Welcome to Senior School
Welcome to a new and exciting year at Pymble! I hope you and your daughter have had a restful and enjoyable break, and that you are ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that Year 11 brings.
During your daughter’s time in the Senior School, our aim is to support her journey to becoming a young woman of compassion, determination and integrity. Together with her Compass teacher, we will oversee her academic, pastoral and spiritual development, fostering a safe, supportive and caring environment where she can flourish and take responsibility for her learning and the welfare of others.
The Kate Mason building offers a purpose-built centre designed to meet the unique developmental and educational needs of senior students. Here, your daughter will experience a nurturing sense of community and the independence needed to succeed. Building on the strong foundation of her Upper School years, she will work collaboratively with our dedicated staff to achieve her academic and cocurricular goals.
Our students are encouraged to adopt an autonomous approach to their learning, fostering self-confidence and self-efficacy. Supported, guided and challenged by passionate and skilled
teachers, they can personalise their academic programs through the wide range of subjects offered during their Higher School Certificate years.
As the most senior students in the College, girls in Years 11 and 12 are given significant opportunities to develop their leadership potential, serve in various roles, and act as role models for younger students. In the Senior School, students exemplify the values and positive spirit of Pymble, leading by example.
Through a combination of academic growth, leadership opportunities and evidence-based support programs, the Senior School equips students with the skills, confidence and a sense of purpose to make meaningful contributions in their lives beyond Pymble. We look forward to working together to help your daughter achieve her best and create a memorable and fulfilling Senior School experience.
MRS NIKKI WYSE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Meet the Senior School team
MR JUSTIN RAYMOND DEPUTY PRINCIPAL –STUDENTS (K-12)
MRS NIKKI WYSE
HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL nwyse@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
MRS MYVANWY CARR HEAD OF YEAR (BENNETT, GOODLET, LANG, THOMAS) mcarr@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
MRS CATHERINE SCHREUDER ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR
MRS CHRISTINE KENNY DEPUTY PRINCIPAL –ACADEMICS (K-12)
MRS MICHELLE HUNT HEAD OF STUDENT WELLBEING
MS PATRICIA GALLARDO DEPUTY HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL pgallardo@pymblelc.nsw. edu.au
MS JADE CUNINGHAM HEAD OF YEAR (HAMMOND, INGLEHOLME, MARDEN, WYLIE) jcuningham@pymblelc.nsw. edu.au
MRS ANGELA BROWNLEE ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
MRS NATASHA STANFIELD DIRECTOR OF STUDIES
MRS KIM MAKSIMOVIC DIRECTOR OF FUTURES AND PARTNERSHIPS (K-12)
Senior School Office 9497 7871 seniorschool@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
Curriculum office 9855 4037 curriculum@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au
Uniform Shop 9855 7744 collegeshop@pymblelc.nsw.edu.au IT support 9855 7771
Key dates
Our space
The Kate Mason buildingserves as a central hub for Senior School students, housing most senior classes, open study spaces, lockers, the History and English faculties, and the entire Senior School team. It also includes the Jobson Lecture Theatre for lectures, the Futures Office for career advice, and the Jacaranda Café, providing a convenient space for students to relax and refuel. Together, these facilities are designed to support students’ academic and personal development.
Year 11 Information Night
We warmly invite you to the Year 11 Information Night, from 5.30pm to 7.00pm on Wednesday 12 February in the Kate Mason Senior Centre. This evening is an important opportunity to connect with the dedicated team of staff who will be supporting your daughter throughout her final two years at Pymble. You’ll reconnect with her Compass teacher and hear from key members of the Senior School team, including the Head and Deputy Head of Senior School, Deputy Principal – Students, Head of Secondary Wellbeing, the Futures team, our Lead Psychologist and the Director of Studies.
Each member of our team plays a crucial role in guiding your daughter’s academic, emotional and personal growth. By working closely together, we ensure she receives the best possible support in her learning, wellbeing and future planning. Building strong relationships between families and staff is essential, and this evening provides a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of how we collaborate to help your daughter thrive.
We encourage all parents to attend this event and engage with the team who will be by your daughter’s side on this important journey.
Wellbeing Connections Days
Each year Pymble aims to provide every girl with a range of experiences which will challenge them and enhance their academic, physical, social and emotional development. These experiences are developed through the academic courses, co-curricular activities including sport, performing arts and community service, and the wellbeing program. The Year 11 Wellbeing Connection Days are designed to assist the girls in further developing the skills they will need for their final two years at school. Attendance at these two days a compulsory component of the Year 11 program.
This year the Wellbeing Connections Days will be held on campus on Friday 7 February and Monday 10 February (NB:this is not an overnight retreat).
The Wellbeing Connection Days will focus on developing your daughter’s academic and personal potential. Activities have been designed to strengthen connections between students and with their teachers, boost academic motivation and goal setting, develop life skills and foster personal responsibility and accountability. These programs also aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and build an awareness of the interconnectedness of our community. The students will be involved in diverse activities including presentations, and skill and team building activities. Please find the program of event in the next pages as well as some profiles of our guest speakers and programs.
FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2025
MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2025
Group
Wellbeing Connections Days
Day 1: Friday 7 February, 8.15am to 9.30pm
PAUL DILLON – STUDENT SEMINAR ON DRUGS AND ALCOHOL EDUCATION
Paul Dillon is a renowned educator and founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA). With decades of experience, Paul is best known for delivering engaging and informative seminars to students across Australia. His sessions focus on empowering young people with factual, practical knowledge about alcohol and other drugs, helping them make safer, informed decisions. Paul’s approachable style and evidence-based content resonate deeply with students, making him a trusted voice in youth drug education.
darta.net.au/real-deal-on-drugs
BRENT SANDERS – STUDENT SEMINARS ON SAFETY AND AWARENESS
Brent Sanders, a former police officer and expert in personal safety, delivers impactful seminars tailored for students. Drawing from his experience in law enforcement and his deep understanding of offender psychology, Brent educates young people on staying safe, recognising potential risks and making informed decisions. His engaging presentations provide practical strategies to empower students, helping them navigate challenging situations with increased confidence and awareness.
brentsandersconsulting.com.au
Day 2: Monday 10 February, 8.15 am - 3.20pm
SALLY DWYER – STUDENT SEMINARS ON BUILDING A SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
Sally Dwyer is an expert in digital branding and social media education, specialising in helping students build a positive and professional online presence. Through her seminars, Sally guides students on how to effectively use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase their skills, achievements and potential, setting them up for future career success. Her sessions focus on the importance of personal branding, online networking and crafting a professional digital profile that resonates with employers and industry leaders. Sally’s engaging workshops provide students with practical tools to navigate the digital world confidently.
besocialbesmart.com.au
GALMATIC – SCHOOL WORKSHOPS ON CAR MAINTENANCE
Galmatic offers hands-on, interactive workshops tailored for senior students, focusing on practical car maintenance skills and safety awareness. These workshops aim to equip students with the knowledge to manage basic vehicle care confidently. Topics covered include oil checks, tyre changes, battery maintenance and fluid inspections. The goal is to empower young people, particularly women, with the skills and confidence needed to handle car maintenance tasks, ensuring they are road-ready and prepared for any automotive challenges they may face.
galmatic.com
MOTIVATIONAL MAPPING PROGRAM
Motivational Mapping is a powerful tool that assesses and reveals individual motivators, providing insight into the drivers behind behaviour and decision-making. Using a scientifically-backed assessment, it maps motivational types, helping individuals and teams understand their core motivations. This self-awareness fosters
Wellbeing Connections Days
better goal alignment, improved performance and enhanced well-being. In educational settings, Motivational Mapping helps students identify their personal motivators, improving their learning experience and guiding career choices. By understanding what drives them, students can make more informed decisions, leading to increased engagement and success. The program is also widely used in professional development, coaching and team-building to optimise motivation and performance.
MICRO-SKILLS - INSTITUTE OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY (IAT) AT TAFE NSW
The Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) at TAFE NSW offers Micro-skills, short and affordable online courses designed to develop targeted, industry-relevant skills. Covering areas such as digital technologies (AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing), construction (project management, WHS), and business essentials (leadership, communication), these courses provide flexible, self-paced learning with virtual support. Co-designed with industry partners, Micro-skills offer practical and relevant training, enabling students to upskill or reskill quickly while balancing other commitments. Completing these courses enhances employability, builds expertise in high-demand fields, and demonstrates initiative, adaptability and a commitment to personal and professional growth—qualities essential for success in today’s competitive job market.motivators, improving their learning experience and guiding career choices. By understanding what drives them, students can make more informed decisions, leading to increased engagement and success. The program is also widely used in professional development, coaching and team-building to optimise motivation and performance.
iat.nsw.edu.au
Senior School Programs
MENTORING PROGRAM
Mentoring is invaluable for students aged 16 to 18 as it provides guidance during a pivotal stage of their personal, academic and career development. This age marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood, where students face critical decisions about their future pathways. A mentor can offer insights, support and encouragement, helping students set achievable goals and navigate challenges with confidence.
Mentors also serve as role models, inspiring students to develop essential skills such as resilience, problem-solving and interpersonal communication. Through mentoring, students gain access to a trusted advisor who can share experiences, provide perspective, and help them build networks, enhancing their readiness for life beyond school. Moreover, mentoring fosters self-awareness, accountability and motivation, empowering students to make informed decisions about their education, careers, and personal growth.
The mentoring program at Pymble involves experienced senior teachers who guide students through this important phase of their development. Students have the opportunity to elect their preferred mentor, subject to availability, ensuring they can connect with someone who aligns with their interests and goals. This personalised approach fosters a supportive and productive mentoring relationship, helping students navigate challenges, set goals and prepare for life beyond school.
Launch in Student assembly in Early February. However, Mentors can be requested at any time throughout the Senior School journey.
Social Connections
While Pymble fosters strong identity and camaraderie, connecting with other schools broadens perspectives and enhances social skills. These interactions promote collaboration, respect, and emotional growth, preparing students for diverse environments beyond the classroom.
1. PYMBLE-KNOX CONNECTIONS
This group aims to foster healthy connections between Year 11 students of the two schools. Through this, we hope those involved further develop social skills and empathy, form new friendships and understand different perspectives. Meeting new people fosters social confidence, respectful relationships and builds skills in communicating and networking. Each school is inviting up to 50 students per school to be involved. In the event of more than 50 students applying, positions will be allocated to the first 50 applicants.
Launch and Permission will be provided in Early February
2. YEAR 11 FORMAL
The Year 11 formal is a cherished tradition at Pymble, celebrating a milestone and marking the transition to Senior School. It provides an opportunity for students to socialise, strengthen friendships and create lasting memories in a formal setting. Formals also foster important life skills such as etiquette, social interaction and personal presentation while celebrating achievements and reflecting on the school journey.
Please see detailed information on following page.
3. KNOX-PYMBLE SOCIAL EVENT
Pymble Ladies’ College has collaborated with Knox Grammar School to organise a school- supervised social event for Pymble’s Year 11 students on the 14 October at Hijinx Hotel in Alexandria. This event offers a safe and structured environment for students to socialise and celebrate together.
Launch and Ticket Sales in Early September.
Year 11 Formal
Pymble Ladies’ College is delighted to host a formal dance with our Year 11 students on Friday 14 March at Le Montage, Lilyfield. The aim of the evening is to provide a safe and enjoyable event for the students and to enhance the sense of connection within the year group. To allow students sufficient time to prepare for the formal and arrive punctually, a half day of academic classes has been scheduled for 14 March. It is expected that all students will be present from 8:15am to 12:45pm. Any student unable to attend school or who applies for leave before 12:45pm must provide documentation of an acceptable appointment such as a medical certificate to substantiate their absence.
Your daughter is welcome to invite a guest. However, her guest must be of school age and currently enrolled in a school. The cost of this function is $150.00 per person which includes a three-course meal, security, music, a photographer and a photo booth.
Pymble and Le Montage staff will attend the venue to supervise. The Formal starts at 6:45pm and finishes at 10:30pm. Parents are asked to be prompt in the drop off and collection of their daughter and her guest.
This is a College function and, as such, the expectations around conduct and behaviour of students and their guests are the same as those expected at school. The dress code for this event is lounge suit and it is expected that students and their guests wear clothing appropriate for a formal school function. To ensure a safe and happy evening, there will be zero tolerance for anyone choosing not to abide by the College’s expectations and values. Students and their guests will be refused entry and parents contacted under the following circumstances:
• Carrying of any alcohol or illicit drugs, affected by alcohol or illicit drugs;
• Carrying any cigarettes or e-cigarettes or smoking in or around the venue
• Inappropriate behaviour against the rules of the venue or in breach of the College values.
In the event of any of the above, a follow up meeting with the Deputy Principal –Students (K-12) and Head of Senior School will occur on the student’s return to school. Please note that the College does not support ‘pre and post’ gatherings at which alcohol is consumed by our students and guests, as any event which immediately precedes or follows a Pymble event naturally becomes associated with the College. We appreciate your support with this expectation. In line with New
Year 11 Formal
South Wales legislation, it is an offence to provide alcohol to a person under the age of eighteen years.
The booking link is now open and will stay open until 28 February.
Please note that students will be asked to organise themselves into tables of no more than 10 people early in Term 1. This link will be provided to students upon their return their return to school in 2025.
Our Community Engagement team can provide assistance should you have any issues in purchasing your tickets. We are looking forward to welcoming your daughter to the Year 11 Formal, which will undoubtedly be a wonderful evening.
Year 11 Formal
Leadership
Pymble’s Senior School students lead the College, and this responsibility is recognised, supported and nurtured in a variety of ways. Leadership roles range from our elected Prefects, Student Representative Council Leaders, to House Leaders, Compass Captains, Chapel Leaders, Subject Captains and many more. In their final 2 years at the College, all students are expected to act as role models and leaders. Senior badges are presented to all Year 12 students in recognition of this special role and related expectations.
Term 1 for Year 11 begins the formal process for election of College Prefects. Interested students are invited to apply for a number of positions. More information will be made available to the students in late Term 1.
Service Connections
SONY CAMP
Sony Camp provides a much-needed break for parents and carers of children with a disability while simultaneously giving the children an incredible holiday, and the teenage carers a significant caring experience. The Camp is provided at no cost to the families.
Over the course of four days, the student companions will provide 24-hour care to the campers which includes feeding, bathing, entertaining and tending to their every need. From movie nights to art sessions, zoo visits to sailing, the companions provide wonderful opportunities to the campers.
Sony Camp, a collaborative initiative between Pymble Ladies’ College and Shore School, provides invaluable experience in service and leadership, fostering personal growth and community engagement.
Given the high number of students eager to participate, the selection process is competitive. Interested students are required to submit an application, which is carefully reviewed to ensure that volunteers are well-prepared to meet the needs of the campers. This approach ensures that each volunteer is committed and capable of contributing positively to the camp experience.
Launch Assembly and details for application in March.
WRAP WITH LOVE
The Senior School at Pymble Ladies’ College has a longstanding partnership with Wrap with Love, a charity dedicated to providing warmth to those in need through hand-knitted blankets. Each year, the Senior School community engages in knitting 25cm x 25cm woollen squares, which are then sewn together to create blankets distributed by Wrap with Love. This initiative not only supports a worthy cause but also fosters a sense of community and compassion among students, staff, and families. The College provides knitting instructions and co-ordinates the collection and delivery of the completed squares to Wrap with Love.
In the Senior School we have a proud tradition of hosting an annual “Knit-In” where parents and grandparents are invited to knit with us and enjoy some afternoon tea.
This initiative fosters a strong sense of community spirit as we knit blankets to provide warmth and comfort to those in need.
Watch the event
Service Connections
DAYS FOR GIRLS
Days for Girls is a global nonprofit organisation dedicated to increasing access to menstrual care and education, reaching over 3 million women and girls worldwide. Senior School students can support Days for Girls by volunteering to sew washable pads, raising funds or spreading awareness. They can also participate in educational programs to advocate for menstrual health in their communities. By contributing to Days for Girls, students develop leadership and advocacy skills while supporting menstrual equity and empowering women and girls globally.
When: Every Wednesday at lunch
Supporting our students
NATASHA STANFIELD – DIRECTOR OF STUDIES – CURRICULUM TEAM
My role is to support and guide students and parents through their Year 11 and HSC Academic Program. I regularly conduct year assemblies which include explicit study skill lessons and NESA rules concerning assessment tasks, illness/misadventure, malpractice and disability provisions. I coordinate the Year 11 examinations and Year 12 Trial examinations and work with the HSC Presiding Officer to run the HSC examinations. With the Heads of Learning Area, we produce the Year 11 and HSC Assessment Handbooks. I am in the Curriculum Office in the lower floor of the IH Reception Building.
How can you get some individual Academic Advice?
I particularly enjoy meeting students individually for Academic Advisor appointments about subject selection, study strategies and ATAR estimates. These can be made by searching ‘academic’ in shortcuts on the portal and clicking on the link and take place in the Curriculum Office.
Other members of the Curriculum Team
Anthea Wawryka is the Coordinator of Assessments and Exams. She is also part of the Curriculum team and helps with Academic Advisor appointments and examination organisation.
Supporting our students
KIM MAKSIMOVIC – DIRECTOR OF FUTURES & PARTNERSHIPS -FUTURES DEPARTMENT
The Futures Department is here to support your daughter during this exciting phase of their schooling, guiding her as she explores her goals and plans for the next steps after graduation.
The Futures Department can speak to students about:
• If they are unsure (or have no idea) of what you could do when year 12 finishes
• Helping you to decide on a Plan A and a Plan B
• Getting advice on specific courses or universities
• Finding out information on scholarships, cadetships or other special programs
• Other study pathways such as TAFE, apprenticeships or traineeships
• How to find employment
• Applying to scholarship or elite athlete, performer or leadership entry schemes
• Reference requests
• Interstate university applications
• Overseas university applications
Students can book a meeting before school, lunchtime, afterschool or during your study periods to meet with Mrs Katrina O’Kelly and Fiona D’Souza who our Futures Advisors. Also on our team is Mrs Paula Cansick, our Futures – Operations Assistant.
Supporting our students
UNIVERSITY IMMERSION DAY
The Senior School, in conjunction with the Futures Team, organise University Immersion Day for Year 11 students. This takes place on March 6.
The aim of the day is to provide an experience of university life, which includes travelling independently to and from the venue, attending workshops and lectures and experiencing daily campus life. A range of universities have offered to host Pymble students and have prepared a variety of workshops across their academic disciplines. Each university has nominated the number of places available, so students submit their preferences which will be allocated on a first-in basis. Please note, the main objective is to experience university life, so students can think beyond particular courses or institutions they may be interested in.
Options and permissions will open mid-February.
