Boarders
Our Boarders lead the way
Leadership is a common thread that weaves its way through our Boarding family. From our youngest girls through to our Year 12s, our Boarders consistently demonstrate qualities of self-awareness, compassion, respect, integrity and courage. In each of the following articles you will see these wonderful qualities shining through, from our Year 8s, Cleo and Sasha, heading off on their first ‘mini exchange’, to Dezi who took on a key role at the Garma Festival and our wonderful Ella and Liv who so generously let us take a peak into their lives away from Pymble by sharing their ‘view’. The list goes on!
And it’s no surprise that our Boarders put their hands up for and excel in positions of formal leadership. Our winter edition of Keeping Up With Our Boarders also celebrates our newly ‘badged’ student leaders and provides a snapshot of who they are and their aspirations. I am sure you will agree, we are in good hands.
Carolyn Burgess DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
Meet our Boarding Leaders for 2024-2024
HEAD BOARDING PREFECTS
Sophie Laing (Year 11), Tullamore and Celeste McDermott (Year 11), Boorganna
My name is Sophie, I live on a farm in Tullamore, New South Wales, and I have been a Boarder here since
Year 7. My journey at Pymble has been rich with opportunities in leadership, academics and sports. I am eager to give back to the College that has provided me with these invaluable experiences throughout my time here. Acknowledging the privilege of being part of this outstanding community, I am committed to upholding its values and contributing to the nurturing
and supportive environment that is the Boarding family – the heart of the College. I truly believe there is no better place than Pymble and my goal is to inspire all Boarders to embrace Pymble life - the opportunities, spirit, and community. With Celeste by my side, I am beyond excited to positively impact the Boarding experience for all in 2025.
My name is Celeste, and I live on a property in Boorganna, in the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Since the beginning of Year 10, I have proudly embraced life as a Boarder here at Pymble. My ambition to become a Boarding leader has stemmed from a desire to represent our Boarding community to its fullest potential. Committed to contributing wholeheartedly to the College, I have immersed myself in various activities such as rowing, public speaking and orchestra, among others. With a deep appreciation for the values that underpin Pymble’s ethos, I hope to
encourage my peers to fully engage with the wealth of opportunities available to them and to embody the spirit of service, kindness, and inclusivity that defines our Boarding family. I am looking forward to collaborating with Sophie in 2025 to introduce several impactful initiatives that will enrich our collective Boarding experience.
Together, we are honoured to be representing Pymble Boarding in 2025 as Head Boarders and are excited to make 2025 the best year of Boarding yet.
Coming from rural and remote areas, we are grateful for the countless opportunities and experiences we’ve had during our time at Pymble As part of the Pymble Boarding community, a privilege we don’t take lightly, we are deeply passionate about demonstrating to others how they can embrace all that this dynamic community has to offer. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where warmth, support, and shared values thrive, ensuring that every Boarder feels welcome and valued.
Boarding at Pymble has shaped us into resilient, independent individuals who embrace challenges and seek growth. We are passionate about being positive role models and giving back to the community we proudly call home during term time. What we cherish most about this experience is how it encourages us to step outside our comfort zones, fostering lifelong friendships and creating lasting memories that truly define the Pymble Boarding journey.
During our tenure as Head Boarders, we aim to develop the Boarding community for the better with three key areas of focus:
Service: In 2025, we aspire to emphasise the role of Pymble
Boarding in contributing to the broader community. Through the Live It and Love It programs, we intend to organise outings to community service programs and/ or shelters, giving the opportunity for Boarders to volunteer and make a wider, tangible impact. We believe that prioritising community service will resonate with Pymble’s core values and reinforce our commitment to giving back.
Warmth: Our vision for 2025 is to cultivate a culture of warmth and kindness within the Boarding community. We aim to highlight the importance of simple, yet meaningful acts of friendlinesssuch as sharing smiles and greetings - that enhance our sense of unity and belonging. We believe we can uphold the Pymble Boarding culture by fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and connected. We plan to reinforce this focus through fortnightly-themed chapel services that celebrate and encourage these acts of warmth.
Growth: During our time at Pymble, we have been inspired by exceptional role models who have guided us in embracing the College’s diverse opportunities. Our passion lies in focusing on becoming your best self and how Pymble Boarding can facilitate personal growth. We aim to demonstrate to students, both new and returning, how to navigate and leverage the myriad experiences Pymble offers. Our goal is to help each student unlock their full potential, explore their creative interests, and excel academically.
We can’t wait to get started on this exciting journey and look forward to having the entire Boarding family along with us.
AVONMOORE BOARDING PREFECT
Alice Beveridge (Year 11), Young
My name is Alice Beveridge, and I have been boarding at Pymble since Year 7. I live outside of Young with my mum, dad, brother and sister on a farm where we have pigs, sheep, cattle and crops. I am a proud fifthgeneration Pymble girl!
I love boarding because I love having the opportunity to experience life in Sydney while getting a life changing education. I am grateful for the opportunities I am given by going to Pymble and even more grateful I do not have to sacrifice missing out on the benefits of coming from a rural area where I can do all the fun things like riding horses and motorbikes.
In my role as Avonmore Prefect, I will work with the staff and Boarders to help ensure the best possible start for our new Boarders. I have already started attending all of the house meetings to ensure I am kept up to date with the news and concerns of the house. Along with fellow Boarder Evie, I have created a new tradition of teatime on a Thursday where we say our highlight of the week over a cup of tea or milo around the kitchen table. This has allowed us to get to know the Year 7 girls better and provides a space where they can speak freely of any concerns they have. It also helps build a culture of gratitude. I will also be involved
with the Big Sister program where I will organise Big Sister, Little Sister events and ensure the program runs smoothly.
By the end of my time in Avonmore I want to ensure that I have created an environment where all the Year 7s feel comfortable in the Boarding community and are well equipped to move into Marden or Goodlet House the following year. I know it can be extremely difficult coming to Boarding, especially as a Year 7, and in my role I want to make this hard time the easiest it can be. I look forward to helping the girls manage everything, from homesickness to washing!
GOODLET HOUSE BOARDING PREFECT
Dezi Magann-Jones (Year 11), Dubbo
Hi, my name is Dezi Magann-Jones, and it is an honour to be the 2025 Goodlet House Prefect. I’ve been a Boarder since Year 7, beginning in 2020, and these years have been filled with unforgettable experiences. During my time at the College, I’ve not only been active in academics but also sports, particularly rugby sevens and cricket, where I currently have the privilege of being the team captain. These activities have taught me the importance of leadership, teamwork and perseverance, values I aim to carry forward in my role as prefect.
One of my favourite aspects of Boarding is the unique community we’ve built - a place where we are constantly supported by the staff and each other. It’s a warm, inclusive space where we’re encouraged to strive for the highest, not just in our academic pursuits, but in our extra-curricular activities. Boarding teaches you a lot about life. Being away from home builds traits like independence and resilience, and these are qualities I see in all of us as we navigate the challenges of school life. It’s also a place where lifelong memories and friendships are formed, connections that I know will stay with us well beyond our time at school. Becoming a Boarding prefect is a meaningful way for me to contribute positively to the evolving Boarding environment.
As the Goodlet House Prefect, my goal is to help foster a positive environment for all the Boarders. I’ll be working closely with our Head of Goodlet House, Kate Inglis, to identify areas where we can improve, set goals and introduce new initiatives to ensure that every Boarder continues to feel valued and supported. By attending weekly house meetings, I have the opportunity to listen to the concerns and suggestions of my fellow Boarders and offer guidance where needed. Together, we’ll continue to make Goodlet a place where everyone can thrive. By the end of my tenure, I want Goodlet House to be an even more welcoming and ‘homely’ environment for the girls and I also want to achieve more activities to bring year groups closer together.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT BOARDING PREFECT
Evie Leahy (Year 11), Cootamundra
My name is Evie and I am a proud Pymble Boarder from a small town in the South Western region of NSW, Cootamundra. I am about to embark on Year 12 and I enjoy striving for my highest both academically and through my sporting commitments within the Pymble community. To me, this looks like working with others in a positive and inclusive way, to support others.
When I first joined Boarding my favourite thing to do was being with my friends during the week and see my parents on a weekend. I didn’t always get to see my parents on the weekend so I also loved, and still do love, going on the Love It outings, which includes doing things like going to the beach, heading to the shops and so much more.
I was motivated to become a Boarding leader as it was a fantastic opportunity to foster a community and support others. I believe that Boarding is about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and included. I love the idea of guiding peers, helping them navigate challenges and encouraging their personal growth. It also is a great opportunity to build friendships with not only my own year but also the younger years,
having a positive impact on the boarding experience for everyone.
My favourite qualities about Pymble Boarding are the connections I have made and continue to make with others as well as the strong academic focus with structured study sessions and available support systems. Going into Year 12 I have the privilege of taking over the role of Community Boarding Spirit prefect. I want to continue to foster a community of high spirit and uphold the College value, courage, integrity, respect and responsibility.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT BOARDING PREFECT
Jemma Hodder (Year 11), Forbes
My name is Jemma, and I come from a small town called Forbes. If you’re wondering where abouts this town of Forbes is located, it’s about six hours from Sydney and into the bush. I began Boarding at Pymble in Year 10 and have made some truly amazing friends. They have grown so close to me that I now consider them family.
My favourite part about Boarding at Pymble is the community and atmosphere created here. Waking up to my Boarding sisters in the room next to me is so special as it brings joy to the start of my day. Coming together at dinner is also special as we all get to talk and bond even
further. There are ups and downs, although the downs are almost flipped instantly as there is always someone there to help and support you.
My role as Community Spirit Boarding Prefect is to work collaboratively and co-operatively with the Boarding Leadership Team. the first goal I hope to achieve is to build on the strong sense of teamwork within the Boarding community, gathering in all the Boarding sisters and creating a supportive and reassuring environment where all girls feel like they are able to share their ideas together. Another goal I hope to achieve is to encourage more Boarders to attend each other’s events and celebrate their achievements, no matter how big or small. This can help the girls boost their confidence and performance. Setting up a buddy system where cheering for each other during competitions or performances can be an alternative as it helps to create a sense of certainty.
I want to be Boarding leader as a reliable source for anyone to lean on when they are feeling down or if they just want a chat. I want to be a voice, to acknowledge their thoughts and ideas, eventually turning them into ways we can implement them into our Boarding house. Lastly, I want to be a role model for the younger years to show them what it looks like to be confident whilst upholding the school values.
MARDEN HOUSE BOARDING PREFECT
Lola Barwick (Year 11), Gravesend
Hi, my name is Lola, and I am the Boarding Marden House Prefect for 2025. I come from a property outside a small town in North West NSW called Gravesend, which is about eight hours away from Sydney. Both my mum and my grandmother boarded at Pymble, paving the way for me and my three other sisters. I began Boarding at Pymble at the beginning of Year 9 in 2022 and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. At Pymble I have had the opportunity to play numerous sports including AFL, basketball, netball, rugby sevens, touch football and equestrian, which has been an amazing experience for me.
Pymble Boarding is a place for everyone. One of the things I love most about the Boarding community is the attention to detail put in by our staff to ensure everyone feels welcomed, appreciated and at home. This includes things such as birthday gifts for each girl, and a welcome back present each term such as chocolates or most recently, boarding croc jibbitz. As well as this, having the opportunity to be a member of the Pymble Boarding community is an incredible experience that has allowed me to create friendships and memories that will last me a lifetime.
As Marden House Prefect I act as a sounding board and voice for all Marden Boarders. Through working with the Head of Marden House, Mrs Beth Ayling, I will help to establish goals for the house, potential changes or improvements, as well as identifying any new opportunities for our Marden Boarders. By regularly attending house meetings, organising welcome packs for the new girls, and leading Marden House in the highly competitive Angus Cup, I aim to bring a sense of Marden pride into the boarding community.
I am extremely excited to be the Marden House Prefect in 2024/25, to work with my peers and the girls in Marden House to help create a positive environment within the house driven by college pride, boarding pride, but most of all, Marden pride.
AND IT DOESN’T END THERE!
(A note from our very proud Director of Boarding)
Please join us in congratulating our other senior Boarders who were successful in gaining leadership positions in the Day School:
Charlotte Craig – Goodlet House Captain
Gina Lau – Middle School Liaison Prefect
Alethea Levy – Lang House Captain
Lana Pike – Marden House Captain
Nandika Singh – Academic Learning Prefect
Grace Townsend – Goodlet House Captain
Livia Armstrong – Captain of Theatre (Technical)
Joanna Au – Music – Captain of Choirs
Lola Barwick – Captain of Equestrian
Bella Croker – Captain of Hockey
Evie Leahy – Captain of Rugby Sevens
Alethea Levy – Captain of Football
Allyana Levy – Captain of AFL
Dezi Magann-Jones – Captain of Cricket
Grace Peters – Captain of Athletics (Field)
Grace Townsend - Captain of Touch Football
Hannah Weber – Captain of Cattle Club
Reaching out to our local community
Congratulations to Matilda (Tilly) Batman and Vanessa Yiu for their contribution to the Gordon and Pymble Uniting Church (GPUC) community. Despite being incredibly busy Year 12 students, Tilly and Vanessa found time to complete the GPUC Kids Club Leadership Training so they could assist in a voluntary capacity at the church’s weekly kids club. Reverend Karen praised the girls for their willingness to give back, particularly in the context of being in their final year at school. These incredible young women are already well known for their generosity of spirit in our Boarding community and we couldn’t be prouder of them.
Beth Ayling, Our Head of Marden House and a L.O.V.E. Award recipient!
CAROLYN
BURGESS, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
The L.O.V.E. Awards (Living Our Values Everyday) provide formal and public recognition to those in our College community who exemplify our values in their roles at Pymble. The focus is on recognising our ‘unsung heroes’ and ‘quiet achievers’. We are so delighted to announce that our fabulous Head of Marden House, Mrs Beth Ayling, is our most recent Boarding recipient.
Beth is an exemplary staff member – a beautiful colleague, committed to the girls in her care, kind and hard working. Beth has just the right balance of firmness and fun and the girls love her for her down-toearth approach. The parents of our Boarders also deeply value Beth for her comprehensive care of their girls, the clear boundaries she sets and the strong relationships she has built in our Boarding family. Beth has used her creative talents to make Marden House into a warm welcoming home and she can always be relied on to write beautifully about her Boarders. Her excellent sense of humour is just another aspect of joy she shares with our Boarding family.
Pymble Heads South
CAROLYN BURGESS, DIRECTOR
OF BOARDING
In late winter Jackie Garment, Relationship Manager, and I journeyed to Wagga Wagga, the largest inland city in New South Wales, for the Boarding School Expo. It was a lovely opportunity to share the benefits of a Pymble education with old friends and new and we look forward to hosting some of these families here onsite in the months to come. We were lucky enough to be joined by Year 10 Boarder Lana who was an outstanding representative of our Boarders.
We ended the weekend with a special night in Temora at the home of Jo and Mark Brennan. It was a great opportunity to catchup over a delicious meal and there was plenty of good conversation to be had. My deep thanks go to Jo and Mark for making us and the extended Pymble family feel so welcome.
Our Pink Ladies
Pink Ladies are special people in the lives of our Boarders who go out of their way to make our time in Boarding easier, happier and much more connected.
ASPEN MOORE (HEAD BOARDER, YEAR 12), DUBBO AND SKYE POCKLEY (HEAD BOARDER, YEAR 12), BYRON BAY
At the end of each term, our Boarders honour a staff member and family within the day school in recognition of their ongoing kindness and support of our Boarding family. The title bestowed on them is ‘Pink Lady’ as the gift of their time and talents enhances the lives of our Boarders and supports them in maximising their time here at Pymble
Our wonderful Director Studies, Mrs Natasha Stanfield, is certainly long overdue for this award. Mrs Stanfield is tireless in her endeavours to support our academic life and she always balances this with deep care for our wellbeing. She is kind and fun but certainly knows her ‘stuff’, and is always on hand for specialised advice on anything from illness and misadventure applications through to estimated ATARs.
Mrs Stanfield is a regular visitor to the Boarding houses, sharing her knowledge of the subject selection process and the various subjects. Somehow, she has the knack of knowing us well enough as individuals to provide wise and appropriate guidance. Mrs Stanfield also works closely with the Boarding staff, providing training and direction about the best way to support our Boarders with the various demands of their academic studies. Other times Mrs Stanfield joins us for dinner or just calls in to say a friendly hello or catch up on the latest Boarding news. Our Boarders and Boarding staff appreciate her incredible expertise, never ending good will and generosity of spirit.
And of course, it is not just our Pymble staff who make Boarding such a happy place. This term we would also like to acknowledge and thank Fran Chan (Year 8). Fran and her family play an invaluable role in supporting our Boarders, from taking them out on weekend leave to assisting with transport to and from sport. Fran and her family go over and above to make sure the Boarders enjoy their time at the College and get to where they need to be safely. From AFL to soccer, to hockey on Mollie Dive Field and even club hockey, the Chan family are always there for us and the Boarders are very grateful for their care and support.
A Trip Down Under
AYLA KARACAN, SHROPSHIRE, ENGLAND
On Saturday 20 July, at 10.30am, I landed in Sydney, Australia, passport in one hand, suitcase in the other, Men At Work’s Down Under blasting through my AirPods - ready to start my exchange adventure at Pymble Ladies’ College. And what an adventure it has been. During my five weeks here, with my two exchange sisters, Phoebe Roberts and Jojo Ricketts, I have seen and experienced a plethora of Aussie destinations, such as Phoebe’s farm in Narromine, where I saw kangaroos for the first time, and Parliament House in Canberra, being completely obsessed with politics. In addition to this, I have seen some key Sydney spots, such as Bondi Beach, the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, along with Macquarie Centre, and various football games, on both a collegiate and professional level. In addition to this, I have also been fortunate enough to explore some of the lesser-known tourist destinations during my time here too, such as Woollies (for excessive amounts of Tim Tams), Missing Spoon (whose acai is waaay better than Blue Lemon) and Priceline Pharmacy (for legally required fake tan). And that has just been on the weekends.
During the week, I have spent my time in Marden House, where I shared a room with my exchange partner Phoebe. Being a day student at a co-ed school in the United Kingdom has meant that the experience I got while in Boarding has been vastly different to anything I have ever seen before. Fortunately for me, however, kind staff, the sister-like friendships with the girls and the really good food has meant that my transition into this style of boarding was seamless and fun.
With this exchange being a school exchange, I was also very intrigued as to how day-to-day life at school functioned in Australia, and at a girl’s school. Therefore, by selecting subjects such as Legal Studies, Ancient and Modern History, English and Visual Arst, I have been given a really fascinating insight into subjects that I wouldn’t ordinarily take, with A-levels in the UK only being a selection of three subjects (good luck to Year 12, six subjects is insane). Despite only spending a short period of time here, I feel that I have learnt so much from these lessons, such as the legal concept of doli incapax, the role of women in Ancient Rome and how to draw a nose (albeit not very successfully), and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have done so. I am so sad to be leaving Pymble after the amazing time I have had here, but I look forward to going home and being able to tell everyone at school about my amazing time in Australia. I hope that I will be able to come back soon.
Interstate Adventure - National Exchange
SASHA PARIS (YEAR 8), WILLOUGHBY AND CLEO MCLAUGLIN (YEAR 8), BILPIN
On the Sunday 18 August, six of us Pymble girls arrived at the airport to catch a flight to Clayfield College Brisbane. Nerves were in the air as we boarded the plane, and one short flight later we’d arrived. We met our exchange partners and over the next couple of days widened our comfort zones in the best way possible. On Sunday night the boarding house organised for us to go to Eat Street, a night market in Hamilton where we got to know our exchange buddies and had a fun time trying new foods and adjusting to a new environment.
Monday morning was the day where we experienced school as a Clayfield student. Our school subjects were Spanish, maths, social science, food tech and more! We enjoyed the small school and loved experiencing a day in the life of our exchange buddies. Tuesday was our favourite day because we wore sports uniform and had a tour around Brisbane for the entire day. We took a ferry along the beautiful Brisbane River and hit the shops whilst also completing a scavenger hunt. Additionally, we played a game of Clayfield versus Pymble laser tag that was loads of fun - and we won! Wednesday was our final day in Brisbane, and we started the day off strong with half a day of school, then at 11.30am we headed off to the airport, and although we were sad to leave Brisbane, we were excited to return to home.
We returned to Sydney and caught the bus back to Pymble with the Melbourne and Toowoomba girls. We returned to school the next day with our exchange partners. Both girls enjoyed the day, and their favourite subject was art. They were a bit overwhelmed by our big school but enjoyed exploring our beautiful campus. In the afternoon, we relaxed and chatted before going to prep and dinner. After tech hand-in, we got in our beds in the common room and watched a movie together whilst eating Tim Tams and popcorn; it was a lovely way to end the day.
On Friday morning, we took a train into the city and walked from Milsons Point to the Opera House. then several photos later we caught a ferry to Manly. Our exchange buddies thought the beaches were beautiful and we even got some Yo-Chi and Butter Boy Cookies.
Thank you, Clayfield, and Pymble, for organising a trip that has deepened our connections and widened our comfort zones. We are so grateful to be able have had this once in a lifetime opportunity that we will never forget.
Ally, Our AFL Star
HOLLY BURKE, ASSISTANT HEAD OF HOUSE
Two years ago, when Allyana (Ally) Levy first joined Pymble in Year 9, all the way form her home in Wagga Wagga, she started playing AFL for the first time with the school. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength and shone as an outstanding sportswoman both locally and nationally, currently playing for four different teams across Greater Sydney.
Ally’s training regime throughout the year is busy but fulfilling. She is currently part of the U20s Parramatta Goannas and St Ives Juniors AFL - with the season running from June to September, and training being a total of three nights a week; the Greater Western Sydney Giants Academy - with the season running from November to May, and training being twice a week; and Pymble’s Senior Firsts - which compete in Term 1 and train once a week, where Ally has also been appointed Captain for 2025!
In the final weeks of Term 3, Ally’s primary team - the U20s Parramatta Goannas - played and won their grand final after an incredible season, where her team were named both champions of their league as well victors of the minor premiership. Her St Ives team also won their grand finala earlier in May, and her Pymble team came a very close second in their grand final match at the start of the year.
Ally’s reasons for loving AFL are wide and varied, but most critically she loves the competitiveness of the sport, combined with its kind and caring culture. In particular, she finds her team at Parramatta to be filled with exceptionally driven young women, all of whom strive to do their best, but all of whom also encourage and lift each other up. Because there is such a great culture of care and support in all four clubs, Ally finds herself consistently presented with opportunities and has grown immensely in confidence and leadership over the past two years.
The Giants Academy is a key training program that opens up multiple pathways to be drafted into some of Australia’s most elite AFL teams. Ally’s ultimate dream is to play for either the Western Bulldogs or Collingwood as they are both teams she has always supported and admired, a feat we are very sure of Ally achieving in the near future!
Where are they now?
MUMTA (MALA) GHEDIA, (EX-PYMBLE BOARDER, 1990 TO 1993 )
In 1990, I walked through the Goodlet House doors of Pymble Ladies’ College as a new Year 9 Boarder. My parents, firm believers in the power of education, knew that Pymble was where I needed to be to build the foundation for my future. My older sisters had already paved the way at Pymble, and my brother was making his mark at Knox Grammar. Back then, everyone knew me as Mumta – my birth name. Nowadays, I go by my artistic name, Mala, a nickname my parents lovingly used, and one that felt a bit easier on the tongue.
Storytelling has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Leeton, NSW, as part of an Indian family of six children, our living room was my stage. My younger siblings were my co-actors, and our plays were wild tales inspired by Hindu mythology and Alice in Wonderland
At Pymble, I found my tribe in the Theatre Sports Club, diving headfirst into every drama production I could. In Year 11, I landed a role on Home and Away through an open-call audition. That blend of school drama experiences and my first professional gig lit a fire in me. I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted to work in the
entertainment world. One of my most cherished Pymble memories is from our Year 12 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by the indelible Mr Griffiths. It was the largest drama production Pymble had ever seen. I played Hermia, sharing the stage with my three best friends. That magical feeling of storytelling with people I connected with deeply –that’s what I wanted for my career.
I graduated from Pymble in 1993, honoured to serve as school vice captain in my final year. The leadership skills I gained have been invaluable in my filmmaking career.
Post Pymble, I studied Filmmaking and Media Communications at Nepean University in Sydney, then pursued an Acting Degree at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
For the past 30 (gulp!) years, I’ve worked extensively in television, film, and theatre across the UK, Australia, USA, India, Switzerland and Germany. Alongside my stage and screen work, I’ve become a seasoned voice artist, working on audiobooks, animation, and commercials, and hosted a podcast, OzLänder - Aussie Creatives Living in Berlin. I’ve lent my voice
to German film dubbing for movies and TV shows like Eat, Pray, Love, Bohemian Rhapsody, Lion, and The Big Bang Theory
In 2012, (after creating two gorgeous humans), I shifted my focus to writing and directing. I wanted to tell stories that gave a voice to the seldom heard. So, I became a filmmaker behind the camera. I thrive in creative environments, collaborating with talented teams who bring their expertise to the table to bring a common vision to life. It’s the most rewarding process I’ve experienced in the industry.
I co-wrote, produced and acted in the award-winning short film No Monsters in Berlin, a collaboration with Syrian refugees that portrayed their untold stories. The film was inspired by a young Syrian refugee who came to me for help. Winning the Jury Prize at the 2017 Diversity at Cannes Short Film Showcase and the Best Film Award at the New York Short Film Festival was beyond thrilling. Special screenings at the United Nations and the IOM Global Migration Film Festival were validation that I was on the right path.
In 2019, I directed Ricochet, co-
authored with the wonderful Australian actress Charmaine Gorman. Unfortunately, the pandemic put a damper on its film festival journey, but I kept creating. This time my pen turned to TV series scripts. In 2021, Tara Lynn Orr and I won the Pitchyour-Pilot competition at the TV Series Berlin Festival for the concept Rebirthing Samira - a story about midlife, mothers and second chances.
In 2022, I was selected for The Writer’s Lab – Europe, a screenwriting program supported by icons like Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, and Cate Blanchett. TWL fights sexism and ageism in film and television, a cause I’m deeply passionate about. That same year, I took on the role of Festival Director of the Down Under Film Festival (DUFF) in Berlin with Aussie actor, Angus McGruther. Our festival champions emerging Australian and New Zealand filmmakers, with a special focus on Indigenous voices.
Living in Berlin, with its long winters (and my two moody teenagers), has its challenges. I miss Australia fiercely, but raising bilingual kids in the heart of Europe is its own kind of magic. Sometimes, I felt “so far away from it all”
in Oz, but I still call Australia home. My mornings start with a Spotify album of Australian bush sounds – kookaburras, cockatoos and magpies filling my living room as I do my yoga, (the dainty European birds just don’t cut it!).
Berlin is a cultural melting pot brimming with endless opportunities for creativity. This city is continually reinventing herself. She’s been beaten down, picked herself up, tried to learn from her mistakes, moved to reconcile with those she hurt, and keeps moving forward. She’s not perfect but she keeps adapting. Berlin’s resilience and transformation inspire me deeply.
Berlin hosts one of the top film festivals in the world: the Berlinale International Film Festival. It’s a hub for networking and making connections, and I attend every year to take lessons from other film festivals, watch unique films, and promote the Down Under Film Festival (DUFF).
DUFF is a non-profit film festival and we are always open to collaborating with fellow Aussies. If you have a passion for promoting Australian and New Zealand film overseas, please reach out to me through our website
(downunderfilmfest.eu). Be sure to mention your alumni connectionI’d be thrilled to hear from you. We also welcome an intern to join our team, offering a unique opportunity to learn the ins and outs of film festivals and filmmaking. If you know a budding actor, director, screenwriter, or producer who would love this experience in Berlin, please think of us and mention your alumni connection.
I return to Australia regularly, soaking in the warm weather and salty waters and catching up with family and friends. My three besties from A Midsummer Night’s Dream are still my closest friends over 30 years later. Pymble gave me life-long friendships for which I am forever blessed.
Whenever I reflect on my time at Pymble, I’m incredibly grateful for the wonderful teachers, the friends I made, and the lessons I learned. It gave me a solid base from which to explore my creative aspirations. Our school motto, All’ Ultimo Lavoro, inspires me to always strive for the highest, to go beyond my comfort zone, and to try to be the best version I can be - in my family, in my art, and in my life.
Loving Love It
KATIE
WHITE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
As the year unfolds, our Boarding community has been filled with vibrant events and exciting activities that have made our weekends just that little bit more exciting. From thrilling adventures to delicious outings, the Love It program has offered something for everyone. Here’s a recap of some standout experiences that have brought us together this winter.
One of our most exhilarating outings was a day at Luna Park. This combined outing with schools like Wenona, Scots, Shore, Riverview and Knox was enjoyed by all. The Boarders enjoyed the rides and games, laughing and bonding as they experienced the park’s thrilling atmosphere. This is always a popular event on the Boarding calendar and this year was no exception.
Another highlight of our social calendar was the pizza and trivia night with Year 7 and 8 boarders from Knox, with boarders from both schools coming together to enjoy delicious pizzas while testing their knowledge in a fun and friendly competition. The lively banter and shared laughter made for an unforgettable evening. Many thanks to our
Year 10, 11 and 12 Boarders who assisted in running this excellent event.
Our Manly ferry adventure was another memorable experience, offering stunning views of the harbor. The boat ride provided a perfect backdrop for students to relax and enjoy each other’s company, which led to a stroll down the Corso to check out the markets and eventually the beach. The weather was perfect for this winter adventure - Butter Boy and Ben and Jerry’s were popular stops along the way.
The Rocks Markets were another well-attended weekend adventure. A trip to Pancakes on the Rocks was the first stop, so that the Boarders had the energy to check out all the markets. Other exciting adventures included bowling and the driving range, where everyone enjoyed perfecting their technique and sharing tips.
These experiences have not only been about fun, but also about building connections and strengthening our community. We look forward to more adventures in spring packed with excitement and camaraderie!
A View From My Window: Darwin
LIVIA ARMSTRONG (YEAR 10), DARWIN
I am Livia and I am a Boarder in Year 10. I live on a small farm an hour outside of Darwin. For the long weekend I was lucky enough to fly home to see my family. The flight was four-and-a half hours long and I arrived back home at 1.00am. Waking up in my own bed was a pretty good feeling!
My favourite thing to do once I get home is heading outside to look around the farm. In my pyjamas generally, Basil our little dog and Jess the blue heeler join me in the buggy to check the cattle. Our farm is 150 acres in a wetland area, and we run
Brahman cattle and horses.
My family is generally quite busy, but it was nice to have a weekend that was laid-back and spent at home. Saturday was spent going on a horse ride as a family which has become a rare, special occasion. Dad joined in, sitting in the buggy with the job of picking up jump rails while my sister and I raced around our makeshift jump course. We have old metal drums set up as cross rails out in the front paddock whilst Mum walks around on her horse watching us and keeping out of the way of me and my sister’s races.
In the afternoon just before the sun set we raced out in the buggy to go exploring in the nature reserve that backs onto our property. Harrison Dam Reserve is full of wildlife and little tracks that lead off in all directions. In the wet season we can’t go very far into the bush exploring due to all the water, so it was nice to finally be able to go to some of my favourite spots. We stayed out there until sunset admiring the massive dam on the left and the wide-open flood plains on the right.
A View From My Window: Dolphin Point
ELLA MITCHELL (YEAR 10), DOLPHIN POINT
Hello my name is Ella Mitchell, I’m in Year 10 and I’ve been boarding since Year 8 in 2022. I live in Dolphin Point, a small town on the South Coast of NSW. In my family there is myself, my older brother, Oliver, who is in Year 11, my mum and dad, Michelle and Adam, and my three baby Cocker Spaniels, Spencer, Beatrice and Beau.
For most of my life, my family and I lived in Queanbeyan, a small town boardering ACT, Canberra, but we recently moved to the coast around June 2023. Needless to say we were all bursting to be able to wake up and have a quick walk to the beach.
Although I love being in Sydney during the school term, with the busyness and city life which provides so many opportunities, going home is definitely a highlight. The minute I am home, I feel calm and relaxed. There’s never a dull day in Dolphin Point, the water is always clear, matching the sky and the sun shining down onto the many beaches filled with locals fishing, swimming or relaxing with a friendly smile and up for a chat.
Even though I have been saying that I live at the beach, the view from my window is actually a reserve for
endangered black cockatoos. Every morning, I wake up and am lucky enough to look out and see such beautiful birds in a safe environment. My usual day at the coast is exploring new beaches and lakes, and by exploring I mean driving the boat around while my dad fishes and I have a swim. I then socialise near the beach and chill at the rocks, or work at the local bakery, Lagom, a fun and vibrant area where locals or tourists come to grab a coffee and a sweet treat or their weekly loaves. Either way, I always come back home for dinner with the night sky and the fire pit on.
A View From My Window: Pymble Ladies’ College
LOUIS HOLDEN, WITH A PREFACE FROM HIS MUM, MRS BETH AYLING, HEAD OF MARDEN HOUSE
Returning to work last week had me once again appreciating how lucky I am to work in such a wonderful space with such amazing people. Not only this, having my family live alongside such a beautiful and welcoming community is not lost on me (or them!). Yes, the sprawling grounds, courts and the Ag Plot are a little boy’s dream, but it’s the community of Boarding families from all over Australia that we are now a part of that makes this such an amazing experience.
I am now entering over two-anda-half years of working in Marden House and it is safe to say that my
small children have done the majority of their growing, so far, at Pymble. I asked my nine-year-old son, Louis, to do a little cameo ‘View from my Window’. Here’s what he had to say:
When I look out my window, I see the Mollie Dive Field and the basketball courts that take me to the Ag Plot. I love living at Pymble because there is always so much to do. I am very sporty, so after school and on the weekends, I ride my bike around the school, I practise my goal kicking up at Main Oval or I run around the hockey fields with my little brother, Jimmy.
One of my favourite things to do is play handball with the Boarders. I love living at Pymble because there is always so much to do and so many friendly people to talk to. When I go outside to play, so many people talk to us and sometimes they join in our games. I love living here so much!
The Margaret Brooke ‘Brooksie’ Award
Hannah Weber
The Margaret Brooke Award, also known as ‘The Brooksie’, is awarded to a Boarder who exemplifies the spirit of a tenacious, courageous, compassionate and giving woman. It feels as though this award was designed specifically for the fabulous Hannah Weber who, over the last four-and-a-half years, has demonstrated all these qualities in spades.
Hannah has brought much joy to our Boarding family across so many years, in so many ways. It is impossible to categorise the extent of her influence as her passions are many and aptitude boundless. She is a beautiful writer and’ Keeping Up With Hannah’ has been a treasured section in this very publication, her writing magically transporting the reader to life on her much-loved home Fairlands in Walgett.
The backbone of our Boarders’ pantry empire, Hannah is an invaluable member of our Boarders Get Baking team, queen of the piping bag and always there to ensure quality control of every packaged good that makes it over the threshold of the Food Technology room.
Hannah is a talented sportswoman, excelling at rowing and most recently turning her talents to football. As a keen club rugby player and representative at the Rugby State Championships, Hannah even graced the cover of the Rugby Action magazine. It is no wonder Hannah was awarded Young Sportswomen of Year for Walgett in the 2024 Australia Day honours.
This year Hannah was named the Hawkesbury Youth Rural Ambassador for 2024. In this role, she represents the Hawkesbury community, rural New South Wales, the Agricultural Show Movement and agricultural industries. No stranger to this world, Hannah has been awarded numerous ribbons and trophies for judging and showing various livestock at multiple agricultural shows, and it was no surprise when Hannah was named Captain of Cattle Club. Hannah consistently demonstrates gentle but strong leadership in the care of livestock, generously sharing her expertise with patience, kindness and enthusiasm.
The Pymble Cadet program has been a long-held passion of Hannah’s, leading the leading the Walgett ANZAC Day march year after year. Most recently Hannah was nominated to participate in the Australian Army Cadets National Adventure Training Award, held in Lake Barrington, Tasmania. In recognition of her efforts in this program, she was presented with the Golden Boomerang and Torch badge, and Certificate, by the Deputy Chief of Army, Major General Chris Smith, DSC, AM, CSC, placing her in the top one per cent of all Australian Army Cadets.
This is merely a snapshot of Hannah’s many achievements, she is certainly a talented young woman. Most importantly, Hannah gives back without question and without fail. Exceptional is an understatement and we are beyond proud to call her one of ours.
Garma Festival
DEZI MAGANN-JONES (YEAR 11), DUBBO
Earlier in the term four Year 11 students attended the Garma Festival held each year in East Arnhem Land. Garma is a vibrant cultural festival that combines celebration with education and activism, playing a key role in promoting cultural preservation and community empowerment. Going to the festival made me appreciate the deep and rich culture we have.
The festival has many cultural aspects such as the Bungul which is a dance showcase for local dance troupes to showcase their talent; music – we even had special guests King Stingray perform!; and an art gallery which featured a range of significant artworks. There was also room for many discussions focusing on Aboriginal health, education and recognition. I was lucky enough to be interviewed by both National Indigenous Television (NITV) and Behind the News (BTN) to talk about where I stand regarding education back in my original home town of Walgett. In the interview I described the education environment in Walgett and how I envision the future of education in the town.
In the festival we were lucky enough to be a part of the youth forum which gave us the opportunity to express
ourselves, whether that be through music, body percussion, IPad animations, art or putting together a statement from the youth. I was lucky to help put together the statement from the youth where we advocated for a better future. As youth this was important as we are the future of Australia. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Q&A panel for the group.
One of the most surprising aspects was the resilience of their culture. Even though English is their second language, it was fascinating to see how their cultural traditions have remained strong. Throughout the experience, I learned the importance of patience, particularly in weaving, and how to effectively network. I met many incredible people with valuable connections, making the conversations truly enriching. My favourite part was the ‘Rapetiy’ ceremony, where we were cleansed before the festival began. For me, it symbolised a new beginning. I also enjoyed playing with the local children as they were full of life and they taught me something new everyday.
Celebrating the special men in the lives of our Boarders
CAROLYN BURGESS, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
On the last Sunday in August, many of our Boarder dads made the trip to Sydney to celebrate an early Father’s Day with their girls. It was a fun afternoon of friendly competition at The Greens in North Sydney, where our duos were introduced to the joy of barefoot bowls. I was delighted to hear the positive feedback and grateful to our dads, granddads and special people who made the journey from as far as Darwin and Alice Springs for this special occasion. It was such a hit we’ve already locked in the date for this time next year!
PYMBLE LADIES’