Senior School 

Kambala's role in Global Education: PISA in 2025

Being thought leaders and researchers at Kambala is what we see as our responsibility as a community of learners. As teachers, we actively involve ourselves in Action Research, whereby we research, implement, reflect and refine pedagogy within our context. In the last 18 months a group of teachers have worked in collaboration with Ruyton Girls’ School in Melbourne exploring the concept of Leadership in Girls Schools as just one example. Our desire is to be outward looking, while enriching within. For students our school value of Curiosity in Self Authorship whereby we understand ourselves as learners and the potential to craft our learning story is where students are expected to be active participants in their learning, not passive. They are researchers of themselves.

As a contributor to global research, Kambala has been selected to participate in PISA,  Programme for International Student Assessment, in 2025. PISA data provides a snapshot of our global education system—one that shows how well students from around the world can use their knowledge and skills to face real-world challenges. PISA is an international study coordinated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that examines how effectively 15-year-olds are prepared to handle complex, real-life situations. Something we feel confident our students will be able to demonstrate skill in given opportunities afforded them at Kambala and by their families.

Conducted every three years, PISA assesses students in over 90 countries in reading, science, and mathematics, adding a digital skills component to reflect our increasingly tech-driven world. By examining student performance in these areas, PISA aims to identify educational strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately guiding countries in shaping better education policies.

Why Participation Matters

The Australian Education Act 2013 mandates that all schools chosen for the PISA sample participate. This requirement highlights the importance Australia places on contributing to and benefiting from global educational insights. By participating, students help shape education on a global scale, helping to ensure that Australian education meets global standards and that your child is part of shaping a better future for all students.

More information about this will be shared with families as we undertake this next year.

Ms Carolyn Gedling

Deputy Principal - Academic

Mandatory Data Collection

Every year, we ask families to update their personal and medical details, so we have the most current information pertaining to you and your daughter/s. This is an annual mandatory requirement and is critical to ensuring we can fulfil our duty of care to your daughter. 

By now you will have received slip/data form notifications from the Edsmart system asking for the following:

• A slip/data form notification for each of your daughters requesting an update to their medical information, emergency contact information and image use consent. If you have any changes to your own personal details (e.g. a change of mobile phone number, email address etc) or any change of preferences in relation to sharing your contact details with other class parents, you can also indicate on this form. Please note that if your daughter has asthma or anaphylaxis, you will need to have access to a copy of their current action plan to complete the submission.
• If your daughter is a boarding student, you will receive an additional slip/data form notification asking for some additional information specific to the boarding environment. 

Unlike previous years, the slips/data forms can be responded to via any mobile device. Even if your information has not changed, we ask you to take the time to review it. We anticipate this process to take no longer than five minutes. 

Should you have any questions please contact the Senior Student Services Office, by emailing seniorstudentservices@kambala.nsw.edu.au 

Congratulations to the following HSC Drama students

Congratulations to Congratulations to Mia De Oglou and Sophie Scanlon who have received HSC Drama OnSTAGE nominations! Mia received a nomination for her Program and Poster Individual Project and Sophie for her Set Design. Beautiful work! 

Ms Lisa Moir

Head of Drama

Exciting Start to the Senior Math's Focus Study Program

After a highly successful trial with the 2024 IB and HSC cohort, the Math's Focus Study Program has now extended to support the 2025 IB and HSC students. Officially launched to align with updated Term 4 timetables, this program provides essential support for senior students as they navigate their homework and prepare for upcoming examinations.

To ensure students have access to timely assistance, teacher availability schedules have been shared on each mathematics classroom's Sundial page. Students are encouraged to utilise this opportunity by working on their mathematics homework during these times, fostering efficient learning and deeper understanding.

The response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive so far, with strong participation and enthusiasm from students. We look forward to seeing continued engagement and success!

Ms Patricia Wong

Mathematics

Marking Time: Conversations Across the Decades at Kambala

As part of History Week 2024, Kambala’s History Department, in collaboration with the Alumni Office and Archives, hosted a unique intergenerational event called Marking Time. Year 9 and 10 Elective History students were invited to engage in conversation with Kambala Alumni representing over five decades, from the 1950s to the 1990s. This rare gathering allowed students to connect with past generations, offering a rich tapestry of stories that brought Kambala’s rich history to life. 

Despite changes to Kambala’s buildings, curriculum, and even the landscape of education itself, a shared theme emerged: the enduring opportunities and values Kambala has provided to each generation. These ranged from fostering resilience and curiosity to encouraging lifelong friendships and community bonds. The event highlighted how, while specifics may have changed, Kambala’s commitment to empowering young women has remained steadfast.

Year 10 students had been studying oral history as a vital method for recording and preserving local stories and personal experiences. In preparation, they explored the art of interviewing, focusing on asking thoughtful, curiosity-driven questions. They also learned about the technical and ethical considerations of managing oral recordings in the school archive, gaining insight into the complexities of preserving memories for future generations.

During Marking Time, conversations flowed freely, covering topics from school discipline and uniforms to memorable teachers, favourite subjects, and the impact of key historical events on student life. Some alumni shared anecdotes of navigating social changes, like the rise of feminism or shifts in educational standards, while others reflected on how Kambala traditions have shaped their identities and values. Every twenty minutes, students rotated to speak with alumni from a different decade, allowing them to experience both the continuity and evolution in Kambala’s culture firsthand.

One recurring theme was the balance between academic rigor and personal growth. Alumni recounted how their time at Kambala prepared them for challenges beyond the classroom, whether in their careers or personal lives. For the students, hearing these firsthand accounts deepened their understanding of how education transcends academics, providing skills and values that last a lifetime.

Marking Time was a collaboration between the Kambala History Department, Alumni Manager Donna Kelly-Smith, and School Archivist Laura Carmichael, whose efforts helped bring this enriching experience to life. The success of the event left both Old Girls and students abuzz with excitement and a renewed sense of connection to their school community. Many were already suggesting ideas for future gatherings, underscoring the powerful impact of intergenerational storytelling as a bridge between past, present, and future.

A special thanks goes to the following Alumni from across the decades:

• 1950s: Margie Merriman, Sue Kelly, Thea McKeown
• 1960s: Diane Speed, Carolyn Williams, Elaine Budd
• 1970s: Janet Robilliard, Kerry Thorn, Tish Lancaster, Cornelia Cassimatis, Mandy Dodds
• 1980s: Vicki Kekatos, Sally Dan-Cuthbert
• 1990s: Anna Webster, Peita-Maree Pyne, Sasha Smith 

Year 2 students have spent the past few weeks exploring the history of Kambala. The students are currently participating in a research project investigating Kambala’s history. They have enjoyed learning about the significant people, places and sites connected to our Kambala story. During Marking Time, the students embraced the opportunity to ask the Kambala Old Girls questions about school experiences from the past. The memories shared at this event, have served as a catalyst for some wonderful classroom discussions. 

With the event’s success, Marking Time is sure to become a cherished tradition, providing ongoing opportunities for students to deepen their historical understanding through meaningful exchanges with those who walked Kambala’s halls before them.

Mr David Van Tol

History, Philosophy and RE

Year 9 Recital

The Year 9 music recital on Wednesday the 30th of October was an incredible showcase of talent, with students performing a diverse range of pieces on piano, flute, voice, percussion, brass and strings. Each performer demonstrated impressive skill, reflecting their dedication and growth in music. 

The audience was treated to a mix of classical and contemporary pieces, all played at a high level, showcasing both technical ability and expressive depth. Chloe Choi’s Fantasie Impromptu by Chopin on the piano and Sophia Then’s Chicago Medley by Kander for voice, were the highlights of the night demonstrating their impressive skill and talent. The recital celebrated the students' achievements and the shared passion for music across the whole year 9 music cohort.

Gisele Correa and Jaimie Humphrey

Year 9 

Shine a Light on Diwali

Shine a light on Diwali

On Thursday and Friday of Week 3, the Cultural and Global Connections Committee were delighted to introduce a new celebration at Kambala to increase visibility of Indian culture. Diwali is the most significant festival in the Hindu tradition, and is also observed by people practicing Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism around the world. The five-day celebration centers around prayer to the Goddess Lakshmi as well as the lighting of lamps to symbolise the protection of family, welcoming luck, and the triumph of good over evil. Diwali has also become a national festival that’s also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities. 

Many enjoyable activities were organised for the Kambala community to experience elements of Indian culture. At lunch, there was a food stall selling delicious sweet and savory snacks, such as vegetable pakora, paratha, barfi and jalebi. Students were also able to decorate lanterns and display them in the library, to symbolise the spreading of light. We would like to recognise the hard work that was put into organising these events, and thank Ms Lin, our Perfect Wendy, and all students in the Committee for their support. 

The Cultural and Global Connections Committee hopes that all the students and families who observe Diwali had a meaningful festival, and that those who were recently introduced to the Festival of Lights are able to more deeply understand and appreciate how important it is to celebrate diversity. 

Zoe Leibman and Sophia Dan

Year 10

Experience of a Lifetime

Imagine sitting next to a pilot, in a $60 million helicopter simulator. Or being winched from the water in a mock rescue scenario. This was my work experience at the HMAS Albatross Naval Base in Nowra. 

I applied for this work experience directly to the Australian Defence Force, with the support of my family and Mr Pettit, the Kambala Future Pathways Advisor. The opportunity gave me a chance to ‘test out’ a career path that I was very interested in. I would strongly recommend any student considering a certain career pathway, to apply for work experience of this kind. 

I am now considering further study with UNSW ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy) in Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical Engineering).

Cassidy Cohen

Year 10