Pymbulletin Semester 2 2021

Pymbulletin ISSUE 1 2021

VOLUME 50

Meet a fourth-generation Pymble family

Contents Principal’s message....................................................................................................................... 3 Girls with dreams become women with vision ................................................................... 4 Teachers in focus.......................................................................................................................... 6 Strategic pillars .............................................................................................................................11 Fourth-generation Pymble family........................................................................................... 21 Pymble Online ............................................................................................................................24 Student wellbeing during online learning.............................................................................26 Rites of Passage...........................................................................................................................33 Watch Us Change the World .................................................................................................. 37 Pymble Institute...........................................................................................................................38 College spirit................................................................................................................................ 40 Pymble gives back......................................................................................................................42 Vision Valley..................................................................................................................................44 Academic life................................................................................................................................47 Sporting highlights......................................................................................................................50 Performing Arts............................................................................................................................55 Black Watch Ties.........................................................................................................................59 Notices...........................................................................................................................................62 Where are they now?.................................................................................................................67 105 objects in 105 years............................................................................................................69

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

“ I am who I am.

I’m good with it.”

Kamala Harris First female Vice President of the USA

Principal’s message Now is an exciting time to be teaching and learning at Pymble.

This year marked the first year of implementation of our new Strategic Direction, which you can read about on page 11. Watch Us Change the World takes over from our previous strategy, Towards 2020: Striving for the Highest, building on our solid foundation of educational excellence and honing the 21st Century skills and attributes that will equip our students for the futures they desire.

For any school, let alone an all-girls’ school, ‘Watch Us Change the World’ is a bold statement, intentionally so.

It highlights our belief in the power of a Pymble education to develop the academic, emotional, social and digital intelligence of our girls to be the change they want to see in the world, starting in their school days and ending who knows where?

At the start of each year, I think carefully about a message to share with students to help them move into their next stage of learning with positivity and purpose.

This year, my message was to ‘Have a Go’, something that sounds simple but is not always easy to achieve.

Extend yourself. Try new things.

Embrace falling forward (metaphorically!).

Accept the challenge. Find the joy.

Across the College, we encouraged our students to adopt Kamala Harris’ powerful statement, “I am who I am.

I’m good with it”, and to use that confidence to ‘Have a Go’ at something new – even when it made them feel a bit uncomfortable and especially if there was a risk of failing. Our girls learnt that the growth, discovery and change that occurs from trying, failing and then trying again can bring a profound sense of joy.

As a community, we continued to be tested by the change and challenge brought by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. We are grateful to have had two terms of on-campus learning in the first half of the year, followed by a term-anda-half of Pymble Online in Terms 3 and 4. To have the ability to transition almost every offering at the College to a quality online format is a testament to the incredible professionalism, innovation and dedication of Pymble staff. Our girls and their parents – who we consider to be partners in their daughters’ education

– were equally committed to ensuring that the highest level of teaching and learning continued, on or off campus, throughout a tumultuous year. At all times, our focus as a community has been on moving forward with positivity and purpose – and finding joy. I could not be prouder of Team Pymble.

While it is critical to stay positive, it is also important to acknowledge the great sadness and hardship that has been experienced around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My hope is that you and your family are safe and well and that you have the supports you need to sustain you during this challenging time.

We look forward to having many more opportunities to connect with you in person in 2022. For now, please enjoy this snapshot of life at Pymble and an insight into what makes our College such a special place for our past, present and future community, our Pymble family.

Dr Kate Hadwen Principal

Girls with dreams become women with vision To inspire our girls, special guest speakers are invited to our annual Foundation Day and Jacaranda Day. Each event is an opportunity for the College to gather and reflect on key messages such as service to others and the motivation to follow your dreams.

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On Wednesday 11 November 2020, it

men and women who have served our

Our guest speaker for the day was the

was a day of double reflection as we held

country in armed conflict over the years.

inspirational CEO of OzHarvest, Ronni

our 36th annual Jacaranda Service in

After almost a year of online events, it

Kahn AO. Ronni founded OzHarvest

conjunction with Remembrance Day. The was very special to have our girls and staff

16 years ago to feed those who have

ceremony reinforced our commitment to

from Year 1 through to Year 11 gathered

nothing with good food that would

serving others, and also paid tribute to the

together on Gloucester Lawn.

otherwise end up as landfill.

Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

“ ... their donation will provide 20,000 meals to those in need.”

Over the years, OzHarvest has turned

Teaspoon’ to remind us of our duty and

food waste from supermarkets, farms

choice to help others so that we leave

and hospitality providers into 165

the world in a better place than we

million meals for Australians who need

found it.”

food relief and support to put food on their table. Up until 2020, this equated

Three of our Middle School girls, Lily

to 5 million people each year. Since

Lockhart, Emily Rothery and Ellie

COVID-19, that number has increased

Hennessy, Year 7, have been supporting

by another million.

OzHarvest since creating and launching a cookbook to raise funds for the

Ronni paraphrased a parable by the Israeli charity. Amazingly, the girls were able author, Amos Oz, to remind our girls

to present Ronni with a donation of

of their individual and collective power

$10,000 raised by sales of their book,

to be influential and compassionate

3 Cooks Who Care. Ronni explained to

change-makers in the world:

the girls that their donation will provide 20,000 meals to those in need.

In the face of a huge inferno, like the bushfires we have just had, we all have

Our guest speaker at Foundation Day

three principal options as to how we

Assembly on Wednesday 10 February

would behave.

2021 was Dr Catherine Yang, one of our

1. We could run away as fast as we

accomplished ex-students. Catherine

can and leave those who cannot

shared her motivational story, discussing

run to burn.

the challenge and fear associated with

2. We could write a very angry letter

commencing at Pymble in Year 11 as

to the newspaper demanding that

a migrant from Taiwan with very little

the person responsible for the fire

English. She spoke about kindness and

is punished.

how her teachers and smiling peers

3. We could run and find a bucket.

offered her friendship, support and a

If we cannot find a bucket, we

sense of belonging while she was failing

could run and find a jug. If we

Year 11! Catherine overcame her fears,

cannot find a jug, we could run

successfully completed Year 12 and

and find a teaspoon.

went on to train as a dentist – quite an achievement for a 15-year-old with only

“ Yes, I know, a teaspoon is tiny, and fire

two years of English under her belt. She

is huge, but there are millions of us

has also since written a book called STEP

and each of us has a teaspoon,” Ronni

on Fear to help others overcome their

said. “I want to create the ‘Order of the

fears to pursue and achieve their dreams.

Teachers in focus At Pymble, we inspire the next generation of young women to propel themselves into fulfilling careers and lives. The foundation for this begins in the classroom, via access to a remarkable 70 subjects.

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The College understands our girls aren’t

girls to unlock their greatest potential.

a one-size-fits-all style cohort and offers

Their love of teaching and dedication

an incredibly broad range of subjects,

to what is not simply ‘a job’ to them is

both curricular and co-curricular, for our

unsurpassed. In 2020 / 21, Australia saw

students to find their niche and thrive.

online learning become the norm, and

At the heart of this world-class learning

in turn, our Pymble community saw just

environment are our beloved teachers.

how much we value our teaching staff.

Passionate and exceptionally talented,

And so, as we celebrate our education

Pymble’s teaching staff are always

leaders, we ask them where they find

looking for new ways to inspire our

their inspiration...

Ms Lara Bird Deputy Head of Junior School – Learning and Curriculum Teaching for eight years I’m inspired by...

The teachers at Pymble with their professionalism, care and dedication in developing creative and engaging teaching activities for our girls which empowers them to question and think creatively, critically and independently.

Mrs Carolyn Burgess Director of Boarding Teaching for 33 years I’m inspired by…

Shall I say, the more ‘mature’ teachers here at Pymble. Even after many, many years of teaching, their enthusiasm for their subject areas is bottomless, their expertise astounding, and they are tireless in seeking out and providing the very best opportunities for every one of their students.

Ms Salina Bussien Head of Learning Area – Modern and Classical Languages Teaching for 22 years I love teaching because...

Languages have the power to unlock each student's thinking potential and intercultural understanding, and by doing so, shapes them into becoming kind critical thinkers.

Miss Georgie Cain Experiential Educator Teaching for 12 years I’m inspired by…

The beauty and diversity of our natural world both here in Australia and globally and the cultural abundance within it. It ignites my passion to help students explore their world, connect with nature and each other and learn from their experiences.

Mr Stuart Clark Director of Vision Valley Teaching for 26 years I’m inspired by…

Seeing learners push their comfort zones and develop skill sets, knowledge and experience which benefits and strengthens them.

Mrs Alison Cruz Head of Learning Area – PDHPE Teaching for 17 years I teach because...

It brings me joy. I am passionate about my subject area and enjoy the ability that teaching provides me to help shape the lives of young people and empower them to contribute to a better future. It is extremely fulfilling!

Mr Grant Jackson Agriculture Co-ordinator Teaching for… many years!

I’m inspired by…

The satisfaction I get from my students. The girls at Pymble are wonderful young women who work hard to achieve their personal goals which gives me a great deal of satisfaction as a teacher, inspiring me to do what I can to facilitate their journey.

Ms Joanne Lee Mathematics Teacher Teaching for five years I’m inspired by...

The wonderful teachers that surround me and their passion for teaching.

Mr Matt Peacock Legal Studies Co-ordinator and Legal Studies Teacher Teaching for 36 years I am inspired by...

The girls' passion and interest in learning. It is not unusual to hear from past students and hear how things in their careers remind them of our lessons.

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Mrs Amanda Reynolds Head of Learning Area – English Teaching for a very long time I’m inspired by…

Not by a single person but by many. By my family who are a reminder of the difference you can make when you follow your dreams. They too, are my constant reminder to exist in the present and of how precious life is. By the trail blazers who have come before whose ambition is for compassion, equality and fairness.

And by watching in awe the students I’ve had the pleasure of teaching go on to achieve great things.

Mr Kurt Schweinberger Head of Co-curricular Music Teaching for 15 years I teach because...

As Oscar Hammerstein II says, "If you become a teacher, by your pupils you'll be taught".

Dr Kristie Spence Head of Learning Area – Science Teaching for 15 years I’m inspired by…

The chance we have as teachers to design learning experiences that allow our students to develop deep skills – those skills that are valuable for life – analysing data, identifying patterns, or testing new ideas. Seeing a student grow by staying with a problem is also so rewarding. When they come out the other side, they have more confidence and can better recognise their capacity to solve problems for themselves.

Mr Matthew Tyson Head of Sport K-6 Teaching for 14 Years I teach because...

I love watching students build a love of sport. Watching the confidence that develops from overcoming challenges and pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones to learn new skills.

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Strategic pillars The College’s new Strategic Direction 2021-2030 is an exciting new chapter and emphasises developing the whole student in all areas of her life.

Our focus is on four key intelligences: Academic, Social, Emotional and Digital. These four learning pillars are supported by the College values of Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility and the Mind Body Spirit Framework promoting holistic wellness.

ACADEMIC INTELLIGENCE – KNOWLEDGE FOR A BETTER WORLD

The aim of the forum is to raise

Learning at Pymble inspires students

in medicine, nursing, and health,

to explore what matters to them and

particularly in rural areas of NSW and

see themselves in futures they may

Australia. This is an event which is open

not have imagined. Our girls develop

to other metropolitan schools, with

a curiosity and hunger for learning.

a specific emphasis on schools with

In developing the enduring virtues

boarding communities.

of intellectual tenacity and rigorous scholarship, our learners think critically, creatively and collaboratively, with commitment to decisive action.

Inspired by open-ended learning experiences, Pymble girls invest in their own learning, think beyond the immediate and accept the challenge to change their world.

awareness of the opportunities

Students attended lectures, a Q&A panel, expo-style exhibits, interactive workshop style sessions, and generally learnt from recent graduates in the fields represented. The event challenges students to consider their post-school options, to appreciate factors such as job shortages and industries displaying high levels of employability, and to develop

Pymble Ladies’ College and the Rural

the appropriate depth of understanding

Doctors Network (RDN) held the

of a given industry rather than reactively

second annual Careers Forum at

choosing post-school courses.

Pymble in Term 2.

Learning at Pymble inspires students to explore what matters to them...

Post-event feedback indicated students

Self-awareness using Data

found the speakers informative and

Management Systems

inspiring. As an example, attendees

One of the first steps in managing health

commented on the passionate address

and wellbeing is to develop a level of

given by The Hon. Bronnie Taylor, MLC,

self-awareness. Awareness of these

Minister for Mental Health, Regional

aspects of oneself is the first step to

Youth and Women. The RDN Forum is

change and growth. To ensure we are

a fantastic example of an open-ended

continuing to increase the number of

learning experience for students that

conversations with our girls, we have 60

challenge perceptions, gives them the

Year 10 students piloting the use of two

tools to take charge of their decision

Wellbeing apps. Half the group is trialling

making, and to envision ways that they

Smartabase and the remaining half is

may be able to make a difference in the

trialling iyarn.

world beyond Pymble.

Smartabase was originally developed as an athlete data management system to

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE – EMPOWERED TO BE COURAGEOUS

improve performance, monitor health

Pymble girls are courageous and

Smartabase was designed to give

determined learners who approach

people the ability to collect relevant

new challenges with a sense of

data, analyse it effectively and use the

optimism and excitement.

resulting information to guide actions

They develop the emotional

and decisions for success in the

intelligence and strength of character

sporting and athletic world. Institutes

to thrive in new and unfamiliar

and academies of sport, universities

situations and inspire others. Pymble

and schools, private companies,

girls appreciate that significant parts of

government and military are successfully

their character have been developed in

using Smartabase for a diverse range

times of adversity and learn to embrace

of applications.

life with humility, gratitude and grace.

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

and optimise athlete development.

iyarn was established to connect

This information will be tracked and

people through simple, powerful

summarised by their relevant Compass

and flexible check-ins. Purposeful

teacher and together with each

check-ins encourage expression and

student, they will be able to focus

provide others with the opportunity

further on specific areas to promote

to understand. They are a safe space

the student’s wellbeing.

where people can be vulnerable and their stories can be heard.

Students involved are being asked to

Ms Lamia Rockwell Deputy Principal Students (K-12)

answer a series of questions and score them on a sliding scale in relation to how they are feeling.

“ iyarn was established to connect people through simple, powerful and flexible check-ins.”

Lamia Rockwell

SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE – DIVERSITY AS THE PATH TO UNITY

Cultural Diversity

Pymble students embrace opportunities

in sharing stories, enriching our

to learn in collaborative environments

knowledge of First Nations perspectives,

where different perspectives are

and considering alternatives and

encouraged and valued. As a school

reconnecting with national and

of the Uniting Church, we welcome

international partners to provide student

people of all faiths, beliefs, abilities,

exchange experiences. For the first time,

identities, backgrounds and cultures.

Captains of Intercultural Connections

During 2021, we have invested

play a key role in our Prefect team.

We value diversity of thought and understand the power of an inclusive

In the lead up to our Lunar New Year

and united community. Our students

celebrations and Literature Diversity

care for, listen to, and learn from people

Week, our Captains of Intercultural

of all backgrounds, including our First

Connections, Katherine and Claudia,

Nations peoples. Through developing

interviewed and shared stories of a

skills in cultural connectivity, Pymble girls

number of staff from different cultural

foster respectful, resilient and inclusive

backgrounds.

relationships, and harness the power of diversity to enrich their worldview.

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To help guide our endeavours in this

women, rural and remote communities,

space, the College has joined the

people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and

Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) –

the aged.

interestingly, we are the only school in Australia with membership! Membership

Sharing stories that build empathy

of the DCA provides us with access to

and understanding will underpin our

a unique knowledge bank of leading

approach to diversity and inclusion in

practice research, events and expertise

our learning, events and research.

on all aspects of diversity and inclusion.

Mrs Julie Shaw

Further, we have received and continue to seek constructive criticism from several ‘friends of Pymble’ who cast their eyes over our plans and provide us with invaluable insight and perspectives.

To wave the flag as a diverse and inclusive community, our focus will need to move beyond cultural diversity to test our fluency and practice with all marginalised or minority groups, such as

Senior Deputy Principal

DIGITAL INTELLIGENCE – TECHNOLOGIES FOR AN INNOVATIVE FUTURE Pymble girls are active, responsible and

Pymble Digital Hierarchy of Needs

engaged global citizens who harness

Our children are not born ‘digital

the power of technology to effect

natives’, therefore we need to structure

positive change. They understand the

our learning experiences to enable

importance of technology to activate

them to become active, responsible and

human potential, enable connections

engaged global citizens who understand

and make the world a better place

the importance of technology in all

for all. Students are encouraged to

aspects of their lives.

be part of, and fuel, the technological revolution; to build, change and co-

We have created the Pymble Digital

create the future. Through developing

Hierarchy of Needs and Kindergarten

digital fluency, students cultivate

to Year 12 Digital Citizenship continuum

healthy habits and are equipped to

to map this out across the College.

use technologies in beneficial and sustaining ways.

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The Pymble Digital Hierarchy of Needs

on online documents, exploring design

grows all young women towards being

elements when creating a webpage and

their best digital self. We empower

working with 3D modelling to make a

students to fulfil each aspect of the

digital representation of a sustainable

pyramid – to level-up in order to grow.

garden. Students will also have the

We instil a confidence in their

opportunity to develop a digital tour

relationship with technology, to uncover

around the College where they can

what technology can achieve for them

guide visitors using QR codes and virtual

and the access it can unlock. We teach

reality experiences to uncover our

them to harness what they can do with

campus history. These explicitly taught

technology in the hope that they create

skills will follow the students as they

the change they want to see. It is with

progress into future years within and

this ability that they will inevitably have

outside their academic years, giving them

a positive impact in themselves, their

options in which to communicate their

community and beyond.

ideas and develop solutions to problems.

Some learning experiences begun in

Mr Anthony England

2021 to deliver this continuum include

Director of Innovative Learning Technologies

skills and etiquette when collaborating

PYMBLE LEARNING FRAMEWORK Guiding the learning experiences

While we will deliver on all six, our focus

within these pillars is our new Pymble

in 2021 is on Character and Citizenship

Learning Framework, which is currently

for all girls in Kindergarten to Year 12.

being built to incorporate the practice of Deep Learning.

Deep Learning prepares girls for success in the rapidly-changing real world.

So, what does this mean for our girls’

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is

academic learning and outcomes?

changing the way we live, work and relate to one another – we need to keep

Deep Learning is an internationally-

pace with this change to support girls

recognised model designed to

being successful change agents when

improve learning outcomes and

they leave the College. The six global

best prepare our girls for their future

competencies represent the skills and

worlds. While it increases academic

attributes needed for learners to not just

rigour, it also accelerates and enriches

function but flourish as global citizens

their development of the six global

who make a meaningful difference in

competencies of Character, Citizenship,

our complex and ever-changing world.

Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Critical Thinking.

Mr Justin Raymond Deputy Principal – Academic (K–12)

“ Deep Learning is an internationally-recognised model designed to improve learning outcomes and best prepare our girls for their future worlds.”

Justin Raymond

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Fourth-generation Pymble family Sisters Alice and Sophie are the latest in a succession of Pymble girls descended from Forbes grazier John Francis Hammond and his wife Jennie, whose daughter Katie began the family’s Pymble journey in 1934.

Alice Beveridge, Year 8, is a Boarder in

Pork farms are measured by the number

Marden House and will be joined by her

of sows onsite and with 2,000 sows,

sister Sophie when she begins Year 7 in

the Beveridges own a “medium to large”

2022. Both girls follow in the footsteps

operation – 25,000 pigs in all.

of their mother Edwina (Walker, 1993) and grandmother Jean (Low, 1962),

“Each sow – they’re quite phenomenal –

who were sporty country girls who

can produce two litters a year and they

loved their years at Pymble.

can average about 11 piglets that we wean,” Edwina says.

“We have a pig farm where all our pigs live in big sheds, and we also have sheep

Blantyre is dedicated to sustainable

and cattle and crops,” says Alice, who has farming. It was the first farm in Australia to have a registered project under the boarded at the College since 2020. government’s Carbon Farming Initiative The Beveridges live just outside Young

program – and Edwina believes theirs

in the south-west slopes region of New

was the first carbon farm in Australia.

South Wales, a four-hour drive from Sydney. Edwina graduated from Pymble

“All the pigs’ manure goes into a great

in 1993 and studied as a Chartered

big dam and we put a cover over the

Accountant before commencing her

top of it – it looks a bit like a jumping

career in pork production and having a

castle. This catches the gas and we make

family. She is now Director of Blantyre

electricity from the methane gas that the

Farms and Elected Producer Director of

pig manure produces. So we’re actually

the Australian Pork Limited Board.

running our farm on renewable energy produced from our pig poo,” she says.

“We feed them a lot of food waste.

Alice also keeps busy on the farm by

We use a huge amount of dairy product

helping with the harvest and baling,

that’s gone past its use-by date. At the

which she is paid for and uses as pocket

moment we’ve been getting a lot of

money during the school term.

pasta. Just today I had a pasta company ring me to say they had 40 tonnes of

When she returned to Murringo in the

red lentil pasta that is past its use-by

Term 2 school holidays, a snap Sydney

date, so that will come to us and we

lockdown forced Alice to delay her

even deal with unpacking a lot of it.

return to Pymble and join her classmates

It either comes in a milk container

in learning online. The Boarders, who

or a pasta packet that you buy in

are especially close – and refer to each

the supermarket and we’ve made

other as ‘sisters’ – make sure to keep

our own machines to open them or

connected through using Microsoft

we have strong daughters to do it in

Teams, meeting online in House groups

the holidays!”

and maintaining their daily routine as much as possible.

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Alice’s great-grandmother, Katie, received her Intermediate Certificate in 1935 and was a member of the Debating Society and Captain of the C Tennis team. Katie’s sister Jean received her Leaving Certificate in 1934 and the girls’ sister-in-law Peggy Buchanan was in the First XI Hockey team and Senior A Netball team.

The girls’ love for the school was noted in the Forbes Advocate in 1939, when Katie was married: “A most unusual event in the evening was the singing by the girls of the ‘war cry’ of Miss Hammond's old school the lads doing likewise for the bridegroom.”

Grandmother Jean graduated from Pymble in 1962 and enjoyed playing Tennis – a sportswoman like her mum and aunties before her. Alice has followed in her ancestors’ aptitude Alice has also turned her attention

for sport and College spirit, receiving

to a special personal project

a Jacaranda Award in Semester 1

documenting her family’s long

2021, as well as Compass Captain and

association with the College.

participation in Rowing and Basketball.

Alice decided to document her family’s long association with the College.

“I loved it, I loved every second of it,” Edwina said of her own Pymble experience. “There was probably only about four minutes at Pymble when I was homesick and that was it in my six years.

“She’s rung up some of her great aunts

And I was so keen for my girls to go there.

and asked them all sorts of questions and she’s got down all the names of

“I just was hoping my husband would be

who went to Pymble and in what year,”

happy with it – and then he came and

Edwina said. “There’s some lovely stories had a look at the school and said ‘they’d within that.”

be so lucky to come to this school’!”

Phoebe Bucknell, Year 8

Pymble Online ONLINE LEARNING DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC With Greater Sydney in lockdown

focusing on connecting with our

for all of Term 3 and part of Term 4,

community, lifting each other up and

outstanding teaching and learning

intentionally creating moments of joy.

was able to continue, once again, with Pymble Online.

Our brilliant Team Pymble came up with a wonderful way to achieve this during

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In true Pymble style, our incredible

long hours at home in lockdown.

staff went above and beyond to ensure

So, while our Australian athletes,

everything was in place to enable all

including four Pymble alumni,

timetabled lessons, Compass time

competed at the Tokyo Olympics,

sessions and most co-curricular sport

Pymble students, staff, families and

and activities to proceed remotely.

alumni were invited to take part in our

We successfully recreated interactive

very own Pymlympic Games, a series

classrooms, assemblies and recreational

of feel-good challenges that earned the

events in an online format, while

‘player’ House or Team points.

Phoebe Bucknell Year 8 What has been the best part of online

What has been the most difficult

learning?

aspect?

I have really enjoyed seeing my friends

Being a Boarder, Wi-Fi can fail. I often

during online classes as you can see

have to go back to the recording of the

little parts of their home, and everyone

video and find out what I missed.

seems to be a lot more relaxed.

Have you taken up any creative Which online class have you looked

pursuits during lockdown?

forward to?

During lockdown, I have started to draw

I look forward to Design and

a lot more and whilst I am not very

Technology as we are designing shorts/

good at it, it is enjoyable and relaxing.

a skirt which I think will be enjoyable.

What activities have you participated in?

I am participating in online Netball.

So far it has been fun, but I look forward to getting back on the court with my teammates.

Eliza Gothard Year 10 What has been the best part of online

What has been the most difficult

learning?

aspect?

I like how we can participate in the Jack

The most difficult aspect of lockdown for

and Jules Fitness classes and being able

me is not being able to see my friends

to see my friends online.

and not being able to go to rowing.

Which online class have you looked

Have you taken up any creative

forward to?

pursuits during lockdown?

I have been really looking to PASS, as we

No, I haven’t, but I have been going on

are learning about the Body Systems and

morning and afternoon walks.

that is a topic that I really enjoy learning.

What lesson have you learnt from What activities have you participated in?

being in lockdown?

I have loved participating in the Jack and Appreciating the little things, like being Jules Fitness classes online, as they get

able to go outside of my house and

me moving out of my chair.

being able to see friends and family.

Student wellbeing during online learning Learning from home felt different for every girl – some really loved it and others could not wait to get back on campus. Overwhelmingly students felt supported and were able to stay connected with their teachers and friends.

Lamia Rockwell

From that perspective there are girls

Deputy Principal Students (K-12)

who really enjoyed it, however girls who

From a wellbeing perspective, what impact did online learning have on the girls?

Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

people missed school tremendously and missed their friends. The impact was also about forgoing their rites of

There are girls who loved it and there

passage. For example, for girls in Year 12

are girls who didn't enjoy it. Some girls

who were not able to be on campus,

like to be in their own space and their

I was hearing a lot of, “Oh my goodness

own comfort. Also not having to get up

this is my last year at the College,

early to travel to school...

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are more social and love being around

this is normally when I would go and

How did you keep the girls engaged?

take a photo at the Chapel or at the Ag Plot....” All those rites of passage and

We kept them engaged with lots

opportunities that they would have had,

of different activities including the

their Valedictory for one. Luckily, we did

Pymlympics. To celebrate the excitement

the formals early in the year for Years 11

of returning to campus, we also

and 12 and they felt grateful for that.

developed Countdown2Campus, which was a daily challenge for each of the girls

Holding the Trials online was also

around the Mind Body Spirit Framework.

challenging for the Year 12 students as

There were three different challenges,

they’ve never done exams online before. one around Mind, one around Body Similarly for Years 10 and 11.

and one around Spirit. It was like the

Girls are already nervous about exams

Christmas Advent Calendar. It also built

and to add that extra factor to it would

House spirit, because everything the

have increased their anxiety around it.

girls did was linked back to the House

They also missed their teachers and that

and as part of our strategy under the

one-on-one connection, so we kept that ‘Empowered to be courageous’ pillar, going through Compass. Our Compass

we’re trying to raise the profile of House

teachers were checking in on the girls

and that gave us the opportunity.

daily in the Preparatory and Junior Schools. In the Secondary School,

The girls grew so much during Pymble

we checked in one-on-one Monday,

Online, what changes will they be

Wednesday and Friday and then on

taking with them into the future?

Tuesdays and Thursdays we checked in on them as a group. The Compass teachers did a group activity, whether that was some Icebreaker games or just asking the girls to “tell me a story, what’s been exciting for you?”.

I think there’s definitely an appreciation of their families, which is part of what we’re trying to do. For example, for the Year 7 Outdoor Education program, we invited parents as it’s about engaging the community, not only with our programs

From a different perspective, girls

but also with their own daughter, and

actually loved being at home with their

really learning about her as a young

families. It gave them an opportunity

person, how she’s growing and what are

to spend time with mum and dad

the values she’s developing through her

and their pets and that had a positive

journey at Pymble? We know we have

impact. It actually gave them a better

our own College values but within that

understanding of the value of a family

we know that the girls build their own

and understanding who they are as part

values based on the experiences that

of their family.

they have.

They have become very good at looking out for each other and coming forward and saying, “my friend's not feeling great”.

Mental health has never been so important...

The pandemic has impacted on the mental health of young people in schools around the world. That

Lamia Rockwell

uncertainty, that fear of, ‘oh is this going to happen again?’ But there’s been lots

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

They’ve also become a little bit more

of positives in terms of family, in terms

vulnerable. They have become a

of learning about themselves and taking

little bit more aware of what’s around

time to reflect. And looking after their

them. I think that self-awareness is

own wellbeing. In one activity, we sent

so important. Knowing themselves.

each girl some sunflower seeds and

Knowing what they can do. Knowing

recently one student sent me a photo

that they can stretch themselves. So

to say, “Look at my sunflower, look

that self-awareness has really surfaced

how much it has grown”. I think it gives

and that support for each other. They

them more meaning and purpose to

have become very good at looking out

say ‘Ok, there’s bigger things in life than

for each other and coming forward and

my laptop, my phone and social media’.

saying, “my friend's not feeling great”.

That was a real positive.

Greg Meagher Director of Sport Tell us about Pymble Sport Online?

Online Sport at Pymble consisted of live and pre-recorded sports sessions for students covering 14 different sports.

Students could tune in to participate

In addition to this, coaches held regular team and small group meetings, which focused on goal setting and student wellbeing. Several online team development meetings were held across many sports, including trivia contests, dress-ups and other fun activities.

in live sessions such as ‘Online Fitness with Jack and Jules’ or specific sport sessions, which focused on skill development and sport-specific fitness.

Alternatively, pre-recorded training sessions were developed to allow students the flexibility to participate at times that suited them.

Students could tune in to participate in live sessions such as ‘Online Fitness with Jack and Jules’...

Greg Meagher

Why was it so important to maintain the sport programs during Pymble Online?

Online Sport at Pymble was fundamentally about connection and wellbeing, by providing the opportunity

During Term 3, more than

for students to remain physically active,

400 hours of online live or

stay in touch with their friends and have

pre-recorded sessions were

some fun.

developed and delivered by

Teaching and participating in online

the Pymble Sports team.

sport is no easy feat, what were the

There were more than 1,800

challenges you faced?

viewers in total who participated in the daily Jack and Jules Online

It was challenging maintaining student interest in sport in an online environment after the girls had spent their day online learning. However, coaches were able to use video and online technology to help deliver engaging and meaningful sessions.

Fitness classes.

Post-Tokyo Olympics, we held Live Q&A with: Athletics: Australian Olympic Track and Field Co-Captain, Steven Solomon Swimming: Olympic gold medallist, Bronte Campbell and Pymble ex-student and Olympic Backstroke swimmer, Abbey Harkin (2015) Rowing: Olympic Women’s Eight rower and Pymble ex-student, Genevieve Horton (2012) Diving: Olympic Bronze Medallist, Melissa Wu Hockey: Hockeyroo and Pymble Hockey Coach (2020), Kate Jenner provided a video piece for our Pymble Hockey players

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Rites of Passage RITES OF PASSAGE, CIRCLES AND STORIES: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE – EMPOWERED TO BE COURAGEOUS

Year 7 students and their parents

Year 7 students embarked on their

with, the girls were separated from

first camp to Vision Valley during two

their families for four days. They then

separate weeks in May and June.

experienced a range of activities and

The story-sharing, smiles and tears,

challenges that were exciting and

challenges, time spent in nature and

potentially out of their comfort zone,

the deepening of the connection to

before moving into a visioning and

community are a big part of our

honouring process, and finally returning

Outdoor Education programs.

to their homes and lives. The parents of

were the first group to experience the framework in practice. To begin

each of the girls were invited to draft a The Rites of Passage Institute has been working with Pymble in 2021 to enhance our focus on student wellbeing, and cultivate and engage the whole community of teachers/staff, parents and students on the journey. This includes designing and gradually embedding key

special letter to be given to them during the camp. They were also invited to attend the final night of the program to experience Vision Valley, hear from Dr Hadwen and me, and participate in a simple process with the students and their Compass groups.

components of the Rites of Passage transformational education journey into

Each student took their time to read and

the current and future framework of

think carefully, in private, about what

the school. The main components of

their parents had shared with them in

a Rite of Passage at key life transitions

their letter. It was a beautiful time of

involves firstly Separating out of your

reflection for the girls.

normal environment, followed by a Transformational process appropriate for

The girls also took time to think about

the culture, age and level of the group,

their peers within their Compass

and then being supported by good,

group and identify three things about

practical Integration practices.

each person that they like, love, respect or admire.

This reflection time, and consideration

brought in, parents and students can

of others, meant that they were guided

sit together in Circle, share stories,

and encouraged to really connect more

make commitments, and recognise

deeply to each of the students within

one another for their unique gifts and

their group and build a stronger sense

talents. This affects the way in which

of belonging.

the community is operating as new bonds are formed and connections are

While the girls were having a deep but

made. Recognition of one another in

playful time, their parents were invited

an enhanced way is experienced, and

to meet up with the other parents of

the community of Pymble continues

their daughters’ Compass groups and

its journey towards cohesion, shared

spend time sharing their stories and

responsibility and connectedness.

getting to know one another.

By structuring a simple new way to relate to one another, where intentionality is

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Dr Arne Rubinstein CEO Rites of Passage Institute

" Year 7 students and their parents were the first group to experience the framework in practice."

Dr Arne Rubinstein

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Watch Us Change the World On International Women’s Day, 8 March 2021, the College launched our Strategic Direction ‘Watch Us Change the World”, which positions Pymble as a school with unwavering belief in young women and what their futures hold.

Watch Us Change the World is not

Ang-Ya Koo, Year 8 2021

our hope; it’s our declaration. Pymble

Victoria Marsh, Year 8 2021

students bring passion and purpose

Mia Booth, Year 9 2021

to everything they do. Our girls are

Asha Goddard, Year 10 2021

encouraged to be change-makers in

Alyssa Yee, Year 10 2021

our classrooms, our community and

Olivia Bransgrove, Year 10 2021

our culture. We don’t just follow our dreams; we lead the way. We are influential and compassionate women.

Elise Djerrkura, Year 10 2021 Georgia Stuart, Year 10 2021 Charlotte Leys, Year 11 2021

Featuring 17 of our talented and

Isabel Dean, Year 11 2021

courageous girls and five Alumni,

Ella Jones, Year 12 2021

the campaign imagery is intentionally

Alexandra Whittingham, Year 12 2021

bold and challenging and highlights the rich and diverse opportunities that are available to girls at the College.

Congratulations and thank you to all those who took part: Indie Leon-Searle, Year 3 2021 Kavya Surana, Year 3 2021 Zoe Chong, Year 3 2021 Sahana Vivekanandhan, Year 6 2021 Lucinda Martin, Year 6 2021

ALUMNI Briana Cowlishaw (2006) Mackenzie Little (2014) Dr Catherine Yang (1994) Christina Bartlett (1977) Harpreet Dhillon (2017)

Pymble Institute Dr Sarah Loch, Director of Research and Development at the College has been working hard over the past 12 months to establish the Pymble Institute (P.I.).

The P.I. is the College’s home of research, innovation and professional learning and an element of the new Strategic Direction in the Academic Intelligence domain.

INTRODUCING THE PYMBLE INSTITUTE The overall goal of the Academic

They will use a specially designed

Intelligence pillar, of which the P.I.

Pymble Research Curriculum and

is a part, is to inspire students to explore

themes which include Researchers

what matters to them and to see

as Curious Thinkers, Researchers as

themselves in futures they may not

Detectives and Researchers take Action.

have imagined. The P.I. holds the goal of conducting, sharing and applying

Junior School students have recently

research and professional learning which

completed a whole-College survey on

can drive our thinking forward.

student wellbeing. Exploring Research as an Academic Skill, another part of

Innovation is a perfect partner with

the Pymble Research Curriculum, a

research and professional learning as it

group of students will work alongside

brings to mind the importance of using

Dr Sarah Loch, Mrs Kate Brown and Mrs

learning and research to explore new

Nerissa Davey to consider their results

and better ways of doing things in an

to questions in the survey relating to

increasingly diverse and complex world.

bullying. The Junior School has a strong culture of kindness and friendship which

How do students connect with the

makes bullying and conflict stand out.

Pymble Institute? The initials – P.I. – give a clue! As ‘Pymble Investigators’, Preparatory We are curious about what students School students will soon begin exploring

think of their results in this area and what

inquiry in scientific thinking.

action they would like to take to continue to improve their school community.

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

In Year 10 Elective Geography, the

The team hope to contribute to new

concept of transdisciplinary thinking

approaches to understanding gender

is being explored with Mr Liam Hume

(such as updating policy and practices

and Ms Debra Owens. The teachers

relating to gender in the school setting).

and students in the Future Thinking

Their full study, Gender Matters, involves

workshop study are also connecting

input from young people and teachers.

with Dr Susanne Pratt from UTS who

A small group of teachers and Year 11

is helping develop the initiative and

students have the option of participating

support the teachers in their research

in a phase of this large study.

of their practice. This is an example of Researchers seeking a better way,

The Pymble Institute recently hosted our

another theme of the Pymble

second Pymble Research Conference on

Research Curriculum.

7 October 2021. The theme was ‘Making time for research’ and this is something

Gender policy is an important area

researchers and would-be-researchers

and one in the spotlight across the

certainly need to do, no matter how

nation. The NSW Association of

experienced you are in your field.

Independent Schools has partnered with experienced researchers from Western

Dr Sarah Loch

Sydney University to enable schools to

Director of Research and Development

participate in a project about genderrelated issues in schools and society.

The Pymble The InsPymble titute drive s connect Grow, Institute drives o u r th in Image to be supplied 8 July 2021 kin g engage and our thinking fo r w a r d Line and page design to be twea with ked once image has been provi forward researcwith ded. h research

Pymble Institute ng forward Driving thinki

We it We make possible for ma ke it possi ble for Pystudents Pymble and staff mble stude nts and sta ff to lea to learn and rnextend and extheir tend their skills sk inills inquiry and research in inquiry and research so th so they can and eyinstigate can instig ate and contribto contribute utresearch e to reseanow rch now and int and into theofuture. the future.

As hub the hu As the ofbresearch at the of research at the The Pymble Institute amplifies College, Collethe Pymble Institute ge, th our e Pymb le Institute capacity to make a positive impact welcome welcomes connections s connec in the ns lives of girls and women. wiuniversities th universi and tio with other ties and ot her research institutions. institution We are driven by a commitment research s. to building our own skills in researc h, innovation and education.

What we learn is shared in ways that inspire others to drive their own thinking forward and to find new ways of doing.

To find out more, contact us at pymbleinstitute@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

Pymble Institute

Pymble Institute

Pymble Institute

College spirit The College has been making changes to our Student Wellbeing program, based on comprehensive data collected from parent, staff and student surveys and focus groups conducted in late 2019 and 2020. The broad aim of these changes is to embed evidence-based Wellbeing practices into every aspect of learning at Pymble.

One strategic intent of our enhanced

The alignment of Kindergarten to Year

program is to increase our girls’ sense

12 Spirit Houses at Pymble commenced

of belonging and connection – the two

at the start of 2021.

key elements of a flourishing student – through our Spirit House system. We

What did this mean for girls in

believe that aligning our Houses across

Kindergarten to Year 6 girls?

our 13 year groups will help to achieve this goal.

peers by being allocated to one

throughout their time at the College will

of eight Houses named after

have an opportunity to develop strong

people who have shaped the

and authentic relationships with their

history of Pymble.

through College events, House-based community service initiatives and interHouse competitions. Aligning Houses across our sub-schools will also provide more opportunities for our Preparatory and Junior School girls to apply for House leadership roles and to increase their student voice and agency.

Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

6 will join their Secondary School

Girls who are in the same House

peers and staff across the year groups,

40

• All girls from Kindergarten to Year

• The current Preparatory and Junior School Houses, Gibbs, Mackellar and Turner (named after Australian female authors), retired, with our fond memories and gratitude for the role they played in building House spirit among our younger girls.

KEEPING HOUSE SPIRIT IN THE FAMILY Happily, as a result of this alignment, girls in the Preparatory and Junior School girls have been allocated the same House as their grandmother, mother, relative(s) or sibling(s).

The faces behind the Pymble House system: Bennett (Sky Blue) Mr Joseph Arthur Bennett taught painting, drawing and modelling when the College first opened in 1916 until his retirement in 1926. He is responsible for the design of the College Hat Badge and the College Medallion.

Goodlet (Royal Blue) Colonel John Hay Goodlet was a member of a sub-committee appointed to draw up a general plan for the College buildings. Colonel Goodlet was a very generous benefactor to the Church, and was known as ‘Sydney’s great Christian philanthropist’.

Hammond (Orange) Dame Joan Hammond attended Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Pymble.

She excelled at all sports, especially golf, and learned violin and voice.

She became widely known and very popular as an opera singer.

Ingleholme (Green) Ingleholme was Pymble's first Junior School, purchased in 1959 in Turramurra. Ingleholme opened with 69 girls aged from four to nine years and was known as Ingleholme Presbyterian Ladies’ College, until it closed in 1976.

Lang (White) Reverend John Dunmore Lang was born in Scotland in 1799. He arrived in Sydney in 1823 to establish Presbyterianism in the colony and thereby raise moral standards. For the next 50 years he continued his fight against immorality. He was a powerful force in education.

Marden (Red) In 1916, Dr Marden was appointed Principal of Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Pymble. He believed that “the welfare of the girls came before anything else” and in his opinion, “women should be given the best that education had to offer.”

Thomas (Purple) Barbara Thomas was a student at Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Pymble from 1919 to 1924. She was Dux of the College in 1923 and 1924, College Prefect in 1924, and played Hockey and Netball. In 1930, Barbara toured overseas as a member of the first Australian women’s hockey team.

Wylie (Yellow) Miss Mina Wylie taught swimming at the College for 42 years – from 1928 until her retirement in 1970. Mina was one of two women to represent Australia in the Stockholm Olympic Games where she won a silver medal. She held the record for every swimming stroke and was the first woman to achieve a Diploma from the Royal Life Saving Society in Australia.

Pymble gives back Pymble girls are raised to be influential and compassionate women and this is evident in the Junior School’s Kindness mission.

On 18 June the girls marked 'B Kinder Day' shampoo and conditioner, pads and

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

by collecting colouring-in packs, soap,

tampons to donate to the Hornsby

deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes,

Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter.

Kindness Captains Charlotte King and Georgia Yuen, Year 6

The girls also made special cards to be

Year 11 Textiles students who designed

given to women living at the shelter.

and made quilts during their Year 10

Along with the donations, these cards

studies also donated their beautiful

were delivered by Kindness Captains

works to the shelter in March. These

Georgia Yuen and Charlotte King, Year 6.

were gratefully received by Pymble 1977 alumnus and Hornsby and Ku-ring-

“ The world could use a little more kindness, so the purpose of B Kinder Day is to discuss kindness and empower children to see that they each have the capacity to make a difference,” said Head of Junior School, Mrs Kate Brown.

gai Women’s Shelter Board Director Catherine Knox.

“ ... the purpose of B Kinder Day is to discuss kindness and empower children...”

Kate Brown

Our Cadets were the first group of girls to make the most of our beautiful new campus

Vision Valley Vision Valley has fast become a favourite destination of our girls, since the College purchased the site in 2020. Our girls have benefited from the calm and inspiration of our new Outdoor Education campus, which is only 40 minutes from Pymble.

Acquired by the College in August 2020,

Mr Stuart Clark, formerly the Head of

Vision Valley backs onto the Berowra

Pymble's Experiential Learning program.

Valley National Park in Arcadia. The 30ha campus features 230 beds, a dining hall,

From OSHC girls to our Year 12

pool and water slide, an auditorium,

students, visiting the new space is

function centre and adventure

a cause for much excitement. As

infrastructure – a flying fox, high and

our younger grades are becoming

low ropes, abseiling, rock climbing,

acquainted with Pymble’s second

mountain bike trails, hiking trails and

campus, which they will often visit

outdoor camp sites. Our new campus is

during their time at the College, our

ably led by our Director of Vision Valley,

older girls are making the most of their time at Vision Valley too.

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Year 11 Elective Visual Arts students taking inspiration from the natural environment

Our Pymble Ladies’ College Cadet

expertly supported by our Outdoor

Unit – ‘the girls in green’ – was the first

Education staff.

group to descend on Vision Valley in December 2020, completing their field

In Term 2 our Year 11 Elective Visual

exercise onsite. In Term 1, the campus

Arts students called Vision Valley home

hosted Outdoor Education programs for

for their two-day learning experience

students in Years 3, 5 and 10, as well as

with artist Patrick Shirvington. Inspired

Compass Days for Years 7 and 8.

by the stunning natural environment and supported by the expertise of their

Vision Valley was busy during the Easter

teachers and artist-in-residence, our

holidays as our Duke of Edinburgh

girls had a wonderful time exploring

Bronze participants and Holiday Care

the mediums of film, sculpture and

girls enjoyed their time in the wilderness, oil painting.

Our Holiday Care girls love visiting Vision Valley.

Year 2 Co-ordinator Mrs Kate Giles

Vision Valley, it was very evident that

said the Year 2 girls were “clearly very

our girls’ collaborative skills were being

excited” when they boarded the school

developed as they negotiated and

buses to travel to Vision Valley for the

problem solved to complete challenges.

first time to enjoy bush walking, looking for frogs and a picnic lunch.

“ This led to shared reflections with other teacher observers on skills and

“ ... the Year 2 girls were clearly very excited to travel to Vision Valley...”

in the girls as they were interacting.

It provided us with a window into the many of these young children were

Head of Preparatory School Mrs Karen Ahearn said: “When observing Year 2 as they had their first experience of Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

we can see the strength of these skills

future workplace and the strengths

Kate Giles

46

capabilities in the workplace and how

already demonstrating.”

Academic life At Pymble, we are committed to creating the conditions for all students to achieve their personal best through maintaining the balance of academic rigour and wellbeing support.

In 1916, educational philosopher John

Aligned with this, we endeavour to

Dewey argued that “if we teach today’s

seek out new opportunities for our

students as we taught yesterday’s, we

girls to be challenged – this includes

rob them of tomorrow.”

new subject offerings and Signature Learning Experiences.

In 2021, we introduced Aboriginal Studies

team which focused on a range of

into our Years 9 and 10 curriculum.

global competencies. This project sees

Following on its success and interest

girls inquiring into the experiences of

in more diverse subject offerings,

the diverse populations that make up

we are introducing Entertainment

Australian society, propose ways that

Industry (VET), Aboriginal Studies and

individuals and communities can be

Society and Culture into our Stage 6

proactive in promoting social justice

offerings; additionally, we have designed

and support those experiencing

Philosophy and Data Science electives

marginalisation.

for our Years 7 to 10 curriculum.

We also celebrate excellence in Our vision for learning in the Secondary

extended learning opportunities, such as

School is that girls are increasingly

Future Problem Solvers and the da Vinci

exposed to complex phenomena and

Decathlon. Noteworthy achievements

real-world projects. For example, our

include our Year 7 da Vinci team placing

Geography students partner with CSIRO

first out of 75 teams at the state level

and Celestino, the company responsible

and second at the national level.

for the development of the Sydney Science Park CBD in Western Sydney,

We are proud to be the Directors

to design solutions to authentic

of Student Learning at Pymble

challenges facing developers.

Ladies' College and look forward to sharing other exciting stories of deep

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Another noteworthy celebration of

learning, purposeful partnerships, and

learning is the “Advocacy; more than a

exceptional achievement in future

word” project developed by our PDHPE

newsletters and publications.

" Self-efficacy and data literacy will be essential to participate actively in tomorrow’s society, not only as an employable and valuable worker but most importantly as an informed citizen."

Cedric Le Bescont

JACINTA WELLS – SOCIETY AND CULTURE I am passionate about teaching Society

Self-efficacy and data literacy will

and Culture, as it is an excellent

be essential to participate actively in

precursor for further education;

tomorrow’s society, not only as an

combining disciplines such as

employable and valuable worker but

psychology, anthology and cultural

most importantly as an informed citizen.

studies. In our fast-paced, everchanging, globalised world, Society

I have designed new elective courses

and Culture allows students to develop

that will teach how to use large datasets

an understanding of both historical

to infer knowledge, make decisions, take

and contemporary topics. Society and

actions and form opinions.

Culture is highly beneficial for students as it develops empathy for diverse worldviews and cultures, critical thinking

RYAN STEWART – ABORIGINAL STUDIES

and research skills. Yet as a subject it also

Students in the Years 9 and 10 course

allows students to engage in an area of

have explored First Nations Dreaming,

personal passion, thus stimulating lifelong spirituality and identity along with ongoing Humans Rights concerns and learning and meaningful connections to the curriculum.

First Nations visual arts. Our students have also commenced the preparatory work for the building of a First Nations

CEDRIC LE BESCONT – DATA SCIENCE

garden, yarning circle and fire pit as part

Because of the paradoxical nature of

of an exciting Deep Learning project.

knowledge, “the more we know the more we realize the extent of our ignorance” (A.C. Grayling 2021) engaging in learning demands you to be curious, brave and well prepared. As a teacher, the question I am passionate about is how to guide and empower students to safely explore their ignorance in a rapidly changing environment?

Pymble’s continuing commitment to Aboriginal Studies by introducing the Stage 6 course in 2022 will further enable our students and staff to develop knowledge and skills in relation to First Nations peoples, society and culture.

IGSA Diving Team

Sporting highlights Congratulations to the following teams that were named Independent Girls’ Schools Association (IGSA) champions in Terms 1 and 2 this year: DIVING TEAM • Champion School in Diving for the tenth year which is a record for the

championship trophy for the first

most consecutive wins.

time since 2017 by 83 points!

CROSS COUNTRY

SENOR FIRST FOOTBALL TEAM

• Our Pymble team consisted of 56

• The Senior First Football team

athletes, eight in every age group from 12 to 18 years. There were approximately 200 athletes in every race with 26 schools competing.

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

• The College reclaimed the

remains undefeated.

SAILING TEAM The Pymble Sailing team competed

Congratulations to team members Isabella

at the 2021 NSW Secondary Schools

Green, Year 12, Charlotte Wykes, Year 9,

Teams Racing Championships at the

Isabella Holdsworth, Year 11, Chantelle

Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron from

Wu, Year 10, Clio Moran, Year 10, Olivia

Friday 30 April to Sunday 2 May.

Williams, Year 11, and Tiffany Mak, Year 9.

The competition had 24 teams competing over three days in a teams

SWIMMING TEAM

racing format.

• The results this year were team-based

The team achieved the following results: •

Best girls’ school in NSW

•

Third best overall school in NSW

•

Fifth placed team in NSW

• First Pymble Sailing team to qualify for Nationals.

results with all seven relay teams winning which is a new IGSA record.

• Twelve first places, 14 second places, two thirds, and the College won all three age categories; Junior, Intermediate and Senior, and won the combined overall trophies for multi class and able bodied.

Pymble Sailing Team

IGSA Swimming Team

TRACK AND FIELD TEAM The Australian Track and Field

All our athletes performed exceptionally

Championships were held in Sydney

well and should be congratulated for a

from Monday 12 April to Monday 19

fantastic week. In total our girls won five

April. These championships include the

gold medals, two silver medals and five

best Juniors and Open athletes in the

bronze medals.

country. It was also the Olympic trials and World Junior trial event for 2021.

Well done to all our coaches and

Pymble was represented by 21 athletes

athletes on a fabulous week. A big thank

and five ex-students (all past and present

you to Ms Deb Walsham, Mrs Melinda

coaches). This was the highest number

Gainsford-Taylor, Mr Lawrie Barclay,

by any girls’ school in Australia.

Ms Leanne Pejkovic and Mr Jack Pennington for all your time, effort and commitment.

Our girls won five gold medals, two silver medals and five bronze medals in track and field.

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Katie Edwards, Marguerite Andrews, Year 12 and Melinda Gainsford-Taylor

Sarah Baker, Year 9

Grace Townsend, Year 8

Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, Ella Koster, Year 12 and Katie Edwards

Term 1 Ensemble Concert

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Performing Arts DRAMA A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The Importance of Being Earnest

Congratulations to all our wonderful

A huge congratulations to our Years 10

Drama students involved in the first

and 11 Drama students that performed

Co-curricular Drama production for

in The Importance of Being Earnest.

the year, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This spectacular show was well received

A special thank you to Co-curricular

by a highly entertained audience. It

Drama teacher Mrs Sheree Kearney

was comic and engaging with strong

who directed this production and the

characterisation and ensemble work;

Designers and Theatre staff for all

we are so proud of these students.

their work to make the production so

A special thank you to the Director,

magical. Thank you also to Alyssa Vardy,

Ms Lizzie Dobb, for her hard work on

Year 12, who assisted the production in

the production.

the role of Stage Manager.

Ballet Without Borders

Eisteddfod Our Years 7 to 11 Drama Festival

The show was a brilliant display of

teams competed for the first time at

the dance talent at Pymble and the

the Sydney Eisteddfod in the original

dedication and passion our community

group devised category. The judge

has for supporting a good cause.

commented on their excellent polish,

The presence and performance of the

clear storylines and strong ensemble

four Australian Ballet Artists, Amber

work. A special mention to the Year

Scott, Adam Bull, Valerie Tereshcenko

8 Drama Festival team who achieved

and Brodie James, was a special

third place and the Year 9 Drama

experience for both our Dance students

Festival team who received a Highly

and the audience. It was very exciting

Commended. These are outstanding

to announce that from the ticket sales

achievements in a very large category of

we were able to raise $14,000 for Ballet

almost 20 entries.

Without Borders and a further $1,950 from the online auction.

DANCE

A huge congratulations to Miss Katrina

Ballet Without Borders

Cluff, Head of Dance, for her vision and

Congratulations to all dancers who

leadership of her amazing and dedicated

participated in the Ballet Without

team to achieve such success.

Borders event on Sunday 2 May. 56

Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Year 12 Farewell

MUSIC Term 1 Ensemble Concert

Term 2 Ensemble Concert and

What an absolutely fabulous evening

Year 12 Farewell

we had at the end of Term 1 when all

At our Term 2 Ensemble Concert,

our Music ensembles joined forces

we said farewell to 15 amazing

on Gloucester Lawn to finally perform

Year 12 musicians from the College

after 17 long months at our Ensemble

Co-curricular program. For some of

Concert, Let’s Get Loud! The rain

these girls, their music journey began

held off, the stars came out and the

as a member of the Year 3 String

quadrangle was filled with fabulous

program in 2012, or the Year 4 Band

music and an enthusiastic audience!

program in 2013. From trips to Italy and

Congratulations to all the performers

Japan, band camps, concerts, early

and to the Music staff and conductors

morning rehearsals, ensemble breakfasts,

for their fabulous work, and to the

eisteddfods and musicals, these 15

Head of Co-curricular Music, Mr Kurt

students have made a wonderful and

Schweinberger, for his organisation of

indelible contribution to the College

the event.

Co-curricular Music program:

Moana

Esther Choi, Alison Cook, Grace Fritz,

Every music lesson the girls rehearsed,

Katherine Gibson, Margaret Goh,

choreographing sections in groups,

Hannah Grogan, Amy Jarvis, Emily

learning to sing, as well as learning

Ji, Annabel Johns, Serena Kao, Clare

the Polynesian language. There were

Macpherson, Priya Mehra, Pragya Mehta, occasional lapses in memory, but Tara Narayan and Sophie Smith. The

above all, there were giggles and

Music Department wishes them well

camaraderie that only being part of

for their next adventures and hope that

a musical can offer.

music will always be a part of their life.

The girls rose to the occasion for Year 8 Elective Music Musical

their first performance in front of the

Congratulations to all the girls in Year

Preparatory and Junior School girls. The

8 Elective Music, who performed the

laughter from the audience at Maui’s

Disney Junior version of Moana.

funny dance moves, and Tamatoa’s ‘tude brought the house down, allowing

Each of the 51 girls had a role to play

the Year 8 girls the chance to shine.

as either a Villager, Ancestor, Ocean

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Ensemble or Shiny Ensemble, as well

Thanks to the skilful direction of Mr

as four Moanas, two Mauis and his

Schweinberger and the talents of Miss

entourage, a chief, Sina, Tamatoa,

Buckley on the piano, our girls once again

Tamatoa’s claws and his gang members.

proved that they can “change the world!”

Black Watch Ties The Ex-students' Union Committee started the year with a renewed vigour and a spring in our step after the trials of 2020. New skills have been learned and a new mindset of 'yes we can' has been embraced. It's been a joy to be able to meet again face-to-face and we've been impressed by how much more efficient we've become after many months of 'Zoom' meetings.

FROM THE ESU VICE PRESIDENT The College celebrated International

the entertainment, activities, music

Women's Day with a week of festivities

and games.

including a picnic lunch on Gloucester Lawn and a panel of exceptional

The 'Year 13' Cocktail Party held at the

alumni speaking. Moderated by College

College was a lovely way for the class

Principal Dr Hadwen, dentist and author

of 2020 to come together and catch up

Dr Catherine Yang, Hornsby Ku-ring-

on what they've been doing. Members

gai Women’s Shelter Board Director

of the ESU Committee enjoyed mingling

Catherine Knox and Minister for Mental

with the girls and staff and sharing some

Health, Regional Youth and Women

of our own precious memories of our

The Hon. Bronnie Taylor, MLC shared

first year out of school. Thank you to

their thoughts on what's important for

Dr Hadwen and the staff for organising

young women of today.

such a thoughtful and fun evening.

The ESU Committee was thrilled

At the time of writing, Australia is still

to join students and staff at the

battling the ongoing presence of

International Women's Day High Tea.

COVID-19. However, in turn, the ESU

All funds raised went to UN Women

Committee has grown more determined

Australia to support their efforts

to 'find the joy' and continue to create

in gender equality and women’s

opportunities for ex-students to stay

empowerment. Everyone enjoyed

connected with the College.

Our Commemoration Day Chapel

For more information please reach

Service was re-scheduled and we

out to Katrina Corcoran our Alumni

were able to utilise the valuable skills

Relations Manager. We look forward to

we gained in 2020 to put together a

resuming face-to-face events soon, in

fabulous live event from the comfort

the meantime please stay safe.

of our own homes. Even though we couldn't all be together in the Chapel,

Victoria Muller (Murray, 1992)

this wonderful event still evoked the

Vice President, Ex-students' Union

strong feelings of inclusion, engagement and joy. Thank you to the Alumni Department and IT team who put it together and to all the guest speakers.

With engagement and creating lifelong connection at the forefront of the ESU Committee's plans, we are delighted to announce we are creating an Ex-Students' Rowing Club. To work alongside the College, the concept is still in its infancy, but we are hoping it will provide the blueprint for other sports going forward. In addition, we are looking into providing ex-students with opportunities in music and drama.

We look forward to sharing more information about this soon.

We hope our ex-students are keeping safe and finding joy wherever possible.

We remind you of our Ex-Students' Assistance Program (EAP) provided

by Benestar under the MyCoach Personal and Confidential Coaching program. MyCoach offers a team of professional coaches trained to assist you with everything from mental health, relationships, exercise and sleep.

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

FROM THE ALUMNI RELATIONS MANAGER It is a joy to bring this edition of the

We are Pymble proud of our four

Black Watch Ties to you with news

ex-student Olympians (pictured below)

of our ex-students and community.

who competed in the recent Tokyo

It seems that in every corner of the

Olympics and look forward to seeing

world and close to home, we have

which Pymble girls will represent

ex-students making a positive impact

Australia on home soil at the 2032

in their communities. We have been

Brisbane Olympics. Please always feel

showcasing a wonderful series of

welcome to reach out to us with news,

‘Where are they now?’ in our weekly

support or if you would like to give back

College newsletter, The College

in some capacity. I hope you enjoy this

Compass. Every story is a rich tale of

edition of the Black Watch Ties.

a life journey and helps to inspire our present students. Every ex-student is

Katrina Corcoran

important to us and we'd love to hear

Alumni Relations Manager

from anyone willing to share their story.

PYMBLE PROUD Congratulations to Pymble alumni for making the 2021 Australian Olympic Team.

Edwina Tops-Alexander (1991) – Show Jumping, Genevieve Horton (2012) – Rowing, Abbey Harkin (2015) – Swimming and Mackenzie Little (2014) – Athletics.

Edwina

Genevieve

Abbey

Mackenzie

L to R: Molly Zhang (2008), Vanessa Yu (2008), Stephen So, Jessica Lee (2008), Fiona Ho (2008), Samantha Lee (2008), Anna Yoon (2008)

Notices WEDDINGS Jessica Lee (2008) married Stephen So

perfect, and we had all of our friends

in the College Chapel on 17 October

and family attend from within NSW and

2020, followed by a reception at Hyatt

interstate from QLD. It really means a lot

Regency. Jessica’s bridesmaids were

to us that we could get married at my old

Pymble girls Vanessa Yu (2008) and

school. I have so many fond memories

Samantha Lee (2008).

of my days at Pymble. I cannot believe how blessed we were to have the

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Karmen Fong (2011) married Matthew

opportunity to relive those memories

Woods (Knox, 2011) in the College

during the COVID-19 pandemic! The

Chapel on 31 October 2020, followed

Chapel was as beautiful as I remembered

by a reception at Zest, The Spit.

it to be, and the service led by Reverend

Karmen’s bridesmaids were Pymble girls

Lorenzo is something I will hold close to

Aishani Arur (2011) and Carol Luo (2011).

my heart forever," Grace said.

Grace Cham (2010) married Henry

Stephanie Cook (2009) married

Zhao on Saturday 27 March 2021 in the

Rohith George (Knox, 2009) on

College Chapel. "The weather was

12 December 2020.

Karmen Fong (2011) and Matthew Woods

Lorenzo Rodriguez Torres, Grace Cham (2010) and Henry Zhao

Grace Cham (2010) and Henry Zhao

Stephanie Cook (2009) and Rohith George (Knox, 2009)

Jordan Dwyer (2016)

BIRTHS Miranda Ford (1994) and partner Kristian

Congratulations to Jordan Dwyer (2016)

Maizey welcomed their first child,

for her University accomplishments.

daughter Layla Alice Maizey on 12

Jordan was twice awarded the

August 2020.

Dean’s List of Excellence in Academic Performance (2018 and 2020) and also

NEWS

received First Class Honours (2020) and the University Medal (2020). Jordan

Congratulations to ex-student Mrs Janet

studied a Bachelor of Animal and

Dorothy Kneeshaw (Grigg, 1956) who

Veterinary Bioscience at the University of

received an OAM for service to the

Sydney with the final year of the four-

performing arts, and to the community

year course including an Honours project

as President of the Opera House Ladies

in conservation genetics. The University

Committee, contributing to three

Medal is awarded after being nominated

Choirs and ex-Board member of the

by your discipline and the Honours Board

Sunshine Home.

of Examiners making a decision based on performance in both the Honours year and the entire enrolment.

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Ex-student Tours

EX-STUDENT TOURS

CAREERS AND DEVELOPMENT

On a beautiful autumn morning, we

During Term 2, students at Pymble were

were thrilled to be able to invite back

afforded the opportunity to hear from

to the College a group of lovely ex-

several past students. Recent graduates

students for a tour and morning tea.

Akina Li (2020), studying a Bachelor of

It was wonderful to see the range in

Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine

leaving years (from very recent 2019

at UNSW, and Louise Ng (2020), who

leavers through to 1973 leavers) and

is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical

to see how the bonds of Pymble have

Science with Provisional Entry to the

connected them all. We visited familiar

Doctor of Medicine at UQ, gave their

areas of the College and also newer

time to speak to the girls. They shared

developments, both of which evoked

their tips for getting into Medicine and

fond memories and created new ones.

related fields, and the differences between

We love to welcome our ex-students

studying at school and university.

back to the College to spend time remembering and reminiscing and for

Alison Campbell (2015), a recent

us to appreciate their contribution to our

recipient of the prestigious CSIRO

wonderful school. If you are interested

Alumni Scholarship in Physics, who

in attending a tour in 2022, please email

is about to take her research in

Katrina Corcoran, Alumni Relations

renewables to Cambridge University,

Manager, on kcorcoran@pymblelc.

delivered a wonderful presentation to

nsw.edu.au. Tour dates for 2022 will be

Year 12. Alison inspired the girls with her

added to our website once confirmed.

experiences in the STEM field and

1950 – 70 Year Reunion

REUNIONS linked her advice back to the themes

1950 – 70 Year Reunion

of responsibility and courage. The

On Wednesday 11 November 2020, we

College would like to hear from more

had 15 lovely ‘Pymble girls’ attend their

Alumni who would like to give a little of

70 Year Reunion at Killara Golf Club for

their time. The Futures Team has been

lunch. It was a true delight to see these

steadily engaging wonderful ex-students

ladies who, after leaving school in 1950,

and both alumni and current students

have sustained such a life-long bond

REUNIONS AND ALUMNI EVENTS

alike gain much from such interactions.

with each other and the College. The

If you would like to offer your words

ties that bind these ladies have remained

Scan the QR code for

of wisdom, either in person or online

strong throughout the years and all

up to date reunions and

during a lunch break, please feel free to

of them were overjoyed to attend

alumni events or call

reach out to Andrew Kozyra, Director of

this milestone luncheon. These ladies

+61 2 9855 7304.

Futures and Partnerships (K-12) via email: have seen many changes throughout akozyra@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au.

their lives and the current pandemic was not going to stop their gathering – true Pymble spirit. Sadly many could not attend due to distance or other reasons however all look forward to the continuing relationship and gatherings for this lovely year group. Thank you to Beth Kannegieter (Tierney) and Dorothy Oag (Cathels) for organising the event.

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

Where are they now?

Despite beginning her Ambassadorship amid a global pandemic, Gillian Bird PSM is enjoying her second posting to Paris.

Gillian Bird, who graduated from

learning French and German and went

Pymble in 1975, took a cadetship with

on to study both at university. Loving

the Department of Foreign Affairs after

languages and travel, I applied for and

studying Arts/Law at Sydney University.

was lucky enough to get accepted by the Department of Foreign Affairs

“ I owe it all to having learned French

immediately after graduating from

at Pymble back in my high school

Sydney University.”

days,” Gillian said. “I absolutely loved

“ I owe it all to having learned French at Pymble back in my high school days...”

Gillian Bird PSM

Posted to Paris, Gillian met Henry, the

“ My son has returned to Australia and is

man who would become her husband.

looking forward to actually studying in

Today they are back where their story

the US next year – rather than doing it

began, in the City of Light, joined for a

remotely from our study in Paris. Henry

time by their son, Daniel.

and I are enjoying exploring Paris and visiting places we used to go to

“ Things are beginning to open up in

when we were here many years ago.

Paris and life is returning to a more

We’ll know that life has really returned

normal state, despite the continued

to normal when we start having visitors

menace of COVID-19.

from Australia – fingers crossed that it won’t be too far off.”

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

105 objects in 105 years To mark 105 years since the foundation of Pymble Ladies' College, Archivist Enid O'Carroll celebrates 105 objects of memorabilia, a few of which are shared here.

1918 First official Pymble uniform In 1918 the Black Watch tartan became the official uniform. The 1919 Prospectus listed the uniform as follows; black shoes and stockings, box pleated Black Watch tartan skirt, to be obtained from the College, price 7/6 per yard. White shirt blouses, navy blue blazer bound with black, black hair ribbons, Panama hat with hatband with badge and black gloves.

1946 Brass Gongs The more unusual artefacts of the Heritage Collection include the brass gongs.

Created and gifted to the school in 1946 by Lt Archer, from the crew of HMA ML822, the gongs were given in thanks for the support the College provided in the time of war.

1951 Giant Stride Miss Knox was the supervisor on the first day of the Giant Stride operation and instructed the girls in the use of their new play equipment. Unfortunately, the girls became hopelessly tangled in the chains and the bars, and became somewhat bumped, bruised and blistered. The thrill of recklessly flying on the Giant Stride is one of the most popular memories of being a Pymble girl.

1981 10,000th student In 1981, the College recorded its 10,000th student, Alexandra Austin (Khan, 1987).

In this photograph, Alex is surrounded by Pymble staff and family as she signs the register: (from left to right) Mistress in Charge of Junior School, Miss Ramsey; Number 833 on the register, Mrs Gwenyth Staniland (Lloyd, 1934); Number 4086 on the register, Mrs Jennifer Kaan (Staniland, 1957); Principal, Miss Buckham; and First Assistant, Mrs Burgoyne.

1991 Pymble Lady Camellia An initiative of the 75th Anniversary Committee, the camellia named Pymble Lady is a beautiful scarlet camellia japonica. Described as featuring dense foliage of dark green glossy leaves, semi double red flowers and vibrant yellow stamens, the Pymble Lady is the College's celebratory flower.

2017 Cadet Unit slouch hat The iconic slouch hat is an integral part of the uniform of our history-making Pymble Ladies' College Cadet Unit (PLCCU). Introduced in 2017 to offer students the opportunity to participate in a program traditionally run at boys' schools, the PLCCU is the first all-female unit in the Southern Hemisphere and was ratified by the Australian Army.

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Pymbulletin Issue 1 2021

“If our girls can dream it, they can do it at Pymble.”

DR KATE HADWEN PRINCIPAL

WATCH US CHANGE THE WORLD

TM

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

2021-PUB-1v18

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