From the Archives
A Historic Moment in Time – The Continuing Story of Pymble
A Melbourne Story
Many girls enter through the historic gates of Pymble to start their educational journey and when their school journey ends, they walk out of the gates one last time. But their Pymble journey doesn’t end there. Every Pymble girl then stays within the Pymble family, becoming a member of the Pymble Alumni.
With their schooling experience under their belt, our girls spread their wings. They experience travel, training, jobs and so many different paths. Some of them move overseas and around the world; some travel; some stay within Australia and some live literally around the corner … and some move a little further down the road and call Melbourne home.
Recently, a Melbourne–Pymble reunion was held, where any past student, at any age and stage of life, who resides in Melbourne and its environs, can come and catch up with their fellow alumni, crossing over boundaries of age, grade and era. This Melbourne tradition used to be held at individuals private homes, where stories, laughs and memories were shared, and from the very first one of these get-togethers, a ‘box’ (of sorts) was earmarked to be the reservoir for all things ‘Melbourne-Pymble’ to be kept.
This box isn’t really a box at all, but a make-up case. It dates back to the first ever such Melbourne gathering and has been passed to each convenor ever since. Within it resides a book and upon opening its cover, you will note it is a window to times past. Inside there are handwritten notes and newspaper clippings that have discoloured over time. Before the age of email, the internet and social media, a little advertisement would be placed in the newspaper … this was the only means by which Melbourne alumni could be notified that this event was planned. Each notice has been cut out and kept and has lived in this book ever since as a little treasure trove to times past.
The newspaper clippings list the full home address of the alumni who was hosting the reunion of that time, along with their phone number, for alumni to call and say that they would like to attend. This is so personal, so simple and reflective of much simpler times. There are also telegrams and lists of attendees where they have signed their name and dated it, including from the 1940s and many other decades.
Calling all Melbournians… Come along and join the Melbourne Merriment!
But this tradition outlined above is not just of the past. It is a long-standing tradition of connection and family and we would like to warmly invite our Victorian family to come along and be part of this story. Our Melbourne reunions are open to all Pymble Ladies’ College alumni who reside in Melbourne and its environs. They typically take place in August each year and are now held at the South Yarra Tennis Club with plenty of parking and delicious nibbles to enjoy.
Please reach out to Katrina Corcoran (Alumni Relations Manager) on kcorcoran@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au to be kept in the loop regarding this great opportunity to share, reminisce and connect with fellow Pymble alumni.
Reunions – Come and Continue the Story…
Our College Archives hold many a photo and record of reunions. These have been held since we started in 1916 and are held throughout each and every year. It’s never too late to come back and reconnect with your cohort and share a yarn at your next reunion. Spread the word to a friend and please update your details so you can be kept up-to-date with all things at the College.
Rounding out 2025
It’s been another busy year at the College and in Archives. Around the place, the heritage roses are in full bloom and the Colonnade verandah is now a place where students can sit at table and chairs and enjoy their lunch. I’ve been analysing our collection of photographs in preparation for our 110th birthday next year, our heritage furniture is being restored to its former glory, the Chapel still resounds with the sound of singing, the annual Speech Days have been held at which books are still awarded at prizes and so much more – the story of Pymble continues…
Please reach out to me at any time should you wish to share a Pymble memory. I look forward to meeting many more of you throughout 2026 and I hope you have a lovely Christmas.
Kate Murray
College Archivist
This article was written by Kate Murray
I am the Archivist of Pymble Ladies’ College; I officially started in this role on 30 January 2024
I reported to Sarah Loch, the Director of the Pymble Institute, for the first 2 years of my time at Pymble. At the end of 2025, the structure changed and I moved to report to Courtney Stanley, the Director of Community Engagement. I have always sat within the Community Engagement space in The John Reid Building (which previously housed the staff of the Junior School).
