Keeping Up With the Boarders - Term 4 2025

Boarders

2025... that’s a wrap!

It is with great delight that I share our final edition of Keeping Up With Our Boarders for 2025. It has been a fabulous year filled with friendship, fun and learning and what you will read here is just a snapshot of all the going ons of the last few months. I am enormously proud of our Boarding family, the tenacity and resilience that our Boarders demonstrate day after day and the manner in which they embrace all that is on offer at Pymble is inspiring. You will notice this shining through in each of our stories but look no further than 2025 graduate, Hannah Weber, as an exemplar of the Boarder spirit.

During the thick of the ‘COVID years’, Hannah began writing for us in a column eventually titled “Keeping up with Hannah”. In these pieces, Hannah transported us to her beloved ‘Fairlands’ in Walgett and shared stories that will be familiar to many of our families. She also wrote of her many adventures and successes with her trademark humility and grace. In her final piece as a Boarder, Hannah leaves us with the words she has lived by:

Always maintain your authenticity.

Respect and honor your individuality.

Be genuine and real.

Love your parents and siblings.

Be kind to your teachers.

Laugh and be ridiculous.

Going the extra mile is worth it.

You are exactly where you are meant to be.

Giving up is never an option.

Manners are never out of style.

A beautiful mantra and one which I hope you see echoed in the following pages.

With deep gratitude and every good wish for a wonderful 2026.

Carolyn Burgess DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

Keeping Up With Hannah

HANNAH WEBER, YEAR 12 2025, WALGETT

It only seems like yesterday, that we moved into Marden House, with crisp new uniforms complete with freshly sewn name labels. Numerous faces and places to remember on a daily basis and acclimatising to the overhead air traffic and town water. Remembering how the dreaded COVID stops and starts gave the new Boarders a false sense of hope that home visits happened often and for weeks at a time!

Here we are 6 years later.

I have appreciated every opportunity presented to me at Pymble Ladies’ College, and the vast repertoire of skills and experiences I have attained, will stay with me for a lifetime.

At one of our first assemblies, Dr Hadwen encouraged us to “try new things... skills, interests, culture” and not to be afraid to venture outside our “comfort zones”. I’m so glad that I took her words of wisdom on board, and I have indeed tried my best at a variety of activities on offer, including: Cattle Team, Cadets, Rowing, Rugby Sevens, Hockey, Water Polo, Athletics, Touch Football, School Choir and Oil Painting.

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot” (unknown)

I have lived by this quote for the past 12 months.

Last September I attended the National All Breeds Heifer Show at Blayney, with Glanmire Murray Grey stud heifers. It was a very well attended event, including 230 cattle kids helping me celebrate my 17th birthday... slightly embarrassing but good fun. I managed to place in both Junior Judging and in the coveted Herdsman Competition.

The next competition was the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza, held at Scone in October. Our Pymble Senior Meat Judging Team was awarded Champion School. This was an incredible achievement for us, with many other school teams vying for this top award. I was also fortunate to be shortlisted for the King Island, Waverley Station Placement Scholarship. I placed in both Junior Judging and Parading again.

Meanwhile back at Walgett, harvest preparation was underway. Dad built some new grain sheds for more on-farm storage and mum took delivery of some new beautiful Angus heifers. George picked up a new red cattle puppy named Rosie, and Lizzy passed her Private Pilots exam.

I played in the U18 Barbarians Rugby team at the Pacifica Rugby Championships. It’s always a Pacific Island Cultural showcase, with incredible people, food and music. Our Barbarians team played well and hard against some very tough and talented opposition, and

managed third in U18 from seven teams.

January saw the hosting of the National Angus Youth Roundup, held in Tamworth at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre, (AELEC). I had the privilege of a ballot heifer from Bulliac Angus Stud. Bulliac Mildred U301, my beautiful heifer placed in her class, which was a great achievement with the heifer halter broken just before the event. I learned so much and made some very worthwhile national and international contacts and along with some great friends and mentors.

This year has been even busier with Year 12 and Leadership responsibilities. I am the Pymble Ladies’ College Cadet Unit Company Sargeant Major (CSM) and the Pymble Cattle Team Captain. I flew back to Walgett for the Zone 4 Ag Shows Junior Judging Qualifying Finals in February and qualified for the Sydney Royal Easter show in Merino Wool, Grain and Fruit and Vegetable Judging. I qualified for Beef Judging at the Sydney Royal via the Castle Hill Youth Ag expo, and paraded for Pymble in the Senior School Cattle Parader’s competition. I was fortunate to progress through to the oral judging sections in grain, beef, fruit and vegetables and soil. Very tough competition as the age range is from 15 years to 25 years! I placed fifth in the Grain Judging Competition, and it was reminiscent of my younger days when I attended the Sydney Show and always loved seeing the prize-winning grain on the display wall.

I very proudly paraded “Knowla Vermin” in the Senior School Parader’s competition, with hundreds of competitors. I won my class and then went on to the Championship class. I won the Reserve Champion School Parader wide sash, and I couldn’t be prouder of “Vermin” or the Pymble Cattle Team for backing me all the way.

Anzac Day in Walgett was very well attended this year, with yours truly entrusted as the National Flag Bearer again. It is such an important day of remembrance and reflection of those young Australian and New Zealand troops and personnel who willingly risked their lives for the future of our beautiful nations.

April and May was winter crop planting time, and all systems were GO at Walgett. We had great soil moisture to plant faba beans, but it was too wet for canola to be sown within the optimum planting window. Wheat, barley and chickpeas followed and had a great start with excellent germination.

The Hawkesbury Show is always a wonderfully organised and managed event, and I attended this show parading

for the Collins family from Bathurst, beautiful Glanmire Stud Murray greys. I placed second in the Senior Paraders class with a chunky Murray Grey steer. The steer won his steer class and then went on to win the Reserve Champion sash.

Back home, Lizzy won a cooking competition, called ‘Moree on a Plate’, with a work colleague from Nutrien Moree. Lizzy is progressing nicely with her quest to attain a Commercial Pilot’s licence. George is keeping the sowing and spray rigs going, to look after the baby winter crops. Dad ordered two swarm farm robots, to use for camera spraying. They are fully robotic spray rigs that target just weeds and only work within set climatic and spray conditions. They are incredible farm technology and the future direction of successful modern farming practices.

undergone refurbishments and renovations since a freak storm almost destroyed it at the end of 2024. It’s only 60 km down the road from home, so very convenient for a counter lunch.

Back at school, our Cadet Unit held the Passing Out Parade for the Year 12 Cadets. It was a surprisingly emotional event, as I have been a part of this incredible Cadet Unit for almost six years. Wearing Cadet uniform each Monday has always been easy, but I have carried out this service duty with pride and focus and encourage fellow Boarders to join the Cadets at Pymble. It is the ultimate service activity, with lifelong skills, incredible career path opportunities and genuine comradery and friendship as rewards for effort.

To answer the question, “what are you going to do when you leave school?”...

Mum and Dad kept up their caravanning adventures over winter and meandered their way down to the south coast and back. Mum continued with her butter dish collecting, along her journeys and now has amassed 16 dishes.

Dad went on another adventure bike excursion to Jindabyne and surrounds with his “bikey” mates. They are a great crew and ride big BMW adventure bikes around scenic tracks and stop at historic pubs and towns. They call Dad the tourist of the group, because he loves to stop and photograph the scenery!

In July, I competed in the Walgett Show Society Junior Judging qualifying events, held at the Walgett Showground. I won the Wool, Fruit and Vegetable and Grain Judging, and placed second in Beef, Merino Sheep and Meat Sheep judging. I am now to represent the Walgett Show Society in the Northwest Group 14 AgShows Zone finals for qualifying places at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2026.

In August, I really reached celebrity status by having a feature article about my cattle, written up in The Land My photo was also included in the 9 Peaks Ranch, Oregon, U.S Angus Bull Sale catalogue. It’s a tough life being so famous... not.

I celebrated my 18th birthday at my favourite pub, The Carinda Hotel. It is such a great little pub, that has

I have several versions of answers to this, however at present my options are many and varied. I have early entry acceptance to UNE Armidale for three Bachelor courses, (Agriculture, Agribusiness and a double Agriculture/Law), I have a butcher’s apprenticeship at Bogewong Butchers, Walgett, I have an Angus stud ranch hand and stud stock handler opportunity in the United States, Oregon, I am eligible for the Australian Defence Force in numerous courses and apprenticeships, and I have attained my RSA, RSG and Hospitality Certificates in case I need them.

As the final weeks of 13 years of schooling approach, I reflect on pivotal moments in time, crossroads in life, and wonderful people who have encouraged me, influenced me, mentored me, or just let me be me.

A few words of tried and tested advice:

Always maintain your authenticity.

Respect and honor your individuality.

Be genuine and real.

Love your parents and siblings.

Be kind to your teachers. Laugh and be ridiculous.

Going the extra mile is worth it.

You are exactly where you are meant to be.

Giving up is never an option. Manners are never out of style.

Thank you Pymble Boarding for being my home for six years.

Over and out,

Hannah

Hitting the books – one last hurrah for Year 12

CAROLYN BURGESS, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING AND YEAR 12 2025

The Term 3 break provided an excellent opportunity for our Year 12 2025 to finalise their preparations for the Higher School Certificate. We were proud to offer the opportunity for our Boarders to remain with us in Lang House to take advantage of the wonderful study program on offer at Pymble. As you will read, it was a productive time for everyone.

Study Camp has been a useful opportunity to focus on my studies, especially as a Boarder from a chaotic household. The study environment is perfect, and watching my friends and peers work motivates me to do so as well. The food is amazing as well. I have loved Study Camp. – Boa

Study Camp is honestly one of the best things in Year 12. Having a whole week dedicated to studying, means you actually get heaps done without distractions, and teachers being there to tutor you makes it so much easier to understand the tricky parts of each subject. The routine keeps you focused, and the lunch is great, and being around friends who are all working hard motivates you to stay on track for the HSC. – Madison

I can’t say that I have loved Study Camp, but it sure has been helpful. It is good to have the support of our teachers who meet with us during the day, and the watchful eye of Mrs Stanfield who is ‘supervising’ to keep us on task. – Alice

Study Camp this year has been such a beneficial experience, and I’m really glad I chose to come

back for my second time. Knowing how to use the teachers even just for extra support made such a difference, and give that extra bit of guidance that you sometimes don’t get in a normal school day. The learning environment was also really encouraging, being surrounded by people who all wanted to focus and get work done made it so much easier to stay motivated.

Boarding managed everything so well too, making sure we were looked after and had what we needed. Overall, I’ve found Study Camp really positive, and I’d definitely recommend the whole experience to anyone who’s thinking about it. It’s such a good way to get ahead, stay on top of things, and feel a bit more confident going into exams. – Grace

I enjoyed going to Study Camp this week because it gave me a good routine and support structure to revise all my subjects and plan how to improve for the HSC. I was able to book meetings with my teachers, which were helpful because they gave me feedback on work I’d handed in and guidance on how to make it better. I loved the way the days were set up, like how morning tea and afternoon tea were served but it was optional, and it wasn’t a set or forced break, so you didn’t have to stop or interrupt your studying or practice paper. I also enjoyed and made use of the option to go into the KMSSC and do a mock trial. I really valued the opportunities we were presented with to help prepare ourselves this week. – Lily

Boarding Leadership Conference

CHLOE BROWNING, HOUSE LIAISON PREFECT, MUDGEE

In early October, our Boarding Prefect Team had the opportunity to attend the Australian Boarding Schools’ Association online Leadership Conference that brought together 180 Boarders from 60 schools across the country. From Tasmania to Darwin, there was a voice from everywhere. Over the course of the day, we had the opportunity to listen to a series of guest speakers and participate in a number of workshops designed to build our leadership skills and help create a greater future for boarding.

Our first speaker, the Headmaster of The Southport School, spoke about the influence we hold within our communities. He reminded us that leadership isn’t about titles or positions, but about the impact we make through our actions, words, and interactions. True leadership, he said, is about changing people’s lives for the better and recognising that “the whole can be greater than the parts.” His speech reminded us that leadership isn’t an individual pursuit or goal but rather a shared responsibility within the community. It was a powerful message and one that will help guide us through the coming year.

Afterwards, Ariane and Jed from Bond University shared insights on leadership from their own experiences.

They emphasised that leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice or the one out in front. Often, it’s the small, unseen actions that make the biggest difference. They reflected on a time when a leader at their school supported Jed when he was younger, showing how even small acts of kindness and guidance can have a lasting impact. They encouraged us to “fix what you once wished was better” and to lead with authenticity, standing up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Finally, Max Nield spoke about the importance of empathic leadership and understanding ourselves. He challenged us to think about who we are as individuals, our personalities, habits, communication styles, and how these affect the way we work with others. By learning to understand both ourselves and those around us, we can become more adaptable and compassionate leaders.

Overall, the conference was a great experience that gave us a new perspective on leadership. It made us reflect on how we want to shape the future of Boarding and how it might be most effective. We’re excited to take what we’ve learned and put it into practice as we step up to lead with empathy and purpose in the year ahead.

Sophie’s Scottish Sojourn

SOPHIE BEVERIDGE, YEAR 10, YOUNG

Early this term, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to participate in an International Exchange. During this journey, two other girls and I travelled to Strathallan College (aka Strath), a co-educational Scottish boarding school in Perthshire, just on an hour away from Edinburgh.

On the first day I arrived in Scotland, I participated in a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Practice Camp that my exchange buddy was doing. This ended up being a lot of fun despite my jet lag. We hiked for three days through the Cairngorms National Park, camping in tents and stopping at small villages as we went. Our whole expedition group was super surprised when we ran into Princess Anne in a small town called Ballater near Balmoral on our last night.

On the weekends, I enjoyed going on the school trips to Edinburgh or going out with friends. While I was at Strath I was in Boarding which I loved. I found this very different to Boarding at Pymble, I think this was because the entire school uses the Boarding Houses in one way or another - all the day pupils also having a room in the Boarding House where they can stay overnight if they want, as well as everyone moving in and out of the Boarding House throughout the school day. This meant that everyone lounged around in the Boarding common rooms before or after school each day. This seemed like a good way to have the Day students and Boarders build stronger connections with one another.

Another difference in Boarding at Strath was that they would have a bell go over the speaker in the house a few times each day and that meant you had to come downstairs straight away to the lobby area where they would have roll call. After roll call, they would often have House meetings or House music practice. House music rehearsal was when all the girls in our Boarding House would get together to practise a song and dance for the House Music concert at the end of the term where the girls’ and boys’ houses would compete against one another in the school hall. This was very competitive and fun to take part in despite my exchange finishing a week before the concert.

I was lucky to have two free periods each day which were meant to be spent catching up on homework. All the students had different amounts depending on the subjects they were doing and perhaps depending on their dedication to their studies! I really enjoyed these free periods as I didn’t have much schoolwork to complete and could spend this time with friends or around the school grounds.

Although I missed all my friends and family from home, I am super happy to have been a part of this experience and to have made some lifelong friends that I can hopefully go back and visit one day.

Where are they now? Rebecca Hidalgo, Class of 2000, Lang House

I began my Pymble journey in Year 4 as a day girl, and became a Boarder in Year 12 as a result of my parents moving to Philadelphia. I was nervous to make the transition to a Boarder but felt welcomed by the girls in Lang House and our House Mistress, Brooksie!

Although it took me a little while to settle in, I found my groove and made the most of life as a Boarder. To ease the transition, I got a pet goldfish with two friends in Goodlet House (I don’t think that was allowed!) and we’d put a lid on the bowl every Friday afternoon when we left for the weekend.

I particularly enjoyed having access to the art studios after school and on weekends to work on my HSC Major Work, and walking around the beautiful campus.

After finishing my final year of school as a Boarder in Lang House, I headed to Philadelphia to study a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, with a minor in Art History. I thoroughly enjoyed Art, Design and Technology and Textiles and Design at school, and knew I wanted to work in a creative field. After some exploration, architecture felt like the perfect blend of design and functionality.

In 2005, I started working at a highend interior architecture and design firm in Philadelphia. One of my early highlights was working on a super luxurious residential compound in Paradise Island, Bahamas — an unforgettable experience for a new grad!

In 2009, I returned to Sydney for a few years, and then in 2014, I moved back to the US — this time to Los Angeles — where I started my own business. For the past 11 years, I’ve specialised in high-end interior architecture and design and found a niche in architectural lighting design. This work has taken me all over the US and Canada and it’s been an incredible journey.

For now, I live in Malibu, with my husband Antonio and our three beautiful children Emilia (5), Joanna (3.5), and baby Antonio (5 months). We love to travel, especially back to Sydney!

Reflecting on my time at Pymble, I’m grateful for the friendships and foundation it gave me. I still keep in touch with many childhood friends and often cross paths with old girls in LA or around the world. It’s wonderful to see how those early experiences have shaped the life I have today.

Avonmoore Newbies

SUMMER PHILLIPS, AVONMOORE PREFECT, BRISBANE

What an amazing few days we had welcoming our new Year 7 2026 Boarders! Thursday morning kicked off bright and early as the girls and their families arrived at Avonmoore. There was lots of excitement (and a few nerves) but smiles all around as the 2026 Boarder Prefects shared their best pieces of advice about Boarding life. The girls also met some of their Year 10 Big Sisters, who were so kind and helpful, making everyone feel at home straight away.

Once everyone had settled in, we headed off on our city adventure with the Big Sisters, our Deputy Director of Boarding, Head of Avonmoore, Dan Bukovinsky, and the Heads of Year, Mr Levin and Ms Ritcher. The train and metro ride was a highlight for some girls who hadn’t been on the metro before! We got off at Barangaroo and stopped for morning tea by the water in the sunshine before heading to the bowling alley. The bowling was so much fun, especially when we beat the teachers’ scores (definitely the best part!).

After bowling, we walked to an amazing gelato shop called Rivareno, where we were surprised by a street DJ set! Everyone was able to enjoy their ice cream in the sun listening to some great beats. We then caught the ferry to Circular Quay and did the classic walk around the Opera House, stopping for lots of photos with the Harbour Bridge behind us.

Before heading back to school, we had a quick lunch in the Royal Botanic Gardens, then jumped back on the train. Even though everyone was tired after such a big day, some girls still had plenty of energy to play outside of Avonmoore, kicking the footy and playing some basketball. Others took it easy with bracelet making or a round of Mario Kart. We finished the night with a delicious outdoor barbecue dinner before heading back to the house to settle in.

Friday was just as full! The new Boarders got to meet the rest of the Year 7 2026 cohort, the graduating class of 2031. The morning started with a short Chapel service where they met Dr Hadwen, followed by time in their Spirit Houses, Marden, Goodlet, Lang, and Hammond. It was so nice seeing everyone start to make new friends in their Compass classes.

After that, the girls took part in a fun scavenger hunt around the school to help them get to know their way

around (and enjoy a few cookies along the way!). The rest of the day was packed with some ‘mock’ classes, English, PE, and Science designed to give the girls a little taste of Secondary School life.

In the afternoon, the girls joined in the much-loved “Boarders Get Baking” session with Mrs Wiedemann, who once again ran a fantastic activity. The girls made Valentinos (chocolate biscuits), and the smell coming from the kitchen was incredible! Everyone was able to enjoy their sweet treats before heading up to the Boarders’ Dining Room for dinner together and then proceeding to the GMCPA where the girls watched the drama production of Charlotte’s Web.

Saturday morning was quieter, with a bit of testing and then packing up before saying goodbye. Even though everyone was tired, the girls were so kind, caring, and respectful all weekend; it was wonderful to see.

A huge thank you to Ms Mimmo, and Dan for organising such a fun few days and making everything run so smoothly. And thank you to Mr Levin and Ms Ritcher for taking the time to get to know all the new Boarders. Thank you too, to Mrs Burgess who ran an informative session for our parents back on campus.

It was a great few days, and I’m so excited to work with the Year 7 2026 girls next year. They are such a lovely group, and I can’t wait to welcome them properly into our big, beautiful Boarding family!

Milingimbi Swim School

SUMMER PHILLIPS, AVONMOORE PREFECT, BRISBANE

During the recent holidays, I was lucky enough to be invited to volunteer in a Learn to Swim program at Milingimbi (Mili) in Darwin with the Pymble Learn to Swim team. I was delighted to have this amazing opportunity and really wanted to go and work with the ‘Mili’ kids and give back to this beautiful community. As a qualified swimming teacher this was the perfect opportunity for me. There were five of us swim teachers on the trip, including three Year 11 Pymble girls. We were in Darwin between 6 and 12 October, working with a younger age group, Years 2 and 3, and later in the week, with Years 4 and 5.

For the first two days, we were based at the Darwin Languages Centre, which had a backyard pool where we assessed and taught 16 children. On the first day, we took notes on their existing swimming skills and began working on the basic techniques of strokes including straight arms and kicking legs. We also taught the kids how to perform out-of-water rescues in case someone was in danger. After our lessons on the first day, we watched the sunset with the Mili kids, who were thrilled to have us there. Conversations with them were light and friendly, depending on how well they spoke English, but overall,

it was educational for both parties as we learned some Yolngu language as well.

On the second day, we conducted assessments, such as checking whether the kids could swim 50 metres of freestyle independently. After the assessments, we had some free time to play with the kids and watch them use their new swimming skills. For the next group, we were at a larger pool located at the Darwin Hospital. Their plane was delayed, so we couldn’t get into the water until 3.00 pm, but we still managed to run some brief lessons to help the new group of 16 Mili kids familiarise themselves with the pool, swimming, and what we’d be doing in the coming days.

The older kids were stronger swimmers due to their age and could swim longer distances. Over two days, they progressed to swimming 100 metres of freestyle and completing their out-of-water rescues. Because of the larger and deeper pool, we also taught them safe water entries and dives, finishing off with some fun races.

Each group had around 16 children and was split into two smaller groups so that we could spend more time

with each child. While one group was in the pool, the other participated in activities at Hoops4Health—a nonprofit, First Nations led organisation based in Darwin that uses basketball to promote positive lifestyle choices and build resilience among young people and vulnerable communities. At the end of the final two days, we visited a water park with the kids, who had lots of fun on the equipment and waterslides. To conclude each program, we held a presentation where we awarded certificates of participation and completion. It was wonderful to recognise each child’s effort and celebrate their achievements. Something that truly surprised me was how quickly the kids took on the information and picked up the strokes, for a lot of the kids they could very skilfully complete the stroke after one demonstration from our learn to swim team.

Over the course of the trip, I learnt how important communication is due to our language barrier, I also learnt a lot about the Yolngu culture and the lack of swimming resources that are available to the Milingimbi kids and community which has inspired me to improve their resources in the future.

STEM City Challenge – Sydney Science Park Innovation Project

SIRI TAUBENSCHLAG, YEAR 9, CRACKENBACK

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to the city with four other girls to take part in an exciting STEM innovation challenge focused on developing ideas for the Sydney Science Park — a visionary project aiming to create a world-class hub for education, research, and sustainable living. The goal of the event was to explore how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can be used to design solutions that help combat climate change and promote a more sustainable future for Sydney.

During the challenge, we were given a prompt to create a sustainable and climate-change-preventative idea and then build a prototype to show how it could work in real life. I was placed in a group with five students from different schools across Sydney, which was such a great experience.

Everyone brought their own perspectives and strengths to the table, and we quickly learned how to share ideas, problem-solve together, and think creatively under pressure.

Our team designed a modern, eco-friendly building with a builtin composting system. The idea was that the compost would move through tubes, get compressed and melted, and then be sent to the rooftop garden to feed the plants. The gases produced during the process would be captured and turned into biogas, which would power the building itself. It created a closed loop system that reduced waste and showed how sustainable energy could be integrated into city architecture. It was so exciting to see our concept come to life — even just as a prototype.

The whole experience was both challenging and really rewarding. I learned a lot about how teamwork and communication are just as important as scientific knowledge when trying to solve real-world problems. It was inspiring to see so many young people passionate about creating change and finding ways to protect the environment.

In the end, I felt really proud of what our team achieved. Winning the competition was such an honour, but more than that, I’m grateful for everything I learned — about sustainability, innovation, and the power of working together to make a positive difference.

Enjoying the Valley

SASHA PARIS, YEAR 9, WILLOUGHBY

My time at Vision Valley was honestly an amazing experience for me because it wasn’t just about the camp and activities, it was about learning things about myself and peers that I didn’t expect.

I really enjoyed being outdoors every day, especially because it forced me to actually look around and notice things instead of staring at a screen. I liked the hikes, even the really tiring ones, because every time we reached the top of a hill it felt like we’d actually achieved something.

I also enjoyed the little moments, like talking with people I don’t normally talk to, laughing when someone tripped over a tree root, and just being part of a group where everyone was trying their best. I learnt how important it is to communicate clearly, to be patient, and to keep going even when you’re sore or annoyed. I kept realising that I’m stronger and more capable than I thought, both physically and mentally, and that is something I will continue to cherish throughout my life.

I also had so many small adventures that added up to a really memorable experience. Cooking on the trangias was honestly one of the funniest and most chaotic things we did. The meals definitely weren’t Michelin Star

level, but because we were starving after hiking all day, everything somehow tasted amazing.

Another thing that stood out to me was how much teamwork actually mattered. Whether we were figuring out where to go, sharing gear, or trying to keep the fire going out in the cold, I realised how much easier everything became when we worked together instead of just doing our own thing. There were moments where we were all exhausted, but someone would crack a joke or offer to carry something heavy, and it made such a difference. It made me appreciate the small things people did without being asked.

One of my favourite parts was being away from my phone because it let me slow down and actually enjoy the people around me. I found myself connecting with people in a way I don’t usually do at school.

Overall, Vision Valley was fun, challenging, exhausting, and rewarding all at once. It taught me teamwork, resilience, and confidence, and even though some moments were tough, I’d still say it was a genuinely great experience that helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.

Thank you to our Pink Ladies Term 4 2025

ROSE KIRKBY, MOREE AND PHOEBE ROBERTS, NARROMINE, HEAD BOARDERS

Every term, our Boarding community has the special privilege of honouring individuals who continually show kindness, generosity, and unwavering support to our Pymble family. These extraordinary people are celebrated as our ‘Pink Ladies’- a title that reflects their dedication and the meaningful contributions they make to enrich the lives of our Boarders. Their time and talents help ensure our Boarders make the very most of their Pymble journey.

We are so fortunate in Boarding to benefit from the exceptional creativity and flair of Mrs Rachel Fairbairn, our College’s Creative Services Manager. Mrs Fairbairn brings our ideas to life with her impeccable taste and signature ‘Boarding Pink’ vision across booklets, cards, journals, newsletters, calendars, banners, and of course, our beloved Boarder merchandise. She is endlessly patient, always receptive to new ideas, and incredibly generous with her talent. We are deeply grateful for the care and artistry she pours into presenting Boarding at Pymble so beautifully across so many platforms.

Our second Pink Lady Award this term goes to a dynamic duo: Iman Utteridge and her father, Bernard.

Bernard’s involvement in our community is truly exceptional. He has consistently gone above and beyond for our Boarders—whether driving us to AFL, touch, rowing, soccer, or netball games, cheering from the sidelines, giving pre-game pep talks, or offering a supportive chat afterwards. From running flags at AFL matches to keeping score at netball, Bernard’s heartfelt commitment has left a lasting impression, bringing our community even closer together. We extend our heartfelt thanks for everything Bernard has done and celebrate both him and Iman as this term’s Pink Lady Award recipients.

The ‘unending chain’ of Boarding: A journey through tradition and special memories

CAROLYN BURGESS, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

The ‘unending chain’ of girls certainly rings true in Boarding, and it is a special privilege to be part of the Boarders’ journey—from their early days in Avonmoore to their final Boarding home in Lang House. This chain is linked with countless shared experiences, milestones, and the enduring traditions that shape the spirit of Boarding at Pymble

Throughout each year, the legacy of the Boarders is celebrated in many ways, but perhaps none so poignant as the farewell events that mark Year 12’s final chapter. This September, the community gathered to honour the achievements and contributions of the graduating class of 2025. In a heartfelt new tradition, all Boarders and their families joined a special Chapel service in their honour, illuminated by performances from Year 12 Boarders, Celeste McDermott

and Latiah McMillan, and the memorable debut of the Pymbellas tribute. Each departing Boarder received a candle, delicately inscribed with “May the Boarder spirit live forever in your heart,” symbolising the light they have brought and will continue to bring to the Pymble community.

The evening continued in the Boarders’ Dining Room, festooned with festive décor, it was the perfect venue to see the year out. With excellent company and a delicious meal, there was much laughter, reflection and warmth as memories were shared and each girl was celebrated with a unique poem, encapsulating her personality and unforgettable moments from her Boarding experience. In unmistakeable Boarder style, the evening ended with lively dancing and heartfelt farewells.

Every ending at Pymble opens new beginnings. No sooner had one group of Year 12s said their goodbyes than the next cohort found themselves stepping into senior leadership and moving to Lang House, ready to shape their own memories. To mark this meaningful milestone, a housewarming celebration was held, drawing inspiration from history itself - the 1916 event when the very first Pymble girls made their way across from PLC Croydon.

As recorded in Issue No. 90, April 1916 of the school magazine, Aurora Australis:

“Quite the social event of the first term at Pymble was the housewarming, which took place on the first Saturday evening. Dancing was the first item, the rooms used for the

purpose being the four music-rooms, a dark and narrow passage, and finally round the pianists themselves, who were so overawed at the prospect of playing for PLC Pymble, that their hands refused to do more than a few feeble waltzes.”

The recollection goes on:

“After the pianist had collapsed from nervousness, Misses Mavis and Rene Parker were masterfully acted by Misses D Abbott, E Wait, K Brodie, D Pitt, P MacFarlane, M Abbott and H Stitt. After three humorous recitations from Maysie Greig-Smith, a still more humorous Highland fling from Doris Witts, and a few clever imitations by Lorna Hinder, it was proposed that the old Croydon girls should sing ‘School and Home’. There were six old girls, so our song was scientifically rendered.

Of course, at the close of the entertainment we formed a circle and sang ‘Auld Lang Syne’ with much vigour and, after cheering from ‘The Boys at the Dardanelles’ to ‘Our Oak Floors and Rubber Heels’ inclusive, we thanked each other most profusely and went home.”

While today’s celebrations no longer feature nervous pianists or feeble waltzes, the spirit of camaraderie and joy remains unchanged. Gathered with families and staff in a beautifully decorated Lang House, the Boarders honour both the milestones of today and the traditions of the past, echoing the laughter, connection, and sense of belonging that has defined the Pymble Boarding experience since 1916.

This unending chain is further enriched by Boarder families whose

legacies stretch across the years such as the Seeto sisters, who have occupied the same room at various times since 2015, and Adele and Sybella Simson, proudly marking two Pymble generations in Lang House. These stories of continuity illuminate the heart of Boarding—a community shaped by kindness, resilience, and an unwavering sense of fun.

As faces and names change, the spirit endures, unbroken and strong. The girls step forward, each adding their own bright link to the chain—a legacy to inspire every Pymble Boarder yet to come.

A final hurrah to Avonmoore

MAGGIE BROWN, YEAR 7, GRAVESEND AND AMELIA (BUBBLES) FRANCIS, YEAR 7, FORBES AND ALEXIS (LEXIE) KOSTALAS, YEAR 7, RAWDON ISLAND

It has become a tradition that on the second last night of the term our soon to be, Avonmoore graduates head out to Vision Valley for 24 hours of reminiscing, fun and friendship. Year 7 Boarder, Lexie spills the beans on this special event.

Saturday night was a blast! When we got to the ‘Valley’, we immediately went to the high-rope activities, doing lily pads and the leap of faith. The leap of faith was definitely our favourite! Then we went and had a swim in the pool. The weather wasn’t ideal, but the rain made us go WAY faster down the slide, which was definitely a win for everyone! After all of the enjoyment, we all came together and set up our belongings around the bell tent. Then we had Dan and Casey’s delicious sausages paired with bread, onions, fruit and vegetables. Followed by absolutely FANTASTIC dessert (Golden Gaytimes, Oreo Sandwiches and Mango Weis Bars). We all gathered around in a circle to share our favourite memories throughout Avonmoore, some more cheeky than others.

Overall, this was an unforgettable bonding experience where we recounted all the amazing memories of our first year at Pymble and we are so grateful to have the opportunity to come together and share our experiences. After all this sharing, we unfortunately had to go to bed - I cannot say we actually fell asleep at the time we were sent to bed, I am pretty sure, actually 99% confident, that Casey and Dan didn’t have the greatest sleep that night, and we are definitely guilty… sorry again Dan and Casey!!

In the morning we woke up to the DELICIOUS smell of… CHOCOLATE CROSSIANTS, the effort put into breakfast was AMAZING, we had sweet yogurt with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and granola as well as hot chocolate as a warm beverage. After packing up our gear, we unfortunately had to depart Vision Valley. All sadness disappeared as soon as the tunes turned on, everyone started singing along. Overall Vision Valley with Avonmoore was an AMAZING experience to bond and have fun all together as a House one last time before we split up next year, and I would definitely do it again if we could!

The Margaret Brooke ‘Brooksie’ Award

CAROLYN BURGESS, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

Sienna Melton

The Margaret Brooke, “Brooksie”, is awarded each term to a Boarder who exemplifies the spirit of a tenacious, courageous, compassionate and giving woman. This Boarder consistently upholds and demonstrates the College values and actively contributes to the Boarding community while demonstrating dedication to her studies. A Brooksie recipient consistently displays ‘Pymble Pride’ including wearing appropriate school uniform, being punctual and maintaining a tidy room.

This term, I am proud to recognise Sienna Melton a proud Gamilaraay woman who joined us from Wee Waa on the north-western slopes of New England, New South Wales, when she was in Year 7. Now an accomplished Year 10 Boarder, Sienna exemplifies all that it means to be a Brooksie recipient. She is kind, organised, helpful and capable, all the while embodying the College values.

There are countless ways in which Sienna demonstrates altruism and leadership. I have a very strong image of Sienna being a wonderful ‘mother hen’ - leading her little ‘chicks’ – our younger Boarders - with care, patience and expertise in the First Nations Dance troupe. She is an enchanting dancer and shares her love of this cultural pursuit with poise and passion. It was equally wonderful to

seeing her representing us so powerfully during the NAIDOC Week celebrations where she interviewed another incredible woman, her mum!

The manner in which Sienna gathers up people and brings them together is impressive. This extends not only to her Boarding sisters, where she is known for her proactive approach to bringing the group together, to visitors to the College. Just one example of her inclusiveness was at our community brunch where she made it her mission to ensure an elderly gentleman from the Pymble and Gordon Uniting Church congregation felt welcome and well fed. Sienna happily fetched tea and brunch for the gentleman, all the while cheerfully chatting. She demonstrates maturity and hospitality beyond her years.

A regular at Boarders Get Baking she is a stalwart when it comes to giving back – whether it is lending a hand at Boarders Get Giving or ensuring the cupcakes are ready for Garden Party – Sienna is there with spirit and a smile. Her room is always spotless and she is the first to put her hand up to assist anyone and everyone. She wears her uniform perfectly and with pride. It is almost impossible to find her without a lovely smile and we are all very grateful for the joy she brings to our Boarding family.

Our rowers take on the Yarra

MADELEINE (MADS) GADEN (YEAR 9), DUNEDOO

Last weekend, I was fortunate to go to Melbourne for a Rowing Tour with 17 other Year 9 rowers. It was an amazing experience and great opportunity, flying down Friday afternoon and back Sunday night. We competed at the Melbourne Head Regatta on the Yarra River, where we were the only NSW school competing against 16 other schools from Victoria. We raced 3.5km, which was a huge effort along the murky waters of the Yarra with the Inters 1st VIII placing second, and the Inters 2nd VIII placing 15th, a great achievement from both crews. This year was the third year for Pymble heading down.

After our race on Saturday morning, we walked through Melbourne enjoying the nice weather, shopping and after going out for dinner. Sunday morning, we had two training sessions, rowing on the Yarra before flying back into Sydney. We are all so very grateful for the staff and coaches who gave up their time to take us down and for the support of all the parents. Overall, this was an experience that myself and all other 17 girls are grateful for, bonding, team building and making new connections, definitely made it a weekend to remember.

Meet Emma

THERESA MIMMO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

We are pleased to introduce Emma, our Boarding Liaison Officer who plays an important role in supporting our Boarding community. Emma brings strong expertise in change management and is highly skilled at guiding processes smoothly and thoughtfully, always keeping the needs of students, families, and staff at the forefront. She is known for her warm and approachable manner, building positive relationships with parents, Boarders, and colleagues alike. Emma’s commitment to supporting families and Boarders, combined with her collaborative approach and strong organisational skills, makes her a trusted point of contact and a key contributor to the Boarding community.

Our Big Sisters meet the Pocket Psychologist

CATE CURRY (YEAR 9), BIG SISTER 2026, BLAND

Our ‘Big Sister’ program is an important part of Boarding program, designed to support younger girls to transition into Boarding by linking them with a Boarder from Year 10 who acts as a friend and mentor.

Another aim of the Big Sister program is to help younger Boarders develop a sense of autonomy and to encourage the development of safe and responsible behaviour outside of the College. To best support our Big Sisters, as Cate reports, we organised a special training with Millie Hardie, former Boarder, country woman and psychologist. With a huge social media following as the Pocket Psychologist, Millie was a huge hit with the girls.

The Big Sister training session was incredibly valuable for me and has already made a real difference in how prepared I feel for this role. Hearing from Millie Hardie was a highlight—her way of explaining emotional regulation and support strategies was so clear, relevant, and genuinely helpful. Everything she spoke about felt practical and easy to apply, especially as someone who wants to support younger Boarders with confidence.

I walked away feeling more equipped, not just with tools to help our new Year 7 Boarders, but also with a stronger understanding of how to look after my own wellbeing so I can be at my best for others. The training helped me understand what good leadership in Boarding looks like: being calm, approachable, and able to guide younger girls through challenges with empathy. I loved how interactive the session was, and it made me even more excited to step into the Big Sister role next year.

Overall, it was such a worthwhile experience, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to learn from someone as knowledgeable and inspiring as Millie. I now feel confident, supported, and ready to help our new boarders transition smoothly into Pymble life.

Boarders giving back in Tanzania

ROSE KIRKBY, HEAD BOARDER, MOREE

This year, I was incredibly fortunate and grateful to take part in the 2025 Tanzania Service Tour. During the holidays, 15 students, Ms. Hunt, Ms. Lyons, Mr. Heggie, and I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Tanzania. Our travels took us on three different flights: Sydney to Johannesburg, Johannesburg to Dar es Salaam, and finally Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro! After arriving, we all headed to our lodge, quickly ate breakfast, checked out our rooms and then got in our little bus to head straight to East Meru Community School, which is located in the Meru District of Arusha, about an hour away from our lodge.

It was a bumpy drive but we were all so excited and eager to get to the school to see the kids. Our beautiful tour guide and founder of the school, Mary Shanguya, told us absolutely everything we needed to know about the school and the area. At last we reached the school and were welcomed by so many little smiling faces. We spent the whole rest of the day at the school, lucky enough to watch their Year 6 graduation where we danced, laughed and started to form friendships and connections with these little kids.

The next five days were spent at the school with the kids, where we would wake up early to arrive and would leave late to go back to our lodge. Every day, we played games, toured the school and helped the kids with their work. We even got to cart dirt with some local parents to help build the start of a new classroom. My favourite part of our time at East Meru Community School was when we got to travel around the local area to find children living nearby that the school could enrol for the next school year. We tried so many Tanzanian delicacies such as fried banana and some days we were even able to eat dinner with the teachers. Despite having so little, these kids radiated pure happiness and gratitude. Their smiles and energy were truly inspiring, and spending time with them was a privilege I’ll never forget.

After a heartfelt farewell, our group set off for Arusha City to begin our safari adventure. We spent three unforgettable days exploring Tanzania’s breathtaking wildlife and landscapes. Our tour guide, Alan, was incredible, an absolute legend, and he made sure we experienced the very best of what the safari had to offer. One of the highlights was visiting the Ngorongoro Crater,

a vast and untouched volcanic caldera that’s home to over 25,000 animals, including Africa’s iconic “Big Five”: elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, and leopards.

Our last stop was the School of St Jude where we stayed at two out of the three campuses over the last four nights. There we met the incredible Gemma Sisia, an Australian woman who founded the school in 2002. The School of St Jude is a charity-funded school providing free primary and secondary education to bright students from poor backgrounds. Our last days at the school were spent playing sports with the girls at the all-girls campus, teaching and helping students with their English at the other campus, and on our secondlast night as a whole group, we got to go into town to try a local restaurant that had some of the best food I have ever eaten.

After 12 unforgettable days, we said goodbye to Tanzania and returned home with countless cherished memories and experiences. This journey taught me so much, about gratitude, community, and the joy of giving back. I cannot recommend this tour highly enough, and I truly encourage future students to take part if given the opportunity.

Ochre Up

HAVANA GREENTREE FULLER, YEAR 8, WELLINGTON

Over two days during Term 2, First Nations students participated in a cultural workshop called Ochre Up run by my cousin Alicia Frail, a proud Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi woman from the Central-West and North-West of NSW. The workshop was a way to explore identity, belonging with deep conversations. We worked with ochre from Country and did a fun photoshoot. I loved dressing up and taking photos with my family. I also liked connecting with other students and realising family connections. I was nervous before the day started and didn’t think I would enjoy being in front of the camera, but I found a strength I didn’t know I had. I felt connected to my culture and enjoyed working with ochre. I felt comfortable and so proud throughout the day. I can’t wait for the exhibition in Term 1 of next year. I am excited to do more learning programs like Ochre Up in the future.

Loving Love It!

MS THERESA MIMMO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

This term has been a busy and memorable one for our Boarders, filled with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and make the most of their time outside the classroom. From welcoming new faces to marking the end of the year with festive celebrations, our Love It programs has been busy, social, and full of laughter. Weekly Boarders Get Baking on Fridays remained a favourite, with lots of delicious treats and even a visit to Maggio’s in North Ryde.

We welcomed our new Year 7 Boarders at the start of the term which included a city adventure with older Boarders and a two-night sleepover in Avonmoore. They had a great time and excited for commencing at Pymble in 2026. A few weeks later new Boarders from Years 8-11 were invited for a sleepover. These opportunities for our new Boarders was a wonderful chance for current boarders to show leadership, hospitality, and kindness.

Socials with other schools continued throughout the term, giving Boarders the opportunity to broaden friendships and enjoy relaxed, fun-filled activities together. The creativity of Boarders to dress up for the different themed socials was impressive. Dress-ups included NEON, Christmas and Halloween themes. Halloween was a highlight, with lots of costumes and plenty of spooky fun.

Creativity was also enjoyed by Boarders attending the Dance Showcase and supporting their friends and

other Boarders. More support was evident with a Big and Little Sister outing to celebrate the end of the year and reinforcing the strong sense of connection that developed throughout the year.

Gorgeous evenings were well spent outdoors with Balmoral Beach and Milsons Point year group picnics as well as beach visits and trips to local markets. These relaxed outings allowed boarders to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, and spend quality time with friends. The Lang Housewarming was another special moment, celebrating new beginnings and shared spaces with family and friends.

As the festive season approached, more time was spent outside playing games. Boarders enjoyed pickle ball, cricket, Christmas shopping trips, cosy Christmas movie night, Christmas Trivia and energetic Just Dance sessions with Knox. A Christmas party complete with a DJ and plenty of dance-offs was a standout event, bringing everyone together in celebration. Thanksgiving Dinner and a visit to see the Christmas lights in the city rounded out the term.

A great term of celebration, connection and shared experiences to finish off 2025 with lasting memories and strong friendships.

For those of you new to our Boarding family, a little background on ‘A View From my Window’ – each week a Boarder shares stories of where she’s from and what’s special about her home. Some girls choose to present their story in Chapel, others elect to have them published in The College Compass for everyone to enjoy. These stories are a wonderful way to celebrate the diversity of our community and help to build connection and respect for each other. The stories are too good not to share, and each term we publish a couple in Keeping Up With Our Boarders

A View From My Window: Tokyo, Japan

ALICE NEILSON

My name is Alice and I am 12 years old. Home for me is in the centre of Tokyo, Japan. Living with me at home, is my mum, Nori, my dad, Scott and my little sister Amy who is six years old. Before coming to Pymble, I studied in the British curriculum at the British School in Tokyo. Unlike other schools in Tokyo, I had to wear school uniform and Japanese was only an optional class (my mum told me I was definitely doing Japanese日本語を習うんだよ! )

Back home I live in an apartment with my family on the 13th floor of a 15-floor sky-rise building. Looking outside my window, I see hundreds of other sky-rise buildings and

the occasional plane. One time a helicopter flew so close to us that they waved through the window to us. Some of you may be big Harry Potter fans, and my apartment is right next to the live-action Harry Potter Studio in Akasaka.

I came to Pymble at the start of this year. One of the reasons I wanted to come to this school is because my great-grandma, grandma and grand-aunt were all born in Australia and also went to Pymble as Boarders. You can even see their names written on the Head Boarder Prefect Honour Board in the Boarders’Dining Room. They were all in Marden House and I’m excited to move across to Marden

House next year to follow in their footsteps. You can even see my great-grandma’s old brown wooden chair in Lang House that has the letter ‘M’ for Margaret engraved into it for her name.

When I first joined Pymble Boarding at the start of this year, I couldn’t believe all of the trees and greenery as I don’t see any of this outside my window back home. I also loved how big the size of the school was, because it gave me so much freedom to roam around the campus. I am looking forward for the next five years and how many possibilities there are for me here!

RUBY POLOSON, YEAR 12, OXLEY ISLAND

My name is Ruby, and I come from a place very different to Pymble, a 700-acre dairy farm on Oxley Island, about three hours north of Sydney. I live at home with my parents and my three younger siblings: Lochie, Bella, and Hughie.

Our family has lived on this land for six generations. On our farm we have one dog, Raf, five cats, and over 600 cows. Two fun facts about where I live are that the Penrith Panthers once visited our farm, and that Polson’s Road is named after my family, who have lived here for generations.

When I look out my window, I see endless green paddocks stretching into the distance. The dairy is

basically part of our backyard, it sits just behind our house and there are always baby calves grazing next to our pool, which we use every day in summer. In the backyard, our Jacaranda tree is covered in bright purple flowers, and the river curves gently around our home, giving everything a peaceful and open feeling

What I love most about being at home is swimming in the pool, going to the beach with friends and family, riding motorbikes around the paddocks, and helping Dad milk the cows. Life on the farm is busy but calm at the same time, and there’s always something happening. I love getting the best of both worlds by being able to live just five minutes

from the beach while having the farm as my backyard.

Even though leaving home can be hard, returning to Boarding feels like coming back to a second family. I love the routine, the friendships, and the support but I also love knowing that home is waiting for me at the end of term.

A final word from our 2025 Head Prefects

CAROLYN BURGESS, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

Our Year 12 2025 Boarders are a group of young women who have shaped, inspired, and led our Boarding community throughout their time here. Shaped by unique challenges and shared experiences, they leave us with lasting memories and immense gratitude for their camaraderie, sense of fun and resilience.

Sophie Laing, Boarding Head Prefect

Year 12 has been my favourite year at Pymble. The bond within the cohort grows stronger as you journey through Senior School, and the outstanding support from staff becomes even clearer, they genuinely want us to succeed and feel prepared for life beyond Pymble

Boarding at Pymble truly felt like my second home and I believe that was because of the community we have collectively built. The relationships I have made over the last six years will impact me for the rest of my life, shaping who I am and who I want to become. I have found lifelong best friends and for that I am eternally grateful.

I am also grateful to the Boarding staff, particularly Mrs Burgess and Anne, who have become like second mums. Their care, dedication, and love make the Boarding houses a warm and joyful place for us to call home during the term.

Celeste McDermott, Boarding Head Prefect

I started at Pymble in Year 10 2023. From surface level, my first impression was that the school was extremely beautiful. Then, that there were so many people who were willing to be inclusive of new students such as me. Even though a big year group means risk in welcoming a foreign member into a pre-established group, I was taken under someone’s wing, a kindness I will never forget. A few weeks passed and I began fully to grasp the opportunity I had received by coming to Pymble

The standard of teaching, the level of sport and the care in the Boarding and Day schools are second to none. I’ve been lucky to receive great mentorship; The Boarding staff members have also taught me more than they probably realise. I’m grateful to Mrs Burgess for the opportunities for growth she’s given me, and to Dr Hadwen for being the forefront of the whole schooling experience that is Pymble