www.pymblelc.nsw.edu.au Volume 37 No. 2 OCT 2013

textiles on parade Contents Page college news Principal’s Pen 2 College News 3 - New technology learning space - MS Readathon launched at Pymble Ladies’ College Preparatory School 4-5 Junior School 6-7 Principal’s Community Service 8-9 - Sudanese refugees tutored - Biggest Morning Tea Pen - Students help in Red Shield Appeal Launching our vision for the future, Towards 2020 – Striving for the - Support for Hamlin Fistula highest, in December 2012 has provided an impetus for staff, students - Elliot Costello inspires students and members of the College community to embrace their Pymble - Pymble Social Justice group - Students knit 1197 squares for charity educational experience. This is seen in stories in the October issue of the Pymbulletin highlighting the magnificent achievements of our Performance and the Arts 10-11 New technology - Australian landscape explored at Year 11 Art Camp students in curricular and co-curricular activities and their passion when - Harpsichord concert a magical evening engaging in community service programs. - Outstanding artworks on display Under the banner of our four strategic signposts – personalised learning space - Spectacular designs on show at Textiles on Parade education, people and culture, community and sustainability – we are Justin Raymond, Director of Innovative Technologies - Year 11 production – a show of ‘Marpleous’ fun providing an education that is founded on worldwide research, best - Exceptional performances at Year 12 HSC showcase The Hub, Pymble’s new service and learning space, was practice and collaborative learning and teaching. The importance of At the opening of The Hub, from left: Mr David Sexton, Head of Operational Academic Opportunities 12 officially opened by the Principal, Mrs Vicki Waters on technology and communication in learning environments has been Services, Mrs Vicki Waters, Principal, Mr Justin Raymond, Director of Innovative - Good Food Week Wednesday 24 July. recognised with the opening of the College’s new innovative learning Technologies, Mr Andrew Pender, pmdl Arichecture and Design Pty Ltd, and - Cambridge University commendation for Pymble student The Hub is a transformational IT space focused on the Mr Alex Coutts, Alexander Coutts & Associates. - African drumming space, The Hub. This fun and interactive centre provides a special place where students and staff can explore, consume and use 21st Century technology needs of students and staff. The space has Sports 13-15 a sense of ‘wow’ that encourages students to come in The IT work area provides the best possible environment to support the day to - Great year for diving at Pymble technologies in their learning. not only for help and support but to play, investigate and day operation of technology and state of the art facilities for the servicing and - Pymble pride on show at Athletics Carnival This Pymbulletin provides a showcase for some of our students’ imaging of laptops, improving processes and repair times. - IGSSA Cross Country Carnival achievements. Our Years 11 and 12 Visual Arts students have displayed learn. Each of the key areas in The Hub is designed with - Mackenzie Little wins gold their talents in exhibitions of their major works and Textiles students highly specific functions. The Hub also provides lounge areas where staff and students can sit and explore - Pymble wins at Mountain Bike Championships have dazzled their audiences with their creative and brilliant designs on The service desk provides students and staff with an the technology. Technology experts are available to mentor students and guide - Mollie Dive Hockey Invitational the catwalk. Drama students have received standing ovations for their inviting area where they are quickly and effectively served them in the effective and innovative uses of technology. It is a place to ignite Beyond Pymble 16 -17 performances in the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts and our by the IT team. There are a number of waiting tables for informal conversations about learning opportunities. - China tour an enlightening experience Music students also received standing ovations on their 2013 Music - Legal Studies in action peak periods, which provide hands on opportunities with ‘The Think Tank’, a feature of The Hub, is a purpose built room designed to - Standing ovations for Pymble students in Europe Tour in Europe as well as impressing the audience at the inaugural the latest devices available on the market providing an encourage collaborative thinking, ideas and innovation. Writable walls, interactive - Pymble students on national television Harpsichord Festival Concert in the War Memorial Chapel. opportunity for students to form opinions and provide projectors and flexible furniture make this a fun learning space designed to Boarding 18 On the sports fieldPymble students have excelled in diving, cross feedback on the future of technology at the College. encourage big picture thinking. - Mexican night country, hockey and mountain biking. Our Middle School and Junior - Angus Cup musical competition School students impressed school audiences across when - Goodlet girls win Greensense competition they presented the official launch of the 2013 MS Readathon via MS Readathon launched at Pymble Ladies’ College - Boarders remembered on Jersey Day webcast. College News 19 The 2013 MS Readathon, the nation’s longest running and Our girls are passionate about their community service programs and - Pymble community events most respected reading-based fundraiser, was officially fundraising projects. Students are encouraged to ‘give back’ and Parent Groups 20-21 launched in a webcast from Pymble on Monday 22 July. enthusiastically support initiatives to help improve the lives of others. The webcast was streamed to 116 schools across Australia Development at Pymble 22 The College community came together for the Biggest Morning Tea in - Annual Giving 2013 May in support of the Cancer Council. It was a wonderful morning and and featured presentations by renowned children’s author Ex-Students’ Union Inc. 23-27 a fine example of our generous community spirit. Pymble students Oliver Pommavanh and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Australia Looking back 28 have embraced their community service programs becoming involved Ambassador Stephen Papadopoulos. - Pymble in the 1960s in numerous activities including knitting squares for the Wrap with Love “Pymble Ladies’ College has supported MS Australia for the program, teaching English to Sudanese refugees and supporting Hamlin past two years so it is fitting to launch such an important Fistula Ethiopia (Australia) as a part of their service learning project. Front cover: Textiles on Parade fashion show. and enjoyable event as the MS Readathon at Pymble,” said Editor: Ms Kim Williams. I am sure you will be inspired as you read the many stories of College Principal, Mrs Vicki Waters. Editorial Committee: Mrs Vicki Waters, Mr Grant Birse and outstanding efforts and achievements of our students in this issue of MS is a chronic and often debilitating disease which affects Mrs Joy England. the Pymbulletin. more than 23,000 Australians. The MS Readathon, now in Student Editorial Team: Alexandra Baker, Jean Chang, Vicki L Waters its 34th year has raised more than $30 million in support of Madeleine Clark, Ashley Duncan, Devna Luthra, Ananya Sinha, PRINCIPAL MS programs including physiotherapy, education and lifestyle Stephanie Stuart and Grace Zhang. programs, specialist MS nurses, respite care and research towards finding a cure for this mystery illness. MS Australia Pymbulletin is published in May, October and December by the 2013 Pymble Country Luncheons Marketing and Communications Department, Pymble Ladies’ Pymble ex-students, current, past, future and prospective families hopes to raise $500,000 from the 2013 MS Readathon. are welcome to attend the Pymble Country Luncheons in College, Avon Road, Pymble, 2073. Pymble Junior School and Middle School students Moree on Thursday 17 October and in Quirindi on The deadline for the next issue is Friday 25 October. Please send participated in the webcast which featured a presentation by Saturday 19 October. your information to the Marketing and Communications Department the students to raise awareness of the MS Readathon. or email Ms Kim Williams at [email protected]. For Please contact Rebecca Pearce, Community Marketing on general enquiries please contact the College on +61 2 9855 7799. 02 9497 7853 or [email protected] for further details.

2 3 preparatory school Year 2 girls study curious looks at the role of zoos creatures Kindergarten girls have been investigating life at a zoo. The girls are . They reinforce with each girl that their thoughts and Year 2 girls commenced Term 2 with the Science topic becoming more aware of the important role of zoos in preserving opinions are respected and valued. Curious Creatures. Girls investigated the many types wildlife and providing opportunities to study animals in habitats The girls participated in many hands on experiences in of ‘mini-beasts’ that live around the world including similar to their natural environments. An excursion to Taronga Mathematics. The focus for the term was on developing an insects, arachnids, molluscs and annelids. Exploration Zoo was a wonderful springboard for the girls as they were able understanding of the early concepts of multiplication and time. of the distinctive body parts, life cycles and living habits to observe unusual animals such as the red panda, the snow Activities encouraged students to develop their knowledge of was undertaken and girls enjoyed a day of hands-on leopard and the pygmy hippopotamus. The girls demonstrated their concepts in a language rich environment which is essential in activities at Wildflower Gardens St Ives. Project week developing knowledge through interesting information reports and Mathematics learning. completed the unit of work where girls independently expressive excursion recounts which highlighted their enjoyment of wrote information reports, sketched and labelled Social skills continue to play a large part within our Kindergarten this experiential learning opportunity. diagrams of their mini-beast and completed an activity program. Girls are given opportunities during class and grade showing the life cycle process. Kindergarten has further explored a variety of ‘Visible Thinking’ assemblies to discuss friendship issues, values, thoughts and routines. These routines have been adapted to suit young ideas. Our fortnightly Grade Assemblies are a wonderful time for our Our first ‘Windows into Learning’ where students shared learners and are used as tools that lead to deeper understanding. Chaplain, Reverend Lorenzo Rodriguez Torres to share bible stories, their learning experience with parents, was conducted Routines such as ‘Think, Pair, Share’, ‘See, Think, Wonder’ and songs, prayers and reflections. in conjunction with the Curious Creatures project the ‘Explanation Game’ have been used across all areas of the week. Parents were invited into the classrooms to engage in their daughters learning, providing a fabulous opportunity for parents to see what life is like in the Pymble classroom. In Human Society and its Environment the girls explored the concept of Families. They shared their ideas about different types of family groups, the various roles and responsibilities within a family and what makes a family special. Creative family trees were designed by the girls providing a catalyst for family discussions and research. This gave the girls a deeper understanding of their heritage. Renaissance masters inspire Year 2 Stepping into the shoes and paint smocks of Italian Renaissance artists, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarotti, Year 2 girls recently produced some quite remarkable portraits of family members during their integrated Italian and Art lessons. In Year 1 girls create a the process, the girls experienced something of Michelangelo’s challenges in painting the Sistine vegetable garden Chapel, adapting and problem solving to produce Year 1 has been learning about living things. They have artworks in unusual and somewhat uncomfortable been growing plants inside and outside the classroom and positions. As a result of their efforts each Year 2 studying the requirements for plants to grow. A particular classroom now boasts its own ceiling portrait gallery. highlight was the planting of a Year 1 vegetable patch including beans, lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, capsicum and strawberries. The girls enjoyed caring for their garden and watching it grow and look forward to making a colourful salad and tasting their home grown vegetables. In Human Society and its Environment, the Year 1 students have been learning about looking after the environment and ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. They enjoyed a fantastic Enviroday at school where they created a worm farm to dispose of food scraps as well as produce compost to fertilise their vegetable garden. The girls also delighted in participating in reverse garbage activities where they had the opportunity to create a variety of crafts from recycled materials.

4 5 junior school Year 3 explores beliefs Abigail Verdal-Austin and Holly Luzar, Year 3 In Term 2, Year 3 studied the topic ‘What do we believe’. We learned about the five most followed religions of the world: Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. We went on a really interesting excursion to a synagogue, a Hindu temple and a Buddhist temple where we heard all about their beliefs and religious festivals. On Wednesday 19 June we presented a religious Year 6 students festival celebration. We dressed up in special clothes, brought in special food and created a table setting visit Canberra for our festival. We also created a Katrina Woo and Bethany Ng, Year 6 PowerPoint presentation to teach Year 6 students visited Canberra from Wednesday 22 parents all about our festival. Our to Friday 24 May as part of our Human Society and its group did Shabbat and we really Environment unit on Federation and Democracy. We liked showing our parents what we went to different places that taught us all about the learned. Our parents enjoyed asking history of Canberra, the effects of war, our democratic us questions and tasting the different voting system and Federal Parliament. Some of foods. the places we visited included the Australian War Memorial, Questacon, Parliament House, the CSIRO Discovery Centre, The National Gallery of Australia and the Electoral Education Centre. At night, we had a great time playing a fun game of Trivia. We all enjoyed experiencing what it would be like to be a Member of Parliament, how it would feel to be in the war fighting for Australia and learning about the value of polymers in our present society. Overall we had a fantastic time on our excursion and we couldn’t wait to tell our family and friends all about our trip!

Famous illustrator Parents present to Year 5 students We are so lucky at Pymble Ladies’ College to have a committed parent community visits Year 4 that is willing to give up time to assist with school events, fundraising and the Sarah Kim, Year 4 educational experiences of our girls. In Term 2, the Year 4 cohort was privileged to In Term 1, Year 5 students were fortunate to have Dr Sheevalee Patel (Mrs meet Serena Geddes, illustrator of the children’s Puttaswamy), mother of Eshvari Puttaswamy of 5M accept an invitation to share her Year 4 excursion to Ku-ring-gai National Park book series Lulu Bell. During her presentation. childhood family’s refugee story. Bianca Vernier, Year 4 Serena demonstrated many ways in which to draw In Term 2, Mr Massaro and Mrs O’Neil-Massaro, parents of Lucia Massaro of faces and abstract people. We all collaborated to Year 5, shared with us their experiences living and working in the rainforest of Year 4 girls went to Ku-ring-gai National Park on Thursday 9 May for our Integrated Studies unit on National Parks and why we value land. draw one huge character that was made from our Belize, Panama. Both inspirational and highly engaging talks afforded students the I was surprised about how much our guide knew about all the trees, insects, plants and animals and how far we walked. I was interested in ideas. I was entertained for the whole day and was opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their unit of study and engage in rich all the different bugs, animals and types of plants we saw. We also saw some Indigenous middens and kangaroos. It was a really fun and delighted to have Serena present to us. learning experiences. enjoyable excursion and everyone learned so much from their guides. 6 7 community service

Pymble Social Justice group Sudanese refugees Biggest Elliot Costello inspires students Alexandra Baker, Year 11 Emily Huggins, Year 10 A group of eight Year 11 Pymble students who attended a social justice tutored forum at Australian Catholic University (ACU) were so impressed by the forum Morning Tea The founder of Y Generation Against Poverty (YGAP), an Ananya Sinha, Year 11 that they were inspired to establish a Pymble Social Justice group which Alexandra Baker and Ashley Duncan, Year 11 organisation which drives social change to end poverty During Terms 1 and 2, a group of Year 11 Pymble meets fortnightly to discuss social justice issues. Pymble’s 2013 Biggest Morning Tea held in through the education of youth and youth leadership, students volunteered with the Sudanese Australian The forum, held at the North Campus of ACU on Wednesday 29 May, May saw more than 2,400 members of the inspired Year 10 students to make a change to the world Integrated Learning (SAIL) organisation. SAIL is encouraged students from schools across Sydney to examine social justice Pymble community gather together in support when he spoke to the students on Thursday 16 May. volunteer-run and a non-profit organisation which issues including human trafficking, homelessness, indigenous people, caring of Cancer research. The College conducts the Elliot’s presentation was part of the Year 10 Service provides free English support and community services for the earth, the millennium goals, climate change and using social media to event each year on Pymble’s Main Oval. The Learning Program. He talked to us about his experiences to the Australian Sudanese community. Offering create change. morning tea provided an opportunity for staff, with social justice and setting up his charity YGAP. tutoring to around 500 members of the Australian students, parents and grandparents to share Sudanese community, sail has a volunteer staff of morning tea in support of a worthy cause. 450, of which Pymble is now a proud member. The ‘Barnyard Brunch’ themed event for Every Saturday morning, a number of Year 11 Pymble 2013 inspired students to explore their students gave up their time to help young Sudanese creativity in the decorative hat competition. refugees with their English at centres in Blacktown Students from Preparatory School entertained and Seven Hills. While Pymble students tutored and the community with their delightful singing. provided support at the centres, they also established “Our Pymble get-together was probably the biggest gathering on the North personal connections with the younger Sudanese Shore,” said Principal, Mrs Vicki Waters. “I was most touched to see the Pymble refugees. SAIL provides a place for volunteers and spirit of community shining at the morning tea.” refugees to exchange with different cultures and share stories and experiences. The project was co-ordinated A total of $3,961.58 was raised at the event in support of the Cancer Council. by Year 11 students Joyce Yu and Jean Chang and facilitated by Year 11 Student Co-ordinator Ms Alison Boyd-Boland. Support for Hamlin Fistula Sara Pacey, Helen Wang, Rhea Darbari Kaul and Sophie Kim, Year 10 Students help in Year 10 students who have selected the Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia (Australia) as their Service Learning project raised $1,545 for the program when they held a Students knit 1,197 squares for charity Mother’s Day stall on Wednesday 8 May. The stall was an outstanding success Red Shield Appeal Jean Chang, Year 11 Eighty-five Year 11 Pymble students participated selling many items including Ethiopian scarves, coffee beans, tea towels, gift Years 11 and 12 students, along with our mothers, grandparents, ex-students and staff, participated in the Senior School’s annual ‘Wrap with in the 2013 Salvation Army Red Shield Doorknock cards, gift bags and books. Love’ knit-in on Tuesday 11 June. Wrap with Love is a charity organisation which distributes warm, hand-made blankets to people suffering Appeal on the weekend of 25 and 26 May. Students The money raised will help fund three fistula operations, saving the lives of three extreme cold in impoverished communities across the globe. The College has been supporting this worthy cause for the past few years, knocked on doors in the Turramurra zone, an area women in Ethiopia. Hamlin Fistula raises awareness and money to treat obstetric and continuing on this tradition this year, the Pymble community engaged in knitting squares with enthusiasm and dedication. Throughout of more than 9,000 houses covering the area west fistulas in the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and trains midwives in the Hamlin Terms 2 and 3, students and staff learned to cast on, knit and cast off to create squares which were made into blankets. These blankets will of the Pacific Highway between Ryde Road and College of Midwives in Ethiopia. The students said they were really pleased to be distributed to places such as Pakistan, Swaziland, Chile, Palestine and Samoa, as well as communities within Australia, particularly those Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga. Our students made be able to do some hands on work for Hamlin Fistula and were delighted to affected by natural disaster. a substantial contribution to the total of $32,797 meet Emma Cohen, Pymble 2005 ex-student and Volunteers Co-ordinator for collected on the weekend from this region. Hamlin Fistula. Through the Wrap with Love initiative and the Knit-in, we were able to witness the charitable spirit at Pymble as the students, staff and parents knitted 1,197 squares to form blankets for this year’s Wrap with Love project. 8 9 performance and the arts Australian landscape Spectacular designs on show at Textiles on Parade Jean Chang, Year 11 explored at Year 11 Pymble’s Textiles students paraded their creative and spectacular designs at the College’s annual Textiles on Parade fashion show Art Camp on 25 and 26 July in the Gillian Moore Centre for Performing Arts Devna Luthra, Year 11 (GMCPA). Students from Years 8 to 11 strutted down the catwalk Year 11’s annual Art Camp was held at Arcadia in wearing their garments inspired by various themes and the Year early Term 2. Set in the beautiful landscape of the 12 students exhibited their Major Textiles projects in the foyer of Wesley Vision Valley, the girls experimented with the GMPCA. many mediums to create artworks which reflected More than 200 students showcased their wonderful innovations Australia’s natural environment. These included pencil to packed houses. This year’s themes were particularly refreshing and charcoal drawings, ink paintings, photography as many new inspirations were introduced, including the Year 10 and digital media, installation, ceramics and sculptural student’s works based on the awe-inspiring textiles art project art forms. The rain did not dampen our spirits as by Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist which inspired students to we worked under the guidance of our art teachers experiment with non-conventional materials. Overall, the fabulous and attended workshops with renowned landscape array of colourful patterns and skilful use of different textile artist and Dobel-prize winner Tim Allen, our Artist in techniques was impressive. As a reflection of the high standard of Residence for the week. work in this year’s event many students were awarded prizes by Upon returning to school, the students created a major work or a body of individual works reflecting the essence of the Australian landscape The Whitehouse Institute of Design. Textiles on Parade was the to be presented in the Year 11 Art Camp Exhibition, formally opened by Tim Allen. Parents and members of the Pymble community visited result of the great team effort by staff in the Technology and Applied the exhibition and commended the girls on their hard work and efforts. Studies Department and delicious catering prepared by our Year 11 Hospitality students, making it a successful showcase event. Harpsichord concert a Exceptional magical evening performances Irene Ju, Year 12 at Year 12 HSC On the evening of Saturday 1 June the showcase College held its very first Harpsichord Stephanie Stuart, Year 11 Concert in the War Memorial Chapel, led by For the HSC Drama students the Director of one of the most prestigious the evening of 18 July proved orchestras in Australia, Paul Dyer, Director to be a stressful yet rewarding of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. event as they showcased Mr Dyer worked with the Pymble Chorale, the extraordinary projects Cantori and Chamber Strings in the weeks they had been working on prior to the concert. It was a magical throughout their final year at evening created by his awe-inspiring Pymble. The evening featured performances on the harpsichord. a series of group devised The repertoire for the evening consisted pieces which explored issues of pieces from the much-loved classic in our society through an composers of the Baroque period such Year 11 production – a show of ‘Marpleous’ fun expressionistic acting style as Corelli, Vivaldi and Bach. Mr Dyer Alexandra Baker and Stephanie Stuart, Year 11 and numerous individual inspired the girls in his workshops for The Year 11 production of Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced held in the GMCPA on Thursday 30 and projects such as monologues, vocal, instrumental solo and group tutorials film and costume design. It Friday 31 May began with a bang, literally. The production was a drama of twists and turns, mystery and intrigue, providing them with the opportunity to learn Outstanding artworks on display was a very entertaining night and on hand to solve the crime was the much loved Miss Marple, the super sleuth of murder mysteries. more about the Baroque style and several The official opening of the Year 12 2013 HSC Bodies of Work Exhibition on Friday 19 July was a which provided the Pymble A Murder is Announced is set in the 1950s and tells the tale of a seemingly common family, whose performance techniques which are unique wonderful evening enjoyed by the Year 12 Visual Arts students, parents, friends and Pymble staff. community with an opportunity comfortable lives are torn apart by a newspaper advertisement declaring that a murder will take place at their to the period. It was an unforgettable Artist in Residence Tim Allen, opened the exhibition expressing his commendation for the to witness the hard work and home. The story of friendship, greed and death was successfully brought to life. The talented cast of Year 11 experience from which all the girls were 45 Bodies of Work on display. The Year 12 Visual Arts students worked across a variety of dedication the senior Drama able to take away different skills and art forms, including digital photography, animation, computer generated artworks, sculpture, Drama students tackled Agatha Christie’s whodunit classic and accomplished the extraordinary feat of putting cohort and teachers have put techniques to be used in their future musical ceramics, printmaking, painting, drawing, textiles and fibre. on a ‘Marpelous’ show. The result was an enthralling, exciting and memorable production. The group of into their HSC course. capable young thespians rose to the occasion, being awarded with a standing ovation on both nights. pursuits. The exhibition was open during the weekend following the opening and was visited by members of our community who were justifiably impressed by the excellent artworks and the diversity of art forms on display.

10 11 academic opportunities sports Great year for diving at Pymble Mrs Christine Lang, Co-ordinator of Diving Pymble diving has continued to exceed all expectations in 2013 from the development of a range of school based programs, outstanding results at the school, NSW and national levels and elite pathways and representation. The school year started with a huge program catering for all levels of diving, from our youngest Preparatory and Junior learn to dive program, the Junior and Senior development program and our very successful competitive program. The depth of Pymble diving was recognised by the outstanding results at Independent Girls’ Schools Sporting Association, Independent Primary Schools Heads Association, Secondary Combined Independent Schools, NSW All Schools and finally Cambridge University School Sport Australia events. Good Food Week The competitive program caters for those divers who wish to commendation for dive at a competitive level both within and beyond the school Devna Luthra, Year 11 level. The availability of training sessions using a combination Pymble’s inaugural Good Food Week conducted by the Technology and Applied Pymble student of Pymble dry land, Pymble and SOPAC pools allows for a rich Studies Department in the week beginning Monday 13 May was an outstanding Year 11 student, Shani Wijetilaka, has received and dynamic program. This has enabled Pymble and our school success enjoyed by students and teachers alike. The aim of the week was to promote a highly commended award from the prestigious based club, Diving Connections to be a competitive force within healthy eating through delicious, easy recipes and fun activities. The week featured Trinity College at Cambridge University after NSW Diving and certainly the dominant school club. acclaimed chef Justin North who worked with Hospitality and Food Technology being one of six students shortlisted in the R.A. The strength of Pymble diving largely comes from the students in a series of workshops and demonstration classes to broaden their culinary Butler Prize for an essay she submitted. She is development of fundamental skills at the Preparatory and Learn ideas and experiences. Justin also presented the finer points of cooking at a special the only Australian student to be shortlisted. to Dive (LTD) level. The thorough enjoyment that comes from evening demonstration and tasting for the Pymble community as part of the College’s Shani is interested in studying at Cambridge, these sessions alone is evidence of the quality of these current Visiting Chef Program. Students from had the opportunity to meet an interest which was fuelled in July and August programs. Justin at a special lunchtime presentation, ‘Meet the Chef’ to watch the chef in action 2012 when she attended a two week Summer Both the Preparatory and LTD levels are excellent feeder and participate in fun competitions based on food, ingredients and guessing the name School there with three other Pymble students. programs to development diving and it is from these programs of unusual vegetables. Shani has also been appointed as a NSW that our current NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) divers have Justin North has established an international reputation as an award winning chef. delegate to the Constitutional Convention to be come. Pymble diving is providing an excellent foundation and a He was named GQ Chef of the Year in 2010 and Becasse his previous restaurant held in Canberra in March 2014. She is one of 30 pathway to the elite programs within NSWIS. The College has maintained two coveted Chef’s Hats from 2003 to 2011 and was named Best delegates selected to represent the State after a strong contingent of both senior and junior school divers who European Restaurant in Australia in 2009. Justin was also named Chef of the Year in she attended the NSW Schools Constitutional regularly compete at NSW Interclub, State and National events. 2009 by the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. Convention earlier this year. For the second year running Pymble was the champion school at the IGSSA diving competition held at Homebush on Friday 8 March with the team scoring 62 points in Division 1. Pymble medalled in every event except the 12 years springboard and African 12/14 years platform which they placed fourth in both events. At the CIS event Pymble gained 14 places for CIS with the next drumming closest school being MLC School which gained eight places. Anjali Wijeratne and Stacey Hu, Year 8 In the IPSHA competition Pymble sent a full team of 15 divers Year 8 Elective Music students attended a and placed in all events except the 11 years girls. The exciting workshop on African drumming presented component was the 8 years age group which was only by Hands, Heart and Feet on Friday 3 May. contested by Pymble divers. Students learned about the history of African At IPSHA, Pymble gained 12 CIS positions with the next closest drumming and different types of drums school being PLC Sydney which gained five places. including the Djembe and Dun-Dun handmade drums. Students were taught creative ways to These were outstanding results and showcase the depth and

remember rhythms and also had fun learning a technique of Pymble divers. Such results are also a testament to the quality coaching staff developing the programs. traditional African song.

12 13 sports Mackenzie Little wins gold Ms Margaret Hamley, Athletics Co-ordinator Year 11 Pymble athlete Mackenzie Little won gold in Javelin at the World Youth Athletics Championships as a member of the 20 strong Australian team that travelled to Donetsk in the Ukraine in July to compete in the competition. 150 nations sent representatives to the championships, including the United States and Russia. Mackenzie had trained hard in the lead up to the event. Her coach, former Pymble student Annie Davies, has not only taught her the complex technique of Javelin, but developed her physically in the gym and been by her side at numerous competitions in their five years together. Her very first throw of the final was a Personal Best for Mackenzie at 57.29 metres. Her final throw for the event was an amazing 61.47 metres, a world record. This is an incredible win for a very impressive young Pymble woman. Pymble pride on show at Athletics Carnival Alexander Baker and Ashley Duncan, Year 11 Pymble wins at Mountain The Secondary School Athletics Carnival held at Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday 2 May saw students from the Middle, Upper and Senior Schools come together in a spirit of camaraderie, House pride and friendly competition. The day was a colourful celebration of athletic Bike Championships achievement and participation, with many students competing in unseeded events for House points. Ms Andra Priestley, Mountain Biking Co-ordinator The atmosphere was filled with excitement and enthusiastic war cries. The sense of competition extended to the costumes worn by fervent Seventeen Pymble students competed in the NSW All Schools Year 12 students who wore an array of outfits ranging from morph suits, unicorns, princesses, goblins and ghosts to power rangers and aliens. Mountain Bike Championships. The competition took place in July The day had many highpoints with students trying their hardest to bring victory to their House. A noteworthy highlight was the Day Girls versus at Yellomundee Regional Park, which is at the foothills of the Blue Boarders race with the Day Girls winning only by the slightest margin. The Students versus Teachers event saw the students triumph over the Mountains. This is only our third year in the competition and from teachers in what will be remembered as an intense and very close race. the five teams we entered we finished with three in first place, one The Athletics Carnival was won by Hammond House with the highest point score. In second place was Bennett House and in third was second place and one fifth place. Goodlet House. The day was an outstanding success filled with excitement, enjoyment and most of all, Pymble pride. The weather conditions on the day were perfect and our girls took full advantage of this. The girls displayed great skills, endurance and teamwork and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of the course. Teams consisting of three or four riders were required to ride in a IGSSA Cross relay fashion over a 5.5 kilometre course. The aim is to complete as many laps possible over a four hour period. Overall Pymble placed Country Carnival first ahead of Chevalier College and . Mollie Dive Cup Premiers, 2013 Stephanie Stuart, Year 11 Some Pymble girls kick balls, some Pymble Mollie Dive Hockey Invitational girls swim, but it takes a very special Pymble Pymble won the Mollie Dive Cup for the tenth consecutive year when girl to give up her mornings and spend many the team played Barker College in the final of the 2013 Mollie Dive hours running countless kilometres to train Cup in Term 2. for that very important cross country race, The Mollie Dive Cup is an invitational competition for senior high the Independent Girls’ Schools Sporting school teams, played during Term 2 at Ku-ring-gai Hockey Centre. Association (IGSSA) Carnival. On Friday 10 May Teams from Abbotsleigh, , Barker, Roseville, 56 Pymble girls from across seven different Pymble and Brigidine all competed this year. age groups and their supporters, travelled early in the morning to Mittagong to participate in The final was a very fast and skilful contest and the ball went end the annual cross country race at Frensham to end many times. Pymble scored in the first few minutes with an School. Led by the inspiring Cross Country excellent display of passing skills from the defensive 25, but then Captain Jess Shipp and under the guidance of Barker counter attacked and almost equalised in the next the College’s coaches the 2013 cross country five minutes with a shot hitting the goal post. team performed admirably. The IGSSA Carnival After half time, Pymble began to dominate and had many shots on proved to be an enjoyable day filled with great goal but the Barker goal keeper played exceptionally well and kept Pymble spirit, enthusiasm and determination, a Pymble scoreless in the second half. Barker had opportunities late race which, for many of the girls, gave justice to in the second half with penalty corners but the Pymble defence held NSW All School Mountain Bike Champions, 2013 their many hours of hard work and training. strong and the final score was 1-0 to Pymble. 14 15 beyond Pymble Legal Studies Standing in action Holly Marchant, Year 11 ovations Year 11 Legal Studies students observed law in action when they visited the for Pymble Downing Centre, Sydney on Wednesday 8 May. students in Students watched court cases in action observing barristers debating their perspectives of the law covering a Europe number of cases relating to drug, alcohol Roxanne Zhang, Year 12 and physical abuse and less serious Pymble music students impressed cases involving minor traffic offences, audiences across Europe, when 44 students such as parking fines. in the Pymble Chorale and Chamber String The students also visited Parliament Orchestra received standing ovations and House assembling in the Jubilee encores for all of their ten performances Room for a presentation about the during the 2013 Music Tour in June and history, structure and organisation of July. The tour included concerts in Prague, parliamentary proceedings. Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Leipzig, Dresden, Rothenburg and Würzburg. They later entered the Legislative Assembly, where the Honorary Katrina Touring for 20 days, we immersed ourselves Hodgkinson MP, the first female Minister in the cultural and historical sites of these for Small Business, addressed the picturesque regions, including Salzburg speaker and parliament. where the hills are still alive with the Sound of Music, the beautiful Neuschwanstein Afterwards, the students met the Premier Castle, the chilling Church of Our Lady in a of , Mr Barry O’Farrell war-scarred Dresden, and the inspirational MP, who spoke with students about his Haus der Musik in Vienna. work as Premier and answered questions. The tour provided the opportunity for students to become more accomplished and flexible performers, requiring them to rehearse in confined and difficult spaces and perform in challenging venues. We can certainly swell with pride knowing that we represented ourselves, Pymble and Australia in ten very successful concerts and returned to Sydney as a close-knit group, every one of us thankful for the opportunity that we China tour an enlightening had experienced. experience Pymble students on national television Devna Luthra, Year 11 The College was represented by five students at the screening of During the April holidays, 33 students from Years 10 and 11 travelled to China for the Silk Q & A on ABC Television on Monday 6 May. and Pearls Tour. Accompanied by Pymble staff Mr Candy, Mrs Gleeson and Miss Coles, Year 12 students Alexandra Baker, Mia Stone, Eleanor Katelaris and the 17 day trip was an absolutely fantastic and enlightening experience. We explored the Keziah Morgan and Year 11 student Sally Judson were invited to different spectrums of China; from the busy, bustling cities of Beijing and Shanghai on participate in this unique and exclusive event after they submitted a the east coast, to the breath-taking Gobi Desert in western China, to the rice paddies video to promote why they would like to appear on the program. and mountainous scenery of Langshou in the south. The students’ favourite activities and The program, ‘High School Showdown’ featured Julia Gillard, a sightseeing tours included camel riding on the Gobi Desert, climbing the Great Wall of China, former Prime Minister of Australia as the sole guest accompanying bike riding through the rice paddies and visiting some of China’s most famous shopping host Tony Jones with representatives from secondary schools markets. A particularly special day for many of the students began with a long bus ride and throughout Australia in the audience. walk, arriving in a rural agricultural village in Lanzhou. While visiting this village, we learned Q & A is a weekly television program hosted by news journalist, many of these people (mainly younger children) had never seen foreigners before. We were Tony Jones, where the audience asks questions of the panel overwhelmed with their warmth in welcoming us to their village and their hospitality. regarding current issues.

16 17 boarding college news

Goodlet girls win Greensense competition Claudia Lowe, Year 11 Goodlet House boarders enjoyed a night of movies, pizza and ice cream on Wednesday 5 June in celebration of winning the Boarding Greensense House competition. As winners of the competition, the Goodlet girls were Pymble in Dubbo Pymble in Dubbo successful in saving the most electricity Mexican night across the Boarding houses over the course of a full term. We had the privilege Theresa James, Marden House Supervisor Pymble of deciding our prize to enjoy as a whole The Marden House boarders Mexican-themed night in Term 3 was a big success. We house. All Goodlet girls were snuggled up started the night with a good old fashioned game of ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’ after with loads of blankets and pillows in one of community which we enjoyed home-made tacos in our common room. We then went to the Senior the DM classrooms, to watch Take the Lead, School Centre for a Piñata where sweets were plentiful after the Piñata was finally broken. while enjoying a big pizza dinner, followed Our night ended with a ‘Mexican’ movie, The Three Amigos held in the theatre. The girls events by Movenpick ice cream and gelato. Overall involved went to a lot of trouble to dress up for the night. There were prizes for the winner it was an enjoyable and successful night, Community is one of the key signposts of the College’s of our game and the best dressed outfit. where all the girls had lots of fun. Towards 2020 - Striving for the highest vision and our engagement and connections with our past and present community ensures the Pymble tradition extends Angus Cup musical competition through generations. Pymble staff, students – past and present, families and Sally Judson, Year 11 members of local and international communities stand During the Term 3 boarders’ closed weekend, all boarders from Years 7 to 11 had a marvellous musical time competing in the Angus together as global citizens, included and valued. Cup musical competition. Each spirit House (Marden, Goodlet, Lang and Hammond) had to create their own interpretation of a musical in At home and internationally, our community members which they had been presented with. The girls all showcased their House spirit at the Sunday night showdown, when they sang, acted and are committed, loyal and proud they are part of Pymble. danced together to perform the musicals that they had worked so hard creating. All of the performances were wonderful, vibrant and lively, Pymble connected with its NSW regional communities and some were particularly humorous. Lang House claimed the winning title with their hilarious and ‘electrifying’ performance of the musical Pymble in Tamworth Grease. It was a fabulous fun filled day, leaving all the girls in the highest of spirits. and internationally in at events held during May, June and July. The Principal, Mrs Vicki Waters, hosted ‘Pymble in Boarders remembered on Hong Kong’ in May. More than 120 ex-students, current parents and prospective parents joined Mrs Waters and Jersey Day Pymble staff to celebrate the unique qualities that makes Secondary School students marked the Pymble so special. special place boarders have in our College The Director of Boarding, Mrs Deanne Elliott welcomed community with Jersey Day on Thursday 6 members of the College community to Pymble events June. This special day brings back memories in Dubbo in May, Griffith in June and Tamworth in July. of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend when Ex-students, current parents and prospective parents three Pymble boarders passed away in a small joined Mrs Elliott and Pymble staff for the events plane crash at Young on 11 June 1993. The that were most enjoyable. The events were held in memory of these three girls lives on in the conjunction with the NSW Boarding Schools Expos in three Tallowwood trees growing in the College Dubbo, Griffith and Tamworth. grounds near the Mollie Dive Field and a memorial window designed by Pel Fesq in the College’s War Memorial Chapel. Pymble in Hong Kong

18 19 parent groups

HOPE Regatta Year 6 fathers and daughters raises funds for rock the night away Jackie Choo, Year 6 Co-ordinator, Junior School Parent Group Aquatic and OMG! ABBA, Elvis, Gary Glitter, Kiss, Katie Perry, Lady Gaga, punk rockers and so many other gorgeous people were present at the Year 6 ‘I’m A Rock Star!’ Father Daughter Dinner held on Fitness Centre Friday 14 June. DJ Solutions had everyone on the dance floor Madeleine Borrey, 2013 Hope Regatta Committee Chair doing the Harlem shuffle, Gangnam style screaming along to After four weeks of serious training and team bonding Queen’s We Will Rock You! Despite the event being the last Father the 2013 HOPE Regatta was held at the College’s Daughter Dinner for the girls as they leave Year 6 at the end of rowing shed at Leichhardt on Sunday 2 June. Twenty 2013, all agreed it was the best event ever. Thanks to Kassandra enthusiastic crews took to the water despite less than Winters, Vanessa Denny, Michelle Ng, Tammy Wong, Fiona Onikul, ideal conditions. the Year 9 helpers, our very own paparazzi Sarah Denny and In the lead up to the event, crews enjoyed watching Alex Hindmarsh from Upper School and Head of Junior School, some spectacular sunrises as they trained in idyllic Mrs Sue Knox who welcomed everyone in her cool rocker hair. conditions, with the invaluable assistance of coxes and Photos supplied by Sarah Denny and Alex Hindmarsh. coaches. The rowing ability of inexperienced rowers improved dramatically and experienced rowers were vital in leading the way. On the day of the regatta each crew was able to compete in one race with some fortunate enough to compete in two. Gale force winds and heavy rain later in the morning caused us to abandon the regatta as it became too dangerous. Whilst disappointing that the day was cut short, everyone involved demonstrated remarkable resilience, courage and enthusiasm. Thank you to all HOPE rowers, coaches and coxes for making this event possible. The 2013 HOPE Regatta raised over $55,000 in profit with 75% of this going towards the College’s new Aquatic and Fitness Centre planned for opening in 2016 and 25% given towards a vehicle capable of towing rowing (and other) trailers. On behalf of the 2013 HOPE Regatta committee I would Winter wonderland for Prep like to acknowledge everyone who contributed to the Father Daughter Dinner 2013 HOPE Regatta and to express our gratitude for Caryn Hanley, Preparatory School Parent Group your involvement. (Hope Regatta photos supplied by Pymble came alive with polar bears, penguins and snow princesses www.fine-photography.com.au) when more than 140 Preparatory School girls and their fathers stepped into the ‘Ice Castle’ in the Main Hall for the Snow Spectacular Father Daughter Dinner on Friday 31 May. Thanks to Year 9 afternoon tea High Tea enjoyed by the efforts of a great team of Preparatory School mums, the hall Janet Stanley, Upper School Parent Group mothers and daughters was transformed into a winter wonderland where the girls were Mums and daughters from Year 9 enjoyed a relaxing afternoon tea greeted with falling snow, icy cold gelato and the chance to dance at Eden Gardens in Term 2. The girls particularly enjoyed the hot Tricia Perl and Rachel Gribble, Senior School Parent the night away with their dads. Preparatory School Performing chocolate and blankets to snuggle in for extra warmth. The mums Group event convenors Arts teacher, Miss Amanda Stelcova had helped the girls prepare a found lots to chat about as they caught up with old friends and met Years 11 and 12 students and their mothers spent special surprise performance for their fathers who were treated to many new ones. The Head of Upper School Mr Phil O’Regan and a delightful April Sunday afternoon at Pymble Golf a very enthusiastic rendition of Winter Wonderland and Frosty the Deputy Head of Upper School Mrs Melissa Boyd joined mothers and Club enjoying the annual Senior School Parent Group Snowman. The smile on each of the girls faces was priceless and it daughters at the event. The left over brownies were sent back to the High Tea. Mothers and daughters and special guests was wonderful to see the special time they had with their fathers. boarding house so all round everyone had a great time! Deputy Head of Senior School, Mrs Andrea Pryor and Thank you to all the mums who assisted at the working bee Student Co-ordinator, Ms Patricia Gallardo, agreed it sessions and helped create all the decorations for the evening and to those who helped to set up and clear away after the dinner. The was a lovely way to spend a Sunday surrounded by Thanks for photos night would not have been possible without all of our dedicated The photos accompanying the Mothers and Daughters good company and delightful food in a relaxed and very Year 12 girls who commenced Pymble in Kindergarten at the High Tea: volunteers giving so generously of your time. A special thanks to Lawn Bowls afternoon reported in the May 2013 issue of the pleasant setting. Charlotte Armstrong, Stephanie Tanna, Samantha D’Souza, Mackenzie Wood, Anjeli Sivakumar, Allegra Freelander, Emilie Perl and Abbey Woodbury. Jo Nolan, who single-handedly made the magnificent ‘Ice Castle’. Pymbulletin were supplied by www.fine-photography.com.au

20 21 development at Pymble Black Watch Ties Ex-Students’ Union Inc. President’s Report Annual Giving 2013 “I keep six honest serving-men receives. Good governance suggests that the ESU should pursue this They taught me all I knew possibility with vigour. Their names are What and Why and When Our reporting makes us transparent and accountable. Our Annual And How and Where and Who.” General Meeting on Tuesday 29 October at 6:30pm is an important The ‘Five Ws’ (and one H) were made famous by Rudyard Kipling in his component in this process. Not to mention the work our Treasurer Just So Stories in 1902. undertakes every year to maintain our accounts and to engage our accountant and auditor. We also hold insurance to cover our personal Over many years of communicating to our members via the Pymbulletin, liabilities of volunteering to perform these services. and more recently by digital newsletters, Facebook and LinkedIn, the We have a strategic plan to guide us in our decision making and to help Ex-Students’ Union (ESU) has been focussed on telling former students us identify opportunities for new initiatives to ensure that the ESU is a the What, Why, When, How and Who of what we do. relevant, contemporary and effective organisation. ‘What’ and ‘Why’ of what the ESU does is captured by the objectives in The recent focus on enhanced governance has afforded the ESU the our Constitution. Our objectives are simply to maintain the traditions of opportunity to review the way it operates and to strive for even greater the College and unite and reunite current and former students. operational efficiencies. We have sought external advice regarding our I now want to let you know about ‘How’ we might operate in light of constitution, committee and governance structures to bring greater recent focus on the valuable work performed across Australian by expertise to our financial and investment management and also include not-for-profit entities such as our ESU. focus for those organising and running events to reunite our ex-students The Commonwealth Government is conducting a detailed review of the and connect with our current students. not-for-profit sector, focussing on delivering centralised, smarter and We have engaged external advisors on our investments to make sure the simpler regulation and to improve the transparency and accountability stewardship of our members’ subscriptions and donations is wisely and of the not-for-profit sector. The sector has been identified as one where conservatively invested for the purpose of providing ongoing support for it contributes to community and offers opportunities for participation in our objectives both now and in the future. these activities. We are keen to attract new people with a diversity of skills to our Current and past Indigenous Scholars A recognised benefit of promoting greater transparency, accountability Committee. Many women believe that they either don’t have sufficient “Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.” William Butler Yeats time or credentials to participate. While there are some positions such and disclosure is the opportunity it offers for greater engagement and as the Treasurer’s position that does require technical experience with Did you know your gift to Pymble Ladies’ College Annual Giving Program helps to provide opportunities for deserving young girls to generosity of donors. study at Pymble? The 2013 inaugural Annual Giving Program was launched to seek support from the Pymble community to help sustain financial management and reporting, the rest of us just share a simple There are approximately 600,000 not-for-profit entities in Australia. As a and develop our exciting scholarship programs. The various scholarship opportunities at the College are vital components of a Pymble behavioural competency: we are volunteers who are committed to not-for-profit incorporated association, the ESU is a part of this reform. The delivering the objectives of the ESU. We have diversity of age, experience educational experience. ESU became an incorporated association in 2001 and, in hindsight, this and abilities and invite more diversity of thought so that we can continue With your support we are working to enrich the College by expanding our Indigenous Scholarship Program to enable deserving young girls was a step towards greater robustness in the governance of our Union. to be effective. to benefit from a Pymble education. Our aim is to increase the number of Indigenous students in our diverse community, giving them the Our governance includes our Constitution that sets out our objectives Now you know ‘Who’ we are, ‘What’ we do, ‘When’ we meet and ‘How’ opportunity to contribute to the life of the College and wider community. Our vision is for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to be (What we do) and therefore ‘Why’ we do what we do to further those we operate, I encourage you to get involved. Come to our meetings and educated side by side and stand together as leaders of community and country. objectives. The ‘When’ is answered by reference to the place and continue to support our events. Help us continue the Pymble tradition of Please join us in supporting the mission of the College by helping to make a difference today. Your continued support will enable girls to times of our Committee meetings, events and activities. The ‘Who’ is striving for the highest. benefit from an outstanding Pymble education. Together, you and other current parents and Pymble ex-students have helped the College fulfilled by the dedicated Committee members, as well as the many All’ Ultimo Lavoro be the best it can be by lighting a fire. You can make a difference for Pymble students with your gift to the Annual Giving 2013 program. volunteers who assist with events such as Garden Party, our reunions Sue Everingham (Taylor, 1977) For more details or to make a contribution please contact the Development Office on 02 9855 7303 or email [email protected] and our networking, social, sporting and fundraising events to help us President or [email protected] achieve our objectives. Pymble Ladies’ College Ex-Students’ Union Inc Our governance involves responsible management of our financial [email protected] or PO Box 15, Pymble NSW 2073 The Boarding Scholarship Program affairs. One important issue presently under consideration is whether Our Indigenous the ESU should apply for tax-deductible status for donations which it www.facebook.com/groups/pymbleESU The Boarding Scholarship Program provides opportunities for girls from rural and regional Scholar alumni Australia to attend Pymble. This important scholarship program was established this year The opportunity for ex-students to come back to College and celebrate Four Pymble Indigenous Scholars have Commemoration Day 2013 with the assistance of the Boarder Parents Support Group to foster a richer experience for their time here is an important and continuing part of College life. We all at Pymble. graduated from the College and used the The Annual Commemoration Day Chapel Service, followed by morning look forward to seeing many ex-students at the next Commemoration opportunities they gained from a Pymble tea hosted by the Ex-Students’ Union was held on 28 July, 2013. Day Service on Sunday 27 July, 2014. education to further their studies and Over 100 ex-students gathered to share and celebrate this important their careers. day marking the Dedication of the College in 1919. This year’s guest Jessica Ah Chee (2010) is studying speaker, Sue Kominek (McDonald, 1972) spoke of the importance of the Medicine at the University of Adelaide, education she received at Pymble and how it had led her to becoming a teacher, now a Principal, as well as fostering her love of travel. We thank Keiryn Lenoy (2010) is working for a legal Sue for joining us. company, Libby Cook-Black (2011) is studying Law at James Cook University Thanks also to the College Chaplain, Reverend Lorenzo Rodriguez and Ella Merritt (2012) is studying for a Torres for leading the service, Mrs Vicki Waters for leading the prayers Bachelor of Primary Education at the and to the Ex-Students’ Union Choir, led by Jillian Cranney (Stacey, 1972) who gave a beautiful performance. Ex-Students’ Union Scholars, University of Newcastle. Ellie Walker (Year 12) and Nicole Drury (Year 11) gave the readings and Shoushan Sariyan (2012) performed an exquisite piano solo. 22 23 Black Watch Ties Ex-Students’ Union Inc. [email protected] or PO Box 15, Pymble NSW 2073

Commemoration Day Service and Classes of 1940 to 1943 – 70 Year Reunion ESU Artist in Residence Grant Ex-students News the ESU Choir The Heritage Centre, below the College War Memorial Chapel, was Each year, the ESU works with the College to provide a grant for an • Susan Talbot (Thompson, 1953) was appointed a Member of the the gathering place for ex-students from 1940 to 1943. A wonderful exciting professional learning opportunity for current girls. In 2013, the Order of Australia in this year’s Honours List “for significant service to Jillian Cranney (Stacy, 1972) time was had by all the ladies who shared so many memories of their grant was awarded to the Music Department to assist with the purchase international relations, particularly through promotion of the arts.” The My long association with the College Chapel organ dates back to time at Pymble. The laughter and chatter could be heard outside as of a harpsichord, beautifully hand painted by ex-student Diana Ford Governor General, , presented the award on 9 April in a 1971 when I was a student in Year 11 at Pymble and Miss Buckham everyone caught up with their news. Remembering school 70 years ago (Gee, 1969). Working with Paul Dyer of the Australian Brandenburg ceremony at the Harvard Club in New York City. At the ceremony it was was Principal. Late one afternoon, Miss Buckham invited me to travel when there were paddocks and horses, no Chapel and the war-time Orchestra, a Harpsichord Festival Concert was held on 1 June where noted that the Order has never before been presented by a Governor with her, in her old Volvo, to inspect the TC Lewis pipe organ at the bomb shelter under the Colonnade, Miss Knox was the much loved an enthralled audience was treated to an outstanding evening of music. General in the United States. Susan has lived in New York since 1966 Congregational Church in Petersham. The church was about to be Principal and all the girls had to wear bloomers as part of their uniform. With the support of the ESU, Pymble now owns a truly unique and and has long been involved in promoting the work of Australian artists, demolished and the organ was for sale. It was the most magnificent It was a wonderful get together. Thanks to Alison Hale (Nield, 1943) for world class musical instrument. performers and filmmakers to American audiences. instrument built in 1886. Miss Buckham was extremely keen to organising the reunion. A triple medallist at the 2013 Youth Olympic Rowing Festival (two purchase it for the College. Her determination prevailed and it was Gold and one Bronze), Genevieve Horton (2012), (below left) with installed in the Chapel in July 1972. It is considered to be one of the her partner Jessie Allen (ranked number 1 U/19 pair in Australia) finest organs in Sydney. When I left Pymble, Miss Buckham asked me competed in the Elite Open Women’s races at the NSW State Titles. to stay on as the College organist. I played for most of the weddings They subsequently trialled successfully for the Australian Women’s and Commemoration Day Services from 1973 until 1987 when I went Elite Eight (finalists at the London 2012 ) competing to live in the United States of America. in the Samsung World Cup Regatta in Sydney in March. From these The idea of creating an Ex-Students’ Choir was first proposed in trials, Genevieve was selected for the Australian Women’s Eight for 1998 by Philippa Graham (Myers, 1969), then President of the ESU. the World Cup. She is the youngest rower in Australian rowing history She and the Committee felt a choir would greatly contribute to the to represent her country at a senior level. This team, with Genevieve Commemoration Day Service. Philippa approached me to play the in the number three seat won the World Cup Gold Medal beating the organ at the Chapel Service and to establish the choir. Her vision was previously undefeated American Crew, current Olympic Champions. to develop and encourage music within the ex-student community. Genevieve and Jessie were selected for the Australian World Junior team and the Australian World Under 23 team to compete in the The first choir consisted of Philippa’s daughter, Michele Graham (1993), World Championships. They successfully beat off the competition to and three friends. They sang the introit Holy, Holy, Holy with one Class of 1948 – 65 Year Reunion win the Gold Medal, becoming the World Under 19 Champions in the rehearsal before the service commenced. Since then, the choir has In the comfortable surroundings of the David MacFarlane Centre, nearly Women’s Pairs. Ranked number one in the World Juniors, Genevieve grown significantly and many loyal choristers return year after year. 40 ladies from the Class of 1948 gathered together to enjoy a wonderful From the Archives has had outstanding success and we congratulate her! ESU Choir members are all ages and come from many different parts buffet lunch and non-stop chatter about life in the 1940s after the War. Val Grogan (Jenkyn, 1951) visited the Heritage Centre to meet with of Sydney. Year 13 girls are strongly encouraged to become involved in Memories of sports teams, swimming and the Hobbies Club all surfaced Principal, Mrs Vicki Waters, to donate memorabilia to the Pymble the choir. The choir now contributes three items to the Chapel Service - as the ladies enjoyed reminiscing. Thanks to Ruth Alcock (Inglis, 1948) Archives. Val’s collection included Pymble magazines, photos from an introit, a choral interlude and the benediction. It is a wonderful and Joan Scougall (Cadwallader, 1948) for organising the reunion. the 1950s and 1960s including a photo of Miss Knox with the Duchess connection for the College and the Choir. of Gloucester who visited Pymble on 22 November, 1946. The now If you are interested in joining the ESU Choir contact Jillian Cranney on mature and beautiful Jacaranda tree on the front lawn was planted in M: 0408 969268, E: [email protected] or join our Facebook her honour. Many years later, in 1995, her son, the Duke of Gloucester group: www.facebook.com/groups/PymbleESUChoir visited Australia as the Grand Prior of the Order of St John. Val, in her capacity as Chairman of St John Ambulance, took His Royal Highness to visit Pymble to see where his mother’s tree was planted and he in turn planted a second Jacaranda tree. All the girls gathered on the Colonnade and the lawn to watch him plant the tree, just as the girls had done in 1946, almost 50 years earlier. Thank you to the many ex-students who have uncovered school • Congratulations to Pymble ex-student Maddison Penn (2012) on badges, tapestries of Ingleholme, uniforms, photos, letters and other her selection as guard for the 2013 to 2014 Virginia Tech basketball Class of 1953 – 60 Year Reunion interesting and important items which they have generously donated to team in the USA. Her coach described her as “a very skilled perimeter The Atrium of the Senior School Centre - Kate Mason Building was a the Archives. player with a scorer’s mentality. Her shooting ability will help our team spacious and beautiful venue for the 60 Year Reunion. The building, immensely. We are thrilled to welcome Maddi to the Hokie family”. which was not there when the 1953 girls were at school, sparked Maddison also rowed when at Pymble as well as representing NSW in off many memories about the buildings the girls used in 1953. The basketball from 2008 to 2013. Boarding Houses held special memories for girls who had travelled • Heidi Pun (2010) shared her expertise with the current Pymble many kilometres to share this special reunion lunch. Special thanks to Year 11 and Year 12 Business and Economics students about the Meg Henderson (1953) and Donna Woodhill (Patrick, 1953) for their cadetship program available at Price Waterhouse Cooper. organisation of the event. • Lauren Trevenen (2003) has been working in marketing and events across a range of industries, dividing her time between work and a love for travel. “Returning from a long stint overseas changed my outlook, and I came back determined to do something more with my career and passion for events. I have just launched my own event management Reunion Reports company, The Event Space. I’ve received fantastic support from my A number of reunions are traditionally held after the Commemoration network of Pymble friends which has really helped boost business.” Day Chapel Service. Mrs Vicki Waters, Principal and Mrs Sue • Kate Baecher (2000) was an inspirational guest speaker at the Everingham (Taylor, 1977) attended reunions for Classes of 1940 to ANZAC Day Service. Now a psychologist with the Australian Defence 1943, 1948 and 1953. Force (ADF), Kate has served overseas and home as part of the ADF.

24 25 Black Watch Ties Ex-Students’ Union Inc. [email protected] or PO Box 15, Pymble NSW 2073

Marriages • Candace Shepherd (2000) married Michael Chandler in a small • Helen (Mel) Rosemary Dewick (Sherwood, 1958) died on 15 April ESU Networking event family wedding on Hamilton Island on 2 March 2013. A wedding 2013 after a long illness. Helen was a student at the College for • Susan Harders (2003) married Luis Escobar Silva in the College War celebration with friends, family and old school mates was held on 12 years. Whilst at school, Helen excelled as a pianist and enjoyed Ex-students are invited to the ESU Networking event on Wednesday Memorial Chapel on Saturday 18 May 2013. Her bridesmaids were 20 April 2013 at Sails, Lavender Bay, Sydney. the company of her friends, particularly Gillian Wheeler (Kerr, 1958) 16 October, Level 14, 131 Macquarie St, Sydney. The ESU is delighted sister, Jen Harders (2002) and Laura Whitehouse (2003). Susan’s (deceased). Helen made her career as a nurse and was very highly to announce that Melissa Doyle (1987) well-known and respected mother, Laura-Lyn Harders (Schofield, 1970) is also an ex-student regarded by both patients and relatives for the care and expertise television presenter will be the guest speaker. of Pymble. she always demonstrated. She loved her chosen profession and This is a great opportunity to meet other ex-students and network declared it ‘the best job in the world’. Helen always lived her life to as well as finding mentors, gaining career insights and furthering the full and was the much loved big sister of Jean Elaine Sherwood professional expertise. Tickets are $65 and include a light lunch and (now Dr Bronte Somerset, 1962) and Suzanne Bronwyn Sherwood drinks. Contact Christie Charlin (Fuller, 1985) on M: 0402 906 465 or (1965). Helen is survived by her son Stewart, daughter Bronwyn and E: [email protected]. Places are limited so please reserve your grandchildren: James, Rachael, Tess, Mike and Bella. Six of Helen’s ticket now. great nieces are current students at the College. • Joan Leventhal (Flockhart, 1938) passed away peacefully on Friday 17 May 2013 at the age of 91 from complications following surgery. Pymble Cup Luncheon Joan cherished her years at Pymble often regaling the family with The 2013 Pymble Ladies’ College Melbourne Cup Luncheon will stories of her time at the College. After finishing in 1938 Joan became be held in the Portico Restaurant at the Greengate Hotel, Killara on a nurse at The Royal Children’s Hospital Camperdown. It was there Tuesday 5 November from 12.00pm to 3.30pm. Guests will enjoy a that she met her husband Dr Bill Leventhal. After their marriage they sit down three course lunch and silent auction along with sweeps and spent several years in London pursuing his career, returning to live in raffles throughout the afternoon. Funds raised from the event support • Kristen Montgomery (2000) married Luke Brown at St Augustine’s the Pymble Indigenous Scholarship Program. It is always a fun event Church, Narromine on 29 September 2012. Kristen was attended Births Pymble to raise their two children Andrew and Sally. and we look forward to many ex-students joining us on the day. by Matrons of Honour, Anne Beaumont (Tully, 2000) and Alex • Angela Cassar (Klineberg, 1996) and husband Ray are thrilled to Joan kept a close association with the College over the years with her Bookings are via the online booking system on the College website at Quigley, and her sister Tina Montgomery (2003) was her bridesmaid. welcome Michael Euan Cassar, born 24 November 2012, a beautiful daughter Sally Scrimshaw (Leventhal, 1971) and both granddaughters www.pymblelc.nsw.edu.au little brother for Rachel and Juliet. Laura Scrimshaw (2002) and Alexis Leventhal (2003) attending Pymble. • Amy Currey (Kelo, 1997) and Jason Currey welcomed their second daughter, Charlotte Louise, on 13 April 2013. Her big sister, Amelia Grace is very excited about her arrival. Upcoming Reunions – 2013 • Lynnette D’Cruz (Khong, 1995), husband Ashley and big brother We need an organiser for the 55 year reunion. Please contact Joy England by email [email protected] or on 02 9855 7304 if you Matthew welcomed Nicholas Kai Sohail D’Cruz into the world on would like to be the convenor. 29 January 2013. The family is enjoying being back in Sydney after five years in San Francisco. Event Year Date Contact • Natalie Grange (Schramm, 1990) and husband Stephan are 10 Year Reunion 2003 Leavers Saturday 26 October Kate Hordern delighted to announce the birth of their twin sons Joel Hunter and The Treehouse, North Sydney E: [email protected] Lincoln Edward on 6 April 2013, brothers for Laura. 30 Year Reunion 1983 Leavers Saturday 2 November, 7.00pm Rowena Stulajter (McMurray) M: 0400 485 296 • The Treehouse, North Sydney, dinner E: [email protected] Karen Harvey (Kelly, 1994) and husband Mac welcomed Spencer Jenny Cole (Hart) E: [email protected] William Harvey to the world on 15 April 2013, a brother for Hugo Join us on Facebook – PLC Pymble Thirty Years Macquarrie and Zara Joan. They are the grandchildren of Margaret • Zoe Nawrot (2002) and Mark Walker were married on 19 January Kelly (Noble, 1968) great niece and grandchildren of Joan Noble 35 Year Reunion 1978 Leavers Saturday 19 October, 12.30pm to 3.00pm Merry Hughes M: 0411 436 155 2013 accompanied by their closest family and friends. The wedding Heritage Centre, lunch E: [email protected] (McEvoy,1938) and nephew of Sarah Stephenson (Kelly, 2000). ceremony and reception were held at the picturesque Tocal 40 Year Reunion 1973 Leavers Saturday 12 October, 5.00pm to 11.00pm Janette Norrie (Morell) T: 02 4369 6528 M: 0414 696 528 Homestead in Maitland, NSW, just minutes from Zoe’s family home. • Sarah Stephenson (Kelly, 2000) and husband Damian are delighted Senior School Centre Atrium, dinner E: [email protected] The celebration was a perfect day for the happy couple. Zoe and with the arrival of their first child, Lachlan Richard Stephenson, born Sally Gulson (Sherman) E: [email protected] Mark have established their home in Canberra, ACT. in USA on 26 March 2013. The nephew of Karen Harvey 45 Year Reunion 1968 Leavers Saturday 19 October, 12.00pm Sue King (Bristow) E:[email protected] (Kelly, 1994) grandchild of Margaret Kelly (Noble, 1968) and great Senior School Centre Atrium, lunch Margaret Parrett (Whitney) T: 02 9416 6031 E: [email protected] grandchild of Joan Noble (McEvoy,1938). 50 Year Reunion 1963 Leavers Sunday 13 October, 12.00pm to 3.30pm, Louise Allison E: [email protected] Senior School Centre Atrium, lunch Alison Watson (Ferguson) E: [email protected] • Emma Westall (Paxton, 1994) and husband Scott are thrilled to Alison Kearns (McCutcheon) E: [email protected] announce the arrival of their daughter, Phoebe Drew Westall on 55 Year Reunion 1958 Leavers Date and venue TBA We need an organiser for this event. Please contact Joy England on 3 June 2013, a beautiful little sister for Romy. 02 9855 7304 or email [email protected] if you would like to be the convenor Vale • Jill Back (Sedgers, 1948) died on 28 June 2013, formerly of Papua Annual General Meeting Perth Reunion New Guinea, aged 82 years. The Ex-Students’ Union AGM will be held at 6.30pm, The ESU is hosting a High Tea on Saturday 26 October, • Noreen Burnett (1948) sadly died on 18 May 2013. Tuesday 29 October, 2013 in the Heritage Centre 1:00pm to 3:00pm at The George, 216 Georges Terrace, Perth. • Helen Asher Chester (Day, 1944) late of Ballina and formerly of (below the Chapel) at Pymble Ladies’ College. All ex-students Please RSVP to Linda McCorquodale (1979) M: 0411 112 167 The Pymble Girls: Ewa Kretowicz (1999), Phoebe Richard (2002), Turramurra and Wahroonga died on 17 June 2013, aged 86. are most welcome to attend. E: [email protected] Tiffany Patrick (2002), Edwina McCarthur (Vandine, 2002), • Betty Shannon (Mooney, 1934) died on 14 April 2013 at Lady Zoe Walker (Nawrot, 2002), Maid of Honour - Jessica Grundy (2002), Gowrie Nursing Home, Gordon. Betty was Head Prefect of Pymble Nathaliya Wongsethanoonoi (2002), Michelle Lemeray (2002), and in 1934. Joanna Whiddon (2002)

26 27 looking back Pymble in the 1960s 1971 ex-student Randi Svensen reflects on her years at Pymble Knitting during the 1960s. outside Miss “When I was asked to contribute to the Pymbulletin on life in my time Knox’s office at Pymble Ladies’ College, I resisted. Who would want to read about at lunchtime someone who was hardly a poster-girl for the school that was my during my many second home for nine years? Not only that, the invitation came as a detentions, result of a comment I made about a previous Pymbulletin article, in I was expected to reflect which a mannequin’s ‘tam’ was incorrectly worn – probably the only on my shortcomings until school rule I did not break (actually, it was pretty stylish). a twelve-inch square had been produced. I still But we were ‘young ladies’, and who of our teachers would have feel guilty at foisting my thought to forbid an ink fight? I’ll never forget the ‘Great Ink Fight’ of stretched and holey efforts 1965 which – finally – I can now own up to masterminding. We had on some unsuspecting dip pens back then, with inkwells on our desks, and it was just too charity, so maybe chapel tempting. Besides, our black-watch summer dresses hardly showed every morning achieved the ink at all… some effect beyond Now that I’m in the mood for confession, I’ll admit I was also imparting a life-long love responsible for introducing a revolutionary method of cleaning of choral music. blackboard dusters. The unfortunate monitress on duty was expected The world was going on around us – including the war in Vietnam – to bang them on a ruler until she was shrouded in a cloud of chalk and yet we were cocooned in our own world, being educated in dust and coughing uncontrollably. I found the wood-mounted pieces the old style to become ‘ladies’. We had lessons in speech, music, of felt cleaned up a treat if thumped up against the side wall of the tennis, embroidery, mending and even cooking (I gave a new Junior School – until a dry spell outed me and my cleaning became meaning to ‘rock cakes’). But we were also in an environment that more like street art. was dominated by strong women, albeit sometimes very scary My reward for innovation was that I had the dubious distinction of ones. It didn’t occur to us that males were anything but our equals, being awarded the first detention in the Junior School – for the gross although of course we didn’t see many of them at school. Our only infraction of going out of bounds. For that, I had to sit outside the male teacher in those early years was Mr Gardiner, who must have staffroom during lunch and write “I will not go past the green pipe been a hundred years old but who gave us a love of geology and, before 8.30 in the morning” 50 times. I was called to stand up in scandalously, called us ‘reptiles’ (a sobriquet likely well-deserved). assembly so often that my elder sister, Kari, used to complain that I But Pymble did encourage my love of words. I volunteered in the was giving her a bad name. library and enjoyed the encouragement of the librarian, but I was also I’m afraid Senior School did little to curb my spirit (although, chastised in Junior School for using words that were “too mature” thankfully, Kari had now graduated and was spared further for my age. Not bad for someone for whom English was a second embarrassment). With new grounds to explore, tadpoling in the creek language and who later became a writer of history. below the giant strides was a favourite diversion. Only once did I But best of all, from time to time I got to walk Miss Knox’s dog, come to grief when I fell into the creek and was then chased by the Mulga. This was the ultimate nod from ‘Knocky’, even to one who senior groundsman. I outran him, however, and the teachers that remembers all too well that Mulga slept under the head’s desk most afternoon didn’t notice that my black stockings were darker than of the day – so often was I sent to her office! usual, or that my Clark’s shoes squelched as I walked. Ah, the memories.”

Randi began her writing career 12 years ago, after 25 years as a restaurateur and, before that, a banker with JP Morgan and a money market dealer with Macquarie Bank. She is the author of two books: Wooden Boats, Iron Men - The Halvorsen Story (Halstead Press and the Australian National Maritime Museum, 2004) and Heroic, Forceful and Fearless: Australia’s Pymble Ladies’ College Tugboat Heritage (Citrus Press and the Australian National Maritime Avon Road, PO Box 137 Museum, 2012). Pymble NSW 2073 Australia

Tel: +61 2 9855 7799 Fax: +61 2 9855 7766 Email: [email protected] Follow Pymble: www.pymblelc.nsw.edu.au www.facebook.com/PymbleLC A school of the Uniting Church in Australia www.twitter.com/PymbleLC ‘All’ Ultimo Lavoro’ – Strive for the Highest