the update
Special Issue:
Meet
Meet
Meet
Alyssa Li, Ruby Brookes and Sarah Zhang
Mr Saunders
Mrs Seymour, Mrs Deschamps, Mrs Watts
UPPER SCHOOL AT PYMBLE
Introduction
What a fantastic Term 3 we’ve had so far! Our Year 9 students had an incredible excursion to the Sydney Jewish Museum, where they engaged deeply with history through powerful personal stories and learned about the importance of empathy and understanding in our community. On the sports front, IGSA competitions brought out our team spirit and determination. In Language Arts, congratulations to all the Archdale girls. And super shout-out to TASFest which showcased amazing creativity and technical skills from all involved. This term we’ve been all about effective communication, basically just being able to say what you mean, actually listen, and connect with people for real. It’s the stuff that helps us make and sustain meaningful friendships and keeps everyone feeling good. So we hope you have been able to apply some of our learning from Compass curriculum into your everyday lives.
Stay tuned for more stories, insights, and exciting events next term!
UPPER SCHOOL AT PYMBLE
MEET THE EDITORS
Sarah
Family/pets: Mum and my younger brother Jasper in Year 8
Five fav movies: The Devil Wears Prada, Set it up, Intern, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, The Proposal (not in order but there might be a pattern )
Fav subject: Science, maths, and history!
Fav foods: Udon, pasta, matcha, dim sum, cucumber salad
Dream job: Paediatrician or psychologist
Fav travel destination: Japan or Thailand
Inspirational motto you live by: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle”
Katerina (Kat)
Family/pets: Mum, Dad, Older sister Jasmine in Year 12 and our Cavoodle, Dart, who just turned 5!
SIX fav movies: Joker (2019 ver), Dead Poets Society, Karate Kid II (1986), Whale Rider (2002), Bones and All, Wonder
Fav subject: Drama or History!
Fav foods: Ramen, Brownies, Plain Spaghetti, Mango
Dream job: Actor/film director or Children's Psychologist or Sociologist
Fav travel destination: Mykonos, Greece or Rome!
Inspirational motto you live by: “That you are here - that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse " - John Keating (Dead Poets Society)
Hakone
Family/pets: Mum, Dad, little sister Arden, no pets unfortunately, but I’ve been begging my family for a Westie
Four fav movies: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, North by Northwest, Jerry Maguire, It’s A Wonderful Life
Fav subject: English ��
Fav foods: Sandwiches, bagels, Sunday roast, anything with hummus, profiteroles
Dream job: Family Lawyer
Fav travel destination: Singapore-Malaysia!
Inspirational motto you live by: Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues
Isabelle (Izzy)
Family/pets: Mum, Dad, little sister Stephanie, and the cutest dog ever! Jasper!
Five fav movies/tv shows: Winnie the Pooh, 27 dresses, Beauty and the Beast, Anastasia, How I met your mother.
Fav subject: History and French
Fav foods: Cookies, chocolate banana bread from Archies, pain au chocolat
Dream job: Lawyer/international law/international relations/actor/performer
Fav travel destination: France/Stella’s house
Inspirational motto you live by: “Today is a good day to try” - The Hunchback of Notre Dame
MEET THE EDITORS
Lots of love, Your Upper School
Akshara
Family/pets: Mum and Dad, no pets.
Fav movies/tv shows: Outer Banks and The Rookie
Fav subject: History
Fav foods: Sushi
Dream job: Lawyer
Fav travel destination: London and Paris
Inspirational motto you live by: The best view comes after the hardest climb
Leahara
Family/pets: Mum, Dad, little sister Sarayah, Dog: Cleo
Three fav movies: Minority report, Lucy, Guardians of the Galaxy
Fav subject: Maths and Science
Fav foods: Subway cookies, mapo tofu
Dream job: Aerospace engineer
Fav travel destination: Phillipines
Inspirational motto you live by: “Sometimes you just got to lick the stamp and send it”
- Daniel Riccardo
Emma
Family/pets: Mum, Dad, Older Sister Sophie, Cats: Henry and Heidi!
Three fav movies: 1 Little Women 2 Lego Batman 3 God Help The Girl (Greta Gerwig please notice me)
Fav subject: Textiles!!!
Fav foods: Chippies!
Dream job: Teacher/Principal
Fav travel destination: Vermont
Inspirational motto you live by: “For, well, you know that it's a fool who plays it cool, by making his world a little colder” -Paul McCartney
Willa
Is currently living the vision valley life. She has also just recently been selected to play for the CommBank Junior Matildas in the ASEAN Girls’ Championship 2025 in Indonesia So impressive!
GET READY FOR THE GARDEN PARTY!
WE ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THE UPPER SCHOOL BOTTLE BINGO!
Details:
2 x jars/bottles per person
500ml jar minimum
Competition for which Compass group can create the best! eg. think chocolates/lollies, hair accessories, beauty accessories (makeup, face masks, bath bombs), Small fun toys, Stationery Recycle Bottles if you can – if so use clean and sterilised bottles (hot cycle on dishwasher is easy way to do this).
Roster: 30 minute spots * Attendance at Garden Party is expected
POT DECORATING
YEAR 9 will also be running our very own potdecorating stall. On the day, you can come along to the stall to collect a small pot to decorate. We’re also looking for keen artists to paint some in advance as a showcase of what these pots could look like. Please contact your Head of Year by email if you’d like to be involved. During your shift, you’ll be helping customers use Posca acrylic pens to create their own designs.
PERSONALITY QUIZWHAT KIND OF FLOWER ARE YOU?
It’s a Saturday morning. You wake up and...
A) Make my bed B) Open the blinds and look out the window C) Film a GRWM
D) Go for a run/sport E) Play roblox F) Text your friends
You have an assessment coming up in 4 days...
A) It’s already done and dusted B) Finishing up making small tweaks C) I’ve been preparing but haven’t started D) Hasn’t started but I got time E) Starting the night before! F) I’ll start tomorrow
Pick a soundtrack for your life right now
A) Clean pop B) Lofi laufey C) Classical disney music D) Rap E) lana del ray F) RMB/soul
Which career feels most you
A) A doctor to help people B) An author C) An artist D) A tour guide E) A corporate boss F) A teacher
You’re looking for a new house what is one thing you have to have
A) Beautiful bathroom B) A window reading nook C) Floor to ceiling window D) A pool E) A movie theatre F) A good view
What’s your favourite subject?
A) English B) Art C) Music D) PDHPE E) Science F) History
Choose a dessert
A) Macaron B) Strawberry shortcake C) Fondue D) Triple choc cake E) Brownie F) Tiramisu
Add up your score!
AREYOU?
a) Tulip
The organised optimist!
You’re fresh, neat, and always seem to have your life somewhat together, even when you don’t. There’s a crispness to the way you do things: colour-coded planners, perfectly timed coffee breaks, and a perfectly cute jewellery stand. You’re the friend who remembers birthdays, carries an extra pen, and somehow makes even chaos look coordinated. People find comfort in your reliability, but underneath, you’ve got a warm sense of humour that only the lucky ones get to see.
B) Lily of the valley
The gentle soul
You move through the world softly, like a breeze that barely stirs the leaves. Your presence feels like a quiet morning in early spring; delicate, calm, and just a little nostalgic. You value peace over noise, kindness over winning, and would rather listen than speak. Some may underestimate you, but you have a quiet resilience that holds steady when life tests you. You’re the human equivalent of a safe place.
AREYOU?
C) Peony
The romantic dreamer
You’re the kind of person who will stop mid-walk to take a photo of a cloud because it looks “poetic.” Your camera roll is 80% coffee cups, random flower close-ups, and screenshots of conversations that made you smile. You get emotionally attached to TV characters, cry over good food, and will buy something just because it “feels like main character energy.” Deadlines? They’re more like gentle suggestions you’ll get to after you finish romanticising your trip to the grocery store. People love your warmth and easy charm.
D) Sunflower
The radiant adventurer
You’re the type who waves at strangers and somehow makes friends in supermarket queues. Sunshine seems to follow you, or maybe you’re the one carrying it around. You thrive on movement. You love road trips with the windows down, group chats that are always buzzing, and trying something new just because it sounds fun. Your optimism can be blinding at times, but it’s also what makes you magnetic. People can’t help but look toward you.
WHATKINDOFFLOWER AREYOU?
E) Nightshade
The melancholic masterpiece
You’re not everyone’s cup of tea and you like it that way. You’ve got a slightly twisted sense of humour, a habit of saying the thing everyone else is thinking but won’t admit, and a moral compass that… well, let’s just say it doesn’t always point north. You’re interesting because you’re unpredictable: one minute you’re giving surprisingly good life advice, the next you’re suggesting something wildly questionable.
F) Rose
The classic charmer
There’s an elegance to you, but don’t mistake that for fragility. You’re bold in love, loyal in friendship, and a little stubborn when it comes to your principles. You believe in romance, not just the candlelit kind, but the romance of everyday rituals: brewing coffee just right, wearing your favourite sweater until it’s soft as a cloud, turning small moments into memories.
Week 3 saw the return of TASFEST - the ultimate celebration of Pymble talent in Food Tech, Hospitality, Design Tech, and Textiles. The evening was packed with creativity, as Year 12 students unveiled their incredible major works in everything from design projects to coding innovations.
I chose to take textiles as a subject as I love the amount of creativity you can express through textile projects
-Eloise Jenkins (Year 9, textiles student)
I’m super excited to see everyone’s designs on the runway- we’ve all worked so hard, [...] so it’ll be amazing to see it all come together!
-Phoebe Janowski (Year 10, textiles student)
The real show stopper of the night was the iconic TASFEST Textiles Parade. Our Upper School students lit up the runway in jaw-dropping looks inspired by 70s disco, Cruella, and plenty more.
AN INTERVIEW WITH TEXTILES STUDENT PHOEBE JANOWSKI
How is Textiles different from what people might expect? "I feel like people expect there to be loads of theory.. but it's actually the opposite! A typical textiles lesson will just be working on your garments.. and when there is theory I find it super interesting!"
What is your favourite part of taking textiles as a subject?"My favourite part is all the skills I’ve learned in both designing and sewing! I love that I can now make or customise my own clothes, which is so so fun and really useful!"
What inspired your piece for the Textiles Runway? "We had two themes this time- ‘Cruella’ and ‘Disco Fever’. I drew on Vivienne Westwood and steampunk silhouettes for my Cruella look, and made a vibrant 60s/70s minidress covered in fun appliqué motifs like a vinyl record, mirrorball, and electric guitar for the Disco one. I was kinda just aiming for it to look like the ‘Disco Fever’ era came back and threw up all over my dress.. *see design image*"
AN INTERVIEW WITH TEXTILES
u choose textiles as a ose to take textiles as a se it's something I've and been interested in. I ause all throughout my mum encouraged me to do at (Knitting, sewing etc) omething she enjoys, and t passed down to me!"
What inspired your piece for the Textiles Runway?
The theme was 1970s Disco, and as a lover of vintage fashion, I was very happy to design something quite similar to popular garments at the time, like bellbottom jeans, halter tops etc, with lots of sparkles to bring in the Disco element. But I also had to work with recycled materials, so I designed my outfit around what I already had!
FACES OF THE UPPER SCHOOL
MRS SEYMOUR
Who makes up your family: My husband, Michael, and three wonderful children. Catherine works at the boarding house at Pymble, Georgina is studying to be a nurse while working at Vision Valley, and our youngest, Charles, is in Year 11.
If you could meet any historical figure/celebrity, who would it be: Queen Elizabeth II. What a remarkable lady; I think it would have been fascinating to speak with someone who had witnessed so much history.
You lived in Bangladesh for four years. Can you tell us about that experience? We lived in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for four years, and while it was certainly challenging at times, I wouldn’t change the experience for the world. It was definitely a period of growth for our whole family.
Go-to fun fact about yourself: In my first three weeks at university, I managed to lose both my front teeth on a dance floor! I had to wear a denture which made for some amusing situations.
Advice for students in the Upper School: Be kind - it truly is the best thing you can be. Make the most of every opportunity you’re given, because you’re incredibly fortunate to have them. High school is full of chances to learn, grow, and discover who you are, so embrace it all.
MRS DESCHAMPS
Favourite thing about your job: I love coming to work to with my fabulous team of Office Mums but also to see the beautiful smiling faces of Year 9 and 10 who greet us everyday.
Hobbies: I live on the Northern Beaches and I love going to the beach on the weekend and walking with my friends. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my sister Lisa who is a vet.
Mrs Deschamps’ lovely dogs, Chevy and Danni!
Tell us about your family: I have 2 boys, Jack who is 17 and currently doing his HSC trials and wants to study PPE at ANU next year Harry is in Year 10 and just obtained his Ls so I am teaching him to drive which keeps me on my toes! Teenage boys always seem to think they know more than their Mum when it comes to the road rules!
Any pets: I have 2 rescue Greyhounds whom I am totally obsessed with. Chevy is 6 and Danni is 4 and they take up most of my spare time. I love walking them in Manly or just around my local area. They are full of personality and like to lounge around all day sleeping, doing zoomies in the backyard or playing with their toys. I also volunteer for Greyhound Rescue on the weekends and school holidays to assist in retraining and rehoming Greyhounds.
Tell us a little about your family: I have a daughter in Year 8, Anabelle, and my son Josh, who is in his second year of university.
A memorable school experience: I spent my entire Year 12 on exchange in Canada. It was, without question, one of the most enriching experiences of my life and seeing the snow was particularly magical. Before that, I grew up in New Zealand!
Favourite subject at school: Science, particularly chemistry.
If you could meet any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be: Princess Diana. She was such a beautiful and kind-hearted person who gave so much to charity. Her compassion, poise, and sense of style were truly inspirational.
Any pets: Yes - A King Charles Cavalier who’s four years old and absolutely adorable. I grew up on a farm surrounded by working dogs, so having a dog feels like home.
Favourite travel destination: The Maldives! There’s nothing like a hot, sunny, exotic beach to relax and recharge.
Advice for students in the Upper School: Always know that regardless of what is going on, nothing is impossible. There is always a solution. Have faith in yourself - you can and you will.
Please take a moment to say hello or have a chat when you see our wonderful US staff. We truly value the care and dedication they bring every single day. We are so grateful for all they do, and we’re lucky to have such kind and inspiring people in our school community.
From all of us, THANK YOU!!
Ms Watts’ beautiful family and her beautiful dog!
ALYSSA LI (YEAR 10)
RUBY BROOKES (YEAR 10)
Alyssa came to Australia in year 3, and moved to our PLC from PLC Sydney.
SARAH ZHANG (YEAR 10)
Her favourite hobbies are playing instruments like piano and cello or sports like badminton and tennis. She has two dogs shown in the picture above from the UK.
Sarah’s dogs
PLEASE ALSO MAKE ZARA MCALLAN (YR 10) AND TARLI AGIUS (YR 9) FEEL WELCOME!! ��
Asweallknow, movingtoa onewschoolcanbedaunting, verwhelming, exciting, and stressfulallatonce. This term, wearethrilledto Ywelcome5newgirlsacross ears9and10—sopleasebe hsuretomakethemfeelat ome!
GET TO KNOW: MR SAUNDERS
What subject do you teach?
Physics and science!
What sparked your interest in physics?
Exploring the natural world, the everyday and the extraordinary. By questioning our understanding of the universe, we drive discovery and innovation to improve our life experiences. What could be more interesting?
Most interesting place you visited?
Oxford is steeped in history and architecture, combined with a peaceful way of living. Hidden jazz bars and eclectic brunch spots make it a great place for socialising.
If you could meet any historical figure/celebrity, who would it be and why?
Einstein!! A man who thought about the universe abstractly and different to his predecessors. He changed our understanding of Physics from everyday concepts to ideas that only imagination can make sense of.
GET TO KNOW: MR SAUNDERS
What is your go-to fun fact about yourself?
I play multiple instruments including trumpet, piano, guitar & drums.
Do you prefer cats or dogs?
Dogs!! I had a beagle growing up, taking her for runs and the sofa cuddles was a fair trade for the all the stolen food!
What is your favourite travel destination?
Cape Town, South Africa, where my wife is from. Having been there on a rugby tour and many times since, seeing the culture, scenery, food and music, it is the best place to visit!
Any advice for the students of the Upper School?
Follow your passions and connect with the people around you. Don’t waste time of things that don’t add value to your life!
Most memorable teaching experience?
Taking 45 students to Geneva, Switzerland to visit CERN, the world leading Physics research institute. Meeting the scientists, going 100m underground into the tunnels and learning about the science behind the research was a memorable experience. (I think I enjoyed it more than the students!)
YourTopTen
JEANS
BLOUSES
7CAPRIS
6 HEN
You’ve probably seen a lot of these tops on your insta or pinterest feed but obviously they’re there for a reason! These super cute tops are perfect for everyday, they’re comfy and completely effortless! Another great pick of the season that will go with any bottoms!
4GINGHAM DRESSES
Gingham dresses are perfect for the new Spring season! They are absolutely flawless for a picnic in the park or a trip to the zoo!
5V NECKS
V necks are a fabulous item for winter! Style these with denim bottoms or a plain coloured skirt for an effortlessly cool look! These look sooo super pretty with a fun charm necklace and bracelets!
3
ZIP UPS
Lightweight and versatile, these zip-up tops are perfect for spring, giving you breathable comfort, easy layering, and a fresh, sporty look! These are another fun item to look for in your local thrift shop!
2SHORT
ool and comfortable, shorts are efinitely spring-ready! These are a go-to choice for casual outdoorsy outfits and styled with literally any top!
1CARDIGA
Ideal for the in-between spring weather, cardigans add a light layer of warmth while keeping things cutesy! These are yet another great thrift find or if you have a super talented grandmother or grandmother-like-friend who can knit, these are gorgeous hand made!
WehopeyouenjoyedYourTopTen:ClothingItemsoftheSeason!Allof theseitemsaresupereasytofindinthriftstoresandop-shops.Gordonhas 3great op-shopsthatareworthspendingarainydayon!
StudentShoutouts
Emily B from 09BB for being a wonderful friend and a charming tennis player. GO EMILY!
Phoebe from 9TA always making me smile
Lucy Chapman 9HA for being such a welcoming friend to all.
Angela Tao 10BA for being locked in
Angela Chen 10BB for being very studious
Stella W 9HA - for being awesome in textiles
Emily C from 10GA for helping me with work and always being there to talk about anything and everything
Nicole Zhang 10TB for being fun
Maddie K from 10LA for being a great friend and always caring for everyone.
Alicia B from 9WB for helping me in food tech class and also being kind all the time
My best friend Mia Sherry was really kind and compassionate, and she made me feel really safe and included at school She stood up for me when I was treated unfairly and made me feel better when I was down. Mia is a really great person and I am so grateful to have her as a friend.
Rose Purcell LA For always talking
Aniela K 10GB for being an amazing e bike rider, and navigating around the city :):)
Leander M, Poppy B, Ani K, Issy S, Belle B, Annabel T, for slaying city to surf
Mataya Burgess 09LANB for being such a great friend
Matilda B 9BA for being my goat!!!!
Zoe M from 10IB for being the most supportive person on the planet
Olivia M from 10MA helped me with 3D printing in design tech
Sanduli B IB - for always helping me with my schoolwork
Fran C 9LB- for being kind and helping me around school
Ashira Fonseka from 09HB
Riley for competing in Australian Gymnastics championships
Charlotte K from 10BB for caring for and supporting me
Charlotte from 10BB for being the awesomest best friend ever
Shereen Jawaad from 09BA
Thenny for giving me haidilao snacks
Elisa for carrying our netball team
Ariel G for being the absolute GOAT of tennis
Kristen P for just being a chill guy
Milly, Ariel, Caitlin, Jenny, Kristen, Isis, Hakone for being science table buddies!!
Sophia K for supporting my passions and letting me talk about random stuff
Mia C for always matching my freak
Camille X, Nicole Z, Amy R, Sarah B, for always supporting me no matter the situation and being reliable friends I can always count on!!
Sophie G because it was her birthday a few days ago (sent on 12 august)
Jackie Z for her amazing family (wink wink)
Emily Zhai for cracking jokes!
Immie for being just a nice person and eating caramel slices every day
Jasmine C for always accompanying me to archies after rehearsal!! thanks jasmine
Emily B from 9BB for always making me laugh until I can't breathe and my stomach hurts
To Momo (Kitty's exchange buddy) for giving us all candy ��
Nina W for being really funny and always making me laugh. Also for keeping the calss optimistic even during super boring lessons!
Lucy S! She’s very considerate and an amazing exchange buddy and has helped with the language barrier between her exchange buddy and our group!
Sitian C for never being afraid to be herself
Annika M boarder of the week!
Karen for being an awesome clarinet and netball player
Audrey L for baking super yummy things for us all the time!!
Jenny H for being the goat at maths
Jess A for always being a kind and amazing friend.
Camille X for always coming to Archie’s with me
Congrats to all the brain bee girls!!
Arin Y She’s the rare kind of friend who’s equal parts hilarious, kind, and impossible to replace.
Alannah T for being supportive and doing well at brain bee!
Phoebe J for being an epic maths buddy! She’s always willing to carry during science and give study help to everyone!
MOVIE REQUESTS?
