Alumni Relations Manager Update

Mrs Katrina Corcoran (Hum 1987)

Alumni Relations Manager

From the Archives

The 110th anniversary year of Pymble Ladies’ College continues this term with a key milestone event in our story taking place.  I’ll share details about that in my piece here, plus some other news and updates from the Archives.

An exciting new College building opens!

A milestone event in the current Masterplan of Pymble Ladies’ College was completed this year. This is a state-of-the-art building which has affectionately been known by its working-title name of ‘Grey House Precinct’.

Board members, donors, special guests, staff and some students gathered on a cold night of torrential rain to celebrate the opening of this amazing structure – the biggest building that has ever opened on campus. It is the first teaching building to have opened at Pymble in 10 years. 

On the opening night, the official name of this building was revealed – the Hunter and Vicars Centre. This name pays tribute to two very important Pymble families, members of whom both spoke on the night. Some insights into their family stories are below, and will appear on the plaques in the new building:

The Hunter Family

In recognition of the outstanding leadership and dedication of Mr James Hunter 

James Hunter’s legacy of visionary leadership at Pymble began in 2011, when he engaged our community and undertook extensive global research on the future of education to design and implement our strategic plan, Towards 2020 – Striving for the Highest. 

Appointed as a member of the Pymble Ladies’ College Council in 2013, and Chair of Council from 2017, James led the College for six years, including two years of unprecedented disruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to leading the College through ‘lockdown’, he oversaw the establishment of our Watch Us Change the World strategic plan 2021-2030, the Pymble Foundation Board, a comprehensive master plan for 2023-2029 for the construction of numerous new facilities including this centre, and the annual Alumni Networking event which provides a lifetime of mentoring support for all Pymble graduates. 

James was also instrumental in the acquisition of Vision Valley as the dedicated site for our K-12 outdoor learning continuum. 

A major milestone was achieved in 2020, when James led the incorporation of the College as a public company, following which the Pymble Ladies’ College Council became the Pymble Ladies’ College Board. This strategic and historic initiative secured Pymble’s long-term future and strengthened our relationship with the Uniting Church in Australia as a school of the UCA. 

This centre is co-named for James, with our gratitude for his generous gift of time, expertise and service to the College, and in recognition of his wife, Katrina Hunter (Maude,1983), and their daughter, Dr Alexandra Hunter (2015), both of whom we proudly claim as Pymble Alumni

The Hunter family, at the opening of the new Hunter and Vicars Centre, 2026 

The Vicars Family

In recognition of the distinguished, long-standing service of the Vicars family 

The Vicars family’s long and distinguished association with Pymble began with Robert Vicars serving on the inaugural College Council from 1916 and his eldest daughter, Mollie Jeffrey (Vicars, 1917), enrolled as a foundation student. Robert remained on the Council for 29 years, including two separate terms as Chairman. During his time on the Council, his five daughters graduated from the College. 

Robert’s son, Jack, followed in his father’s footsteps to serve on the College Council from 1944 to 1969 and as Chairman for 15 consecutive years from 1946. Jack’s daughters, Jean Single (Vicars,1952) and Susan White (Vicars, 1958), also attended Pymble, as did their daughters, Jane Kessler (Single, 1982) and Megan White (1984). 

Continuing the family’s dedicated contribution to the College, Jack’s son, John, became the third generation to join the Council, from 1969 to 1976, and John and Sa’s daughter, Susannah Walter (Vicars, 1992), also attended Pymble. 

As owners of Vicars Woollen Mills in Marrickville, the Vicars family developed the Black Watch tartan cloth for the College uniform. 

This building is co-named for the Vicars, with our deepest appreciation for generations of service to our community and the treasured relationship that continues today through the many members of the Vicars family.

The Vicars family, at the opening of the new Hunter and Vicars Centre, 2026 

The building

The new Hunter and Vicars Centre is home to some amazing facilities at the College, including contemporary facilities for a wide range of learning, wellbeing and performance activities. It includes:

• Dance Centre – six studios including one performance space with retractable seating
• Health and Wellbeing facilities
• Early Years School
• Outside School Hours Care
• Year 5 and 6 classrooms and learning spaces
• Expanded STEM facilities

Photos of the building are included in the Principal’s artticle, which can be viewed here.

History of ‘Grey House’

In a previous Alumni Newsletter (Term 3, 2025), I shared some information about the history of ‘Grey House’, from which Grey House Precinct got its working-title name. Click this link below if you would like to see some of the historic images of the original Grey House residence on Pymble Avenue and the early days of the College … From the Archives – Pymble Alumni Newsletter.

Anzac Day 2026 – Do you remember the Comforts Fund?

The students of the College gathered in the gym to commemorate Anzac Day 2026, complete with the Pymble Chorale, the Pymble Cadets, Pymble board member Rear Admiral Lee Goddard, CSC, QM and some special guests including some of our beloved Alumni.

In her Anzac Day speech, Principal Kate Hadwen referred to various Pymble, war-related elements including the Comforts Fund and the role that Pymble played in supporting the Comforts Fund initiatives. This included Pymble girls knitting squares which were then sewn together to make blankets which were sent to soldiers overseas. One of our special guest Alumni at our Anzac Day ceremony this year recalled knitting squares for this program long ago, during her time as a young student at Pymble. She described her knitting as ‘wonky’! But it was, nonetheless, used and sewn together to form part of a blanket – as part of the Comforts Fund.  It was wonderful to see these elements of history come to life through lived experience and the recollections of our Alumni. 

Do you remember the Comforts Fund and were you a part of it as a schoolgirl? Please share your stories with us!

From the Archives Collection

An advert, 1941

The Archives of the College are a treasure trove of items that collectively tell the story of our school. In a search I was conducting, I came across this snippet of an advertisement for the College from 1941. It appeared in the publication ‘The Pastoral Review and Grazier’s Record’ (an Australian agricultural and livestock publication that operated from 1891 to 1977. It was a monthly journal related to pastoral and agricultural issues across Australia and New Zealand).

Of note is the information contained therein, which was deemed to be ‘promotion worthy’ to paint the College in the best light at that time. This includes the listing of: ‘Complete Domestic Science and Home Course’ (an attractive and reasonable offering at the time). And in order to receive a College application, a person was required to make contact with ‘the Principal or the Secretary at the Presbyterian Church Offices, Jamieson Street, Sydney’. That seems very official compared to today’s digital processes, with everything on hand simply at the touch of a finger.

This ad, from 1941, was promoted in a time when the attack on Pearl Harbour had occurred, with Australia declaring war on Japan. Closer to home, a new science block was opened at the College during this year and new clubs were established including Leadership, Music Appreciation, Art Appreciation, and more.

It is interesting to look back on times so different from today, but which are part of our many layered story – the story of Pymble.

Ornate, historic chairs

As I mentioned, our Archives really are a treasure trove that document the story of this magnificent school. It is made up of letters and cards and brochures, plans and drawings and documents; a truly vast array of items including furniture. In the last Alumni newsletter, I mentioned some restoration work I had done on some of our furniture collection. And now, I’d like to share some other chairs.

These chairs were featured on stage at many Speech Days and other important occasions at the College. They were gifted to the College by the McIlrath family*.

These are part of the collection of Pymble Ladies’ College and I am wondering … do you remember these chairs? Do you recall seeing them at school, perhaps at a Speech Day or some other such important occasion?

Share your stories with us!

*The McIlrath family have had a long connection to the College. Here are some insights into their relationship with Pymble:

The McIlrath family, prominent Sydney merchants and philanthropists (McIlraths Ltd), were major benefactors and leaders at Pymble Ladies’ College. Their 40-year connection with the College spanned governance, property endowments, and facility funding, culminating in the construction of key campus buildings and the gift of a campus in Turramurra.

Their extensive connection to the College includes: 

• Campus Buildings & Endowments: The McIlrath family heavily funded major campus infrastructure. In 1938, they helped fund the Gillespie-McIlrath House – the first endowed building on campus, containing seven classrooms and a principal’s residence. They also funded the McIlrath Library in 1953, beneath which the College War Memorial Chapel was built in 1956. 

• Leadership: Sir Martin McIlrath was a highly influential figure and Chairman of the College Council. He helped guide the school through its mid-20th-century expansion alongside early principals like Miss Dorothy Knox.  

• The “Ingleholme” Campus: In 1959, the College purchased Ingleholme in Turramurra from Lady McIlrath. This former residence of Sir Martin McIlrath, designed by architect Sir John Sulman, was gifted/sold to the College to establish an additional Junior School.  

• Awards: The McIlrath name remains permanently tied to academic excellence at the College through the Martin McIlrath Memorial Prize. 

Student drawing

‘PLC Four phases of school life in hats 1946’ – 001

This is a drawing by a past student of the College, penned in 1946. This was a time when the College had turned 30 years old and there were 700 students enrolled. It was a year that saw Martin McIlrath (this family name was mentioned in reference to the ornate chairs, above) complete his time as Chairman of the College Council and Mr Jack Vicars was appointed as the new Chairman (our new building is named after the Vicars family, who have had a long association with the College). It was also the year that the Duchess of Gloucester visited Pymble, after which our beloved jacaranda tree was planted (on 25 February 1947).

This student describes her creation she has drawn as the four phases of school life, that she has represented with hats. It’s interesting that it was drawn reflecting the summer hat and therefore, the quintessential tam-o-shanter hat worn in winter for many years at Pymble was not featured. 

I wonder whether you created drawings of your time at Pymble? Today’s students would no doubt create images created with technology rather than pen, perhaps.

The College continues to nurture and educate the leaders of tomorrow, but our foundations and history are ever present. I hope you have enjoyed these small insights into just some of the current archives and history-related happenings at your school today.

Yours in history …

Kate Murray
College Archivist

Where are they now?

Amber Sherlock (Higlett, 1993) 

I started at Pymble in Kindergarten in 1980 and remained a proud day girl until graduating in 1993. 

My years at Pymble were incredibly happy ones. In fact, I lived next door to the school, so I suspect some of the teachers thought I was a boarder because I seemed to be there all the time. Whether it was classes, sport, rehearsals, performances or extracurricular activities, I embraced every opportunity on offer. 

I was fortunate to learn from inspiring teachers who nurtured both my curiosity and creativity. I loved learning, but it was the performing arts that truly captured my imagination. I threw myself into every play, musical, dance production and performance opportunity available, learned several musical instruments and loved to sing. 

Sport was also a big part of my school life. I competed in athletics and played hockey, but by high school my focus increasingly shifted towards the arts. From Year 7 through to Year 12, I was a member of the Rock Eisteddfod dance troupe, and in my final year I was honoured to be named Captain of Performing Arts. 

English was always my favourite subject and sparked a lifelong love of writing and storytelling. After graduating from Pymble, I completed a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at the University of Technology Sydney. My first role was in the Channel Seven newsroom, researching and presenting news and lifestyle segments. Soon after, I combined my passion for journalism with my love of skiing by becoming a snow reporter in Thredbo, delivering daily snow reports for television audiences around Australia. 

I later moved into financial journalism, working for the Commonwealth Bank and CommSec, before spending several years in London as a journalist with ABN AMRO Mellon. On returning to Australia, I relocated to Canberra to host a Channel 10 news and current affairs program. From there, I joined Sky News as a newsreader and business presenter before moving to Channel Nine as a finance reporter, where the next chapter of my career would unfold. 

Over the next 18 years, I had the privilege of working across many of Nine’s flagship news and current affairs programs, including Today, Weekend Today and Nine News. I worked as a reporter, finance presenter, newsreader and weather presenter, and spent a decade as part of Sydney’s number one-rated 6pm news team alongside Peter Overton and James Bracey. 

Today, I have embarked on a new chapter, working independently as a writer, podcast host, media trainer and MC. It has been an exciting opportunity to build my own business while continuing to do what I enjoy most: communicating, storytelling and connecting with people. 

I still live on Sydney’s North Shore with my husband and our two children, aged 12 and 16. One of the greatest gifts from my years at Pymble has been the friendships that have endured long after graduation. Several of my closest school friends remain an important part of my life today, and it is especially rewarding to see our own children now spending time together and forming friendships of their own. 

Looking back, many of the skills and passions that have shaped my career were first nurtured at Pymble, and I remain grateful for the opportunities, friendships and sense of community that began there. 

Jemili Boutros (2014) 

Hello! My name is Jemili, and I had the privilege to graduate from Pymble Ladies’ College in 2014. You could call me a travel bug; I’m usually found in the aisle seat of a plane. So, it wasn’t much of a surprise to anyone when I traded my HSC notes for a one-way ticket to the U.S. My objective was simple: to attend a prestigious university and to build my career out here in the States. Taking that bet on myself meant navigating the hardships of the unknown and building a community from scratch, all while staying locked on my north star goal. I’m happy to say the leap paid off, leading me to a role at one of the world’s largest tech companies and a life in Los Angeles that I absolutely love. 

I left Sydney when I was eighteen. I remember when I first touched down at LAX feeling an immediate, inexplicable sense of home. It’s cliché to say all these years later, especially since our year’s HSC English topic was on “Belonging”, but I digress. I had no university enrolment lined up, no job, just pure determination and excitement and a lot of work to do.  

Not only was the first challenge navigating a new country and city, but it was also deciphering the American college system. From selecting a major to auditing credits, I had to learn fast because time and money were on the line. While I had help along the way, I quickly realized I was the only person accountable for the outcome. This experience forced me to grow up fast, I had to become my own researcher, advocate, and strategist. Trusting my gut paid off because after two years at community college, I was accepted to transfer to my dream school: Pepperdine University. This is where I finally felt a true momentum shift. Here, I found a community I was longing for, was living on a beautiful campus (you’ve likely seen snippets of it on Zoey101), and finally felt like I was really starting to thrive. 

In 2019, I graduated with a BA in Integrated Marketing Communication, a degree that balanced the three pillars of advertising, marketing, and PR. My interest in this field was sparked by my father where I heard him growing up speak about the magic of the creative process and inspired me to find my own path at the intersection of strategy and business. I walked across that stage armed with internships, strong grades, and a unique international perspective. I was certain I’d land my first full-time role in no time! 

I was wrong. 

I soon learned a lesson that I think is vital for every Pymble girl to hear: success is rarely a straight line. Six months went by and I was interviewing every week with different companies. I experienced every stage of the process, from promising phone calls to final back-to-back interviews, only to be met with ‘no’ or silence. It was a shocking and humbling season, but looking back, those months were a masterclass in professional patience. I learned how to handle rejection and how to stay ready for the right opportunity when it finally appeared. 

Then, a phone call from a dear friend changed everything. She reached out to me about an opening at a rapidly growing tech platform, and although it was a departure from the traditional path I had envisioned, I recognized the incredible potential of the creator economy. I decided to lean into the opportunity and secured a role in the Trust and Safety division at TikTok. That was nearly seven years ago, and I’m happy to say I’m still waiting for the last day of that first job. It has proven to be an incredibly fast-paced and challenging environment, and what a way to kickstart my career. 

It goes without saying that your choices lead you to where you’ll end up. At eighteen, graduating from Pymble, I couldn’t have dreamed this would be the outcome from all of my hard work! If I could tell my 18-year-old this would be her story, I don’t think she’d believe it. But that is the power of persistence and grit, it compounds over time. When you stay the course, you eventually look back and realise you’ve built something meaningful. 

And as we started, we will end with another truism, the beauty of life really is in the journey, not the destination. So, with that, some final advice I think is worth sharing whether you’re a diligent “Type A” planner or someone grappling with the weight of uncertainty: 

Don’t be the one to say no to yourself, leave that for someone else to do that for you. 

Be flexible on your path forward and how you get there, be stubborn on your goal. 

Discomfort is just the byproduct of being a beginner. Keep showing up until the struggle turns into a strength. 

Make sure to wear sunscreen every day. 

Remember to have some fun every now and then, because really, that’s the point. 

General News

Celebrating 100 years of Goodlet House 

In April, our Boarders came together to mark the 100th anniversary of the Goodlet House Foundation Stone with a special evening of reflection and celebration. With dinner on the verandah, the ringing of the Goodlet bell and a beautiful cake to share, it was a meaningful way to honour a place that has been home to generations of Pymble girls. 

The evening captured the friendship and sense of belonging that continue to define Goodlet House today. A heartfelt poem paid tribute to its history, while our Boarders also wrote letters to past students, creating a special connection between those who have called Goodlet House their home across the past 100 years. 

A joyful and memorable celebration of community, tradition and the stories that continue to shape Pymble 

Entries are now open for the 2026 Pymble Values Art Prize!  

Pymble Ladies’ College invites female artists across Australia to submit to this $30,000 acquisitive art prize celebrating creativity, courage and the power of artistic expression. 

Established to honour women in the arts and champion the values at the heart of our College, the prize offers a significant platform for female Australian artists, culminating in an exhibition of finalists in November. 

We invite artists to share their vision and be part of this growing cultural conversation. 

Submit your artwork via the link here. 

From the paddock to the front page 

Pymble alumni, Gabby Neal (2012), was recently featured on the cover of The Land, Australia’s leading national rural newspaper, recognising her journey building her Merino wool label, INTACT. 

Raised in Condobolin and part of a proud Pymble family legacy, Gabby’s path has taken her from studying Visual Art and Textiles & Design at school, to Radiation Physics, and ultimately into fashion design, working across Sydney and New York before returning home to regional NSW. 

Today, she balances life across industries, working in regional tourism while growing INTACT, a brand born from a desire to champion Australian Merino wool as a natural, sustainable and everyday fibre. 

Her journey reflects a powerful message: that creativity, resilience and innovation are often shaped by diverse experiences. From farm life to fashion, Gabby continues to draw on her unique perspective to build a brand with purpose, supporting Australian wool growers and redefining the future of fashion. 

Generations Morning Tea 

In April we had the pleasure of hosting our annual Mothers, Grandmothers and Great-Grandmothers’ Morning Tea, a special celebration of the generations of women connected through Pymble. 

It was wonderful to welcome Alumni back to the College alongside their daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters, sharing stories, memories and the unique bond that spans generations of Pymble girls. 

From reconnecting with old friends to making new connections, the morning was a beautiful reminder of the strength of our community and the traditions that continue to bring us together. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the morning so special. 

Congratulations to Alumni, Grace Whyte (2023) on her selection in the 2026–27 Australian Diamonds Squad. 

Since graduating from Pymble, Grace has continued to make her mark on the national stage, progressing through the NSW Swifts pathway and establishing herself as an exciting young talent in Australian netball. Her hard work, determination and outstanding performances have earned her this well-deserved opportunity to represent Australia. 

We are incredibly proud of all you have achieved, Grace, and look forward to following the next chapter of your journey. 

Honouring our ANZAC’s 

On the first day back to Term 2, our College community came together to mark ANZAC Day with a commemorative assembly. 

Through reflection and remembrance, students honoured the dedication, fortitude and sacrifice of those who have served our country. The ceremony provided a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect and recognise the enduring significance of this day in our national story. 

We extend our thanks to our Alumni who joined us for this important occasion. 

Lest we forget. 

Jersey Day 2026 

Jersey Day holds a special place in the heart of our Boarding community. 

Each year, we come together to honour the memory of three beloved Boarders, Alanda Clark, Jane Gay and Prudence Papworth, who tragically lost their lives in 1993 while travelling home for the June long weekend. 

More than a day of remembrance, Jersey Day is a celebration of the friendships, support and lifelong connections that make Boarding such a special part of the Pymble experience. It is a reminder to cherish one another and the strong sense of community that continues to unite generations of Boarders.

National Boarding Week  

In May we celebrated National Boarding Week at the College.  This was a vibrant celebration of the culture, traditions, memories and connections that make our Boarding community so special. From friendly lunchtime competitions and shared meals to music, fundraising and community spirit, the week brought Boarders and day girls together in a celebration of belonging and Pymble pride. 

With 138 Boarders calling Pymble home, it was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the rich heritage, diversity and friendships that continue to shape life in Boarding. 

Thank you to our Boarding students, parents and staff who all play a significant role in our community.  

2026 Alumni Networking Event

In early June, Pymble Alumni gathered at Ivy Sunroom for our 2026 Alumni Networking Event, an evening dedicated to connection, conversation and growth. 

Centred around this year’s theme, Driving Growth, the event brought together graduates across generations and industries to share experiences, exchange ideas and strengthen the power of the Pymble network. 

A highlight of the evening was our incomparable MC Felicity McVay (1995) and expert panellist Danielle Scott (2007), Jasmine Logaraj (2010), and Danielle Kelly (1987), who all shared honest insights on navigating career opportunities, challenges and change. Their stories sparked meaningful conversations that continued well beyond the panel discussion. 

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a vibrant and engaging evening. It was wonderful to see Pymble Alumni reconnecting, building new relationships and supporting one another through the strength of our community. 

We look forward to welcoming you to future Alumni events. 

The Big Reveal – Official Opening of the Hunter and Vicars Centre!  

The Pymble community recently came together to celebrate the official opening of our new teaching and learning spaces. 

The purpose-built Hunter and Vicars Centre provides exceptional facilities including new Year Five and Six classrooms, a STEM Lab, Dance Centre, Health and Wellbeing Centre, Out of School Hours Care and a beautiful new Early Years School for boys and girls aged 3 months to 5 years. 

The focus is on providing a breadth of opportunities for our girls to explore, make and create! Each space has been designed with great care and in consultation with girls and teachers, to draw on their ideas and experiences in shaping this amazing learning precinct. 

Partnering with a team of specialist architects and builders, we have brought to life, world-class facilities to meet the needs and aspirations of our current students, and those of Pymble girls in the future. 

Our community shared in a joyous evening, including a moving First Nations smoking ceremony, heartfelt (and humorous) speeches, and after the formalities our guests were able to explore and enjoy student-led demonstrations and displays. 

Why is this important? Because the places where our young women are educated, shape who they become in the future. 

Better, Together – Passionate Teachers, Talented Students, Exceptional Results

Reunions and Events – Reunion Recap

Class of 2001 – 25 Year Reunion  

On 28 March, the Class of 2001 returned to the grounds of Pymble.  

Within minutes, the years fell away. What struck us most was how little effort it took. Pymble has its own kind of bond, and the laughter that comes is unlike anything else. 

The school tour was a highlight, seeing the grounds through adult eyes brought a mix of pride and nostalgia. We were always told how fortunate we were to attend Pymble. It’s only with hindsight that you truly grasp it, not just for the grounds and facilities, but for the friendships formed along the way. 

Ness Ballauff  

London Reunion

On a lovely warm day last Sunday, with views overlooking St Paul’s, London, 16 “old girls” met for lunch. The only thing in common was that we had all been educated at Pymble Ladies’ College. Leaving years ranged from 1973 to 2025, but that certainly did not stop the conversation flowing. 

Kirsten Dunlop (1987), visiting from where she lives in The Netherlands, suggested introducing ourselves by describing a link between where we are now and school. The overarching theme was feeling empowered by Pymble to achieve whatever we wanted to achieve regardless of boundaries, as well as a sense of confidence. New friendships and connections were forged and the lunch could definitely be deemed a success with many thanks to Katrina Corcoran, Alumni Relations Manager, for organising it. 

Quote from Gai (1973) who attended: “What an impressive collection of smart, gracious, thoughtful and professional young women, working in a wide variety of fields, finishing off studies or just starting out on the next phase of their life after Pymble. Times have changed a great deal since 1973 but the values of courtesy, grace and refinement were evident in every one of the young women I met today.”

Fiona Schreuder (Hayman, 1986) 

ESU President Update

Dr Rowena Ditzell (1986)

ESU President

2026 Reunions and Events

UPCOMING REUNIONS AND COLLEGE EVENTS

Sunday 26 July – Commemoration Day Service 

Tuesday 18 August – 110th College Anniversary Opera House Concert  

Saturday 5 September – 1991 – 35 Year Reunion 

Saturday 12 September – 1961 – 65 Year Reunion 

Saturday 12 September – 2011 – 15 Year Reunion 

Saturday 19 September – Garden Party 

Saturday 26 September – Ex-Goodlet Boarder sleepover celebrating 100 Years of Goodlet House 

Saturday 10 October – 2021 – 5 Year Reunion 

Sunday 11 October – Melbourne Reunion 

Friday 16 October – 2006 – 20 Year Reunion 

Saturday 17 October – 2016 – 10 Year Reunion 

Saturday 24 October – 1996 – 30 Year Reunion 

Saturday 7 November – 1986 – 40 Year Reunion 

Saturday 14 November – 1976 – 50 Year Reunion 

Saturday 21 November – 1971 – 55 Year Reunion 

Ex-Student Tours

Are you interested in visiting your old school grounds for a walk down memory lane? Every term we hold our much-loved Ex-Student Tours where our former students tour the campus, share some funny stories along the way and discover how much the College has grown and changed since they left.

If you would like to join one of our Ex-Student Tours in 2026, please email our Alumni Relations Manager, Katrina Corcoran, at kcorcoran@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au to secure your spot.

From the Principal

Welcome to the second edition of Jacaranda Post for 2026.  

Mr Raymond here (Deputy Principal Students), standing in for Dr Hadwen, who is taking some leave to care for her family. She sends you her love and best wishes. It’s my great pleasure to share some news since we were last in touch with you at the end of Term 1.  

Firstly, this year’s Alumni Networking Event in May was a great success. Thanks to feedback from alumni who have attended many of these over the years, the evening was re-engineered as a smaller, more intimate gathering to hear some words of wisdom and maximise actual networking time. A huge thank you to our incredible MC Felicity McVay (1995) and panelists Danielle Kelly (1987), Danielle Scott (2007) and Jasmine Logaraj (2010) for so generously sharing their stories and advice. Suffice to say, these four outstanding women not only read the room but they owned it too. 
 
May also saw the opening of our new building, formerly known as Grey House Precinct, now officially designated the Hunter and Vicars Centre. The new name honours our former Chair of the Board, Mr James Hunter, and the Vicars family, who have been part of our history since the College opened in 1916. Again, it was great to have several Pymble Alumni join us for this historic occasion and to see firsthand how the new facilities have become game-changers in the best possible way for our students, families and staff. On that note, shout-out to our Board member, Li-Enn Koo (1990) for stepping up as MC for the evening at the last minute – she did a stellar job, made more impressive as it was with just a few hours’ notice.  

The main entrance of the Hunter and Vicars Centre is between Goodlet Boarding House on the right and the back of the Junior School on the left.

Our new Early Years School, which opens on July 13 for girls and boys from 6 months to 5 years, is headed up by our former Head of Preparatory School, Mrs Karen Ahearn.

An indoor slide, climbing wall and stunning movie theatre are just some of the highlights of our new Out of School Hours Care Centre, run by Ms Fi Stevenson.

Our Head of Dance, Miss Cluff is over the moon about our new Dance Centre, with six studios, performance space and seating for 100, whiz-bang multimedia technology and outdoor warm-up area. 

New classrooms for Years 5 and 6 and a STEM Lab are a dream come true for the Junior School.

On the top level, with views of treetops and our beautiful campus, sits our Health and Wellbeing Centre, making visits to our nurses and psychological services team much more relaxed and discreet. 

The third piece of news you may be interest to hear is the launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to coincide with National Reconciliation Week. 

Our RAP chronicles the College’s 20-year, ongoing journey towards reconciliation, including the establishment of our First Nations Scholarship Program back in 2007 by former Principal, Mrs Gillian Moore AO, and former Chair of College Council, Mrs Kate Mason. Our plan is to update this each year with additional stories and reflections from our First Nations Scholars, students who learn alongside them, and staff who take responsibility for implementing the 27 actions we commit to as a respectful and inclusive school community.  

Just before I sign off, a friendly reminder that tickets for our 110th birthday concert at the Opera House go on sale at 9.00am on Thursday 25 June. Featuring 700 students from Kindergarten to Year 12, Odyssey: The Journey Illuminated celebrates 110 years of courage, creativity and community. You’re all part of the story and we hope to see you there. 

Introducing our new Early Years’ School

Our new Early Years School (EYS), is now an officially approved child care service provider. We are currently accepting enrolments from interested families.

The Early Years School will operate as a long day care service for boys and girls from 3 months to 6 years, Monday to Friday from 7:00am – 6:30 pm for 48 weeks each year. The intention of the EYS is to support our Pymble staff, families, and the local community by providing high quality learning and care during this crucial period of child development. The philosophy of the EYS is reflective of our College values, defined by a play-based curriculum, and supportive of experiences to foster social and emotional growth.

If you haven’t already, please complete a formal Expression of Interest form to have your child/children’s name listed on our EYS waiting list. There is no fee to place your child’s name on the waiting list.

We are contacting families who have already submitted an expression of interest (in order of submission date) to discuss your child’s/children’s formal enrolment application.

If you are interested in touring the Early Years School, please book here.

Karen Ahearn Head of Pymble Early Years School earlyyearsadmin@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

110th Birthday Concert, Odyssey: The Journey Illuminated

For countless generations, the land on which Pymble Ladies’ College now stands was a place of gathering, story and song for the Darramuragal people of the Eora nation.

Today, Pymble students, learn, find their voice and map their own journey on this Country.

It is on this Country that we warmly invite you to join us in celebrating a truly special milestone for our College – our 110th Birthday Concert, Odyssey: The Journey Illuminated, to be held at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 6.30pm.

Tickets are priced at $95.00 per person and must be purchased through the Sydney Opera House Box Office.

Secure your tickets at Odyssey: The Journey Illuminated.

Odyssey: The Journey Illuminated invites our audience into an extraordinary world where music, movement, and storytelling converge in one breathtaking celebration. With over 700 students from Kindergarten to Year 12 taking to the stage, students will guide you through a rich and luminous journey across the full spectrum of the performing arts.

This is more than a concert. It is a celebration of 110 years of courage, creativity and community, and shaping young women’s lives, in one unforgettable performance.

Audience members requiring mobility access, companion seating, or any other accessibility assistance are encouraged to contact the Sydney Opera House Box Office (9250 7777). The Box Office team will be happy to advise on the most suitable seating options and ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible.

Should you experience any difficulties with your booking, please direct your enquiry to the Sydney Opera House Box Office.

We are very much looking forward to sharing what promises to be a truly memorable evening with you.

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