Junior School 

Understanding the Point of Challenge

Last week our Hampshire House to Year 12 teaching staff once again had the opportunity to connect and learn with Kambala’s academic in residence Professor Ron Ritchhart.  

Ron Ritchhart, a Senior Research Associate at Harvard Project Zero, has dedicated much of his work to understanding how thinking routines can enhance learning. One of the key insights from his research is the importance of the "point of challenge"—the moment when a student encounters difficulty and must grapple with the material. It’s in these moments of struggle that the most profound and lasting learning can occur.

When children face a challenge, they are prompted to engage deeply with the content. They must think critically, make connections, and apply their knowledge in new ways. This is not just about finding the right answer but about developing the skills and mindset necessary to approach problems creatively and persistently.

Why the Point of Challenge Matters

Learning at the point of challenge is essential for several reasons:

1. Promotes a Growth Mindset
2. Builds Resilience
3. Encourages Deep Learning
4. Develops Problem-Solving Skills

Supporting Your Child Through Challenges

As parents, it’s natural to want to shield our children from frustration and failure. However, it’s important to recognize that these experiences are valuable learning opportunities. Here are a few ways you can support your child in learning at the point of challenge:

1. Encourage a Positive Attitude Toward Challenges: Help your child see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Praise their effort and persistence, not just the outcome.
2. Model Resilience: Show your child how you approach challenges in your own life. Talk about the strategies you use to overcome difficulties and the lessons you learn from them.
3. Provide a Safe Environment for Risk-Taking: Create a home environment where it’s okay to make mistakes. Encourage your child to take academic risks, knowing that they have your support regardless of the outcome.
4. Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Result: When your child overcomes a challenge, celebrate not just the success but the hard work and determination that led to it. This reinforces the value of learning at the point of challenge.
5. Engage in Reflection: After your child has faced a challenge, take time to reflect on the experience with them. Ask questions like, "What did you learn from this?" or "How will you approach a similar challenge next time?" This reflection helps solidify the learning and prepares them for future challenges.

Year 4 Drama Showcase - The Legend of the Blue Sapphire - A Search Through Time

In Week 6, Year 4 took to the stage in their Drama Showcase titled The Legend of the Blue Sapphire. The audience were literally transported back in time as twins Abigail and Jacob went in search of five blue sapphires. According to the legend, if all five sapphires are found ‘you can control time’. 

Through the use of lighting, set and costume, the MPR was transformed into a deserted island in 1715, the American Gold Rush in 1848, Loch Ness in 1943 and a 1970’s disco before returning to the present day. 

With everyone playing a role and equal opportunity to perform, every student shone as they displayed their variety of talents. Not only did they look the part, but they also became the part which made me immensely proud. 

The success of the evening was testament to the girls' tireless efforts, dedication and support of one another. Their hard work certainly paid off with one student stating ‘My mum couldn’t believe how good it was’'. 

Of course, the show would not have been possible without the help and support of our Year 4 teachers, Kambala Krew, lighting director and our parent volunteers. Your time and effort helped set our students up for success and for that I am extremely grateful.

Ms Anna Derrig 

Director

Write a Book in a Day

Write a Book in a Day was held on Tuesday 3 September at Kambala. There were over 200 students from Kambala and The Scots College who came together to not only write a book in a day but to also support kids with cancer through the Kids’ Cancer Project. We met Owen Finnegan, a former Wallaby, who is the CEO of the Kids’ Cancer Project. He talked about the importance of scientific research for cancer patients and why kids helping kids is so vital. 

The day was spent playing fun games, experiencing joyful moments collaborating and writing imaginative stories. Throughout the day, we also played games to boost our creativity. The games included a dress up competition, exciting vocabulary bingo and a fun round of trivia. 

Meanwhile, upstairs in the Year 6 classrooms, a group of students worked with Mrs Koutsoukis and Ms Qi to write their books. The students had parameters they needed to include in their stories. These parameters were crazy combinations of characters and settings. One group had to write about a shipwreck, a failed harvest, a sheep shearer, a pilot and a cow! Mrs Koutsoukis and Ms Qi lead an enjoyable game of Unscramble. During recess and lunch, all the students joined together to play handball, skipping or in Hawthorne Gardens. 

“The funniest part of the day was the dress up competition because we used some random, yet very fashionable, character costumes.” Bella Richards 

“My favourite part of the day was learning how to collaborate with the different people we haven’t met before.” Scarlett White

“The day was very entertaining, but the Trivia was the best part because we got to test our general knowledge and how much we know about books/authors” Chloe Lam-Santos

“The highlight of my day was playing Unscramble with the Scots College boys because it was fun collaborating with everyone in my team. We ended up coming Second!” Mackenzie Mollison

Article by: 

Bella Richards-6S

Chloe Lam-Santos-6U

Scarlett White-6U

Mackenzie Mollison-6N 

Flute Eisteddfod News

At the annual flute eisteddfods, held on the 25th of August at MLC Burwood, three of Mrs Benz’s students came home with prizes. Cathy Wang in Year 4 won the 1st place prize in the grade 3/4 section as well as placing 2nd in the under 10 years open. Katherine Lewis in Year 9 came 2nd in the grade 3/4 category, and Gisele Correa in Year 9 came placed 2nd in the grade 5/6 section. An outstanding achievement by our Kambala flautists!

Term 4, 2024 - Summer Uniform - Kambala Outfitters

Outfitters will be closed for the school holidays from 3.45pm Friday 27 September until 7.30am Monday 14 October 2024.

Please note that students return in Term 4 in summer uniform.  We therefore ask that you take the time to check the size of your daughter's summer uniform and arrange to place an order prior to the end of term. 

Year 3 Sport Registration for Term 4, 2024

Please click here to access all the information in regards to the Term 4 Sports Choice for Students in Year 3.

Read the letter carefully as it contains information regarding the key dates for next term.

In Term 4, the Year 3 girls will play in a Soccer competition alongside Ascham and SCEGGS Darlinghurst. All games will be held at Kambala. 

Please note that registrations are due by Thursday 12 September.