Pymbulletin, Volume 52 2023 by Pymble Ladies' College

Pymbulletin VOLUME 52 2023

OUR YEAR OF GIVING BACK

VOLUME 52, 2023

In 2023, Pymble students, staff and families were invited to ‘give back’ in a series of voluntary events, activities and initiatives that encourage and celebrate humanity, kindness and care in our community.

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Contents Our year of giving back............................................................ 4

Strategic Pillars Update.......................................................... 38

Green and gold for the girls!...................................................7

Model United Nations............................................................44

Centre of Excellence................................................................ 8

From advocacy to action: Pymble's

Bridging the divide: Pymble's collaborative

commitment to social impact.............................................46

ventures in nurturing healthy relationships...................... 10

You've got a sister in me........................................................48

STEM, service and spirit in Junior School..........................12

Master Plan update..................................................................51

Pymble Institute: Women in Research...............................13

Teachers in Focus................................................................... 52

Everybody dance now........................................................... 18

The 2023 sport report............................................................ 57

Teamwork makes the machine work.................................20

Performing Arts in the spotlight...........................................60

Be your best Barbie ............................................................... 22

Black Watch Ties.....................................................................64

International Women's Day: It's our time.......................... 24

Notices.......................................................................................66

Celebrating our diverse and talented community.......... 26

Where are they now?.............................................................69

Pymble Gives Back................................................................. 28

Introducing the Pymble Mentor Group..............................71

L.O.V.E. Awards – Living Our Values Everyday................. 36

Thank you to our parents and volunteers......................... 72

VOLUME 52, 2023

Our year of giving back And so that was 2023. My wish is that each student will look back on their year at Pymble and recall many moments of joy – as a learner, as a valued member of our College family, and as a unique individual with a growing understanding of her own special gifts, talents and passions. When I look back on the year that was, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for our Pymble family. Term 1 started with a call for all students, staff and families to consider how they could be of service to others in our year of Pymble Gives Back. I’m incredibly #PymbleProud to report this has been a roaring success, with students from K-12, staff and families all contributing to a multifaceted year-long program built around supporting causes that make a difference in our world as well as to communities in need. In addition

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to performing thousands of acts of service towards others, our Pymble family raised $53,562 to distribute among more than 40 charities ranging from Asylum Seekers Centre to Write a Book in a Day. Thank you to our big-hearted students for embracing their inner ‘giver’ and going above and beyond to be kind and caring towards each other as well as people and places in need of a little TLC. Thank you to our wonderful parents, Pymble Parent Association and all the Parent Support Groups for contributing to a multitude of donation drives and fund-raising initiatives, and for gifting their time as volunteers supporting our cocurricular programs and College events. Special shout-out to those parents and carers who also

stand in as readers and writers in examinations; this means so much to our students who need practical learning support, and their families. Incredibly, our community also raised enough funds through our recently launched Pymble Foundation to offer three refugees from Afghanistan tuition at the College from 2024. Our hope is to continue to offer more bursaries for deserving girls who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford a life-changing Pymble education. Thank you to our incredible staff who work tirelessly to give your daughters the very best educational experience possible, in addition to role modelling the joys of being of service to others. On our last staff day of the year, approximately 350 of our executives, academics and professional services staff spent the day working at one

“Thank you to our big-hearted students for embracing their inner ‘giver’ and going above and beyond to be kind and caring towards each other as well as people and places in need of a little TLC.”

of 34 locations supporting multiple charities, including local aged care facilities, charities, schools for children with special needs and more. Collectively, Pymble staff have also raised more than $20,000 this year for charitable causes, largely through our Casual for a Cause program. And, of course, our Year 11 students took on the role of carers of children with disabilities at our annual Sony Camp, co-hosted by Pymble and Shore. Another big heart-felt thank you to all the staff members and parents who provided additional and specialised support at the camp, which, for some parents, was the first time they have had a few days of respite from the demands of caring for a child with special needs. What a wonderful gift to give and receive. We end the year grateful for having

shared many years of working alongside a few forever members of our Pymble family, including our beloved Rev Bent, who leaves us to take on a promotion with the Uniting Church after eight wonderful years of chaplaincy at the College. We look forward to getting to know our incoming Chaplains, Rev Cass Blake and Rev Mark Sweeney, when they officially commence with us next year. We also farewelled our superstar Chair of the College Board, Mr James Hunter, after 10 years of dedicated service. It was wonderful to celebrate James’ extraordinary contribution to our College in all our Speech Day events and Celebrations of Learning at the end of the year. We also give thanks for our College Board and our Foundation Board members, who gift countless unseen hours and professional brain space to ensure Pymble remains a leading girls’ school

in Australia, along with our incoming Chair of the Board, Mr Chris Fydler OAM, who takes over from James in January 2024. We look forward to revealing many exciting initiatives for students in 2024, including one that stems from a group of our Year 12 students who came to me with a great idea to amplify Pymble spirit next year. Keep your eyes out for the Term 1 2024 launch of a College-wide campaign to support our girls as they play, compete and perform in the sports and activities that make their hearts sing.

Dr Kate Hadwen Principal

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Green and gold for the girls! 2023 had many highlights but surely one for all Australians was the journey of the Matildas at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Overall, the team won 11 of its 16 matches in 2023 (technically 10 if you count the 0-0 World Cup draw which they won on penalties against France as a draw). After a stellar year, the Matildas have firmly launched themselves into the mainstream sports sphere and are undoubtedly one of Australia's most watched national sports teams. In a few short weeks, the Matildas were able to capture the attention (and hearts) of the nation as they moved through the competition with inspiring individual and team accomplishments. Such accomplishments included winning early games despite the absence of their team captain, Sam Kerr, due to injury. The Matildas ended up winning their way through to a semi-final by penalty shoot-out. This marked the best result (to date) by an Australian women’s or men’s team at a World Cup. Beyond the on-field feats, the more astounding story seemed to be unfolding off-field. TV records were shattered, games were sold out, and stadiums were overflowing with supporters around the country. The Matildas sold more jerseys before the Women’s World Cup even began than the Socceroos did during and since the Men’s World Cup in Qatar last year, a resounding demonstration of the marketability of women’s sport.

World Cup fever came to Pymble on Wednesday 16 August with staff and students donning their best green and gold in support of the Matildas and bringing along a gold coin donation to support The Female Athlete Project (TFAP) and its nominated charity, Pushing Barriers. This charity aims to improve the lives of refugee children in south east Queensland through participation in sport. TFAP is the fastest growing women’s sports platform in Australia, created by our ex-student, Chloe Dalton OAM (2011). Chloe is a professional Australian rules footballer, rugby union player and basketballer who has represented Australia in rugby sevens and won a gold medal as a member of Australia’s women’s sevens team at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Fuelled by a study showing that women make up 40 per cent of participants in sport yet receive only 4 per cent of the sports media coverage, TFAP promotes equal coverage and equal pay for women in sport by sharing stories of epic Australian female athletes, like our Matildas! Equity in sport is an important cause for Pymble, and the Matildas are inspirational role models. As the largest girls' school in Australia, with a proud history of sporting excellence, Pymble stands out in the independent school sector as the unrivalled leader

in girls’ school sports across the nation. Our programs are tailored specifically for girls with the long-term aim of inspiring a lifelong love of sport and activity, and we intentionally cater to all ages, abilities and aspirations – whether that’s to represent Australia on the world stage or just happily kick a ball around a field with friends. Since 2000, 89 Pymble students have represented Australia in a variety of different sports, including playing for the Matildas. Just quietly, we are also working on Project 32, our ‘green and gold pathway’ for elite athletes, which we look forward to telling you more about in 2024. Pymble’s outstanding Sport program and our exceptional achievements and results, year after year, would not be possible without our fabulous coaches and dedicated sports department; thank you, Team Pymble! We know that the road to success in any field, including sport, starts with participation. We send an equally big thank you to the many families who are invested in taking their daughters to and from training and matches each week and supporting them – and their coaches – from the sidelines on the weekends.

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Centre of Excellence "The demand for talent and skill is now so great that schools have to be talent incubators, and even talent factories. It is not enough to identify talent in our schools any more; we have to create it." (Wiliam 2011).

2023 saw the official launch of Pymble's very own Centre of Excellence. We were proud to welcome former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian as a guest speaker to introduce the talent development program.

building and growing students’ abilities, passions and interests. Targeted and timely learning experiences ensure students develop their potential and become increasingly competent in their chosen field, with some attaining eminence.

Pymble’s talent development framework is at the cutting edge of research. Reflecting a growing international trend away from generalised programs, it seeks to uncover and nurture potential, through

Shaped by the research of Bloom (1985), Gagné (2018), Horn (2018), and Subotnik (2019), the talent development model at Pymble: • recognises domain-specific talents and their differing trajectories,

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including intellectual, creative, social and physical. stems from a well-designed curriculum, which provides challenge and stimulation, and enables talent to be recognised. extends beyond the classroom, with universities and industries providing mentors and advanced learning programs. cultivates psycho-social attributes, such as resilience and motivation. promotes student ownership and responsibility.

A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE Whilst each student’s journey will look different, Evelyn Zhu (Year 10, 2023) has kindly offered to share her experiences of talent development at Pymble. I have always had a passion for learning, especially about Science and how the world works. During Year 7 and Year 8, I tried to extend myself by reading books in Science lessons that aligned with what we were studying, and my teachers supported me and answered my questions. At the beginning of Year 9, I explained my passion for Science to Mrs Tarrant and asked what options there were for enrichment or extension. I sat a topic test for the unit we were about to study and demonstrated adequate knowledge and understanding of the content to be allowed to conduct my own research and experiments at the back of the classroom. Although I did not gather enough data to write up a paper or publish anything, I did gain a lot of practical experience. At the end of 2022, Mrs Tarrant, Dr Spence and I discussed a variety of pathways that I could take to further my interest in Science, including studying Year 11 Biology. I revised the Year 10 Science course for about a week then sat the Yearly Exam. This was an important part of the process as it gauged the extent to which I was across the Year 10 content, which NESA requires for acceleration purposes. I have now started the Year 12 HSC Biology course and it is going well. I love learning about Biology and it always fascinates me what life is capable of. The Pymble community has offered me so many opportunities to extend myself. Since Year 7, I have participated in many Science competitions - Big Ideas, Big Science Comp, Eureka, Biology Olympiad, Chemistry Olympiad, Biotech Futures, Physics Fight, and Brain Bees. In Year 7, another student and I won the ANSTO Big Ideas competition with a hypothetical influenza treatment, and last year we had the chance to visit the ANSTO Synchrotron in Melbourne, which is the largest particle accelerator in the southern hemisphere. It was an eye-opening experience. Last year, I won the Biotech Futures competition with an idea to restore touch to amputees using optogenetics and bioluminescence, after presenting to professors and experts in a symposium at USyd. This year, I had a mentorship with a postdoctoral researcher at UTS and observed her in the lab for a couple days. It gave me a glimpse into what a research career could look like. I also attended the Lizard Island Coral Reef Study Tour with 15 other Year 11 Biology students from around Australia, and got to learn about marine conservation, snorkel every day, and see the incredible work done at the Lizard Island Research Station. I am currently interested in pursuing a career in research and academia. I can picture myself conducting research in a lab setting or doing fieldwork, perhaps involving an ecological niche, the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases, or native bees. I think my journey so far is setting me up well. I will sit the Biology HSC next year, and hopefully more doors will open, like work experience and internships. The experiences I’ve already gained from competitions, opportunities, research, and acceleration are irreplaceable.

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Bridging the divide: Pymble's collaborative ventures in nurturing healthy relationships In the spirit of innovation and inclusivity, Pymble's commitment to fostering healthy relationships with our all-boys counterparts has taken centre stage this year. As we collectively navigate the evolving dynamics of adolescent interpersonal connections, our collaborative initiatives have sought to redefine traditions, spark thoughtful conversations and create lasting impressions for our Upper School girls. YEAR 10 COLLABORATION: SHAPING 'SHORMAL' FOR THE FUTURE Our Year 10 collaboration with Shore School has been a journey of transformation for the traditional 'Shormal' event held in Term 4. Our Pymble girls, in tandem with their Shore counterparts, delved into the heart of the matter during meetings in Terms 2 and 3, with gettogethers between the 30-strong focus group across both campuses. Conversations ranged from potential icebreaker activities to addressing challenges and uncomfortable expectations. Notable innovations included the introduction of different coloured wristbands upon entry and breaking the ice with group connections and strategic ordering activities around these. The success of the revamped event in Term

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4 was profound, marked by heightened engagement and conversation throughout the night. Looking forward, plans are already underway for an additional afternoon of activities, promising to elevate the experience even further. YEAR 9 COLLABORATION: IDEATION TO ILLUMINATION Our Year 9 students embarked on a similarly collaborative journey with Knox Grammar School, meeting three times across the year. Their mission: to ideate possibilities for greater interaction and select a joint initiative. The decision? A 'movie night' for 2024, a testament to shared interests, realistic demands and a commitment to inclusivity. What sets this collaboration apart is the meticulous planning that followed and a genuine desire from the

cohort of representatives to create something engaging, exciting and accessible for their peers. The students, the real masterminds of this project, immersed themselves in discussions ranging from logistics and budgeting to marketing strategies. They thought critically about what would interest others, be feasible and what might be a legacy project to hand to future years. The result is not just a movie night but a carefully crafted experience that aligns with the vibrant calendars of both schools and nearly 700 students across the year.

They build upon our flagship co-educational Residential Programs in Year 9, to encourage an ethos of deeper connection and dovetail into our wider mission to assist Upper School girls in growing their perspective through experience. The active involvement of our students in the planning process empowers them to be the cultural architects of their social experiences, instilling values of ownership and responsibility. Whilst seemingly simple, these initiatives are not merely events; they are milestones in a journey towards building connections that resonate with authenticity and genuine camaraderie.

Beyond the cheerful events and the thrill of collaboration, these initiatives echo our deeper commitment to shaping a culture of respect and inclusivity within our community, and importantly between young men and women.

VOLUME 52, 2023

STEM, service and spirit in Junior School There were many highlights from the Junior School in 2023, but it can be summed up succintly with these three words: science, service and spirit. We are so proud of all our students for approaching all these initiatives with enthusiasm, kindness and creativity. JUNIOR SCHOOL INTERHOUSE ROBOTICS COMPETITION STEM is a key focus for the learning of our Junior School girls. We want our girls to approach all their learning with a curious and agile mindset; looking for problems, questioning their learning and working through problems with resilience and determination. As part of this STEM focus, our Junior School House Captains helped our Head of STEM K-6, Mr Brown, host our inaugural Interhouse Robotics Competition. Every girl from Kindergarten to Year 6 interacted with a robot to earn points for her house throughout the day. The day was launched to much excitement by our Junior School girls

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and by Tall-e, our FRC robot. Tall-e was driven by our 2023 Senior Robotics Captains, displaying the skills and speed of our student built and coded competition winning robot which qualified for the World Championships in the USA in April 2023. Our Kindergarten girls started the day driving Bee-bots around a maze. Year 1 and 2 then drove more advanced dash robots around the maze, with each student collecting points for their House depending on how far they travelled in the set time. Year 3 showed their confidence and skills navigating dash robots through intense rounds of interhouse basketball. Year 4, 5 and 6 showed their Matildas’ spirit with some fierce competition in the VEX Go and VEX IQ robot soccer rounds.

It is impressive that not all girls participate in our co-curricular Robotics program, yet all have the passion and capacity to engage with a robot to enhance their learning. Throughout the day our Year 5 and 6 co-curricular Robotics students worked on building their VEX IQ competition robots, giving our other students the opportunity to see the level of collaboration, skill and creativity in competitive robotics. The day was a resounding success and the girls are already enthusiastic about future interhouse events. Congratulations to Ingleholme who won overall on the day. SERVICE IN OUR JUNIOR SCHOOL Throughout the year our Junior

School girls have continued on their mission to spread kindness throughout the community by embracing service opportunities wherever they can. Individual students have challenged themselves to undertake acts of selflessness and service including crocheting animals to sell and raise funds for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter, cutting their hair to support cancer charities and volunteering their time to support community events. A group of Year 6 students have given up their lunchtimes each Friday to build connections and friendships with elderly residents at Bowden Brae Aged Care Facility. The girls have developed strong friendships with these residents, many of whom suffer from dementia and the girls have

worked patiently and with kindness to engage their elderly friends in a range of simple craft activities and conversation each week. A group of Year 5 students also volunteered their time once a week to partner through play with students at St Lucy’s School, Wahroonga. Our girls developed many skills as they learnt how to share their passion for robotics and teach simple robotics skills to their peers at St Lucy’s each of whom have complex learning needs. LET’S GET CREATIVE FESTIVAL Our inaugural Junior School Let’s Get Creative Festival was a sensational day of creativity and house spirit. The concept for this year was ‘magical’ and there was plenty of magic on display as each student displayed

an artwork in our Visual Arts gallery. The gallery was a wonderland of traditional basket weaving, coral representations, birds, paintings, pen and ink drawings and even some stick and grass sculptures inspired by the girls’ reading of the Dreaming story, The Mimis. Magic sparkled as the girls sang, danced and shared their musical talents with our community. Our House Captains led the spirit at the start of the day with a high energy interhouse singing competition with each house singing and dancing to a Disney song they had been learning together throughout the term. It was a challenge for Dr Hadwen to pick a winner as the competition was friendly but fierce!

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Our Junior School girls embraced so many different elements of creativity and courage throughout the day with their individual poetry recitals, K-Pop performances, ballet solos, small group dance performances, magic shows and instrumental performances. The challenge with each of these performances was to showcase creativity so girls choreographed their own dances, interpreted classic poems with a contemporary voice and even led drumming workshops teaching others how to play the drums using household buckets!

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Led by a group of service-minded young entrepreneurs, we hosted our first marketplace as part of this Festival. The market bustled with a myriad of stalls run by girls who had volunteered to make and bake goods to raise money to support our College charities, raising an impressive $5,577 in just over an hour! This is an outstanding effort and all the more impressive given all goods were homemade and sold for a maximum price of $2. The festival was a day co-created with

the girls and for the girls, giving them the freedom to explore their creativity and celebrate it with our community. This was a new venture for our school and an innovative way to provide our parents with a window into the learning of their daughters. Such was the collective spirit and energy of students, staff and families that we were all on a high for many days!

Pymble comes to you in 2024 Moree Thursday 25 July 2024

Walgett Friday 8 March 2024

Walcha Saturday 27 July 2024

Dubbo Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May 2024

Tamworth

Friday 26 and Saturday 27 July 2024

Scone October 2024

Temora Wagga Wagga

Saturday 22 June 2024

Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June 2024

WHERE

WHAT

DATE AND TIME

VENUE

Walgett

Pymble in Walgett

Friday 8 March

The Walgett Sporto

Dubbo

Boarding Schools Expo

Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May

DRTCC

Dubbo

Pymble in Dubbo

Friday 10 May, 6.30pm

Press

Wagga Wagga

Boarding Schools Expo

Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June

Bolton Park

Temora

Pymble in Temora

Saturday 22 June 6.00pm

Private Residence

Moree

Boarding Schools Expo

Thursday 25 July

Moree Services Club

Tamworth

Boarding Schools Expo

Friday 26 and Saturday 27 July

Memorial Town Hall

Walcha

Pymble in Walcha

Saturday 27 July, 6.00pm

To be confirmed

Scone

Pymble in Scone

October 2024

To be confirmed

Please contact Jackie Garment, Relationship Manager, at jgarment@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or 9497 7853 for more information or to RSVP.

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Women in research The Pymble Institute has been busy in 2023 with research projects and opportunities that impact the lives of girls and women, and steps that bring more women into the research pipeline.

As a girls’ school, Pymble has an excellent opportunity to expose students to roles as researchers, research participants and ethical critics of research, and the Pymble Institute is committed to building these skills in students whilst they are still at school. This gives our students a head start, allowing them to embrace greater complexities and challenges in their tertiary studies and future careers. Research is a skill which can enhance all areas of human endeavour.

area in the Northern Territory who is also a primary, secondary and tertiary educator. She achieved her PhD at Deakin University in semiotics and narrative theory and her multi award winning book published last year, We Come With This Place, was written from her PhD. Over the week, Debra worked with a group of First Nations ex-Pymble students to help design a research project into the ex-students' schooling experiences which will be an important project in the years ahead.

Action Research Collaborative (GARC) Fellow. Mrs Giles' research is into how Year 3 students can benefit when parents and teachers work together to boost the girls’ wellbeing. Mrs Giles, along with Mrs Nikki Wyse and Mr Cedric Le Bescont, represented Pymble at the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools conference in Cleveland, Ohio in June. The team all presented their action research projects, including into the topics of anti-racism education and data science, to a global audience.

A highlight of 2023 was working with Dr Debra Dank who visited the College in October. As the Pymble Institute’s Inaugural Research Fellow, Dr Debra Dank spent time with staff and students in workshops, assemblies, staffrooms and classrooms teaching us about Indigenous research methods, Country, texts by Indigenous authors and Indigenous ways of learning. Dr Dank is a Gudanji/Wakaja woman from the Barkly Tablelands

Other research initiatives include working with UTS Education and the UTS Data Science Institute to investigate facial recognition software and applications for teaching, and collaborating with a team from Western Sydney University to research Pymble’s residential program at Vision Valley. Action research has also been a focus with Mrs Kate Giles becoming the College’s second International Coalition of Girls’ Schools Global

A popular initiative to enhance teaching and learning was the commencement of the Junior School Research Club. Led by Pymble Institute Research Assistant, Mrs Victoria Adamovich, monthly lunch time meetings allow staff the opportunity to integrate practice with research through reflective discussion. The annual Pymble Research Conference took place through a series of conversations this year

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with College researchers Ms Mariel Lombard, Miss Thomasina Buchner, Mrs Kate Giles and Mrs Victoria Adamovich presenting. Research activities for students include the launch of the new Sokratis student research program (Year 7 to 11), as well as a Sokratis Junior program for Years 3 to 6. Secondary students worked throughout the year with their mentors and produced fantastic research posters for the showcase in Term 4. The Junior School Sokratis showcase afternoon included an equally impressive range of posters, displays and activities to experience. The 3 Minute Sokratis speaking competition was judged by ex-student Ms Laurene LeClerc who

is a PhD student in at the University of Sydney, Mrs Bronwyn Hubbard (Head of Co-curricular Language Arts) and Ms Mariel Lombard (Head of Year and PhD student). The students used one PowerPoint slide and spoke for only three minutes to convince the audience of the significance of their research. This year’s Student Research conference was organised by Year 12 student, Lucy Clarke. Lucy did a superb job of developing the program and supporting the student researchers. We invited Professor Fiona White and ex-student Natalie Dajkovich to deliver keynote talks and fourteen students from Year 7 to 12 then presented their research. The Pymble Ethics Committee created a student leadership structure and

benefited from Jiya Tanna and Julie Sheng becoming the Applications Manager and Chairperson, respectively. Celebrations in 2023 included Director of the Pymble Institute, Dr Sarah Loch, receiving a Fellowship from the Teachers’ Guild NSW, and Research Assistant, Mrs Victoria Adamovich becoming a finalist in the Teachers' Guild Research Awards. The Pymble Institute’s mission of driving thinking forward and inspiring students and staff to engage in research has truly been in action in 2023.

Dr Sarah Loch Director - Pymble Institute VOLUME 52, 2023

Everybody dance now One of the most vibrant, exciting and diverse co-curricular programs at Pymble is ‘Pymble Dance’, boasting over 1,000 registrations and hosting a dynamic array of 80 classes per week. It is propelled by an exceptional team of Dance staff deeply interconnected and committed to its success with the students' joy of dance being at the forefront of every lesson. Effectively steering this multifaceted dance landscape requires more than just maintaining its current excellence. It demands foresight and a robust team ready to address challenges while cultivating an environment that fosters growth for both students and staff alike. A thorough exploration of the world around us is a consistent endeavor, seeking ways to use dance as a means to delve into educational concepts beyond the dance studio, enriching our dancers' experiences and leaving a lasting impact on our audience. The anticipation surrounding our new dance centre in 2025 and the rapid evolution of AI in education sparked a feeling last December that 'The Future' would be our theme for 2023, and indeed it materialised in what we think has been our most successful showcase yet.

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This production served as a dynamic platform for contemplating future possibilities. Over a comprehensive seven-month period, we collectively embarked on a journey from conceptualisation to the realisation of our artistic vision to create ‘The Future. It could be…’ For the second consecutive year, we had the honour of collaborating with Miss Miranda Middleton, an esteemed ex-student of the College and a highly acclaimed theatre director. Our collaborative effort resulted in the creation of a unique narrative production. Throughout this process, a series of focus groups, immersive student workshops, and extensive research were conducted to seamlessly weave the production together. Miss Middleton adeptly scripted the narrative from the ideas generated during this process. Our teachers crafted themes and choreography suitable for their classes, while our sound designers, SoundModa, and our Theatre

Technical Coordinator, Timothy Colvin, were integral in composing and recording our soundtracks and voiceovers. Notably, we utilised advanced AI tools at various stages of our creative journey, including graphic design, costume conceptuallisation, and even our Robot “Simba” voiceovers. This experience provided valuable insights into the role of technology in our creative process while affirming that it can never replace the unique human touch that defines our approach. “It Could Be…” encompassed 5 showcases, offering a platform for numerous dancers to present their performances to over 2,300 audience members. Our

Onstage Stream classes explored diverse themes and future possibilities, ranging from interstellar travel to climate change and a universal language. Our Eisteddfod Team embraced an entirely new structure for Semester 2, crafting an artistic work themed "Robot Vs Human." Additionally, our Ballet Stream Production excerpt and Eisteddfod Routines were performed to celebrate their successful year. Our 2023 Showcase ended with an image of a human and robot holding hands leading into the future and we know that this concept provided our wider community with many different ways of thinking about what “It could be…’ in our near and distant future.

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Teamwork makes the machine work In 2023, the robotics scene witnessed an unprecedented display of ingenuity, resilience, and teamwork, particularly from the teams of Pymble. Their journey through various competitions, from the FIRST Championship in Houston to the FIRST Tech Challenge in Wollongong, has been nothing short of extraordinary. YEAR 10-12 – FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION (FRC) Southern Cross Regional: The season commenced at the Southern Cross Regional in Wollongong, where Team Pymble Pride competed against teams from across Australia and Asia. Demonstrating their motto, Teamwork makes the machine work, they emerged victorious, winning the event alongside their Alliance Captain Barker Redbacks and second choice, Robo Rebels from Narooma, NSW. Their success was further adorned with the Engineering Inspiration Award, recognising their contribution to advancing respect for engineering within and outside their school community. This achievement paved their way to the World Championships in Houston, Texas. FRC Tallahassee: The journey then led to Tallahassee, Florida, for their first international regional in the FIRST Robotics Competition. Despite a strong start, Team Pymble Pride, with a skeleton crew of seven students, finished fourth and received the Engineering Excellence Award for their robot Tall-e. The event was marked by challenges, including a significant injury during a judging interview, yet the team showed remarkable grit and resilience. They entered the finals as the second alliance, ultimately

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finishing fourth. This event, while not culminating in victory, was a learning experience and an opportunity to form international bonds, particularly with the Brazilian team Taubatexas 7459 and Wolfbotics 5145. FRC Houston World Championships: The team then flew again to Houston to compete in the FRC World Championship. Here, they took the robot as far as it could go, constantly making improvements. The wonderful team RoboSpartans hosted them every evening and some days at their high-tech facility in Katy, Texas, where the team could make improvements, test code, and practise driving. Thanks to the lead coders, Mulan Xu (Year 11) and Sophia Chen (Year 10), for coding a camera to automatically aim at a target during driver operation and doing so while on tour. This hard work not only gave the robot the best chance to perform, but it also established knowledge for future coders to build upon. During the competition, the team won and lost matches. They managed amazing feats of manoeuvring and scoring, such as balancing a 45-kilogram robot with three other similarly weighted robots on a balance board. The robot

toppled over only once. But the team kept on going. The final result may not have shone statistically, but the approach, recognition, and attitude did. When the competition was over, the team had to take the robot apart to place it back in our check-in luggage for the international flight the next day. They had to do this during the finals matches, and so the team was tasked with missing some matches as they tag-teamed turns to dismantle the robot. Every girl, no matter her role, came down from the stands at some stage and took responsibility for disassembling this complex machine, showing that each of them has impressive and perhaps not openly appreciated technical skills. The team may not have left with any silverware, but they left with respect, recognition, and international interest. The team is built on a culture where passionate, committed girls lead the way. What an amazing platform from which to continue growing. The girls are eager for an even bigger 2024 season. YEAR 7-9 VRC 2022-2023 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Four VEX teams (6510K, 6510F, 65100K and 65100E) competed in the VEX World Championships in May, in Dallas Texas, representing our College with pride. All teams gave it their all, with every team facing challenges in this high-pressure environment. This was a competition to gain experience against the best teams from around the world. Our girls left nothing on the field, and in the process taking away experiences and learning to make them even better for 2024. YEAR 7-8 VRC OVER UNDER SERIES In the VRC Over Under series, Pymble’s teams continued their streak of excellence. The Barker College event saw ten out of sixteen Pymble teams starting strong, with 65100R winning the Excellence Award. At James Ruse’s competition, 65100A’s design excellence was recognised, earning them a spot at the NSW States Championship. The Knox Grammar School event was a platform where high school teams inspired their junior counterparts, and the Parramatta event celebrated 65100R’s Design Award victory, further cementing their reputation.

by reaching the quarter-finals. Team 65100K (Monkey Prison) was recognised with the Build Award for their robot's superior construction, and Team 65100B (CRAKA Bot) received the Judges Award, celebrating their unique journey and perseverance. The National Championship Aspirations: qualifying for the National Championship in Adelaide was a significant accomplishment for Teams 65100A, 65100B, 65100F, 65100K, and 65100R. This achievement was the result of their consistent performances and skill challenges rankings, marking a new chapter in their robotics journey. YEAR 9-12 THE FIRST TECH CHALLENGE IN WOLLONGONG The FIRST Tech Challenge in Wollongong was a showcase of innovation and team evolution. Pymble’s four teams – Atomic, Skill Issue, Shark Sub, and Pymble Pyrophosphate – not only qualified for Nationals but also set new benchmarks in robotic design and autonomous functionality. Atomic’s Tournament Winners title and engineering accolades underscored their experience and sophistication in robot design. Skill Issue’s journey to the finals with their autonomous robot and their winning of two prestigious awards was a highlight of the event. Shark Sub, with their Think Award, and Pymble Pyrophosphate, reaching the semi-finals, showed adaptability and strategic acumen. SBotless’s journey, marked by continuous learning and overcoming technical errors, embodied the spirit of perseverance and improvement. CONCLUSION The 2023 season for Pymble’s teams was a narrative of triumph, creativity, and collaborative spirit, with teams from every competition making it to the Nationals level. These young roboticists not only honed their technical skills but also embodied values of innovation, teamwork, and resilience. Their journey from regional competitions to national stages is an inspiration, symbolising a promising future in STEM.

THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP The State Championship was a battleground where Pymble’s teams demonstrated their refined skills and strategic thinking. Team 65100R’s sixth-place finish and alliance with team 1940B Poyo from Knox was a testament to their tactical skills. Team 65100A, collaborating with 4613J Fever Dream from Barker, showed their mettle

VOLUME 52, 2023

"Fitting in is one of the greatest barriers to belonging. Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be in order to be accepted. Belonging, on the other hand, doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”" BRENÉ BROWN

Be your best Barbie Whether you love, loathe or feel indifferent to Barbie, it’s hard to ignore her success in 2023. Barbie the movie made box office history by topping $1 billion USD in global sales in two weeks and breaking a record for female directors in the process. When a group of super-excited Year 8 girls pitched a Barbie-themed assembly, Principal Dr Kate Hadwen seized the opportunity to connect with our young people, reflect on the messages we can take from the film, and align these messages with our vision for students at Pymble. Hosting this assembly was not a decision made lightly – we were conscious of negative feedback the College might receive for channelling a divisive pop culture icon to talk about the incredibly important topic of belonging versus fitting in. But getting out of your comfort zone is what we encourage our girls to do, and so we did. The Barbie movie represents girl power; it’s about being the very best version of ourselves, quirks and all. And the character that can teach us most about ourselves is not Stereotypical Barbie, looking perfectly poised in her Dreamhouse, it’s Weird Barbie, the dishevelled doll at the bottom of the toy box with her hair partially hacked off, legs akimbo and

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random Texta markings all over her face. Weird Barbie was played by the actor Kate McKinnon, who eloquently described her character as follows: “Weird Barbie has sort of been relegated, sequestered, quarantined to this space, which is her weird house, a sort of freakish amalgam of shapes and colours that obviously is the manifestation of who she is in this world: the keeper of everyone’s hidden weirdness. It’s that journey of self-actualisation that every human being is on and is thwarted by these rigid gender roles and ideas of what we ought to be.” The truth is, there is a little bit of weirdness in each of us, and that is also the great joy and beauty of

humankind. We are all “startlingly or extraordinarily singular, odd” (the Macquarie Dictionary definition of weird) or, in other words, “the only one of the kind; unique” (the Macquarie Dictionary definition of singular). Weird Barbie makes us think about the complexity of identifying as unique individuals who seek to belong and, in doing so, challenges our understanding of what it is to belong. In her book Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, researcher and author Brené Brown highlights a critical difference between belonging and fitting in: “Fitting in is one of the greatest barriers

to belonging. Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be in order to be accepted. Belonging, on the other hand, doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.” As our students grow and become who they are meant to be at Pymble, our hope is that each individual can be the truest version of themselves – their best Barbie, in keeping with our theme – and that they genuinely feel they belong here in our school family. Each day, we hear from students who have the most amazing stories to share about their passion projects, how they are helping other people in the community, and the steps they are taking to chase their dreams.

We see each person for the unique gifts and talents they bring to our Pymble family. We highlight their achievements as our sportswomen, academics, da Vinci Decathlon scholars, musicians, debators, dancers, artists or first-time performers. Equally, we celebrate the student who finds the mettle to come to school when she really feels like curling up under the covers for the day, or the Year 6 girl who is already thinking ahead to next year and figuring out how to be the best Year 7 student she can be. Each student matters. Against a backdrop of hot pink streamers, balloons, glitter and a fabulous Barbie photo box whipped up for the occasion by our amazing Technology and Applied Studies HOLA,

Mr Ellis, Dr Kate Hadwen’s take-home message for the girls was this: Sometimes we don’t feel like we measure up to expectations. Sometimes we stand out as a bit weird. The sooner you understand that who you are is enough; that all the things that are quirky and weird about you also make you magnificent and wonderful; the sooner you will make your mark on the world, in a way that is meaningful to you. Like happy memories of favourite toys, we hope this message stays with our girls for life.

VOLUME 52, 2023

It's our time It is 2023 and yet gender inequality remains entrenched in Australia. The theme for Pymble’s International Women’s Day 2023 campaign was It’s Our Time. It’s time for schools and educators to add our voices and scale to partner with industry to create a more equitable world. Now is our time to show the world our girls have the power to flourish as compassionate and influential leaders and change the world for the better. Now is our time to advocate proactively and publicly for more women to be included in boardrooms and in government leadership roles, to be acknowledged in sport and embraced in traditional male-dominated industries to co-create solutions that transform our world for the better. Statistics show women continue to experience discrimination and are under-represented in business leadership positions and in political and economic decision-making processes. Only one in three ASX 200 company board directors are women, and men still hold most key leadership roles across all industries. The most recent data from the Workplace Gender Equity Agency (WGEA) indicates that progress towards gender equality has stalled and in eight industries it has gone backwards with women holding just 32.5 per cent of senior management positions despite making up more than 50 per cent of the employees represented in the 2020-2021 data. IT’S TIME TO MAKE EQUALITY A DAILY HABIT Pymble Ladies’ College was proud to partner with Australian Financial Review (AFR) to create a special International Women’s Day magazine that reflects our joint commitment to building a more diverse, equitable and inclusive future for girls and young women.

Our goal in partnering with the AFR is to help shape a world in which the lessons we teach in schools – lessons about equality and opportunity – ring true for girls when they step out of school and university classrooms and into the workplace. The 16-page magazine featured stories about inspiring and innovative women who are forging new paths, tackling the big issues of the day and making significant contributions to business, sport and politics. It also amplifies the voices of past and present students from Pymble who are committed to playing their part in making the world a more equitable place. Dr Kate Hadwen, Principal says, “Our hope is that this magazine and other initiatives from our partnership with the AFR will add impetus and urgency to the gender equity strategies and actions already in many workplaces to positively impact our students, now and in the future.” Now is our time; our time to lean in together to accelerate the great work and inroads being made to promote gender equality in workplaces around Australia. CHAIRS FOR CHANGE Chairs for Change is an initiative of Pymble Ladies’ College in partnership with Women on Boards. Chairs for Change was inspired by an AFR article published in 2022 with the headline “Only 10 per cent of major ASX companies led by a female chairman”.

35%

22%

34%

18%

22%

OF KEY MANAGEMENT ROLES ARE HELD BY WOMEN

OF CHIEF EXECUTIVES ARE FEMALE

OF BOARD MEMBERS ARE WOMEN

OF BOARDS HAVE A FEMALE CHAIR

OF BOARDS ARE ALL MALE

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The headline alone raised an interesting question. Is language holding back women from aspiring to lead boards? The article went on to point out that just 21 bluechip companies in Australia have “female chairmen”. Language is a powerful tool shaping people, culture and reinforcing stereotypes. It makes sense to remove gender from a leadership title to make it more inclusive. Starting from the top down sends a strong message of inclusion and will encourage other leaders to follow suit. What a statement it would be if all boards – non-for-profit, ASX 200 or family boards – choose to adopt the genderneutral title Chair over Chairman. Nicole Donegan, WOB Chief Operating Officer explains:“At Women on Boards we have been using the term ‘Chair’ for many years now and adopt this wherever possible in line with current standards. We support this push from Pymble and the AFR to push for an end to this long-antiquated term to accurately reflect today’s diverse boards.”

we can all do something to lead those who come behind us or to lift others up and enable them to step more confidently into their next space. Our staff are passionate about delivering educational excellence at the College and, equally importantly, setting our students up for life beyond Pymble as compassionate and influential young women. This has always been the mission of the College and it always will be. However, setting our girls up for life sometimes necessitates working beyond the gates of the College in unconventional ways. IWD and reams of associated research remind us that, despite having made some gains in gender equity over the years, the world of work is not as ready for our girls as we would like it to be. Women are still under-represented in burgeoning STEM industries, underpaid compared to their male counterparts and overlooked at critical points in career pathways. It’s time to use our influence, as well as the influence of outside supporters, to actively support and promote advancements in these areas for the girls and women in our community.

LEAVE A LADDER Our principal, Dr Kate Hadwen talked to students about the importance of “leaving a ladder” for other girls and young women. Actual ladders, intentionally painted in inclusive colours, were placed strategically around the school to encourage girls to climb, take photos and reflect on how they can support new or other students, or perhaps the year group that will follow them. The message being that

20%

OF BOARDS ARE ALL FEMALE

OF BOARDS HAVE A GENDER BALANCE

SOURCE: WORKPLACE GENDER EQUALITY AGENCY VOLUME 52, 2023

Celebrating our diverse and talented community 2023 was a true celebration of our diverse community. We are lucky to welcome families from many cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds to Pymble and we found news ways to celebrate all these and more throughout the year. It was a pleasure to rekindle old friendships and welcome new families at our Icebreaker event in February. The last long days of summer provided a warm atmosphere to set a jovial tone for 2023. The College’s Lunar New Year celebrations were bigger, better, louder and more interactive than ever. Our Junior School students made cherry blossom art, decorated a wishing tree and made lanterns and red packets. Our Secondary School students enjoyed a fashion parade, musical performances, craft, games and delicious treats. However, the big drawcard was an energetic lion dance across the campus. There was a rush of excitement as the lion danced its way through our grounds and dazzled delighted students and staff. Community and connection are always top of mind at Pymble and we were proud to participate in the Village Championship, Organised by Her Village Foundation and

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sponsored by Pymble, the three day program fostered friendship and collaboration with refugees who have recently arrived from Afghanistan. During the program, 20 Afghan girls and 20 Pymble girls came together for a leadership program, a football training day at Rydalmere Football Club and enjoyed a friendly football match and Afghan cultural festival showcasing experiential stalls, inspirational speakers and a taste of Afghan food, music and fashion. We also welcomed 500 Pymble community members to our inaugural Cultural Festival. This is a new event on the Pymble calendar and each year the festival will spotlight different customs and cultural celebrations. This event was inspired by our Social Intelligence pillar in the College Strategic Direction of bringing our diversity to the fore as an opportunity to connect with one another and forge deeper respect and understanding of the differences we all bring to our united Pymble family.

In 2023, we enjoyed the Double Fifth or Dragon Boat holiday, a traditional Chinese celebration. The room was buzzing as people mingled, enjoyed traditional Chinese food and were entertained by speeches, stories and performances from our students. It’s hard to say who was more excited – our student performers, their proud parents watching on, or guests, who were participating in this significant event for our Chinese families and friends for the very first time. Thank you to the many parents and students who contributed to this wonderful event and we look forward to celebrating Diwali at the 2024 Cultural Festival. Our Alumni Networking Event has become another fixture on the Pymble calendar and continues to grow from strength to strength. The event included an inspiring line up of guest speakers including Evie Murdoch (2012) – Associate Director, KMPG, Hester Leung (1993) – Chief Operating Officer, My Specialised Accommodation Solutions, Melanie Kurzydlo (2001) – Executive Manager for Project Management, APP Corporation, Fiona Walmsley (1996) – General Manager for Climate and Environment Woolworths Group and Cristina Carter (2012) – Senior Manager Partnerships, Westpac.

This year also saw the official launch of the Pymble Mentor Group, a mentoring program for Pymble Alumni to seek professional support from within the College community. Experienced leaders from all fields and industries are invited to be part of this group and make a difference to our alumni who aspire to make their professional mark. It was a pleasure to celebrate Mother’s Day as a community, with the whole school gathering on the oval in the sunshine to enjoy donuts and pastries and raise money for Wayside Chapel. Father’s Day saw the entire Collegegather again for a sausage sizzle, this time raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. And of course, Garden Party, as always, brought the whole community on campus to enjoy food, rides, activities and fun in the sun. Thank you to all our students, staff, parents and community members who generously volunteered their time at all these events (and many more) throughout the year and we look forward to another busy year in 2024.

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Pymble Gives Back From day one 2023 was designated as the year of Pymble Gives Back. Students from K-12, staff and families have all contributed to a multi-faceted year-long program built around being of service to others. The reasons to create this initiative were many and varied. Being of service aligns strongly with our College values of Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility and our heritage as a school of the Uniting Church in Australia. Research shows that helping other people improves health and happiness, whilst creating a sense of purpose and belonging. Being of service also has a knock-on effect, inspiring more acts of kindness, which in turn helps make the world a better place. Collectively, we filled three massive donation bins many times over with clothing and blankets for Wayside Chapel, The Smith Family and The Salvation Army. We hosted multiple fundraising events, including our fabulous Garden Party. It is such a joy to share with you that, in addition to performing countless acts of service towards others, our community raised $53,562 to distribute among more than 40 charities including: Asylum Seekers Centre, Australian Children’s Music Foundation, Balmoral Swim for Cancer, Barbara May Foundation, Canteen, Colour Run, CWA Days for Girls, Deadly Connections, Exodus Foundation, Givit, Happy

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Boxes, The Heart Foundation, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter, Indigenous Literacy Foundation, Jeans4Genes, Legacy, McGrath Foundation, Meals on Wheels, NORTH Foundation, OzHarvest, Pushing Barriers, Reach Out, Red Cross Ukraine Crisis, Redfern Jarjum College, Rural Fire Service, RUOK Day, Sathya Sai College, School of St Jude (Tanzania), Share the Dignity, Taldumande Youth Services, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, The Kids’ Cancer Project, The Smith Family, Turkey Syria Earthquake Appeal, UN Women, Wayside Chapel, Wear it Purple, Westmead Children’s Eye Clinic, World Ocean Day, Write a Book in a Day, and Young Crisis Accommodation Centre.

JUNIOR SCHOOL Our kind-hearted Junior School students joined students from around the world on an adventure of learning, empathy, kindness and art. Channeling their creativity and house spirit, the girls created welcome postcards that were be sent to young refugees around the world who have been displaced by war and other crises. The Bezos Family Foundation is donating $5 to refugee-aid organisations for every postcard created, and our girls raised an impressive $8,200 through the Bezos Family Foundation to support aid agencies working with global refugees. Throughout the term, students also wrote personal journals, reflecting on their feelings as they completed their chosen service, building an understanding of the joy of being of service to others. The Kindness Club collected stationery donations for the HARK Refugee Clinic at Westmead Hospital. The girls made up 40 packs of basic items needed for primaryschool aged children, each one containing a thoughtful handmade card. Our Junior School girls led with kindness and, as part of their Term 2 focus on kindness to others, they achieved an outstanding 3,800 acts of service in their homes and local communities. These included making their beds, unpacking the dishwasher at home without being asked, picking up rubbish around the College campus and in their local parks, building bee hotels and encouraging others in their families to find ways to be of service. On 14 June, all Junior School girls and staff immersed themselves in a day of service and kindness activities, including planting sunflowers for the elderly residents at Uniting Bowden Brae Gardens, making button art cards for people in hospital, writing and illustrating their own stories as part of the UpSchool global literacy project, knitting squares for the charity Wrap with Love and sewing felt hearts as part of the 1000 Hearts project to support mental health in young people. Our Junior School Kindness Captains also hosted our second Children’s Kindness Convention, bringing together 102 Year 5 students from 19 schools across Greater Sydney to brainstorm ways to raise awareness and find possible solutions for social and environmental problems in our world.

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SECONDARY SCHOOL Not to be outshone by our Junior School students,our Secondary students chose to be involved in a range of initiatives with a focus on women’s health, the environment, international communities and First Nations communities. The girls organised and contributed to several successful events, activities, donations and fundraisers, including: • Syria and Turkey earthquake gozleme lunch • Tanzania tour: face painting and hair braiding, GBE milk shakes • House Bake Sale (Days for Girls and The Barbara May Foundation) • Mother’s Day Morning Tea supporting Wayside Chapel and Costumes for Cancer • Father's Day Barbecue Lunch supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia • The Smith Family Student2Student reading program • Various fun runs and ocean swims (who can forget watching our Boarders on The Today Show participating in the Balmoral Swim!) • Middle School donated proceeds of cookie decorating to the Hornsby Women’s Shelter • Lunchtime sessions were held each week for the girls to create reusable menstruation products to support Days for Girls in tackling period poverty. To complement this project, Years 9 and 10 students also donated underpants, which were packaged along with the menstrual products on the Year 10 Pymble Gives Back days in Term 4. • In Term 1, Year 9 students relaunched our Big Sister, Little Sister program with the Junior School. This involved a group of 20 Upper School students visiting the Kindergarten students each lunchtime to organise and play games, including skipping, tip and Jenga, or to play with the girls in the sandpit and mud kitchens. It has been a great way to help the girls build positive connections across the school, and the time given by Year 9 has been warmly received by our Kindy girls. • Students across the Secondary School helped monitor and sort the Pymble Gives Back donation bins • At Vision Valley, Year 9 residential students participated in environmental service activities embedded in the program • Many students ‘gave back’ to the College through the gift of time by volunteering at our Careers Expo and baking cupcakes for our House Day fundraiser. • The annual Year 12 Trivia Night was is run as a fundraiser for Taldumande Youth Services, a not-for-profit

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organisation that supports vulnerable and homeless children and young people aged 12 to 24 years, and their families. • Year 11 held a bake sale for the Red Shield Appeal. The Red Shield Appeal began with our Year 11 Boarders collecting funds at Pymble Station and was followed by a bake sale.

TANZANIA SERVICE TOUR A group of Year 11 students and teachers spent the September school holidays giving back on a service trip to Tanzania. The group connected with East Meru Community School where they funded the extension of the dining hall so that every student has shelter during lunch and assemblies. The girls helped carry the gravel for the foundation from surrounding areas with local mothers. Additionally, they prepared resources, assisted teachers with literacy and numeracy lessons, and raised funds so the entire school community could experience an excursion to the Meserani Snake Park; this was the first time many of the children had ever left their village. Additional donations included teaching resources, Australian treats and underwear which was wrapped to be given as an award to students at future assemblies. At The School of St Jude, the group met founder Gemma Sisia to learn about her motivation to start the school and how she has overcome various challenges since the school started in 2002. The girls enjoyed donating various items and visiting the homes of some St Jude's students, including Vivian who has been sponsored by Pymble for her entire education. Supporting the Barbara May Foundation, the group visited Maternity Africa Kivulini where our students funded and made care packs for teenage mothers. They also learnt about the Outreach sexual health program and the role/status of women. Masai women in particular face many challenges given their status and role as one of many wives. We are so proud of our girls for wholeheartedly embracing this experience and offering genuine care and friendship to everyone they met.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL SERVICE INITIATIVE Throughout 2023, the Middle School has embraced a new and exciting service initiative known as the Happy Box Project. This project was initially set up by one young woman working in a school in the remote town of Elliot in the Northern Territory in 2016. Today there are over 70 recipient communities who benefit from the Happy Box Project. The organisation’s driving purpose is to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women through alleviating the barriers of accessing basic needs. We invited students in Years 7 and 8 to provide basic toiletries and personal, handmade gifts for adolescent girls their own age, specifically for girls in remote communities. By working together to promote the selfcare and respect of our Indigenous sisters we worked to build a bridge between our worlds, and over three terms we produced more than 60 happy boxes for distribution. We began by establishing and re-establishing links between Pymble Ladies’ College and Indigenous communities in Northeast Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Drawing on previous Pymble connections with teachers in the Gapuwiyak School and by establishing new relationships with the Milingimbi School, which are currently being fostered through the work of Mrs Julie Shaw in her role as Head of Social Impact at the College, we were able to grow new partnerships, and both communities were excited to be involved. The Middle School team felt it was important for students to better understand some of the challenges faced by girls their own age who were living on country in Australia’s top end, so we took the opportunity to share knowledge and foster understanding of the vast and diverse nature of the land we share. By providing context and acknowledging the everyday privileges we take for granted, individuals were able to give back with open hearts. Geographically, both remote communities are extremely isolated. There is a community shop but prices are exorbitant and product availability irregular. Delivery of goods is mainly by barge from Nhulunbuy. Gapuwiyak to Nhulunbuy is a six-hour drive, or 194 kilometres over corrugated, red dirt roads. Milingimbi Island to Nhulunbuy is a 30-hour drive, or 1,357 kilometres over land and sea. We were adamant, however, that we didn’t want this initiative to just be a donation project; it was about

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taking responsibility for our actions and ensuring our commitment was genuine. From the outset, we all agreed that giving requires a personal investment of time and care. We wanted to own the project and make it a unique reflection of who we are and what we could achieve together. Instead of boxing up our gifts we decided to run a design competition which invited the students to submit dynamic images that would then be stencilled onto calico tote bags prior to packaging up the contents. The designs were incredible and a true reflection of the girls’ individual talents. One of the foundations of the Happy Box Project was that it had to be a combination of personal hygiene products, alongside beautifully hand-crafted items. In surveying the girls, they came up with many handmade suggestions: scrunchies in Indigenous fabrics, origami creations, felt hearts, hand-sewn soft toys, bookmarks, gift cards and friendship bracelets. Across lunchtime twice a week, student-led workshops were run to produce these gifts. We had so many Middle Schoolers passionately involved, generously giving their time and energy week after week. Once we built up an impressive supply of handmade creations, the girls were asked to either work individually or in small groups to source the personal hygiene products that were suggested by the charity. Using the calico tote bags we had printed previously, we formed a production line of items and filled our happy boxes with a selection of gifts, including a personal note to the individual recipients. Following on from this was the challenge of delivery, and quite a challenge this was considering the tyranny of distance. As luck would have it, Mrs Shaw was flying into Milingimbi and offered to transport the happy boxes directly to the community. Three plane trips later and they were then in the hands of those in need. The Gapuwiyak community transfer was a little trickier, but thanks to one of our Year 7 Heads of Year (Andrew Heggie) who was accompanying a wider group of Pymble students on their Arnhem Land Immersion trip, we were able to get the gifts to Nhulunbuy, two plane trips from Sydney. With further assistance from our Pymble family, we were able to store the goods in the home of one of our First Nations students, Elise Djerrkura (Year 12), whose father lives in Nhulunbuy, until our contact from Gapuwiyak was able to drive the six hours to town to collect and distribute. All told, the happy box experience was rich and rewarding for all concerned. Building and strengthening links with two remote communities allowed our Middle School girls to better understand the lives of other Australians, and in turn acknowledge the everyday privileges that are too often taken for granted here in the city.

VOLUME 52, 2023

"Helping others improves your health, happiness, and sense of purpose and belonging. There are many opportunities for the students at Pymble Ladies College to get involved in activities and initiatives; we are only limited by our imagination." LUCINDA, YEAR 11 The P ymble P antr y

Recipes from

our commun

ity

| 1

THE PYMBLE PANTRY Many students took on personal passion projects to raise money for charities. One such project was The Pymble Pantry, a collection of recipes from our community. Inspired by our 2023 Food Technology Captain, Lucinda (Year 11) came up with the idea and collected over 100 recipes from students, staff and families from all over the College. These were collated into a beautiful book, a true representation of our diverse community. This cookbook is about more than just good food – it’s about making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Every cent generated from the sale of The Pymble Pantry was divided evenly and donated to two amazing charities: Dignity and The Smith Family. Lucinda describes what Pymble Gives Back has meant to her: "We are in a very privileged position to attend school at the College, and it is very important not to forget that. Pymble Gives Back is an opportunity to use our privilege and to support those less fortunate than us. Pymble Gives Back aligns with our college values and serving those in our community has a ripple effect by inspiring those around us to show more acts of kindness which helps make a world a better place. Helping others improves your health, happiness, and creates a sense of purpose and belonging. There are many opportunities for the students at Pymble Ladiesi College to get involved in activities and initiatives; we are only limited by our imagination." She advocates for the active participation of Pymble students in initiatives such as Pymble Gives Back, explaining that, "students' privileged position offers a unique opportunity to recognise the disparities in society and understand that they possess the means to make a positive impact, acknowledging that not everyone shares the same advantages they do."

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STAFF Collectively, our staff have raised more than $20,000 through our ‘Casual for a Cause’ days in 2023. On Friday 8 December, staff wrapped up 2023 with a Pymble Gives Back staff day. More than 400 staff rolled up their sleeves and headed out to various charities and organisations to lend a hand. From cleaning up Newport Beach and packing hampers, to helping in Red Cross stores, connecting with the elderly in aged-care homes and much more, our staff thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to give back, connect with community and do good deeds to brighten the lives of those less fortunate. THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY It is truly gratifying to see our Pymble family embrace the concept of using their special gifts and talents to be of service to others and, in doing so, grow our collective Social and Emotional Intelligence. Next year we look forward to building on this solid foundation. The science of generosity is well-researched and understood to deliver many benefits to our overall health and wellbeing, all wonderful by-products of our aim to help make the world a better place for those who are in need.

VOLUME 52, 2023

L.O.V.E. Awards – Living Our Values Everyday Our staff recognition awards were first introduced to Pymble in 2021. The L.O.V.E. Awards celebrate those staff who live our values everyday. They are open to all staff and celebrate the achievements of teachers, professional services, administration and co-curricular staff for their unique and diverse contributions. These awards celebrate our quiet achievers and the unsung heroes that make Pymble such a special place to work. Nominations are made by our staff twice annually; here are some of the deserving winners.

Mrs Clair Stock Enrolments Manager (7-12) Clair's role involves in equal parts air traffic control, administration, public relations and parent liaison. She has lead her terrific team through a number of critical change projects, including moving our enrolments forms to an online solution. Clair has led innovative community information evenings for our day students and Boarding families - providing high level of support, connection and care for our enrolling families.

Mr Matt Peacock Legal Studies Co-ordinator Matt is a subject matter expert and a Stage 6 master teacher, who has seen significant growth in our legal studies student numbers and knows how to achieve excellent results with every cohort. Matt is also a dedicated Compass teacher who is genuinely appreciated by students in his Compass group, with whom he shares a special rapport. His holistic approach to teaching and learning fosters keen learners who have the confidence and resilience to thrive.

Mr Kevin Griffin Service Desk Technician Kevin has an amazing attitude, leads by example and is always volunteering (without fanfare) to help out in a myriad of ways. He prioritises the students and staff over his own tasks, 'dropping everything' to assist and make sure they receive great customer service.

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Mr Andrew Scott Lead – Pyschological Services Andrew is calm, caring, respectful, compassionate and a committed advocate for the wellbeing of both the girls and staff. His leadership of the team is recognised as a key ingredient in the collaborative and effective team culture fostered in the department. This ensures our girls receive the very best care from engaged, committed and passionate psychologists.

Mr Jack Pennington Health and Fitness Co-ordinator Jack is always willing to offer support and guidance to any member of the Pymble community who would like to work on their health and fitness. He faces each day with unbridled enthusiasm, energy, and a massive smile.

Mrs Mami Izuishi Modern Languages Teacher Mami lives and breathes the College values. She has consistently been an inspirational and committed teacher and always demonstrates care for her colleagues and students.

Mrs Tiffany Farlow Performing Arts Teacher Tiffany is a kind and gentle soul who cares deeply about her colleagues and students. She is very creative in the way she fosters the love of the performing arts in young students and works collaboratively with all staff members, especially in Kindergarten to Year 2.

Mrs Lora Lim Hed of Learning Enhancement Lora’s support is best described as 'rock solid' – always prioritising the needs of her team and students before her own. Her care and compassion for staff and students has fostered a positive and respectful work environment and she is dedicated and committed to her team and students.

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Strategic Pillars Update Our bold Strategic Direction inspires the future of the College and equips our girls with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in their lives and beyond our gates. Here are the key developments from 2023.

ACADEMIC INTELLIGENCE The Academic Intelligence Pillar has committed wholeheartedly to the pursuit of intellectual tenacity and rigorous scholarship in the last triennium. Whether it be our extraordinary academic achievement results or the development of highly engaging and innovative curriculum, we have so much to be proud of. Future-Focused Academic Excellence The powerful and deep learning experiences developed in our Junior School over the last three years are future-focused and academically rigorous. Students build the foundational excellence needed to thrive in Secondary School through co-constructed, evidence-informed units of work that expose students to inquiry, real-world problem solving, and emerging technologies. Such amazing learning experiences promote critical and creative thinking skills; moreover, they help our children develop a rich understanding of themselves, others, and their environment.

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We pride ourselves on the extraordinary catalogue of subjects on offer in the Secondary School and will continue to balance our focus on both classic and contemporary, globally-minded education. Attuned to our campaign, Watch Us Change the World, our work has explored opportunities to develop the habits, skills, and competencies that prepare our students to be active participants in their lives and the lives of others. Since 2019, we have introduced Data Science, First Nations Studies, Entertainment Industries, and Digital Technologies to our exceptional academic program. Additionally, we have commenced the development of other bespoke offerings and signature experiences that we hope to make available in the coming years. HSC Improvement Our students' HSC achievement is

something we are most proud of. We acknowledge and appreciate the trust you have in us to not only inspire and educate your child, but to simultaneously prepare her for the HSC and whatever other exciting challenges her post-secondary school future may hold. With this in mind, we have expanded our HSC Study Program and have made significant investments into high impact teaching strategies to empower our teachers to better amplify your daughter’s skills and talents. We believe that students learn more – and achieve better – when they are curious and passionate about the subject matter; therefore, our curriculum structures and academic advising provides opportunities for our students to connect with each other through shared passions and interests. As such, we expanded our Academic Mentoring program into Year 10 and

have introduced a Study Continuum for Years 7 to 12 underpinned by the neuroscience of learning. Equipped with the requisite skills and the intrinsic motivation to learn and succeed, our students will continue to achieve their personal best. Metrics of Success Success looks different for every student thus it is of upmost importance that all of our learners feel seen, heard and valued regardless of their assessment results; therefore, we commenced a body of work that investigated what types of achievement data matters to students, parents and the wider community. Engaging with industry experts in data storytelling and dashboard development, our team explored opportunities to capture more than assessment results so we could define what success looks like at Pymble and how to visualise it. Our new Metrics of Success Dashboard will provide teachers with powerful insights and data surfacing tools that will assist with how we support students to achieve their post-secondary school goals. Growing Learning Leaders The role a teacher plays in the development of a learner is pivotal. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and developing amazing educators and school leaders. We all can share stories

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We are also committed to improving how we provide feedback to students and parents. Whilst students have the primary role to play in their learning, the dynamic relationship between parents, students and teachers can enhance a student’s confidence and achievement. Following from this, we will be commencing a body of work that attends to how we communicate with each other, how teachers provide formative and summative feedback to students, and when/how we gradually transfer responsibility and autonomy to the learner.

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assessment and reporting review, and will serve as the driving force behind academic excellence at Pymble.

Where to next? This triennium allowed us to commence the groundwork for a learning framework. Through different types of community consultations, ongoing literature reviews, and in-depth analysis of existing frameworks we are positioned to start constructing a learning philosophy and framework that captures best practice at Pymble alongside emerging evidence-informed pedagogy. This body of work will inform everything that we do moving forward, including an upcoming

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of teachers who stimulated our brains, touched our hearts, or awakened our souls and with this outcome in mind, our team has revitalised our internal goal-setting process and invested in targeted professional learning. With a deliberate focus on how our goals and our leadership impacts students, we embarked on the development of a leadership framework and commenced a series of action research projects. It is our strong belief that our students need to see our staff continue to learn and grow if we want them to develop a love of life-long learning; therefore, many of our research projects utilised student voice and varied levels of co-construction. We are very proud of what our staff and students achieved this year and excited to see what our collaborations might yield in the future.

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in Year 9 to complement our existing Data Science course, aligning our curriculum with the demands of the 21st century. These courses are designed to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities of a data-driven world.

DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE As we close another academic year at Pymble Ladies College, it's inspiring to reflect on the extraordinary strides we've made in the realm of technology and innovation. 2023 has been a year of remarkable growth and success, particularly in our celebrated Robotics program, pioneering educational courses, and enriching initiatives that place our students at the forefront of technological advancement. Robotics Program: A Global Leader in Innovation Our Robotics program has achieved unprecedented success, growing to over 400 participants and establishing Pymble as home to the world's largest all-female robotics team. This year, we proudly extended the program to Year 1 and 2 students, witnessing overwhelming enthusiasm that has filled classes to capacity. As our senior teams gear up for the World Championships in April, we are excited about the potential to showcase our students' brilliance on a global stage. New Horizons in Learning: Data Science and Digital Technologies We introduced Digital Technologies

Junior School Innovations: STEM Festival and Pymble Passport Our youngest pioneers in the Junior School have embraced technology with zest in initiatives such as the STEM festival and the expanded Pymble Passport program. These projects not only enhance learning experiences but also foster creativity and problemsolving skills from an early age. Embracing Generative AI: A Catalyst for Enhanced Pedagogy The advent of Generative AI in 2022 has continued to shape our approach to teaching and learning. This technology, much like the calculator in its time, is shifting the focus from final outcomes to the process of learning and growth. It underscores the importance of understanding and leveraging AI responsibly and creatively. MyPymble: Continuous Improvement Under the Surface While MyPymble may have seen subtle changes this year, significant developments have been made 'under the hood'. These improvements are focused on ensuring that MyPymble efficiently meets the evolving needs of our staff and students, with more exciting updates anticipated in early 2024. Pymble Passport: Elevating Student Voice The Pymble Passport has been extended to assist Year 7 and 8 students in curating and sharing their growth experiences. This tool is a powerful medium for students to express their journey, going beyond academic achievements to include character development and personal impacts.

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Humanising Technology: Kindness as a Digital Model Reflecting on our journey, the essence of what makes technology impactful at Pymble is kindness. Be it connecting our community during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating with St Lucy's School, or engaging with Northaven Aged Care, we've used technology to foster empathy, understanding, and community spirit. Day of AI and Student-Centric Activities Our participation in the Day of AI was a pivotal moment, sparking curiosity and understanding about AI among our students. Additionally, the introduction of the House Robotics Competition, student-led keynotes at our Digital Intelligence staff training day, and the K-2 STEM afternoons have been instrumental in creating an environment where technology is not just learned but lived. Conclusion 2023 has been a landmark year for Pymble Ladies College in integrating technology into our educational fabric. From robotics to AI, we have not only embraced the future but are actively shaping it, ensuring our students are equipped to lead and innovate in the ever-evolving digital landscape. As we look toward to 2024, we are excited to continue this journey of exploration, growth, and innovation.

domains and existing structures will be reviewed with our community to better align with their expectations.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE In 2024 the Emotional Intelligence Pillar focused on three key areas: 1. House: Reimagine the house structure as the vehicle that brings exercise and movement to each day through novelty and joy, fostering hope and excitement for the school day. In the first year we will establish house zones that create an additional sense of belonging and foster vertical relationships. With our students, we will diversify the types of house activities to engage students passionately with their house in areas of school life that are meaningful to them. 2. Service: Connect our students meaningfully to their community, fostering a sense of purpose beyond themselves. In the first year we will develop a K-12 Service continuum and will provide dedicated pathways for Pymble students to give back. We will engage Pymble students and staff in a cycle of action and reflection to achieve real objectives for the community and a disposition of giving back.

House Enhancing Student Engagement and Community: The introduction of House zones on campus significantly enriched student engagement. The year saw the launch of new house banners, induction of Year 7 students into their Houses, and the organisation of various House activities including an Arts Festival and a Christmas-themed event. Additionally, the school successfully hosted a House spirit morning for the new Year 7 cohort, further strengthening the sense of belonging among students. Interviews for 2024 House Leaders were conducted, bringing a new cohort of House Leaders ready for 2024. Service Building a Service-Oriented Mindset: The school's commitment to service was evident through a range of initiatives. The Term 3 Tanzania service trip was a highlight, deeply impacting both the communities involved and the participating staff and students. Other notable projects included Samaritan's Purse Christmas boxes, involvement with Wires for Joey pouches, knitting gift bags for Dignity, and environmental service activities. These initiatives under the K-12 Service continuum not only

addressed various community needs but also instilled a culture of empathy and responsibility among students. The Pymble Gives Back staff day, along with various student-driven service projects across different year levels, reflected a comprehensive commitment to community service and social responsibility. Recognise and Honour Advancing Recognition and Inclusivity: Efforts to evolve the recognition and award systems have been significant. The school conducted surveys to gather feedback on existing recognition processes, leading to actionable insights. Key themes emerged, emphasising the need for diverse forms of recognition, including peer recognition and acknowledging non-mainstream achievements. The College has started honouring effort as much as performance, as evidenced by the retrospective honouring of 54 Year 11 students for their consistent efforts. This approach is set to be extended to other year groups, showcasing a move towards a more inclusive and comprehensive recognition system. The work achieved under these three key areas has provided a significant boost to the culture of the College, helping our students better understand themselves, each other and foster a rich connected community.

3. Recognise and honour our students: Develop the structures that reward a diversity of students for their achievements. It will amplify our culture by recognising, celebrating and honouring effort as well as achievement. In the first year we will expand our recognition and awards structures across various

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SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE The Social Intelligence Strategic Pillar places a focus on activities and initiatives which expand cultural fluency in the College. 2023 has been a busy year, with many wonderful events taking place involving students, staff and parents. Activities relating to this Pillar have included increasing opportunities for learning about other cultures and building inclusive mindsets across the College. The Intercultural Connections Prefect, Celine Hu, led the Student Intercultural Committee with exemplary energy and direction, and we are thankful to the following student leaders for their dedicated support: Martina Dall’asta Comin (Year 7), Saja AbdelMegeed (Year 8), Melody Chen (Year 9), Christiana Soo (Year 10), Boa Kim (Year 10), Tanvi Thomas (Year 11) and Celina Sun (Year 12). Highlights of student events this year included K-Pop Random Dance, which brought students together with lots of energy and style. Events occurred in both Secondary and Junior School, with many Middle School dancers leading the way. The Student Intercultural Committee joined forces with Languages Captains during Languages Week to recognise the International Day of Peace. Students created peace doves which were displayed in the Chapel. Students also ran Lunar New Year and Diwali celebrations, with an emphasis on deepening understanding of the significance of these cultural events.

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Lunar New Year involved both a dragon dance and a collection of performances from students who sang and danced traditional items. Parents contributed generously to Lunar New Year by bringing boxes and boxes of freshly cooked dumplings to the school at lunch time. The Dragon Boat Dinner was another colourful celebration of cultural diversity which saw students, staff and parents coming together. The evening was introduced by students from a range of cultural backgrounds, including one Chinese-Australian student who reflected, “how crucial it is that we have a wide range of students from different backgrounds be a part of our community. We can all learn a lot from each other’s stories, and by sharing our experiences, it can allow us to have a better understanding of the world and one another”.

Years 3 to 6. Amongst the activities, mehendi (henna applied to girls’ hands in a special pattern) was very popular as was making diyas (clay lamps) and dressing in traditional attire. A Senior School student reflected on what this event at the College meant to her:

This year’s Diwali event was enriched with curriculum support from Mrs Mala Mehta, an Indian culture educator. The event saw an increase in student leadership of activities, especially focused on engaging students from

We look forward to celebrating more cultural events in 2024, including Eid al-Fitr.

“I was flipping through today's College Compass and had a look at the photos from today's Diwali Celebrations in the John Reid Hall. I just wanted to extend a massive thank you. I can already tell the event was a huge success, and I hope that it continues to grow in the coming years. It means so so much to the Hindu community at Pymble; I can't even begin to explain! I really wish I could've made it today, but nonetheless, the photos made me happy. Please extend my heartfelt thanks to all of the other staff and student volunteers involved as well.”

Professional learning amongst staff and cultural awareness education

for students was also a feature of 2023. A highlight was seeing teachers work with students to pilot Collegedeveloped curriculum around studentto-student intercultural awareness training, initiated by Mrs Sree Raniga and Mrs Kristen McEvoy. In the Junior School, Mrs Maria Lee created an amazing program of activities called ‘Let’s Play Around the World’ which collected games and resources into packages of play ideas for Junior School girls which opened their eyes to cultural diversity. The Junior School also benefited from a visit from Olivia Anderson, Pymble Alumni and First Nations young woman, who led Year 2 to create their Let’s Get Creative Festival artwork which is on display in the Junior School. An exciting new relationship was commenced with Milingimbi School in North-East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. In Term 4, Mrs Kerryl Howarth, Miss Sarah McGeogh, Miss Thomasina Buchner and Miss Kate Howie spent a month living in the Milingimbi community to learn about the needs of the school and its students and staff. This connection introduces Pymble teachers to a rich cultural immersion to better understand First Nations histories, cultures and languages. The placement was organised by Mrs Julie Shaw, Head of Social Impact, who is also working on trips for Milingimbi School to come to Pymble, and for our students and staff to develop further reciprocal projects such as curriculum development and art making.

which tells stories of her home, her Country. Debra’s scholarship in language, literacy, communication and semiotics brought many opportunities for students and staff. These included workshops with the English Department, an author visit at staff book club, learning around the Fire Pit with Year 2, supporting Senior students in Aboriginal Studies with major project ideas and speaking about Country at Combined Assembly. Dr Dank was introduced on many occasions with a very personal and meaningful Acknowledgement of Country delivered by students.

It was a privilege to welcome Dr Debra Dank to the College as the inaugural Pymble Institute Fellow. Debra is a Gudanji/Wakaja woman whose Country is in the Barkly Tablelands in the Northern Territory. Her research in semiotics resulted in a dissertation plus her celebrated book, We Come With This Place,

Leadership and participation from students, staff and parents across the entire College community has deepened our active commitment to bringing the Social Intelligence strategy to life. It is affirming to see the benefits the College is gaining from making diversity of thought, experience and culture part of our everyday learning.

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Model United Nations Modelling the work of the United Nations is preparing the leaders of tomorrow to consider a global outlook, and advancing the negotiation and diplomacy skills that they will need to change the world. Model United Nations (MUN) is a student-led, collaborative, global, simulation program which helps students find solutions to issues through co-operation. Students represent a member country of the United Nations and they research a country and the country’s position on selected issues. Delegates develop diplomacy and negotiation skills as they interact with others who may hold differing opinions. Resolutions are presented at a conference, discussed and respectfully debated. Solutions are sought and actions voted on. Through MUN, students actively learn content relating to international relations, politics and world affairs. They form lasting friendships with like-minded students both locally and around the globe and they learn life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and clear communication. Time after time students who try MUN become passionate advocates of this positive and empowering learning program. In 1925 Harvard University in Boston USA, held its first annual Model League of Nations for students, followed by the first Model United Nations conference (HMUN) in 1953. During Covid-19, HMUN went online and some of our Pymble girls participated. In 2024, over 4,000 students from around the globe are expected to attend HMUN. The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN), commenced in 1968 and is one of the largest and

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most prestigious international MUN conferences in the world. Places at THIMUN and HMUN are by invitation, following application. Thanks to the foundational work of Mrs Jennifer Higgins, Pymble attended THIMUN in Singapore, in 2013 and HMUN in Boston in 2015. The biennial international tours continued with trips to HMUN in 2017 and 2019. The Boston HMUN conference became the culmination of an informative USA tour which included New York and Washington. Our planned biennial trip was cancelled in 2021, due to COVID, but MUN tours are now resuming. We are pleased to be currently planning a Language Arts’ MUN tour to the 57th Annual THIMUN, The Hague, in January 2025. This will be Pymble's first visit to THIMUN The Hague and once accepted, Pymble will be the first ever Australian school to attend. We currently have a conditional invitation. While MUN has long been a popular activity in many countries, it is only recently gaining a strong, internal

momentum in Sydney schools. In August 2022, MUN convenors from various Sydney schools joined together to form SMUNA. Their aim has been to collaborate, plan a calendar year of MUN events and collectively guide students in their planning of student-led conferences. Our Pymble Model United Nations (PMUN) club continues to meet each week and in 2023 we held our second interschool Winter Conference. Over 100 students from over 20 schools attended. It has been a delight to see the growth of interest in MUN and to know that Pymble has in part, led the way. Through conferences, and exposure to countries and cultures, students display and hone their curiosity, critical and creative thinking skills, collaboration and communication. We are witnessing our girls realise that the world needs change, can be changed and they leave us with the cry, “Watch us change the world!”

BREAKING NEW GROUND

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From advocacy to action: Pymble's commitment to social impact Collaboration and partnerships generally amplify our abilities and achievements compared to what we can accomplish individually. Strength and synergy arise from working together towards a common goal; however, someone needs to ignite the flame. Lauren Korenblyum (Year 10, 2023) and ex-student Tahmara Thomas (Year 12, 2022) helped to ignite the fires leading to three refugee students receiving an education at Pymble in 2024 supported by the College’s Foundation Bursaries. Long before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lauren Korenblyum was an advocate for social justice and an active supporter of community service initiatives at the College. Lauren’s Ukrainian heritage evoked an anger she converted to action when the war erupted. She led a large-scale community fundraiser for Ukrainian women and children, donating thousands of dollars to UNICEF and introduced us to Nea, a Ukrainian refugee she had befriended. As she became aware of Nea’s talents, she approached the College to seek a humanitarian opportunity for her friend – as most know, Nea is now in her second year at Pymble. As reported in the College Compass, Tahmara Thomas, who was so moved by televised footage of Afghan locals desperately trying to leave war-torn Kabul, she wanted

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to do something to help. Joining forces with Her Village Foundation (HVF), she pitched the idea of hosting a festival at Pymble to welcome newly arrived refugee children from Afghanistan to our community. Through HVF, Pymble strengthened its friendship and formed a partnership with Mahboba’s Promise (mahbobaspromise. org) to collaborate and determine how best to support the girls’ education and social experiences in Australia, leading to three refugee children from Afghanistan enrolling at Pymble. Tahmara, through her work with HVF where she is now CEO, will continue to support Pymble’s Afghan students and encourage other girls from refugee backgrounds to harness the power of community and sport to form connections, as the girls call Australia home. The College’s partnerships with Mahboba’s Promise, HVF and Marist 180 extend beyond bursaries for refugees to attend Pymble. Our students are learning about Afghan and Islamic culture, informally, through football training and matches, teaching their Afghan sisters to swim, and appreciating similarities and differences through, ceramics, and animal care. They are gaining knowledge more formally through art, assisting with literacy and language and sharing food.

MILINGIMBI SCHOOL, MILINGIMBI ISLAND, NORTHEAST ARNHEM LAND NT Embarking on a partnership with a school on a remote island belonging to the Crocodile Islands group seems extraordinarily ambitious! Milingimbi belongs to the Yolngu people, one of the largest Indigenous groups in Australia, who have successfully maintained their rich culture. The Yolgnu people speak several languages; for some English is their fourth language. This partnership opportunity is an initiative supported by the Yadha Muru Foundation (YMF) through its City Country Program (CCP). Yadha Muru means ‘good path’ and the Foundation seeks ‘to grow and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples whilst nurturing their identity, in partnership with schools, families and communities, by creating their own good path to learn, grow and thrive’. The City Country Program aims to improve student outcomes, attendance rates, and accelerate progress toward the 2031 Closing the Gap Agreement. Since June, Pymble and the Milingimbi community have worked together to construct a delivery plan for the CCP objectives. This is no mean feat; located 2,915km apart, catching up with each other presents challenges. Technology has certainly played a key role in connecting our communities; a stronger bandwidth in Arnhem Land would help! The commitment of both schools and YMF to this partnership has led to six visits - four in Milingimbi and two in Sydney. Listening, discussing and considering the perspectives of the Milingimbi community and both schools is integral in deciding how best to meet the objectives set by the Federal Government. In addition to these objectives, the vision for Milingimbi School is for its students to walk successfully in two worlds, the culturally rich Yolgnu community and Western society. Extending learning experiences beyond our Indigenous

Education Program (pymblelc.nsw.edu.au/learning/ indigenous-education) and the Arnhem Land immersions led by Culture College (culturecollege.org), more Pymble students, staff and community members will have opportunities in the future to learn about Yolgnu culture, which remained uniquely untouched by Western influence, long after colonisation. We were excited to host the first group of students from Milingimbi in December. The students chosen for this inaugural excursion were those with an improved pattern of attendance. Their Sydney experience involved mastering swimming in deep water (too many crocodiles in the Arafura sea), visiting the Greater Western Sydney WAFL’s team training centre at Homebush, the Bangarra Dance Company, touring Sydney Harbour on the Tribal Warrior and learning about the Gadigal people, a day of adventure at Vision Valley, surfing at Manly Beach and a Chatswood shopping experience. Our Milingimbi friends stayed in Marden House, where they thoroughly enjoyed a new experience as Boarders! These partnerships exemplify the transformative power that collaboration holds within our community. The stories of Lauren Korenblyum, Tahmara Thomas together with the resilient individuals from Afghanistan and Milingimbi inspire us to recognise the profound impact we can have when we join forces. Pymble's commitment to social impact and global citizenship, as demonstrated through these partnerships, underscores the richness that diverse perspectives bring to our educational environment. As we continue to foster connections and build on strengths, we not only enhance the educational experiences of those within our community but also contribute to a more interconnected and compassionate world. The flames of positive change have been kindled. As we reflect on our collective journey, we find reassurance in the knowledge that, together, we can ignite even brighter fires of hope and progress in the years to come.

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You've got a sister in me The Boarding Sisterhood is the fabric of residential life at Pymble and this year our Boarding Prefect team went out of their way to acknowledge and celebrate this long held tenet with their theme for 2023. As you will see in the artwork, “You’ve got a sister in me” beautifully captures the Boarder spirit – welcoming, caring, tenacious, courageous, diverse, inclusive, sporty and fun. Our Big Sister, Little Sister program is an obvious way in which the Boarding Sisterhood shines through in our everyday interactions. Year 10 and 11 Boarders volunteer to be that special peer on whom our youngest Boarders can rely. The foundations of these relationships begins long before our

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new Boarders’ first day with online meetings, a transition day outing and sleepover and correspondence over the holidays. This ensures our fledgling Boarders are well equipped and comfortable in starting their Pymble journey. Our Big Sisters build on this relationship over the year through regular interactions including shopping trips, weekly ‘tuck ins’ and by being a wonderful sounding board, offering informed and unfiltered advice. Spirit House Circles are another way in which we celebrate the special bonds that unite our Boarders. Each Tuesday night our Boarding Sisters come together in vertical House groupings for contests, challenges and conversation. With a curated mix

of Year 7 through to Year 12 Boarders, who stay as a family group over their years in Boarding, there is a range of perspectives and lots of fun as each group of girls build lasting and deep connections with each other. It is through these House events that the winners of the hotly contested Angus Cup and Spirit House Cup are determined. The Boarding Sisterhood is never more on show than during Boarders’ Week when all things Boarding are celebrated. In a series of a strategically selected and sometimes whacky sporting events, the Boarders go all out to demonstrate their sporting prowess. Of course, this doesn’t always go to plan but it is always

good fun and wonderful to see our Boarders uniting across the year groups in a full-on attempt to win the Day Girls’ versus Boarders’ Cup. This fabulous week is also an opportunity to celebrate and thank the wider Pymble family who play such an important role in making living on campus so special. Even over the term break, our Boarders miss each other and it is always a pleasure to hear of holidays spent in faraway locations where our Boarders have taken the opportunity to open their homes to their Boarding sisters. Locations as far and wide as Dubai, Bourke and Vanuatu have been just some of the destinations this year.

And if there was ever any doubt of the enduring nature of the Boarding Sisterhood, look no further than our 1958 alumni, four of whom joined us in Orange in September. Meg Kierath, Billie O’Neill, Jenny Brazier and Lesley Williams braved the cold and stormy weather to celebrate all things Pymble with present, past and prospective families. These incredible women exemplify the special bonds that link our Boarders so tightly. It is wonderful to see the friendships that were forged here at Pymble, thriving 65 years later and a fitting representation of the lasting gift of a Pymble education.

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VISUALISATIONS – GROUND FLOOR DATE JUNE 2023 ISSUE B

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CONDE LIBRARY REFURBISHMENT CONCEPT DESIGN

Master Plan Update Our exciting master plan supports our vision to nurture future-focused, flexible, agile learners who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. JUNIOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING We were thrilled to officially open the new Junior School Administration Building in October. Affectionately know as 'Hedgehog House' after Junior School's mascot Heidi the Hedgehog, the building sits in the heart of Junior School between the Kindergarten to Year 2 and Years 3 to 6 learning precincts and offers a central location for all Kindergarten to Year 6 administration and leadership staff. This building was designed with our girls at the forefront, making our leadership team more accessible than ever. This is the first step in our Master Plan project that aims to provide exceptional educational facilities to foster inspirational teaching and learning for Pymble students.

GREY HOUSE PRECINCT The Grey House Precinct development will deliver an exceptional educational and cocurricular facility that fosters leading teaching practices and prioritises student and staff health and wellbeing. It will provide a new home for Year 5 and 6 students, a STEM / Robotics Centre for our Junior School, Dance studios for students from Kindergarten to Year 12, an Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) facility, a Healthcare Centre, and our new Early Learning School (ELS) for children from birth to five years of age. Works commence in early 2024 and the building is scheduled for completion in 2025.

will create a contemporary scholarly and literary centre that is welcoming, warm and inspirational. Secondary School students and staff gather in this space to learn, research, collaborate, create, and be nurtured. This is scheduled for completion in 2026. SECONDARY INNOVATION PRECINCT The Secondary Innovation Precinct (SIP) will be a world-class learning environment that prepares our students to be global leaders. The new home for our Senior Students will offer new food outlets and provide outstanding learning areas for Mathematics and Business Studies courses, along with dedicated space for our extensive Robotics program. This is scheduled for completion before Term 1 2029.

CONDE LIBRARY The renovation of our Conde Library

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Teachers in Focus At Pymble, we inspire the next generation of young women to propel themselves into fulfilling careers and lives. The foundation for this begins in the classroom, via access to a remarkable 70 subjects. The College understands our girls aren’t a one-size-fits-all cohort and offers an incredibly broad range of subjects, both curricular and co-curricular, for our students to find their niche and thrive. At the heart of this world-class learning environment are our beloved teachers. Passionate and exceptionally talented, Pymble’s teaching staff are always looking for new ways to inspire our girls to unlock their greatest potential. Their love of teaching and dedication to what is not simply ‘a job’ to them is unsurpassed. And so, as we celebrate our education leaders, we ask them where they find their inspiration...

Mr Matthew Peacock Legal Studies Co-ordinator I love teaching because... it's a journey of inspiration and empowerment. Every day, I have the incredible opportunity to spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and shape the minds of motivated learners. Sharing the moment when a concept clicks, and a student's eyes light up with understanding is truly magical. Teaching goes beyond the transmission of knowledge; it's about fostering a love for learning, instilling confidence, and preparing individuals for a future full of possibilities. I’m inspired by... Legal Studies is a subject that is highly contemporary and ever evolving so to see the students bring what they have seen on the news into the classroom makes for an engaging lesson. The connections formed in the classroom, the exchange of ideas, and the continuous growth of both students and myself make teaching an inspiring and rewarding experience.

Ms Catherine Smith Mathematics Teacher I love teaching because... it allows me to witness students evolving in ways beyond their initial expectations. Observing the transformation in their approach to Mathematics, especially when they have initially lacked confidence, is truly gratifying. I’m inspired by... the collaborative spirit and shared dedication of the people I work with, whether they are seasoned educators or those just starting their teaching careers. The collective enthusiasm and commitment to fostering a positive learning environment make every day as a Maths teacher truly fulfilling.

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Dr Alan Rome Legal Studies and History Teacher I love teaching because... it involves the privilege and responsibility of exposing students to subjects and texts that I am passionate about and that they might never encounter otherwise. I love that spark of engagement that we are sometimes lucky enough to see in the students’ eyes when they suddenly realise some truth about the world or themselves. I’m inspired by... anyone who pursues their own particular excellence or who brings some goodness, truth or beauty into the world. There are examples of such impressive people everywhere from past and present, from the books I read and from the deeply impressive staff and students that I get to work with at Pymble.

Mrs Charlotte O'Regan Stages 4 and 5 Visual Arts Coordinator I love teaching because... I witness curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in action every day when my students engage in art making and art theory. Fostering the development of students' courage, risk taking, and resilience when faced with challenges is an important aspect of what I love about being in the classroom. Seeing the joy when a student completes a work they are proud of is priceless. I’m inspired by... the students themselves for the reasons above and by the professional Visual Arts team that I am a part of, who work collaboratively with the interests of the students at the core of what we do. Personally, I am also inspired by artists and writers who represent the world we live in, in unique ways.

Dr Sarah Loch Director of the Pymble Institute I love teaching because... it’s the most meaningful career in the world. It's easy to 'keep it real' when we're immersed in the realities of the children, young people and adults we're with every day. Teachers are also working for a better future - for everyone - everyday. I love the quote by NASA Astronaut and teacher, Christa McAuliffe, 'I touch the future. I teach'. Knowing that my efforts plant seeds in young people who may nurture them for years, even decades, and grow them in their very own ways, makes me feel a bit immortal. I hope some of my words and actions continue to live on in the lives of my students. I’m inspired by... by storytellers. I love theatre and art which are platforms for humans to pass their stories from one to another, across continents, languages and time. I love seeing my former students join the ranks of storytellers and story keepers. Amongst this group of amazing women now making their way in the world, I count many journalists, librarians, song writers, dancers, film makers and researchers. I'm inspired by their perspectives and commitments to their crafts.

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Mr Stephen Robinson Deputy Head of Junior School I love teaching because... I am constantly learning by working alongside young people and my colleagues alike. The energy and passion that students and teachers bring to their day in the Junior School is contagious and uplifting throughout the school year. Whether it be working with an individual or with groups of children, I am in constant awe of the creativity and wisdom even the youngest students have. As an educator, I have an enormous privilege to support students on their learning journey and as a leader, encourage my team to do the same. I’m inspired by... the curiosity and passion students bring to the Junior School. Our girls are incredibly interested in the world around them and want to be part of the change that is taking place around us, developing ideas and solutions to problems they face. They are also very selfless, embracing the Junior School mission to spread kindness and be of service, demonstrating genuine compassion and care to all those around them.

Mrs Kylie Cooley Head of Learning Area – Science I love teaching because... it allows me to make an impact, in some small way, on the next generation to be curious custodians of the world around them, to think critically about what is presented to them, and to look at a problem as a challenge. I get enthused by the energy of the students when they are applying the skills and the knowledge we teach them. I also love it when I see them show their curiosity by asking insightful questions! I’m inspired by... lots of things! Nature, art, knowledge, innovation, students, colleagues inspiration can be found everywhere on grand scales and on tiny scales. Drawing inspiration from many sources gives me those little joy bubbles that sustain my energy.

Mrs Pearl Thomas Religion and Ethics Teacher I love teaching because... I get to hang out with young people and I am always learning from them how to do life better. Just being with the young ones makes me want to get out of bed in the morning. I’m inspired by... compassion and love that is extended to others even when people have so much on their own plates. The synergy of the common humanity that holds us all up together and lifts us as we reach out to others. I see this in the classrooms, in the playground, in the staff rooms as people find the energy to care and give in spite of the essential scarcities of life.

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ARCHITECT OF INNOVATION

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The 2023 sport report Sport lies at the heart of Pymble Ladies’ College. It is part of our history, present and future. Pymble stands out in the independent school sector as the unrivalled leader in girls’ school sports throughout Australia. It was such a pleasure to watch our students compete on the local, national, and internal stage in 2023. The girls exhibited a consistently high level of skill, exceptional leadership qualities – both on and off the field – and an infectious team spirit in their chosen sports. We sincerely thank all students in Kindergarten to Year 12 who participated in sport this year, every student demonstrated unbelievable commitment to our 29

sport programs. To all parents, thank you for supporting our girls every step of the way. Representing Australia is often a childhood dream for many aspiring athletes and five students were honoured to be selected to wear the green and gold in 2023. Displaying our unique diversity, remarkably, Pymble was represented across four different sporting disciplines: Figure Skating Hayley Cheung (Year 9) competed at the 2023 Asian Open Figure Skating

Championships. Rowing Liesel Page (Year 12) competed at the 2023 Junior World Rowing Championships. Volleyball Chloe Gu (Year 10) competed at the U16 Asian Volleyball Championships. Water Polo Zara Cooke (Year 9) and Kiera Mironova (Year 10) both competed for the Australian U16 Cadets team that toured both Hungary and the Netherlands.

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2023 HIGHLIGHTS There were many significant highlights across the year for Pymble sport. Our Athletics and Cross Country teams claimed yet another victory in the annual igsa Championships, while our Diving, Swimming, Rowing and Artistic Gymnastic teams all earned a close second place overall. Term 1 • Pymble topped the charts for girls' schools at the NSWIS Award Ceremony with eight athletes and one staff member receiving awards across seven sports. • A Year 6 student represents NSWPSSA at the School Sports Australia Cricket Championships in Darwin • Highest school representation in NSWCIS Swimming and Diving Championships (24 students from Years 3-6). • Pymble placed 2nd overall at the Tildesley Tennis Tournament, for the first time since 2016. The prestigious singles final was won by a Pymble student - an achievement not seen for 11 years. • Overall Point Score Trophy won for fifth consecutive year by Pymble Rowing team in NSW Schoolgirl Head of the River. • Our Senior Firsts AFL team beat all before them to claim another premiership in empathic fashion. Term 2 • All three Senior First teams qualified to play in Grand Finals (Basketball, Football and Hockey). • A combined 17 medals were won at the NSW All Schools Swimming and Diving Championships • Nineteen Pymble students competed at the NSWCIS Cross Country Championships • Six athletes competed at the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championships • Twenty-five medals won at Australian Age Swimming Championships. The Knox Pymble Swim Club (KPSC) ranked 2nd best club in Australia. • Our CIS Cup Football team narrowly lost in extra time of the grand final. Term 3 • All four Senior First teams won their respective Grand Finals in the top grade (Rugby 7’s, Netball, Hockey, and Water Polo) • Pymble placed in the top two across all three divisions at the NSW Schools Athletics Team Challenge. All three teams qualified for Nationals. • Five medals won representing Diving NSW at 2023 Australian Age Nationals. • Pymble won the Team Barrel competition beating

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over 160 teams at the Northwest Equestrian Expo in Coonabarabran. • Year 12 student was selected into the U18 Australian Futures Squad (targeted 2032 Olympics program) • Our Football players won the Open’s State Futsal Championships. • Sixty students from K-12 participated in the NSW Regional Championships at Perisher. In total, 40 medals were won at NSW Regional Championships. Term 4 • 20 athletes competed at the NSW All Schools Track and Field Championships. Our athletes came away with an amazing 21 medals, more than any other girls’ school. • Nine students were selected in the NSW team to compete at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships. HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA Our team of six rowers Mia Booth (Year 11), Jessica Colbran (Year 12), Megan Wood (Year 11), Tilly Morgan (Year 12), Skye Pockley (Year 11) and Alessandra Braysich (Year 11) visited the United Kingdom to represent Pymble in 2023 Henley Royal Regatta. The Henley Royal Regatta is one of the world’s toughest regattas. Henley is visited by more than 300,000 people each year, who come to watch six days of elite competition in over 300+ races in knock-out style racing.

RUGBY SEVENS TOUR – FRANCE In total, 20 students and four staff enjoyed an experience of a lifetime in France this year. The tour consisted of matches and training sessions with local club/school teams, sightseeing, fine dining experiences and our team were spectators at two matches during the 2023 Rugby Union World Cup. AFGHAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL AND FOOTBALL MATCH Held in Term 2, several Pymble community members and Afghan refugee community members gathered on Main Oval to raise awareness of people’s experiences in local and international Afghan communities. A friendly, but competitive football match occurred for all attendees to watch as the fantastic initiative raised much needed funds for the Afghan refugee community. INDIGENOUS ROUND OF SPORT To acknowledge Reconciliation Week, Pymble hosted the First Nations Round of Sport as we celebrated the College’s rich Indigenous culture, and the role sport plays in bringing communities together. The event commenced with a welcome ceremony that was warmly attended by over 200 guests. We were joined by Abbotsleigh (Basketball), Loreto Normanhurst (Football), Meriden (Tennis) and Gordon Rugby Club (Rugby Sevens) for the competition matches.

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Performing Arts in the spotlight This year we celebrate another vibrant and dynamic chapter of Performing Arts at Pymble, marked by a surge in participation across Dance, Drama, Language Arts, and Music. The 2023 Performing Arts program underscores our unwavering dedication to pushing creative boundaries, honouring heritage, and embracing innovation. This year's offerings are a testament to the enduring power of the performing arts to inspire, challenge, and elevate our students as they showcase their talents on both the national and international stage.

DRAMA In Drama, our Eisteddfod teams participated in the Sydney, Ryde, and Inner West competitions, securing first place in Secondary Group Performance, Group Improvisation, and Duo Improvisation. Our Year 5 to 8 Theatresports teams demonstrated exceptional skill, advancing to the semifinals in the Schools Challenge. And we were awarded best overall Performance’ at Riverside Theatre’s ‘Sharp and Short Playwriting Competition’. During Term 3, we hosted the inaugural Pymble Ladies' College Theatresports Competition, welcoming Sydney Girls High School, MLC, and Knox for a spirited social competition spanning two weeks. Our Pymble students made us exceptionally proud, securing first place in both the junior and senior categories. Pymble hosted its first ever Devise-Off in Term 3. Students in Year 7 to 12 Eisteddfod Drama teams were given two

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hours to create a four to six-minute original performance prompted by the theme Beneath the Surface. From army soldiers to plague doctors, the students honed their improvisation and devising skills for an entertaining evening that was testament to their impressive skill as theatre makers. Term 4 began with a compelling rendition of Twelve Angry Women, starring thirteen Year 11 students and directed by Mr Michael Griffiths. With a sharp focus on tension and realism, the ensemble skilfully brought these dynamic characters to life. This talented group not only embraced the challenge of reimagining a classic play but also delivered a memorable performance that showcased our senior students’ commitment to their craft and capacity to engage and resonate with audiences.   In the culmination of a bustling Term 4, 38 students from Year 7 to 9 took centre stage in a memorable performance of Hating Alison Ashley, directed by Ms Sarah Boyd. Playful, cheeky and immensely silly, this preteen comedy explores adolescent relationships, and how we grapple with our ever-changing sense of identity as we grow up. The young cast, filled with energy and enthusiasm, brought the characters and narrative to life with commitment and flair. The performance served as a fitting conclusion to a term brimming with artistic expression and showcased our students' dedication to the arts and their adeptness in a collaborative setting.

DANCE In its third year, the thriving Co-curricular Dance program at Pymble continues to offer diverse opportunities for student excellence across all six streams. The VET in Dance Stream, combining Cert III in Assistant Dance Teaching and Cert II in Dance, integrates seamlessly into our academic and co-curricular dance curriculum. Graduates actively contribute to teaching, setting high standards in the field and marking significant progress. Our Ballet Stream reached new heights with the bespoke production King of the Polar Bears. Directed by Ms. Tonya Grelis (Theatre Manager) and choreographed by Miss Samantha Hibburt (Dance Program Manager), the groundbreaking production engaged 134 students and fostered cross-year connections. The success of King of the Polar Bears has led to its establishment as a bi-annual event. Additionally, 78 Ballet students prepared for the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Examinations and class awards, refining their technique for all their dance pursuits. The Eisteddfod stream achieved remarkable success, securing multiple placements at various competitions. Notable moments include the team's participation in the Australian Dance Festival, and the Contemporary White group winning overall best performance at Resonate with their poignant routine, Invaded, shedding light on the war in Ukraine. The Jazz White group emerged as regional

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champions at Dance Life Unite with their electrifying routine, Bad to the Bone. Our Ballet Stream reached new heights with the bespoke production King of the Polar Bears. Directed by Ms. Tonya Grelis (Theatre Manager) and choreographed by Miss Samantha Hibburt (Dance Program Manager), the groundbreaking production engaged 134 students and fostered cross-year connections. The success of King of the Polar Bears has led to its establishment as a bi-annual event. Additionally, 78 Ballet students prepared for the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Examinations and Class Awards, refining their technique for all their dance pursuits.

Our College Choir was invited to sing "From Little Things Big Things Grow" as part of National Reconciliation week. In December the Choir was part of “4allearthkind”- a piece of music composed specifically for COP28 – the 28th Conference of the parties of the UN Framework convention on climate change. Pymble Choir was the largest representation (31 students) and the first choir to sign up to be part of something so significant.

The Dance Showcase 2023, themed 'The Future... It Could Be...,' welcomed over 2,500 attendees across five showcases at the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts. Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 presented visionary routines centred on the fate of our future. This annual event, a highlight on our College calendar, received heartening feedback for its rich conceptual narrative.

This year our Stage Band and Senior Jazz Band, directed by Mr Stafford and Ms Ashton were invited to perform at the Annual Sportswomen Awards Dinner, held at Miramare Gardens. It was a wonderful culmination of our busiest groups of students, being able to work in harmony.

Our approach to dance classes extends beyond skill development; it aims to expose students to a breadth of learning experiences about themselves and the world they inhabit. If 2023 was a solidifying year, we eagerly anticipate what 2024 has in store.

The final community event of 2023 was our Carols service: “The Joy of Christmas – Nine lessons and Carols”. Led by Reverend Bent, our musicians wove their brilliance throughout each lesson, bringing together the joy of Christmas. Santa visited to deliver treats to the younger students and was accompanied by the Stage Band, Senior and Junior Jazz Bands performing outdoors.

MUSIC Music continues to flourish across the College, with many new events requiring musicians to engage with other areas. 2023 was the inaugural Concerto Competition, which was open to Year 12 musicians. The first round was adjudicated by Mr Paul Dyer AO, Director of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. Ashleigh O’Young (Year 12) and Gabrielle Zhong (Year 12) performed with the College Symphony Orchestra, as the finalists. Voting was cast announcing Gabrielle Zhong as the winner of the 2023 Concerto Competition. Individual successes continued throughout 2023: Pymble was represented at Encore; Australian Idol; professional musical theatre performances; various successes in Trinity, AMEB and ABRSM exams. Pymble Chorale was crowned winner at the Sydney Eisteddfod, taking out the coveted award. Our Junior Bands had great success, winning their sections at the Ryde Eisteddfod. Pymble Chorale joined with our Junior Capella to work alongside Hummingsong Choirs – a large community choir – to raise funds for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter.

Our College Quartet, performed at several venues this year including the Bowel Cancer Research Ball, Alumni Mentoring Event, the opening of Barrenjoey House Barclay Bank, The Foundation Ball and the opening of the Centre for Excellence at the College.

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LANGUAGE ARTS In 2023, Pymble experienced remarkable growth and success in Language Arts. Notably, we secured the second position overall in the igsa Festival of Speech, a significant accomplishment among twenty-eight participating schools. Special congratulations to Evelyn Zhu for claiming first place in Senior Poetry.

and Angelina Lee. A special thank you to our supportive parents, especially key support mothers Sophia Fang, Aimy Hoang, and Sam Yee. We appreciate the dedication of our coaches, and the Language Arts girls have been pivotal in making 2023 another proud year for Pymble.

Our key areas of Debating, Public Speaking, Mock Law, and Model United Nations saw continued development. Debating flourished with over fifty-five teams participating in competitions, a special mention to 7B FED who emerged as grand final winners. Archdale Junior and Intermediate Invitational teams, along with Primary ISDA and Senior A ISDA teams, were also finalists. Furthermore, a Year 8 International Debating Championship (IDC) team competed in the grand final and won the junior section with an unbeaten record. Congratulations to all Debaters for your courage, commitment and critical thinking. The growing interest in Social Debating, part of our developmental program, witnessed over 200 girls auditioning for Debating in 2024, reflecting a commitment to fostering critical thinking and communication skills. Congratulations to Jenny Xu who won the UN Voice of Youth 2022 National Final held in April 2023. Pymble also achieved success in the Legacy Public Speaking competition with two students progressing to Regional heats and one to State. Our mock lawyers actively participated in mediation rounds, mock trials, and mooting, showcasing dedication throughout the season. The Model United Nations (MUN) program thrived, as did the student led PMUN (Pymble Model United Nations) an initiative of Lucy Fang, a previous Language Arts Captain. The second interschool winter conference organised by PMUN attracted over 100 students from 20 schools. The creation of a Sydney MUN teacher network (SMUNS) aims to coordinate a calendar of MUN events in the future. Looking ahead, Language Arts is excited to offer a new MUN tour in 2025, covering London, Brussels, Bruges, Amsterdam, and potentially culminating in the THIMUN conference at The Hague. Heartfelt thanks to our outgoing captains — Joy Yee, Emma Parsons, Chelsea Shi, Mulan Xu, and Isabella Cameron— who have made significant contributions to Language Arts this year, and a warm welcome to new leaders Evelyn Zhu, Maya Garg, Amy Zhang, Catherine Shi,

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Black Watch Ties

FROM THE ESU PRESIDENT We have reached the end of another eventful year. The Ex-Students’ Union (ESU) had a great 2023, filled with opportunities for our Pymble alumni to connect with each other and with the College. We have networked at career-focused events; enjoyed our traditional events at the College Garden Party, and Commemoration Day service; provided ongoing wellbeing support through our Ex-Students’ Assistance Program; saw our alumni dance group continue to pursue their passion beyond school; and at the start of this term were pleased to support the inaugural Pymble Foundation Ball. And much more! It has been a privilege to be involved in the ESU Committee this year, and I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the 2023 Committee, all of whom put in a tremendous amount of work to keep the ESU running smoothly and deliver our program of events and services. Thank you too to all our alumni who attended or supported our events. As our thoughts start to turn to the new year ahead, it gives me great pleasure to introduce the 2024 ESU Committee. President – Rowena Ditzell Vice President – Amy Graham, Victoria Muller Secretary – Samantha Seaton Treasurer – Medani Athauda Ordinary Committee Members – Natalie Brandon, Kris Graham, Louise Kellaway, Susan O’Sullivan, Zoe Wang

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All the very best to the 2024 Committee who I’m sure will build upon the work that has been done over the past few years to continue to foster the connections in our wonderful Pymble community. New committee members are always welcome. If you are interested in finding out more about the ESU Committee or any of our events or services, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. Best wishes to all our ex-students and everyone in our wider Pymble community for a safe and peaceful holiday break.

Fiona Walmsley (McGeachie, 1996) President, Ex-students' Union

FROM THE ALUMNI RELATIONS MANAGER It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of 2023! What a wonderful year it has been, filled with opportunities for our alumni to connect with each other and the College. We enjoyed a splendid Garden Party, our inaugural Foundation Ball, countless reunions and an amazing mentoring event at KPMG. On Saturday 14 October, the Pymble Foundation hosted its inaugural Gala Ball at the Art Gallery of NSW. It was wonderful to see so many ex-students in attendance and we thank you for your generous support. Over $230,000 was raised on the night and through our silent auction and raffles. This is an incredible result and means that we are now able to welcome three incredible young women from Afghanistan to Pymble in Year 9 in 2024 as part of our Foundation Bursary Program. 2023 also brought changes with it, firstly a heartfelt thanks to Fiona for leading our ESU committee and ensuring it operated like clockwork. We also extend a warm welcome to our incoming ESU president, Rowena Ditzell (1986). We’ve also celebrated many alumni milestones. One that stands out is Vanessa Hudson (Gower, 1987) who has been announced as the next CEO and Managing Director of Qantas Group, commencing in November 2023.

Our alumni family keeps growing as well and we are pleased to let you know that we are starting up a Newcastle/Hunter region chapter of our Alumni in 2024. Pymble’s iconic jacaranda tree was planted 75 years ago on Gloucester Lawn to commemorate the visit of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester. Pymble gathered again under the purple petals to celebrate Jacaranda Day, and were honoured to welcome Mrs Raj Ram (now in her nineties!) to the service as a special guest to see her ongoing legacy and speak with our students about service. Mrs Raj Ram was a Science Teacher at Pymble from 1970 to 2000. In 1983 she started an initiative where students gathered around the jacaranda tree each November to focus on service and offer support to chosen charities. 2024 is already shaping up to be another memorable year. Please check our College website for event and reunion dates. Until then, all’ Ultimo Lavoro.

Katrina Corcoran Alumni Relations Manager

Vanessa is the first female CEO in Qantas Group’s 103year history.

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Notices WEDDINGS Samantha Bear (2013 Head Prefect) married fellow English and History teacher, Henry White, at Oneday Estate in Curlewis, Victoria on 1 October 2022. Samantha's bridesmaids included three Pymble girls - Charlotte Middleton, Amanda Ong, and Jessica Shipp (all 2013). Julia Tsolakis (2013 Deputy Head Prefect) delivered a beautiful reading during the ceremony, and other Pymble girls, Claire Osbourne, Jerusha Paul, and Kelly Stuart (all 2013) were in attendance.

BIRTHS Briony Clark (McIntosh, 2001) and husband Matthew are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Mimi Florence Billie, born 12 April 2023 in Vicenza, Italy. A sister for Betty. Proud grandmother Sue McIntosh (Turnbull, 1972) was able to be there at the time. (no photo). Evie Hacker (nee Murdoch, 2012) and husband Jacob welcomed baby Freya on the 22nd of August. She was a late entrant into the world, but has been an absolute pleasure ever since. Freya will be a third generation Pymble girl, all going to plan!

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VALE Robyn Atherton (Love, 1963) Robyn was an incredible mother and daughter, a wonderful friend, and an amazing individual. After many fun years at Pymble, Robyn trained at Sydney Teacher’s College to become a primary teacher. Robyn spent the majority of her early years as a primary school teacher in various schools in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland. Robyn and her husband Michael moved to Camden in the 1970s as owners of the local newsagency. It was in Camden where she raised her two children. Running a small business like this was challenging, especially with two small children, yet Robyn made it work. After moving back to Sydney she spent many years as a kindergarten teacher and assistant around the North Shore area. She really enjoyed being a teacher and helping kids learn and grow. Sadly she was forced to give up teaching when COVID struck. Robyn was all about family and friends. She was very proud of her two children and her five grandchildren.

Gone too soon. We love her and miss her very much. Sue Haaf (Atherton, 1992) – daughter Judith Moore (McPhee, 1945) Judy spoke so warmly of her years at Pymble and mentioned the wonderful lifelong friendships that she formed there. After Judy completed her schooling she was asked by Miss Knox to come back to Pymble and work in the office which she did for a time. She later worked in other organisations where she met her future husband, Rowland Moore. Judy and Rowley lived in Sydney for a number of years before moving to Adelaide, Rowley’s hometown. Judy was a bubbly, enthusiastic woman with a wonderful sense of fun and wicked humour. She lived a long and full life being passionate about family, travel, gardening and life generally. It is a reflection on the school experience Pymble gives when a former student was still so warmly reflective on that time of her life over 70 years ago.

REUNIONS Friends have travelled from near and far in 2023 to celebrate their school reunions. These events have been heartwarming, filled with wonderful reconnections, the delight of sharing stories and reminiscing about old times.

Melbourne Reunion

1958 – 65 Year Reunion

1993 – 30 Year Reunion

1956 – 65+3 Year Reunion

1971 – 52 Year Reunion

1983 – 40 Year Reunion

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1953 – 70 Year Reunion

1963 – 60 Year Reunion

1968 – 55 Year Reunion

1998 – 25 Year Reunion

1990 – 30+3 Year Reunion

2013 – 10 Year Reunion

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Where are they now? LARISSA BURKE (MILES, 1999) As a current parent to Isabelle (Year 8 Boarder), an ex-student and as one of four generations of old girls on both sides of the family, I have a number of strong ties to Pymble and many fond memories to share.

sporting opportunities – particularly cross country, hockey and athletics and musical involvement with piano, accompanying, musicals and organ. It was also an action-packed time getting to know a friendly and fun boarding family and many lovely day girls.

I grew up in Rouchel, near Scone in the Upper Hunter Valley, on a cattle property. This connection to the land drew me back to living and working as a GP there (as well as meeting my now husband Michael who happened to be living in Scone when we met!). We have four busy and energetic children – Isabelle (13), Patrick (11), Clementine (9) and Lachlan (7).

One of the most unique experiences was learning to play the pipe organ in the chapel at school and playing for several boarders chapel services!

I was lucky enough to complete my final two years of schooling at Pymble where I was able to experience the very best in academic excellence,

There are many Pymble family connections as both my mother and father’s side of the family went to Pymble (in fact this is how they met!) On my dad’s side, my grandmother Marion Miles (née Campbell) and two aunts were at Pymble. On mum’s side, my grandmother Jacqueline Judell was a biochemist and the head librarian for 20+ years at Pymble

and is remembered by many for her amazing knowledge of all things relating to research, science, the arts, culture and keeping things orderly in the library! My mum, Gillian Miles (née Judell, 1977) was at Pymble from Year 1 to 12 and was Goodlet Head Prefect, a talented athlete and a high achiever. These days she is a music teacher of cello and piano and has been working with children in the Upper Hunter for 30+ years. My sisters, Sarah and Tamara also went to Pymble, and now my daughter, Isabelle Burke is a current boarder in Year 8 and really enjoying her time at the College. After school, I commenced a Bachelor of Medicine at Newcastle

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University, which was an amazing chance to study a fabulous course and become a doctor. There were several opportunities to complete study placements overseas during the degree and I spent time in India researching tuberculosis and in England at a renal medicine unit. My intern and residency years were completed at Royal North Shore Hospital and then I had a move north to Tamworth for a year in acute care which included emergency, intensive

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care and anaesthetics training. This set me up for a really good grounding prior to moving to Scone. In Scone I completed my general practice training and to this day I still work there (it’s now been 16 years!) These days I’m a practice owner and registrar supervisor and the Hospital Staff Council representative. It’s a busy practice with many sub-specialty GPs and while rural medicine is a challenging job I find the challenge

rewarding. We also look after patients at our local hospital, both in emergency and on the ward as well as working in theatre in anaesthetics. Medicine is an exciting career and full of opportunities to specialise in whatever you are passionate about. Rural general practice has not always been easy but it is certainly an area where you can make a really positive impact in your local community.

Introducing the Pymble Mentor Group Purpose and possibility came together to create a wonderful evening at Pymble’s third annual Alumni Networking Event at KPMG Barangaroo. This event is designed to support our younger Pymble alumni as they navigate study and begin their careers after their time at Pymble. The energy in the room was palpable as nearly 300 mentees and mentors gathered to guide, discover, connect and learn from each other and form professional connections from within the Pymble community. Attended by our Chair of the Board, Mr James Hunter, Principal Dr Kate Hadwen, members of the College Senior Executive team and the ESU

Committee, the event included an inspiring panel of guest speakers:   • Evie Murdoch (2012) - Associate Director, KPMG • Hester Leung (1993) - Chief Operating Officer, My Specialised Accommodation Solutions • Melanie Kurzydlo (née Cowlishaw, 2001) - Executive Manager for Project Management, APP Corporation • Fiona Walmsley (née McCreedie, 1996) - General Manager Sustainability, Virgin Australia • Cristina Carter (2012) - Senior Manager Partnerships, Westpac Following the success of our mentoring events and many conversations and requests from our

alumni, we are excited to launch the Pymble Mentor Group, a mentoring program for Pymble alumni to seek professional support from within the Pymble community. We are committed to providing our alumni with access to mentors from a diverse range of industries and professions. These experienced professionals are known and trusted by our community. The Pymble Mentor Group has grown to over 500 mentors and mentees and is helping to cultivate the next generation of strategic, effective and ethical leaders.

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Thank you to our parents and volunteers At Pymble, we are blessed with a dedicated parent community that sets us apart from other independent girls’ schools. With over 2,000 students, we are grateful for the strength and diversity of our community and take pride in the depth of our connections. Every family of a Pymble girl is an important part of our community, for life. The Pymble Parent Association (PPA) is a crucial part of Pymble life, organising and supporting many events and activities that bring us together at many different times throughout the year. Without the generous gift of their time, hosting these events would simply be impossible and for that, we are very grateful. In 2023 alone the PPA and an army of parent volunteers have hosted or assisted the College in hosting over 30 events for hundreds of parents, carers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. Some of these include: • PPA Icebreaker • PPA Father Daughter and Parent Daughter Vision Valley Camps and Lunches

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• PPA Trivia Night • PPA Staff Barbecue for World Teachers Day • Junior School Parent Group (SSPG) Breakfasts • New Parents’ High Tea • Mothers' Day Morning Tea • Dragon Boat Festival • Fathers' Day Barbecue Lunch • Garden Party • Junior School Parent Group (JSPG) Pedal your own Smoothie • JSPG Decorate a Cookie • JSPG Family Fun Day • JSPG Year 6 Parent Daughter Dance • JSPG Athletics Stalls • JSPG Build A Bear • JSPG Jeans for Genes • JSPG Dances Together, we work together for our community and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2024!

REFRAMING THE FUTURE

VOLUME 52, 2023

pymblelc.nsw.edu.au Avon Road Pymble NSW 2073 PO Box 136 North Ryde BC NSW 1670 Australia +61 2 9855 7799 A SCHOOL OF THE UNITING CHURCH

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2023-PUB-1v6

ACN 645 100 670 | CRICOS 03288K