Junior School
The Bonsai Child - 10 Year Anniversary
This year marks the tenth anniversary of The Bonsai Child, Dr Judith Locke’s thoughtful book which invited parents and educators to reflect on how best to support children as they grow. We have in previous years had Dr Locke share her expertise with our Kambala parents.
Drawing on her work as a clinical psychologist, Locke explored the idea of “over-parenting,” where adults, with the best of intentions, step in too often to protect children from difficulties. Like a carefully pruned bonsai tree, children who are shielded from every challenge may look flourishing on the surface but may miss important chances to develop independence and resilience.
Ten years later, her message continues to resonate strongly. In today’s world, young people encounter both small and larger setbacks—whether it be friendship ups and downs, disappointment on the sporting field, or the everyday challenges of learning. Locke’s work gently reminds us that discomfort is not the same as harm. In fact, moments of disappointment, frustration, or failure can be valuable opportunities for growth, helping children practise the skills they need to manage life’s ups and downs.
For families and schools, the anniversary of The Bonsai Child offers a timely reminder of balance. Supporting children does not mean removing every obstacle; it means encouraging them, standing alongside them, and giving them the confidence to try again when things do not go to plan. When setbacks are seen as stepping stones, children are more likely to grow into adaptable, resilient, and capable young adults.
Mr Stuart Coppin
Deputy Principal – Head of Junior School
Friendship in Sisterhood
Friendship in Sisterhood was such a fun and memorable day! It gave us the chance to come together with girls from all year levels and really get to know our sisters. We loved spending time together and learn a little bit more about each other.
The afternoon started with the girls collecting their Sisterhood Circle buddies from the classroom and splitting into our House groups, ready for all of the excitement. We participated in many activities, including designing French friendship crowns, creating an artistic Mood Meter, making buddy bracelets, playing collaborative PE games, making ice cream in science and working together to make Friendship flowers. There was so much laughter, creativity and friendship.
One of the best things about the afternoon was making new friends and feeling connected to girls of different ages. It’s not every day that we get to spend time like this, and it reminded us how important it is to be part of such a supportive and caring school community. Overall, it was an amazing experience and one we’ll always remember.
Ruby Lin
Junior School Captain
Year 2 Set Sail with Recycled Boat Creations
Year 2 students made a splash this term, diving into design thinking to build boats from recycled materials with one big mission—safely transporting a small teddy across a one-metre water trough. Using milk cartons, bottle tops, cardboard, paddle pop sticks, take-away containers and bubble wrap, they created wind-powered vessels driven by a large fan.
Each pair completed at least one single run before evaluating their results and brainstorming ideas for an improved model. There were cheers for successful crossings and plenty of giggles when a few boats had to be encouraged to go in a forward direction. By the end, the students had not only built creative, seaworthy masterpieces but also learned how to reflect, adapt, and think like true designers.
Ms Diane Jones
Science Specialist and STEM Integrator
Year 4 - Plan Bee at the Royal Botanical Gardens
On Tuesday, 24th June 2025, Year 4 students embarked on a buzzing adventure to the Royal Botanical Gardens, ready to dive into the fascinating world of native Australian bees. With curiosity humming in the air, they uncovered the mysteries of these tiny eco-heroes—learning how they differ from their European cousins and why they’re so vital for our environment.
The fun hit full flight when teams rolled up their sleeves to create “bee hotels”—cosy hideouts for solitary bees such as the dazzling Blue Banded Bee and the crafty Resin Bee. Laughter and excitement filled the gardens as students raced around on an insect treasure hunt, discovering which flowers were the top hangouts for local pollinators. The day ended with heads buzzing with new knowledge, hearts full of care for the environment, and a newfound mission to protect these incredible creatures.
Ms Diane Jones
Science Specialist and STEM Integrator
Year 3 - Centennial Parklands Expedition
In June, Year 3 students became fearless wildlife detectives, armed with bug catchers, dip nets, and unstoppable enthusiasm as they set out to conquer the wonders of Centennial Parklands. They ventured into hidden wetlands in search of slippery eels, the stealthy tawny frogmouth, cheeky flying foxes, and tiny insect larvae hiding in watery worlds. Gasping with delight, they spotted water boatmen zipping around like Olympic swimmers and watched the mega-bat colony chatter noisily overhead.
There were giggles as clay life cycles were created, splashes of mud from swampy trails, and bursts of excitement with every creature found. By the end of the day, they had uncovered nature’s secrets, learned amazing life cycles, and shared moments of awe and care for the wild world around them.
Ms Diane Jones
Science Specialist and STEM Integrator
Kindergarten Swimming Lessons in PE begin Monday 8 September (Term 3)
Dear Kindergarten Parents,
It is with great excitement that I write to let you know that your daughter will commence swimming lessons during one of her PE classes each week from Monday 8 September.
KS - Mondays Period 3
KU - Wednesdays Period 4
These swimming lessons are part of the PE Curriculum and are aimed at assisting your daughter to build confidence and remain safe in an aquatic environment. Your daughter will be taught in small groups of approximately 6 – 8 students and each group will have their own teacher. Working in smaller groups allows the teacher to tailor lesson activities to the needs of the group.
* Important details to ensure your daughter is prepared for her first swimming lessons:
On the days when your daughter has her swimming lesson, she should wear her PE uniform with her Kambala swimming costume underneath or bring it in her sports bag. All girls will also be required to bring a towel, swimming cap, goggles and thongs to wear to and from the pool and underwear for the end of the lesson.
Kambala swimmers are now available at Outfitters however, if your daughter has another full piece swimsuit, she will be able to wear this but please be aware that she will require a Kambala swimming costume for the start of 2026.
The classroom teacher and/or PE teacher will walk the students to and from the swimming pool. After the lesson, the students will have a quick shower on the pool deck before being walked back to their classroom where they will change into their sports uniform under the supervision of the classroom teacher.
If your daughter has had little experience in swimming, we would suggest additional swimming lessons at this early stage. The Tivoli Swimming School (at the Kambala Pool) offers a variety of programs to assist students develop their confidence and safety in the water. For further details contact:
Tivoliswimming@kambala.nsw.edu.au
We look forward to supporting your daughter’s development. Please email robyn_mcmillan@kambala.nsw.edu.au if you have further questions.
Junior School Semester 2 Parent Teacher Zoom Interviews - Monday 15 - Thursday 18 September 2025
Parent-Teacher interviews with Class and Specialist teachers will be held during Week 9 of Term 3 (Monday 15 September - Thursday 18 September). Specialist teachers available for interviews are:
Year 2- Art, PE, Science
Year 3- Drama, Music, Science
Year 4- Drama, PE, Science
Year 5- Art, French, Mandarin, Music
Year 6- Art, French, Music, PE
Interview times with your daughter’s teachers will be offered both before and after school hours. Most parents find 10 minutes sufficient time for interviews with their daughter’s Class teacher, plus 5 minutes with Specialist teachers and if their daughter’s Maths teacher is not their class teacher. If you feel that more time is necessary, please contact your daughter’s teacher to arrange a convenient time and date for a longer meeting. You may request interviews at other times throughout the year by contacting teachers directly.
How will these interviews work?
We will continue to utilise Zoom for our interviews as feedback indicates this works best for our busy parents and carers. Parent-Teacher interview bookings can be made using our online booking system at https://kambala.meettheteacher.com/ Once you click on the link you will be directed to the online booking system to schedule your appointment/s. The booking portal will be open from 4pm on Thursday 21 August and will close at 4pm on Thursday 4 September.
A Parent-Teacher Booking Appointment Guide has been created to assist parents with their bookings. Please click here to access this Guide. Once you have made an appointment time, confirmation of your appointment time will appear on your screen. A confirmation will also be sent to your parent email address. If you need to amend your booking time, please do so via your confirmation email.
On the day of your Appointment
You can access Zoom links for all teachers on your daughter’s Sundial class page. Teachers will be alerted that you are in the virtual waiting room and will admit parents to begin the appointment at the scheduled time. Every effort to keep to the schedule will be made and we encourage parents to access the Sundial class pages ahead of the scheduled meeting times to support timeliness. Please note if you are running significantly late, you will need to reschedule your appointment as teachers must follow their pre booked interview times with other families. We kindly ask that you respect our teachers’ time and notify them in advance via email if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment time.
IT support
Should you experience technical difficulties during the event, please access ICT support by clicking on the ICT Support tile on the Sundial homepage. While we are doing all we can to prepare for a smooth experience, we appreciate your flexibility should there be any disruptions.
Year 4 Adopt a Koala
This term, Year 4 will adopt a koala through WWF as part of our HSIE unit on interacting with the environment. This initiative will help our girls connect classroom learning with real-world solutions.
Koalas are now endangered along Australia’s east coast due to disease, bushfires, floods and deforestation and students have been inspired to take action, launching a small fundraiser and sharing why protecting koalas matters to them.
As Izzy said, “Koalas are endangered, and it’s important to protect them.” Stella added, “Koalas are a part of Australia’s history, and they need us to protect them and stop them from going extinct.” Eres reminded us, “They have just as much of a right to survive as we do.”
This adoption has encouraged our young learners to become passionate advocates for Australia’s wildlife and environment.
Ms Anna Goodman
Junior School