General News
Jacaranda Day and Remembrance Day
Danielle Scott (2007) and Kyra Wheatley (2021) – Australian Winter Olympic Games
We are incredibly proud to celebrate two Pymble Alumni selected to represent Australia at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina.
Danielle Scott (Class of 2007) and Kyra Wheatley (Class of 2021) are among the 53 Australians named to the team, which also marks the largest proportion of women ever selected on an Australian Olympic team.
Aerial skier Danielle Scott, competing in her fourth Olympic Games, described her selection as “the best feeling in the world” and a reminder that athletes from Australia continue to defy expectations on the world stage. Her words reflect not only personal achievement, but the strength of Australia’s winter sports legacy and the next generation coming through.
Congratulations to Danielle for winning the Silver Medal in aerial skiing, an extraordinary achievement on the world stage and a moment that has inspired our entire community.
Leisel Page (2023) – Australian Rowing Team
As the world turned its eyes to the Olympic Games in February, our Junior School students were inspired by someone who knows what it takes to compete at the highest level.
We were delighted to welcome Pymble alumni and Australian rower Liesel Page to the College as part of the Olympics Unleashed program. Sharing her journey from student to elite athlete, Liesel spoke about dedication, resilience and the mindset required to represent Australia on the world stage. How fortunate our girls are to learn from incredible Alumni who continue to strive, compete and inspire!
Saskia Newman (2019) – Doctor of Medicine and Surgery Student at ANU
I recently returned from an unforgettable ENT Surgery elective at the National Hospital Kandy, Sri Lanka, under Dr SB Ethulgama, facilitated by Work the World.
I watched my first cochlear implant surgery and, together with the team — surgeons, nurses, audiologists, and patients’ families — reflected that this is just the beginning of the patient’s journey. It was incredibly special to witness and be part of that process. I was also privileged to share my experience as a cochlear implant recipient, connecting meaningfully with patients and local University of Peradeniya medical students.
While I didn’t see any Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI) surgeries, I met future recipients and am excited for the progress to come, with thousands of cochlear implantees and the start of the ABI program in Sri Lanka. I observed complex ENT surgeries and experienced the challenges of a high-volume, resource-limited surgical service, which offered incredible learning opportunities.
Back in Australia as a final-year ANU School of Medicine and Psychology student, I begin my Women’s Health and Newborn Care rotation at SAN in Sydney, before returning to Canberra Health Services to round out my year.
Australia Day 2026 Honours List
We are thrilled to announce that two of our alumni were recognised in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List:
Order of Australia – General Division Appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC):
Penelope Seidler AM (1955) – For distinguished service to the visual arts as an administrator, patron, and benefactor, to heritage preservation, to conservation, and to architecture.
“I was not, in any way, an outstanding student at PLC. I did not find my niche until later. At that time, art was not a subject that qualified for matriculation, so intellectually ambitious students did not pursue it. Fortunately, this has changed.
I was relatively aimless and so embarked on an Arts degree at Sydney University in 1957. It was electrifying — not so much because of what I learned in my formal studies, but because of the real education I received from other students. We would sit in Manning House for hours, drinking coffee and smoking (which was acceptable then), though never drinking alcohol. Brilliant minds such as Clive James and Robert Hughes explored every aspect of life. I managed to scrape by academically.
Soon I met my future husband, Harry Seidler, who was already a well-known architect. He convinced me to study architecture. On my twentieth birthday in 1958, we were married, and we went to Japan on our honeymoon. It was there that my love of architecture and art truly took hold.
My involvement in the architectural world has been entirely satisfying, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Wherever you go, buildings reveal so much about the culture and history of a place.
If I may offer any advice to young people, it is this: follow your interests, and while at school, explore as many different disciplines as possible. There is a future in whatever you genuinely enjoy. Perhaps you could begin today by looking at the buildings around you. Do they make sense? Do they look good? And what does “looking good” really mean? These are big questions. Start thinking about them — and good luck to all. I am still in wonder at the world!”
Penelope Seidler AO LFRAIA – Achitect NSW 2321
Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM):
Penelope Holden (1958) – For service to community history.
Calling our Pymble Cadet Alumni!
Pymble Cadet Alumni – can you help us shape the leaders of tomorrow?
As our Cadet Unit continues to flourish and set new benchmarks in youth leadership, we are reaching out to our talented Alumni community to be part of this exciting journey.
As the Pymble Ladies’ College Cadet Unit (PLCCU) continues to expand, we are pleased to invite expressions of interest from our esteemed Alumni to join our team—initially as Defence-approved Adult Helpers, with the opportunity to undertake additional training to progress towards becoming Officers of Cadets. The PLCCU remains Australia’s first independent all-female Cadet unit, and we take pride in the dynamic community and unique developmental opportunities it creates for our students.
With increased membership and ambitious plans for further growth, we are eager to welcome new staff members who can provide support, leadership, and supervision to our current cadets. As an Alumni, your experience and insight make you an ideal fit to inspire and nurture the next generation of leaders within our unit. Cadets experience is preferred but not essential.
About the Role
- We are seeking casual staff available to assist during our Monday afternoon parades (3.30pm to 5.30pm during term time).
- Additional support is also required during our two annual off-campus field camps (approximately 4–5 days each, typically commencing at the start of the April and December school holidays).
- There is further need for assistance at our three-day Promotions Course held on campus at the start of the June school holidays.
The primary responsibilities of these positions are to provide adult supervision, ensure the safe and effective running of activities, and offer guidance to the Cadets throughout their training, camps, and leadership development experiences.
Comprehensive training and ongoing guidance will be provided to ensure you are fully supported in your role. There will also be opportunities for further training and professional development as part of your involvement with the unit, including progression towards a formal Officer of Cadets position.
To become a Defence Adult Helper, you will be required to undergo the standard Defence vetting process, including Police and Working with Children checks.
This is a wonderful opportunity to help shape the leaders of tomorrow. Your contribution would strengthen our program and help ensure the continued success and positive impact of the PLCCU.
If you are interested in joining us or would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully welcoming you back to Pymble in this important capacity. For further details please contact Mrs Chris Boland, Co-curricular Activities Co-ordinator at armycadet@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or on 02 9497 7850.
NSW Local Women of the Year 2026 Recipients
Congratulations to the 2026 Local Women of the Year recipients. Each of these women has been nominated by their local Member of Parliament for their outstanding contribution to their electorate.
Prue Ritchie
Prue Ritchie is General Manager of Bourke and District Children’s Services, expanding the organisation with Connected Beginnings and an Indigenous Employment Strategy. Beyond work, Prue is active in governance and community organisations, including Contact Incorporated, the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association NSW and the Bourke Show Committee.
Dr Kristy Kostalas
Dr Kristy Kostalas is an advocate for community, patient and environmental wellbeing. As Founder of ToxTails, a charity gala that combines generosity, glamour and community spirit. Dr Kostalas has helped raise more than $180,000 for Liberty Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services to support women facing domestic violence on the Mid North Coast.
