UPPER SCHOOL
upperschool the update
WRITERS
ISABELLE PORT
HAKONE LICERALDE
KATERINA ECONOMOU
SARAH BAI
AKSHARA BHATTACHARYA
WILLA PEARSON
EMMA WANG
LEAHARA WIJESURIYA
SPECIAL THANKS
MISS BROOKS
MS LOMBARD
MRS HARRISON
JENNIFER CHEN
MEHAR BHATIA
MILLIE FINUCANE
KATHY HUO
UPPER SCHOOL AT PYMBLE
TERM 2: PYMBLE UPPER SCHOOL
Dear Year 9 and 10,
We’re almost halfway through the school year Wow, Term 2 is really flying by, isn’t it? It’s one of those crazy busy terms where it feels like we are constantly on the go – sport training, rehearsals, assignments, Futures Days, excursions But through all the hustle, I think we all learn something important: how to take time for ourselves Whether it’s a quiet moment between classes or just a deep breath before the next big thing, these little pauses are the moments that keep us balanced and sane (-ish)
Shoutout to everyone who smashed it in SPORT, LANGUAGE ARTS and DRAMA this term - you made those early mornings/late afternoon sessions totally worth it! We also saw PAC absolutely buzzing with energy, and our ongoing activities in the Upper School Common Room (bingo, karaoke, trivia, Days for Girls) have been a fantastic way to connect with each other.
It’s also important to acknowledge that perhaps this term wasn’t as wonderful as you had hoped; maybe there were challenges, disappointments, or times where you felt metaphorically slapped in the face.
I can certainly say that not every day is going to be ‘your day.’ Yet, even in the tougher times, we find ways to support each other and push through As we look back, it’s clear that the less-than-perfect moments are just as important as the highlights, shaping us into stronger, more understanding individuals
We’ve been talking a lot this year about RESPECT and acknowledging each other’s strengths and qualities. By valuing and learning about our differences, we build a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared success. To honour this, please see our STUDENT SHOUTOUT SECTION at the end of this newsletter and don’t forget to nominate your friends using the QR code on the back page or the link emailed earlier!
Term 2 has reminded us that even in the busiest times, there’s always room for laughter, growth, and hopefully some you-time. Here’s to more of that next term!
Lots of love, Your Upper School Leaders ♡
UNDIE DRIVE!
Please make sure to contribute to the Days For Girls Undie Drive (see guidelines on poster). We should expect every student to bring in one packet (approx 3 undies). You’ll be making a difference to a very special cause! Thank you for supporting our Upper School charity and we look forward to seeing your donations. Don’t forget, the winning house is also in for a treat!!
PERSONALITY
WHAT KIND OF PASTA ARE YOU?
Tallythelettersyougetandthenfindtheoneyouhavethemost ofonthenextpage.
What would you rather do on a Friday night?
A) Cook for my family/friends B) Take a bath C) Play sport
D) Do something crazy E) Finish all my weekend homework F) Go out for dinner
You have an assessment coming up in 4 days...
A) I’ve only just started B) I procrastinated by making a schedule C) I have training tonight D) I won’t start until the night before E) I’ve been preparing for 2 weeks already F) I’m almost ready
My friends would describe me as...
A) Caring B) Sweet C) Determined D) Silly E) Crazy smart F) Hardworking
My favourite accessory is...
A) Handbag B) A ribbon C) Apple watch D) Bracelets E) A book F) Opal card
Which would you rather be when you grow up?
A) A doctor to help people B) An actress C) A famous athlete D) A comedian E) A corporate boss F) An amazing teacher
What concert would you rather see?
A) Ed Sheeran B) Lana Del Rey C) CAS D) Olivia Rodrigo E) Symphony Orchestra F) Taylor Swift
What’s your favourite subject?
A) History B) Music C) PDHPE D) Textiles E) Maths F) Science
What’s your favourite kind of pasta?
A) Macaroni B) Twirly pasta C) Spaghetti D) Thick pasta E) Rigatoni F) Bow pasta
Add up your score!
WHAT KIND OF PASTA ARE YOU?
a) Tagliatelle
You’re a social butterfly. Friends would describe you as empathetic and nurturing. You’re caring, supportive, and often prioritise the needs of others. You’re very go-with-the-flow and relaxed, and others find you easy to be around.
B) Farfelle (bowS)
You’re playful, lighthearted and always seen with a beautiful smile. You love bows and you’re very coquette, and the sweetie of the friend group. You love to shop and love fashion, and friends often comment on your incredible taste.
C) rigatoni
You’re determined and ambitious, and always reliable. You’re known as the friend everyone can count on. You’re quite sporty and competitive, and a great team player. You may not always believe in yourself, but everyone believes in you. You’d be a great team leader.
WHAT KIND OF PASTA ARE YOU?
D) macaroni
You’re the goofball of the friend group. You never take life too seriously, and are always up for an adventure. You’re like a library of funny stories and are always helpful when someone needs cheering up. You’re very clumsy and sometimes a little immature, but everyone loves your bright personality and optimism.
E) spaghetti
You’re a classic. You’re known for your intelligence and smarts - but you’re also a kind, supportive friend. You have big dreams and always feel there’s pressure on you to be the best, but there’s a reason you’re the classic. It’s because you do well with everything. Don’t worry so much.
F) fusilli
You are always up for a laugh and love making jokes, but you’re also hardworking and determined. You’re always on top of your homework and assignments, like a spaghetti. However, you’re always up to do something fun and adventurous with your macaroni friends. You’re like the best of both worlds and that’s what makes you so special.
PET BEAUTY CONTEST ENTRIES
PET BEAUTY CONTEST ENTRIES
PET BEAUTY CONTEST ENTRIES
PET BEAUTY CONTEST
FLEUR HOUSTON DAISY
ELIZABETH LIU ROGER
SOPHIA LAU STAR
PET BEAUTY CONTEST WINNERS
MEET JENNIFER
JENNIFER CHEN YEAR 10
Jennifer joined Pymble this term and came from Carlingford High She’s is in Hammond House and loves spending her free time eating, baking, doing gym and swimming Jennifer has a super cute maltipoo named Lucky (image above!). Her favourite sports are gymnastics and OzTag, and she’s very much a maths and sports type of person. Jennifer enjoys being active and challenging herself both physically and academically
New students from Year 10 from Term 1!
GETTOKNOW:MISSBROOKS
What subject(s) do you teach?
Years 7-10 History and senior Modern History I’ve also taught English and First Nations Studies at Pymble, but I just stick to History now (shout out to the current Year 10s who survived Spirited Away with me in 2023! We’ll forever be haunted by Chihiro’s terrible decisions).
What sparked your interest in this subject area and what keeps you passionate about it?
I think all teachers have been inspired by a teacher they really looked up to when they were young – special thanks to to my Modern teacher at Gosford High whose enthusiasm was so infectious (and fashion was so cool!) that I immediately wanted to follow in her footsteps I’m also incredibly passionate about helping young people to better navigate the world. The core skills of the history discipline are to critically analyse sources of information, and to use reliable information as evidence in an argument In a world where we are all exposed to unprecedented amounts of increasingly unreliable information, these skills are more important than ever!
If you could meet any historical figure/celebrity, who would it be and why?
It’s got to be Rasputin Did he really smell like a goat??
What is your go-to fun fact about yourself?
I was a tenor drummer in a traditional Scottish pipe band for about 7 years Jimmy Barnes once asked to get a photo with me when I was in my full kilt uniform
What is your favourite travel destination?
What a hard question! There are far too many to choose just one! I’ve seen sun bears and orangutans in the jungle in Borneo, I’ve drunk chai on a mountaintop in India, I’ve visited Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum in Vietnam. I’ve also loved hiking in various places around Australia –Cradle Mountain in Tassie, the Warrumbungles in northern NSW, the Flinders Ranges in SA, K’Gari in QLD –we really are so lucky to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Any location where I’m challenged to step out of my comfort zone will always be a favourite. My next big trip will be to Spain to hike the Camino Primitivo
What is a book or movie you think everyone should experience at least once?
Tracks by Robyn Davidson – it’s a memoir recounting Robyn’s trek across the Australian outback with only four camels and a dog. It’s a story of overcoming challenges, connecting with country, learning culture, and selfdiscovery. It’s remarkably inspiring.
What is your most memorable teaching experience?
During my undergraduate degree, I spent some time on a teeny tiny remote island called Kolamaafushi in the Maldives where I taught English in the smallest school you could possibly imagine (seriously – look up the island on Google Maps I could stand in the centre of it and see the ocean in all directions!). I was responsible for the K-3 class, and also an after-school class of parents who wanted to practise their English-speaking skills For their remote community, the best employment opportunities were to move to India, where it was seen as very important to be able to communicate in English. Seeing the young children enthusiastically and expertly learn their third language, supported by their parents who were very new to practising English, was the most special experience so early in my teaching career It was fundamental in shaping my perspective that teaching and learning is a two-way street, where often I can learn just as much from my students as they can from me. It was also magical to snorkel around uninhabited islands every afternoon after school – I got pretty adept at dodging reef sharks!
Ms Brooks’ time on Kolamaafushi.
One piece of advice for students in the Upper School It ain’t that deep �� Spread joy, learn from your mistakes, be silly, be kind, follow your passions, and HAVE FUN!
YourTopTen
SnuggleupandcheckouttheseTOPTENMoviesandTVShowsfor Autumn,recommendedtoyoubytheUpperSchoolLeadershipTeam!
"FROZEN II"
8
Frozen 2 follows Elsa and Anna as they journey into the Enchanted Forest to discover the source of Elsa's powers and the history of their kingdom.
9"ANNE WITH AN
"Anne with an E" is a Netflix period drama series that explores the life of an orphaned girl, Anne Shirley, as she learns to naviga her new life on Prince Edward Island.
"FANTASTIC MR. FOX"
Set against a backdrop of golden fields and autumn leaves, this charming tale of family, wit, and rebellion feels like fall itself crisp, mischievous, and full of heart.
7
"YOU'VE GOT M@IL"
In You’ve Got Mail, two rival bookstore owners unknowingly fall in love through anonymous emails, all while New York City turns golden with the magic of fall.
6
C L A S S I C / D I S N E Y
"BAMBI"
Bambi follows a young deer as he grows up in a forest filled with beauty, danger, and the gentle rhythm of the changing seasons. With its golden leaves, soft woodland light, and themes of growth and loss, the film captures the bittersweet essence of autumn.
5
"GOOD WILL HUNTING"
A troubled genius finds healing and purpose amid Boston’s autumn streets. Good Will Hunting is a heartfelt story of growth, much like the changing fall leaves.
4 "500 DAYS OF SUMMER"
500 Days of Summer captures the bittersweet beauty of falling in and out of love, much like the seasons shifting from summer’s warmth to autumn’s cool clarity.
3
"WHEN HARRY MET SALLY"
When Harry Met Sally is a timeless story of friendship turning to love, set against crisp New York autumns and falling leaves. Cozy, witty, and full of heart, it feels like Autumn in movie form.
2
"GILMORE GIRLS"
1
Gilmore Girls is a heartwarming tale of family, friendship, and small-town charm, set in the cozy, autumn-kissed streets of Stars Hollow. With its crisp air, warm coffee, and witty banter, it’s the perfect fall escape.
"DEAD POETS SOCIETY"
Dead Poets Society is a powerful story of youth, inspiration, and the courage to follow one’s own path, set against the backdrop of autumn leaves and the promise of change.
CO-CURRICULAR SPOTLIGHT
Pymble offers a wide range of co-curricular activities and it can be hard to keep up with what's going on! This spotlight keeps you up to date on what happened/what is happening in co-curriculars around the Upper School.
TERM 2 - HERE ARE SOME OF THE CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HAPPENING AT PYMBLE.
AFL
SAILING
Pymble’s Sailing girls have enjoyed a standout season marked by growth, grit, and great camaraderie. From their first lessons to competing in major events like the NSW Summer Series and State Championships, the team demonstrated remarkable progress and sportsmanship. Their hard work paid off with a strong fourth-place finish among all girls’ schools at the State Championships. Throughout, their enthusiasm and teamwork have defined a memorable chapter for the program
Congratulations to our talented AFL athletes who have proudly represented Pymble in recent competitions and selection events Special recognition goes to Eloise Stewart, Willa Pearson, Evie Farr, and Stephanie Shaw for their selection into the NSWCIS team for the SSA Australian Football Championships an outstanding achievement. We wish them all the best as they compete at the NSWCIS U15 Championships in Albury. Additionally, congratulations to Maya Atkinson (Year 12), Sophia Slater (Year 12), Elizabeth Yates (Year 11), and Aimi Jenkin (Year 12), who represented in the recent IGSA representative match Their selection is a reflection of their strong performances throughout the Term 1 AFL competition. Thank you, girls, for your contributions to the AFL program and for your leadership on and off the field
CO-CURRICULAR SPOTLIGHT
ROBOTICS:
The PLC Robotics team, Pymble Pride, had an outstanding 2025 season, competing in the prestigious FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), a global program that challenges high school students to design, build, and program industrial-sized robots. After an intense six-week build period, the team debuted their robot at the Southern Cross Regional in Sydney, followed by a strong showing at the Colorado Regional in the USA, where they faced top international teams and refined their performance Their efforts earned them a place at the FRC World Championships in Houston, Texas, joining over 600 teams from around the world Representing the school on this global stage was a testament to the students’ innovation, teamwork, and perseverance. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and excited for what’s next
SubjectSpotlight
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
This term in Food Technology, we have been focusing on Australian cuisine, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous Australian culture. Recently, we went on our first excursion for the subject this year. We caught the train to Milsons Point, where we were fortunate enough to hear from the Head Chef of Café BTB. During his talk, we gathered valuable insights into Adam Brcic’s business ventures and the importance of representing Indigenous food in local small businesses. Afterwards, we had the opportunity to sample his most renowned dish: kangaroo kofta with lemon myrtle yogurt. We also enjoyed a delicious peppergum caramel slice.
Following this, we took another train to the Royal Botanic Garden, where we toured the Aboriginal section. This part of the excursion reinforced the importance of native plants to Indigenous Australians. This experience opened our eyes to the richness of Australian cuisine and highlighted the need to make Indigenous foods more accessible and appreciated in everyday dining
Mehar Bhatia, Millie Finucane- (Year 9)
YEAR 10 COMMERCE MARKET DAY
FromtheValley
Our VVT2 girls are back! This term, we visited the valley with Churchie, a boys school in Brisbane, for our Residential Program. Many new connections were made and we all had such a wonderful time.
“Vision Valley was one of the greatest experiences of my life full stop. I will never forget the memories and authentic friendships I made there, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. You might not think it, but that place becomes your home away from home, and you will want to go back.”
-Ewan K (Churchie).
“During our time at Vision Valley, Pymble and Churchie were able to connect in a truly genuine way. despite the short time we had with one and other, we were all able to capture the essence of each moment whether through cameras, words or shared experiences. If I had the chance I would relive every moment with each other over and over again.”
-Kathy H (Pymble)
Thank you to all our VVT2 girls for making this experience so joyful and for making Vision Valley the happiest little dot there is.
STUDENT SHOUTOUTS
EMILYZFROM10TBFORCRACKINGJOKESANDMAKINGMEFEELBETTER
ROSEPURCELLFORCOMPLETINGHERMATHSHOMEWORKONLY2DAYS OVERDUE
HELENZFROM10GBFORBEINGCHILL ��
LEAHARAWFROM9TBFORBEINGAGREATHOMEROOMMEMBER
LUCYCHAPMANFROM9HAMMONDFORBEINGANAMAZINGMUSICIAN
GRACEPFROM10WBFORCHEEKYFACESANDCHEERINGUPTHECLASS ��
STELLAS10LAFORBEINGATROOPERWHENSHEFELLOVERANDDIDTHE SPLITSINOURSOCCERGAMEOUCH!
SCARLETTMITCHELLFROM10IAFORGETTINGINTOCISRUGBYTRIALS ANDBEINGAREALLYNICEFRIEND
JESSICABFROM10TBFORBEINGAQUEEN ❤
LYRAHAMFROM09IAFORALWAYSBEINGCARINGANDKIND SHEISA GREATFRIEND
CHLOEAFROM10IAFORBEINGAMAGNIFICENTCELLOPLAYER
SASHAPARISFROMGOODLETBFORALWAYSHELPINGMEWITHMY HOMEWORKTHATSOVERDUE
JOLIEGLASFROM10WBFORBEINGAREALLYGOODCOOKINFOODTECH ANDNOTBURNINGTHEBUILDINGDOWN
CHARLOTTEKFROM10BBFORBEINGANAWESOMEFRIENDINMATHS
THENULYAGFROM10LBFORBEINGAROLEMODELANDHELPING YOUNGERSTUDENTSAROUNDTHESCHOOL
CINDYWFROM10LAFORALWAYSSMILING
MEGANYIPFORTRYINGHERHARDESTINBASKETBALL
SOPHIEFROM09GAFORBEINGAWESOME-SAUCE
ELLIEF10MAFORBEINGAGREATGOALIEINOURSOCCERTEAM ALANAWFROM9LBFORALWAYSBEINGHEREFORMEWHENEVERI NEEDEDAFRIEND
ASHIRAFONSEKAFROM09HAFORBEINGSTREETSMART
EMILYBASAKFROM09BBFORBEINGCOOL
KRISTENPFROM10TAFORALWAYSBEINGAKIND,CARINGAND THOUGHTFULSTUDENTANDFRIEND
MIENAITO10HAFORBEINGALOVELYFRIEND
ELLAGUNGOREFROM9GBFORDOINGAMAZINGINTHEKNOXMUSICALS
SARAHBFROMWAFORBEINGAKINDSOUL ⭐
IMOGENKFROM10GBFORCOMPETINGINTHEULTRATRAILAUSTRALIA LONGDISTANCERUNNINGCOMPETITION(IT'S20KM!!)
LARANFROM10MARDENFORINTRODUCINGMETO"IDONTCAREABOUT AURABECAUSEIMHYYYYPER"
EVELYNLFROM10IBFORBEINGAGENEROUSFRIEND!!
PHOEBEJFROM10WBFORLENDINGMEHERPEKITCUSIWASONMYLAST STRIKE THANKYOUMYGOAT
ANNABELTFROM10HBFORBEINGANABSOLUTELYANDUTTERLY FABULOUSFRIEND
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ELLIEF10MAFORBEINGBRAVETOSHAREHEROPINIONSINCLASS EMILYMFROM10HBFORDOINGPAC,ANDGIVINGITAGO
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GURT:SYGAU
GRACEMCSWEENEYFORDOINGSOWELLINCLASS!!!!ESPHISTORY
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ELENADFROM9INGLEHOLMBFORBEINGTHEBESTFRIEND:)
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STEPHANIEFROM09MARDENBFORBEANAWESOMEFRIENDAND ALWAYSSAYINGHELLOTOMEANDBEINGAGREATLISTENER
ELLIEZHAO09MBFORBEINGANAWESOMESAUCEFRIEND
GRACEPARKIN10WBFORBEINGANOPENMINDEDANDKINDHEARTED FRIEND
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CATHERINELI10BENNETA-FORBEINGAGREATFRIENDANDSUPER EASYTOTALKTO
AROUND THE UPPER SCHOOL
KEY DATES - TERM 2
Tuesday 10 June – Year 10 Subject Selection Evening th
Thursday 12 June – Pymble Athletics Carnival Year 2-12 th
Tuesday 17 June - New student leaders assembly th
Monday 23 - St Edumund’s AIM first group rd
Tuesday 24 June – Secondary School Ensemble Concert th
Friday 27 June – Last day of Term 2 th
STUDENT SHOUTOUTS
HAVE AN AWESOME FRIEND? GIVE THEM A SHOUTOUT IN THE NEXT EDITION!
MOVIE REQUESTS?
