Pymbulletin 2025

Pymbulletin VOLUME 54 2025

2025: OUR YEAR OF RESPECT

VOLUME 54 2025

1

Contents

2

Principal's Message................................................................... 4

Upper School wrap-up.......................................................... 24

2025 Year of Respect............................................................... 6

Senior School wrap-up.......................................................... 26

Respect in focus: the Pymble Values Art Prize.................. 8

The “unending chain” of Boarding...................................... 28

Strategic Pillars update............................................................12

Pymble Sport: 2025 year in review.....................................30

Master Plan update................................................................. 18

Performing Arts........................................................................ 34

Junior School wrap-up..........................................................20

Vision Valley..............................................................................40

Middle School wrap-up......................................................... 22

Trips and tours.......................................................................... 42

PYMBULLETIN

Robotics.....................................................................................44

Social Impact............................................................................ 58

Drone Academy in 2025.......................................................48

Pymble Institute....................................................................... 62

Garden Party.............................................................................50

Alumni........................................................................................66

Icebreaker...................................................................................51

Alumni notices.........................................................................68

Pymble Foundation Gala Ball............................................... 52

2025 Alumni Networking Event........................................... 76

Pymble Wise Phone Initiative............................................... 54 Inspiring futures in aviation and space at Pymble.......... 56

VOLUME 54 2025

3

“Welcome to this snapshot of 2025 at Pymble. Oh, what a year!”

Principal's Message The year kicked off to the exhilarating tune of The Greatest Showman soundtrack echoing across the campus on day one. ‘Come Alive in 2025’ was a perfect choice for our Year 12 Prefects’ leadership theme.

Harnessing lyrics and messaging from The Greatest Showman, our seniors encouraged the entire student body to “come alive”, “rewrite the stars” and “say that it’s possible”, both as individual learners and as valued members of our wider community.

2025 was also our designated Year of Respect, when we turned our collective attention to noticing and celebrating respectful manners and courtesy, diversity and inclusion, effective communication, and caring for our Pymble environment.

It was a joy to see our students take these messages to heart. They turned “I can’t” into “I can!” in Outdoor

4

PYMBULLETIN

Education programs. They toured Australia and the world to immerse themselves in different cultures, communities and languages – at last count, we delivered nine international tours and 28 domestic trips, with more than 500 students involved, this year alone.

They kept their eyes wide open to future careers, and their hearts full by being of service to others – often initiating acts of kindness and care out of respect for others. They leaned into each other as Buddies, Big Sisters and Little Sisters, mentors, study partners, cheer squads and Boarding Family Friends (aka BFFs). They performed, played and competed with passion and pride – from IPSHA to igsa sport, from Language Arts to Performing Arts, from eisteddfods to da Vinci Decathlon, from Robotics Regionals to Nationals and Worlds, and everything in between.

They pioneered learning in countless ways – too many to recall here, although our Drone Academy and EV Racing team immediately spring to mind. And they embraced Wellbeing Days, Gloucester Gatherings, Kindness Clubs, Push Up Challenges, House Days, the Wise Phone initiative, stride exercise mornings, Nourish and Flourish lunchtimes, Compass group activities and other bonding events to enhance their sense of wellbeing and belonging, which in turn contributed to their many and varied successes throughout the year.

Our wonderful Pymble staff members are deeply committed to contributing to these successes, and I’d like to acknowledge their above-and-beyond support of student learning and the operations of this super-busy 24/7 College that never fully stops.

Thank you to our tireless Deputy Principals Ms Lamia Rockwell, Mr Justin Raymond and Mrs Christine Kenny, our Senior Executive and Executive teams, Head of Learning Areas, Wellbeing leaders, Chaplains, the team at Vision Valley, our hardworking and passionate teachers, our Boarding and Professional Services staff and all those who work as part of our Pymble family. This includes our cleaners, caterers, crossing attendants, casual coaches, coach drivers – and that’s just starting and stopping at the letter C. Each person plays an important role in the development of those we rise each day to serve, our students.

Thank you to our Chair of the Board, Mr Chris Fydler OAM, and all our College Board members who give so generously of their time and their talent to serve Pymble. And to our Foundation Chair, Mr Simon Rothery,

and Foundation Board members who also gift their expertise to support the aims of the College simply because they care.

Finally, thank you to our parents for modelling Respect in how you have supported your daughters and the College this year. It’s things both big and little that mean so much, like the small army of parents serving paella and gelato to staff on World Teachers' Day, through to those who always turn up asking how they can help – whether that’s ‘pedalling smoothies’ in the Junior School or delivering care packs to those who need a little ‘TLC’.

Thank you for role modelling Respect to your daughters. We notice, and we appreciate you.

growth in 2025. In this community, Respect is more than a value we speak about – it’s a daily commitment that binds students, staff and families together through our actions. My hope for the new year is that we carry that same spirit into 2026 to build an even stronger, kinder and more connected College community.

Dr Kate Hadwen Principal

As we bring this year to a close, let us carry forward the quiet strength of Respect that has shaped our moments, our relationships and our

VOLUME 54 2025

5

2025 Year of Respect Pymble Ladies’ College, as it stands proudly today, reflects the stories and journeys of generations of students, staff and families. Each member of our community understands that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and that we have a shared responsibility to preserve the spirit and tradition upon which the College was established. Our values of Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility have defined who we are and how we interact with one another and the wider community since the College was founded in 1916.

Celebrating our values in action is as important as celebrating our academic and co-curricular achievements. Our vision is for our students to graduate as compassionate and influential young women who draw on their education at Pymble to make the world a better place for all.

6

PYMBULLETIN

Introducing Our Values Icons Our values icons pay homage to well-known symbols of Pymble: our College crest, our Chapel and relationship with the Uniting Church of Australia, our beloved Jacaranda tree and the School Medallion.

The College values of Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility were established over a century ago. Today, we continue to weave these values into the fabric of our daily life.

Our goal is to always articulate these values clearly and continue to foster an environment where they are routinely practised by students, staff and parents alike.

CARE

COURAGE

INTEGRITY

I am kind to myself and others

I am open to new experiences to learn and grow

I do the right thing even when no one is watching

RESPECT

RESPONSIBILITY

I value diversity, my worth and the worth of others

I take ownership for my actions

VOLUME 54 2025

7

Respect in focus: the Pymble Values Art Prize Respect sits at the heart of our community at Pymble, shaping how we learn, how we treat one another and how we view the world around us. Defined by the College as 'I value diversity, my worth and the worth of others', it is a value that guides our daily interactions and the culture we share. This year, the inaugural Pymble Values Art Prize invited Australian female artists to explore this theme, offering a visual representation of the many ways Respect can be understood and a powerful reminder of how art can illuminate our values.

8

PYMBULLETIN

The response from the creative community was overwhelming. A total of 281 submissions were received, with artists reflecting on ideas of self-respect, mutual respect between individuals, cultural and generational respect, and respect for the natural environment. From this extraordinary collection, 48 finalists were selected, each bringing a distinct voice and a deeply considered perspective to the theme.

The Exhibition of Finalists transformed the Main Hall into a contemplative space where students, staff, families and visitors could experience Respect in a broad and inclusive manner. The

artworks invited viewers to pause and reflect, encouraging conversations about empathy, dignity, diversity and the importance of seeing one another with openness and understanding.

For students, the exhibition offered a meaningful reminder of how art can prompt reflection, deepen understanding and start important conversations.

The judging panel, comprising of contemporary figurative artist Kathrin Longhurst, Curatorial+Co. Founder and Director Sophie Vander, Head of Learning Area - Visual Arts Brigiat Maltese and Deputy Principal Lamia Rockwell, awarded the inaugural Prize

to Lynn Savery for her work, Viva.

Highly Commended recognition was given to Jessie Bourke for To weave is to be woven and Lori Pensini for The Conversation - Rest Awhile, works that also offered thoughtful responses to the theme.

As Principal Dr Kate Hadwen shared, "the exhibition reflected the importance of our values to the life of the College and the ways they guide our community. The winning work will soon be installed within the College, standing as a testament to the talent of Australian female artists and the significance we place on Respect as a values-led behaviour."

VOLUME 54 2025

9

PYMBLE VALUES ART PRIZE WINNER 2025 Viva by Lynn Savery Oil on canvas According to the astrophysicist Carlo Rovelli, science and art are about the continual reorganisation of our conceptual space, of what we call meaning: “What happens when we react to a work of art is not down to the art object itself, still less to some mysterious world of the spirits; it lies in the complexity of our brain, in the kaleidoscopic network of analogical relationships with which our neurons weave what we call meaning. We are involved, engaged – for this takes us out of our habitual sleepwalking – reconnecting us instead with the joy of seeing something anew in the world. The light in Vermeer’s painting opens our eyes to a resonance of light in the world that we had not previously been able to perceive, a fragment of a poem by Sapho opens up a world in which to rethink desire, one of Amish Kapoor’s voids of pure black disorientates us, like the black holes of general relativity. And like the latter, it suggests that there are other ways of conceptualising the implacable fabric of reality.” My hope is that this painting prompts viewers to consider the nature and significance of respect and self-respect in our lives.

10

PYMBULLETIN

HIGHLY COMMENDED 2025 To weave is to be woven Jessie Bourke

form . placement . time Clare Brodie A deep sigh at nature’s beauty Julz Beresford

HIGHLY COMMENDED 2025 The Conversation – Rest Awhile Lori Pensini

Red Lagoon - Dry Wetland (Bool Lagoon, SA) 2025 Thea Katauskas

Doorways and a Quilt Emma Dash

Untitled (folded hospital blankets) Mary Stack

It Starts with You Tracey Jones

Our Violet Tammie Castles

VOLUME 54 2025

11

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.

ACADEMIC INTELLIGENCE

EMBEDDING OUR TEACHING AND LEARNING FRAMEWORK Our Teaching and Learning Framework guides our approach to the classroom across the whole school. This year we have focused on a range of high-impact and research-based teaching strategies to enhance our students’ learning.

In a professional learning session, Associate Professor at Macquarie University, Penny Van Bergen, spoke about the science of learning and

12

PYMBULLETIN

how memory works. She focused on the progression from attention to working memory to encoding and finally consolidation and identified the teaching strategies that assist students to work through these stages.

ACADEMIC SUBJECTS An important priority for Pymble is to offer students engaging subjects that foster an understanding of our world and offer just the right level of challenge. Our first cohort of

Cambridge Mathematics students sat their examinations in October and in 2026 we will double the number of Year 10 students undertaking the Cambridge Course.

Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives commences as an elective for students in Year 9 in 2026. This adds to our list of well-established Humanities options and focuses on exploring global issues from differing perspectives. We are also excited

to strengthen our STEM offerings through a Biotechnology elective that has been a popular choice with students. This course has been developed in partnership with the Center for Curriculum Redesign in Boston and includes content on DNA and genetics, as well as ethical questions, such as ‘Who owns our DNA?’.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE As Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms our world, we have been equipping our students to be fluent and discerning users and creators of AI. While maintaining academic integrity, our teachers are reviewing both formative and summative assessments to leverage ‘safe’ AI generated by our IT department. We are looking to develop this further in 2026.

AVIATION AND SPACE EXPO Held between 25 August and 5 September, our Aviation and Space Expo aimed to shine a light on careers where women remain underrepresented. Over a two-week period, students had many opportunities,

including operating helicopter flight simulators supplied by the Australian Defence Force and exploring the Planetarium. Our Year 12 Physics students visited the Control Tower at Sydney Airport to deepen their understanding of the physics of flight.

Drone flying demonstrations identified some of the ways that drones are used in industry and the girls enjoyed contemplating what their potential might be. The highlight of the expo was the Qantas Assembly with Group CEO and Managing Director and alumni Vanessa Hudson (Gower, 1987), as well as the all-female panel – Debbie Slade, A380 pilot, Marnie Hehir, mechanic and Sophie Mill (Busquets, 1987), flight attendant.

These women talked about their career paths, including the challenges and the importance of taking the opportunities that came along.

Our Pathways Program is assisting students by mapping the subjects and co-curricular activities that can lead to particular careers. We are looking forward to our focus on Property and Construction in 2026.

2025 HSC RESULTS

80

60

90

40

20

%

23

STUDENTS

154

STUDENTS

56% 33%

>95.00

ALL-ROUND ACHIEVERS

PYMBLE RANKED

STUDENTS

8%

>99.00

40

>90.00

230 18th GIRLS ON THE DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVERS LIST

IN THE SMH TOP 100 SCHOOLS REPORT

VOLUME 54 2025

13

DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE

Digital Intelligence continues to be a cornerstone of Pymble’s strategic vision, guiding how technology is used to support learning, wellbeing and connection across the College.

In 2025, this pillar came to life through programs and systems designed not simply to keep pace with change, but to place students and community at the centre of a rapidly evolving digital world.

This year saw the launch and expansion of student programs that made emerging technologies tangible, creative and engaging. From the Drone Academy and Formula Goblin electric vehicle racing to Robotics teams reaching world championship level in VEX and FRC, students were immersed in hands-on learning that encouraged curiosity, teamwork and problem solving.

The Explore-Make-Create STEM Framework and the Year 6 Future Transport unit further strengthened this approach, giving students opportunities to design, test and refine ideas while developing confidence in engineering, coding and sustainable thinking.

A significant focus in 2025 was digital wellbeing. The first full year of the Wise Phone Initiative was delivered with very high uptake across Years 4 to 7. The impact on students has been meaningful and measurable, with improvements seen in sleep, screen time balance, focus on schoolwork and physical activity. Families have welcomed the shared language and 14

PYMBULLETIN

consistency the program provides, reinforcing healthy digital habits both at school and at home.

Behind the scenes, the College continued to strengthen the systems that support day to day life at Pymble.

The MyPymble portal evolved as a central hub for carers and staff, with new information pages, early pilots in pastoral and feedback processes, and the introduction of an AI chatbot to improve access to information.

Work also progressed on future initiatives such as the DREAM Diploma and Car Line systems, designed to improve clarity, communication and connection across the community.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has remained an important and carefully considered area of growth. In 2025, the College expanded its AI ecosystem, with more than 50 active bots supporting staff and students across learning, administration and wellbeing. New capabilities, including sentiment analysis of student chatbot interactions, have enabled more proactive support while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical and responsible use.

Importantly, professional learning has helped staff feel confident and supported, encouraging thoughtful experimentation rather than overwhelm.

Strong foundations underpin all of this work. Major upgrades to network infrastructure, security systems and audio-visual spaces ensured reliable,

user friendly experiences for students, staff and families. More than 150 events were supported through improved AV systems, while Helpdesk and operational teams maintained high levels of support through device refreshes, Wise Phone assistance and day-to-day troubleshooting.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE PILLAR: STRENGTHENING A HEALTHIER, MORE CONNECTED COMMUNITY In 2025, the Emotional Intelligence (EI) Pillar continued to guide the College towards a healthier, more connected community. Grounded in four key elements, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), sleep, movement and nutrition, the strategy recognises that wellbeing and emotional literacy are built through daily habits, shared experiences and intentional practice.

Following a strong focus on sleep in 2024, this year the spotlight shifted to nutrition through a vibrant, community centred campaign titled Nourish and Flourish. Alongside the expansion of SEL and the launch of Pymble Stride, 2025 became a year defined by togetherness, energy and healthier choices across the College.

NOURISH AND FLOURISH: EATING WELL, EATING TOGETHER Nourish and Flourish brought nutrition to the forefront in a way that felt joyful, inclusive and student driven. A professional learning session for staff, led by a specialist in adolescent nutrition, provided a shared understanding of how nutrition supports learning, growth and performance, equipping staff to reinforce healthy routines in everyday interactions.

Students played a central role in shaping the year’s food culture.

Student led poke bowl pop ups quickly became a favourite, demonstrating that nutritious choices can be both

enjoyable and social. Long Lunch Tables invited students to slow down, sit together and share a meal, while soup days during the cooler months added warmth and comfort to the school day. Across the four schools, the Student Representative Council introduced 'Free Fruit Fridays', a simple weekly initiative that encouraged healthy choices and was met with enthusiastic uptake. Together, these initiatives made nutrition visible, accessible and strongly connected to community.

continues to strengthen a culture of emotional literacy across the College.

STRENGTHENING SEL ACROSS THE COLLEGE SEL also took a significant step forward in 2025. A College-wide SEL launch introduced staff and students to the five CASEL competencies and their practical application in daily school life. This was supported by a full rewrite of the Compass Curriculum, aligning programs and experiences to the CASEL framework from Kindergarten to Year 12 and ensuring a consistent, evidence based approach.

Participation across the year was outstanding, with staff logging 886 sessions and students recording 558 sessions. In total, 1,444 Stride sessions were completed, the equivalent of approximately 4,300 kilometres covered as a community. More than a fitness initiative, Stride became a space of belonging, reinforcing the role of movement in wellbeing and resilience.

The introduction of the CASEL Check Tool was a particularly impactful development. Across the year, almost 9,000 check ins were completed by staff, providing valuable insight into student strengths, needs and emerging patterns. Just as importantly, the tool created regular moments of connection, brief but meaningful conversations that helped students feel seen, understood and supported.

This shared language and approach

MOVEMENT: THE FIRST YEAR OF PYMBLE STRIDE Movement remained a core focus of the EI Pillar with the launch of Pymble Stride, the College's walk and run club.

From its first weeks, Pymble Stride fostered a strong sense of connection as staff and students came together twice a week to build fitness, form new relationships and commit to regular movement.

LOOKING AHEAD Across nutrition, SEL and movement, 2025 has been a year of momentum and growth for the Emotional Intelligence Pillar. Our community has eaten together, learned together and moved together, strengthening daily habits and shared connections. As we look ahead, the College remains committed to deepening this culture of health, emotional intelligence and connection for every student and staff member.

VOLUME 54 2025

15

SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE

In 2025, the Pymble community has embraced the activities of the Social Intelligence Pillar, with a special focus on Service, Living our Values, and Alumni Relations. United by our goal – ‘Diversity as the path to unity’ – we’ve celebrated and encouraged diverse perspectives, building a more inclusive and connected College community along the way.

A YEAR OF MEANINGFUL SERVICE A significant achievement this year was the establishment of the College Service Partners process which took place in Term 1. Under the inspiring leadership of our College Service Prefects, Jessica Worrell and Juliette Mouton, students from Years 5 to 12 actively participated in nominating and narrowing down a list of organisations who are all making a positive difference for women and girls in local, national or international domains. After learning about and voting for their preferred organisation, the students selected Mahboba’s Promise and HerVillage Foundation as our Service Partners for 2025/26.

These partnerships both support refugees now living in Sydney – including three Afghan students who have joined Pymble. To support Mahboba’s Promise, students organised a raffle featuring a beautiful Afghan rug, and attended a creative Paint and Chai event. Support for Her Village Foundation included a special breakfast with guest speaker and alumni, Tahmara Thomas, as well as the annual HerVillage Championship 16

PYMBULLETIN

football event, which saw many students volunteering their time.

art prizes in this country and around the world.

In addition, Pymble students gave their time to local causes, including the Hornsby Kuring-gai Women’s Shelter and Women’s Shed, the Lindfield Fun Run, Exodus Foundation, and several aged care residences, such as Bowden Brae in Normanhurst.

A total of 281 submissions were received, with artists reflecting on ideas of self-respect, mutual respect between individuals, cultural and generational respect, and respect for the natural environment. Our winning artist Lynn Savery explored the idea of respect for others and self-respect through her stunning piece, Viva.

LIVING OUR VALUES Respect was the guiding College value for 2025 and this was explored in new and creative ways each term– through an emphasis on good manners, care for the environment, and recognition of the importance of cultural diversity. The Student Intercultural Committee played an important part by bringing the community together through colourful events such as Lunar New Year, Diwali, Loi Krathong, and the popular K-Pop Random Dance lunchtime session.

THE PYMBLE VALUES ART PRIZE Early this year, the College launched the Pymble Values Art Prize, inviting Australian female artists to explore our statement of Respect, “I value diversity, my worth and the worth of others.”

Our objectives for the Prize were three-fold: to showcase the College’s commitment to our values, to inspire our students and community to promote change through the power and beauty of art and to support Australian female artists who are under-represented in galleries and

In 2026, the Pymble Values Art Prize will celebrate our College value of Courage, “I am open to new experiences to learn and to grow.

STRENGTHENING ALUMNI CONNECTIONS Our alumni community also thrived this year, thanks to the launch of the Pymble Connections platform and a successful Alumni Networking event, drawing together graduates past and present.

OPPORTUNITIES

In 2025, in recognition of the incredible importance of sports, performing arts and the vast number of other co-curricular activities at Pymble Ladies’ College, a fifth Strategic Pillar was formed. Led by the Executive Director - Co-curricular, Mr Greg Meagher, the Pymble Opportunities Strategic Pillar aims to further extend and improve the range of opportunities available to our students in the hours before and after school, on weekends and in the holidays.

A range of core initiatives are helping to improve the enrolment process which is an asset to all students, parents and staff. The new, centralised registration system makes it easier to enrol and manage enrolments and successfully handled the Term 4 2025 enrolment period, which saw the huge volume of 4,000 registrations for 1,010 individual students in only 30 minutes!

In the sporting arena, Pymble was the most successful igsa school in 2025, winning seven overall championships across Artistic Gymnastics, Athletics, Cross Country, Football, Hockey, Rowing and Swimming. In January 2025, we also celebrated the launch of the Rafa Nadal Academy collaboration live on Channel 9 during the Australian Open. This enhanced Pymble’s visibility as the first independent school in Australia to be designated an Olympic Pathway School. Our passion for tennis continued with Pymble Tennis being recognised by Tennis Australia as an

official National Talent Development Hub (2025 to 2027), acknowledging our leadership in nurturing Junior players (ages seven to 12) and contributing to the future of Australian tennis. Importantly, we also achieved a 40 per cent increase in family attendance at the second Step into Sport event.

All forms of the performing arts took their place in the limelight in 2025.

The College’s Hip Hop Crew made history, winning first place in every Eisteddfod performance and the Year 10 Eisteddfod team achieved Best Director and Best Overall Production at the Sharp and Short Theatre competition. In Language Arts, a Year 12 debating student ranked ninth at the World Schools Championships in Panama. We were also honoured to see the College secure a place at the Model United Nations Conference in The Hague, with 16 students in attendance, being the first Australian school to do so. In Music, the Junior School Ensemble Concert set the record for the highest attendance for a Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts (GMCPA) performance in 2025 and instrumentalists achieved national and international success, with selection in the Strike a Chord Workshops, Australian Youth Orchestra, and the David Popper International Cello Competition.

Learning beyond the classroom also thrived in international Exchange Programs which have been expanding through new global partnerships and strengthened safety and risk management protocols. Nine international tours took place across the year, involving 130 students and 24 staff, and 28 domestic trips (involving 400 students), with the student experience strengthened by the implementation of improved predeparture protocols to ensure trips have a smooth start.

Exciting opportunities await for 2026 with the Pymble partnership with Tottenham Hotspur, including the Global Coach in Residence program, and a focus on sports science and sports psychology capabilities to strengthen student performance and achievement.

The Performing Arts area is looking forward to enhancing the Triple Threat (Musical Theatre) program to create an integrated Drama, Dance and Music stream in the years ahead.

Robotics experiences for our girls have been boosted by the introduction of the Drone Academy and Electric Vehicle Racing joining the Pymble STEM program.

VOLUME 54 2025

17

Master Plan update Our Master Plan has made great progress throughout 2025. With work nearly completed on Grey House Precinct, we look forward to the exciting developments planned for 2026!

GREY HOUSE PRECINCT The machines are growing quiet on Grey House Precinct as the works near completion. After 22 months of construction, the final finishes are going on the walls, services are being tested, and the final orders of furniture are being done. It is anticipated that the building will be 18

PYMBULLETIN

ready for occupation and use from the first day of Term 1.

There have been numerous site tours with the various user groups for familiarisation, with each group amazed by the space that is being constructed for them. We look forward to welcoming all parties into the new building.

Artist impression of the Secondary Innovation Precinct

CONDE LIBRARY A tender process was held for the works to Conde Library, with a preferred contractor being appointed. The works to Conde Library will commence in mid-January, with a targeted completion date of September 2026.

The works include the internal rearrangement of the existing library to better serve the students, the enclosure of the upper terrace level to create a larger user space, the development of three additional classrooms, the covering of the courtyard so that this can be used throughout the year and the replacement of the existing lift. All of these changes have been made with student use in mind, which will create a library for the future.

SECONDARY INNOVATION PRECINCT The Secondary Innovation Precinct has been lodged with the Department of Planning through a State Significant Development Application. We have worked with the local Council and the Department of Planning to go over their queries and questions, and we are anticipating an April approval date.

Once we have received the approval from the Department of Planning, we will be finalising the design and then going out for tender. We are targeting the commencement of the works for early 2027, with completion in early 2029.

VISION VALLEY – MAIN BUILDING The Main Building at Vision Valley has been targeted for refurbishment as part of the Master Plan of works.

These works are being undertaken both due to achieve compliance as well as to introduce enhanced and additional spaces.

This includes the refurbishment and reconfiguration of the bathrooms, provision of a new laundry, new paving to external areas, stair upgrade works, accessible pathway from drop off to entrance, new bag drop off and replacement of the covers to the balconies.

Artist impression of the Conde Library The purpose of the works is to enhance the experiential learning at Vision Valley and to further establish bestin-class facilities. The provision of experiential learning complements the education that is provided at Pymble and improves student resilience, helping them to better cope with the rigours of daily life.

These works will be undertaken in 2026 around the outdoor program that is currently in place.

Artist impression of the Vision Valley Main Building VOLUME 54 2025

19

Junior School wrap-up 2025 has been another year full of energy and excitement in the Junior School. The girls have accepted challenges, embraced them with courage and tenacity and risen to every opportunity offered. They have been pioneers in every sense. This year, our girls dared to turn their dreams into reality by creating Australia’s first all-girl Formula Goblin Greenpower racing team. They designed and built their own race car in just five months, learned how to drive and race it, secured an impressive $45,000 in sponsorship and travelled across the world to compete in the United Kingdom where they won multiple events.

20

PYMBULLETIN

Junior School students have also embraced entrepreneurship through the inaugural Autumn Family Festival, the Swap 'til You Drop initiative and Garden Party, collectively raising $7,500 for charity and to support our Formula Goblin team.

Our Year 6 students developed business ideas and pitched them to potential investors through our first Spark Lab program.

The Junior School celebrated exceptional academic success this year. Year 3 won the MANSW Challenge with their investigative mathematical calculations inspired by their reading of Are We There Yet? by Alison Lester.

Our IPSHA Debating team won the 2025 Grand Final in a fiercely competitive field. Several of our robotics teams qualified for the VEX IQ State Championships.

Three students achieved a perfect score in the APSMO Mathematics Olympiad, with 23 students in Years 5 and 6 placing in the top ten per cent nationally. In writing, three girls were recognised in the national Pens Against Poverty competition for their powerful and thoughtful entries. Two students received medals in the national ICAS competition for writing and spelling, with many more achieving high distinction and distinction results.

Our young artists were also recognised, with several students having their works selected to hang in state or national galleries.

Leadership and service remained strong themes throughout the year. Our Kindness Leaders were

invited to present at the 2025 IPSHA Social Action Expo, showcasing the many ways Junior School students lead initiatives that support kindness and care within our community. One of the clubs they helped champion, Bead4Love, brought together students across the Junior School to make more than 100 bracelets which were gifted to elders at Killara Gardens Aged Care Centre.

A Year 3 student inspired her cohort and the Year 6 students to take part in a walkathon to raise awareness and support for Juvenile Arthritis. Many Junior School families also participated in community fun runs, walking or running kilometres for kindness in support of women’s and children’s charities.

In keeping with our commitment to social impact, members of our robotics teams continued their partnership with students at St Lucy’s Wahroonga by sharing their skills and building connections across schools.

A dedicated group of Year 5 writers spent one lunchtime each week building friendships through a pen pal program with Milingimbi students and later had the joy of hosting them at the College and accompanying them on a visit to Canberra.

It has been another dynamic year in the Junior School and we are immensely proud of all that our girls have achieved and the spirit with which they approach everything they do.

VOLUME 54 2025

21

Middle School wrap-up Middle School girls have embraced an extraordinary range of opportunities that have strengthened their voices, challenged them to step beyond comfort zones and encouraged deep reflection on their sense of self, who they are and who they hope to become.

22

PYMBULLETIN

Throughout 2025, we witnessed significant student growth in their understanding of what the College value of Respect can look like in daily practice. We began the year with our Respect Flower scaffold, inviting every student to work within their House groups to fill the seven ‘respect’ petals and commit to actions that would foster a respectful Middle School community. From this work several meaningful initiatives emerged, including our Aretha Franklin Awards which recognised standout respectful actions, and our digital Kindness Recognition Board which was updated weekly to acknowledge moments of kindness observed by students and shared about one another.

Our Middle School Outdoor Education programs provided valuable opportunities for the girls to step outside familiar routines and build new friendships. Year 7 spent four days at our beautiful Vision Valley campus, while Year 8 ventured to the Colo River Somerset property for a five-day expedition in tents. Our annual Mind Body Spirit Days also encouraged students to refresh and broaden perspectives. Year 7 attended Manly Surf School at Long Reef Beach, where they took to the water on longboards or boogie boards before exploring the rock platforms with friends. Year 8 enjoyed a day in the city, choosing from a visit to the Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of NSW, the Museum of Contemporary Art or State Parliament, followed by a picnic in the Botanic Gardens and a walk across the Harbour Bridge.

The Milingimbi and Middle School Immersion Project offered a unique and powerful opportunity for students in Years 7 and 8 to better understand the wider context of Australians. Five Pymble families generously opened their homes to our visitors, and we were particularly proud to host a Cultural Competency workshop in collaboration with community elders in preparation for their arrival.

The week long experience was a genuine two-way learning opportunity for all involved.

Our National Exchange Program, now in its 14th year, continued to provide valuable experiences for an increasing number of students. With seven partner schools across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia, each location offers its own insight into city or country life. We hope to welcome a Northern Territory partner school in the near future, the only Australian region not yet represented.

The Afghan Refugee Program has continued to be a source of pride for the Middle School. Our three recipients graduated in 2025 with a strong sense of confidence about themselves and their future journeys at Pymble.

These exceptional students demonstrate courage and resilience each day, modelling for others what overcoming adversity can look like. We look forward to welcoming and supporting the next recipients of this scholarship next year.

As Year 8 prepared to conclude their Middle School journey, they enjoyed a well-deserved celebration at Luna Park. This new initiative focused on independence, fun and inclusivity and was warmly received by students. It will now become a permanent feature of our Middle School calendar as a joyful way to mark this important milestone.

Our 2025 Links Day was also an overwhelming success, providing our incoming Year 7 students with the chance to explore the secondary campus. The day was filled with inter-House games led by our Year 12 Leaders, a race around the College challenge hosted by our Year 7 Transition Leaders, and opportunities to meet key staff and discover the many experiences ahead. A barbecue lunch on Gloucester was followed by the excitement of the Have a Go Festival which introduced students to the wide range of co-curricular options available at Pymble.

The year concluded with the traditional Year 7 Christmas Chapel Service where families were welcomed back on campus for this student-led celebration. Having joined us in Chapel on the first day of Year 7, this occasion bookends their first year in Middle School. Afternoon tea afterwards provided a moment for families to reconnect and reflect on shared experiences.

It has been a very busy and rewarding year – thank you to everyone for your ongoing support.

VOLUME 54 2025

23

Upper School wrap-up 2025 has been a year of genuine growth, achievement and connection in the Upper School. Our Year 9 students embraced the Vision Valley Residential Program with enthusiasm, taking part in adventurebased learning and off-site journey expeditions. The four-week program provided our girls with the opportunity to develop independence and resilience while experiencing a complete digital detox. During two of the four terms, students were joined by peers from Churchie, Anglican Church Grammar School in Brisbane, for a co-educational experience. The Vision Valley program continues to be a memorable milestone in the Upper School journey, with many students sharing that they wished the program had been even longer.

During the Residential Program, a new service partnership with St Edmund’s College and Vision Valley offered our Year 9 students the chance to step into leadership as they guided their St Edmund’s peers through outdoor activities.

This collaboration highlighted the kindness, patience and empathy among our young adventurers. This year also saw the introduction of a reintegration workshop to support students as they transitioned back to school after their residential experience.

24

PYMBULLETIN

Within the Upper School, students worked together to build a positive and welcoming culture, making full use of the Upper School Common Room during breaks, Compass sessions and special events. Students also had opportunities to collaborate with peers from Knox Grammar School and Shore through several coeducational programs. The Knox Pymble Social Cup offered a range of sports, cooking, trivia and volunteering activities, while the Shore Pymble Dance, informally

known as the ‘Shormal’, provided a relaxed setting for students to meet new friends through icebreaker games and an evening of dance.

The International Exchange Program continued to thrive, with many students taking part in experiences that broadened their perspectives and strengthened their confidence. The College is finalising five new partner schools for 2026 and 2027, which will open further opportunities for students in the years ahead.

Outdoor Education remained a key focus for our Year 10 students, who selected from a range of programs designed to challenge and inspire them. The girls hiked, canoed, took part in canyoning and experienced white water rafting across several locations, stepping outside their comfort zones and building skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to be planning expanded service opportunities for our Upper School students. We are particularly looking forward to the return of Service Week for Year 10, a program that will allow students to engage meaningfully with the wider community and apply their learning in authentic and purposeful ways.

VOLUME 54 2025

25

Senior School wrap-up "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing." - Pelé

26

PYMBULLETIN

This year in the Senior School, students have continued to demonstrate leadership, academic growth, service and a strong sense of community through a range of new and established initiatives that reflect their depth of character and commitment to one another.

The year began with our Year 11 Wellbeing Connection Days, which introduced a refreshed vision for nurturing student and teacher relationships. In a year focused on our core value of Respect, these days invited students to consider mutual respect, gratitude and the value of building meaningful and accountable connections within our community. This shift toward a more relational and reflective model has strengthened the sense of belonging and collective responsibility among our senior students.

Senior girls play an active role as peer mentors across many areas of College life, including wellbeing, sport, performing arts, robotics and academics. Through their influence and guidance, they help younger students find confidence, connection and belonging while developing their own leadership and empathy in the process. This culture of shared growth is mutually rewarding, a quiet strength and one of Pymble’s true secret powers.

reflect diligence and curiosity, while their achievements in sport, public speaking, performing arts, robotics and cadets demonstrate skill, creativity, teamwork and leadership. Together, these accomplishments celebrate the rich and diverse talent that defines our Senior School community.

As we reflect on the graduating Class of 2025, the words often shared within our Senior School ring true. There are two lasting gifts we can give our children – one is roots and the other is wings. This year has shown both in abundance. Grounded in strong values and community, and inspired to soar with courage and purpose, our senior girls have led with resilience, generosity and optimism, leaving a legacy that will continue to uplift those who follow.

Deep gratitude is extended to the Senior School Wellbeing and Administration teams for their support, care and professionalism. Their commitment to nurturing students and sustaining the daily rhythm of Senior School life has been invaluable to the success and spirit of our community.

This commitment to community has also been seen in the generous service shown by our senior girls throughout the year. Many contributed their time and skills to charities including Wrap with Love, the Sony Foundation Children’s Camp and the Sir David Martin Foundation, alongside our College-wide support for Mahboba's Promise and the HerVillage Foundation. The impact of these initiatives has been both practical and deeply personal, embodying the values of compassion and service that define our Senior School.

Student leadership has been a hallmark of the Senior School this year. Our senior girls have led with integrity, empathy and authenticity, whether through formal leadership roles or by quietly modelling the values of Respect and Care in everyday interactions. The Year 12 students, under their 2025 theme 'Come Alive in 2025', set a joyful and optimistic tone for the year. Their enthusiasm and leadership were particularly evident at the highly successful Year 12 Trivia Night, which brought together students and staff in an evening of creativity, connection and celebration, raising more than $3,000 for the Sir David Martin Foundation. The energy and warmth of the occasion captured the spirit of wholehearted participation that has characterised the year.

Senior students have achieved outstanding success across every domain of College life. Their academic results VOLUME 54 2025

27

The “unending chain” of Boarding: a journey through tradition and special memories The “unending chain” of girls certainly rings true in Boarding, and it is a special privilege to be part of the Boarders’ journey – from their early days in Avonmoore to their final Boarding home in Lang House. This chain is linked with countless shared experiences, milestones, and the enduring traditions that shape the spirit of Boarding at Pymble.

Throughout each year, the legacy of the Boarders is celebrated in many ways, but perhaps none so poignant as the farewell events that mark our Year 12 students’ final chapter. This September, the community gathered to honour the achievements and contributions of the graduating class of 2025. In a heartfelt new tradition, all Boarders and their families joined a special Chapel service in their honour, illuminated by performances from Year 12 Boarders, Celeste McDermott and Latiah McMillan, and 28

PYMBULLETIN

the memorable debut of the Pymbellas. Each departing Boarder received a candle, delicately inscribed with “May the Boarder spirit live forever in your heart,” symbolising the light they have brought and will continue to bring to the Pymble community.

The evening continued in the Boarders’ Dining Room, festooned with festive décor, it was the perfect venue to see the year out. With excellent company and a delicious

meal there was much laughter, reflection and warmth as memories were shared and each girl was celebrated with a unique poem, encapsulating her personality and unforgettable moments from her Boarding experience. In unmistakable Boarder style, the evening ended with lively dancing and heartfelt farewells.

Every ending at Pymble opens new beginnings. No sooner had one group of Year 12 girls said their goodbyes than the next cohort found themselves stepping into senior leadership and moving to Lang House, ready to shape their own memories. To mark this meaningful milestone, a Housewarming celebration was held, drawing inspiration from history itself – the 1916 event when the very first Pymble girls made their way across from PLC Croydon.

This unending chain is further enriched by Boarder families whose legacies stretch across the years such as the Seeto sisters, who have occupied the same room at various times since 2015, and Adele Simson (Purkiss, 1993) and Sybella Simson, Year 11, proudly marking two Pymble generations in Lang House. These stories of continuity illuminate the heart of Boarding – a community shaped by kindness, resilience, and an unwavering sense of fun.

As faces and names change, the spirit endures, unbroken and strong. The girls step forward, each adding their own bright link to the chain – a legacy to inspire every Pymble Boarder yet to come.

As recorded in Issue No. 90, April 1916 of the school magazine, Aurora Australis: "Quite the social event of the first term at Pymble was the housewarming, which took place on the first Saturday evening. Dancing was the first item, the rooms used for the purpose being the four music-rooms, a dark and narrow passage, and finally round the pianists themselves, who were so overawed at the prospect of playing for PLC Pymble, that their hands refused to do more than a few feeble waltzes."

The recollection goes on: "After the pianist had collapsed from nervousness, Misses Mavis and Rene Parker were masterfully acted by Misses D Abbott, E Wait, K Brodie, D Pitt, P MacFarlane, M Abbott and H Stitt. After three humorous recitations from Maysie Greig-Smith, a still more humorous Highland Fling from Doris Witts, and a few clever imitations by Lorna Hinder, it was proposed that the old Croydon girls should sing ‘School and Home’. There were six old girls, so our song was scientifically rendered.

Of course, at the close of the entertainment we formed a circle and sang ‘Auld Lang Syne’ with much vigour and, after cheering from ‘The Boys at the Dardanelles’ to ‘Our Oak Floors and Rubber Heels’ inclusive, we thanked each other most profusely and went home."

While the celebrations no longer feature nervous pianists or feeble waltzes, the spirit of camaraderie and joy remains unchanged. Gathered with families and staff in a beautifully decorated Lang House, the Boarders honour both the milestones of today and the traditions of the past, echoing the laughter, connection, and sense of belonging that has defined the Pymble Boarding experience since 1916.

VOLUME 54 2025

29

Pymble Sport: 2025 year in review Pymble students once again displayed exceptional talent, leadership, resilience and sportsmanship throughout 2025. Across every field, court, pool and course, our athletes represented Pymble with pride and a deep sense of purpose.

We thank all Kindergarten to Year 12 students who participated in sport, and extend our appreciation to the parents, families and staff who support our 32 sport programs. The commitment of our community continues to underpin Pymble’s success.

This year saw Pymble excel on local, national and international stages, securing major titles, forging new international partnerships, and strengthening our position as Australia’s leading girls’ school for sport.

30

PYMBULLETIN

AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATIVES Representing Australia is a significant milestone for any young athlete. In 2025, seven Pymble students achieved the honour of national selection, highlighting both the depth and breadth of talent across our programs. Pymble was represented in five sports at international events: fencing, figure skating, flag football, football and rowing.

• Renee Leung, Year 12 (Fencing) – Selected in the Australian Senior Fencing Team for the Hong Kong Open World Cup, competing for Australia at a Senior International level.

• Rianne Leung, Year 9 (Fencing) – Selected for the Australian Senior Fencing Team for the Asian Senior Fencing Championships in Bali. The youngest competitor in the individual event, Rianne also represented Australia in Hong Kong in the Senior Women’s Foil Team, competed individually in both the Open and Under 20 Years World Cups, and competed in the Asian Zone Championships across Under 17 Years, Under 20 Years and Open divisions.

• Ann Kyle, Year 11 (Figure Skating) – Represented Australia in the Junior Women’s category at the Volvo Open Cup in Latvia, and also competed at the Swan Trophy (Perth) and the Budapest Trophy (Hungary).

• Isla Devlin, Year 11 (Flag Football) – Selected for the Australian Under 17 Years Flag Football Team and competed at the Junior International Flag Football Championships in Los Angeles.

• Willa Pearson, Year 9 (Football) – Selected for the Australian All Schools Team, the Under 16 Years Junior Matildas at the ASEAN Championships, and the Under 17 Years Junior Matildas in the Asian Cup Qualifiers in Singapore.

• Mika Naito, Year 12 (Rowing) – Represented Australia in the Women’s Coxed Eight at the World Rowing Under 19 Years Championships in Lithuania, finishing sixth in the A Final.

• Millie Cullinane, Year 11 (Rowing) – Represented Australia in the Women’s Under 19 Years Eight at the World Championships, contributing to a strong Australian campaign.

VOLUME 54 2025

31

COMPETITIVE HIGHLIGHTS This year was one of the most successful competitive seasons in Pymble’s history. Across championship events and major competitions, Pymble secured ten major titles, including outstanding success at the igsa Annual Championships: igsa Championship Titles • Artistic Gymnastics • Athletics – 100th Anniversary Year • Cross Country • Rowing • Swimming Saturday Sport Premierships • igsa Football – Senior Firsts Champions • igsa Hockey – Senior Firsts Champions • NSW Rugby – Senior 1 Champions Additional Titles • Junior School State Snow Sports Champions • National Rowing Championships – Under 17 Years • Schoolgirl Eight National Champions.

These achievements reflect the strength of our coaching programs, the growth of our athlete pathways and the dedication of our student athletes.

RAFA NADAL TENNIS ACADEMY COLLABORATION January 2025 saw the launch of a major international partnership between the Pymble Tennis Academy and the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy in Mallorca, Spain. This collaboration provides Pymble athletes and coaches with access to: • World-class coaching environments • Elite international training blocks • Shared coaching methodologies • Holistic development aligned with values of respect, discipline and resilience.

This initiative strengthens Pymble’s long-standing tennis heritage and expands global pathway opportunities for our players.

TENNIS AUSTRALIA NATIONAL TALENT HUB (2025 – 2027) In 2025, Pymble was officially recognised as a Tennis Australia National Talent Hub, an endorsement of the College’s leadership in identifying and developing junior players aged seven to 12. This designation positions Pymble as a key contributor to Tennis Australia’s future talent pipeline and further enhances opportunities for emerging athletes.

32

PYMBULLETIN

PARA-SPORT Pymble continues to lead in para-sport development and representation. In 2025, two athletes achieved exceptional distinction in both swimming and athletics: • AJ Gillespie, Year 11 (Swimming) – Key achievements included medals at the School Sport Australia Aquatic Games, gold in two events at the Australian Swimming Trials, and selection to the National Para Flippers Squad.

• Sybella Warton, Year 12 (Athletics) – Achieved podium results at NSW and National Championships, qualified for the World Para Championships, and earned acceptance into the NSWIS Para Accelerate Program.

SPORTSWOMEN OF THE YEAR For the first time, Pymble awarded three Sportswomen of the Year, reflecting the extraordinary calibre of athletic performance in 2025. Their achievements across igsa, NSWCIS, NSW, national and international levels were exceptional. The recipients were: • Samara Bond, Year 12 (Athletics) • Bella Croker, Year 12 (Hockey) • Mika Naito, Year 12 (Rowing).

Each student exemplified leadership, excellence and the values of Pymble sport throughout 2025.

CONCLUSION This year has been a landmark year for Pymble sport – a year defined by national representation, international pathways, championship success and deep participation across Pymble.

Our athletes continue to inspire us through their dedication and courage, while our coaches and staff elevate the standards of school sport in Australia.

As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, Pymble remains committed to providing world-class opportunities that nurture the next generation of confident, capable and driven young women.

VOLUME 54 2025

33

Performing Arts In 2025, Performing Arts at Pymble truly embodied the theme ‘Come Alive’, with a year celebrating creativity, courage, community and connection. Across Dance, Drama, Language Arts and Music, our students embraced every opportunity to shine and brought their energy and artistry to stages near and far. From breathtaking international tours to inspiring local performances, this has been a year of passion and achievement.

One of the highlights was Behind the Curtain: Discover your Future in the Arts, an event that opened doors to careers in the arts. Featuring alumni and renowned casting director Lisa Campbell, students explored the fascinating world behind the spotlight – from costume design and performing to casting, scriptwriting and marketing.

From the vibrant creativity of the Junior School PJ Factor to the dynamic energy of the Secondary School PAC Competition, these events were a powerful testament to the strength of the Arts within our College community.

They showcased extraordinary talent, and more 34

PYMBULLETIN

importantly, the pure joy and celebration that the Arts bring to every participant and audience member.

Our alumni continued to make waves on professional stages, with Annabelle Rosewarne (2015), Annaliese Hall (2018) and Jessica Lawes (2001) in Disney’s touring production of Beauty and the Beast. Adding to this success, Miranda Middleton (2011) directed the acclaimed musical Bright Star at the Hayes Theatre, while current Year 8 student Jessamy Facer graced the stage of the Sydney Opera House for her second performance with Opera Australia, a remarkable achievement for such a young artist.

As we look forward to 2026, excitement is building for the opening of the Pymble Dance Centre, a state-of-the-art home for our talented dancers. The year ahead promises unforgettable moments, including productions of the classic play The Crucible and the musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. To crown it all, we will celebrate the College’s 110th birthday with a spectacular performance at the Sydney Opera House, a fitting tribute to our rich history and vibrant future.

DANCE 2025 has been the biggest year yet for Dance at Pymble, with an incredible 700 students participating in classes and performances, a true reflection of the passion and commitment of our dancers and the amazing Dance staff.

One of the year’s most memorable highlights was the breathtaking ballet production of Hansel and Gretel, featuring students from Kindergarten to Year 12. This heart-warming adaptation of the classic children’s story captivated audiences with its artistry and charm.

The eisteddfod season brought exceptional success for our Performance Stream, showcasing the artistic growth of our students. With 18 wins and 42 out of 55 entries earning a place, this was a credit to the dedicated and talented Dance staff. The Years 5 and 6 Jazz group was named the highest scoring routine out of groups from Kindergarten to Year 12 at the Platinum Eisteddfod. In addition, the Secondary Hip Hop Crew achieved a clean sweep, taking first place at every external competition they entered, winning DanceLife Unite Nationals and being invited to Dance of Champions at the Sydney Eisteddfod. Their energy and precision were nothing short of spectacular.

VOLUME 54 2025

35

36

PYMBULLETIN

This year also marked the successful launch of the Pymble Dance Company and pilot program of Solos, providing an exciting extension group for our Performance Stream dancers. In addition, a select group of students represented Pymble at the prestigious Joan and Monica Halliday Awards and Isobel Anderson Ballet Awards, with three students reaching the semi-finals and one advancing to the finals. This was a remarkable achievement at this elite level.

The highlight of the year was the annual Dance Showcase, The Beat of Time, which celebrated creativity and brilliance across genres – from jazz to swing, and from Michael Jackson to Lady Gaga. It was a dazzling display of versatility and talent, leaving audiences inspired and amazed.

DRAMA 2025 has been the biggest and busiest year yet for Drama at Pymble, filled with many outstanding achievements.

Two major productions lit up the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts (GMCPA) stage. Our Senior Drama students (Years 9 to 12) captivated audiences with You’re Just Too Good to Be Shrew, a witty and modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic The Taming of the Shrew. Meanwhile, our Junior Drama students (Years 7 to 9) brought charm and heart to the stage with their delightful rendition of the beloved children’s classic Charlotte’s Web. The performance calendar highlight was the Year 10 Eisteddfod team, who earned accolades at Sharp Short Theatre, taking home awards for Best Director and Best Overall Production. Our Eisteddfod teams finished the season with outstanding results: seven first places, four second places and two third places. These achievements reflect not only the talent and dedication of our students, but also the strength of our Drama program in nurturing confidence, creativity and excellence.

Beyond the stage, a highly successful two-day holiday camp saw 30 students from Years 7 to 11 immerse themselves in intensive workshops led by industry professionals. This program strengthened pathways in the Performing Arts and fostered valuable connections with the broader creative industries, while supporting the development of both foundational and specialist skills.

VOLUME 54 2025

37

MUSIC The Music year commenced with great energy and enthusiasm as 109 Junior School students gathered for the annual Music Camp. Across two vibrant days, students immersed themselves in ensemble playing and creative music-making, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Our talented Ivory Quartet was invited to participate in the Musica Viva Strike a Chord Workshop at Monash University.

This invitation placed the ensemble among some of the nation’s finest young instrumental groups and positioned them for potential selection in the highly competitive, nation-wide Strike a Chord Competition. Although they did not progress to the finals, their inclusion alone was a remarkable achievement.

The Pymble Chorale also enjoyed a year of exceptional performance opportunities. Early in the year, the Chorale graced the stage at the Pymble Foundation Ball, performing alongside star of Grease - The Musical and alumni Catty Hamilton (2005). Later, they joined the internationally acclaimed vocal group The Idea of North for the Australian leg of their Christmas tour at the Chatswood Concourse, an unforgettable experience that inspired both singers and audience alike.

Our instrumentalists continued to shine on the national and international stage, with Joanna Au, Year 11, selected for the Australian Youth Orchestra, and Ivy Yan, Year 7, achieving third prize at the 11th David Popper International Cello Competition. This is an extraordinary accomplishment at such a young age.

Our newly formed Rock Bands had the opportunity to perform at the Barker College Spring Fair for the Battle of the Bands. They were amongst bands from 35 other schools and, although did not place, received some valuable feedback with the girls thoroughly enjoying themselves. They were all treated like rock stars with a full setup of amps and speakers, flashing lights and smoke machines.

Our String and Band programs continue to thrive with performances at eisteddfods, Garden Party, graduation ceremonies, ensemble concerts, Grandparents’ Day, open days/evenings, Carols and speech days.

38

PYMBULLETIN

LANGUAGE ARTS The world of Language Arts shone in 2025, with our students excelling in Public Speaking, Debating, Model United Nations and Mooting, earning outstanding successes on both national and international stages.

This year marked the launch of the Dame Enid Lyons’ Oratory Award, introduced to compete with the prestigious Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition for boys. We were proud to see Public Speaking Captain Jenny Xu, Year 11, named runner-up at the inaugural event, held at the Sydney Opera House.

Chen, Year 11, and Kitty He, Year 11, excelled in Mooting and made it to the final rounds, held at Bond University on the Gold Coast.

It has been another highly successful year in Language Arts. Thanks go to our dedicated students, their passionate coaches and our keen support team of parents.

Students entered numerous Public Speaking competitions including Rostrum, Plain English Speaking, Junior Secondary Speaking Awards (JSSA) and UN Voice of Youth.

Estelle Lee, Year 9, and Katherine Pan, Year 11, progressed to regionals in JSSA and Rostrum respectively. Imogen Kee, Year 10, and Arabella Hoang, Year 8, progressed to the state finals of UN Voice, where Imogen placed first. She will progress to the national finals in April next year.

In Debating, Kitty He, Year 11, and Maya Garg, Year 12, were selected for the NSW State Student Debating team, and competed in the National Schools Debating Championships (NSDC). Maya went on to earn a place on the Australian team and competed at the World Schools Debating Championships in Panama, achieving an impressive ninth place globally.

Four teams went on to win Debating Grand Finals this year; ISDA Year 7, Archdale Shield 7B, Archdale Virtual Intermediate team and PLC 3 who won the Junior division of the International Debating Championships. Many other teams made it to the finals, and we had much interest in Social Debating, with 14 teams registered. This year Pymble entered the Chinese Debating Competition for the first time, and our team placed in the top eight.

The January 2025 holidays saw the return of Language Arts international tours. Sixteen students explored London, Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, Amsterdam and The Hague.

Highlights included visits to the Tower of London and Anne Frank’s House, which were powerful reminders of the importance of free speech and democracy. The tour culminated in participation at the 57th session of The Hague International Model United Nations Conference, where Pymble proudly represented Germany and the UN Fund for Water under the theme ‘The Impact of AI on Humanity’. Many have joined PMUN this year and have attended various MUN conferences around Sydney.

Finally, our Mock Law students, Catherine Shi, Year 12, Kiki VOLUME 54 2025

39

Vision Valley 2025 marked a landmark year for Vision Valley, with an extraordinary 5,001 guests passing through the gates, our highest number on record. This growth reflects not only the continued success of the Residential Program, but also the increasing number of external organisations choosing the Valley as a place of challenge, learning and connection.

Master planning continued across the site, with significant improvements to safety and accessibility. New bush rock staircases now link Echidna, Wallaby and Stringybark lodges directly into the natural landscape, reducing the need for students to use internal roadways and enhancing the bush experience. At our 28 Geelans Road expedition site, five purpose-built shelters, one for each Kin group, now support briefings, meal preparation, washing up and

40

PYMBULLETIN

debriefs, providing protection from the elements and improving the expedition experience for all students.

For the first time, every Year 9 student at Pymble completed the full Residential Program. This shared rite of passage was strengthened by a heightened focus on the College value of Respect, with students working alongside Indigenous elder Tim Selwyn (Girri Girra) on caring for

Dharug Gully and protecting the culturally significant spear-carving sites that run through the Valley. A new dehydrating unit also enabled students to prepare their expedition meals, further building independence and ownership.

Our commitment to inclusion deepened through a new partnership with St Edmund’s College, with Vision Valley students designing and delivering an action-packed activity day for St Edmund’s students. This collaboration fostered empathy, leadership and meaningful connection.

Scientific discovery remained a core pillar of the program through our expanded collaboration with Quantal Bioscience. Building on last year’s identification of methylotrophs on native plants, students continued to map which species thrive across the site. This foundation has enabled the exciting next step in 2026: the use of a new robotic system to test how methylotrophs may enhance plant growth.

Vision Valley also delivered two co-educational programs

with Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie), welcoming 100 boys across Terms 2 and 4. Both programs received outstanding feedback, with Churchie committed to transitioning to an all-in model from 2027, mirroring Pymble’s approach. The Year 10 Continuum expanded as well, with the introduction of two new options: Waves to Wilderness, incorporating surfing and Indigenous learning experiences, and a five-day canoeing expedition through Kangaroo Valley.

A highlight of the year was Vision Valley on Tour, where staff visited six residential centres across Australia to benchmark best practice. Key insights included strengthening student independence, establishing clear cultural norms and communicating the core purpose of residential learning.

The introduction of two Senior Residential Leaders further enhanced the pastoral and professional strength of the team, ensuring Vision Valley continues to deliver safe, meaningful and transformative experiences for young people.

VOLUME 54 2025

41

Trips and tours Pymble girls travelled far and wide in 2025 with an amazing array of national and international tours visiting locations such as Kakadu, Melbourne, Europe, Japan and Tanzania!

LANGUAGE ARTS TOUR In January, a group of Language Arts students enjoyed a wonderful trip to London, Oxford, Brussels, Ghent, Bruges and Amsterdam before travelling to The Hague Model United Nations (THIMUN) Conference at the World Forum for four days. More than 3,000 students from across the globe attended the challenging and stimulating conference.

42

PYMBULLETIN

EUROPEAN HISTORY TOUR During the October holidays, 38 students and five staff members were fortunate to travel to France, Germany and Italy for the History Tour. Students visited the trenches of World War I in France before heading to Berlin. Whilst in Germany, they did a walking tour of Berlin, saw Courtroom 600 and the Nazi rally grounds in Nuremberg, before finishing with a sobering trip to Dachau Concentration

Camp. The final stop was Italy, where the group visited the ancient Roman ruins in Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri and Ostia, before visiting the capital city itself.

JAPAN STUDY TOUR The Japan Study Tour was an extraordinary learning experience for 20 Japanese language learners from Years 8 to 11. During the October holidays, the group travelled through Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, Hiroshima and Tokyo.

Students immersed themselves in a rich range of cultural activities, including making gold leaf plates, learning how to make traditional Japanese sweets, wearing a kimono and experiencing an authentic Japanese tea ceremony.

These hands-on workshops gave them a rare opportunity to engage with Japanese culture beyond sightseeing.

There were also ample opportunities to use Japanese in real situations, such as ordering at restaurants and while shopping.

The highlight of the tour was the homestay experience in Hiroshima, where the students enjoyed once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to connect with their host families and experience Japanese daily life.

And of course, no trip to Japan would be complete without some shopping – the group was thrilled to discover the completely different and diverse range of fashion styles available in Japan. They especially enjoyed exploring the vibrant districts of Shibuya and Harajuku, the meccas of youth fashion and culture.

and the challenges she has overcome since establishing the school in 2002. The students were humbled to donate supplies and visit the homes of St Jude’s students, including graduating student Vivian, who has been supported by Pymble throughout her education.

In support of the Barbara May Foundation, the group visited Maternity Africa Kivulini, where they funded and assembled care packs for new mothers. They engaged in learning about the outreach sexual health program and explored the roles and status of women, particularly among the Maasai, where women often face considerable challenges.

We are immensely proud of our girls, who embraced every aspect of this experience with compassion and enthusiasm, offering genuine care and friendship to everyone they encountered.

DARWIN AND KAKADU CULTURAL IMMERSION 11 students and three staff members travelled to Darwin for a week of cultural learning in Kakadu National Park and surrounds. Students deepened their understanding of the oldest living cultures in the world and gained firsthand insight into local histories, Country and cultural practices.

COMMERCE MELBOURNE ENRICHMENT TOUR Across three long and rewarding days in Melbourne, 30 students and four staff members engaged in a diverse program that connected business, economics and career pathways.

TANZANIA SERVICE TOUR During the July school holidays, a dedicated group of Years 10 and 11 students and teachers embarked on an inspiring service journey to Tanzania.

The group built upon the ongoing meaningful partnership with East Meru Community School, funding the construction of a new workshop to support further education within the local area. In a wonderful display of teamwork, the girls helped local parents carry gravel for the foundations, fostering strong community ties.

They also prepared educational resources, supported teachers with literacy and numeracy lessons, and raised funds so that every student could enjoy an excursion to Arusha National Park – an exciting adventure, as it was the first time many children had ever left their home village.

Additional contributions included teaching materials, underwear and Australian treats.

At The School of St Jude, the group met founder Gemma Sisia and gained insight into her passion for education VOLUME 54 2025

43

Robotics Pymble Pride is not only the largest all-girls robotics team in Australia, but for our robotics enthusiasts it is a chance to be immersed in STEM, undertake leadership opportunities and participate in exciting competitions.

VEX V5 ROBOTICS – YEARS 7 AND 8 Our Years 7 and 8 VEX V5 students once again represented Pymble in the best ways possible. Throughout the season, they demonstrated creativity, perseverance and a genuine passion for robotics. Their robots reflected strong and thoughtful design, and teams continuously built, tested and refined their ideas as the year progressed. Just as importantly, students arrived at competitions prepared, ready to perform at their best, and open to learning from every experience.

Beyond the technical achievements, this season was about growth. Students challenged themselves, supported one another, and built friendships across teams and schools.

They embraced the highs and lows of competition, enjoying every step of the journey and developing confidence, resilience and teamwork along the way.

44

PYMBULLETIN

In 2025, Pymble had 13 VEX V5 teams made up of Years 7 and 8 students. Across the season, these teams competed in nine regional tournaments, giving students multiple opportunities to apply what they had learned, refine their skills and perform under competition conditions.

Throughout the season, Pymble teams achieved strong results and were acknowledged in a range of award categories. Notable results included Teams 65100F and 65100G winning the Ryde Middle School Tournament and 65100F also winning the Robot Skills Champion. Team 65100F also won The King’s School Blended Tournament and received the Design Award. Team 65100N won the Pymble Ladies’ College Tournament. Team 65100C was Tournament Finalists at the Santa Sabina Tournament and Team 65100K won Robot Skills Champion at The King’s School Blended Tournament.

These consistent performances led to six Pymble teams qualifying for the VEX State Championships. Team 65100G progressed as Tournament Finalists, qualifying for VEX Australian National Championships, while three additional Pymble teams qualified later through their strong performances in the Robot Skills Challenge.

We are incredibly proud of our Years 7 and 8 VEX V5 students. Their commitment, enthusiasm and willingness to learn exemplified the spirit of the Pymble Robotics program, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to grow and succeed in future seasons.

VEX IQ ROBOTICS – YEARS 5 AND 6 The 2025 VEX IQ season began in a truly inspiring way, with Team 6510V competing at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas, in May. The team had the incredible opportunity to compete alongside hundreds of the best teams from around the world. Experiencing robotics at this global level was both motivating and educational, leaving our students inspired and excited to continue developing their skills.

This year, Pymble fielded 13 VEX IQ teams made up primarily of Years 5 and 6 students, with a small number of very enthusiastic Year 4 students joining the program early.

Their excitement, curiosity and willingness to learn were evident from the start of the season.

Across the year, Pymble teams competed in six regional tournaments, giving students valuable exposure to competitive robotics and the chance to grow in confidence with each event. These competitions played an important role in preparing teams for higher-level events, while reinforcing teamwork, problem-solving and perseverance.

Pymble teams achieved outstanding results throughout the season and were recognised with many awards across multiple tournaments. Among the highlights of the season were Team 6510B being named Tournament Champions at the Knox Grammar School Blended Tournament, with Team 6510D placing second. At another Knox Grammar School Blended event, Team 6510D received the prestigious Excellence Award, while Team 6510K won the Create Award. Team 6510E earned the Innovate Award at the Barker College Tournament and the Inspire Award at the Trinity Grammar Preparatory School Blended Tournament, where Team 6510A also received the Create Award.

Five Pymble teams qualified for the VEX IQ State Championships. Compared to regional events, State

was a much larger and more exciting experience, and our students could not have been more enthusiastic.

They approached the competition with positivity and sportsmanship, supporting one another, celebrating successes, and learning from every match. The event provided countless opportunities to improve, reflect and build new friendships within the wider VEX community.

At the State Championships, Team 6510D won the Judges Award and qualified for the National Championships.

Two additional Pymble teams also qualified for Nationals through wildcard entries, earned through their impressive performances in the Robot Skills Challenge.

We are extremely proud of our VEX IQ students for their dedication, teamwork and joy throughout the season.

Their achievements reflect not only strong technical skills, but also the values of collaboration, resilience and enthusiasm that are central to the Pymble Robotics program.

FIRST TECH CHALLENGE – NATIONALS The 2025 FTC season was exceptional for Pymble Robotics. Across all three NSW qualifiers, our teams delivered a level of consistency and confidence that defined the season – winning all three competitions in NSW. It was a powerful reflection of the students’ dedication, strong engineering foundations, and a culture built on teamwork and sportsmanship.

Robotics National Championships results were a highlight of 2025, with Pymble students achieving outstanding success across both VEX and FTC competitions.

At the Australian VEX National Championships, seven Pymble teams competed across VEX V5 and VEX IQ, demonstrating focus, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Team Gerf reached the VEX V5 Finals, while Team 65100F received the Excellence Award, with both teams qualifying for the VEX World Championships in 2026.

Pymble’s FTC robotics teams also enjoyed a standout season, winning every NSW event and qualifying five teams for Nationals. The rookie Year 9 team, Pymble Bees, reached the finals, earned second place for the Control Award and secured qualification for the FTC World Championships in Houston in 2026, a first for the College.

SOUTHERN CROSS REGIONAL The 2025 season marked a milestone for Pymble Robotics, as the College fielded two full FRC teams for the first time – a distinction held by only a handful of programs worldwide. The Southern Cross Regional, held in Sydney VOLUME 54 2025

45

this year, became the debut stage for this expanded program and the depth of talent emerging across year groups.

Team 6510 Pymble Pride stepped into the Sydney arena with a machine unlike anything they had built before. Using aviation-grade aluminium and advanced manufacturing techniques, the students produced the program’s most refined and visually striking robot to date. That engineering effort translated onto the field: 6510 finished the qualification rounds in fourth place, earned the Innovation in Control Award, and took on the role of Alliance Captain.

Their strategic play and reliable scoring carried them through an impressive run to the semi-finals, setting a new benchmark for the team’s craftsmanship and on-field execution.

Debuting in their first FRC season, the 6497 Pymble P-Platers proved immediately that the future of the program is in capable hands. Made up of much younger students, 6497 showed no hesitation stepping into a competition traditionally dominated by older teams. Their determination, composure, strategy and strong drive earned them a fifth-place ranking, and remarkably, they also became Alliance Captains in their first event. Their quarter-final appearance demonstrated that the ‘next generation’ is already competing confidently on a national stage.

COLORADO REGIONAL – 2025 The next stage of the season took the team to Denver, Colorado, marking Pymble’s first appearance at this international regional. Competing at altitude and far from home, 6510 Pymble Pride approached the event with confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

Their robot, reassembled only days earlier after the long journey, performed with impressive consistency, and the team’s refined autonomous and teleoperated code led to a measurable 20 per cent improvement in on-field performance.

Their efforts secured a fifth-place qualification ranking, placing them among the strongest contenders of the event. Acting as Alliance Captain #4, Pymble Pride pushed through a series of tightly contested matches before concluding their run in the quarter-finals. Their technical achievements were recognised with the Quality Award, acknowledging the team’s commitment to precision engineering and thoughtful robot design.

A highlight of the trip was the support received from Up A Creek Robotics, a World Champion team who generously hosted the girls in their workshop. Their assistance – 46

PYMBULLETIN

providing tools, machining spare parts, and transporting Pymble’s robot to the venue – allowed the team to arrive fully prepared despite the complexities of international travel. This collaboration became a defining part of the experience, offering the girls a glimpse into the standards and culture of a world-leading program.

The Colorado Regional not only strengthened Pymble Pride’s technical capabilities but also played a key role in securing their path to the World Championships. It was a competition that deepened the team’s resilience, broadened their understanding of high-level play, and helped them grow both as engineers and as a community.

FRC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Competing on the world stage is never easy, and the Milstein Division at the FRC World Championship proved to be one of the toughest environments our students had ever faced. Although 6510 Pymble Pride did not place highly within their division, their overall standing told a very different story: the team finished in the top 12 per cent of all FRC teams worldwide – an extraordinary result for a program whose students are mostly in Years 10 and 11 competing against Year 12 teams from around the globe.

This year’s Championship group was a dedicated team of 11 students, supported every step of the way by Dr Hadwen. Her presence meant a great deal to the girls and brought a reassuring sense of familiarity so far from home.

Her encouragement and genuine interest in the team added something special to the experience, and having our Principal – and biggest supporter – with us at the world’s largest robotics event was something the students deeply appreciated.

Despite the tough competition, the Pymble students quickly became known in the pits for something extraordinary. Some of the strongest teams in the world – including NASA teams – visited specifically to learn about Pymble’s custom-designed chassis. The girls confidently explained their design decisions, machining processes and build strategies, showcasing an engineering maturity far beyond their years. Those conversations became highlights of the event and a powerful reminder that excellence is recognised even without medals.

On the field, the team delivered their best performance of the entire season, breaking their season record for cycles in a match. The drive team rose to the moment with calm focus and impressive control, proving that they belonged on a global stage.

This journey was supported by the incredible generosity of

powerhouse teams including Team 118, The Robonauts, who invited them to train in their world-class facility and practise alongside some of the strongest competitors in FRC. These interactions shaped the team’s understanding of elite engineering and sportsmanship and left a lasting impact on every student.

The World Championship was not defined by rankings or awards this year. It was defined by growth – the kind that happens only when students are pushed, inspired, supported and challenged all at once. The girls came home with stronger skills, clearer goals and a deeper belief in themselves and in the program they are helping to build.

It was a world-class experience that will guide the team into 2026 and beyond.

VOLUME 54 2025

47

Drone Academy in 2025 In 2025, Pymble’s Drone Academy took flight, marking a year of innovation, creativity and hands-on STEM learning that captured the imagination of students across the College.

One of the year’s standout successes was the official launch of the Drone Academy program. Designed to bring together teamwork, problem-solving and cuttingedge technology, the academy provided students with an exciting platform to explore drone flight and coding in a highly engaging and collaborative environment. From their first take-off to complex manoeuvres, students thrived as they developed both technical and communication skills.

A major milestone was securing a dedicated Drone Soccer arena, giving students a unique opportunity to experience this fast-growing global sport. The arena allowed learners to train, strategise and compete in a supportive environment, transforming STEM concepts into dynamic, real-world gameplay. Through Drone Soccer, students deepened their understanding of aerodynamics, coding logic and teamwork while enjoying the thrill of competition.

Students expanded their coding skills in both Block and Python. They progressed from basic commands to fully automated drone flight paths, celebrating a genuine breakthrough moment that highlighted their engagement 48

PYMBULLETIN

and depth of learning. For many, seeing their code come to life in the air was an unforgettable achievement.

Looking to the future, several students began their drone licence training with DroneIT. This early preparation places them on track to complete their flight assessments in Term 1 2026, an extraordinary opportunity that gives students hands-on experience with drone safety, aviation protocols and industry-standard skills.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the invaluable support of the ICC STEM team.

Their enthusiasm, expertise and willingness to go above and beyond were instrumental in setting up equipment, guiding students and building a strong, collaborative learning culture.

With such momentum behind it, the Drone Academy is set for even greater heights in 2026. This year’s achievements are more than milestones, they are the launchpad for a generation of learners discovering what’s possible when technology, curiosity and teamwork come together.

Pymble comes to you in 2026 Moree Thursday 23 July 2026

Broken Hill Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 March 2026

Tamworth

Dubbo

Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July 2026

Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May 2026

Mudgee Term 3 (To be confirmed)

Young Southern Highlands

Friday 1 May 2026

Wagga Wagga

Saturday 2 May 2026

Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May 2026

WHERE

WHAT

DATE AND TIME

VENUE

Broken Hill

ICPA NSW Conference

Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 March

To be confirmed

Young

Pymble in Young

Friday 1 May

Private residence

Southern Highlands

Pymble in Southern Highlands

Saturday 2 May

To be confirmed

Dubbo

Boarding Schools Expo

Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May

DRTCC

Dubbo

Pymble in Dubbo

Friday 15 May

Press

Wagga Wagga

Boarding Schools Expo

Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May

Bolton Park

Moree

Boarding Schools Expo

Thursday 23 July

Moree Services Club

Tamworth

Boarding Schools Expo

Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July

Memorial Town Hall

Mudgee

Pymble in Mudgee

Term 3 (To be confirmed)

To be confirmed

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

VOLUME 54 2025

49

Our grounds were filled to the brim with community spirit at Garden Party on Saturday 20 September!

With the sun shining and energy levels high, our College was transformed into a festival of fun while raising vital funds for Mahboba's Promise and the HerVillage Foundation. Smiles were everywhere as families and friends enjoyed thrilling rides, delicious food, our Pymble Portobello markets and live entertainment. It was a perfect celebration of everyone who makes Pymble the wonderful place it is.

We are immensely grateful to our incredible volunteers and dedicated staff who generously gave their time, effort and creativity to make it a sensational day and to everyone who attended to join in on the action.

50

PYMBULLETIN

It was fabulous to see so many of our parents on Friday 21 February at our annual Pymble Parent Association (PPA) Icebreaker event!

Pymble's first parent group, The Family Group, was formed in 1975 and the Icebreaker was their first initiative.

Since then, the PPA has remained committed to creating opportunities for parents to get involved and feel connected to the Pymble community.

VOLUME 54 2025

51

Pymble Foundation Gala Ball It was a very special evening at the Pymble Foundation Gala Ball on Saturday 5 April at Doltone House Hyde Park as we celebrated community, philanthropy and Pymble spirit with our MC for this year’s event, alumni and multi award-winning journalist, Melissa Doyle AM (Pymble 1987) and auctioneer Peter Mochrie.

52

Our guests were entertained with wonderful renditions of songs including This is Me from The Greatest Showman, For Good from Wicked and O Mio Babbino Caro by alumni Juliette di Bello (2018) and Catty Hamilton (2007), along with Sarah Boland, Year 12, and the Pymble Chorale. One of our College String Quartets including Sophie Guo, Year 10, Charli Conn, Year 9, Camellia Zhou, Year 10, and Jenny He, Year 10, also performed beautifully at the evening.

education. Since its establishment in 2022, our community has helped the Pymble Foundation transform the lives of young girls, gifting them the power of a Pymble education.

The Pymble Foundation Gala Ball raises money for our Bursary Program, offering the life-changing opportunity for young girls facing adversity to receive a transformation

Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the parents, staff, friends and families who attended or supported the Ball.

PYMBULLETIN

Together, we raised a staggering $1.27 million, giving us the means to support five additional refugee students with Foundation Bursaries in 2026. This brings our total number of refugee scholars to eight.

VOLUME 54 2025

53

Pymble Wise Phone Initiative WISE STAGES

NO SOCIAL MEDIA

NO INTERNET

2025 marked the first year of the Pymble Wise Phone Initiative. At the end of 2024, all students from Years 3 to 7 had the option of starting the new year with a wiser phone choice. This school-managed device offers an alternative to smartphones, which have full access to the internet and social media apps, and was designed with pre-teens and young adolescents in mind. The Pymble Wise Phone has features such as tracking, tap to pay, texts and calls but it does not have a browser and offers only a select range of apps.

These are centrally managed by the College and are varied according to year level.

The initiative was born from a desire to protect the wellbeing of our girls while empowering them to grow confidently in the digital world. Unlike other restrictive based models, the Wise Phone starts off restricted and grows in sophistication as students age, allowing them to transition to a full smart phone with confidence at the age of 16. This transition is built upon the following stages: It’s not about limiting potential, but about guiding students along the often-complicated path of modern technology. We want to give them the tools to stay safe, feel connected and develop healthy digital habits, while safeguarding their mental and emotional health.

To drive strong uptake and support for the program, a launch event was held in the College Gymnasium, where parents and students were invited to pick up their new

54

PYMBULLETIN

phone in person. Students handed over their old phone to their parents and worked on a pledge with their parents to put in place healthy technology use practices. At the end of the evening, the students were able to decorate their phones with stickers and enjoy time with each other dancing to a DJ. Over the year, an investment was made in educating parents about the Wise Phone. In-person events were held, as well as a series of emails sent to parents, helping them to navigate the challenges of technology usage in their household.

A key change to the program was based on student voice. Year 6 students prepared a pitch and advocated successfully for the inclusion of a music app on their phones.

The Pymble Institute conducted a research program throughout the year which collected data from students, parents and staff over three phases – February, June and November. As well as capturing impacts and influences, data from students and parents is being used to inform decision making which is influencing change. The full results from the Pymble Institute’s research are available on the Pymble Institute’s website.

In 2026, the initiative will focus heavily on maintaining strong levels of adoption. The initiative has evolved to now work with all devices including iPhones. Parents will be supported as they work within the new Social Media law change where the Wise Phone is well placed to navigate the likely situation where students move to new social media platforms. The Wise Phone will continue to be a step ahead of the legislation as the list of allowed platforms is actively managed.

KEY FINDINGS

Survey February 2025

“It’s a great initiative. I can see why it would be perfectly timed for students who are just being introduced to devices vs those already using features and apps on their smartphones.” (parent comment)

RESPONDENTS

842 respondents (aged 9 to 14), Year groups 4 to 8

44%

56%

Junior School (Year 4-6)

Middle School (Year 7-8)

Pioneering Digital Safety Pymble Ladies’ College leads with the Pymble Wise Phone Initiative – launched November 2024 to empower students with safer, school-managed devices.

87% YEAR 4

64% YEAR 5

SAY THE PYMBLE WISE PHONE IS THEIR FIRST PHONE

Age Matters IN JUNIOR SCHOOL (YEARS 4–6)

50%

PYMBLE WISE PHONE INITIATIVE PHONE

14%

DON’T HAVE A PHONE AT ALL

71%

BY YEAR 8 USE ONLY SMARTPHONES

(We recommend a simple phone earlier, a smartphone later)

Bedrooms are for sleeping

24% Sleep Wins!

VS

50% of Pymble Wise Phone Initiative Only Users Get 9+ hours of sleep A big jump over smartphone users (just 21%).

Less Screen Time, More Life

87% Pymble Wise Phone Initiative users spend less than 1 hour on their phone per day during school. (Compare: Smartphone users generally spend more!)

More Fun, Less FOMO Pymble Wise Phone Initiative kids report: more time with family, more reading, more outside sports and games, more hobbies – and way less social media, gaming or endless scrolling.

51%

Pymble Wise Phone Initiative users keep their phone in their bedroom at night time.

Smartphone-only users Sleep peacefully, not screen time.

Parents Give the Thumbs Up Parents say: Pymble Wise Phones Initiative makes kids safer and help manage screen time – but it’s a balancing act as kids grow older.

VOLUME 54 2025

55

Inspiring futures in aviation and space at Pymble Curiosity, courage and imagination soared across campus during Pymble’s inaugural Aviation and Space Expo, a two-week learning experience designed to open students’ minds to the extraordinary possibilities within aviation, aerospace and emerging technologies. Held towards the end of Term 3, the program brought together hands-on activities, industry expertise and transformational learning moments that helped students see themselves in careers traditionally under-represented by women.

A highlight of the Expo was the visit from Qantas Group CEO and Managing Director and alumni Vanessa Hudson (Gower, 1987) and Sophie Mill (Busquets, 1987), who joined fellow Qantas professionals for a student-led conversation about leadership, resilience and the future of the aviation industry. Their insights offered an authentic window into diverse career pathways, reinforcing the message that meaningful futures are shaped by passion, determination and self-belief.

Across the College, students immersed themselves in

56

PYMBULLETIN

experiences that connected classroom learning with realworld application. Junior and Secondary School students explored the galaxy inside a seven-metre planetarium dome, flew drones with the support of our Drone Academy pioneers, experimented with rocket science through UNSW workshops and stepped inside Defence Force helicopter simulators to experience the physics of flight firsthand. Year 12 Physics students visited the Sydney Control Tower to observe air traffic control operations and gain a deeper understanding of the mathematics and science underpinning safe aviation.

The Main Oval also became a hub of excitement as Surf Life Saving volunteers demonstrated the life-saving power of drone technology, while an Australian Navy helicopter landed on campus to give students an unforgettable insight into the skills and teamwork involved in defence aviation.

Throughout the Expo, students consistently spoke about newfound confidence, fresh aspirations and the thrill of seeing STEM come to life in extraordinary ways. Guided by inspiring female professionals and supported by dedicated staff, they were encouraged to dream boldly, challenge expectations and envision futures in fields where women remain significantly under-represented.

The result was a campus alive with curiosity, confidence and possibility, reminding every student that at Pymble, the sky is not the limit but only the beginning.

VOLUME 54 2025

57

Social Impact GLOBAL STUDENTS PROGRAM Our three global students from Afghanistan, Baheshta, Malalai and Nawida graduated from Middle School at the end of 2025, with an abundance of notable achievements behind them. Their achievements included impressive academic growth, Speech Day awards, participation in co-curricular activities every term, speaking in Combined Assembly during International Refugee week and communicating effectively in English alongside their native tongue, Dari.

The girls’ key highlights of Middle School included the Year 8 Outdoor Education program to Colo River and playing football (soccer) especially the Village Championships alongside the kindness and generosity of the Pymble community.

In 2026, our global student enrolment will increase to eight with six students from Afghanistan and two from Ukraine.

58

PYMBULLETIN

Another component of our global student program is sponsoring students from the School of St Jude in Arusha, Tanzania. In May 2025 Vivian Gaspary graduated at St Jude.

Vivian’s enrolment has been funded by Pymble students since 2013 when she commenced in Form 1. St Jude's quest is to fight poverty through education and selects only the brightest and poorest students across Tanzania to enrol. Vivian, after completing a year of community service – teaching in a government primary school, will commence tertiary studies in Civil Engineering at the University of Dar es Salaam.

Excitingly, the Junior School will join the global student program and sponsor eight students from the East Meru Community School, also in Arusha. This exciting initiative will include all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 in new learning initiatives and connections with students across the world.

STRENGTHENING REMOTE STUDENT PATHWAYS THROUGH INTERSTATE COLLABORATION Pymble has partnered with Milingimbi School in northeast Arnhem Land to connect students from remote communities thanks to facilitation from the Yadha Muru Foundation and funding from the Australian Government’s City-Country Schools Partnership Program.

The City-Country Schools Partnership Program is an initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by establishing formal partnerships between high-performing metropolitan schools and remote schools.

This unique partnership is helping to bridge the gap between remote and urban education while fostering deep cultural understanding, mutual respect and genuine connection.

An exciting initiative we embarked on this year was taking some of our Learn to Swim staff along with their qualified Year 11 students to Darwin in the Term 3 holidays, where they taught Milingimbi students swimming lessons as part of the Swimming and Water Safety in Schools Program supported by School of Sport Education NT.

“Over the past three years, we have worked together on a few initiatives that build on the strengths of Yolŋu culture and the power of community to create meaningful opportunities and real choices for young people while giving city students some insight into life in remote Australia. We have seen substantial personal growth in both Milingimbi students and Yolŋu staff, particularly in confidence and self-belief. This progress is testament to what can be achieved when communities work together.”

The partnership is a powerful experience for the Pymble students who volunteered. They gained a deeper understanding of community and the strength of culture and connection through teaching and learning alongside the Milingimbi students.

Milingimbi Assistant Teacher Kyliea Blakiki Balaraninybuy is grateful for the partnership and its impact on student learning. “I am so proud of the partnership with our kids and the Pymble girls. It is great and makes everything so fun. We are learning so much. The kids were so excited about swimming, and they would love to do it again,” she said.

As well as swimming lessons, Milingimbi students participated in a basketball program that promoted physical wellbeing, teamwork and healthy lifestyle choices through sport.

Our partnership with Milingimbi is an inspiring showcase of both communities learning, sharing and growing together, in the water and beyond. It nurtures cultural humility, reconciliation and an appreciation for First Nations knowledge systems.

Staff member Mrs Belle Moylan, who facilitates the Partnership and organised the Learn to Swim Program, shared some insight into the program’s success:

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN WORKING GROUP The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) working group, with staff membership across the College, continues to

VOLUME 54 2025

59

meet once a term as we take steps towards our vision: With respect for the rich, living cultures of First Nations people, we embrace the responsibility to be part of change in Australia. We commit to learning from and with First Nations students, families, staff and community members as Pymble Ladies’ College works to build inclusive relationships and achieve reconciliation through education.

With open hearts and taking courageous action, we seek to build a community of compassionate and influential people who will positively impact future generations through a commitment to reconciliation.

Highlights for the working group over the past two years include guest speakers and visitors including: • Mrs Gillian Moore AO and Mrs Kate Mason who graciously recounted the history and early days of our First Nations program in an interview with our Head Prefect 2025/2026 Jenny Xu, Year 11.

• A presentation by History teacher Dr Ryan Stewart, who shared the learning from his recent thesis ‘Writing the History of Contact on the Central Coast of NSW’.

• Year 5 teacher Mrs Michele Wilson told the story of the Milingimbi Years 5 and 6 lunch group who have embraced the partnership with Milingimbi school, with online catchups, joining Milingimbi students on an immersion in Sydney, and two-way learning as reading buddies.

We look forward to launching and presenting our RAP to the College community in Term 1 2026.

60

PYMBULLETIN

SERVICE This year saw the implementation of the Service Framework, capably introduced to the student cohort by Service Prefects Juliette Mouton and Jessica Worrell, Year 12. Our students from Years 5 to 12 selected our service partners for 2025/2026, HerVillage Foundation (HVF) and Mahboba’s Promise. Both organisations support women and girls of refugee background locally and globally; notably the Founder and CEO of HVF, alumni Tahmara Thomas who graduated in 2022. Pymble’s focus over a two-year period will be serving women and girls in education and health locally, nationally and global.

In addition, students and staff in the Junior and Secondary Schools have continued to strengthen partnerships with local and national service providers and charities. Our community has been of service – giving of their time, skills, talents, kindness, care and donations across a myriad of areas including education, health and aged care, First Nations, disability, environment, homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, mental health and marginalised groups.

2026 will mark a new era for service at Pymble, our aspiration is for every student from Kindergarten through to Year 12 to give of their time and serve the local, national or global community.

VOLUME 54 2025

61

The Pymble Institute has continued its tradition of excellence and impact in 2025 with a focus on building student skills in research. Fostering curiosity and critical thinking through a research lens is helping students play their part in changing the world for the better through both curriculum research tasks and independent learning.

The Student Research Journal, Perspective, reached an important milestone with the launch of the fifth edition in 2025. We were thrilled to welcome Miss Julie Sheng (2024, and former Perspective Lead Editor) as our guest speaker.

Julie inspired the audience of students and staff with her reflection on the importance of valuing research. Julie used a metaphor of learning to research being like 'learning to ride a horse' and also wisely explained; “Research is not a privilege bestowed upon a select few, but the right and responsibility of everyone. It is our right as citizens of the world to communicate our opinions and insights through research. It is also our responsibility to lean into research as a force for good, using it to drive positive social change.”

62

PYMBULLETIN

The student editorial group preparing edition six of Perspective is our biggest team ever, led energetically by Jenny Xu, Year 11, and a dedicated committee. We look forward to publishing the reports and essays of close to 40 students early in 2026.

Student research was made visible in the 2025 Sokratis Showcase. This year long co-curricular program is led by the Conde Library and Pymble Institute teams. It attracted 80 students, 32 mentors, 21 posters and seven entrants in the Three Minute Sokratis speaking competition held in October. Winners included Ariana Azizmohammad, Year 9, and Tala Gubara, Year 10, (Three Minute Sokratis) with

their topic, ‘Is there a gap in women’s health education for teenage girls?’ Thank you to the judges for the competition, Miss Carrie Luo (2024), Ms Cass Blake and Dr Jamie Batten.

Year 5 students have also been conducting Sokratis research projects and have spent time with Dr Loch discussing ethics and methods. The Institute has also assisted members of the Young Entrepreneurs Society in developing and refining their research survey questions to gain the best data for their projects. Student research has been strengthened with a new resource, the Student Research Curriculum. This online unit has been created in the Virtual Classroom (VC) by Conde Library and Pymble Institute staff and was trialled in January by Year 12 2024 graduates. We look forward to seeing the Student Research Curriculum starting to be used in assessment planning and research lessons to help students and staff with research skills and inquiry-based learning approaches to suit their research topics.

A major project for the Pymble Institute throughout 2025 has been researching the Pymble Wise Phone Initiative in its pilot year. Students and parents from Years 4 to 8 completed surveys and staff participated in interviews to build a strong set of data. Mrs Bala’s Year 5 Mathematics class assisted by taking part in a social labs methodology using projects that students were doing for the Mathematics Association of NSW competition, where students all researched a question about phones. A group of staff presented at the International Coalition of Girls' Schools conference in Philadelphia, USA, in June, to share valuable findings from the initiative with educators from around the world.

The 11th edition of the College research journal, Illuminate: Research and Innovation, was published with articles from ten staff. The edition explores the theme of ‘Social Intelligence’ and includes articles from Professional Learning Grant winners, staff completing research for accreditation and essays based on postgraduate courses.

The Pymble Ethics Committee is a key decision-making group which supports research in the College through evaluating and approving applications. The committee has flourished in 2025 under the guidance of Year 10 students Hakone Liceralde and Ilesha Nair in in their joint roles as Chair. A very memorable committee meeting involved visiting researchers from The Matilda Centre at the University of Sydney, who worked with our students to review and receive feedback on their methodology for a consent education project. This collaboration showcased how Pymble students are making respected contributions to broader academic and health research conversations. Thank you to the Upper School students who subsequently participated in this important research.

A highlight of the year was the launch of our I-WiSH (Inspiring Women in Science and Health) program (originated by Matthew Flinders Anglican College in Queensland). Delivered in partnership with girls from Abbotsleigh and Wahroonga Adventist School and hosted at the San Hospital with nine amazing mentors, this program inspired our students to consider future careers in health and science, and to understand the role of research in multiple fields.

VOLUME 54 2025

63

A key research event for staff took place with colleagues from three other independent schools who worked with Associate Professor Simon Knight, from the University of Technology Sydney, on the topic of exploring ways that experienced teachers navigate uncertainty and complexity in our classrooms.

We were also delighted to welcome Dr Bosco Rowland from Monash University as our Pymble Institute Research Fellow. Dr Rowland assisted in guiding the development of the new service framework using his research expertise.

Keynote speeches and staff day professional learning workshops were delivered by Professor Simon Buckingham Shum (Technology and Education, UTS) and Associate Professor Penny van Bergen (Psychology and Education, Macquarie University).

Institute’s work. It has also been a privilege to work with so many Pymble students and alumni, and academics in many different disciplines in our quest to drive thinking forward. By fostering confident, ethical and inquisitive learners, we continue to build a community where research is valued, and every student has the chance to make a difference.

Read the latest issue of Illuminate: Research and Innovation online at pymblelc.nsw.edu.au/pymble-institute

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

EDITION 11 2025

Associate Professor Sophie Gee was our guest at an excellent Research Conversations afternoon where she spoke about literature and reading. Sophie was introduced and interviewed by students Amy Zhang, Year 12, Helena Tang, Year 11, and Jenny Xu, Year 11, who drilled down into the role of humanities research in today’s world.

The work undertaken in the Pymble Institute would not be possible without Mrs Victoria Adamovich, Pymble Institute Research Assistant, and Mrs Emma Coupland, Executive Assistant, for their continued excellence in all areas of the

64

PYMBULLETIN

Embracing diverse perspectives, ways of understanding, and lived experiences Pymble Ladies’ College

1

VOLUME 54 2025

65

Alumni

FROM THE ESU PRESIDENT 2025 has been a pivotal year, combining memorable occasions with significant steps toward structural review.

The Alumni Networking Event at Qantas Head Office in May was a standout, featuring inspiring career insights from Fiona Ellis-Jones (2001) and Li-Enn Koo (1991) and offering a wonderful opportunity for alumni to connect.

The supportive and energising atmosphere on a wet and stormy Sydney evening was a testament to the vibrancy of our Ex-Student Union (ESU) members.

In July, Commemoration Day brought our community together in the War Memorial Chapel, where guest speaker Zoë Robinson (2001), delivered a passionate address advocating for children and young people. The ESU Choir performed beautifully, and attendees enjoyed morning tea following the service.

At the end of Term 3, we were delighted to welcome the graduating Year 12 cohort into the ESU, marking this milestone with a small gift for each student. Sharing their excitement during their final days on campus was a privilege, and we look forward to their continued connection with the College.

The Garden Party later in the year was blessed with glorious weather. The longstanding tradition of the chicken sandwich and champagne stall continued thanks to the hard work of the Committee and the support of our dedicated volunteers.

66

PYMBULLETIN

Alongside these events, the ESU Committee has been working on proposed structural changes to modernise and future proof our alumni network. Over time, the management of the ESU has become increasingly complex due to factors such as data security risks, growing administrative demands, compliance requirements, rising costs and the ongoing challenge of recruiting volunteers. To address these issues, we have been exploring alternative governance models that will support a more sustainable future.

Throughout 2024 and again in October this year, we collaborated extensively with the College, sought independent legal advice and held consultation sessions with interested members. Feedback from these sessions has been collated and we are now preparing for a vote on the proposed structure in early 2026. Communication regarding this online vote will be shared in due course.

Thank you to Katrina Corcoran, Fiona Crawford, Kate Murray, Courtney Stanley, Andy Lang and Dr Kate Hadwen for your unwavering support throughout 2025. The partnership between the ESU and the College remains vital and we deeply value the collaborative and honest approach that underpins our work together.

This work has been made possible by the commitment of our ESU volunteers, who generously give their time while balancing careers, families, study and other responsibilities.

My heartfelt thanks to Amy Graham (2017), Kris Graham (Erickson, 1983), Louise Kellaway (Sutton, 1988), Jane Makeham (Brennan-Horley, 1988), Jennifer Makeham (2024), Victoria Muller (Murray, 1992), Susan O’Sullivan (Murray, 1992), Natalie Reid (2014) and Zoe Wang (Murray, 1992). It has been a privilege to work alongside you as we continue to represent our members and prepare for a sustainable future.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a significant year as we celebrate 110 years of the College. We look forward to honouring this milestone and shaping the next chapter for our community.

Dr Rowena Ditzell (1986) President, Ex-Students' Union

FROM THE ALUMNI RELATIONS MANAGER 2025 has been full of joy, connection and celebrations tempered with change, loss and challenges for our Alumni community. As I reflect on the year, it is clear that community is the most valuable gift to treasure and remains at the heart of our College.

Networking Event in May. Thanks to the generosity of Vanessa Hudson (1987), our keynote speakers Fiona Ellis-Jones (2001) and Li-Enn Koo (1991) and more than 80 Mentors, the Qantas head office was abuzz with our Alumni making professional connections, sharing valuable career advice and catching up.

The Pymble Foundation Gala Ball kicked off the year in style and was a fantastic celebration of philanthropy at Pymble. The Gala Ball is the main fundraiser for our Foundation Bursary Program, and we were thrilled to have Melissa Doyle AM (1987) as MC and entertainers Catty Hamilton (2007), Juliette Di Bello (2018), and Sarah Boland (2025) share their talents in support of our cause.

Pymble Connections, our new online platform is designed to bring together generations of Alumni together in a convenient and secure online platform to grow and foster meaningful personal and professional relationships. It also makes organising reunions a breeze! If you’re yet to join, do not delay; it’s wonderful to have our community at your fingertips.

A personal highlight was attending the UK Pymble reunion in London this year with my daughter Sophie (2022). It was a beautiful day with Alumni from all over the UK and Europe joining us to celebrate our community.

It was an honour to welcome Mrs Greta Moran AO (King, 1948), to our combined Jacaranda Day and Remembrance Day service last month. Greta was a student at the College when the Jacaranda Tree was planted! It was a joy to share this meaningful occasion with Greta and her daughters, Kerry and Barbara.

Our inaugural ‘Behind the Curtain’ event celebrated our Alumni’s many achievements in the Performing Arts. Over 50 enthusiastic students participated in an engaging Q&A session with Genevieve Graham (2013), Ally Morgan (2012), Safia Arain (2016), Freya Finocchiaro (2012) and Catherine D’Souza (2016). We also launched our Hall of Fame publication, and we welcome more Alumni to share their stories, advice, and inspiration with our Pymble students.

Monsoonal conditions didn’t keep our Alumni and College communities away from our fifth annual Alumni

As we look to 2026, the College is excitedly preparing to celebrate our 110th anniversary. I look forward to sharing more in the early new year about our plans to commemorate this significant date and hopefully welcome many of you to Pymble to celebrate, together.

Katrina Corcoran Alumni Relations Manager

VOLUME 54 2025

67

Alumni Notices BEHIND THE CURTAIN – CELEBRATING OUR ALUMNI IN THE PERFORMING ARTS Our inaugural Behind the Curtain event was the vision of Head of Senior School, Mrs Nikki Wyse, created to celebrate student achievement in Performing Arts and strengthen connections with alumni who have built successful careers in the industry.

Beautifully facilitated by Director of Co-curricular Performing Arts – Strategy and Operations, Mr Kurt Schweinberger, the event welcomed around 50 enthusiastic students from Years 7 to 12. Throughout the day, the girls engaged in a dynamic panel discussion, thoughtful Q&A sessions with alumni and heard from special guest Lisa Campbell, an acclaimed casting director, who shared her insights into the realities and rewards of a career in the arts.

A highlight of the program was the 'speed dating' style lunch, where students rotated between tables to speak with guests and Pymble Performing Arts staff. These conversations offered practical advice, personal reflections and honest perspectives on the many pathways into the performing arts, helping to fuel students’ aspirations and broaden their understanding of opportunities beyond school.

We extend our sincere thanks to the alumni who generously shared their time, wisdom and experience with our students: • • • • •

Genevieve Graham (2013) – Costume Designer Ally Morgan (2012) – Writer, Actor, Musical Comedian Safia Arain (2016) – Actor Freya Finocchiaro (2012) – Arts Management Catherine D’Souza (2016) – Script Writer and Film Producer.

The occasion also marked the launch of the first edition of the Hall of Fame publication, dedicated to celebrating pathways into the Arts and profiling the diverse careers of our performing arts alumni. Future editions will continue to showcase stories, advice and inspiration from alumni working across the creative industries.

68

PYMBULLETIN

MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS AND GREAT-GRANDMOTHERS' MORNING TEA In February, the College was delighted to host one of the most cherished events in Pymble’s social calendar, the annual Mothers, Grandmothers and Great-Grandmothers’ Morning Tea. It was a joy to welcome alumni who are now mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers of our current students, and to honour the long-held connections that span generations of Pymble women. The event provided a special opportunity to reflect on shared memories, celebrate family traditions and recognise the enduring role the College has played in the lives of so many families.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us.

The conversations, memories and new friendships formed throughout the morning were a reminder of the closeness, care and continuity that define the Pymble community.

WEDDING Kylie Sin (2017) married her partner of 6 years, Jeremy Lay, at the Pymble Chapel on 22 March 2025.

“Having studied at Pymble from Kindergarden to 12 and lived next to the school grounds for most of my life, being married at the Chapel was such a special, fullcircle experience for us. The day was made even more meaningful as we were able to celebrate with many of our closest Pymble friends. It was a beautiful blend of past and present, and Jeremy and I could not have imagined a more perfect place to begin our next chapter together.”

Mrs Helen Booth (Jenkyn, 1954) 1937–2025 Born in 1937, mum’s connection with Pymble was lifelong although she and her sister were originally booked into Abbotsleigh.

The war changed those plans, and with their home in Avon Road Pymble, a stroll from the school’s ‘back entrance’, mum and her sister Val Grogan (Jenkyn,1951) were sent to Pymble instead.

Starting at the age of 4.5 years old in 1942, mum enjoyed all that Pymble offered. She loved having her big sister there, admired and adored Miss Knox, was tenacious on the hockey field and qualified for Tildesley Shield in tennis.

Most importantly mum formed lasting friendships many of whom were in attendance on January 28 2025 when we celebrated her life at St Swithun’s Church at Pymble.

Although finishing in 1954, her close association with the College continued, with her sister teaching there for a time and daughter Catherine starting in 1970 in the Junior school.

VALE Mrs Betsey Whitfield (Brain) 1939–2025 We wish to share that our former pupil Betsey Whitfeld (Brain) passed away on 2 January 2025. She loved being a student at Pymble, with her sister, Barbara and her mother, Joan, also being Alumni from the College. Her sons remember fondly all the warm memories she told of friends she made in her school years, some of whom she carried throughout her entire life, especially her dear friend Jan Kennedy (Gordon). She was predeceased by her husband, Roger, and will be missed by her three sons, their wives and her twelve grandchildren.

Mum joined the Pymble Ex-students’ Union (ESU) Committee and served as its President from 1981-1982. She always looked forward to her school reunions and seeing ‘old girls’ across the generations as a regular attendee at the Commemoration Day Services.

Marrying Donald Booth in 1960, they set up home first in Lindfield and then in Turramurra, raising my younger brother and me and spending summers at her parent’s beach house at Palm Beach with her extended family.

In the 1970s, outside of ‘home duties’, mum enjoyed a good game of golf (she was a member of Killara, then Elanora), played tennis socially with friends, hosted great dinner parties, lunches and card days, again with ‘the girls’.

Mum was active with committees and fundraising – most notably her association with St John’s Ambulance raising awareness and valuable funding throughout her life.

As her family grew, mum enjoyed being G’Ma of four and was blessed to have a granddaughter who might too have ‘followed suit’ (as we moved to Orange in 2002 when Anna was three, this did not eventuate and she attended Kinross school instead – their black watch tartan offering a small nod to mum’s and my time in the uniform).

VOLUME 54 2025

69

Dad died in 2003 and mum felt his loss enormously. Friends and family became even more important as she navigated life without him. Those early friendships and connections helped keep her vibrant and engaging, and all who met her recall that. She kept her wicked sense of humour, the sparkle in her blue eyes and remained sharp and determined to the end.

With the news of mum’s passing on 17 January 2025 at the age of 87 years, I have received heartfelt messages and flowers (thank you) from ‘our’ Pymble community. She was loved by her family and by those who knew her. And for that she should feel fortunate, as I indeed do.

This year I will host and celebrate our 45-year reunion with her very much in mind.

By Cath Thompson (Booth, 1980)

when Geoff died, she moved to the Cotswolds in North Turramurra to be closer to friends. After a fall in 2020, she required more assistance and settled quickly into Terrey Hills Nursing Home in January 2021.

Barbara has two grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Barbara kept active by playing golf and tennis up until her late 80s. She was a keen bridge and mah-jong player, loved gardening, church activities, reading and attending social outings especially with Probus. Barbara and Geoff travelled extensively within Australia and on cruises of the South Pacific.

Barbara was always interested in others and had a great sense of humour. She amazed family and friends by quickly adjusting to new places and accepting old age with grace and gratitude. She leaves us with an extensive legacy of memories.

By Rachel Osborne (Dunlop, 1973)

Lynette (Lyn) White (Milne, 1949) Lyn began boarding at PLC Pymble in 1945, where she formed close friendships that she maintained throughout her life. While she often recalled being perpetually hungry, with cake reserved for Sundays only, she spoke fondly of her school years. This may well have contributed to her lifelong love of dessert and chocolate.

Barbara Dunlop (Crawford, 1938) 1920–2025 (105 years old) Barbara was born in February 1920 and grew up in a large family of five children in Chatswood. She always described her childhood as idyllic attending Chatswood Public School and then Pymble Ladies’ College for her secondary education. She loved returning to Pymble to see her daughter and granddaughter enjoy her old school. As a child she spent many holidays in Katoomba and Dee Why as well as Thredbo where she loved to ski.

She trained to become a nurse at the Children’s hospital at Camperdown and then worked in Pathology when she married Geoff Dunlop whom she met in the choir of St Stephen’s Willoughby. They settled in Roseville where they had one daughter, Rachel. Barbara took on a nursing job at Milton Nursing home in Roseville in the late 70’s two afternoons a week. She adored looking after “the oldies” she said. When they retired, they moved to St Ives and 70

PYMBULLETIN

Sport was a daily part of boarding life and suited Lyn perfectly. A gifted runner and athlete, she set records that stood for many years after her departure. She won the Penleigh Cup in both 1948 and 1949, and at the 1948 InterSchool Sports at the Sydney Cricket Ground, she ran 100 yards in an impressive 11.2 seconds, a highly competitive time even by today’s standards and achieved without formal training.

Following the death of her father, Lyn’s mother and younger sister, Janet Ham (Milne, 1956), later also a PLC student, returned to Balranald to live with family. This became Lyn’s home during school holidays, with long journeys by train to Hay followed by mail car to Balranald.

In her final year, Lyn served as a school prefect. She played the piano, performed well academically, and while she did not continue playing after school, she retained a deep love of classical music and was a devoted concert-goer throughout her life.

After finishing school in 1949, Lyn was too young to commence Physiotherapy and instead completed a Physical Education course at the University of Melbourne. During this time, she was offered the opportunity to train as a serious athlete, recording times faster than Olympic competitor Winsome Cripps. Ultimately, she chose not to pursue elite athletics, preferring a different path.

Lyn later qualified as a physiotherapist and began her career working with polio patients. After raising her family, she returned to the profession, developing a particular interest in working with people who had amputations.

In 1955, Lyn married Douglas White, a farmer and grazier, and moved to rural Victoria near Torquay. Together they raised three daughters, and Lyn later became a proud grandmother to five grandchildren and great-grandmother to seven great-grandchildren. In her later years, she travelled widely and took great pleasure in her garden.

Lyn lived independently until moving into residential care earlier this year. She passed away peacefully in her sleep.

(Cherie) Ann Hamilton (Stewart, 1948) passed away on 6 August 2025, aged 94.

Ann went to Pymble at the age of 12 after the early death of her mother, with two of her sisters Margaret Loudon (Stewart, 1941) and Heather McWilliam (Stewart, 1946).

She thrived at Pymble and made lifelong friends with whom she kept in touch throughout her life. A boarder in Goodlet House, she played Tildesley Shield tennis and was proud to be a Prefect in 1948. After school, she studied physiotherapy, with several of the girls of 1948, and was dux in her year. She married Ian Hamilton at St.Swithuns’, Pymble in 1954, a loving marriage that lasted 70 years. Ann remained a keen tennis player into her 80s and was a leader with the National Parks Association.

Ann’s love of Pymble never waned, and she attended every Pymble reunion, including her 70th reunion in 2018. She is survived by her son Murray, daughter-in-law Gail (Andrews, 1976) and grandchildren Jessica Hamilton (2006), Anna Hamilton (2008) and Tom Hamilton.

VOLUME 54 2025

71

REUNIONS Reunion celebrations in 2025 brought friends back together from near and far. With 13 group reunions, four regional gatherings and one international event, each occasion was filled with heartfelt reconnections, shared memories and the joy of reflecting on school days together.

72

Canberra Reunion

London Reunion

Hunter and Newcastle Reunion

Toowoomba Reunion

Melbourne Reunion

15 Toowoomba Year Reunion Reunion (2010)

PYMBULLETIN

40 Year Reunion (1985)

50 Year Reunion (1975)

55 Year Reunion (1970)

65 Year Reunion (1960)

25 Year Reunion (2000)

70 Year Reunion (1955) VOLUME 54 2025

73

Introducing

Pymble Connections is a place for all Pymble alumni. It is an exclusive online platform to forge meaningful personal and professional connections.

Connecting with each other is an essential part of personal and professional success. This is a place where all generations of Pymble alumni can share ideas, expertise and community.

Features of the platform include: • Mentoring – Find or become a mentor. Pymble alumni can stay connected, share opportunities and support each other's growth – wherever life takes them.

• Networking – Designed for meaning fun networking, Pymble alumni can reconnect with peers, meet professionals within and across industries and build valuable relationships

Pymble Connections is now available for all Pymble alumni.

Click here to register and start exploring.

74

PYMBULLETIN

Where are they now?

REBECCA HAYNES (1995) My connection to Pymble is layered and longstanding.

I was at Pymble from Kindergarten in 1982 until Year 12 in 1995. My mum, Jennifer Haynes (Leggett, 1965), my sister Sarah Jordan (Haynes, 2000) and my aunts Catherine Taylor (Haynes, 1968) and Elspeth Ellis-Jones (Leggett, 1973) are also former students. My great aunt Elva MacCallum (Haynes, 1940) was Dux and went on to study medicine and become a doctor at a time when fewer women studied at university and even less entered professions such as law or medicine.

As a student at Pymble, I had the opportunity to study many different things and discovered a love of Italian, classical studies, public speaking and English. I had a go at mock trial, reading competitions and Speech and Drama. I remember my family and teachers encouraging me to always try and achieve more and more. I think it was here that I developed a great deal of tenacity and determination, qualities that have put me in good stead, even today.

After school I studied a Bachelor of Arts at university and took more courses in English and Italian. With the encouragement of one of my professors, I did an Honours degree in English and did very well. This gave me the courage and confidence to go on to study law at Sydney University –

something I had wanted to do since leaving school.

I completed my law degree and again with the encouragement of my teachers, I went on to study a Masters of Jurisprudence. At the moment I am working towards a PhD in Children’s Human Rights And Tort Law. I have been a lawyer for close to 20 years and my areas are Children’s Law, Human Rights, Education Law and Sensitive Personal Injury Claims.

Law can sometimes be a difficult profession to work in, but it has afforded me incredible opportunities and has given me many wonderful experiences. I have worked in remote rural areas of NSW such as Bourke and Walgett, and at Youth Law Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society and the Disability Royal Commission. At the Disability Royal Commission I worked in a specialist legal team preparing public hearings, examining the experiences of children and young people with disability in education.

In the last few years, in addition to my legal work, I have been teaching as an adjunct lecturer at the College of Law and Sydney University. I teach law students and trainee solicitors.

As a person with a hidden learning difference, this is incredibly rewarding and meaningful work.

Outside of work I live with my husband Tim Mills and my daughter Rose Mills in Sydney's inner west. I study Italian every Saturday and have had the same teacher for 30 years!

Earlier this year I travelled by myself to Italy to speak Italian and study the history of Ancient Rome.

My niece Lily Jordan has just finished her first year at Pymble and her sister Lottie Jordan will soon follow. As they go through school, my hope is that they try new things and develop the confidence and self assurance to embrace new challenges and keep persevering to go for what they truly want.

In my work, I have also had the privilege to learn from great mentors including leading silks, partners of big law forms and legal academics.

I have also learned a lot from my clients, especially those from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

VOLUME 54 2025

75

2025 Alumni Networking Event Not even cyclonic wind and lashing rain could keep our Pymble community away from the fifth annual Alumni Networking Event held in May. Alumni gathered at Qantas’ head office, where the evening was filled with conversation, professional insight and the chance to reconnect with old friends and forge new connections.

The venue was generously hosted by Qantas Group CEO and Managing Director Vanessa Hudson (Gower, 1987) whose warm welcome set the tone for an evening centred on support, mentorship and shared experience. The event featured 76

PYMBULLETIN

thoughtful and informative sessions from Fiona Ellis-Jones (2001) and Li-Enn Koo (1991), who spoke about the importance of connection and networking for women throughout their working lives. Anne Hatton (1999) and Jane Neale from Hattonneale led an engaging workshop on preparing for board roles, while Isabel Duffy offered practical guidance on building and strengthening professional networks.

One of the most valued parts of the evening was the opportunity for oneon-one mentoring, with more than 80 specialist mentors generously giving

their time to meet with alumni across a broad range of industries. These conversations provided a meaningful exchange of knowledge and experience, and we know many will continue well beyond the night itself.

Despite the weather, the atmosphere was vibrant and uplifting, reflecting the strength and generosity of the Pymble community. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved in creating yet another successful Alumni Networking Event and we look forward to welcoming our alumni back in 2026.

VOLUME 54 2025

77

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 ACN 645 100 670 | CRICOS 03288K

78

PYMBULLETIN