Our College Values
These values were not imposed on the College, they were traits of character we saw in the very best of our students.
MRS GILLIAN MOORE AO FORMER PRINCIPAL 1989 TO 2007
We all have a role to play
DR KATE HADWEN PRINCIPAL, PYMBLE LADIES’ COLLEGE
Pymble Ladies’ College, as it stands proudly today, reflects the stories and journeys of generations of students, staff and families.
Each member of our community understands that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and that we have a shared responsibility to preserve the spirit and tradition upon which the College was established. Our values of Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility have defined who we are and how we interact with one another and the wider community since the College was founded in 1916.
WHY DOCUMENT OUR VALUES NOW?
Celebrating our values in action is as important as celebrating our academic and co-curricular achievements. Our vision is for our students to graduate as compassionate and influential young adults who draw on their education at Pymble to make the world a better place for all.
The following pages outline how we have linked meaningful traditions and symbols of Pymble throughout the years to create icons that represent each of our five values.
These icons reflect who we are, what we stand for, and how we show up as members of our Pymble family.
Introducin g our values icons
Our values icons pay homage to well-known symbols of Pymble: our College crest, our Chapel and relationship with the Uniting Church of Australia, our beloved Jacaranda tree, the School Medallion, and the Black Watch tartan of our students’ uniform.
C A R E
COU R AGE
Each design meets three key requirements:
1 Visibly represents a place, tradition or symbol of Pymble that is familiar to past, present and future students, staff and families.
2 Reflects the essence of the behaviour statement defined for that value.
3 Has longevity and a timeless, classic look.
RES P ECT
We cannot predict what life will hold for our graduates. What we can do is teach them how to learn and trust our values to be their steadfast guide in any situation.
MRS VICKI WATERS FORMER PRINCIPAL 2007 TO 2019
We care
Our beloved Jacaranda tree was planted on Gloucester Lawn in 1947 to commemorate the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. It will forever be associated with the beauty of giving and service to others since Jacaranda Day was established in 1983 to affirm our commitment to supporting communities in need.
Written in the stars
The stars flanking each value draw from the sun symbol on our College crest, representing light, warmth and energy.
HOW WE SHOW UP
I AM KIND TO MYSELF AND OTHERS
Defined behaviour statement for our value of Care.
CA R E
The aged trunk and familiar branch structure of our Jacaranda tree symbolises care for self, care for others and care for the environment.
We have courage
Our College crest, featuring the crowned ‘maiden on the lion’ holding a trident and laurel wreath, was originally said to denote the victory of womanhood over force.
Today, we equate the figures with our students’ courageous approach to all opportunities to learn and grow at Pymble.
A symbol of triumph
The laurel wreath of victory takes on a new role, framing each value’s icon.
HOW WE SHOW UP
I AM OPEN TO NEW EXPERIENCES TO LEARN AND GROW
Defined behaviour statement for our value of Courage.
The lion is widely acknowledged as a symbol of courage and associated with leadership, strength, justice and might.
COU R AGE
We value integrity
The sun depicted on our College crest represents light and vitalising energy, and inspired the design of our values-based inner compass. Integrity sits at the centre, guiding us to act with Care, Courage, Respect and Responsibility as we journey through life at Pymble and beyond.
Threads of time
Since 1918, Pymble girls have worn Black Watch Tartan, which is considered an ‘open tartan’ that anyone can wear and a universal symbol of bravery and tradition.
HOW WE SHOW UP
I DO THE RIGHT THING, EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING
Defined behaviour statement for our value of Integrity.
Today, the word ‘compass’ is acknowledged as a symbol of support and guidance at Pymble, through our Compass Groups and Wellbeing curriculum.
INTE
RITY
We give respect
This icon re-imagines the ‘maiden’ on our crest and the School Medallion to symbolise that Pymble girls and members of our community lead with our values top of mind. We care for and respect people from all walks of life, regardless of race, culture, faith, identity or beliefs.
Building on our history
The historic arches of the Colonnade, Music School and Boarding Houses symbolise the stability and heritage of our values.
HOW WE SHOW UP
I VALUE DIVERSITY, MY WORTH AND THE WORTH OF OTHERS
Defined behaviour statement for our value of Respect.
Since its introduction in 1916, the Medallion has inspired students to strive for the highest in academia, sport and respecting our College values.
RES P ECT
We take responsibility
As members of a school of the Uniting Church in Australia, we find purpose and joy in our collective responsibility to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Set in stone
Pymble’s values are enduring, like our Rose Window, a treasured gift from our Ex-Students’ Union to honour the 50th anniversary of the College.
HOW WE SHOW UP
I TAKE OWNERSHIP OF MY ACTIONS
Defined behaviour statement for our value of Responsibility.
Our War Memorial Chapel, with its distinctive Rose Window overlooking the entrance, represents the spiritual heart of the College and our shared values with the Uniting Church.
I demonstrate courage by continuing to work on challenging problems and projects even when they’re hard. By persisting through these challenges, I can discover what I’m capable of.
NICOLE, YEAR 9
As a Pymble family, we share the responsibility of being kind and inclusive to all members of our community, no matter how different we are.
RUBY, PYMBLE PARENT
Respect means treating all people with the same level of morals and ethics that I would like to be treated with.
HENDRIX, STAFF MEMBER
When some of my friends were sad because we had a friendship fire, I cared for them by asking if they were okay and if they wanted me to sit with them at recess and lunch.
MYA, YEAR 6
Demonstrating integrity means I know what my word is worth and that people can trust me to do what I say.
CHRISTIANA, YEAR 12
We live our values every day
Every person connected with the school has some share in the building of its spirit and tradition…
MISS DOROTHY KNOX AM,OBE FORMER PRINCIPAL 1936 TO 1967
We believe each member of our College community has the right to:
•feel safe, physically, socially and psychologically
•learn, teach and work, free from disruption or distraction
•be happy, respected, accepted, encouraged, supported and valued
•have their person, property and privacy cared for and protected
•be treated fairly and equitably.
Our values provide the framework for all interactions between students, staff, parents and carers, recognising that each member of our community deserves to be treated with courtesy, kindness and respect.
These expectations are outlined formally in the following College Policies and documents:
Student Code of Behaviour
Staff Code of Behaviour
Statement of Expectations of Parents
WHO WE ARE | WHAT WE STAND FOR | HOW WE SHOW UP