your daughter’s condition if an incident occurs on campus, or when she attends an excursion or camp. Before any camps or excursions, you are asked to fill in a permission form and a medical form. Please remember that students are not permitted to attend camps or excursions until these forms are completed. Please contact healthcarecentre@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you have questions regarding these plans. We are more than happy to help.

Essential Workers

Assistance for parents: scheduling Do Not Disturb times on your daughter’s College iPad

During learning discussions, a few parents identified concerns regarding social calls and chat groups to their daughters during family time. Can I encourage parents to feel confident to remove their daughter’s device after school hours to an ’iPad sleeping space’ as part of the daily routine. This could be to a space which is set up for ’sleeping’ iPads and for overnight charging. The girls may enjoy selecting this space with you.   

Alternatively, our Digital Learning Team has provided the following instructions for parents to assist with scheduling Do Not Disturb times on the girls’ school devices. We hope this is of assistance.   

Tips for managing iPads at home 

Enabling ‘Do Not Disturb’ on the iPad 

Online Lesson Recording Agreement – Students

Parents are reminded that if they have not done so, please read through with your daughter the Online Lesson Recording Agreement – Students as she continues to work online. Please remember to submit once completed.  Please click here to access this document.    

While working online: uniform and other information

While working at home, girls will be expected to wear their PE uniform or school jumper when online. However, there are some exciting days planned in coming weeks such as Book Character Dress Up on Friday 27 August. There are also occasions when year groups and our Year 2 SRC Leaders have identified special days to add some sparkle! 

Please continue to notify the Preparatory School Office if your daughter is unwell and unable to attend her classes online.   

Contact details

A reminder to keep your contact details up to date. For any changes, please use MyPymble Change of Details link. 

Co-curricular information

Co-curricular activities 

Students who are currently enrolled in Co-curricular activities for Term 3 will receive emails from the CCSA team providing links to online activities. Parents are asked to please check their email on a regular basis as new links will be sent ahead of each scheduled activity.   

Jack and Jules Fitness sessions

Click this link to join this activity as part of the Pymlympics Challenge. Each student can collect ten House points for every session they participate in!  

From the Junior School

From our Head of Junior School

As we head into a mid-term break, we are asking the girls to give themselves space to ‘stop and breathe’ offline. This has been a busy start to our term and with the current need for learning online continuing for the next few weeks, we are keen to ensure our girls are able to continue to enjoy the laughter, the mindfulness, the joy in the simplest things and the sense of hope that play naturally enables.

This week we celebrated the Olympics with our Pymble Pentathlon. The girls were outstanding with their sense of House spirit, enthusiasm and creativity as they participated in their Field events (paper aeroplane and sockput) Gymnastics, Equestrian, Tower and Natural. These events were purposefully designed by Mrs Nerissa Davey, Acting Head of Junior School Wellbeing, and our PDHPE team to challenge the girls’ creativity, their physical skills, and their sense of connection to the natural environment.

Our Junior School Pymlympics Pentathlon was launched with a torch relay like no other! Please click on this LINK to see the Junior School teachers’ version of the torch relay which brought a giggle to the girls as we began our day of challenge and Olympics fun.

Our outstanding Co-curricular Captains crafted their own Pymlympics Oath which they shared to launch our Pentathlon:

‘’We promise to uphold the College values in the activities we participate in. We will be kind and caring to one another as we share joy online and in our community. We show trust when doing something as a Junior School. When taking part in our Pymlympics, showing our school and House spirit is something to show always to one another. Being a good sport to each person competing in the challenges and congratulating each every one of you.” – Lara Waterhouse (Year 6) and Amelia Lee (Year 6)

I am so proud of the way the girls are learning to celebrate themselves, their own voice and to therefore embrace diversity of thought. Our girls are continuing to learn to advocate for things that matter to them. They are also learning to give, and receive, constructive feedback to assist with the development of their own voice.

Friday Fun – Week 6: An SRC initiative

Our SRC girls have also used their collective voice to campaign for a Friday Fun Day of their choice in Week 6. The girls were delighted to know their campaign was successful and we will therefore enjoy a PJ Day on Friday Week 6. The girls are expected to wear appropriate pyjamas for a day ‘at school’ (online). They do not have to wear a Pymble sports top over their pyjamas.

Staff news

I am both sad and excited to announce that Mr Luke Byrne is leaving our Junior School at the end of August to relocate to England with his family. Mr Byrne is an exceptional musician and educator and he has been offered a position to study at the internationally renowned Guildhall in London. Mr Byrne was originally planning to relocate to London in 2020, but due to COVID-19 restrictions he was unable to travel so we have been blessed to have him as part of our team during this time. We are sad to farewell him as he has had such a positive impact on the girls’ skills and passion in all aspects of Music and Drama, but we are proud of this wonderful opportunity he has been given. The girls are working with me to create a surprise for him to wish him all the best in his new adventures. We will also farewell him in an Assembly in Week 8.  Wherever he goes, Mr Byrne will forever remain a much-loved member of our Junior School family.

Mrs Kate Brown

Head of Junior School

Lens into Learning – Mrs Lara Bird, Acting Deputy of Junior School Curriculum and Learning

 I am proud to be sharing the wonderful learning across the Junior School in this week’s newsletter, from designing Tour de France jerseys to presenting persuasive speeches on the issue of plastic in our oceans, the girls have continued to be positive adaptable learners as they navigate their learning journey as well as fulfil their passions and interests.

Year 3

Year 3 has been exploring the topic ‘What Matters to Me?’ through their speaking and listening unit in Literacy. The girls were asked to think about something deeply important to them and imagine what life would be like without it. This process helped them identify the reasons why it was so important and allow them to create a detailed plan. The girls then wrote, practised and presented a speech on Seesaw. 

Bianca Ng’s drawing below reflects how she would feel without her family in her life: 

“Have you ever wondered what littering does to the ocean? More than 100,000 marine animals die because of this. Littering causes sickness to sea animals. Littering affects everyone including us humans. Turtles get sea bags stuck up on their faces, whales think that plastic bags are fish and tend to eat them! This is something that harms our world. We should stop now to protect our oceans.” – Aaradhya Singh

 “Do you know what takes up to 400 years to dissolve? There are more pieces of plastic than there are fish in our oceans! It is estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic are in the ocean. I think this is totally unkind, cruel and very upsetting.” – Bethany Tucker

“Has anyone ever told you that you could not access a classroom? Well, about 2.3 million people have no access to education. That is not fair.” – Betty Su
“How do you think the world can be better?… if all children in the world have access to good education. There are 58 million children in the world who are not able to attend school. They are from countries with poverty and in wars. Let me share with you why I strongly believe all children should have an education.” – Zoe Chong

Library

These last few weeks in Library we have been enjoying revisiting our younger selves as we shared our favourite childhood books. Ms Itzcovitz has been reading her favourites and the girls and teachers have been sharing their favourites too. We’ve had lots of fun reminiscing about Enid Blyton, Paddington Bear, Charlie and Lola and Hairy Maclary while sharing our stories about why they are so special to us. Our beloved Library lessons continue to bring such joy to us all.

French

The girls have been visiting the French marketplace! They have been learning to name many fruits and vegetables as well as practising numbers so they can say how much their food will cost. Girls were asked to explore their kitchens and then name all of the fruits and vegetables they could find.

Year 4

Year 4 is focusing on Imaginative Texts. The girls have been learning to use story graphs to adapt fairy tales and write their own stories. Here Anika has utilised the story graph to adapt the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood and then write her own story, entitled The Girl and the Wolf:

 “In Writing we have been learning about different story/narrative structures and different ways to plan them. This story was a different version of Little Red Riding Hood. It was really fun to write and by using the planner I was able to visualise my entire story.” – Anika Verman (Year 4)

 Year 4 students have also been investigating historical fiction and using the text Meet Grace to build comprehension skills and develop a greater contextualisation of the time period around the voyage of the First Fleet:

 “The book we are reading in Literacy this term is called Meet Grace. In what we have read so far, Grace is a mudlark orphan that lives with her Uncle Ord. Grace is very optimistic and can always find the bright side of things. Grace also has an extreme love for horses! I really like this book as it shows us how privileged we are and how, even though we have it tough, Grace has it tougher and still can find the bright side! In the chapter we have recently finished, Grace steals an apple, but no one notices! This book also ties in with our Inquiry topic where we are looking at the First Fleet and about how people committed crimes because they were so poor.” – Phoebe Scott (Year 4)

Art

The girls have been learning about still life and how artists such as Juan de Zurbaran use colour, shape and tone to create the effect of realism. They have applied these techniques to a vase, apple and their own selected object.

Year 5

Year 5 girls have focused on an Olympic sport to create relevant and engaging pieces of writing to educate and entertain their audience.

Music

Inspired by their Junkyard Beats incursion last term and demonstrating their newfound grasp of musical instruments in traditional cultures, Year 5 students were tasked with making their own instruments at home. Ella Gao played the chordophone (stringed instrument) she constructed, while Emily Woods-McConville gave a thorough explanation and demonstration of her aerophone (wind instrument). Geena Cheng experimented with various lengths of pipes in her aerophone and Abby Pisani even played a tune on her differently pitched bottles. We have been so impressed by our students’ resourcefulness and their application of principles of sustainability in Music.

Year 6

Our Year 6 girls are thoroughly immersed in their Migration Inquiry and impassioned by a desire to support refugees. The girls have been composing letters to the Refugee Olympians, which they will be posting on the Refugee Olympic Team page. The girls have written with such heart in these letters, and we are all very proud of their sense of humanity and compassion. Please enjoy reading these extracts from some of their letters:

French

Year 6 girls have been immersed in the culture and associated vocabulary of one of the World’s greatest sporting events, the Tour De France. They have been introduced to the historic context of this event, the stunning French landmarks and scenery along the 21 stages of the course, the nationalities and achievements of the competitors and the gruelling race regime. Girls were asked to design a new jersey for ‘Le Tour’ and justify why their design should be included.

“My jersey is for the most kind, generous and hardworking member of the race. The shirt’s base colour is rose gold, representing harmony. The polka dots are both silver representing strength and gold representing generosity. The background colour is nude meaning calm.” – Catherine Zeng

“This jersey would be for the woman who gets the fastest time in the time trials, because women are still at least allowed to do THAT part of the Tour de France. This would also encourage more women to get involved.” – Katie Boyce

Performing Arts

Year 6 girls have been examining the fabulous music which adds to the emotion, grandeur and excitement of the Olympic games. They have analysed the purpose of this music – whether it is to honour tradition, to inspire and unite, to educate audiences about a country’s cultural heritage or for pure entertainment. Girls were given a choice: Option 1 was to write their own stirring Olympic Anthem to the tune of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Peita Christofis sang her wonderful lyrics and we can just imagine this anthem uniting an international crowd. Option 2 was to create a movement routine based on the sports pictograms used in the Tokyo Opening Ceremony. The girls demonstrated outstanding creativity and movie making skills in their pictogram video routines.

Compass Check In: Nerissa Davey – Acting Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

 URSTRONG parent/student Language of Friendship Workshop Tuesday 17 August, 6.00pm to 7.00pm

We are excited to invite you to attend an online Language of Friendship Workshop on Tuesday 17 August from 6.00pm to 7.00pm from the comfort of your home. Dana Kerford (Founder of URSTRONG) will teach you and your children skills and language to foster healthy, feel-good friendships.

We would like to thank our very generous JSPG for sponsoring this event.

In order to attend the event, registration is required. Please CLICK HERE to register.

We look forward to your attendance.

Class Captains’ Corner

Moving online has meant the usual roles fulfilled by our Class Captains at school have been impossible. Thanks to Lauren, a very enthusiastic Captain in Year 4, the Captains met and the girls have now become digital journalists and photographers. Each week they will be sharing two photos from their class that depict the joy they find daily. These photos are then shared with our Junior School in a video each week in our assembly. We will also be sharing quotes from the girls in this ‘Class Captains’ Corner’. I am so proud of the way the girls are so flexible and resourceful with the many changes they face daily.

Managing wellbeing during lockdown – Freida Stemp, K-6 Psychologist

Being at home for an extended period of time can cause added stress and conflict for us all.

We know that many families are continuing to juggle work, school and family commitments simultaneously which can understandably take a toll on one’s mental health and wellbeing.

The restrictions associated with the Coronavirus outbreak and our sudden need to adjust to a different, (rather strange) way of doing life can be very difficult for children to understand. However, children are not always able to articulate their feelings and frustrations and so, it is not uncommon for parents to see a change in their child’s behaviour including increased meltdowns, crying, clinginess, defiance, lack of focus or even changes in sleep and appetite. Know that this is a normal response in children as they are trying to process changes in their world around them. Also know that this is temporary and should pass once they are able to return to their usual routines. Most importantly, know that you are doing the best you can and it’s especially important to be kind to ourselves and each other during such times.

Below is a link with tips and ideas on ways that might help you maintain family wellbeing during lockdown.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/coronavirus-covid-19-guide/coronavirus-physical-distancing-and-family-wellbeing

Essential Workers

At-home childcare 

Pymble has a small army of casual staff available, all of whom have experience working with our girls and Working with Children clearances. If you are looking for someone to care for your child/ren at home, please contact childcare@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au and we will email you contact details of our casual staff, to enable you to make childcare arrangements independent of the College. In line with government requirements, we are asking our casual staff to limit the number of families they work for. Please email your questions to childcare@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

A friendly reminder from our Healthcare Team

If your daughter has a Critical or Medical Alert plan, these need to be updated every 12 months with your GP and forwarded to the College. This includes, but is not limited to, medical plans for asthma, anaphylaxis and allergies. We appreciate the challenges of organising a consult with a GP during lockdown, but please know that you can also arrange a telehealth appointment to have your daughter’s plan updated. It is vital that we have a copy of the plan in Healthcare so we are aware of how to manage your daughter’s condition if an incident occurs on campus, or when she attends an excursion or camp. Before any camps or excursions, you are asked to fill in a permission form and a medical form. Please remember that students are not permitted to attend camps or excursions until these forms are completed. Please contact healthcarecentre@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you have questions regarding these plans. We are more than happy to help.

From our JSPG

Junior School parents have been invited to attend a URSTRONG online workshop on Tuesday, 17 August from 6.00pm to 7.00pm. This workshop gives our girls, parents and teachers a common ‘language’ for talking about friendships. Through interactive parent-child activities, parents will learn strategies to support their daughter towards healthy, feel-good relationships. Please click on the link register.

JSPG Events

Year 3/4 Parent Daughter dance will be moved to another date. More details to be sent out soon.

Year 5 Parent Daughter dance will be moved to a date in Term 4. More details to be sent out soon.

JSPG Quote of the Week

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela

Louise Woodall, Sarah Fisher and Shiva Rich

JSPG Leaders

From the Middle School

From our Head of Middle School

As we head toward the mid- term break I am pleased to report that both Year 7 and 8 students are continuing to impress us with their ongoing commitment to their studies online. The efforts of many students were recognised and celebrated by their teachers during assemblies and via emails of congratulations and printable certificates sent out by the Curriculum Office. There are too many to name, but well done to all and thank you to parents for all of your support on the home front. 

I also wanted to shout out to Oldina Xia and Zoe Banks of Year 7,  both of whom have joined us at Pymble this term and to congratulate the girls on so successfully navigating entry to the college whilst off campus. Welcome to the Xia and Banks families, we are delighted you have joined our Middle School community. Over the last week we have brought the girls back together within their Term 2 Camp groups in order to provide time to reconnect. On Tuesday Year 7 whole heartedly embraced the opportunity: 

Earlier this week, we looked back with our Year 7 girls at the learnings and memories they had taken away from the Outdoor Education Program last term. It was a lovely opportunity for our students to reconnect with their camp groups, as they took part in a quiz afternoon competing against each other to see how much they could recall about skills learnt, places they had visited and key learnings from their time at Vision Valley. Thank you to Georgie Cain and Nick Wilkesmann from our Outdoor Education team for MCing our quiz afternoon and coming up with an exciting and challenging set of questions.  Ms Lombard Head of Year 7  

Congratulations to Years 7 and 8 Ingleholme House who have finished on top of the score board after two weeks of Middle School Olympic challenges. Our Ingleholme students will be rewarded with a pizza party when safe to do so on our return to campus. For their final challenge, students were asked to identify their favourite moment at the Tokyo Olympics. Phoebe P in Year 8 writes: “My favourite part was when Australian Skateboarder Kieran Woolley hit a cameraman by accident in his run, and made sure that he was ok. I liked this because it is such good sportsmanship.’ What a fabulous inspiration our Olympians have been over the past two weeks! 

It was great to see the Year 12 Middle School Liaison Prefects at Year group assemblies this week prior to the Trials. They were keen to say hi and share tips for staying fit and well during lockdown. Growing relationships with older mentors is so important. This week we are launching another opportunity to build connections between Years 7 and 11 students: The Big Sister program. Please encourage your daughters to apply for this voluntary initiative to be paired with a Year 11 mentor. The purpose is to build social connections, offer support and guidance in their learning and school life, and/or to share a common interest or hobby. We hope time spent together during free time across the day, will foster connectedness across the College. 

Congratulations to Madeleine Watson and the other Year 8 Middle School Leaders who have been actively facilitating a number of initiatives to keep the girls connected in fun and exciting ways. Their latest challenge, the MS Writing Competition, is outlined below. Please encourage your daughters to take part. 

MS Writing Competition 

The Middle School Leaders are excited to announce that we are launching a new initiative that aims to bring Year 7 and 8 together and maintain our Pymble community whilst we are learning online. During lockdown, we will be running weekly challenges that cover a range of areas such as writing, sport, art, baking and more. This week, we have introduced the Middle School Writing Competition: students are invited to write a narrative, poem or illustrate a comic that responds to a given quote – more information on this can be found on the Year 7 and 8 Teams channels and the portal. We encourage as many girls to engage in our weekly challenges as possible! 

Write a Book in a Day

Congratulations to the Write a Book in a Day team members. Please enjoy the student reflection below. 

Year 7  

Year 8  

This Wednesday (4 August) 11 other students from Year 8 and I worked together to create a book including illustrations and full chapters to donate to children suffering from cancer. Leading up to this event there was lots of planning, fundraising, and organising to ensure the event would run smoothly online. On the day we started at 8am and finished at 6pm. At the beginning of the day, we were given guidelines and parameters, the parameters included random words, primary characters, settings, and an issue of which we had to follow whilst creating our plot. We decided to write our story about an upcoming baker who is trying to cook for her large family Christmas dinner at her new restaurant, however one of her main ingredients is missing and unavailable in her isolated town. But with time running out she needs to complete a test from an anonymous source to retrieve the ingredients and seeks help from an old friend to do so. However, with her integrity at risk, if she doesn’t win who will she be disappointing? Throughout the day, we all worked extremely hard to digitalize sketches, improving chapters, adjusting the plot, etc. We are all so proud to have worked together to create this story and definitely developed new skills we will use in the future. We were extremely happy with our final outcome and hope that the children at the hospital will enjoy reading our story!  Sabrina Cooke Year 8 

Directions Week 5

In Directions classes this week our Year 7 students are continuing to explore the power of storytelling by appropriating and modernising a children’s book with new perspectives and messages for their younger peers. In one class, for example, students are examining the tale of The Rainbow Fish by looking at how the story can be re-told to encourage young people to share their riches (the beauty of the Rainbow fish’s scales) but whilst not having to give up what makes them unique in order to fit in. They are questioning, for instance, why the fish has to give up all of it’s scales in order to be accepted. Students are using their strengths to work together to write, design and illustrate a final product that can be shared with Prep and Junior School students. We are looking forward to seeing their final products in a few weeks’ time. 

 In Directions this week, Year 8 students have focused on the Five Ways to Wellbeing by participating in activities that suit their needs and interests. They had over 50 activities to choose from and teachers encouraged students to engage in a wide variety of activities. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body for overall wellbeing. Like physical fitness, students can strengthen their psychological health in lots of small day-to-day ways. This will help students feel happier as well as help them to cope with stress. 

Religion and Ethics in Year 8  

This year our Year 8 cohort moved to weekly lessons of Religion and Ethics. This essentially meant we now had double the number of lessons compared to previous years! Consequently, this year students have developed a broader exploration of the theme of Social Justice, extending their knowledge beyond individual responses towards injustice to communal ones. Victoria Marsh in Year 8 reflected on her experiences in Religion and Ethics this year so far, stating; “as a cohort, have finally crossed the halfway mark of our last year in Middle School and there is no doubt that the past semester in Religion and Ethics has been a wonderful and engaging experience. Studying different religions and how they approach the theme of Social Justice has opened my mind. It has also extended my creativity as I engaged in Project Based Learning to explore the achievements and contributions of the suffragette Kate Sheppherd. Furthermore, I worked collaboratively with my peers to undertake research to deliver a group project which answers the question; “How are different religions working together to take action against climate change?” Religion and Ethics has allowed us to delve deeper into the major religions of the world and my teacher has consistently encouraged me to take the opportunity to be curious and question things, as well as to deepen my understanding of living in a world where religion remains relevant to society and culture”. 

Essential Workers

Mrs Jenny O’Donnell

Head of Middle School

A friendly reminder from our Healthcare Team

If your daughter has a Critical or Medical Alert plan, these need to be updated every 12 months with your GP and forwarded to the College. This includes, but is not limited to, medical plans for asthma, anaphylaxis and allergies. We appreciate the challenges of organising a consult with a GP during lockdown, but please know that you can also arrange a telehealth appointment to have your daughter’s plan updated. It is vital that we have a copy of the plan in Healthcare so we are aware of how to manage your daughter’s condition if an incident occurs on campus, or when she attends an excursion or camp. Before any camps or excursions, you are asked to fill in a permission form and a medical form. Please remember that students are not permitted to attend camps or excursions until these forms are completed. Please contact healthcarecentre@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you have questions regarding these plans. We are more than happy to help.

From the Upper School

From our Head of Upper School

Welcome to Week 5, which for some feels like Week 3 and others, Week 8. The days and weeks appear to be blurring this term. The Upper School team and I have been in regular discussions with the Deputy Head of Students and Director of Student Learning 7-10 to explore ways we can engage and support our students as online learning continues. We are currently commencing a ‘No homework week’ which concludes next Wednesday. We also hope that the mid-term break commencing tomorrow, Friday 13 through to Monday 16 August will provide some much-needed respite from screens. We hope this time is used to enjoy time outside, reading and relaxation. 

I would like to conclude today by sharing an article by three of our Upper School Leaders, Senu, Felicity and Jiya, who have been leading an extremely cute initiative linking our students with the Preparatory School. It has been the highlight of my week watching them perform! 

“This week, we had the opportunity of kickstarting the ‘Read by US (Upper School) with Love’ project. This new fantastic service initiative allowed students in Upper School (both Years 9 and 10) to read a storybook to the youngsters in the Preparatory School. Whether it’s reading the absolute all time-faves, The Cranky Bear or The day the crayons quit, girls in the Upper School showed their absolute enthusiasm and enjoyment in reading such classic tales. When starting this initiative on Monday, we were pleased to see girls dressed up in the coolest of costumes and manifest their best impersonations to bring characters to life. It was an incredible experience to watch the girls interact with each other, exchange many laughs, and share such a magical virtual experience. The videos the girls made are going to be uploaded to a padlet for the preppies to watch in hopes of getting some giggles, likes and comments. We also hope that by introducing this initiative, parents are provided with enough time to take a break from the screen and all the struggles that come with online learning and spend time for themselves. We believe this is a really good way of establishing a connection between the Preparatory School and Upper School students, even in these times where the student body is online. As student organisers for this program, we are super keen to see more girls in the Upper School become involved and seek pleasure in etching a smirk or even wide smiles on the young faces of many.” – Jiya, Senu and Felicity 

Mrs Melissa Boyd

Head of Upper School

From our Heads of Year 9

This week the Year 9 students had a gratitude focus in Directions. A moment in which they were able to stop and think about what they are grateful for in these interesting times. The students were guided to think about the ‘little things’ that people in their lives do every day to further support them. After this they were encouraged to send three letters (emails) of gratitude to teachers and write one letter for the people living in their homes to show their appreciation. The feedback which was received was amazing. Teachers were not expecting the thanks and one teacher even stated, “What a fabulous surprise, everyone needs a bit of positivity at the moment, and it put a smile on my face for the rest of the day.” 

This weekend we head into the long, long weekend, with combined homework-free days from Wednesday to Wednesday. We strongly recommend that students use this time away from their screens and spend it outside as much as possible. This mid-term break comes at the perfect time to allow ourselves some rest before braving the rest of the term.  

Students have access through the Conde Library to an online platform called Wheelers, in which they can access thousands of Audiobooks and e-Books. This is something we encourage them to utilise while at home as they can download Audiobooks onto their phones and listen while they walk, clean their rooms, cook, or just relax in general. It is a wonderful way for them to engage in diverse types of literature while also giving their eyes a break. We encourage students to reach out to the Library staff if they would like more information on how to access these. 

From our Heads of Year 10

This week we thought you might like to hear from two of our Year 10 students, Tilly, and Jacqueline, who write to you from two vastly different parts of the state. Tilly Barwick is a Boarder who comes from the small-town Gravesend in north-west New South Wales. For Tilly: 

“Going to Pymble Online is always a shock for everyone, and I have been missing Boarding and all my friends at Pymble. But I have also been enjoying my time at home on the farm. Online school has been jam-packed for me. In my free periods and over lunch Dad takes any chance he can get to rope me into a muster or a job. In my spare time I have been moving cows or sheep, shearing, or climbing the mountain on our property to find goats. I have recently had a day roustabouting in the shearing shed. My cousin and I started at 7.30am and picked up fleeces, swept wool and penned up sheep until 5.00pm. It was slow work, but worth it when our grandma brought chocolate slice for smoko. Online school has been a bit hard as I am the only one at home while all my family is at work and school. It is a bit different from last time as we must have our cameras on and really focus on the class at hand. Everyone has their different challenges in home schooling, and I hope you are finding the positives like I am. Thanks.”

Jacqueline Qin hails from Pymble and has been in the news recently for her success in the Young Archie competition, taking out the 13 to 15 Years category. You may have read about Jacqui in The Sydney Morning Herald or Dr H’s newsletter article last week. Jacqui was asked to share her artistic process in creating My Sister: 

“Winning the Young Archie Competition was unexpected and a little bit frightening. It started off as a fun art project where I could experiment with various art techniques and mediums. I chose to paint my little sister, Jessica – believing that it could be a special gift for her. Much like how all siblings are, ever since we were young, we always had a rocky relationship. And like any other older sibling, I make sure to always remind Jessica how annoying I find her, although I have always found myself feeling guilty since I don’t make it clear how much I care about her. It sounds cheesy but I hoped the portrait could be somehow symbolic – like the phrase ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ – but for this instance, it is a portrait.  

During Year 9 Art class, we explored the art technique behind the Archibald winner Ben Quilty’s portrait of Margret Olley. The large strokes of colour from the portrait are one of my biggest inspirations for my artwork. As for the colour choices I instilled some of the colour theory knowledge I have where I used cold colours for the shadows and warm colours for the brighter areas. The colours aimed to mimic the colours of a sunset. I believe one of the main reasons why this experimental technique turned out so well is because I utilised the same colouring method for a portrait I made years ago.  

All in all, winning the Young Archie for my age group feels bizarre and I am still wrapping my head around it. I would like to thank my Art teachers for supporting me throughout my art process and giving me the opportunity to submit my art to Young Archie – an art competition that I didn’t even know existed until then!” 

Key dates

A friendly reminder from our Healthcare Team

If your daughter has a Critical or Medical Alert plan, these need to be updated every 12 months with your GP and forwarded to the College. This includes, but is not limited to, medical plans for asthma, anaphylaxis and allergies. We appreciate the challenges of organising a consult with a GP during lockdown, but please know that you can also arrange a telehealth appointment to have your daughter’s plan updated. It is vital that we have a copy of the plan in Healthcare so we are aware of how to manage your daughter’s condition if an incident occurs on campus, or when she attends an excursion or camp. Before any camps or excursions, you are asked to fill in a permission form and a medical form. Please remember that students are not permitted to attend camps or excursions until these forms are completed. Please contact healthcarecentre@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you have questions regarding these plans. We are more than happy to help.

Essential Workers

From the Senior School

From our Head of Senior School

Yesterday the Year 12 girls began their Trial HSC examinations online and we all couldn’t be prouder of this year group. They have faced uncertainty, change and disappointments with wisdom and acceptance, understanding that they have the skills and the support to get through this. Well done girls – please know that during the Trials period your Compass teachers, subject teachers and the Senior School team are here to offer support and guidance as required.  

It has been so heartening to see support for the Year 12 girls from across the College. Many thanks to our Junior School girls who sent a padlet packed full of love, care and admiration to our Year 12 girls. Similarly, the Middle School girls created a beautiful video of support – many Year 12 girls have acknowledged how much these acts of kindness have helped them as they prepare and sit their exams. 

I would also like to acknowledge the commitment and resilience that Year 11 is showing during our lockdown. We have been receiving wonderfully inspiring photos and updates of new challenges the girls are setting themselves and creative ways of staying in touch. 

Mrs Nikki Wyse

Head of Senior School

From our Heads of Year 11

With yearly exams being rescheduled to Weeks 8 and 9 there have been some big sighs of relief which should be accompanied by some revised study plans and practice exam questions. Year 11 is managing their study as well as homework demands with maturity and enthusiasm. Whilst it may be hard at times to maintain the motivation, they are finding ways to keep up their spirits by communicating through social media, dropping presents off at each other’s houses for birthdays or meeting with those in close proximity for walks. As always, keeping to routines and maintaining good sleep patterns will assist in keeping a sense of perspective and purpose.

In Directions classes, we are continuing with our Careers presentations and mindfulness activities. The Year 11 cohort has found guidance through the presentations and it has helped to answer the overarching thoughts of what subjects to continue with in Year 12. The mindfulness activities have allowed students to improve their sense of being and be present in the moment. It might be helpful to ask your daughter about these techniques and practise together as a family to reinforce their application. 

During our online Compass sessions each week, the girls have been checking in with their groups to share stories, achievements, frustrations and connect with each other. The students and their teachers have been suggesting activities that they would enjoy, for example, Mrs O’Brien’s Compass group spent time doing yoga and reading together. 

These Compass sessions are providing a great link for students to keep their relationships with their peers and teachers and share suggestions for managing online learning and lockdown restrictions. My thanks to all the Compass teachers for their engagement and care in this aspect of the students’ weekly experience. Compass teachers are also available for one-on-one chats with your daughters – they just need to make a time during a Compass session to catch up. 

From our Heads of Year 12

We are all navigating a challenging time full of uncertainty and change. When we are faced with these fears and realities it is comforting to recall many conversations with our Year 12 students via Microsoft Teams chats, where they remind us to celebrate the good times we have had as a year group with special attention to the wonderful formal earlier this year.  

Girls remind us of the opportunity to learn from what is happening, Directions classes have explored the new knowledge we now have about ourselves and how we cope (or not) with change. We have talked about how important it is to reach out when we need support, intentionally involving those who listen and care.  

As we continue to make plans for the future, it has been exciting to receive emails from our girls sharing their news of early entry offers for university next year and seeing beyond the status quo of the present. Some Directions groups have also used the work of Daniel Pink, New York Times bestselling author, to create a sentence that captures who they are and what motivates them: 

These are some examples which should be kept front of mind and possibly even on the fridge at home for all to see. Further information can be found by googling Dan Pink and watching a couple of his YouTube clips.  

We wish our girls well for the HSC Trial examinations. They have worked very hard and should feel proud of their efforts in extraordinarily difficult times. This will make them stronger and more flexible as they are finding the courage within themselves they may never have thought they had. That is something really positive and worthy of acknowledgement and celebration. 

Essential Workers

A friendly reminder from our Healthcare Team

If your daughter has a Critical or Medical Alert plan, these need to be updated every 12 months with your GP and forwarded to the College. This includes, but is not limited to, medical plans for asthma, anaphylaxis and allergies. We appreciate the challenges of organising a consult with a GP during lockdown, but please know that you can also arrange a telehealth appointment to have your daughter’s plan updated. It is vital that we have a copy of the plan in Healthcare so we are aware of how to manage your daughter’s condition if an incident occurs on campus, or when she attends an excursion or camp. Before any camps or excursions, you are asked to fill in a permission form and a medical form. Please remember that students are not permitted to attend camps or excursions until these forms are completed. Please contact healthcarecentre@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you have questions regarding these plans. We are more than happy to help.

From the Boarding School

It is hard to believe that we are halfway through the term. It is great to hear that our Boarders have found their rhythm and are thriving in Pymble Online. Our weekly catch ups have been well attended with quizzes and competitions adding to the fun. Our Years 7 and 8 Marden House girls particularly enjoyed an online catchup with the Knox Boarders late last week. There was a fabulous Kahoot and it was great to see everyone getting into the spirit in their neon dress ups. We are all looking forward to more opportunities to connect in the weeks to come.  

Learn It – don’t hesitate to sign up! 

Our Learn It program has always been a highly valued component of our Boarding program. Ordinarily, the program runs during evening study time and allows the girls to seek extra support from our wonderful academic tutors and teaching staff. We recognise the challenges of learning online and are delighted to offer this program in an online format to ensure all our girls are feeling supported with their learning. This has been particularly important for our hard-working senior girls who this week started their Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations.  

Boarders who are interested in signing up for the Learn It program should complete the Google form in the ‘Learn It’ channel of the Boarders’ Microsoft Teams site. From here, our Assistant Heads of Year, either Emily Behan or Emma Allsopp, will contact the girls to book them in for a one-on-one session with one of our excellent Academic Tutors. Our tutors can assist the girls with a variety of subjects or help with examination or assignment preparation. Our Learn It team is also available to assist with proofreading of assignments or essays. 

If you have any questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to email Emily on ebehan@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au. 

Introducing our Assistant Head of Year 10 – Mrs Emma Allsopp 

Emma has been a lovely presence in our Boarding family for the last three years. I hope you enjoy reading the story of her pathway to Pymble.   

I grew up just a few suburbs away in Roseville. I have four sisters, so my house was always very busy and loud, not too dissimilar to the Boarding Houses! I went to Roseville College where I tried to get into every aspect of school life that I could, from debating to school musicals to the Student Representative Council as well as a variety of sports including tennis, soccer and netball. 

When I finished school, I decided to get out of my Roseville bubble and headed to the UK for a year. This is where I had my first taste of Boarding. I worked at a preparatory school in Surrey and spent many nights in the Boarding house looking after students aged six to 14 years old. I also caught a bad case of the travel bug as I toured all over Europe with friends. 

From 2013 to 2015, I completed my first degree in Interior Architecture at the University of Technology, Sydney. I loved studying design, it was a lot of hard work and very time consuming, but it was a good creative outlet. I also worked as a party host at a children’s play centre which kept me very busy. Despite, my love of design I kept thinking about my time in the UK and decided that my real passion was for teaching. 

Before I got back to studying, my now husband and I spent more than six months backpacking around Europe and Southeast Asia. I have now been to more than 50 countries. When we returned from our big trip, we decided we wanted to save up and buy our own place. I worked a few different jobs and in 2017 we purchased an apartment in Greenwich.  

In 2018 I began my Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching) at Charles Sturt University with my subject areas being Design and Technology and Food Technology. I also started working at Pymble in Marden House. A lot has happened since I started at Pymble, I got married to my husband Alex in 2019, we welcomed baby Harrison to our family in 2020, and this year we sold our first place in Greenwich and bought our first house in Wahroonga.  

I have loved working with our Boarders, every shift brings you something different. I can’t believe that the Year 7 girls I met when I started are now in Year 10. It is amazing watching these girls grow into young women from year to year. I have worked in all our Boarding Houses – Marden, Lang and now Goodlet. They are all unique, but all have the same great sense of community.   

A View From My Window 

I am delighted to share the ‘view’ of one of our youngest Boarders, Rose Kirkby. Rose, who joined us in Year 7 this year and has been a bundle of energy and joy since her arrival. 

Hi my name is Rose Kirkby and I am 13 years old. I live on a farm 40 kilometres north-west of Moree. I live with my mum and dad, Sarah and Willy, and my brother, George as well as our six dogs, a big fat pig, and chooks. My dad is a farmer and grows wheat, barley, faba beans, chickpeas and his favourite, cotton. My mum works from home and does the book work for our family business.  

When I look out my window, I can see a gravel road that winds through our paddocks. The paddocks are filled with wheat, barley and faba beans, however, not long ago these paddocks were just vast, dry dusty plains. This was due to the devastating effects of the drought. We had three long dry years with no crops and very little work to do. It was a very difficult time, but I had a lot of quality time with my dad before I came to Pymble this year. During the drought we also fostered orphaned lambs and even a calf.  

What I love about being at home is spending time with my family and catching up with my friends. I think I am so lucky to live in the country because I get to experience so many things city kids can’t. At the moment I am at home, online learning whilst watching the crops grow. Everything is looking really damp and we even have a full storage dam to grow an irrigated cotton crop for summer. Even though I am enjoying my time at home, I am looking forward to getting back to Sydney and seeing my friends.  

Mrs Carolyn Burgess

Director of Boarding

Co-curricular Administration

Term 4 2021 Saturday Sport Registrations Closed on Friday 30 July

Registrations for Term 4 Saturday Sports closed at 12.00pm on Friday 30 July. Confirmation emails have now been sent to all registered participants. Please remember that withdrawals from Saturday sports after the registration closing date are NOT automatically approved and registering for a Saturday sport indicates your daughter’s commitment to play that sport during Term 4.

If you have missed the registration period and wish to request registration into a Term 4 Saturday sport program, please click here to complete the registration request form. You will be contacted via email regarding the outcome of your request.

Online Programs During Online Learning

Details of available online sport sessions each week during the period of Online Learning are available by clicking here. This link will be updated this Thursday after 12.00pm for the following week. For all other programs, registered participants have been sent the specific information about how to access sessions/resources for their program if there are online options.

If you have any questions about Co-curricular programs, please contact Co-curricular Administration at ccsa@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or on +61 2 9497 7848.

Mrs Monique Zahra

Head of Co-curricular Administration

Sport

From our Director of Sport

Last Friday, the Pymble Swimming program was fortunate to have a live Q&A Zoom session with Olympic Gold Medallist Bronte Campbell and 200m Backstroke swimmer and Pymble ex-student Abbey Harkin. Bronte and Abbey shared stories about their experiences in Tokyo, as well as preparation for the Olympics and their plans for the future. A link to the Q&A can be found here.

On Thursday of this week, another live Q&A has been organised for Pymble students with Olympic Rower and Pymble Ex-student, Genevieve Horton. 

In the coming weeks, we plan to host further Q&A Zoom sessions with more Olympians and will share details on the College portal.

Pymble Online Sport

To view the timetable of online sport sessions available each week, please click here. Please check the link regularly for updates to session details. It will be updated on Thursday 12 August at 12.00pm for Week 6.

Click the link here for our Netball Online montage.

Click the link here to watch Emily Long (Year 2) diving.

Mr Greg Meagher

Director of Sport

From our Head of Sport 7-12

Tokyo Olympic Games

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been amazing with the Australian team coming home with 46 medals: 17 gold, seven silver and 22 bronze. Whilst there shouldn’t always be a focus on outcome, it was a tough journey for the athletes to get there and in the words of Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee; the athletes “amazed us with your sporting achievements, with your excellence, with your joy, with your tears. You created the magic of these Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. You were faster, you went higher, you were stronger because we all stood together in solidarity. For the first time since the pandemic began, the entire world came together. The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 are the Olympic Games of hope, solidarity and peace.”

We congratulate all the athletes and are especially proud of our Pymble alumni:

Mackenzie Little (2014) Javelin placed eight in the final.

Edwina Tops-Alexander (1991) Show Jumping placed 31st overall.

Genevieve Horton (2012) Rowing Women’s Eight placed 5th in the A Final.

Abbey Harkin (2016), 200m Breaststroke placed 17th.

We hope you enjoyed the success and triumphs of the Olympic Games. Get ready to watch the 2020 Paralympics which begin Tuesday 24 August to Sunday September 5.

Fred’s Big Run 

Shivani and Alice are excited with how the College is going with Fred’s Big Run to raise funds for The Fred Hollows Foundation and help restore sight to those who are visually impaired or blind. We have currently raised $6,196 and done 1,049km together as a team of 70 members!! Great job team Pymble!

Many Pymble students, staff, parents, and siblings have signed up for this awesome challenge that suits all fitness levels. They are challenging themselves to the distance (50km, 100km or 150km) to run or walk throughout the month of August to help Pymble contribute to this valuable cause. 

Four out of five people who are blind do not need to be, therefore participating in this challenge will help these people receive the treatment they so desperately need and will continue Fred Hollows’ legacy.

The Fred Hollows Foundation has made a huge difference to our First Nations population, particularly in remote parts of Australia where his ground-breaking cataract surgery has restored sight to thousands. First Nations perspectives are a key element within the Social Intelligence pillar of our ‘Watch Us Change the World’ Strategic Direction, providing further impetus to put on our trainers and clock up our steps.

It is not too late to sign up for the challenge, please click on this link  and follow the steps to join team Pymble Ladies’ College. 

Mrs Katie Edwards

Head of Sport 7 to 12

Performing Arts

This week we were very excited to have breakfast with performer, actor, musician Francine Bell. She spoke to more than 150 music students about her career, overcoming performance nerves, techniques and her overall message of turning the negatives into positives. She spoke about the need for rituals, to go inside yourself, deal with what the problem is, acknowledge it and use your support network to help you. The girls were very engaged in the 45-minute presentation and asked many insightful questions.

This is the first of several guest artist presentations, the next being Dr Anita Collins who will talk about Music and the Brain. We also have some other exciting artists in the pipeline across other areas of Performing Arts which we hope to bring to students virtually at a later date!

Mrs Sabina Turner

Director of Co-Curricular Performing Arts

Drama

Drama Online

Throughout Term 3, our Co-curricular Drama teachers are proud of the ongoing dedication and positive attitude of our Drama students while transitioning to Online Learning. In Theatresports, our students have continued to improve their improvisation skills with a focus on learning about characters. In these classes, the students have been exploring how to present different emotions through voice, body and facial expressions, as a basis for a range of different characters and characteristics. In Drama Festival Teams, our students continue to create brand new performances to display at our end of year showcase, ‘Centrestage’. They are working to devise all aspects of theatre including narrative, script and characters. Our Preparatory and Junior School Drama Skills and Performance students are working closely with their teachers to rehearse and learn their second performance piece for Centrestage. Their performances are starting to evolve, and we can’t wait to see the finished product in Term 4. Stay tuned for details on our end of year showcase for Centrestage and for the ‘On Camera, Film Festival’, scheduled for Term 4.

Ms Tamara Sweetman

Head of Drama

Language Arts

DEBATING

Archdale

Archdale debating teams recommenced training this week and are required for an online trial round to be held next week, after the mid-term break, on Tuesday 17 August. Following this round, a firm decision will be reached and communicated regarding the completion of rounds six and seven. Coaches will send Zoom links and preparation will occur on Microsoft Teams.

IDC

International debating will be offered to ISDA, Archdale and FED finalist debaters. Please keep an eye on the Portal. This is a Term 4 competition. Please find additional details here.

Sydney University Debating

These training days are moving to online, commencing at 4.00pm.

Senior Training Day – Thursday 2 September

Junior Training Day – Thursday 7 October

Further details are expected this week from the convenor. Please email Mrs Hubbard if you are interested. These days are offered to all Year 7 to Year 12 competition debaters.

Junior School

Thank you to our Year 10 ISDA debaters, Christine Hu and Isabella Cameron who have adjudicated two online Junior debates this past week.

We are also excited about the commencement of a Year 4 Debating Club. Any Years 10 or 11 ISDA or Archdale debaters who would like to assist, please contact Mrs Hubbard BHubbard@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au and Mrs Itzcovitz MItzcovitz@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.

Mock Competitions

We are pleased that many Language Arts activities have transitioned smoothly to an online platform. Yesterday our Mock Mediation team met online to discuss a contemporary scenario involving COVID, accommodation, refunds and reputations, intent, communication and contractual concerns. Both sides were polished and heated feelings and frustrations were aired in the attempt to find satisfactory outcomes. Both Mock Mediators were good listeners, calm, considered, evaluative and showed wisdom. Key words were blame, trust, rights, mistakes, principles, policy, empathy and responsibility. Thanks to our committed team, skilled coach Mrs Helen Jarvis and to our visiting online Mediator judge, Helen Miedzinski. Mediation skills are life skills, perhaps even more so in pandemics! The results have come through and the team scored a very high 95/100! 

Evatt

Maya Hu (Year 10), Jessie Xie (Year 10), Annabel Maple-Brown (Year 11) and Meera Barani (Year 11) competed in the state semi-final for Evatt. This final was held from 9.00am to 1.00pm last Thursday 5 August and we look forward to hearing results.

UN Negotiations

Four teams have been preparing for this UN diplomacy competition. In round one the girls represented China and engaged in discussions with the Philippines, which while challenging, were amicable. Last week teams represented Afghanistan and diplomatic discussions with Iran were held over water management. Well done to our four teams and thanks to our coach, Rohan. Our teams are invited to attend the online award ceremony this Sunday 15 August from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

Mooting

The Kirby Cup Mooting competition will run online. Senior girls interested in joining this competition are asked to register their interest with Mrs Hubbard. We can accept two teams of four per team, who will be provided with a Law student mentor with trainings held over Zoom. Thanks to those girls who have already expressed interest.

Public Speaking

Legacy videos are due for uploading today.

Festival of Speech

The October Festival of Speech will be moving to an online format.

Enjoy a relatively screen-free mid-term break and please ensure any outstanding registrations for competitions have been sent to CCSA.

Mrs Bronwyn Hubbard

Head of Language Arts

Music

Breakfast with Francine Bell

It was a pleasure to see more than 150 students from the Secondary School Music Ensemble program come together for an alternative music opportunity during online learning this week. African American Gospel singer, entertainer, actress and presenter Francine Bell joined the girls on Monday morning for an informal presentation and chat that included dealing with nerves, performance technique, motivation and how to avoid some common pitfalls of performing. She also shared stories and moments from her colourful life and how they inspired her to become the performer she is today.

Breakfast with Dr Anita Collins

During Week 7, there will be no Secondary Music Ensemble rehearsals. Alternatively, students will engage with an external music specialist as a substitute to the weekly online rehearsal.

Dr Anita Collins is an award-winning educator, researcher and writer in the field of brain development and music learning. Anita is best known for her role as on-screen expert and campaign lead for the Don’t Stop the Music documentary that aired on the ABC in late 2018 and author of The Music Advantage. She is internationally recognised for her unique work in translating the scientific research of neuroscientists and psychologists to the everyday parent, teacher and student. Over the last two years, Anita has interviewed close to 100 researchers in laboratories across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Anita has written opinion columns for The Age and The Conversation, authored papers for international peer-reviewed journals, guest authored on international sites and been a specialist technical writer for OECD Education Framework 2030. Anita is a Churchill Fellow, a TEDx speaker and the author of one of the most watched TED Education films ever made.

To learn more about Dr Anita Collins, please click here to watch the Ted-ED video.

All students are expected to attend the morning session from 7.15am to 8.00am. If you are not able to make the time due to another College commitment that cannot be changed, the session will be recorded and streamed again on the Wednesday following the presentation. Instructions on how students will connect will be communicated through Microsoft Teams.

Secondary School Bassoon Playing Opportunity

The College is looking to develop the ensemble program through the support of various lesser-known concert band and orchestral instruments. An area that the College would like to further develop is to see more students playing the bassoon and therefore the College will support payment of tuition and instrumental hire. It is preferable that the student is already learning an instrument, such as piano, so they make the transition with ease. If this is of interest, please email musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.

External Performance Opportunities for Instruments

The College has been informed of two exciting musical opportunities for students; the Sydney Youth Orchestra (SYO) and the Australian Youth Orchestra have opened applications for 2022. Over the course of many years, the College has had many students be a part of these external ensemble opportunities.

SYO is more than just an extra-curricular activity for young people who love music, it gives musicians the opportunity to expand their musical skills and gain access to the best orchestral music training in New South Wales.

Musicians at SYO can expect:

• Weekly rehearsals led by exceptional artistic staff
• Masterclasses and tutorials with musicians from the likes of the SSO, ACO, AWO
• A robust and interactive hybrid education program (face-to-face and online)
• Challenging and engaging repertoire
• A community of likeminded and passionate musicians.

Apply today to be a part of the SYO program by clicking on the LINK.

AYO is a place for young musicians from all over Australia to come together to create music, learn from each other, study and perform. The training pathway has been created to nurture the musical development of Australia’s aspiring young instrumentalists: from the emerging, school-aged student to those on the verge of a professional career.

For more information on programs offered by the AYO, click on the LINK.

Private Instrumental Tuition News

Congratulations to Annabella Bayfield (Year 5) who received a High Distinction (A+) in her Grade 1 Musicianship examination. This is a wonderful achievement for such a young student. Keep up the great work!

Chloe Frontczak (Year 9) is a dedicated and talented student, who took the time to talk about her music studies during online learning as a student who participates in a weekly online saxophone lesson with Mrs Patrice Goodman.

“Hi, I am Chloe and I learn the Alto Saxophone with Mrs Goodman. Currently I am working towards my Grade 7 AMEB examination. While online learning has its challenges, I am enjoying not having to carry my saxophone to and from school on the train. Lessons are fun and productive. It is great to have the music on the screen, just like face-to-face lessons, Mrs Goodman is able to mark the score.”

Mr Kurt Schweinberger

Head of Co-curricular Music

Junior Journal Club

Junior Journal Club by Charlotte Hartin and Lucy Clark (Year 10)

This new club started in Term 3 and encourages students to read and discuss academic journal articles and to understand the publication process behind academic research.

The world of academia is one of fascination. It has the ability to captivate the interest of a diverse audience. After the parameters are understood, research can enable one to appreciate the many facets of the world around us. Academia is often viewed as secluded and ‘elite’, however it is important to spread the ideas and opinions from research throughout society. Throughout last year, we had the opportunity to interview Professor Mockler. This enabled us to understand the thought process of a journal editor, in terms of selecting articles and compiling information. You can read the article in Illuminate here. 

Through the process of interviewing Professor Mockler, we furthered our understanding of the academic world. We recognised its importance within the community. This experience inspired us to launch the Junior Journal Club to enable academia to reach a wider audience, specifically within the younger generation. At the launch of the club, Dr Hadwen shared her personal experience and knowledge of academia to motivate the girls.

The club aims to educate the student community and encourage the idea that academia is not as daunting as it may seem. The club is largely discussion-based, enabling members to convey their thoughts whilst learning new information. We aim to keep it interesting, and are currently exploring a paper regarding the likelihood of unicorns alongside the use of an abstract within journal articles. 

If you would like to join Junior Journal Club, please contact us or Mrs Tarrant for more information.

Family trivia night

Your team is invited to the Pymble Ladies’ College Online Trivia

aka

TMA’s Quiz Quarantine!

When: Friday 20 August 

Time: Team allocation rooms open at 4.30pm. Quiz starts promptly at 5.00pm.

What you need to do:

1. Organise your team players and your team name. Team players can be made up of multiple households. Ensure that you have the most up-to-date version of Zoom as you will be required to allocate yourself into your team room at the event.
2. Register by clicking this link.

(please be sure that you have downloaded the latest version of Zoom – 5.3.0 or later to self-select your Team Room)

After registering, you will receive your invite link containing information about joining.

Event opens at 4.30pm (AEST) – team room allocation

Rundown of rules and quiz starts promptly at 5.00pm

ON THE DAY:

• Click on your link to the event and you’ll be directed to the waiting room.
• Upon entry to the main quiz room (please follow the prompts on the screen when you enter), go to [Participants] either click on your Name, or [***], or [More] and RENAME to your include your Team Name and then click on ‘Breakout Rooms’ to assign yourself to your Team Room, where you will congregate with your fellow team members.
• Please remain there until you are brought back to the main quiz room to begin the event promptly at your start time. Please don’t be late!
• Everyone should arrive with a pen and sheet of paper to write down each question for reference, but it will be your TEAM CAPTAIN who will be responsible to WRITE DOWN YOUR ANSWERS (answers will not be submitted to the host – we play off an honour system)
• MARK YOUR ANSWERS at the end of each round and finally SUBMIT YOUR SCORE to the host via the chat function where scores will be added to an active scoreboard that will allow you to see your progress throughout the event.
• Quiz run by TMA host, Jason.
• Trivia includes games to win Bonus Points. (for games, everyone has a chance to answer in the Chat function) 

SEE YOU ONLINE!

Cooking with Justine Schofield

Fred’s Big Run

Enter Fred’s Big Run to raise funds for The Fred Hollows Foundation and help restore sight to those who are visually impaired or blind.

Four out of five people who are blind do not need to be, therefore participating in this challenge will help these people receive the treatment they so desperately need and continue Fred Hollows’ legacy.

Simply choose your challenge distance (50km, 100km or 150km) and run or walk throughout the month of August to help Pymble contribute to this valuable cause. Importantly you will also earn House points by joining. Further information on the Pymlympics Padlet. 

Relax and explore

Our wonderful team in the Conde Library have created some wonderful materials for your family to Relax and Explore.  

For girls and families in the Preparatory and Junior Schools, our OSHC team has weekly Play@Home programs with craft, art and cooking ideas.

Junior Pymlympics

Get involved in all the fun of the Junior Pymlympics and earn valuable House points!

Secondary Pymlympics

Girls in Kindergarten to Year 6 please join in the fun of the Pymlympics and earn valuable house points.

From Out of School Hours Care

At OSHC play is very important to us! While you are locked down, we can still all play together with our  Play@home program.  

Week 1 

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Careers Information

What’s happening (virtually) @ Pymble?

Virtual Catch up with Study USA

Student Session – Thursday 19 August, 8.00pm 

Meredith will provide an overview of the Common App system for students applying to US universities. More information and registration can be found here. 

Year 11 Careers in Directions

Over this week and next, the girls in Year 11 Directions class will be starting to plan for life post-Pymble. By the end of the term, the girls will have a plan of options or a careers board of areas to investigate. I strongly encourage Year 11 students to start making appointments to talk through these opportunities with me or Mr Kozyra. Meeting can be booked via the Senior School VC page.

OPen days and information sessions 

ADFA | Virtual Open Day 2021

Friday 13 August, 9.00am – 4.00pm

Australia

Find out more: https://defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/australian-defence-force-academy

CQUni | Interactive Virtual Open Day

Saturday 14 August, 9.00am – 1.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.cqu.edu.au/events/event-items/open-day/interactive-virtual-open-day-august

AFTRS | Virtual Open Day 2021

Saturday 14 August, 9.00am – 4.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.aftrs.edu.au/news-and-events/events/2021-open-day/

Macquarie University | Online Open Day 2021

Saturday 14 August, 10.00am – 4.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.mq.edu.au/open-day

WSU | Virtual Open Day 2021

Sunday 15 August, 10.00am – 3.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/openday

Charles Sturt | Online Open Day 2021

Sunday 15 August, 10.00am – 4.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://study.csu.edu.au/life/events/open-day

EmPOWERing Careers in the Australian Power Sector

Monday 16 August, 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Online

Find out more: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_91fhMRhNSsSY6is-yQay6g

Torrens University Australia | Virtual Open Day

Tuesday 17 August, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.torrens.edu.au/whats-on/open-day/virtual-open-day

University of Sydney | E12 Early Offer and Scholarship Webinar

Tuesday 17 August, 5.00pm – 6.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/e12-information-session-tickets-164252059331

ACAP | Coaching Info Session

Tuesday 24 August, 6.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.acap.edu.au/study-at-acap/online-events/

ACAP | Counselling Info Session

Tuesday 24 August, 7.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.acap.edu.au/study-at-acap/online-events/

ACAP | Criminology Info Session

Wednesday 25 August, 6.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.acap.edu.au/study-at-acap/online-events/

ACAP | Psychology Info Session

Wednesday 25 August, 7.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.acap.edu.au/study-at-acap/online-events/

ACAP | Social Work Info Session

Thursday 26 August, 6.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.acap.edu.au/study-at-acap/online-events/

UTS | Open Day 2021

Saturday 28 August, 9.00am – Tuesday 31 August, 4.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://openday.uts.edu.au/

University of Sydney | Online Open Day 2021

Saturday 28 August, 10.00am – 2.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://openday.sydney.edu.au/

UAC Digital | Mental Health and the HSC

Thursday 2 September, 6.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://uacdigital.easywebinar.live/mentalhealthhsc

NAS | Open Day 2021

Saturday 4 September, 10.00am – 4.00pm

National Art School, Darlinghurst

Find out more: https://nas.edu.au/open-day/

ACU | Blacktown Campus Open Day

Saturday 11 September, 10.00am – 2.00pm

Australian Catholic University, Blacktown Campus

Find out more: https://openday.acu.edu.au

University of Newcastle | Open Day, Central Coast

Saturday 11 September, 10.00am – 3.00pm

University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus

Find out more: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/open-day

ACU | Blacktown Online Open Day

Saturday 11 September, 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://openday.acu.edu.au

UOW | Open Day 2021

Saturday 25 September, 10.00am – 3.00pm

University of Wollongong, Wollongong Campus

• Speak with UOW students and experts
• Discover our high-achiever programs
• Find out about our scholarships 
• Explore your new home with a look at UOW accommodation
• Look at your options with UOW’s pathway programs
• Advance your career with postgraduate study
• Take your next step as a non-school leaver
• Find your campus
• Learn how to apply

Find out more: https://www.uow.edu.au/openday/

Campion College | Virtual Open Day 2021

Tuesday 28 September, 10.00am – 5.00pm

Online

Find out more: https://www.campion.edu.au/virtual-open-day/

Workshops and Courses

Indigenous Science Experience Online

Saturday 14 August, 9.00am – Sunday 22 August, 8.00pm

Online Find out more: https://nisep.org.au/indigenous-science-experience/

Virtual BiG Day In

Tuesday 31 August, 10.00am – 12.00pm

Online Find out more: https://www.thebigdayin.com.au/dif2021

Scholarships

Vision Australia Further Education Bursary

Value: Varies

Open/Closing Dates: 1 July – 30 September

Find out more

Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship

Value: $5,000 AUD per year

Open/Closing Dates: 1 June – 1 November

Find out more

Western Sydney University Community Scholarship

Value: $6,000 AUD per year

Open/Closing Dates: 1 April – 9 December

Find out more

UOW Transforming Futures Scholarships

Value: $3,000 AUD per year

Open/Closing Dates: 19 July – 12 December

Find out more

Competitions

The Hachette Australia Prize for Young Writers

Entries are now open and close at 11.59pm on 12 August

Find out more and enter here: https://expressmedia.org.au/programs/hachette-australia-prize/

Pangolin Photo Challenge 2021

Final entries close 31 December

Find out more and enter here: https://www.pangolinphoto.com/pangolin-photo-challenge

Monash Arts Social Justice Matters Video Competition

Competition closes 30 August

Find out more and enter here:

https://www.monash.edu/y12hub/events-calendar/articles/monash-arts-social-justice-matters-video-competition

Alternative University Entrance Programs

UOW Early Admission – QLD, TAS, SA & NT

Applications close Friday 13 August at 5.00pm

Find out more here: https://www.uow.edu.au/early-admission/

University of Adelaide Year 11 Alternative Entry Pathway

Find out more here: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/undergraduate/year11-entry-pathway

https://ami.org.au/

UTS Edge IT / Engineering 

For more information: Edge Portfolio program.

Application opens 10 August

UTS Early Entry Program

Applications will open on 10 August
Close 12 September
More information can be found here: UTS early entrance program

Cyber Safety Hub

Your family, your school and cyber safety

Our school recognises that children today are growing up in an increasingly online world and that it’s important that we do more to support and guide them to navigate this digital landscape.

Successfully developing healthy and responsible digital citizens requires a holistic approach, and that’s why our school’s cyber safety ecosystem allows us to work collaboratively with you to support your children’s digital development and provide the advice and support you need.

Click here to access the Pymble Cyber Safety Hub.

Scholarships registration now open

ESU Scholarship

Pymble Ladies’ College offers a scholarship providing 50 per cent remission from academic tuition fees (excluding extras) to a student who is entering Year 11 in 2023 (currently in Year 9) and who is the daughter or granddaughter of an ex-student of Pymble Ladies’ College (formerly Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Pymble). Further information can be found here.

Scholarship registrations open for 2022 and 2023

Pymble offers a number of scholarships each year to girls entering Years 7 to 11 in 2022 and 2023. These scholarships are open to current Pymble students.

• 2023 Junior and Senior Academic – open to students currently in Year 5 and Year 9
• 2023 Performance Scholarship – Music – open to students currently in Year 5
• 2023 Ex-Students’ Union Scholarship – open to students currently in Year 9 with a family connection to Pymble
• 2022 All Rounder Scholarship – open to students currently in Year 6 to 10
• 2022 Performance Scholarship – Sport – open to students currently in Year 6 to 10

Boarding Scholarships

Information about the various scholarships including close dates, portfolio requirements and how to apply can be found online through the scholarships page. 

Performance Scholarship – Sport registrations open for 2022

Pymble offers a Performance Scholarship – Sport each year to girls entering Years 7 to 11 including current Pymble students. 

If you are interested, information about close dates, portfolio requirements and how to apply can be found online through the Scholarship page.

Registrations close Friday 20 August. The examination will be held at the College.

COVID-19 Update (last updated 12 August)

To comply with NSW Health regulations, all families are reminded of the following: 

• Until further notice non-essential visitors are not permitted on school sites – unless by prior arrangement.
• Parents and carers must follow their school’s advice regarding changes to student drop off and pick up. This includes staying in the car when dropping off and picking up children if it is safe to do so. This does not apply to drop off and pick up from OSHC as sign in and out procedures are required.

After the current lockdown ends, the following guidelines will apply:

Parents should:

• Follow the physical distancing advice for their local area and avoid gathering outside of school gates.
• Remain outside of school grounds (some exceptions may exist re special schools, vulnerable students or students with disability)
• Adhere to mask-wearing requirements and sign-in using the Service NSW QR Code when entering the school.
• It is the personal responsibility of students to provide their own mask. Masks are mandatory on public transport. This applies to students aged 13 years and over, and staff when travelling to and from school and during school excursions by public transport or by chartered or private transport services.
• If you are unwell or experiencing symptoms, please reschedule your visit to the College for a later date
• If your daughter is unwell, please keep her at home and have her tested. We request that even if your daughter has the slightest sniffle, cough or sore throat, she still requires a COVID-19 test. We encourage you to communicate your daughter’s results to Health@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

We thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our community safe.

Last updated 12 August 2021

From the Director of Community Engagement

Mrs Kelly Mancey

Director – Community Engagement 

Where are they now? Congratulations Mackenzie!

A massive congratulations to Mackenzie Little (2014) for her incredible Olympic effort! Mackenzie reached the finals in the Women’s Javelin final ending up 8th place, throwing 59.96m. 

On Instagram, she wrote: “I came in ranked 30th but was made to feel so confident and supported by so many people that I was able to ‘throw’ myself right up there with the big guns and hold my own in my first major global final. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Congratulations Mackenzie, we are Pymble Proud of you!

Commemoration Day

105 Years of Pymble

To mark 105 years since the foundation of Pymble Ladies’ College, College Archivist Enid O’Carroll will share a piece of Pymble history in the Newsletter each week – 105 Objects in 105 Years.

1967 – Rose window

1967 saw the dedication of the Rose Window in the chapel. It was designed and executed by David Saunders and donated by the Ex-Students’ Union to commemorate the Fiftieth anniversary of the College in the previous year.

This window was the first stained glass to be installed in the Chapel and was situated high above the gallery. The window was dedicated at the Ex-Students’ Commemoration Day service by College Chaplain, Reverend R.A. MacArthur on the 30^th of July 1967.

The window design is described in Margaret Coleman’s book, The Heart of the College. The whole window may be said to represent symbolically the life of Christ. Each segment shows something different. The Greek Alpha and Omega refer to the everlasting nature of God. The words from John 14:6 run around the parameter of the window:

 I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me.

Researched and written by Archive volunteer Angelica Tan Year 11, referencing The Heart of the College by Margaret Coleman.

1968 – Portrait of a Principal 

Miss Jeanette Buckham was appointed Principal in 1968 on Miss Knox’s retirement. Miss Jeanette Buckham had been a student at PLC Melbourne and graduated with honours as a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Geography from Melbourne University.  

Her first teaching appointment was to PLC Melbourne, taking up the position of Principal at Goulburn PLC in 1956. Miss Buckham went on to be the second principal to remain in succession for over 20 years at Pymble. During her period as Principal, she saw the construction of the Ferguson building, the Junior School building, the Isabel McKinney Harrison Library, and the Jeanette Buckham Physical Education Centre. Also during this era was the change in 1977 from Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Pymble to Pymble Ladies’ College. 

Miss Buckham not only saw the expansion of the number of students at Pymble but also the range of opportunities offered to all girls. For most of her years at Pymble she continued to teach Geography, saying it helped her to: 

‘Keep in touch with what the girls were thinking and saying!’ 

Written and researched by Rebecca Peters Year 10.  The portrait by Brian Dunlop was painted to celebrate Miss Buckham’s 25th year as Principal of Church schools in 1980 and hangs in the foyer of the Conde Library. Miss Buckham is pictured with Senior House Prefect V. Tourle and House Prefect S.A. Wilson in 1968. In 1989, Miss Buckham stepped down from her role, and was followed by Mrs Gillian Moore.  

1969 – Prize book

This beautifully embossed and illustrated volume was awarded to Philippa Graham (Myers, 1969). The book titled, The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy, with illustrations by Anthony Gross was a gift of the Principal to the Head Prefect.  

On the world stage 1969 saw the first landing on the moon. Miss Buckham’s Magazine forward in 1969 refers to the unforgettable event: 

‘…we joined with others to watch Man take his first halting footsteps on the Moon. In my youth we became familiar with the idea of space travel through the stories of Jules Verne and the space fiction writers, but I never expected that the journey might be made during my lifetime.’ 

While at Pymble August 1969 saw the formation of the Students’ representative group. Described by Janet Williamson (Lennox, 1969), Chairman of the Students’ Representative Group, 1969. 

‘The group held its first meeting during Term 11 and is aimed at promoting a greater interest and participation in all school affairs by the girls.’ 

The prize book is held in the Heritage Archive collection along with other items of memorabilia and uniforms belonging to the Graham family. Philippa has a long connection with the College. Serving as Development Office and ESU President, as well as student, parent, and future grandparent to Pymble girls. Philippa is pictured standing to the left of Miss Buckham. 

Pymble Business Directory – Now Live

The College is pleased to announce to current families the Pymble Business Directory. The Pymble Business Directory will allow Pymble families to advertise your business or service to our Pymble family. We will also be offering this opportunity to our ex-students via our Alumni newsletter Jacaranda Post at the end of this Term. 

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. 

School Magazine 2020

This is Pymble College

Parent Handbook 2021

Our Parent Handbook provides a quick and easy reference for families on all things Pymble. We encourage all our families to familiarise themselves with the handbook.

Should you have any questions or require further clarification on any of the information contained in the handbook, please contact communityengagement@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.