Our Centenary celebrates the tradition of educational excellence experienced by generations of Pymble students. This video captures the memories and thoughts of three generations of Pymble students from the Knox family: Barbara Knox (1947), her daughter Catherine Knox (1977) and granddaughter, current Year 8 student Imogen Roach.
© 2022 Pymble Ladies' College - Avon Road Pymble NSW 2073 Tel: +61 2 9855 7799
A school of the Uniting Church in Australia for girls from Kindergarten to Year 12, with boarding from Year 7.
ACN 645 100 670 | CRICOS 03288K
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© 2022 Pymble Ladies' College - Avon Road Pymble NSW 2073 Tel: +61 2 9855 7799
A school of the Uniting Church in Australia for girls from Kindergarten to Year 12, with boarding from Year 7.
ACN 645 100 670 | CRICOS 03288K
Website developed by 4mation Technologies
Dr Marden was unanimously selected as the first Principal of Presbyterian Ladies’ College Pymble because of his “high academic standing, his experience and success in teaching and his high Christian character”. Undoubtedly, Dr Marden had a clear vision for the College based on the success of Presbyterian Ladies’ College Croydon, the school he had been Principal of since 1888. He firmly believed that an all-round education was important, combined with “social graces.” He was often heard to say, “For it is woman who sets the standard of the national life.” The purpose of education for girls was to produce a pure, noble and gracious woman. He was a man of great energy, vision, drive, integrity and wisdom, dedicated to the College and the success of all who attended.
Miss Grace Gordon Everett commenced at the College in 1918 and succeeded as Principal Dr Marden in 1920. A popular staff member among the girls, Miss Everett was a firm but fair Principal. She introduced the first Old Girls Day at Pymble in Grey House, which became a popular event. Miss Everett resigned in 1921 to study in France. The School Magazine records the regard and affection for Miss Everett: “We have lost more than a Principal. In every branch of our school life, her vivid personality and interest was felt. Her strength of character, her dignity, her keen sense of justice, her far-seeing brain and her quick judgement as well as her wonderful power of teaching, all gave us a leader whose loss we must always feel.”
Miss Nancy Jobson partly abandoned the traditional goals of academic attainments and examination success, and hoped to interest her girls in 'excellence' in home management and the cultivation of refined manners and artistic sense. The girls loved her, with one ex-student describing her as “a dignified and stately lady; she was quite a tall well-built woman, beautiful complexion and piercing but very kindly blue eyes”. Miss Jobson was instrumental in urging the College Council to establish a College Hospital. The School Song, written by ex-student Margaret Hentze, was also introduced by Miss Jobson and sung with much gusto at school events. Miss Jobson resigned in 1933 after 11 years of faithful service and in 1955 was awarded an MBE for outstanding services to education.
Miss Grace Mackintosh joined the College in the third term of 1933 from Columba Girls’ College, Dunedin, where she was Principal. Miss Mackintosh resumed the traditional goals of high academic achievement and was regarded as a very fine person with high ideals. She introduced the College Prayer and widened the curriculum to include commercial subjects such as typing and shorthand, improved both academic and sports results and saw an increase in enrolments after careful advertising in select media. Lang House, which had been closed for two years, reopened as new pupils enrolled and the economy improved. Miss Mackintosh resigned in 1936 and returned to Scotland. The girls presented her with a wristlet watch and planted a liquid amber tree to mark her service to the school.
Miss Knox joined the College on 1 July 1936. Former Principal of PLC Orange and known to everyone as ‘Knocky’, Miss Knox had a distinguished academic career. Her administration and management skills were greatly admired and she built an excellent reputation as Principal. Young and enthusiastic, with a wisdom that garnered her love and affection from the girls, she knew the name of every student within two weeks of joining. Miss Knox celebrated 30 years as Principal on 1 July 1966, the 50th Anniversary of the College. She is remembered as an outstanding Principal and a woman with the highest standards, great imagination and energy who continued to be involved with the College after her retirement in 1967. Miss Knox was honoured with an OBE and an AO for her services to education. She remains the longest serving Principal of the College.
Miss Jeanette Buckham had been a teacher and Principal at PLC Goulburn before being appointed as Principal of Pymble in January 1968. She was considered a teacher who combined firm discipline with a sense of humour, a practical approach to problems and a clear vision. At a time when independent schools were facing pressure in a tough climate of resources, accountability and control, Miss Buckham developed the school curriculum by introducing new subjects like Agriculture to provide a broader attraction and gain enrolments. Her belief in an all-round education for girls was evidenced by the growing academic, art, music and drama achievements. Her term as Principal spanned over 21 years. She is remembered with gratitude, appreciation and affection by all in the College family.
Mrs Gillian Moore joined the College as Principal in Term 2 1989. The first married Principal, Mrs Moore and her family moved to the newly built Principal’s residence, Avonmoore. A married Principal was quite a departure from tradition and reflected the College’s foresight in moving with changing times. Values of honesty, integrity and determination formed the backbone of the education the girls were to receive under her leadership. In 1989 she established ‘Pymble 2000’, a committee responsible for the future direction of the College. New facilities, resourcing, communication, pastoral care and academic direction were all discussed by the Pymble community. A master plan was produced and much was achieved during her term – a music teaching complex, a performing arts centre, improved science facilities and extensions to the Junior School. Mrs Moore continues to take great interest in the College and regularly attends Commemoration Day and other events.
Mrs Vicki Waters commenced as the eighth Principal of Pymble Ladies’ College in 2007. With fresh energy and a new approach to academic and pastoral programs, Mrs Waters worked closely with the College Council to establish a new structure for the College. The College had steadily increased in enrolments to over 2000 girls and it was time for a 21st century approach. With virtual classrooms, global connectivity and great opportunity to be an international citizen, Mrs Waters has led the College though a time of exciting and progressive change. With an emphasis on sharing global opportunities and encouraging personal development by providing new and innovative ways to learn, Mrs Waters has placed Pymble as the top independent girls school in NSW. With the five College values of care, courtesy, courage, respect and integrity, Mrs Waters encourages each girl to experience the ideals of compassion, generosity, co-operation, teamwork and consideration through service learning, an important part of a Pymble education.
From 1930 the wording changed to Presbyterian Ladies’ College Pymble and in 1977 it became Pymble Ladies’ College Sydney when the school was awarded to the Uniting Church in Australia.
In February 1925, one hundred and six boarders were enrolled, and many more had to be refused because of lack of accommodation. This led to the need for a new boarding house. The foundation stone was laid on 19 March 1926 by His Excellency, the Governor-General, Lord Stonehaven. Building proceeded quickly and was completed by 31 July 1926.
His Excellency, the Governor-General Lord Stonehaven arrived on 19 March 1926 to lay the foundation stone of Goodlet House. The swimming pool was opened on the same day by the Lord Stonehaven.
The Boarders’ Rite of Passage is an annual event that marks the journey each boarder embarks on when moving boarding houses.
Learn more about the tradition
The swimming pool was built to the then existing Olympic standards and was said to be the first such pool in Australia. The pool measured 33 1/3 metres in length by 36 feet wide, the depth varying from three feet six inches to eight feet six inches. Attached was a wading pool 18 by 30 feet. The main pool contained 125,000 gallons of fresh water.
The original Pool was was replaced in 1983 by the Jeanette Buckham Centre for Physical Education.
The Moderator arrives to offer the Prater of Dedication at the official opening of the John Marden Memorial Gates.
The John Marden Memorial Gates consisted of two sets of pillars on either side of a central carriageway, each with a coloured and embossed replica of the school crest. The main gates came from the Sydney Town Hall bore embossed brass plates inscribed with the words JOHN MARDEN on one gate and MEMORIAL GATES on the other.
The whole structure was remodelled in 1982 with identical pillars following the original pattern, but with the wrought-iron work fixed in position at the sides. The original school crests on the pillars were not included when they were rebuilt.
A contract to build the Chapel was signed in 1954. Fundraising was ongoing since the mid 1920’s however another 25 000 pounds was needed to build the Chapel.
The Foundation Stone of the Chapel was laid by His Excellencey Governor of NSW, Lieutenant-General Sir John Northcott, on 30 March 1955. He was piped to the steps by the Knox Grammar Pipe Band while the Prefects formed a Guard of Honour.
The Chapel spire was hoisted 100 feet (30 feet) into place. The spire was built on the Lang Lawn near the back of the library. It consisted of a complicated frame of wood with a cladding of copper.
The first wedding was held in the Chapel for Winifred Ross (Allworth 1949). She is pictured here with her mother Margaret Allworth.
The Rose Window was donated by the Ex-Students to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the College on 30 July 1967. It was designed and executed by David Saunders who also designed and executed the west window of the Chapel in 1980 known as the Three Light Window. The Three Light Window was dedicated to commemorating Miss Buckham’s 25th year as Principal.
The organ was purchased by the College from a deconsecrated church, modified and installed in the Chapel.
The Jacaranda tree inspired an event known as Jacaranda Day. It was first celebrated in 1984 and now occurs annually with a thanksgiving service Gloucester Lawn. The service provides an opportunity for the College community to donate food and gift hampers to a chosen charity.
“Since the foundation of Pymble 6,600 girls have passed through the school and 1,075 are here at present with another 221 at Ingleholme. You all have a great tradition to pass on to those who follow. It is worth keeping. We have a tradition of academic distinctions, good sportsmanship and, above all, friendliness and courteous behaviour. These are all qualities of which your predecessors were proud and hope that you will carry on attitudes established and nurtured over the years. May the next fifty years of Pymble be ever more joyous and prosperous.”
Caption: Jacaranda Day was an initiative by Mrs R. Ram, a science teacher at the College to celebrate the existence of beauty in a changing world.
Pymble girls are encouraged to be concerned about those less fortunate than themselves and to share their good fortune.
The gymnasium is large enough to accommodate a full-sized netball, basketball, volleyball or tennis court.
The main 50 metre pool satisfied Olympic standards and water polo requirements. They were fitted with lighting for twilight or night swimming and warmed by solar heating.
The pool was not only used by swimmers and divers, but also by the rowing team.
In 2014 the swimming pool was demolished to make way for the new state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness centre within the Centenary Precinct.
More about the Centenary Precinct
Over 2014 and 2015 the Junior School classrooms will be remodelled to form open learning spaces for students and teachers. With research and practice showing that the most effective classrooms to deliver quality teaching and learning were characterised by a flexible and stimulating environment, these new classrooms have proved to be a hit.
To hear what Year 5 students think of their new surrounds click the button below.
Hear more
Miss Buckham was quite at ease, mounting aloft to the accompaniment of shouts and applause from the assembled multitude, who gave three tremendous cheers as she arrived back on terra firma.
Whole school photograph taken on the Gloucester Quadrangle. Taken by the College photographer Tony Lo Surdo.
Mr James Kelso joined the Council in 1974 and became Govenor of the Works Committee in 1982. In this role he supervised several building projects including the James Kelso Sports Field, Jeanette Buckham Physical Education Centre and Pool, extensions to Boarding houses, and the Principal’s residence. The Council recognised his great contribution to the College and paid tribute to him in naming the sporting facility.
Liane Tooth was an ex-student of the College. After graduating from the University of Sydney in 1983 she was awarded a Scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport. She became a member of the Australian Women’s Hockey team in 1984 and represented Australia in the Olympic Games in 1984 and 1988, as well as the World Cup in 1986 and 1990. The team won a gold medal at the 1988 Olympic Games and silver medal in the 1990 World Cup. In 2004 a new sporting field was opened at Pymble and named after Liane Tooth.
Taronga Zoo celebrated its 75th Anniversary in the same year. Principal Mrs Moore gifted them with six Pymble Lady Camellias.
