Driving at the College

We ask that you please take the time to read this important information and abide by the College traffic rules at all times for the safety of our community. 

We are privileged at Pymble to be situated within beautiful and expansive grounds. We are also fortunate that we have student drop-off and pick-up access to the College. However, this privilege brings responsibility for the safety and well-being of our children, parents and staff.  

Unfortunately, we have had several reports of dangerous driver behaviour within the Pymble grounds. Speeding and overtaking at speed on the College roads and parking on pedestrian crossings and no-parking areas are some examples of recent dangerous behaviour that puts the safety of our children at risk as well as setting a poor example of behaviour for future drivers.  

Pymble is a busy place and since the pandemic we have seen an increase in the number of cars driving to school which has meant heavy traffic on local roads and traffic congestion within and around the College.  

We strongly encourage students to use public transport wherever possible and when age appropriate to school. The research is clear that making their own way to school benefits children socially, emotionally and physically. Equally importantly, it is much kinder to the environment. 

Some critical reminders: 

• The speed limit within the College is 20 km/h at all times 
• Do not overtake at speed on the College roads 
• Do not park on, next to or near pedestrian crossings 
• Do not park in no-parking zones – you may only park in the designed drop-off or pick-up areas  
• Picking up or dropping off children is not permitted at the lower boom gate near the Centenary Carpark 

We thank you for your co-operation in keeping our community safe. 

From the Principal

How exciting to see our campus spring to life after the summer break, with the return of all students and staff. Welcome or welcome back, and happy new year to all our families, including those who are currently celebrating the Lunar New Year. According to Chinese culture, the Year of the Rabbit is said to be a year of calm and contemplation, which sounds delightfully zen – and nothing like our first day back, as these photos from our combined assembly show.

There was so much energy and joy in the air as we reunited with our returning students and welcomed 180 new Junior School girls and 178 new Secondary students, including 38 new Boarders. We are so glad you are all here. Pymble is a place where you belong.

Greeting students as they arrived, visiting classrooms and staffrooms, and watching the girls bounce giant beach balls around in assembly made me reflect on – or perhaps contemplate, as the Rabbit would have us do – the difference between our first day this year compared to last year. Those who were here may recall the constant distribution of RAT kits to use every three days before coming to school. If you were a Boarder, that pesky swab tickled your nostrils every single day! As for combined assemblies, they were a thing of the past as we zealously kept year groups apart to minimise the spread of COVID.

Of course, COVID and other illnesses have a deep and lasting impact on individuals and communities around the world. As a College, we will continue to support those who are doing it tough, because we are the type of people who give back.  

What do I mean by this?

One of my favourite authors is James Clear, who wrote Atomic Habits. He says, instead of focusing on specific targets, goals or outcomes, think about the type of person you aspire to be. From there, every single action, every decision you make is a nod towards the person you want to be in the future.

This year, I am encouraging every member of our Pymble family to be the type of person who gives back.

Why is this important?

As members of our Pymble family, we share common values. Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility are the glue that binds us together as a family. What do families do best? They provide shelter, nourishment, the necessities of life and a whole lot of unconditional love and support.

Thanks to their families, each of our beautiful Pymble girls turned up to school this week in a clean uniform, with a carefully packed bag containing all the equipment she needed each day, and the ability to access food at recess and lunch time. This is not the case for every child in Australia. There are children who don’t have food for the day, let alone access to a school like Pymble. There are refugee families who have nothing and adults who are sleeping rough after life has dealt blow after blow, and they don’t have the means to change their story, yet.

As a Pymble family, we have remarkable power and capacity to make a difference to these fellow human beings. By lifting up one, we lift up all. The state of the nation’s health – both physical and emotional – rests on each of us and our ability to contribute. So, this year, I will be asking the girls, time and time again, how will you be using your gifts and talents to be of service in the world? What type of person do you want to be? The person who helps others? The person who is kind? The person who puts their hand up to give their time to support someone who doesn’t have the privileges we have at Pymble? We can all give back in different ways and I look forward to seeing where this superpower will take us in 2023.

A huge thank you to all those who have already started giving back through our donation drive of items to support The Smith Family, Wayside Chapel and Dignity Australia. Please, keep the following items coming, and remember that any clothing or linen placed in the donation bins must be in good condition, freshly washed or new, and without damages or stains.

• clothing and footwear (especially suit jackets and pants)
• blankets and linen
• non-perishable food items
• personal care items
• new and unopened packets of underwear and socks.

Signing off with a few snapshots of today’s spectacular Lunar New Year celebration on campus, and a short video about what this special time of year means to two of our wonderful teachers and their families. Wishing all our Pymble families blessings and good luck for the year ahead.

Dr Kate Hadwen

Principal

From the Deputy Principals – Academic (Acting)

Welcome to the 2023 Academic year! We hope you and your family had a restful festive season and that you are feeling energised about the year ahead. We are very proud of our student’s achievements in the 2022 HSC and look forward to ongoing excellence in our academic programs.

Curriculum Leadership Team Updates

We are committed to ensuring that our academic program is rigorous and future-focused. In order for us to continue supporting our staff and students achieve excellence, we organised our curriculum leadership roles differently.

• Jake Plaskett is now serving as Director of Academic Excellence (K-12) and looks after longitudinal data analysis, investigates trends in student achievement (internally and externally), facilitate curriculum design and academic operations (such as timetabling and reporting), and lead strategic intentions in the Academic Intelligence pillar.
• Natasha Stanfield is now serving as the Director of Studies (7-12) and looks after examinations, subject selection, manages NESA curriculum compliance and registration, oversees Illness Misadventure Applications (IMAs) in the secondary school, leads HSC Excellence and supervises the secondary school Study Skills continuum.

Additionally, both of us are sharing the Deputy Principal – Academics (K-12) role in an acting capacity until the college’s global recruitment process is concluded. 

Announcement of a non-pupil day in Week 10 Term 1 for Secondary students

Learning Discussions for Years 7, 8, and 10 will take place during the evening of Tuesday 4 April and throughout the morning and afternoon of Wednesday 5 April. It is an expectation that students join these important three-way conversations alongside their parents/carers.

As such, please note that Wednesday 5 April 2023 will now become a non-pupil day in the Secondary School.

More information about the Learning Discussions will be released a couple weeks prior to the event.

Subject change/drop requests for Secondary students

In Years 8-10, students remain in their chosen class for two fortnightly cycles to honour the commitment they made during the subject selection process. From Monday Week 4, students can collect an Elective Subject Change Request in Years 8-10 Form from the curriculum office and have a conversation about their request. Relevant Heads of Learning Area and parent/carer signature(s) are required. 

In Years 11-12, students must submit a Subject Drop/Change Request in Years 11-12 Form signed by parents/carers and the relevant Head of Learning Area to change a subject. They also need to take the form to the curriculum office and consult an academic mentor. For subject changes, Friday of Week 5 is the deadline for changes; however, students may drop a subject at any time throughout the year following the same process.

Natasha Stanfield and Jake Plaskett

Director of Studies 7-12 and Director of Academic Excellence

From our Chaplains

Welcome back and Happy Lunar New Year! I hope you’ve all had a great break and opportunities to slow down and catch up with loved ones. It is also important to acknowledge that the Christmas break can be difficult for some families for various reasons. For all of us getting back to our routines can be exciting and requires some readjusting.

Last Sunday we welcomed our new Boarding families – and on Monday we had our Year 7s start. In our Year 7 chapel service we encouraged our new Year 7s to make mistakes, colossal mistakes – now that is a good new year’s resolution. In one sense it was to take the pressure off, but it was also as Albert Einstein once said, “anyone who has never made a mistake, has never tried anything new.” As an educational institution it is important to recognise we are a place of learning, which means failing and making mistakes.

Presently in the Christian church we are in the season of Epiphany, a season of unveiling, seeing God in a new light in the person of Christ, perhaps seeing God in ourselves and in others. Often, in order to make room for the new to come in, we need to let go of the old, and even more difficult is recognising our own wrongs/mistakes.

I would like to offer a prayer for us as a community: that we may commit ourselves afresh to our own religious or philosophical values and embody those things we hold to be sacred and important. May the blessings of the Holy One bless you and those you love. Amen.

Reverend Lorenzo Rodriguez Torres

College Chaplain

From the Director of Community Engagement and Advancement

Welcome to 2023!

Week 1 of the new school year is always busy, and Term 1 of 2023 is already in full swing. We love seeing the girls back on campus and especially welcoming new students to Pymble.

Once again, the calendar is packed with plenty of activity. All community event dates can now be found on the calendar within the MyPymble app. Additionally, we also send out specific event invitations and booking links via notices on the app.

MyPymble App and Calendar

All communications at Pymble are published on MyPymble, so we highly recommend each family download the app to stay on top of notices and action items. In particular, the Calendar tab at the bottom of your screen gives you instant access to information to every one of our upcoming events.

This includes excursions, school events, social events and camps, as well as other important dates to keep in mind. By clicking the three lines at the top right of the screen you can view the calendar in multiple formats (day, week, month) so you are able to see what is ahead. There are more useful app updates on the way, too. We look forward to further developing the usability of this function to keep every parent well informed – stay tuned!

Actioning your feedback

Based on the responses from the community during last year’s focus groups, we know that keeping up with communications can be a bit of a challenge for our Pymble families given the sheer volume of information we need to distribute. With this feedback in mind, we are currently working on a more streamlined and succinct newsletter design which you should find easier to consume. This will be launching in the coming weeks.

This term we will continue to invite parents and carers to take part in focus groups. The first will be during Week 6 and the topic will centre around the MyPymble app and how you are using it, if you are finding it useful and any other feedback regarding this communication channel. If you would like to participate in these sessions, please contact communityengagement@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.

Upcoming Events

We begin the term with parent breakfasts and our annual Icebreaker event.

We have moved our parent breakfasts back onsite and these are a wonderful way to meet new families and connect with friends in your daughter’s cohort and across the College. These events offer a light meal and will be attended by Kate Hadwen, Heads of Schools and other Pymble staff. Please RSVP at the links below:

JSPG Parent Breakfast for Kindergarten to Year 3 parents, Friday 10 February

JSPG Parent Breakfast for Year 4 to 6 parents, Friday 17 February

SSPG Parent Breakfast for Year 9 to 12 parents, Monday 6 March

SSPG Parent Breakfast for Year 7 to 8 parents, Monday 13 March

Icebreaker is on Friday 24 February from 6.45pm to 9.00pm and this will be our first whole-school event for 2023, with this year’s theme being Summer Nights. Please click here for tickets.

Lunar New Year Lion

We were lucky enough today to be visited by the New Year Lion to the delight of many of our students at the Lunar New Year Celebration. The lion made his way around the school with an impressive display and accompanying drums, joining us for dumplings, prawn crackers and traditional Chinese treats and crafts. We loved seeing so many girls in traditional attire! A huge thank you goes out to the parents that cooked and served food today, contributing to the festive spirit across lunchtime.

Pymble Gives Back

You may have noticed our newest initiative of Pymble Gives Back as part of our 2023 efforts to use our talents and gifts to be of service to our community. There are donation bins at Sunshine Square in the Junior School, in the Centenary Car Park and at the Colonnade near the Middle School Office which we are accepting donations for;

• clean and good quality clothing and footwear (especially suit jackets and pants)
• clean blankets and linen
• non-perishable food items
• personal care items
• new and unopened packages of underwear and socks.

As Pymble Gives Back is an ongoing program, students have the option to purchase a t-shirt to wear with pride to all opportunities to be of service to others throughout the year. To order, please click here.

Here’s to a fantastic 2023. We can’t wait to see you soon.

Mrs Kelly Mancey

Director – Community Engagement & Advancement

From the Junior School

From our Head of Junior School

Welcome to 2023 and Xīnnián kuàilè to all our families who celebrate Lunar New Year.  A huge thank you to Mrs Anna To, Mrs Victoria Adamovich and Mrs Caren Ottaviano who have decorated our Junior School and led activities for all our girls to celebrate and learn about this joyful event.

The girls arrived for the start of the term and year with huge smiles, positive spirits and excitement for their learning adventures. A particularly warm welcome to all our new families. We are so glad you have joined our Junior School community of kindness and I look forward to getting to know you all more over the coming weeks.

This year I am challenging myself to learn more languages as I am so proud of the many languages and cultures we have in our Junior School. Please help me on this mission! If any of you are willing to help me learn some basic phrases, or to share stories from your culture, please reach out to me as I would love to connect with you. My email is: kbrown@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Be of Service

As a College, we are challenging ourselves to ‘be of service’ this year. I know many of our families already give of their time to help others. I would love to hear from you about any service you and your family give within the community so we can share these acts of kindness in our Junior School and inspire one another, and particularly our girls, to know that each of us has the power to make our world a kinder one.

As a Junior School we will be undertaking some acts of service during the school year.

Be kind, be creative, be brave and be you!

This term we are focusing on kindness to self. Being kind to ourselves means we are able to approach new learning with a growth mindset. Kindness to ourselves also empowers us to be resilient and tenacious when faced with challenge.

Throughout the term I will talk to the girls about our four ‘Kindness to Self’ facts:

1. I will speak to myself with a kind voice (talking to myself as I would speak to a best friend)
2. I will be nervous sometimes, and that’s ok
3. I will have a go
4. I will make mistakes, and that’s ok

We are therefore encouraging our girls to be courageous in their learning, to embrace challenge, to keep going when learning is tricky. We are also encouraging them to be brave in making new friends and being inclusive. Please help us to encourage your daughters with these challenges.

I also encourage each of you to be as brave as your daughters and reach out to someone you don’t know yet and have a chat with them – it could be the start of a wonderful new friendship!

A huge shout out to all our Kindergarten parents who were modelling bravery on Tuesday as they sent their daughters off on their first day of school and then chatted with new friends they were making for themselves over a cup of coffee.

Gumboots

We are encouraging the girls to connect with the outdoors as much as possible and as there is going to be a live construction site around the campus this year it’s a perfect opportunity for our girls to be outdoors with gumboots on and being playful or observing engineers at work as part of our STEM learning focus.

Medications

On occasions your daughter may require medications to be administered during the day. If your daughter requires any medications during the school day, including prescribed antibiotics, they need to be delivered to School Office, clearly labelled and in original packaging. Clear instructions from parents need to be included with the medication. We cannot administer medication in the form of syrups or tablets if they are not in their original packaging as we have no knowledge of what they are.

Please send to the School Office any medication eg Ventolin, Epipen, eczema cream etc. if your daughter has specific medical conditions which warrant their use.  The Action Plan for its use should be included in the pack.

Nut Allergies

Please ensure that your daughter’s food does not contain any nuts as some of our students have severe allergies to food containing nuts and nut products.  This includes spreads such as peanut butter and Nutella.

Birthday Treats

If you would like to send in birthday treats for your daughter and her class please limit this to either small (mini) cupcakes or iceblocks (Zooper Doopers) only. Please only supply for your daughter’s class (not the whole grade). If your daughter has allergies please make arrangements directly with your class teacher.

Car Line

Parents are reminded that parking along the LOWER Road is not permitted at any time. Please do not arrive before 2.30pm in the afternoon. Girls are escorted to car line after the conclusion of the school day at 2.45pm. We do our best to ensure drop off and pick up is a smooth process but we need your help! Please be patient with the queues at the start of this term and please only arrive at the set times.  Once co-curricular activities start, car line becomes much quicker.

Parents are reminded to remain in their car for the safety of both girls and adults and to assist with traffic flow.  If you are delayed in collecting your daughter please be reassured that she will be taken to Out of School Hours Care until your arrival.  

Arrival: Daily Routines

Please be aware that girls arriving before 7.45am must attend Out of School Hours Care. Our playgrounds are not supervised before 7.45am. 

From 7.45am, staff will be in attendance at car line and in the playgrounds. K-6 students may enter grade spaces to put their belongings in their lockers.

Departure: Daily Routines

Kindergarten to Year 2 parents will need to complete the travel form by clicking here if you have not already done so. 

Girls in Years 3 to 6 are responsible to remember where they need to go after school each day, please use your daughter’s diary to assist her to remember where to go each afternoon.

Any changes to these routines must be sent in writing to the Junior School office juniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au. Please note that it is important that any changes to travel arrangements are received prior to 2.00pm.

Girls with older sisters – Girls wait at the Junior School Library until their sister collects them by 3.30pm or at OSHC if they have a Senior School sister.

Girls Traveling on College Buses

Girls wait in the K-2 School Office and are supervised until 3.00pm when they are walked to Sunshine Square to join the Year 3 to 6 girls. All Junior School girls are then walked to Kelso bus area by a Teacher.

A reminder that all students travelling on the Pymble bus service must have a current registration. Please click here to register your daughter for the bus.

Car Line

Please remain in your car displaying your daughter’s name as you approach the collection area.  Parents are asked not to exit their vehicles as staff will assist students to vehicles if necessary. Please note that this is a single lane and drivers must wait for the car in front to depart rather than exiting the car line lane. Parents may be asked to go around if their daughter is delayed.

Access from Greyhouse Walk

There is currently no access from Greyhouse walk via the Valley to K-2.  Please walk via the Junior School courtyards. Please follow directions from College staff at all times. 

Junior School Music Information

The College Junior School Co-Curricular Music department is a dynamic and fun program. Students have the opportunity to participate in a vast array of music ensembles at their individual level of skill and interest.

Any girl who plays an instrument and would like to be in an ensemble but has not yet been placed in one, is encouraged to come to the Music Office at lunchtime or before school. All students who learn an Orchestral or Band instrument at the College are expected to participate in an appropriate ensemble.

Most ensemble rehearsals commence Week 2 (Monday 6 February). Please click here to view the rehearsal times and commencement dates for 2023.

COVID Information

The process for management of COVID positive cases in students remains in line with the guidelines in use during Term 4.

• To ensure the health and safety of our students and staff, any student who tests positive to COVID should stay away from school until feeling well again with no symptoms, as per the NSW Health guidelines.
• If your daughter is absent due to COVID, please follow the usual process of notification of her absence via the MyPymble parent portal.

Term 1 2023 Key Dates (WEeks 1 + 2)

Friday 3 February                Individual Photo Day 9 – Years 1 to 6

Saturday 4 February            IPSHA Saturday Sport trials

Monday 6 February              Kindergarten start full days from 8.15am to 2.45pm (continuing for the rest of the year)

Tuesday 7 February             Year 6 Leaders’ Induction 9.30am to 10.30am in the Chapel

Thursday 9 February            Kindergarten to Year 6 Parent Information Evening (classrooms)

Friday 10 February               Photo Day – Kindergarten and catch-up photos

Saturday 11 February.          IPSHA Saturday Sports starts

Mrs Kate Brown

Head of Junior School

From the Middle School

From our Head of Middle School

A very warm welcome to all of our new Middle School families. Congratulations to every student in Year 7 for embracing the challenges associated with Week 1 in secondary school and for engaging so enthusiastically in all the Orientation activities. Well done also to our incoming Year 8 students. We are so pleased you have joined us at Pymble. It is always wonderful to see the care our girls demonstrate towards each other. This is clearly a reflection of our Middle School culture. I would like to especially acknowledge the student buddies who have invested time to make others feel a sense of belonging. Thank you also to the Year 8 Middle School Leaders who have supported Year 7 so beautifully throughout their first days at Pymble:

Addison Woods, Emily Huang, Laranya Nanthakumaran, Zoe Bloom, Serena Cummings, Isabelle Port, Chloe Wei, Jisoo Yeou, Katerina Economou, Saja Abdel-Megeed, Isabel Neal, Sophie Ngai, Layla Abdel-Megeed, Lucinda Martin, Mie Naito, Eloise Stewart, Lily Mancey, Isabella Woodall, Sitian Chen, Sarah Bai, Mia Chan, Leander McLaughlin, Stella Sharp, Evelyn Li, Varada Vinay, Brielle McDonald, Thenulya Gunasekera, Raeya Bhat, Celine Chen, Eliza-Rose Griffiths, Cindy Jin, Annabel Taylor, Grace McSweeney, Hayley Browne, Jenny Ling, Emily Raaff, Sanaya Lakhani, Chloe Wang, Skye MacLeod, Zoe Manning, Jessica Spence, Emily Englund and Alexandra Hargraves.

I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Victoria Harrison, one of our Heads of Year 7: 2022 for her leadership and investment in the lives of the girls. Mrs Harrison has been appointed as the Deputy Head of Upper School from 2023 and will no longer be with us in Middle School. Her contributions have been so valuable and deeply appreciated. On that note, I would like to welcome Mrs Stephanie Attley who will be working with Ms Gina Ventura as Head of Year 8.

The Middle School team is looking forward to the term ahead and working with you to ensure our girls thrive.

Key Actions

Year 7 Vaccinations

The following vaccines are offered free to students at school:

In Year 7 – diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. 

You will need to provide consent online by Thursday 9 February. To provide consent for vaccination online go to https://nswhealth.service-now.com/school where you will need:

1. your ServiceNSW log-in details, or to create an account with ServiceNSW if you don’t already have one
2. Medicare details for parents/carers and your child

If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form directly from our school.

To help answer questions you may have regarding providing vaccination and online consent, please visit the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination  

Year 8 Mind Body Spirit Day

Year 8 students will visit Long Reef beach and participate in a range of wellbeing activities including learn to surf, surf education, body surfing, walking along the coast and beach games.  

Consent is a two-step process. Please provide consent for your daughter to attend via the MyPymble app as well as the acknowledgement form.  Please ensure both are completed by Wednesday 8 February.

COVID Information

The process for management of COVID positive cases in students remains in line with the guidelines in use during Term 4.

• To ensure the health and safety of our students and staff, any student who tests positive to COVID should stay away from school until feeling well again with no symptoms, as per the NSW Health guidelines.
• If your daughter is absent due to COVID, please follow the usual process of notification of her absence via the MyPymble parent portal.
• If your daughter is require to remain at home but is feeling well enough to continue learning, please encourage her to contact her teacher and/or access her learning via Canvas.

Key Dates

Monday 6 February – Year 7 to 9 Swimming Carnival

Friday 9 February – Year 7 & Year 8 Catch Up Allwell Testing

Tuesday 14 February – Year 8 Mind Body Spirit Day

Thursday 16 February – Year 7 Vaccinations 

Tuesday 21 February – Secondary Cross Country

Tuesday 28 February – Knowing People, Knowing Pymble

Tuesday 7 March – Year 7 Mind Body Spirit Day 

Mrs Jenny O’Donnell

Head of Middle School

From the Upper School

A message from Mr Riley, Head of Upper School

A very warm welcome to 2023 and the exciting start of a new school year!

We are particularly excited to welcome 35 new families to the Upper School and very much hope that you have enjoyed your first week as part of our Pymble family. We have also loved having our new Year 9s join us from the Middle School, as well as our new Deputy Head of Upper School – Mrs. Harrison, and can’t wait to see their contribution to the wider Upper School.

As we begin the year, I have been encouraging our girls and staff to ‘make space’ in their lives. Refreshed and relaxed from the break, now is the time to establish effective and healthy routines that will serve us well across the calendar year. As this article attests, holding space for yourself (i.e.. Making sure there is protected downtime and opportunities for self-reflection in your life) ensures we adequately listen to how our bodies feel, regularly check our direction, and develop supportive rituals. By making room for yourself, we make room for helping others in becoming better versions of ourselves.

We love hearing about holiday highlights and were particularly excited and proud to hear of Alethea Levy’s exploits in Fiji. Not only did Alethea represent her country, but she collected countless boots and footballs that she donated to local villages during her visit. What a shining example of Pymble gives back!

On Thursday, our Year 10s enjoyed a talk from Paul Dillon from Drugs and Alcohol Research and Training Australia. In his most humorous way, Paul explained how our girls can look out for each other at parties, how they can navigate safer forms of risk taking behaviour, and highlighted the potential dangers of vaping.

Next week, we have our swimming carnivals, and we encourage all Upper School students to have a go. In the spirit of inclusivity and positivity, two of our trademark behaviours, let us ensure we get out there, support our peers, and generate some house points!

COVID Information

The process for management of COVID positive cases in students remains in line with the guidelines in use during Term 4.

• To ensure the health and safety of our students and staff, any student who tests positive to COVID should stay away from school until feeling well again with no symptoms, as per the NSW Health guidelines.
• If your daughter is absent due to COVID, please follow the usual process of notification of her absence via the MyPymble parent portal.
• If your daughter is require to remain at home but is feeling well enough to continue learning, please encourage her to contact her teacher and/or access her learning via Canvas.

Key Dates

Thursday 2 February – Paul Dillon Seminar to Year 10 and parents

Friday 3 February – School Photo Day

Monday 7 February – Year 7 to 9 Swimming Carnival

Tuesday 8 February – Year 10 to 11 Swimming Carnival

Saturday 12 February – Saturday Sport begins

Monday 20 February – Urban Challenge for Year 10

Mr Tom Riley

Head of Upper School

From the Senior School

From the Head of Senior School

Welcome back to all our Senior School families. We have started 2023 with a bang with Year 12 heading off the Vision Valley for a one day retreat program to reconnect with friends and enjoy some time together before the work begins again.

As I write this, Year 11 are just finishing their last day at Collaroy on the Year 11 Retreat. They are learning about leadership and personal safety, enjoying team building games and having fun participating in a range of activities ranging from learning to surf, to beach games, archery and high ropes! (Just to name a few). We will have more updates from the happy campers in next week’s Newsletter.

I have spent some time both Year groups this week and am so impressed by their willingness to get involved, stretch themselves and give things a go.

Thursday will see a return to campus for both Years 11 and 12, so the KM building will be humming. This week the students will also be hearing from Paul Dillon, from DARTA, on drug and alcohol education. More information can be found here https://darta.net.au/

Restablishing Routines

Please remember that as we return from a break, resetting and re-establishing solid routines around sleeping, drinking plenty of water and healthy meals is vital. These humid and hot days are draining, both physically and intellectually, and being as healthy as possible certainly assists in keeping solid academic focus and general wellbeing.

From the Heads of Year 12

Year 12 are so excited to be back on campus and are enjoying their first week back at school – there is an amazing buzz in the KM building. Our retreat out to Vision Valley on Monday was a great chance to reconnect, socialise and have some fun. Head Prefects Freya and Alyssa share the following:

The retreat at Vision Valley was a really relaxing and enjoyable experience, and the perfect way to ease into the new year before we entered school back in full swing. It was a great chance to spend time with our friends and catch up on holiday memories, as well as take part in a few fun activities during the day. We really appreciate the thought and work put in behind the scenes to make the day special for us all.

COVID Information

The process for management of COVID positive cases in students remains in line with the guidelines in use during Term 4.

• To ensure the health and safety of our students and staff, any student who tests positive to COVID should stay away from school until feeling well again with no symptoms, as per the NSW Health guidelines.
• If your daughter is absent due to COVID, please follow the usual process of notification of her absence via the MyPymble parent portal.
• If your daughter is require to remain at home but is feeling well enough to continue learning, please encourage her to contact her teacher and/or access her learning via Canvas.

Key dates this term

Thursday 2 February – Paul Dillon presentations

Tuesday 7 February – Senior School Swimming Carnival

Monday 13 February – Year 11 Information Evening in the Kate Mason Senior Centre (7.00pm start)

Friday 17 February – Year 12 Formal

Friday 24 February – Ice Breaker Event

Friday 3 March – Year 11 Formal

Wednesday 22 March to Wednesday 29 March – Year 11 Assessment Week

Friday 31 March –  Year 12 Mind, Body, Spirit Day

Friday 31 March – Year 11 Pathways Immersion Day

Monday 3 April – Careers Expo

Wednesday 5 April –  End of Term 1

From the Boarding School

From our Head of Boarding

Welcome to 2023!

We have had a wonderful week welcoming 38 new Boarders and their families to our Pymble family and were thrilled to be reunited with our returning Boarders. There were smiles, hugs and squeals of joy a plenty as the girls returned througout the week.

Boarders’ Parent Group

On Monday afternoon our Boarders’ Parent Group (BPG) met and enjoyed the welcome drinks that followed. It was good to see a strong turnout of parents and to hear of some exciting initiatives for the year to come. My thanks to our BPG President Edwina Beveridge for her enthusiastic leadership of this group. You can read the minutes from the meeting by clicking here.

Pymble comes to you

I am looking forward to visiting families and new friends when I visit Port Macquarie and Jerrys Plains on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 February. If you live in the area or have local friends who might be interested in a catch up please let us know. I would love to see you.

Congratulations to our Futsal Superstars

Year 10 Boarders Alethea (Lethy) and Allyana (Ally) have once again demonstrated their sporting prowess. This time the dynamic duo from Wagga Wagga were selected for the NSW Country 15 years Futsal team to play at the Futsal Nationals Championships in Melbourne. The team made it all the way through to the Grand Final where they were closely defeated by Victoria.

I am sure that this won’t be the last we hear of these talent sportswomen. Watch this space!

Loving Love It

We are all looking forward to the coming Community Weekend, which sees us exploring all things Sydney on Saturday and heading out to Raging Waters on Sunday. Please note, leave for this weekend is only available in exceptional circumstances.

On the following weekends there will be multiple and varied opportunities for the girls to make the most of our Sydney location through our Love It program. Our Love It program can be read by clicking here.

Mrs Carolyn Burgess

Director of Boarding

Co-curricular Administration

Term 2 Saturday Sport Registration

The Term 2 Saturday Sport Registration period is now open via the online registration system. This period allows families to register their daughters in Years 3 to 12 for the following Term 2 Saturday Sports programs:

• Igsa Football
• Igsa Basketball
• Winter Rugby (Terms 2 and 3)
• Mollie Dive Hockey
• IPSHA Hockey
• IPSHA Netball

Please access the online registration, and all program information, via the Co-curricular pages on MyPymble by clicking here. A parent/carer log in is required to be able to register and please remember that registrations cannot be processed via email or phone.

All registrations are subject to the updated 2023 conditions of Co-curricular registration which can be found by clicking here. 

A user guide for the new online registration system can be found by clicking here.

Please click here to leave feedback on the new system, we welcome your feedback.  

Absence from co-curricular activities

Should your daughter be absent from a Co-curricular program, including Music, please complete and submit the Co-curricular Absence Leave form via the Co-curricular pages on MyPymble by clicking here

Mrs Susan Lindsay

Acting Head of Co-curricular Administration

Sports

It is an exciting time for the Pymble community as we look ahead to an action-packed year of sport.

For the last decade, I have admired the courage and determination of our athletes from afar as well as the high professional standards set from our coaching staff. As I begin my new journey as the Director of Sport, it is a privilege to continue the sporting success at Pymble, and review ways in which our programs can excel.

With over 30 sports on offer and our highly talented sport staff managing the programs, I can confidently say Pymble sport caters for our elite student-athletes and the high percentage of students that love participating in a range of sports and activities.

As we commence the new year, please note the following:

Participating in sport improves the cognitive and memory functions of the brain, helping students perform better in tests and academics. Further, traits such as discipline and perseverance also play an important part in better academic performance.

I look forward to meeting all community members throughout 2023.

Mr Adam Raw

Director of Sport

Athletics

Our talented athletes travelled to Adelaide in December for the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships and National Schools Challenge held over four days. Our Pymble athletes produced some amazing results in some very hot conditions:

Sienna Bond                           1^st U18 Long Jump and 1^st U18 Triple Jump

Olivia Inkster                          1^st U18 200m and 2^nd U18 100m

Sophia Slater                          2^nd U16 2km Steeplechase

Sybella Warton                       3^rd U17 Para 100m and 3^rd U17 Para 200m

Samara Bond                         7^th U16 200m

Matilda Harrison                     1^st U14 200m and 4^th U14 100m

Sarah Baker                           2^nd U16 1500m

Rhedyn Wong                        2^nd U18 Javelin

Grace Beck                            1^st U15 3km Walk

Georgia Phillips                      3^rd U17 2km Steeplechase

Not only did our individual athletes excel, but Pymble performed exceptionally well as a team with our Seniors winning the Senior division, 2nd in the Intermediate division and 5th for our B team in the Intermediate division. Congratulations to our athletes on their superb performances. Pymble are now eligible to represent Australia at the World Schools Athletics Championships in Turkey in June. We will select six athletes to travel to Trabzon in Turkey to represent our school and Australia from 19 to 25 June, 2023.

Mrs Laura Verlinden

Sports Co-ordinator – Athletics

Rowing

Over the December and January holidays, the Pymble rowing team continued to train both on the water and in the gym in preparation for Term 1 competitions (IGSA Regatta, Schoolgirl Head of the River and the Australian Rowing Nationals). As usual, rowing squads participated each in their own residential rowing camp. Around 25 senior rowers (Years 11 and 12) spent seven days in Lake Jindabyne, whilst 75 girls from Years 8 to 10 spent a few days on the Nepean River. Each camp was a tremendous success in terms of kilometres rowed, technique improved and enjoyment experienced. Looking ahead, the Pymble rowing team aims to start Week 1 of Term 1 strong with Roseville Regatta this Saturday 4 February.

For your information, Term 1 Regatta Dates are as follows:

Mr Lewis Gray

Sports Co-ordinator – Rowing

Swimming

Secondary School Swimming and Diving Carnival

The 2023 Secondary School Swimming and Diving Carnival will be held over two days on Monday 6 February and Tuesday 7 February 2023 at the Braith Williams Aquatic and Fitness Centre at Pymble.

Monday 6 February – Years 7 to 9
Tuesday 7 February – Years 10 to 12

Information regarding timing, championship races and non-championship races is attached, together with the Program for timetable of events over the two days.

Click here to read the letter regarding timing, championship races and non-champion races, and click here to view the Swimming Program for timetable of events over the two days.

Katie Edwards

Head of Sport – Years 7 to 12

Tennis

Tilsdesley Tennis Camp – Melbourne 2023

Our Tildesley Tennis Team travelled to Melbourne on Monday 23 January for a week long camp which included a mix of training and watching tennis at the Australian Open. Our Pymble tennis players trained hard on court all week and watched the 4th round and quarter finals matches. We also enjoyed some fun events off court including shopping, Archies Brothers amusement centre (laser tag, bowling and arcade games), trivia and a lot of team bonding. It was a fantastic trip, and our players learnt a lot from the experience.

Tennis Results

Congratulations to Ashlee Narker (Year 12) who won the 2023 Australian Open Deaf Championships Singles and Doubles. Ashlee also won the Manly Seaside Open Singles event during the school holidays, beating some very highly ranked players along the way.

igsa Tennis Trials

A reminder that IGSA Tennis Trials will be held this Saturday 4 February. The trial schedule is as follows:

Seniors (Years 10 to 12): 9.00am to 11.00am

Juniors (Years 8 and 9): 11.00am to 12.30pm

Year 7: 11.00am to 12.30pm

Mr Jufri Foss

Sports Co-ordinator – Tennis

Performing Arts

Welcome back to Term 1 2023 and a new year of opportunities galvanised by what we have lost and triumphantly found again.

It is with great pleasure that Pymble Performing Arts welcomes Ms Jo Martin as Head of Curriculum and Co-curricular Drama.

We also congratulate Mr Kurt Schweinberger who has been appointed Deputy Director of Co-curricular Performing Arts based in the Junior School and Mrs Sarah Turner who has been appointed as the new Head of Music: Co-curricular in the Senior School.

So many opportunities abound in each of the five areas of the Performing Arts: Dance, Drama, Language Arts, Music and also Speech and Drama. Opportunities unique to the thriving community of Pymble. Opportunities that will enrich students with lifelong skills in multiple intelligences.

A performing arts season brochure will soon be issued to the Pymble community that details the manifold and exciting events for 2023 in each of these Performing Arts areas.

Join us in the amazing journey of exploring and celebrating the Performing Arts at Pymble.

Michael Griffiths

Director of Co-curricular Performing Arts

Language Arts

Welcome, we are back to another busy year in Language Arts!

Debating

The standard of Debating auditions has been extremely high this year and the number of girls auditioning is unprecedented. Please note that all catch up and call back auditions must be completed this week.

The FED and ISDA seasons commence on 17 Feb and CCSA will be releasing teams and draws. Please get registrations in promptly once notified.

Pymble will host Scots for ISDA Round 1. Debates will be at Pymble. Newington will host FED Round 1. Girls will be escorted on the train. It is then an eight-minute walk to the college. CCSA will send further details.

Archdale

Archdale debating R1 commences on Tuesday 16 May.

IDC Debating

This runs in Term 4 and is open to ISDA, Archdale and FED finalists.

Social Debating

Arrangements are still being finalised and CCSA will be in touch regarding details.

Public Speaking Auditions – Junior and Senior 7 to 12

Rostrum, Legacy (Junior) and PESA (Senior) Competition auditions will run on Wednesdays after school from 22 February. Girls must register interest by emailing Mrs Hubbard BHubbard@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.Topics can be found on the Portal or on the Rostrum NSW website. The Portal will also provide further information and Mrs Hubbard or Joy Ye, our Public Speaking captain can outline the procedure.

UN Voice of Youth Public Speaking

Congratulations to Alice Mao, Jenny Xu and Amy Zhang Who attended the State Finals at the end of last year. Amy will now compete in the Nationals in April. Congratulations and best wishes.

Mrs Bronwyn Hubbard

Head of Language Arts

Music

Welcome Back!

Touch wood, it appears that the start of the year is without the need to have a “critical incident” in place – no mandatory RATs, optional mask wearing, and ensembles will be face to face learning. Alleluia!!!

I’d like to extend a very warm Pymble welcome to our new students – those from afar, and those making their way up from the Junior School. Pymble is not a school for the idle; it is a place for active minds to gain great wisdom, active souls to be nurtured, and active bodies to be fuelled. Music will do all these things for you, so please come and hang out in the wonderful Performing Arts area and be part of our Music team.

Music Support Group

This group is for any interested parents who would like to volunteer their time and help throughout the year to support the students and staff in the ensemble program. Led by the very capable Priscilla Macpherson (Sarah – Year 11) and Elizabeth Toh (Estelle – Year 7), I’m sure these lovely mums would love to meet you, and have you help when and if you are able. Please reach out through Music admin at musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Information: If you require private music lessons, or need a uniform, not sure about times for ensembles, etc, please go to: https://www.pymblelc.nsw.edu.au/mypymble/music-2-2/

Ensembles and Lessons

Please note the times for ensembles and private music lessons will commence from Monday February 6. The above website will take you to the times ensembles are held. New students are welcome to just show up on the 1^st week – your conductor will take your name and you will be added to the roll. Alternatively, please email musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au to express your interest.

Auditions for Junior School Chamber Strings

Mrs Colbey will be holding auditions for the Junior School Chamber Strings. Please email Mrs Colbey if you have any questions or to book an audition time at ncolbey@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au. Auditions will be held on Tuesday 7 February.

Auditions for Junior School Jazz Band

Mrs Goodman will be holding auditions for Junior School Jazz Band. Girls in Stanhope & Grainger are welcome to audition and need to prepare 1 piece. Auditions are open to saxophone, trumpet, euphonium, trombone, drums, piano and bass guitar. Email Mrs Goodman if you have any questions or to book an audition time. pgoodman@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.

School Choir – be in it!

School Choir is open to anyone who likes to sing! No audition is necessary, but please come and see Mrs Turner in the Performing Arts Staffroom so that you can be placed in the correct voice part. School Choir rehearses every Wednesday morning at 7.25am – 8.05am. All Elective Music students are expected to attend. Mrs Turner is looking forward to seeing you all!

Junior School

Secondary School

Sport and Music Ensemble Rehearsal Clashes

When sport practices and Music rehearsals clash, it is the policy set up by the Sport and Music Departments that the student attends one weekly Sport practice and one weekly Music rehearsal. It is imperative that the student notify their Sport coach that they are unable to attend that practice due to their Music rehearsal, so that they are not penalised for poor attendance. This policy works on the basis that for most sports there are two scheduled practices per week, but for each Music ensemble there is only one rehearsal per week. If a student encounters further problems with clashes they must alert both staff members concerned so that the student is not disadvantaged.

Parents are requested to not sign their daughters up for other activities that clash with scheduled Music rehearsals to which their daughter is committed.

All girls learning through our Peripatetic Music teacher program will be contacted directly by their teacher. Lessons must be paid in accordance with the tutors’ directive and any missed lessons will be at the discretion of the individual tutor. (A rule of thumb is to give 24 hours notice). Lessons will be on a rotating basis throughout the term and preference is given to Year 12 students for a regular time. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful talent in our department and each of our Peripatetic tutors is regarded as part of our family. If you are dissatisfied with anything, please let Sarah Turner know immediately after expressing your concerns with the tutor. We have many tutors and therefore many options for your daughter. If you are having lessons within the College, you are expected to be part of the Ensemble program. Each girl in Elective Music is also expected to be part of the ensemble program and will find their music becomes so much easier and accessible if they are meeting with a like-minded tribe each week.

Secondary School Instrument Cases and Storerooms

There are three security storerooms in the Music Building for the storage of students’ instruments while they are at school. They are labelled clearly as to which instruments are to be placed in each. Please ensure that instruments are placed neatly and carefully on the shelves and not left in the middle of the floor where they could be damaged or cause harm to someone tripping over them. Instruments must not be left in a classroom or locker. Every girl must ensure that her instrument case is CLEARLY NAMED ON THE OUTSIDE.

Junior School Instrument Cases and Storerooms

All Junior School Band instruments are to be stored in the Instrument Storage Room in the Music Gallery in the David Blackwell Music School. Cellos are to be placed carefully in the Guitar/Cello Storage Room at the end of the Music Colonnade. Every girl must ensure that her instrument case is CLEARLY NAMED ON THE OUTSIDE.

Save the Dates

February 15: CONCERTO COMPETITION – 6:30pm in the Music Gallery. We are introducing the Concerto Competition and have 4 of our fine musicians from Year 12 performing in the 1^st round of the Concerto Competition. This is being held on Mr Paul Dyer AO – Artistic Director of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra will be adjudicating and providing feedback. We encourage as many aspiring musicians to attend this event and connect with Mr Dyer.

February 25 – 26: Junior School Music Camp – Kurt to send email with info

March 31: Senior School Ensemble Concert – 6:30pm on Gloucester Lawn. Bring your picnic rugs/chairs and dinner and enjoy the sonorous tones of your daughter as she brings to life some wonderful music to serenade you whilst you eat.

CONGRATULATIONS to Freya Carmody (Year 12) and Zarina Nurlanov (Year 10) who both participated in the “Opera and Musical Theatre Lab” at the Conservatorium of Music during the holidays. Both girls received wonderful accolades for their ability to perform, demonstrate a level of professionalism within a Musical Theatre setting, and work alongside professional musicians and theatre staff.

Staffing in the Music Area

Music Administration – Ms Gladys Uy: oversees the entire Music administration musicadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Director of Co-Curricular Performing Arts – Mr Michael Griffiths: Oversees the programme of all Co-Curricular Performing Arts (Drama, Dance, Language Arts, and Music)

Deputy Director of Co-Curricular Performing Arts – Mr Kurt Schweinberger: Oversees the programme of all Performing Arts (K-6) kschweinberger@pymbelc.nsw.edu.au

Head of Learning Area Performing Arts – Mr Marcus Stafford: all things relating to curriculum matters mstafford@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Head of Co-Curricular Music – Mrs Sarah Turner: all things relating to private music lessons and ensembles sturner@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Head of Strings – Mrs Narelle Colbey: all things relating to the College Strings programme ncolbey@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Head of Bands – Mr Marcus Stafford: all things relating to the College Band programme

Classroom teachers – Mrs Narelle Colbey, Mr Mark Rossman, Ms Sarah Ashton, Mr Marcus Stafford, Ms Julia Zeltzer, and Mrs Sarah Turner

Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the staff. We want to help change your daughters’ life by offering her a fantastic education in the Arts. Each child is treated as an individual and we want to ensure she reaches only her potential and celebrate your daughter with you by her side.

Mrs Sarah Turner

Head of Co-curricular Music

Junior School Sports

IPSHA and NSWCIS Representative Team Trials

Any Year 5 or Year 6 students interested in trialling for an IPSHA representative team, please refer to our school trials schedule below. For your reference, the skill level of trials is very high. It is recommended that only A division or representative level players attend the school trial.

NSWCIS Cricket Team School Trial: Friday 3 February, 12.45pm to 1.30pm at Kelso cricket nets

IPSHA Representative Tennis Team School Trial: Tuesday 7 February, 12.45pm to 1.30pm at Senior School courts

IPSHA Representative Basketball Team School Trial: Thursday 9 February, 12.45pm to 1.30pm at Indoor Basketball courts

IPSHA Saturday Sport Trials

IPSHA Football – Saturday 4 February at Kelso Oval

Year 6: 8.00am to 8.45am

Year 5: 9.00am to 9.45am

Year 4: 10.00am to 10.45am

Year 3: 11.00am to 11.45am

Please click here to read the welcome email and program documentation for more information.

IPSHA Water Polo

Swim Assessment – Thursday 2 February, 12.45pm to 1.30pm at the Aquatic Centre

Year 6 Trial – Wednesday 8 February, 12.45pm to 1.30pm at the Aquatic Centre

Year 5 Trial – Thursday 9 February, 12.45pm to 1.30pm at the Aquatic Centre

Please click here to read the welcome email and program documentation for more information.

All students attending lunchtime trials will meet Mr Tyson on Sunshine Square at the start of lunch.

Mr Matthew Tyson

Head of Sport – Years 3 to 6

Term 1 bus registrations are now open!

Registrations are now open for the Pymble private bus service during Term 1 – all students must be registered to catch the bus and must have a current student ID card to tap on and off each trip.

The bus service commences on Tuesday 31 January and concludes on the last day of term with the scheduled afternoon run on Wednesday 5 April 2023. 

Please check the bus stops and times for your preferred bus route.

Registration for the Pymble bus service is offered on a term-by-term basis, in two formats:

1. Term registration enables the student to access the bus service every day in the morning and afternoon. The charge is currently set at $390 per term.
2. Flexible registration enables the student to register for specific day(s) with a choice of morning and/or afternoon runs. The charge is currently set at $6.50 per trip.

While face masks are no longer mandatory on Pymble buses or all public transport options as per the updated COVID-19 rules in NSW, students are encouraged to wear one when travelling on Pymble buses. Existing government guidelines for household contacts/positive cases remain in place.

Notification of upcoming price increase

The College is committed to supporting our families by providing the Pymble bus service as an option for students travelling to and from school

Unfortunately, increased running costs due to inflationary pressures on all operating expenses, particularly fuel, has necessitated an increase in our bus registration fees. We are conscious of this impact on our families and have endeavoured to keep this increase to a minimum.

From Term 2 2023, bus registration fees will be as follows:

Full Term registration: $430.00 per term

Flexible registration: $7.50 per trip

Please contact College Services via collegeservices@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au if you have any further questions about transport to and from Pymble Ladies’ College.

Meet Pymble’s Bus Drivers

Every week we will feature a profile on one of our wonderful Pymble bus drivers. This week, we learn more about Nick and what makes him tick on Bus No.5!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Nick, I’m originally from England and I’ve been driving buses for over three years. Prior to working at Pymble, I owned my own graphic design business and worked in the advertising industry for 35 years. I think I prefer driving buses now! I am married and have a 25-year-old son and a 21-year-old daughter.

How long have you been a Pymble bus driver? 

This term will be my sixth semester driving Pymble buses. I drove the Avalon bus and Dural bus before Bus 5 which covers the lower northern beaches.

What do you love about your job?

I love being able to drive such a huge vehicle! Also, I get to meet great people and see lovely places. I enjoy getting to know the passengers too. Pymble is a lovely school with lovely students.

What do you find challenging in your job?

TRAFFIC! That is the most challenging part. But the more you drive, the more you accept that some drivers may be impatient and do silly things. I just carry on driving safely and calmly – we have important passengers onboard!

What is your favourite part of working at Pymble?

The school is beautiful, the students and staff are lovely and the buses look great! Apart from the morning and afternoon runs, I especially like taking the Pymble girls to Vision Valley and the Blue Mountains trips.

How did you get to school when you were young? Did you travel by bus?

I didn’t catch a bus. I used to walk to primary school and back which was five km each way! Luckily, my secondary school was much closer as I lived across the road from my school.

What did you like about school when you were young?

Sport and Biology were my favourite subjects. I also made life-long friends at school whom I keep in touch with via the magic of social media.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I play the guitar and go caravanning. My wife and I also own a horse each and we go riding every weekend. We keep them at Glenworth Valley on the central coast.

Do you have a pet or did you have one growing up? If your pet could talk, what would it say?

We have a young dog called Luna (because she’s black with spots of white which look like the moon), a cat called Minni (because she’s small), my horse is called Clyde (because he’s huge and is part Clydesdale) and my wife’s horse is called Hazel because she is a chestnut colour (just like a hazelnut!). If any of our pets could talk, they would all say, ‘FEED ME!”

Thinking of a career change? Think Pymble!

At Pymble, you will be wrapped in a culture of care, community and commitment to educational excellence. You’ll also enjoy all the benefits of a big and beautiful working environment. For more information about working at Pymble, click here.

Job of the Week: TAS Teacher

If you’re an enthusiastic and energetic teacher that believes in making a difference every day, we are looking for you to join our inspiring TAS team on a full-time, temporary basis for the 2023 school year.

Whether you’re a new graduate, or with years of experience behind you, you’ll be confident about delivering curriculum for Stage 4 Mandatory Technology classes, as well as bringing your love for your specialty subject area, whether that be Food Technology, Textiles or Design and Technology. You will be innovative and think outside of the box to deliver engaging lessons, with a focus on wellbeing for both yourself and your students. With aspects of practical lessons, you won’t be afraid to get your hand dirty and continue your own learning journey along the way.

With multiple top rankings, first in states and state nominations for Food Technology and Textiles, you will join a strong and high achieving team, with a focus on professional learning and development, and allows your own autonomy. You will be supported for success to achieve your own goals as well as the aspirations of our students.

Our kind of teacher

You will display the following skills and attributes:

• Have the ability to teach across the Secondary curriculum, especially Stage 4 Mandatory Technology.
• Willingness and confidence to deliver Stage 5 and/or HSC curriculum in Food Technology, Textiles or Design and Technology would be highly desirable.
• Have an excellent understanding of the NESA syllabus and hold current NESA accreditation.
• Be a positive and collaborative contributor to a successful department committed to improving educational outcomes.
• New graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Be confident in differentiating the curriculum in the classroom.
• Have a strong understanding of the application of technology to enhance learning.
• Be a reflective professional engaged in ongoing development and research in relation to your practice.
• Be committed to supporting student wellbeing.

For more information or to apply, please click here.

Save the date: Vision Valley Holiday Camp

Junior School girls, their siblings (male or female) and friends in Year 3 to 6 are invited to attend the Vision Valley Holiday Camp. The first camp is during the Easter school holidays from Monday 17 April to Friday 21 April.

The holiday camp will offer overnight and day visit options and will feature a full activity program, including outdoor adventure activities, nature play and recreational games, all supervised by our experienced Vision Valley staff.

Bookings will open soon and there will be limited places available.

Mrs Rebecca Pearce

Operations Manager – Vision Valley

Pymble 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.