Time to finish the year on a high note
Dear Pymble family
We can’t wait for our campus to come alive again after the break when all students return for their first day on Tuesday 14 October. I’m not sure about you, but I really feel like this year is flying by!
My thoughts are with our Year 12s who face their final HSC examinations next week, kicking off with English on Thursday. Girls, you’ve put in all the hard work and preparation, now it’s simply a matter of showing up well rested, open minded and confident in your ability to work your way through each paper – whatever it may bring –just as you have worked your way through each challenge throughout your 13 years of schooling. Trust me when I say, you’ve got this.
For all our students, Term 4 is an opportunity to finish the year on a high note, with pride in your achievements and respect for self, others and, especially, the environment.
Yes, Term 4 will complete our Year of Respect with a focus on caring for two very special places we all know and love: the Pymble campus and Vision Valley, which of course will be home to Year 9 and our friends from Churchie for four weeks from Sunday 19 October.
Our Community Prefects are excited to work with the Chair of Clean Up Australia, Pip Kiernan, who will speak at our first Combined Assembly in Week 1.
The fashionistas among us also look forward to the continuation of the ‘Swap till you Drop’ initiative to reuse, recycle and repurpose pre-loved clothing.
Term 4’s ‘Clean Up Pymble’ campaign is about treating the Pymble environment with respect: being mindful not to leave rubbish (or lunchboxes, drink bottles, hats and jumpers etc) strewn around after recess and lunch; and being responsible for picking up any litter we see as we make our way around the grounds.
Caring for our two campuses also means observing our parking rules when on site. Thank you in advance to our parents and carers for respecting these rules, which are designed to ensure the safety of all students, staff, families and visitors.
Wishing you a wonderful last term at Pymble – and Vision Valley – for 2025.
DR KATE HADWEN PRINCIPAL
Recapping our Year of Respect
TERM 1 – MANNERS AND COURTESY
We started the year by encouraging manners that matter: the words, gestures and actions that define us as a respectful and inclusive community.
TERM 2 – DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Building on this foundation, we enjoyed sharing stories that celebrate our cultural diversity, the quieter voices among us, and the value of inclusive practices within our community.
TERM 3 – EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Here, we encouraged deep listening, empathy and understanding; being open to feedback; saying ‘sorry’ when you’re in the wrong; and having ‘direct with respect’ conversations rather than talking about someone behind their back.
TERM 4 – OUR PYMBLE ENVIRONMENT
We will close out the year with a focus on caring for our College environments, ensuring they are valued and respected by all members of our community.
Community events in Term 4
Friday 17 October Year 12 Students and Leaders Induction Ceremony 9.15am Jeanette Buckham Centre for Physical Education Year 12 students, parents and carers
Thursday 23 October PPA AGM and College Board Thank You Cocktail Party from 6.00pm David Macfarlane Centre and Gloucester Lawn Pymble community
Tuesday 28 October JSPG Term 4 Meeting and AGM 8.30am Junior School Library Junior School parents and carers
Friday 31 October Junior School Grandparents’ Picnic 12.35pm to 2.00pm Junior School Junior School students and grandparents
Tuesday 11 November to Friday 14 November Pymble Values Art Prize - Finalists’ Exhibition 10.00am to 4.30pm Main Hall Pymble community and general public
Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 November Dance Showcase Various Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts Pymble community
Tuesday 18 November STEM Event 5.30pm Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts and Gloucester Lawn Pymble community
Monday 24 November, Wednesday 26 November and Friday 28 November Co-curricular Drama Showcase Various
Moore Centre for Performing Arts Pymble community
Sunday 30 November College Christmas Celebration 5.15pm to 8.00pm Gloucester Lawn and Chapel Pymble community
Tuesday 2 December Junior School Speech Day (Years 3 to 6) 9.00am to 11.00am Jeanette Buckham Centre for Physical Education Years 3 to 6 students, parents and carers
Tuesday 2 December Junior School Celebration of Learning (Kindergarten) 11.30am to 1.00pm War Memorial Chapel Kindergarten students, parents and carers
Tuesday 2 December Junior School Celebration of Learning (Years 1 and 2) 2.00pm to 3.00pm War Memorial Chapel Years 1 and 2 students, parents and carers
Wednesday 3 December Secondary School Speech Day (Year 7 to 11) 9.00am to 11.00am Jeanette Buckham Centre for Physical Education Years 7 to 11 students, parents and carers
Pymble Values
Art
Prize
Exhbition of finalists
Female artists from all over Australia have painted their interpretation of our statement of Respect – I value diversity, my worth and the worth of others.
We received hundreds of inspiring, thoughtful and provocative paintings in our inaugural prize.
You’re invited to view our exhibition of finalists and celebrate our winner. The winning artist will also be invited to the College to further engage with our community and students. All featured artworks will be available for sale*.
*with the exception of the winning artwork which will be acquired by the College
Official Opening
Tuesday 11 November
Main Hall, Pymble Ladies’ College
6.00pm to 8.00pm
Registration opening soon
Exhibition
Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 November
Main Hall, Pymble Ladies’ College
10.00am to 4.30pm
No registration required
Summer uniform reminder
All students are required to wear the summer uniform in Term 4.
Please ensure that your daughter has all necessary items ready for the first day of school. The uniform shop will be open on Monday 13 October from 9.00am to 4.30pm for any last-minute purchases. You can also order online before this date and collect from the uniform shop during opening hours.
IMPORTANT UNIFORM NOTES
• Girls in Kindergarten to Year 10 wear the summer dress.
• Girls in Years 11 and 12 wear the skirt with the short sleeve blouse and tie.
• Hair must be tied back neatly with a red, navy, white or black watch tartan ribbon.
• Make up, false nails, false eyelashes and jewellery are not permitted. One pair of stud earrings is permitted.
Please note, the white hat is required to be worn with the summer uniform in Term 4 and should be worn when walking to and from school.
Uniform Expectations
Student travel to Pymble
Pymble Ladies’ College encourages families to choose sustainable and active travel options for the school journey. With excellent access to public transport and a safe, supervised walking route from the train station, students can confidently walk or catch a bus or train to Pymble. Our comprehensive Travel Access Guide highlights these green travel choices and offers practical tips to help families plan a safe, convenient and environmentally responsible commute to and from the College.
GREY HOUSE WALK CLOSURE
To ensure the timely completion of Grey House Precinct, Grey House Walk will remain closed during Term 4 in 2025. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority as construction continues in, around, and above the walkway.
The College will continue the following free initiatives to support students who usually walk to school from Pymble Avenue via Grey House Walk.
AVALON
CROMER
MONA VALE
MOSMAN
SEAFORTH
HORNSBY
DURAL
CHERRYBROOK
ROUSE HILL
BELLA VISTA
EPPING
CHATSWOOD
HUNTERS HILL
NORTH SYDNEY
WYNYARD
PYMBLE ST IVES
• Minibus Shuttle Service (Pymble Loop)
• Additional Pymble stops on our Hunters Hill bus route (Bus 1)
• Morning Walking Group for Grey House Walk
More information about these services and booking links can be found here on the Pymble website
PYMBLE BUS SERVICE
Pymble Ladies’ College has five dedicated bus services to help parents avoid the peak-hour commute when transporting students to and from the College. This service is open to students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
The current routes are:
• Bus Route 1 - Hunters Hill
• Bus Route 2 - Lower North Shore
• Bus Route 3 - North West
Traffic and parking
DRIVE SAFELY
Pymble teaching and security staff supervise our busy dropoff and pick-up zones and carpark bays to ensure the safety of our community on and around our carparks and roads. We rely on drivers to follow the rules, drive safely and model positive traffic behaviour.
It is important that all drivers:
• Follow the directions of our staff and road signage.
• Exit the College immediately after dropping off your child
• Plan to arrive in the afternoon when your child’s activities have concluded and not before.
• Do not overtake at speed on College or surrounding roads.
• Give way to College buses.
• Do not park on or near pedestrian crossings, or in spaces marked for staff, disabled persons, or with reserved signage. College parking is never to be used as commuter parking. The College may tow away any vehicle that is parked contrary to these rules.
• Bus Route 4 - Northern Beaches
• Bus Route 5 - Lower Northern Beaches
Registration for the Pymble bus service is offered on a termby-term basis with two options:
1. Term registrations are valid for a whole term.
2. Flexible registrations enable students to register for specific day(s) with a choice of morning and/or afternoon runs.
Term 4 registrations for the Pymble private bus service to and from the College are now open.
The bus service will run from the first day of term, Tuesday 14 October 2025, until Wednesday 3 December 2025. Please click here to register for the bus service. Upon registering, you will receive an email confirmation with a current timetable.
Refer to pages 7 and 8 in our Travel Access Guide for a full guide on safe and orderly travel by car, and drop-off and pick-up procedures.
PARKING IN AND AROUND THE COLLEGE
Parking is extremely limited at the College, and parking restrictions must be obeyed at all times to ensure our children’s safety. Parking in the streets surrounding the College is also limited and in high demand.
Due to ongoing feedback from local residents, Ku-ring-gai Council has advised us that patrols are increasing in the area and fines will be issued for illegal parking and dangerous driving. We ask again for the support of our families to keep our students and community safe.
Junior School Welcome
We are excited to welcome our girls and their families back for Term 4.
We extend a particular welcome to our new students, Chloe and Mabel in Year 2 and Primrose in Year 4. We look forward to getting to know you throughout the term.
This term is an exciting one with many community events including Grandparents’ Day, Links Day, our K-2 swimming carnival and picnics for our new families joining us in 2026. PJ Factor is coming so all our dancers, dramatists, singers and musicians in Years 3-6 can audition in the first weeks of term in readiness for the performance in Week 6 which includes our House spirit singing event. Kindness Day will be a special feature in the term for all grades with a focus on service and kindness-to-self activities.
This term, we formally launch our DREAM Diploma for Year 5 and 6 2026 on 18 November 2025. The DREAM Diploma offers a framework which amplifies academics and character development opportunities within the curriculum for all our Year 5 and 6 students.
Term 4 is particularly poignant for our Year 6 girls and their families as they head towards the end of their Primary School journey this term with their learning showcase, final Chapel, Silent Disco and the fun of their water fight to look forward to.
In Week 7, we have a Junior School colour run to celebrate diversity and community spirit.
I look forward to connecting with you throughout the term as there will be many opportunities to see you all at the myriad showcases and celebrations of learning across the term.
MRS KATE BROWN HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Middle School Welcome
Welcome back to Term 4 in Middle School. I trust that everyone has enjoyed the break and that the girls are refreshed and ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
This term presents a busy schedule with many endof-year events planned. The team is looking forward to the traditional Year 7 Christmas Service which celebrates the many achievements and recognises and honours each girl for their contribution to our community. Parents are warmly invited to join us in the chapel to mark this occasion.
We will also be farewelling our Year 8 cohort who will be travelling down the stairs to Upper School to begin the next stage of their Pymble journey. This year, we have introduced a special surprise celebration that I am sure will be a big hit with the Year 8 girls.
Term 4 also sees us welcome the incoming Year 7 students for 2026 with the Links Day Orientation Program. Many of your daughters will assist us with events across this day, ensuring that our visitors feel welcome and comfortable within their new surrounds.
Thank you for always working in partnership with us to ensure the best outcomes for your daughters.
MRS JENNY O’DONNELL HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Upper School Welcome
Welcome to Term 4 in the Upper School. I hope that our students and their families enjoyed a restful break and that the girls return with fresh energy for the exciting weeks ahead.
Our Upper School leaders have a wonderful program of activities planned for this term, including a range of fun events in the common room to bring students together and strengthen our sense of community. Alongside opportunities for free play and device-free social interaction, students can look forward to seasonal highlights such as Halloween-inspired fun and festive celebrations as we move towards Christmas. These moments add joy to the term while deepening connections among the girls.
There is much to look forward to this term, both in the classroom and beyond. An eagerly anticipated highlight will be our final group of students heading to Vision Valley in Week 2. This residential program is co-educational, with 50 boys from Churchie in Brisbane travelling to join our girls for what promises to be an exceptional shared experience of learning, teamwork and adventure.
For Year 10, Term 4 brings significant academic milestones, with yearly examinations, Futures Program activities and preparation for the transition into the Senior School. The Futures Program will provide opportunities for the girls to reflect on their goals, explore potential career pathways and build skills for life beyond school. Alongside this, they will continue to strengthen essential study habits, organisation and resilience. Co-educational highlights such as the Pymble Shore Dance and an
extended Outdoor Education Program in Weeks 6 and 7 will also be memorable parts of their Upper School journey before we fondly farewell the girls to the Senior School.
Our Year 9 students can also look forward to a new initiative: the inaugural Pymble Shore Challenge afternoon, hosted here at Pymble. This will provide an exciting chance for teamwork, fun and connection across schools.
The Upper School team is excited to support the girls in all they undertake this term and to celebrate their achievements together as 2025 draws to a close.
MRS VICTORIA HARRISON HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
Senior School Welcome
‘The direction you choose to face determines whether you’re standing at the end or the beginning of a road.’ – Richelle E. Goodrich
As we begin Term 4, we extend a warm welcome to you and your daughter as she commences her final year at the College. This is an exciting time as our new Year 12 students step into their role as leaders of the College community. Some girls take on formal leadership positions, while others lead through their daily actions and example. We are confident that every member of Year 12 will step forward with compassion, determination and pride in the school, guiding and inspiring the younger students.
This first term is an important one for setting the tone of the year. “Start as you mean to end” is a message we wish to impress upon every student. As she navigates this year, it’s essential for your daughter to assume more personal responsibility. Managing her commitments, be they academic, personal or co-curricular, requires discipline and accountability. This can be achieved by setting clear goals, creating a balanced schedule and taking ownership of her choices. Building sound routines around homework, study, punctuality and personal presentation lays a firm platform for success. Small, consistent habits have a powerful impact and will support your daughter in managing the demands of Year 12 with confidence and resilience.
To launch the year, all students will participate in a Leadership and Year 12 workshop at Knox Grammar School, followed by a social evening at Hijinx Hotel.
This is an opportunity to strengthen relationships and share in the excitement of beginning this milestone year together. On Friday 17 October, we look forward to the Year 12 Students and Leaders Induction Ceremony, a significant occasion to celebrate. We are also pleased to invite you to join us for the Year 12 Information Evening, to be held on Tuesday 21 October, which will provide another valuable opportunity to connect with families and outline key elements of the year ahead.
We ask for your support in ensuring that your daughter attends carefully to the College’s uniform expectations, in particular regarding correct skirt length and jewellery requirements. Upholding these standards reflects both personal responsibility and collective pride in the College.
We are delighted to be walking alongside you and your daughter in this important year. Together, we can support her to step into leadership, embrace her studies and approach Year 12 with confidence.
MRS NIKKI WYSE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Boarding School Welcome
There’s something truly special about the final term of the year—the campus comes alive with sunshine, laughter, and a renewed sense of togetherness. This season is set to be filled with memorable learning experiences, cherished friendships, and a healthy dose of fun.
We can’t wait to welcome all our Boarders back on Monday, 13 October from 2.00pm. For those able to join, parents/guardians are invited to our “Eat Like a Boarder” event at 6.00pm that evening – a wonderful chance to reconnect over a shared meal.
Our 2025 Year 12 students are about to step into their final examinations beginning on 16 October. We’ll be there rallying behind them, offering plenty of encouragement as they take this significant next step.
We’re excited to honour our Boarders’ achievements while preparing them for what comes next on their journey with us. For our Year 7s, the adventure continues with sleepovers in Goodlet and Marden Houses, plus a special celebration at Vision Valley organised by our Head of Avonmoore House, Danielle Bukovinsky. Our future Year 12s are eagerly anticipating their move to Lang House, and our new 2026 Boarders will be getting to know us through a series of welcoming transition events.
This term, our Love It program embraces the warmer weather with a fantastic array of activities— think beach days, market visits, and plenty of picnics under the sun. “Boarders Get Baking” will serve up tastes of home and seasonal treats, while new opportunities are on offer to make new
friends through social events with other schools. True to tradition, the excitement of Christmas will fill Boarding with our annual tree-picking, house decorating, and festive shopping. We’re looking forward to the return of our Nativity play on 25 November and eager to see the fresh creativity brought by our Year 12 students.
Amidst the buzz of activities, academic pursuits continue to be a priority. Our Boarders will balance their studies and co-curricular commitments, with the dedicated Learn It team ready to support.
Please note, Friday 17 October includes an important evacuation drill and safety update; leave will commence after 5:00pm that day. Similarly, all Boarders must attend our End of Term Chapel and Dinner on 25 November. Your support in prioritising these community moments is invaluable. Our travel day is scheduled for 3 December following Year 7 to 11 Speech Day.
Wishing you safe travels as you return to Pymble, and here’s to a joyful, rewarding, and lively Term 4!
MRS CAROLYN BURGESS DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
Contacts
More contact details can be found online at pymblelc.nsw.edu.au, in the 2025 Student Diary and in the 2025 Parent Handbook.
JUNIOR SCHOOL (7.45am to 3.45pm) +61 2 9855 7700
MIDDLE SCHOOL (7.45am to 3.45pm) +61 2 9855 7611
UPPER SCHOOL (7.45am to 3.45pm) +61 2 9497 7865
SENIOR SCHOOL (7.45am to 3.45pm) +61 2 9497 7871
BOARDING SCHOOL OFFICE (9.00am to 5.00pm) ........ +61 2 94977864
VISION VALLEY +61 2 9855 7788
CO-CURRICULAR OFFICE (8.00AM TO 4.00PM) +61 2 9497 7848
MUSIC OFFICE +61 2 9855 7666
OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE +61 2 9855 7741
IT HELPDESK (7.30am to 5.00pm) +61 2 9855 7771
COLLEGE UNIFORM SHOP +61 2 9855 7745
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT +61 2 9497 7840
GENERAL ENQUIRIES (7.30am to 4.30pm) +61 2 9855 7799
ABSENTEE PROTOCOL
Absences can be submitted via MyPymble or by calling the relevant School Office, listed above.