This is Pymble College Celebrating 105 years
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 1
2 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
Contents PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 5 PRINCIPALS OF PYMBLE LADIES’ COLLEGE �������������������������������������� 6 THE COLLEGE VALUES ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 8 THE COLLEGE MOTTO AND BADGE �������������������������������������������������� 10 AROUND THE GROUNDS ������������������������������������������������������������������ 12 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE ��������������������������������������������������������������� 19 ANNUAL EVENTS ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 36 HOUSES ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 38 THE SCHOOL SONG �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 40 THE SCHOOL PRAYER ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 41 THE SCHOOL UNIFORM �������������������������������������������������������������������� 42 WATCH US CHANGE THE WORLD ����������������������������������������������������� 44
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 3
Top image: Miss Knox with House Prefects and Mulga; bottom image: Dr Hadwen, students and Archie.
4 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
Principal’s message It is an enormous privilege to be
who have come before us. Our culture
counted as one of the many staff,
and traditions celebrate the enduring
students or families of the past 100+
spirit of our community and the values
years who has worked so hard to
that we share. Our buildings, Chapel,
make Pymble Ladies’ College the
playing fields, sports and performing
extraordinary school it is today.
arts centres, walkways, artworks and spirit Houses – even some of our trees
While we are blessed with a
– commemorate the people who have
magnificent main campus on the North
influenced the Pymble journey.
Shore and, more recently, the stunning Vision Valley campus for Outdoor
Together, our girls, staff and families
Education Programs at Arcadia, our
are writing an exciting new chapter
greatest asset is our community – past,
in Pymble’s history, called ‘Watch Us
present and future – the Pymble family.
Change the World’. We warmly invite you to enjoy this celebration of our story.
In every aspect of College life, we are reminded of the contributions of those
DR KATE HADWEN
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 5
Principals of Pymble Ladies’ College In Pymble’s 105 year history, nine Principals have guided the young women who have walked through Marden Gates onto the beautiful grounds of Pymble Ladies’ College to an education that afforded them endless opportunities.
1916 - 1920
1920 - 1921
1922 - 1933
DR JOHN MARDEN MA, LLD
MISS G GORDON EVERETT MA
MISS NANCY JOBSON MBE, MA
6 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
1933 - 1936
1936 - 1967
1968 - 1989
MISS GRACE MACKINTOSH MA
MISS DOROTHY KNOX AM, OBE, MA, FACE
MISS JEANETTE BUCKHAM AM, BA, DIP ED, FACE
1989 - 2007
2007 - 2019
2019 - present
MRS GILLIAN MOORE AO, MA, DIP ED, TC, MACE, MACEL
MRS VICKI WATERS MSCHM, B ED, DIPT, MACE, MACEL, GAICD
DR KATE HADWEN PHD, MED, GRAD CERT ED (SCHOOL L’SHIP), BTEACH CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 7
Our College Values Five core values affirm our commitment to the Christian heritage of Pymble Ladies’ College and our identity as a school of the Uniting Church in Australia.
CARE Care for self and concern for others sustain and enhance our social, physical and learning environment. We express care daily through considerate and compassionate attitudes and behaviour.
COURAGE The attributes of fortitude, strength of character, resilience, determination and courage give us the confidence to stand up for what is right, respond to the needs of others and make a positive and purposeful contribution to the world around us.
INTEGRITY Integrity is evidenced through sincerity, a commitment to the truth, and habits of sounds judgment and ethical conduct. By adhering to high principles, we develop the moral framework fundamental to achieving great personal fulfillment and contributing positively to society.
RESPECT Respect enables the richness and diversity of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities to be held in high regard. Through respect, we promote greater self esteem in ourselves and others, and create a community where achievement, education, life balance and a love of learning are supported.
RESPONSIBILITY Responsibility encourages leadership and initiative, a spirit of service and commitment and the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the College community and, ultimately, society at large.
8 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 9
All’ Ultimo Lavoro: Strive for the highest PYMBLE LADIES’ COLLEGE MOTTO
10 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
The College Motto The College Motto All’ Ultimo Lavoro is attributed to Dante and broadly interpreted as ‘Strive for the highest’. It was selected by Dr John Marden, the founding Principal of the Presbyterian Ladies’ College at both Croydon and Pymble, for use by both schools.
The College Badge The College Badge represents Dr Marden’s concept of the true sphere of womanhood. The tower on the maiden’s head denotes the home, as the crown of womanhood. The wreath (laurel) denotes victory. The trident denotes sovereignty. The maiden on the lion, crowned with a tower and holding the trident, denotes the victory of true womanhood, whose crown is the home, over force. The sun denotes light and vitalising energy. The crescent moon denotes youth. The true purpose of girls’ education was, in Dr Marden’s mind, to produce a pure, noble and gracious woman, whose influence would be for the best and highest, endued with the spirit of true strength and helpfulness, shedding forth light upon all around her. His ideal was for Pymble graduates to uplift the standards of the nation, making the home the centre of a fine and spiritual influence, which would react upon the outside world. In this way, the Pymble girl would become the ideal also dreamt of by the poet James Russell Lowell, who wrote: “For she unto herself hath builded high. A home serene, wherein to lay her head. Earth’s noblest thing – a woman perfected.”
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 11
Around the grounds
1916 SCHOOL IS FOUNDED
College founders showed great foresight in purchasing the 50 acres that is Pymble Ladies’ College. 105 years later, our magnificent natural and built environments combine heritage appeal and 21st century facilities to enable our vision of providing an education that is universally acknowledged for its outstanding quality and exceptional opportunities.
12 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
Pymble Ladies’ College is a school of the Uniting Church in Australia. Originally Presbyterian Ladies’ College Pymble, the school was founded on 8 February 1916 as a branch of Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Croydon. It opened with 60 girls on the roll, 20 of whom were Boarders. Marden and Lang Houses had already been completed, as had the Colonnade building and Main Hall.
1926
1956
1959
GOODLET HOUSE
WAR MEMORIAL CHAPEL
INGLEHOLME PURCHASED
Goodlet House was officially opened
On 27 April 1956, the PLC Pymble
In 1959, the property known as
in 1926. Named after Colonel Goodlet,
War Memorial Chapel was opened.
‘Ingleholme’, Turramurra, was
one of the founders of Croydon
The majority of its beautiful stained
purchased by the College Council to
and a member of the Site Selecting
glass windows were not in place until
establish a second Preparatory and
Committee for Pymble. The original
almost 40 years after it was opened.
Junior School. In 1960, Ingleholme
swimming pool was opened in the
The most notable are the ‘Getting of
opened with 69 girls.
same year.
Wisdom Window’ located behind the Communion table and the ‘Robert MacArthur Commemorative Windows’ located in the gallery behind the pipe organ, both designed by David Saunders.
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 13
1963
1970s
1992
DOROTHY KNOX HOUSE
FERGUSON BUILDING
Dorothy Knox House was opened in July of 1963 and addressed the need for additional class space in response to growing enrolment numbers. After the establishment of the Uniting Church in Australia in 1977, which saw the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church and the Congregational Church combine, PLC Pymble became Pymble Ladies’ College.
Opened in 1970, the name of this building commemorates the work and service to the College by the Chairman of the Council, Mr George Ferguson CBE, BA. The Ferguson Building caters for Pymble’s Secondary School Visual Arts students. The building provides an art gallery, craft facilities, kilns for pottery and an open courtyard for sculpture.
DAVID BLACKWELL MUSIC SCHOOL
14 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
The David Blackwell Music School was opened in 1992 and is named after the Chairman who served on the College Council from 1965 to 1987. David is a past parent and also had two aunts, two sisters, five nieces and a greatniece attend the College.
1994
1998
1999
SCIENCE CENTRE
MOLLIE DIVE FIELD
The Science Centre was opened by Professor Marie Bashir on 30 April 1994. With a distinguished career in medicine and academia, Professor Bashir was a regular visitor to Pymble for Speech Days. She also officiated at the opening of the Kate Mason Senior School Centre in 2011, during her service as Governor of New South Wales.
In 1998, a Year 12 Common Room and a synthetic surface hockey field were completed. Mollie Dive attended Pymble from 1928 to 1931 and was Head Prefect in 1931. When a teacher told Mollie, “you spend too much time on the oval”, Mollie’s reply was a declaration of love for an activity that would remain a life-long passion. ‘I love sport,’ she said. ‘I just can’t help myself.’
TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED STUDIES CENTRE In 1999, the Technology and Applied Studies Centre was opened with workshop areas for electronics, wood and plastics, and specialised learning spaces for Textiles and Design, Food Technology and Hospitality.
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 15
2001
2005
2011
CONDE LIBRARY
GILLIAN MOORE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS
KATE MASON SENIOR SCHOOL CENTRE
The GIllian Moore Centre for Performing Arts (GMCPA) opened to great acclaim to celebrate Mrs Moore’s contribution to the College as Principal from 1989 to 2007. It provides world class facilities for music, dance and drama.
The Kate Mason Senior School Centre was completed in 2011. Named for former Council Chair Kate Mason, this building is a specialist educational facility purpose designed and built to address the unique requirements of senior students as they exercise their growing independence and responsibility.
The Conde Library is named after Mr John Conde AO, who joined the Pymble Ladies’ College Council in 1983 and became Chairman in 1992. The Conde Library provides a first class contemporary learning facility designed around the research and development needs of girls and staff.
16 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
2016
2020
2021 and beyond
BRAITH WILLIAMS AQUATIC AND FITNESS CENTRE
VISION VALLEY
PLANS FOR A NEW PRECINCT
Pymble acquired the iconic and beautiful Vision Valley retreat at Arcadia in 2020. Located 45-minutes from the College, Vision Valley is set on more than 90 acres of land bordering the Berowra Valley National Park. It provides an accessible, extensive and diverse range of opportunities for experiential learning, wellness activities and outdoor education.
The Grey House Precinct will provide a new home for girls in Years 5 and 6, a dance academy with six new studios, Out of School Hours Care and an Early Learning Centre. A new purpose-built health and wellbeing centre will be created within the development. The Years 5 and 6 Junior School component will provide general and specialist learning, with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
In 2016, the College celebrated its Centenary with the official opening of the Braith Williams Aquatic and Fitness Centre. Named for former Council Chair Braith Williams, this facility includes a 50m heated indoor eight-lane swimming pool with multiple diving platforms, a dive bubble and a large purpose-built learn-to-swim pool. There is also a multi-purpose fitness centre, incorporating strength and conditioning facilities with consultation and remedial treatment rooms.
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 17
18 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
This is Pymble College From day one, Pymble has forged paths for women where there were none. One of our foundation students, Marie Byles, went on to become the first woman to qualify as a solicitor in NSW and to open her own legal practice in 1929. We have educated scientists, artists, community leaders, politicians, doctors, lawyers, musicians, athletes, entrepreneurs, Olympians and countless influential and compassionate women who have gone on to make a meaningful contribution to the world. CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 19
Knowledge for a better world Learning at Pymble has always inspired students to explore what matters to them and see themselves in futures they may not have imagined.
Clockwise from left: Prize Book students, 1934; Ingleholme Library c1975; Interior of classroom Ingleholme c1975.
20 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 21
22 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
“Our learners think critically, creatively and collaboratively, with commitment to decisive action.” DR KATE HADWEN, PHD, MED, GRAD CERT ED (SCHOOL L’SHIP), BTEACH, PRINCIPAL 2019 - PRESENT
Clockwise from top left: Magazine Committee, 1972; Year 11 students learn the practical application of Maths, 2009; Preparatory School, 2021; Robotics, 2021; Technology and Applied Arts Studies student participate in a woodworking class, 2014; Pymble classroom, 1970.
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 23
Empowered to be courageous Pymble girls are courageous and determined leaders who approach new challenges with a sense of optimism and excitement.
Clockwise from top left: Winner senior hurdles Constance Thomson (Carter, 1937), 1934; Swallow dive, 1933; Calisthenics, 1919; Post-war excursion by steam train.
24 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 25
26 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
“Pymble girls learn to embrace life’s challenges with humility, gratitude and grace.” DR KATE HADWEN, PHD, MED, GRAD CERT ED (SCHOOL L’SHIP), BTEACH, PRINCIPAL 2019 - PRESENT
Clockwise from left: Girls walk from the front gate at Ingleholme in its final year, 1976; Early Music group, 1995; Duke of Edinburgh participants, 1986; Junior School girls at Vision Valley, 2021; Boarders at Swimming Carnival, 2009 and 1981.
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 27
Diversity as the path to unity Pymble students embrace opportunities to learn in collaborative environments where different perspectives are encouraged and valued.
Clockwise from left: Australian Diamonds Netball players train at Pymble, 2012; Pymble Ladies’ College flies the flags of Australia, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait for the first time, 2009; Indigenous scholars, 2020; Australian Indigenous Education Foundation function, 2011.
28 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 29
30 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
“We value diversity of thought and understand the power of an inclusive and united community.” DR KATE HADWEN, PHD, MED, GRAD CERT ED (SCHOOL L’SHIP), BTEACH, PRINCIPAL 2019 - PRESENT
Clockwise from left: Evonne Goolagong-Cawley visits World Schools Tennis Championship competitors at Pymble, 2009; Adam Goodes visits Indigenous Scholars from Pymble and surrounding schools, 2016; Indigenous Literacy Prize, 2014; Tennis at Pymble, 2021.
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 31
Technologies for an innovative future Pymble girls are active, responsible and engaged global citizens who harness the power of technology to effect positive change.
Clockwise from left: Science, c1970; Science, c1994; Computers in the classroom.
32 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 33
34 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
“Digital fluency equips our girls to use technologies in beneficial and sustaining ways.” DR KATE HADWEN, PHD, MED, GRAD CERT ED (SCHOOL L’SHIP), BTEACH, PRINCIPAL 2019 - PRESENT
Clockwise from left: Students and technology, 2011; Robotics lab, 2021; Instructional, creative and innovative technology, 2016.
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 35
Annual Events
FOUNDATION DAY
COMMEMORATION DAY
GARDEN PARTY
An annual celebration marking the
An annual Chapel service for the
This tradition dates back to two very
founding of the College on 8 February
Pymble community held on the last
successful occasions, the Grand
1916. We are proud of our rich history
Sunday in July to commemorate
Fete (held on 19 September 1925)
of providing personalised, challenging
the Dedication of the College on
and the Maypole Fair (held on 7 May
and inclusive learning opportunities for
31 July 1919.
1938). Since 1956, a Garden Party has
girls and young women.
been held every year, barring three In 2020 and 2021 the Commemoration
exceptions: 1958, when the Principal,
Day service was held online due to the
Miss Knox, was overseas; and 2020 and
global pandemic.
2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally proceeds were directed to capital works or for specific projects. In more recent years, proceeds have been donated to selected charities.
36 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
JACARANDA DAY
JERSEY DAY
The Jacaranda tree planted to
A day of remembrance for our three
commemorate the visit of HRH, the
Pymble Boarders, Alanda Clark, Year
Duchess of Gloucester became the
11, Jane Gay, Year 9 and Prudence
focus of an idea initiated by Science
Papworth, Year 8, who tragically
teacher, Mrs Raj Ram, whereby the
lost their lives in a light aircraft crash
whole College gathers by the tree
when travelling home for the June
in Spring, when it is in full bloom, to
long weekend in 1993. Each year,
distribute gifts and money to charities.
our Boarders, Secondary School girls and staff wear jerseys to honour their legacy and help raise funds for a Boarding School Scholarship, which is named in their honour.
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 37
College Houses BENNETT [SKY BLUE]
The strategic intent of our enhanced Wellbeing program is to increase our girls’ sense of belonging and connection – the two key elements of a flourishing student. A key component of this is our Spirit House system.
Mr Joseph Arthur Bennett taught
Our eight Houses are named after people who have shaped the history of Pymble.
scene, part of the College Art collection.
painting, drawing and modelling when the College first opened in 1916 until his retirement in 1926. He is responsible for the design of the College hat badge as well as the College Medallion. Mr Bennett painted the large pastoral
GOODLET [ROYAL BLUE] Colonel John Hay Goodlet was a member of a sub-committee that was appointed to draw up a general plan for the College buildings. He made a special trip to Melbourne to interview Dr Marden and also to visit other girls’ schools. Colonel Goodlet was a very generous benefactor to the Church, and has been called ‘Sydney’s great Christian philanthropist’. 38 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
HAMMOND [ORANGE]
LANG [WHITE]
THOMAS [PURPLE]
Hammond House is named after Dame
Reverend John Dunmore Lang
Barbara Thomas was a student at
Joan Hammond (1912-1996). Dame Joan
was born in Scotland in 1799. He
Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Pymble
was a student at PLC until 1928, where
arrived in Sydney in 1823 to establish
from 1919 to 1924. She was Dux of
she was a Prefect and played sports
Presbyterianism in the colony and
the College in 1923 and 1924, College
including golf and hockey. Originally a
thereby raise moral standards. For the
Prefect in 1924, and played in both
talented violin player she also played golf
next 50 years he continued his fight
Hockey and Netball. In 1930, Barbara
professionally before pursuing a singing
against immorality, established Scots
toured overseas as a member of the
career overseas. She achieved great
Church and wrote widely. He was a
first Australian women’s hockey team.
international success and was awarded
powerful force in education.
an OBE in 1953 and CBE in 1963.
INGLEHOLME [GREEN]
MARDEN [RED]
WYLIE [YELLOW]
Ingleholme was the name of the
In 1916, Dr Marden was appointed
Miss Mina Wylie taught swimming
house purchased in 1959 to establish
Principal of Presbyterian Ladies’
at the College for 42 years – from
the second Preparatory and Junior
College, Pymble. He believed that
1928 until her retirement in 1970. She
School. The house in Boomerang
“the welfare of the girls came before
was one of two women to represent
Street, Turramurra, had formerly been
anything else” and in his opinion,
Australia in the Stockholm Olympic
the home of Sir Martin McIlrath. On
“women should be given the best that
Games winning a silver medal. Mina
10 February 1960, Ingleholme opened
education had to offer.”
Wylie held the record for every
as a school with 69 girls aged from
swimming stroke and was the first
four to nine years and was known as
woman to achieve a Diploma from the
Ingleholme Presbyterian Ladies’ College.
Royal Life Saving Society in Australia. CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 39
The School Song Sung to the tune of Hearts of Oak by Dr William Boyce, the words were written by student Margot Hentze (1926). This is Pymble College which we hold so dear, And all of us honour, respect and revere: Our wish is its glory, our pride is its fame, And ever we strive to keep clear its good name. Chorus Both in work and in sport High ideals are sought; ‘All’ Ultimo Lavoro’, that is our motto, The maxim for which we have fought and have wrought. Our colours are scarlet and navy and white And under their shadow are fair play and right. Dr Marden, of yore, was our founder and friend, His mem’ry we’ll cherish right unto the end. Chorus The future of Pymble need cause us no fears; ‘Twill grow ever greater and live through the years, And new girls will follow, in unending chain, And Youth be renewed again and again. Chorus
40 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
The College Prayer Believed to have been introduced in 1934 by Miss Mackintosh, the College prayer unites women and men across many centuries. It is a priceless bond uniting generations within the Christian faith. Almighty and Everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being, who has created us for Thyself so that our hearts are restless until they find rest in Thee, grant unto us purity of heart and strength of purpose so that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing Thy will and no weakness from doing it. In Thy Light may we see light clearly and in Thy Service find perfect freedom, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 41
The School Uniform Just as fashion has evolved, so has the Pymble school uniform, from bloomers in the 1960s to compression tights in 2021. The one common thread has been Black Watch tartan, introduced in 1918.
Above left: Black Watch tartan; right: Uniforms in the past were home made or purchased from department stores of the day, such as Farmers, c1960. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Students in early Black Watch tartan skirts, 1918; Miss Buckham with prefects, 1978; Middle School girls, 2020; The Winter uniform, 2011; Miss Knox with House sub prefects in seniors uniform, 1966.
42 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 43
Pymble girls declare: “Watch us change the world” On International Women’s Day 2021 the College launched the Strategic Direction, Watch Us Change the World. This positions Pymble as a school with unwavering belief in young women and what their futures hold. Watch Us Change the World is not our hope; it’s our declaration. It inspires our students to bring passion and purpose into everything they do. Our girls are encouraged to be change-makers in our classrooms, our community and our culture. We don’t just follow our dreams. We lead the way. We are influential and compassionate women. A campaign supporting the launch features some of our talented and courageous students, past and present, in imagery that is intentionally bold, challenging and ground-breaking for a girls’ school.
44 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
“I want to change the world by encouraging girls all over the world to achieve their dreams.” LUCINDA, YEAR 6, 2021
“I plan to change the world by finding a way to make the world a better place. I think many jobs help others in some way and I want to find the right one for me.” ANG-YA, YEAR 8, 2021
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 45
“Being a Pymble girl empowers me to speak up for what I believe in and have a go. I am proud to uphold the College values of Courage, Integrity, Responsibility, Respect and Care.” SAHANA, YEAR 6, 2021
46 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
“I’m passionate about Music and Dance. Here at Pymble I’m challenged and have amazing resources available to pursue these passions. ” ISABEL, YEAR 11, 2021
“I think Pymble is a place where everyone is allowed to be unique and themselves. I would describe our classroom environment as a place where collaboration is key and classes are fun and enjoyable.” ELLA, HEAD BOARDER, 2021
“I love how the teachers at Pymble inspire and support us to believe we can change the world.” ALYSSA, YEAR 10, 2021
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 47
“We are here together as one, we are here to change the world together, as one. Inspiring and strong!” DR CATHERINE YANG [1994]
48 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
“Don’t let that inner voice that talks to you, that questions you, get in the way. Back yourself, trust yourself and go for it!”. CHRISTINE BARTLETT [1977]
CELEBRATING 105 YEARS 49
pymblelc.nsw.edu.au Avon Road, Pymble NSW 2073 PO Box 136, North Ryde BC NSW 1670 Australia +61 2 9855 7799 A SCHOOL OF THE UNITING CHURCH ACN 645 100 670 | CRICOS 03288K
50 THIS IS PYMBLE COLLEGE
2022-ARC-4031-1v2
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Pymble Ladies’ College and Vision Valley stand. We pay respect to the Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to other First Nations people within the Pymble Ladies’ College community.
