Our Culture of Care and Inclusion
We have created a unique working environment where each person is valued for who they are, their expertise, their unique contribution to the diversity of our community, and their successes both big and small. We treasure our caring, inclusive and collegiate community, which we often refer to as our Pymble family.
Our highly experienced senior executive team, who come from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience, has set a clear vision and strategy to enable our students and staff to thrive in their lives today and in their future careers. As our Principal, Dr Hadwen, says ‘Come as you are and bring your passion for what you do’.
Meet some of our amazing staff in the video below as they share their insights about working at Pymble.
Our Values
The College values of Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility were established over a century ago. Today, we continue to weave these values into the fabric of our daily life. Our goal is to always articulate these values clearly and continue to foster an environment where they are routinely practised by students, staff and parents alike.
CARE
I am kind to myself and others
COURAGE
I am open to new experiences to learn and grow
RESPECT
I value diversity, my worth and the worth of others
INTEGRITY
I do the right thing even when no one is watching
RESPONSIBILITY
I take ownership for my actions
Focusing on Respect in 2025
Pymble understands that values are not something that live on a page but must be brought to life every day through our actions and words. Each year, we focus on one of our values and 2025 is the Year of Respect – I value diversity, my worth and the worth of others. This focus extends to all members of our Pymble community.
Recognising our wonderful staff
We celebrate and formally recognise our staff who make Pymble such a special place to work.
Our LOVE Awards were introduced in 2021 to celebrate our colleagues who Live Our Values Everyday. These awards are open to all teachers, professional services, administration and co-curricular staff and celebrate the quiet achievers and unsung heroes who make our College a special place to work.
Shaira Musico
K-6 Classroom Teacher
Shaira has an authentic focus on social justice and inclusion in our Junior School and has created and led a program to deepen student awareness of unconscious bias, diversity and inclusion in Year 4. Shaira is a force of positive energy in the Junior School, leading by example, standing up for what is right and always collaborating with colleagues and students with an open mind!
Chris Ryan
Campus Manager – Vision Valley
Chris is a very humble person who operates in an area of the College which is not visible to many. As Campus Manager, Chris has been overseeing significant master works over several years as Vision Valley transforms from a tired conference centre to Australia’s preeminent outdoor education facility.
Chris oversees a small permanent team and a vast array of trades and contractors to ensure that Vision Valley is a safe and beautiful place for Pymble girls and staff. Chris is always caring, collaborative and respectful in his approach and provides a strong example of work ethic and integrity for all at Vision Valley.
Brigiat Maltese
Head of Learning – Visual Arts
Brigiat leads by example and inspires staff and students to strive for their best. She is thoughtful, compassionate and always ready with an encouraging smile or a laugh when things are stressful. In her classroom, our girls benefit from an intelligent, honest and collaborative teacher who consistently ensures no student is overlooked.
Akenese Sargent
Stage 5 Learning Leader
Akenese has stepped into a leadership role this year and has taken on all challenges with grace and professionalism. She has a gentle and caring leadership style that brings out the best in everyone. She is generous with her knowledge and time, infinitely patient, has a wicked sense of humour and is a weapon on the dancefloor.
Jake Turnbull
Digital Learning Leader
Jake selflessly gives his time to empower teachers and students to learn in innovative ways using technology to enhance their learning. With a strong focus on connecting to real-world problems, Jake leads engaging activities for the students to build their sense of social responsibility and to challenge their thinking. Jake consistently goes above and beyond to plan and lead learning opportunities. With his sense of humour and kindness, Jake enables even the most apprehensive teachers to build skills and connect with technology.
Rosie Prince
K-6 Classroom Teacher
Rosie goes above and beyond to find connections with each student in her care and empower them to be themselves. In moments when students find situations overwhelming Rosie embodies endless patience, calm and kindness. Rosie led the initiative of choose your own wellbeing adventure within Year 5, empowering the girls to select activities that suit their needs as social, emotional learners. Rosie finds the joy in the little things and brings heart to all she does.
Our diverse and inclusive staff
Our ethos as a school of the Uniting Church in Australia combines with our Social Intelligence pillar to affirm our belief in diversity as the path to unity.
We welcome students, staff and families of all faiths, beliefs, abilities, identities, backgrounds and cultures, and Pymble is a proud member of the Diversity Council of Australia.
Over 15 languages spoken
Afrikaans, Cantonese, Farsi, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese.
25% of staff have a flexible working arrangement
Pymble’s Flexible Work Arrangements policy includes options for part time, job share, late start and early finish times.
40% of staff are Christian
40% have no stated faith, and other faiths include
Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.
15 teachers have changed careers
Some of our teachers come from industries including science, business, engineering and law.
42% of staff have carer responsibilities
Caring responsibilities can include young children, parents, or sick,
elderly or disabled family members.
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Over 20% of our teachers are male
We welcome male teachers to apply to work at Pymble.
9 staff identify as First Nations people
We are committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through employment, training and career opportunities.
5% of staff identify as LGBTQIA+
At Pymble, we are proud to have a diverse and inclusive work place and our HR policies are inclusive of all.
A culture of care
We treasure our caring, inclusive and collegiate community, and create opportunities thorughout the year to celebrate our staff, their culture and promote wellbeing.
Overall the culture of Pymble is one of kindness, warmth and inclusivity.
2024 Pymble staff engagement survey
Embracing Inclusion
Learn more about who we are and what makes us proud.
Pymble‘s direction on diversity and inclusion has meant a lot to me and my family. I never thought I would experience working in a welcoming, safe and supportive school in my lifetime and am very thankful for the culture being built.
2024 pymble staff engagement survey
