News From the Pymble Alumni Team

Another busy year at Pymble has now come to an end. This week sees the final HSC results and ATARs announced for our newest Pymble Alumni – the class of 2023.  Whether you are taking a gap year, studying, travelling or working, we hope this year brings lots of wonderful adventures out in the ‘real world’ and we wish you all the very best.

On Saturday 14 October, the Pymble Foundation hosted its inaugural Gala Ball at the Art Gallery of NSW. It was wonderful to see so many ex-students in attendance and we thank you for your generous support. Over $230,000 was raised on the night and through our silent auction and raffles. This is an incredible result and means that we are now able to welcome three incredible young women from Afghanistan to Pymble in Year 9 in 2024 as part of our Foundation Bursary Program. Thank you again.

And finally, I’d like to extend my personal thanks to Fiona, our outgoing Pymble ESU President, for her commitment and professionalism and generosity in volunteering her time to serve the College. We are very grateful for your leadership this year. A very warm welcome to Rowena Ditzell (1986) who has volunteered to lead the ESU in 2024 – thank you!

2024 REUNIONS

We are looking for convenors and helpers who are willing to assist coordinating their reunion (with a large amount of help from the College):

2019 – 5 Year Reunion – convenor found

2014 – 10 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed

2009 – 15 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed

2004 – 20 Year Reunion – convenor found – Saturday 7 September 2024

1999 – 25 Year Reunion – convenor found

1994 – 30 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed

1989 – 35 Year Reunion – CONVENOR NEEDED

1984 – 40 Year Reunion – convenors found – Saturday 21 September 2024

1979 – 45 Year Reunion – convenor found

1974 – 50 Year Reunion – convenors found – Saturday 9 November 2024

1969 – 55 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed

1964 – 60 Year Reunion – convenors found

1959 – 65 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed

1954 – 70 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed – Sunday 28 July 2024

Calling all Ex-Pymble Students in Newcastle and the Hunter Region

We’ve had an offer from an ex-student to start up a Newcastle/Hunter region chapter of our Alumni.  There are many of you from this beautiful region. 

If you would like to join us, with a view to meeting up for coffee/lunch and chats (maybe even some charity projects?), please contact Jill Taylor (1973) at  jilltaylor1212@gmail.com or if you are on Facebook, click the link, or search and request to join the private group called  Pymble Ladies College Alumni – Newcastle/Hunter chapter.

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.  

ESU AGM 2023

The ESU Annual General Meeting was held on Monday 20 November. If you’d like to access documents from this meeting you can find them here.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and relaxing break.

Until next year, all’ Ultimo Lavoro. 

Mrs Katrina Corcoran (Hum,1987)

Alumni Relations Manager

ESU President Update

We have reached the end of another eventful year.  The Ex-Students’ Union (ESU) had a great 2023, filled with opportunities for our Pymble alumni to connect with each other and with the College.  We have networked at career-focused events; enjoyed our traditional events at the College Garden Party, and Commemoration Day service; provided ongoing wellbeing support through our Ex-Students’ Assistance Program; saw our alumni dance group continue to pursue their passion beyond school; and at the start of this term were pleased to support the inaugural Pymble Foundation Ball.  And much more!

It has been a privilege to be involved in the ESU Committee this year, and I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the 2023 Committee, all of whom put in a tremendous amount of work to keep the ESU running smoothly and deliver our program of events and services.  Thank you too to all our alumni who attended or supported our events.

As our thoughts start to turn to the new year ahead, it gives me great pleasure to introduce the 2024 ESU Committee.

President – Rowena Ditzell

Vice President – Amy Graham, Victoria Muller

Secretary – Samantha Seaton

Treasurer – Medani Athauda

Ordinary Committee Members – Natalie Brandon, Kris Graham, Louise Kellaway, Susan O’Sullivan, Zoe Wang

All the very best to the 2024 Committee who I’m sure will build upon the work that has been done over the past few years to continue to foster the connections in our wonderful Pymble community.  New committee members are always welcome.  If you are interested in finding out more about the ESU Committee or any of our events or services, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Best wishes to all our ex-students and everyone in our wider Pymble community for a safe and peaceful holiday break.

Mrs Fiona Walmsley (McGeachie, 1996).

ESU President

General News

Wonderful news for Sarah Hunter (2021) who has been selected to play for the Matildas in their upcoming international matches! 

Proving that academics and sport can go hand in hand, Olympian and Pymble Alumni Mackenzie Little (2014) has completed her Doctor of Medicine degree just weeks after winning bronze at the World Championships in Budapest. Congratulations Mackenzie! What an inspiration for young girls everywhere!  

Daughter of ex-student Katrina Narker (Woodley, 1991) and grand-daughter of Kathleen Woodley (Alexander, 1959), Pymble’s tennis champion Ashlee (Year 12 2023) has received a WTA singles ranking of #1157 and an ITF junior ranking of #303. 

In September, it was National Week of Deaf People and Tennis Australia did a special feature on Ashlee, who is having success in both mainstream and deaf and hard of hearing tennis. Ashlee is believed to be the first woman who was born deaf to gain a WTA ranking!  

Congratulations Ashlee on this outstanding achievement. We are #pymbleproud and can’t wait to see where this journey takes you.    

It was inspiring to see Pymble Alumni, Chloe Dalton (2011), share her passion for women in sport with our Junior School students at Pymble‘s launch for her new children’s book ‘The A to Z of Who I Could Be’. Thank you, Chloe! 

Reunion Updates

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

The 1993 reunion was held on 14th October and ”Oh what a Night!” Over 90 girls met at the Greengate Hotel, our old stomping ground, to reminisce, catch up on the last 30 years and to remember those we sadly have lost along the way.  

Friends travelled from near and far – from country NSW, to Brisbane, Perth, London, Singapore and Gordon and everyone was recognisable from her schoolgirl self! 

We laughed over old photos from the yearbook, at school, parties and formals, and scratched our heads around some of the choices we made back in the day around our big fringes and clothes choices! 

We reminisced over Miss Buckham and Mrs Moore,  the uniforms – we were the era of tam o’shantas, PE uniform of red shifts, girdles, bloomers and black trainers – and our teachers. 

The night was an epic catch-up session with sore throats the next day from all the chatting. Six years together had clearly formed a remarkable bond and we agreed not to leave 10 years between drinks! 

By Kate Squire, Margo Schmidt and Nicole Morpeth. 

Saturday 21 October – 1988 – 35 Year Reunion (The Treehouse, North Sydney) 

The Class of 1988’s Pymble 35-year reunion on Saturday, 21 October at the Treehouse in North Sydney was a heartwarming event, filled with wonderful reconnections. It was a joyous gathering that seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. The atmosphere was filled with the delight of sharing life stories and reminiscing about old times, punctuated with hearty laughter. Boarders and day girls, who came from near and far, gathered to rekindle old friendships and create new memories. While the event was truly special, there was a sense of longing for those classmates who couldn’t make it from interstate and overseas, reminding everyone of the enduring bonds that time and distance cannot diminish. 

By Rachel Robinson, Kirsty Baker, Chrissy Holland, Sophie Sparks (nee Johns)

Saturday 28 October – The Darling Downs, Northern NSW and Border Districts Reunion 

The Annual Luncheon for Pymble Ladies’ College Ex-Students from The Darling Downs, Northern NSW and Border Districts was held in Toowoomba on Saturday 28 October at The Plate Restaurant. 

Twenty ex-students attended ranging from ladies who left school in 1957 to those who left in 1996. We had a most enjoyable day with excellent food, much laughter and plenty of reminiscing. Comparisons of photos taken at our 1964 Formal and the gowns we wore compared with photos of granddaughters’ dresses worn in 2023 were shown with great hilarity. What a difference!!! 

Those unable to attend are hoping we can gather again next year and we certainly will and trust we can get in touch with those who were not contacted or who have moved to this area. 

A special thank you must go to Fiona Ferguson (Jones, 1994) and Louise Mylne (Love, 1973) for all they did to help me and ensure the success of the day. 

By Robin-Anne Baker (Duncan 1964) 

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

On Saturday 4 November, 62 PLC 1973 Leavers celebrated their 50th ’Gold’ Reunion in the David Macfarlane Centre.   Some 40 others had been contacted and although keen to attend, most were travelling or caring for aged parents.  We had all journeyed far and wide and although faces may have had a few laughter lines and hair was a little grey, the smiles had not changed.  Some had remained friends from Kindergarten and some had become reacquainted in later years.  Our shared memories of our time at PLC were quickly refreshed with hours of chatter interspersed with much laughter.  The school catering was superb and enabled us all to mingle and gather together throughout the afternoon. It was a truly joyous occasion, and we look forward to celebrating 55 years in 2028! 

 By Sally Gulson (Sherman) 

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

The ’71 leavers’ 50th reunion was held on 18 November 2023, two years later than planned, due to COVID and we made up for lost time by really enjoying ourselves. Organisers opted for platters of finger food and drinks, so we could stand and mingle and that way everyone would have a chance to catch up with as many old school mates as possible amongst the group of forty-five attendees. The David Macfarlane Centre, with its glass doors looking onto Marden Lawn, was perfect as was the food, beverages and excellent service. In fact, it was such a success that people stayed late and we are already planning the 55th anniversary in the same venue for November 2026!  Make a note in your diaries, year of ’71! 

By Barbara Herden, Merran Davidson and Penny Auburn 

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

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

43 of our year group gathered at the David McFarlane Centre on a very hot day on December 9 for our 45 year reunion.
It always amazes me how easily the girls all slot back into conversations, like we caught up yesterday! Many came from far away and this was especially encouraging so close to Christmas!!
Lots of chatter and laughter and much merriment and the thank you to the School, they did a wonderful job with catering and keeping us hydrated!!

By Merry Hughes

Ex-student Tour

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 admire how much the College has grown and changed since they left.

If you would like to join one of our Ex-student Tours in 2024, we are hosting tours at 10.30am on the following dates:

• Thursday 15 February
• Friday 24 May
• Tuesday 24 September
• Thursday 28 November

Please email our Alumni Relations Manager, Katrina Corcoran (1987), kcorcoran@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au to save your spot.

Where are they now?

Rowena Mobbs (Newcombe, 1998)

I attended Pymble as a boarder for Years 11 and 12 from Canberra and was in Goodlet House. After a poor performance in my first attempt at Year 11 at my old school, and being labelled a perpetual ‘C’ student with a trajectory of failing my HSC, my mother had the foresight to send me far away and embrace the Pymble ethos that any student could excel, they just had to find their passion. So I chose and loved art and geology, instead of physics and high level maths and ended up with a 99.70 TER. I particularly thank Mrs Colleen Fry for setting me on this path of self belief through art.

Working hard every lunchtime to achieve this mark and as a late starter at the school, I hadn’t solidified the many years of deep-seated friendships of other girls, but it was still so easy to make wonderful connections and friendships that remain enduring. It was clear to me that Pymble was as much about community spirit and connection, achieving together, as well as individually. There was an enormous sense of respect and equality for women, far ahead of its time. I felt so proud on speech day to meet with former Prime Minister Hon. John Howard and I remember thinking how good it was that all these girls were going to achieve at least as much as he had! Certainly, some of us were taller I thought.

During my years I enjoyed competing in swimming as well as cross-country running, winning at the IGSA carnival, and represented Australia in junior modern pentathlon before competing at senior World Championships in fencing. The weights gym was a little different back then; we had some rusty old mismatched weights, a pungent old bench press and a tape deck with 80s rock. What could have toughened us up for competition better than that? The sporting facilities today are amazing and a brilliant investment for the school’s future.

Post Pymble life I went to the University of Adelaide for medicine, a choice made on the basis of loving the Adelaide cricket ground. As with Pymble, sport was a major part of my existence and I enjoyed the program at St Mark’s College for 6 years, learning how to laugh more and study less. I moved to Sydney for my final year of training as a cognitive neurologist, and met my husband Tony within a fortnight. We now have two lovely boys, six and eight years old.

By nature, I am quite impatient and for a whole three years of my consulting career I longed for meaning and direction. It didn’t take long for concussion to fall across my path as the major direction for my career, having attended the opening of the Australian Sports Brain Bank and offered to be the neurologist to assist in research. The program has now expanded with a national media presence and one of clinical research into Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE, a devastating type of slow dementia faced by boxers, footballers, military personnel, or those with other circumstances of repeated head injury. It is not so much the number of concussions that cause CTE but the number and force of sub-concussions, or those hits without symptoms. At Macquarie University we established the Australian CTE Biobank for longitudinal data collection. We also established a popular patient and family support group called Concussion Connect.

Our future focus is on keeping kids active in sport, but safely so under #PlaySmartStaySmart and we launched the #ConcussionBig5 www.ConcussionBig5.au program for recognising the signs of concussion. This work has remained contentious, as sporting organisations face their own commercial and legal interests. I’ve had to hold fast to my guiding value of a patient-first attitude and not be stared down by big CEOs. Pleasingly, we are now at the cusp of seeing a federal government response to the issue following the release of Senate recommendations and inquiry in which I was a witness.

For me personally, after five years of medical activism I look forward to seeing solutions, a good rest, and then to the next phase in my career in an advisory capacity. For any Pymble girl out there, my best advice in life is to maintain eye contact, smile, but internally be ‘fiercely confident’.

Births, engagements, marriages and vale notices

BIRTHS

Evie Hacker (Murdoch, 2012) and husband Jacob welcomed baby Freya on the 22nd of August. She was a late entrant into the world, but has been an absolute pleasure ever since. Freya will be a third generation Pymble girl, all going to plan!  

Farewell Rev Bent and welcome to our new College Chaplains

Farewell Rev Bent

After nearly eight years at the College, Rev Punam Bent has made the difficult decision to leave Pymble to take up the position of Presbytery Minister – Ministry Wellbeing for Sydney Central Coast Presbytery of the Uniting Church of Australia (UCA).  In her new role, Rev Bent will cover the north-eastern quarter of the Sydney Metropolitan area, and the New South Wales Central Coast from the Hawkesbury River to Southern Lake Macquarie.

While this is a wonderful opportunity for Punam to share her unique gifts and talents, warmth and compassion with a new community, we will dearly miss her daily presence and warm energy. Fortunately for us, Pymble falls within her new jurisdiction, which will allow her to continue to support our community from time to time and remain a presence in our lives.

Punam lodged herself firmly into the heart of our Pymble family from the day she arrived in Term 1 2016 to share the role of College Chaplain with Reverend Lorenzo Rodriguez.

In her own inimitable style, she made all students, staff and families feel seen, valued and – one of her oft used words – blessed to be a member of our Pymble family, regardless of their background, faith, identity, or beliefs. She lived and modelled the UCA ethos of unity through diversity and was a champion of our Social Intelligence pillar valuing each person for their uniqueness. With the backing of the UCA and the College, she supported students to advocate for sustainability, social justice and issues close to their hearts. And she had the best laugh, which she shared freely, along with her wicked sense of humour.

Punam has been a source of great comfort, unconditional love and unlimited compassion for all in our community. In the best of times and the most challenging of times she freely gave her wisdom, warmth and blessings to lift up and support others, especially those in need. We are eternally grateful for having had the privilege of calling her one of our own.

We extend a warm Pymble welcome to our two new College Chaplains who will commence at the College in Term 1 2024.

Welcome Reverend Catherine Blake and Reverend Mark Sweeney

Rev Catherine (Cass) Blake is an ordained minister who brings to Pymble 25 years of experience in pastoral care and theological education across a variety of denominations, most recently at Whitley Baptist Theological College in Melbourne. She also spent 14 years in a teaching role with Morling Baptist College in Sydney and is currently finishing her PhD thesis exploring the Fourth Gospel’s portrait of God’s fatherhood and its contemporary implications.

Rev Blake has taught in various contexts in Australia, America, Africa and India and led several cross-cultural tours for students. In her free time, the mother of two young sons enjoys bushwalking on local trails, watching old movies and travelling.

“I am looking forward to journeying alongside and empowering our students and staff on their exploration of faith, gifting and vocation, understanding that our community is a colourful mosaic of diverse cultures, lifestyles and faith backgrounds,” Rev Blake said.

Rev Mark Sweeney is an ordained minister with 30 years of experience, 24 of which have been in schools, where he also taught English, History, Social Justice, Ethics and Religion at Secondary level. His most recent postings were at Flinders Christian Community College and Peninsula Grammar, both co-educational schools for K-12, and he has completed his Master of Education in children’s literature.

Rev Sweeney is English by birth and spent his formative years in Adelaide where he attended school, College and university. He has been married to Sandy for 25 years, with whom he shares two daughters and one son. Outside of work, his interests include bushwalking, rucking, gardening and growing vegetables, and cricket, which he has also enjoyed coaching in schools.

“My vision for chaplaincy at Pymble is to work as a team with Rev Blake to support and encourage the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of the staff and students and to promote a keen sense of inclusion and diversity, with the Christian Gospel as the foundation,” said Rev Sweeney.

There will be many opportunities to meet our delightful new Reverends as Term 1 begins on Tuesday 30 January 2024.

Futures and Partnerships

In Term 4, the Year 10 cohort participated in a Future You Festival, a milestone event designed in collaboration with the Upper School which focuses on: 

• turning strengths into talents 
• the importance of service 
• diverse career pathways 
• learning from industry talks 
• interview preparation 
• mock interview 

Thank you to the following alumni that contributed to the event by giving your time for mock interviews, sharing stories, presentations and for volunteering their time at such events. 

• Sam D’Souza 
• Olivia Zdunek
• Caitlin Tanaka 
• Kati Varela 
• Ava Agnew 
• Camellia Cratt 
• Dr Catherine Yang 
• Lauren Oehlers 
• Lisa Scott 
• Rylee McKinstry 
• Michelle Schumann 
• Sally Cao 
• Sharon Brauer 
• Stephanie Snedden 
• Sharon Song 
• Vanessa Yu 
• Megan Watson 
• Strachan Taylor 
• Megan Watson 
• Ada Ng 
• Courtney Heaven 
• Jodie McBride 
• Vanessa Yu 

If you would like to be involved in future opportunities to volunteer to speak or assist, please provide your details through Kim Maksimovic, Director of Futures and Partnerships futures@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au 

Jacaranda Day 2023

Pymble’s iconic jacaranda tree was planted 75 years ago on Gloucester Lawn to commemorate the visit of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester. In 1983, Mrs Raj Ram, who was a Science Teacher at Pymble from 1970 to 2000, started an initiative where students gathered around the jacaranda tree each November to focus on service and offer support to chosen charities.  

Pymble gathered again under the purple petals to celebrate Jacaranda Day, and were honoured to welcome Mrs Raj Ram (now in her nineties!) to the service as a special guest to see her ongoing legacy and speak with our students about service.  

We were also delighted to welcome Dr Andrew Browning from the Barbara May Foundation, to announce the Barbara May Foundation as Pymble’s chosen charity for 2024.  

Students got into the service spirit by donating non-perishable food items for The Rev Bill Crews Foundation (Exodus Foundation).  

Careers at Pymble

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

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

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

Enid’s favourite objects from the Archives

This term we farewell retiring Archivist, Enid O’Carroll who has served as the College Archivist since mid-2016. Enid’s body of work has included 105 years in 105 objects, the War Service Project and the Duke of Edinburgh volunteer program. 

Enid has recalled some of her favourite objects and their stories. These and more can be explored via this link. 

The 1913 penny found as a packer in a window on the Colonnade. The uniform remnants from the uniform of the early 1930’s donated by Nell Nardin. Ribbon piping which was used to finish edges around the navy blazer and the check detailed to collar edge. Worn with blackwatch tartan pin pleat skirt. The napkin ring award for the Siamese race in 1922. Napkin rings were listed on the Boarders’ Uniform list. The brass gongs created and gifted to the school in 1946 by Lt Archer, from the crew of HMA ML822. Given in thanks for the support the College provided in the time of war.  

Enid’s favourite quote from the past is from Constance Mackness, First Mistress, in the Aurora Australis April 1916. 

Kate Murray will take over the role from Term 1, 2024.  We welcome Kate who comes with great skills and a significant background in this sector. Watch this space! 

A continuing legacy – four generations of Pymble students

All students who study at Pymble are part of not only our proud history, but also our family, and it is very special to see a family for whom Pymble is such a strong part of their own family history. 

We were delighted to recently welcome a family on campus who have four generations of Pymble girls! 

Helen Allman (Cran, 1946) 

Susan Turner (Allman, 1973) 

Rebecca Lawrence (Turner, 2001) 

Olivia Lawrence (commencing Pymble Year 1, 2024) 

As they toured the grounds, Helen, Susan and Rebecca shared memories of their experiences at Pymble, and are looking forward to their family’s continuing journey as Olivia prepares to start her time at the College next year. 

Reunions and Events

Volunteers needed

We are looking for convenors and helpers who are willing to assist coordinating their Reunion (with a large amount of help from the College): 

2019 – 5 Year Reunion – convenor found 

2014 – 10 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed 

2009 – 15 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed 

2004 – 20 Year Reunion – convenor found 

1999 – 25 Year Reunion – convenor found 

1994 – 30 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed 

1989 – 35 Year Reunion – CONVENOR NEEDED 

1984 – 40 Year Reunion – convenors found 

1979 – 45 Year Reunion – convenor found 

1974 – 50 Year Reunion – convenors found 

1969 – 55 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed 

1964 – 60 Year Reunion – convenors found 

1959 – 65 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed 

1954 – 70 Year Reunion – convenor found, helpers needed 

Please contact Katrina Corcoran, Alumni Relations Manager on kcorcoran@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au or (02) 9855 7304. 

Upcoming 2024 Reunions

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

Saturday 16 March – Canberra and Regions Reunion 

Thursday 16 May – Alumni Networking Event (KPMG, Barangaroo) 

Sunday 28 July – ESU Commemoration Day Service (College Chapel) 

Sunday 28 July – 1954 – 70 Year Reunion (Colonnade Classroom) 

Saturday 7 September – 2004 – 20 Year Reunion (David Macfarlane Centre) 

Saturday 21 September – 1984 – 40 Year Reunion

Saturday 12 October 2024 – 1999 – 25 Year Reunion (Venue TBA)

Saturday 9 November – 1974 – 50 Year Reunion (David Macfarlane Centre) 

Garden Party 2023 Survey

Thank you very much for your generous support of Garden Party 2023.

It was a beautiful day, and Pymble spirit was out in full force, much like the sun! Special and heartfelt thanks go to our incredible parent and staff volunteers. Your hard work and commitment made this year’s event an incredible success, raising $26,000 for our nominated charities: Dignity and The Smith Family.

Garden Party Survey Planning for 2024

Planning is already underway for Garden Party 2024, and we need your input!

To go in the draw to win one of four Gold Class movie vouchers for two people at Event Cinemas, we invite you to complete our Garden Party planning survey to help us create a bigger and better event in 2024.

We want you to tell us what you liked, what you didn’t and, in your opinion, how we can do things better. Please click here to complete the survey.

Please note that the survey will close on 22/12/2023. Winners of the movie vouchers will be drawn in the second week of January, and will be notified by Community Engagement.

We really appreciate you taking the time to complete this survey and help make Pymble, and the events which we hold, a better experience for all.

Follow us on Instagram!

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

From the Principal

Season’s greetings from your Pymble family.

It’s hard to believe another year has gone by and our Class of 2023 has now joined your ranks.

You may recall 2023 was designated as the year of Pymble Gives Back. I’m so proud to report this has been a roaring success, with students from K-12, staff and families all contributing to a multi-faceted year-long program built around being of service to others.

Some of the initiatives involved gifting time, understanding and friendship – our Junior School girls visiting elderly residents in aged care facilities to chat and act as technology trouble-shooters spring to mind here, as do our army of volunteers for our annual Sony Camp for children with special needs. Others engaged students in creating items or care packages, such as Happy Boxes of personal care items for girls and women in remote communities in Australia, and reusable menstruation products for Days for Girls.

In addition, many students took on personal passion projects to raise money for charities, such as The Pymble Pantry Cookbook of recipes from our community, inspired by our 2023 Food Technology Captain.

And across K-12, students also gave back to the environment, on campus clean ups, finding new ways to reduce waste, and looking after the grounds at Pymble and Vision Valley.

Collectively, we filled three massive donation bins many times over with clothing and blankets for Wayside Chapel, The Smith Family and The Salvation Army. And we hosted multiple fundraising events, including our fabulous Garden Party. It is such a joy to share with you that, in addition to performing countless acts of service towards others, our community raised $53,562 to distribute among more than 40 charities including:

Asylum Seekers Centre, Australian Children’s Music Foundation, Balmoral Swim for Cancer, Barbara May Foundation, Canteen, Colour Run, CWA Days for Girls, Deadly Connections, Exodus Foundation, Givit, Happy Boxes, Heart Foundation, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter, Indigenous Literacy Foundation, Jeans4Genes, Legacy, McGrath Foundation, Meals on Wheels, NORTH Foundation, OzHarvest, Pushing Barriers, Reach Out, Red Cross Ukraine Crisis, Redfern Jarjum College, Rural Fire Service, RUOK Day, Sathya Sai College, School of St Jude (Tanzania), Share the Dignity, Taldumande Youth Services, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, The Kids’ Cancer Project, The Smith Family, Turkey Syria Earthquake Appeal, UN Women, Wayside Chapel, Wear it Purple, Westmead Children’s Eye Clinic, World Ocean Day, Write a Book in a Day, and Young Crisis Accommodation Centre.

On Friday 8 December, more than 400 staff rolled up their sleeves and gave their time to one of the above organisations in our annual Pymble Gives Back day to be of service out and about in the community. Personally, I loved spending time with the residents at Uniting Northhaven Turramurra for the day.

In other exciting news, this year saw the launch of our Pymble Foundation and inaugural Pymble Foundation Ball, both of which inspired our generous community to donate more than $200,000 to offer deserving students an opportunity to attend Pymble. In 2024 we will welcome three new Pymble Foundation Scholars, all young refugees from Afghanistan who managed to escape to safety in Australia from their homeland after the Taliban claimed power. College volunteers have been getting to know these delightful girls throughout the year by running various programs for them, including after-hours reading support and swimming lessons, and of course we also continue to host the annual Her Village Championship Festival at Pymble, launched by one of our recent graduates in her final year of school to welcome newly arrived Afghan refugees to our community.

Our three new scholars from Afghanistan will be joining our first Foundation bursary recipient, who commenced at the College in 2023 after she and her family fled Ukraine during the war.

There are so many more examples of how our wonderful community has been of service to others in 2023, but I’m sure you get the big, beautiful picture. To all who have gifted their time to support our Pymble students, staff or alumni this year, thank you. And thank you to all those who gave to our Foundation’s Annual Appeal and attended or contributed to the Foundation Ball in one way or another to help achieve this incredible outcome of gifting four students from war-torn or conflict-riddled countries a life-changing Pymble education. I can’t tell you how #PymbleProud this makes me.

Signing off with heartfelt gratitude and all my best wishes for a safe and merry Christmas, hopefully surrounded by family, friends and loved ones.

Dr Kate Hadwen
Principal