House spirit is thriving at Pymble

A warm hello from all of us here at your College.

I’m wondering if you have heard the news that we now have all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 inducted into one of eight spirit Houses – plus eight fabulous new House mottos, emblems and banners to match, designed in collaboration with our students, of course! You may recall, our eight Houses were previously Secondary-only, while K-6 had their own unique set of four. It’s wonderful to see all our girls, from youngest to oldest, building their cross-College connections and sense of belonging through an increasing array of House-based activities, carnivals and friendly competitions – some new, and some I’m sure you remember from your own time at Pymble.

House spirit is now well and truly a whole-school thing at Pymble, for all staff members, too. In the past, only academic staff were allocated to Houses; however, on our upcoming staff day at the end of Term 2, we will be allocating all staff to a House group, which is exciting.

The concept of ‘belonging’ has been on my mind lately for several reasons and especially after seeing this great clip from one of my favourite thought leaders, researcher and author Brene Brown. In the clip, Brene says: “I was so shocked to learn in the research that the opposite of belonging is fitting in…True belonging never asks us to change who we are, it demands that we be who we are…If we fit in because of how we have changed ourselves, that’s not belonging – because you betrayed yourself for other people and that’s not sustainable.”

My hope is that you know you always belong in our Pymble family, just as you are, and that we continue to connect with you via our ESU and College events throughout the years.

Supporting our alumni in their careers

On that note, a huge thank you to all those who recently attended our third annual Alumni Networking Event dedicated to supporting our ex-students to achieve success in their careers post-Pymble. Held each year at KPMG at Barangaroo, this event aims to benefit our younger alumni, as they progress through different stages of their careers, by giving them access to experienced mentors and role models in our community and helping to grow their professional networks and opportunities. A highlight of the event is hearing from a panel of inspiring Pymble alumni, who discuss topical issues for women in the workplace and share their knowledge, experience and careers advice. This year, we were grateful to learn from: 

• Evie Murdoch (2012), Associate Director, KPMG Australia
• Hester Leung (1993), Chief Operating Officer, My Specialised Accommodation Solutions
• Melanie Kurzydlo (2001), Executive Manager for Project Management, AAP Group Limited
• Fiona Walmsley (1996), General Manager for Climate and Environment, Woolworths Group
• Cristina Carter (2012), Senior Manager Partnerships, Westpac

A heartfelt thank you to all those who came along in the capacity as either mentee or mentor, and to Evie, Hester, Melanie, Fiona and Cristina for being so open and generous in sharing their advice.

Please enjoy this clip of Melanie Kurzydlo (Cowlishaw, 2001) sharing her thoughts on the importance of mentors – hopefully, it will inspire you to sign up for next year (see below)! 

Help us build our mentor base for 2024

Just as we continue to grow and enhance our programs and experiences for current students at the College, so too are we committed to developing our post-school careers support to be even bigger, better, and more beneficial for our alumni. To that extent, we are now actively recruiting a Pymble Mentors Group ahead of our next Alumni Networking Event scheduled for May 2024.

We appreciate that May is a long time away, and that things may change for you between now and then, however, we are keen to start building our mentor group now to ensure we provide a rich diversity of experienced mentors at our 2024 event.

If you, or someone you know and respect, are keen to support women in the workplace by attending our 2024 Alumni Networking Event as a mentor to a Pymble graduate studying, working or aspiring to work in a similar or related field or profession to yours, please register your interest by contacting our Alumni Engagement Manger, Katrina Corcoran, at kcorcoran@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au and we will be in touch with further details.

Thank you in advance for your support of our Pymble women in the workplace. #WatchUsChangeTheWorldTogether.

An appeal for the future of Pymble

In the previous edition of your Jacaranda Post, we announced the formation of our new Pymble Foundation and Board to lead and manage philanthropy among our community.  The focus of the Board is to inspire investment in the people, places and programs that will assist our students in their journey to become compassionate and influential young women who have the hearts, minds and skillset to make the world a better place.

Since then, you would have received communications from the Foundation about our inaugural Annual Appeal; this aims to raise funds to enable the College to offer more means-tested scholarships to deserving students as well as support our exciting building program.

In case you missed the initial email, you can click on the image below for more information about our Annual Appeal 2023 and how you can join others in our community in making a difference to the lives of our current and future students. Of course, the end of the financial year is an ideal time to give a tax-deductible gift; we thank you in advance for considering supporting this appeal and the future of our wonderful College.

Dr Kate Hadwen
Principal

Annual Appeal 2023 – Closing this Friday

The support Pymble families offer not only their daughter/s but also the College is second to none, and we are truly grateful to have such a kind, caring and compassionate community.

As per our recent email,  we are inviting you to join others in making a difference to the lives of our current and future students by giving a tax-deductible donation to Pymble Ladies’ College by 30 June for our 2023 Annual Appeal.

Your gift will support students through our Pymble Foundation Bursary Program (means-tested scholarships) or our Building Fund to help us bring our vision for the future of our learning environments to life.

Please click here to make a donation, and thank you for considering a gift to our Annual Appeal to help change the world, together. 

News From the Pymble Alumni Team

It’s hard to believe that we are heading into the second half of the year already! Semester 2 is a very busy time for the College and we have many events and reunions planned, as you would have read on the front page of this newsletter. If you are interested in attending any of these events please check out our website or contact me at kcorcoran@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au

A reminder that applications for the ESU Scholarship for 2025 are open until 4 August 2023. This scholarship provides 50 per cent remission of tuition fees for a student entering Year 11 in 2025 who is the daughter or granddaughter of an ex-student of the College. Candidates can be a current Year 9 Pymble student or a new student to the College entering Year 11 in 2025.

Please put Saturday 16 September in your calendars for this year’s Garden Party. It may well be our biggest Garden Party yet and I look forward to reconnecting with you there!

On Saturday 14 October Pymble will host the Foundation Ball at the Art Gallery of NSW. We invite you to enjoy an unforgettable evening at this stunning venue as part of the Pymble Foundation’s ongoing philanthropy program, supporting students through the Bursary Program (means-tested scholarships) or Building Fund. These initiatives help us bring our vision for the future of our learning environments to life and enable Pymble to remain a world leader in educating girls and young women. Please mark the date in your calendar; we will share more information in the coming weeks. 

We do try our best to keep across the news and success of ex-Pymble girls but if you have any stories or updates you would like to submit to this newsletter and share with your alumni, we welcome you to do so. If you have any questions or would like to contribute, please contact me at kcorcoran@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or on +61 2 9855 7304.  

All’ Ultimo Lavoro. 

Mrs Katrina Corcoran (Hum, 1987)

Alumni Relations Manager

ESU President Update

It’s hard to believe that another busy term has flown by and we’re approaching the half way point of this year. The highlight for this term for the Ex-Students’ Union was undoubtedly our major Alumni networking event, held on 18 May at the beautiful KPMG offices at Barangaroo.  The aim of the event is to facilitate connection between Pymble graduates aged between 18 and 35 years, as well as current year 12 students by enabling mentoring connections and networking opportunities to be built with the more experienced members of our Pymble community. This is the third time this event has been held and the ESU was proud to host this event in partnership with the College.

It was a pleasure to participate in the panel discussion to kick off the evening alongside my fellow panellists Melanie Kurzydlo (Cowlishaw 2001, Executive Manager Project Management, AAP Group Limited), Cristina Carter (2012, Senior Manager Partnerships Westpac), and Hester Leung (1993, Chief Operating Officer My Specialised Accommodation Solutions). And of course, a huge thank you to Evie Murdoch (2012, Associate Director KPMG Australia) for her excellent job steering the discussion as MC.

We had a wonderful discussion on making connections, giving back, and mentoring of all forms, and shared our own experiences from our careers.  Despite the differences in our individual stories and journeys though, the strong common theme was the power that comes with confidently showing up as your authentic self.

Following the panel discussion, the participants moved into breakout rooms for the opportunity to meet and connect with leaders in specific industries. The energy and enthusiasm coming from the rooms was palpable and some interesting and engaging discussions were had, and connections made.

We had a wonderful response to the event with over 300 attendees. Thank you to everyone who came along, to everyone at the College and on the ESU Committee who partnered to make the event such a success and to our College Chair James Hunter and his colleagues at KPMG for hosting us again at such a fabulous venue.

We look forward to another busy term in Term 3. Our Commemoration Day chapel service will be held on Sunday 30 July at 10:30am. This service, which is followed by morning tea, is in celebration of the dedication of the College which took place on 31 July 1919 and features the ESU choir as well as our wonderful guest speaker Helen Jarvis (Fisher, 1989). Of course Term 3 means it’s also nearly time for the annual Garden Party on 16 September. I look forward to seeing members of our College community at these wonderful events.

Mrs Fiona Walmsley (McGeachie, 1996). 

ESU President

Ex-students’ Union Scholarship Year 11 2025

Ex-Students’ Union Scholarship

The College and the Ex-Students’ Union (ESU) are pleased to announce that registrations for the Ex-Students’ Union Scholarship have opened. Any Year 9 girls who are the daughter or granddaughter of an ex-student are eligible to apply and are encouraged to do so.

The scholarship, funded by the ESU, covers 50 per cent remission of tuition fees (excluding extras) for Year 11 2025 and Year 12 2026. All other expenses are to be met at the full rate.

In response to feedback from past parents, the College and the ESU, changes have been made to the selection criteria for the scholarship. There will no longer be a requirement for students to sit the academic scholarship examination. Whilst academic achievement will be considered, the ESU Scholar is seen as an all-round student who demonstrates the core values of the College and participates in school life; exhibiting the spirit of a Pymble girl.

The following criteria will be used in assessing students:

1. Candidates must submit a 400-600 word autobiographical essay indicating the following:
   • Why they should be considered for the ESU scholarship.
   • Special interests – academic, sport, music, drama, art, technology etc.
   • Ongoing contribution they would make to the life of the College.
   • Participation and achievements at school.
   • Demonstration of the College core values
2. Candidates will provide their most recent school report.
3. Candidates will be interviewed by the Deputy Principal and ESU Representatives.

The recipient of this scholarship will be expected to meet the following requirements:

1. Submit an article about themselves to the ESU Newsletter.
2. Attend and participate in various events during the term of the scholarship (such as the annual Commemoration Day Service) and to act as an Ambassador of both the College and the ESU.
3. Join the ESU Committee and to meaningfully contribute to its activities for at least one year within five years of their completion of Year 12.

Please discuss this exciting opportunity with your Year 9 daughter. Applications are due by Friday 4 August. For any further information regarding the ESU Scholarship, please contact the Enrolments Manager Clair Stock on +61 2 9855 7613.

Reunion Updates

The class of 1990 – 30+3 year reunion

During an evening in the month of April, the class of 1990 celebrated our 33 year reunion. Sadly due to COVID, we missed our 30 year milestone.  But now with life back to normal again, we celebrated our 33 years with a bang!

We spent the evening at the Greenwood Hotel in their venue called ‘The Chapel’ reacquainting faces and names from 33 years ago. We had a brilliant night laughing, reminiscing and sharing our stories since leaving Pymble.

The feedback from the night was ‘it wasn’t long enough….. I missed catching up with so and so’

A huge shout out to Edwina Wills (Brazier) for her kindness in organising The Greenwood and accommodating our needs. It was a wonderful venue.

So, please reach out to Katrina Corcoran Alumni Relations Manager @ kcorcoran@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au to keep your email up to date for the next reunion.

Suz Miller (Fozzard)

Ex-student Tour and Morning Tea

Are you interested in visiting your old school grounds for a walk down memory lane? Each term we hold our much-loved Ex-student Tour and Morning Teas – our former students tour the campus, share lots of funny stories along the way, and feel impressed with how much the College has grown and changed since they left.

If you would like to join our next Ex-student Tour and Morning Tea, we are hosting one on Friday 18 August and Monday 6 November at 10.30am. Please email our Alumni Relations Manager, Katrina Corcoran (1987), kcorcoran@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au to save your spot.

Briana Cowlishaw (2006)

Briana Cowlishaw releases a new album and watercolour series

Congratulations to Briana Cowlishaw on the launch of her new self-produced album Full Turn, released under her artist name, Fetherstone. The jazz-inspired folk record is a fusion of songs and interludes, capturing the essence and energy of the places where Briana’s stories came from; the frantic streets of London to the quiet and serene bush in the Australian Blue Mountains. Full Turn has been released alongside a collection of watercolour prints, cards and posters that evoke Briana’s connection to nature and explore the themes from songs on the album.

Fetherstone was born in London in 2017, named after Briana’s 99-year-old grandmother Edith Cowlishaw, (Featherstone 1940) is a revered Australian printmaker and a huge inspiration for the discovery of art as an integral part of Briana’s creative offering. Watercolour painting is a skill and passion that has been passed down from her great-grandmother to her grandmother and now to Briana.

The album was performed live at the album launch on Thursday 1 June at Johnston St. Jazz, Annandale, which is available to watch online at https://fb.watch/l7DXPb0Cae/. The album can be streamed, downloaded or purchased, alongside Briana’s watercolour card packs and posters at https://linktr.ee/fetherstone.

If you would like to get in touch with Briana about her album or Edith’s artwork, please email fetherstonemusic@gmail.com.

You can find Fetherstone on socials @fetherstonemusic and more info at https://fetherstone.square.site/

Vanessa Hudson (Gower, 1987)

Congratulations to our Pymble Alumni, Vanessa Hudson (Gower, 1987) who has been announced as the next CEO and Managing Director of Qantas Group, commencing in November 2023.

Vanessa will be the first female CEO in Qantas Group’s 103-year history. Congratulations Vanessa!

Madeleine De Carle (2016)

In April, Madeleine De Carle (2016) graduated from the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at the University of New England.

Madeleine was awarded the Head of School prize for the highest achieving student as well as the AMA NSW prize for the JMP (joint medical program with University of Newcastle). Madeleine has just had her first research paper published and has two additional papers being submitted for publication, including one on rural refugee health.

Maddy is grateful for all the opportunities she has been given, including the ex-students scholarship. Congratulations, we are very Pymble proud of you!

Alice Dixon (2021)

Congratulations to athlete and Pymble alumni Alice Dixon (2021) who has been selected to represent Australia in the 400 meters event at the Oceania Cup in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.

Alice is trained by Pymble’s sprint coach Melinda Gainsford-Taylor and was a member of the Pymble Elite Sportswomen’s Program (PESP) during her time at the College. We are so #pymbleproud to see our PESP graduate achieving her goals post – Pymble.

Good luck Alice! 

Jill Burgess (2016)

We are #pymbleproud of our alumni Jill Burgess (2016), who won the 2024 Hawkesbury Young Woman of the Year.

The competition aims to identify ambassadors to promote agriculture in the local region and across NSW, as well as encouraging young woman to enter the industry. Jill will soon be competing in the Zone finals where one or two finalists will be chosen to continue through to the state level and compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2024. Jill also received the Herefords Australia Emerging Leader Award and became a Meat and Livestock Australia Red Meat Industry Ambassador.

As a Pymble girl, Jill studied Agriculture at school and followed this passion post school by studying a Bachelor of Science and Advanced Studies – Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (Hons I) at USyd. She is currently working towards her PhD in the Livestock Production Group at the University of Sydney, focusing on beef feedlot production. Jill’s connection to Pymble has only strengthened over the years – she has been a coach for our Cattle Team for the past five years, watching the program grow to more than 35 students and achieving a multitude of success. Jill loves to bridge the divide between city and country and enjoys sharing her passions with students, encouraging them to consider a career in agriculture.

Congratulations Jill!

Edwina Tops Alexander (1991)

A huge congratulations to superstar Equestrian and Pymble alumni Edwina Tops Alexander (1991) who recently won the 10th edition of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Grand Prix of Madrid.

It was a nail-biting competition, but Edwina and her horse Fellow Castlefield managed to secure the gold. This achievement marked her 27th time on the LGCT podium.

Sarah Hunter (2021) and Rachel Lowe (2018)

A huge round of applause to Rachel Lowe (2018) and Sarah Hunter (2021) who were members of the Sydney FC Women’s Football Team and recently played in the grand final of the Liberty A-League Women’s football competition.

Sydney FC, thanks to strong games by both Rachel and Sarah, defeated Western United 4-0 and walked away as champions!

Grace Collins (2020)

A huge congratulations to Pymble alumni Grace Collins (2020) who has been recognised in the beef cattle industry with the prestigious Norman Lethbridge Award which was presented by Angus New South Wales at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The Norman Lethbridge Award recognises students and cadets over 16 and under 25 years who are studying agriculture, livestock auctioneering or stock and station work. An inspiring leader, Grace was Pymble’s Cattle Captain in 2020 and is currently studying a Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of New England (UNE) in Armidale. She plans to pursue a Master of Teaching, allowing her to teach agriculture at the high school level whilst she spreads the message of the importance of Australian agriculture.

“My passion for agriculture started at the age of 14 when I chose the ag elective subject offered at school. Since then, I completed the HSC course gaining a Band 6 in agriculture,” Grace said.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Norman Lethbridge Award committee for this incredible opportunity. I feel extremely privileged to have received this award.”

Congratulations Grace!

Think Pymble: Embracing Inclusion

Are you interested in working at Pymble and want to learn more about how we value diversity?     

You’re invited to attend Think Pymble – Embracing Inclusion, an employment-opportunities information evening where you can step inside and find out what makes Pymble an exceptional place to work.    

Come along and hear our staff and College leaders share how valuing a diversity of backgrounds and embracing inclusion are central to our culture at Pymble.     

Join our Principal, Dr Kate Hadwen and a panel of our wonderful staff as they share their passions and insights into social intelligence, belonging and ‘inclusion as a superpower’ and enjoy refreshments and canapes while you network with representatives from our teaching, co-curricular and professional services staff.    

Date:                   Wednesday 26 July, 5.00pm to 6.30pm     

Venue:                Kate Mason Building
                            Pymble Ladies’ College
RSVP:                 To register, click here. 

For more information or to apply for one of our current job opportunities, click here to head to our dedicated Careers website.

Invitation to Commemoration Day Chapel Service

Jersey Day 2023

Every year on 6 June, our students come together for our annual Jersey Day, a tradition born from the heartfelt initiative of our Boarding students many years ago. This special day pays tribute to the three beloved Boarders – Alanda Clark, Jane Gay, and Prudence Papworth – who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash while returning home for the June long weekend in 1993.

This year we commemorate the 30th anniversary of their passing. Although time has passed, their legacy is everlasting. The memory of these girls is etched in the stain-glass windows of our chapel and grows in our garden with three Tallowwood trees that were planted in their memory near Mollie Dive Field. The Alanda Clark, Jane Gay and Prudence Papworth Boarding Scholarship was also created in their honour, and on Jersey Day our students raise funds to help contribute to this scholarship and continue their legacy.

Annual Alumni Networking Event 2023

On Thursday 18 May Pymble and the Ex-Students’ Union (ESU) hosted the annual Alumni Networking Event at KPMG in Barangaroo. It was a fantastic evening with almost 300 attendees who were given the opportunity to engage in a Q+A with our panel and participate in a mentoring experience within their industry of choice.

Thank you to all our amazing Alumni who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the evening and mentor the younger members of the Pymble community. We are also grateful for the support of the ESU in facilitating the event.

Help us build our mentor base for 2024

Just as we continue to grow and enhance our programs and experiences for current students at the College, so too are we committed to developing our post-school careers support to be even bigger, better, and more beneficial for our alumni. To that extent, we are now actively recruiting a Pymble Mentors Group ahead of our next Alumni Networking Event scheduled for May 2024.

We appreciate that May is a long time away, and that things may change for you between now and then, however, we are keen to start building our mentor group now to ensure we provide a rich diversity of experienced mentors at our 2024 event.

If you, or someone you know and respect, are keen to support women in the workplace by attending our 2024 Alumni Networking Event as a mentor to a Pymble graduate studying, working or aspiring to work in a similar or related field or profession to yours, please register your interest by contacting our Alumni Engagement Manger, Katrina Corcoran, at kcorcoran@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au and we will be in touch with further details.

Thank you in advance for your support of our Pymble women in the workplace. #WatchUsChangeTheWorldTogether.

Garden Party – Save the Date for Our Biggest Event of the Year!

Reunions and Events

Upcoming 2023 Reunions

For further information about the reunions below please visit our website – https://www.pymblelc.nsw.edu.au/community-and-events/events/#/reunion

Saturday 29 July – 1968 – 55 Year Reunion (Pymble Ladies’ College)

Sunday 30 July – Commemoration Day Service (College Chapel)

Sunday 30 July – 1953 – 70 Year Reunion (Pymble Ladies’ College)

Friday 18 August – Ex-Student Tour and Morning Tea

Sunday 27 August – Melbourne Reunion

Saturday 2 September – 1963 – 60 Year Reunion (Pymble Ladies’ College)

Saturday 9 September – 2013 – 10 Year Reunion (The London Hotel, Paddington)

Saturday 9 September – 1965 Reunion Lunch (Pymble Ladies’ College)

Saturday 16 September – Garden Party

Saturday 23 September – 1958 – 65 Year Reunion (Pymble Ladies’ College)

Saturday 14 October – 1993 – 30 Year Reunion (Greengate Hotel)

Saturday 21 October – 1998 – 35 Year Reunion (The Treehouse, North Sydney)

Friday 2 November – 2008 – 15 Year Reunion (Greenwood, North Sydney)

Saturday 4 November – 1973 – 50 Year Reunion (Pymble Ladies’ College)

Saturday 11 November – 2003 – 20 Year Reunion (Pymble Ladies’ College)

Saturday 18 November – 1971 – 50+2 Year Reunion (Pymble Ladies’ College)

Monday 20 November – ESU AGM (Pymble Ladies’ College)

Saturday 25 November – 1998 – 25 Year Reunion (Pymble Ladies’ College)

Saturday 9 December – 1978 – 45 Year Reunion (Pymble Ladies’ College)

Curiosities from the archives

The Dance Card

As with VHS tapes and autograph books, dance cards are a thing of the past.  A practice from another era and mores. The dance card was standard issue at dances, armed with small pencil, gentlemen could book a dance with the lady in question.

The Heritage Archive has two such cards, one from the Ex-students’ dance of 1920 and one for the following year.  Both events held at the Paddington Town Hall. The magazine describes the hall decorated with draped red and white art muslin, the College flag and supper tables dressed with red carnations and maidenhair.

The 1921 Dance card, belonging to Winifred Walker, student from 1919, may hold a hidden treasure. Names against, the One Step, the Waltz and the Fox Trot, have been entered with signatures by a number of gentlemen.  A signature against the 17. Fox Trot – K. Slessor. Could this be the Australian poet and war correspondent.

We find that Kenneth Slessor’s sister Maud, was a foundation student at Pymble.  He is purported to be in Sydney at this time working as a Cadet reporter for the Sydney Sun. So perhaps we can assume that it is him. Described as a dapper young man, an initial comparison of his signature and writing from papers in the National Library do appear similar.

Winfred’s last dance of the evening was with Kenneth.  The final dance number 18. The One Step, she has crossed through the gentleman’s name and added the comment ‘did not wait’. Perhaps off to catch the special trams to connect with the special trains and transport running late into the evening to travel home to Wahroonga.

Maud Slessor went onto study Architecture at Sydney University, before travelling to China in 1922 where her father was working. Kenneth married in 1922. Thanks to Dr Sarah Loch at the College for spotting the significance of the signature.

National Boarding Week

Pymble celebrates our Boarders every week but the Australian Boarding Schools Association‘s National Boarding Week in mid-May was a perfect excuse to officially celebrate our wonderful Boarding community!

Pymble has a proud Boarding history from its very first days as a College. In 1916, 20 of our 60 foundation students were Boarders. Ranging in age from eight to 17 years old, most of our early Boarders were from country NSW, including Parkes, Walgett, Cudal, and Forbes. There were also a number of students from the Sydney suburbs of Manly, Neutral Bay, Summer Hill and Ashfield. The Boarding Houses were initially named First and Second House but were later renamed Marden and Lang, with some Boarders sharing the principal’s residence, Grey House.

These photos from the College Archives display the fun and friendship enjoyed by our earliest Boarders between 1918 and 1927.

Boarding at Pymble has evolved greatly over the years, with 127 girls now calling Pymble their home away from home.

Miss Knox’s slides 

Recently a number of slides belonging to Miss Knox have been digitised. They came from an album in the Archive titled Miss Knox’ slides.  Some gems have been found of images taken between 1959 – 1965. Images of excursions, garden party and All School sports carnivals. 

Excursions include trips to Camden, Happy Bay, and Snowy Mountains. Fantastic time warp shots of early buses lined up along Avon Road near Gate 3, hatted officials at Sports Carnivals and early Garden party with sea of beach umbrellas and the Knox Pipe band. 

Follow us on Instagram!

Calling all Pymble alumni! We’re now on Instagram. If you haven’t already, follow us at @pymblelcalumni to stay up to date with all the latest news and events.

Births, engagements, marriages and vale notices

Vale

Judith Moore (McPhee, 1945)

Judy spoke so warmly of her years at Pymble and mentioned the wonderful lifelong friendships that she formed there.  After Judy completed her schooling she was asked by Miss Knox to come back to Pymble and work in the office which she did for a time. She later worked in other organisations where she met her future husband, Rowland Moore. Judy and Rowley lived in Sydney for a number of years before moving to Adelaide, Rowley’s hometown. Judy was a bubbly, enthusiastic woman with a wonderful sense of fun and wicked humour. She lived a long and full life being passionate about family, travel, gardening and life generally. It is a reflection on the school experience Pymble gives when a former student was still so warmly reflective on that time of her life over 70 years ago.

Dr Catherine Yang (1994)

When I first came to Pymble in Year 11, I was falling behind all my peers due to the lack of English proficiency. Coming to Australia at the age of fifteen with a non-English speaking background, I was a shy and timid teenage girl with very little confidence and a lot of fear. Growing up from a small, beautiful island, Taiwan, one of the most densely populated countries in the world and living in a small apartment among crowded buildings since I was born, everything in Australia was big and spacious. I often found myself lost on campus and felt embarrassed about forgetting people’s names. One distinguishable landmark that always gave me comfort and helped me navigate around the school was the Chapel. I really enjoyed our weekly Chapel services where I picked up learning English by singing hymns and reading the Bible. When I felt anxious or stressed, the first verse of one of my favourite hymn songs always cheered me up:

‘All Things Bright and Beautiful

All creatures great and small

All things wise and wonderful

‘Twas God that made them all’.

The integration of Christian faith and nurturing environment at Pymble truly shaped the way I think and live today. I am grateful for my first-hand experience of the personalised education that helped me achieve academic success by overcoming challenges in school. In my first year at Pymble, I failed my English exam, dropped Economics, and barely passed Chemistry. Something that I treasure about the school is our passionate and dedicated team of staff — the amazing way that they shepherd and guide the students along our learning journey with love, care, and respect for each other. If it weren’t for the words of encouragement from our then Deputy Principal (Mrs Christine Dunlop), my peers and teachers who never gave up on me, I wouldn’t have attained a TER of 99.40 in my HSC and studied Dentistry with an Alumni Scholarship at the University of Sydney.

Although I couldn’t remember all the names of those who showed me around the school, invited me to sit with them for lunch, taught me how to read the newsletters, and reminded me of important school events, I could always remember every kind gesture that built me up when I felt broken and every smiley face that lifted me up when I felt down. It is quite humbling to realise that even though sometimes it was difficult for me to comprehend fully and keep up with my schoolwork, I was allowed to stay back after class and get all my questions answered. At Pymble, I did not need to carry the weight of the world on my shoulder because I was standing on the shoulders of giants! Pymble’s strong faculty, world-class facilities, and wholehearted investment in modelling Christ’s love provide the students with a balanced education academically, extracurricularly, and spiritually.

‘All’ Ultimo Lavoro’ – Strive for the highest, is our College motto that redefines my own identity and has a great influence on me beyond the school years. After graduating from the university with a First Prize GC Australia Research Award, I entered the workforce for my first job as a female dentist, I realised that unhealthy fear could paralyse and immobilise people from doing things we would otherwise enjoy. Hence, it is essential to develop fearless leadership that creates constructive response to challenges at work and turn fear into motivation that drives and strengthens you by embracing failure, admitting mistakes, learning from them, and growing into success. As the result, my first book, ‘STEP ON FEAR’, was published in 2020 followed by the traditional Chinese translation edition that was published in 2022. Education is the best legacy to pass on through generations. Soon after my certification as one of the first Invisalign Go dentists in Australia, I published a white paper on ‘Sustainable Smile using the Invisalign Go System with Non-invasive Treatment Approach’ and continued my journey on lecturing and training colleagues in dentistry. In 2021, I had the privilege to be back on the school grounds as a guest speaker to deliver my favourite speech on gratitude for celebrating Pymble’s 105th Foundation Day at the assembly with the students. We are so blessed to receive the education at Pymble that gives us the unique status and superpower to change the world. I am very grateful for being a Pymble girl – once a Pymble girl, always a Pymble girl!

Sophie Sparks (Johns, 1988)

My journey began in 1975 as a Kindergarten student at Inglehome, the Pymble Prep school. I remember my first day and being given a peg on the verandah with a picture of a blue butterfly above it. My teacher, Mrs Hinchliffe said to me “I look forward to watching your wings grow.” Being only five, I thought that it was incredible that now I was attending school I would grow wings! Looking back, Mrs Hinchliffe had incredible insight; through my Pymble journey and experiences, I certainly did grow my wings.

After graduating from Pymble in 1988, I attended Ku-ring-gai College, now UTS, to follow my dream of becoming a teacher. Soon after graduating, I headed to London where I established my education career and co-founded The Lyceum School. My teaching career took me on a global journey and after the birth of my two daughters, I had the opportunity to work for some incredible families as their private tutor.

Returning to Sydney in 2010 and working with schools, it was evident that whilst education had rapidly changed with the introduction of technology, many students were experiencing feelings of isolation, anxiety and school refusal. The same comment was made over and over again; I have nobody to play with, I have no friends, I have nobody to sit with. 

As we are aware, schools are filled with empathetic children, however they are often hard to identify, so YOU CAN SIT WITH ME was born. 

YOU CAN SIT WITH ME is now a registered Australian Charity dedicated to helping reduce the feeling of anxiety, loneliness, and social isolation amongst students in schools, sporting clubs and community groups. YOU CAN SIT WITH ME works with wellbeing leaders, administrators, students, teachers and parents to create an inclusive environment in which all students feel safe and welcomed. 

Providing students with a safe and accepting environment creates an atmosphere where all students can succeed regardless of their age, race, religion, gender, or disability. YOU CAN SIT WITH ME also works to educate students, parents and teachers about the importance of inclusion and acceptance. 

YOU CAN SIT WITH ME works in other ways including developing leadership skills and peer mentoring among students.  Through the program, students learn how to empower themselves, take initiative and become more confident in their own abilities. These leadership skills are invaluable for children as they grow and develop. 

YOU CAN SIT WITH ME has created a literacy program to further eradicate social isolation specifically targeting First Nations, refugees and other vulnerable Australians. 

YOU CAN SIT WITH ME works to create more inclusive classrooms by supplying resources and training for teachers so they can create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere and where teachers and students can engage in positive interactions and learning.

We also engage in community work. In 2020, we supported the flood victims here in Australia. By partnering with IGA, we were able to supply food vouchers to families in need. In 2021 we partnered with Smiggle and launched the YOU CAN SIT WITH ME Afghan appeal and supplied a backpack, a filled pencil case, water bottle and exercise books for every student Afghan refugee that arrived in Australia. This is something we are incredibly proud of.

YOU CAN SIT WITH ME is a simple yellow wristband with a life changing message.

To learn more please head to our website www.youcansitwithme.org.

Pymbulletin

The Ex-Students’ section of Pymbulletin reports on the achievements of Pymble alumni, news items and engagements, weddings, births and vale notices.

The Magazine

We are excited to share a digital copy of The Magazine 2021 with you. This is our yearly school magazine, compiled with the help of our students, providing an overview of the events, activities and achievements of our girls from Kindergarten to Year 12. 

Look out over in the coming weeks for the opportunity to order a hard copy version. Happy reading!

Illuminate

Pymble Ladies’ College publishes its research and innovation journal twice a year that features a diverse range of articles written by staff members and guest writers. You can read the latest edition of the College’s research publication, Illuminate: Research and Innovation, below or by clicking here.

Edition 7 includes many insightful pieces spanning across a wide range of topics, providing insight into current issues in Pymble’s classrooms and staff rooms.

Highlights from this edition include:

• Journeys of curriculum innovation in Geography education with articles from Ray Howells (focus on agriculture) and Liam Hume and Deb Owens (focus on interdisciplinary learning); all of whom are members of our Geography, Business and Economics team;
• Mapping a college-wide approach to internal teacher accreditation and reward by Kerryl Howarth, Director of Professional Learning;
• Starting a kindness revolution through research and student leadership by Kate Brown, Head of Junior School;
• Looking at local history through a First Nations perspective by Ryan Stewart, History and Aboriginal Studies teacher and PhD candidate;
• Other articles including research into HSC teaching strategies, research cultures in schools and teachers’ experience in global mentoring programs.

Class of 2022 HSC Booklet

The Class of 2022 HSC Booklet features an overview of the outstanding academic and curricular achievements of our students, personal stories of success and insight into what some of our girls have in store for their future post-Pymble.

To read the booklet, please click here.

This is Pymble College – Celebrating 105 years