From Mrs Sweeney
Fostering Inquiry, Innovation and Critical Thinking
What does it mean to be a critical thinker in the Junior School? It begins with curiosity. It is evident when a student asks a thoughtful question about the natural world, perseveres through a challenging mathematical problem or seeks to understand how technology works rather than simply using it. Throughout Term 2, students across the Junior School have embraced opportunities to inquire, investigate and solve problems, developing the critical thinking skills that underpin future learning and leadership.
In Science, our Year 6 students have embarked on an exciting journey with the University of Technology Sydney’s Combined Schools Science Initiative (CSSI). Working alongside their Year 10 mentors, students are exploring this year’s inquiry theme, Balancing Nature: How Do Living Things Keep Ecosystems Healthy? Through their investigations, students are examining the intricate relationships between plants, animals and their environments, while considering the impact of human actions on natural ecosystems.
As young scientists, students are moving beyond the acquisition of scientific knowledge to engage in the practices of authentic scientific inquiry. They are posing questions, designing investigations, collecting and analysing data, and communicating evidence-based conclusions. Through this process, students are developing a deeper understanding of sustainability and biodiversity while recognising that scientific understanding is constructed through observation, investigation and critical evaluation. The partnership with Year 10 mentors provides a valuable collaborative learning environment in which students exchange ideas, challenge thinking and deepen their understanding through shared inquiry.
Critical thinking has been equally visible in Mathematics. Students have participated in the highly engaging Inquisitive Minds workshops, where classrooms have been transformed into hubs of collaboration, strategy and problem-solving. Faced with complex challenges and mathematical brain teasers, students have worked together to test ideas, identify patterns and justify their reasoning.
These workshops have encouraged students to move beyond finding answers and instead focus on the thinking processes required to reach them. Logical reasoning, perseverance and resilience have become essential tools as students explore multiple solution pathways and refine their strategies. It has been inspiring to see students embrace challenge with enthusiasm, demonstrating both confidence and a willingness to take intellectual risks. The depth of thinking has matched the energy in the room, as students discover that some of the most rewarding learning occurs when problems do not have an immediately obvious solution.
Students have also been strengthening their digital literacy and computational thinking skills through our digital technologies program. Across Years 1, 3 and 5, students have participated in specialised coding workshops that provide hands-on opportunities to explore how digital systems operate.
From investigating algorithms and digital systems in Year 1 to exploring data representation and visual programming in Year 3 to examining networks and data transmission in Year 5, students are developing an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the technologies that shape their world. Importantly, they are learning not only how to use technology but how to think critically about it. Through coding, troubleshooting and designing digital solutions, students are developing the confidence to become active creators and problem-solvers in an increasingly digital society.
Collectively, these experiences are developing students’ capacity to think critically, engage with complexity and apply their learning in authentic contexts.
Communicating with Parents and Carers - Semester 1, 2026 Reports
Our Kindergarten to Year 6 teachers are busy at present preparing student progress reports.
We anticipate reports will be distributed via email on the penultimate school day of Semester 1 (Thursday 25 June, 2026). You may also access past Academic Reports via Edumate. Please see the steps on how to access your daughter’s past reports at this link. Please note: to access reports via Edumate, please log in using a tablet or laptop.
Preparation students will also receive a Learning Portfolio at the end of this term. Please check your daughter’s Sundial Learning Moments.
The NSW Curriculum is structured in stages, with each learning stage spanning two years:
- Early Stage 1: Preparation and Kindergarten
- Stage 1: Year 1 and Year 2
- Stage 2: Year 3 and Year 4
- Stage 3: Year 5 and Year 6
As students progress to a new learning stage, they encounter a fresh set of learning outcomes and have two years to master these. It is common for grades to initially stagnate or slightly decline during this transition. For example, a student who earned an A in English at the end of Year 2 might receive a B at the beginning of Year 3, and a student with a B in Mathematics at the end of Year 4 might initially receive a C in Year 5 due to the increased rigor of the new stage’s curriculum. Please note that a C grade represents that a student is achieving at the expected level for their stage of learning, which is viewed as a positive achievement.
Please be reassured that students have two years to thoroughly understand and excel in the teaching and learning outcomes of their new stage, and they typically become stronger as they progress.
In Kindergarten, the first formal year of learning in the NSW Curriculum, A-E grades are not awarded due to the individualised pace of learning. The NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) advises that A-E grading should commence from Year 1.
Parents of students in Years 5 and 6 receive feedback through Progressive Reporting on Sundial throughout the semester. As such, the Year 5 and Year 6 academic reports are streamlined. Year 5 and 6 Parents are reminded to take the time to check their daughter’s Sundial profile at regular intervals throughout the semester to view students’ most recent annotated learning samples. Please click on the ‘Feedback’ button to view your daughter’s assessments.
At Kambala, we are committed to realising each student's academic potential and are proud of the comprehensive nature of our reports. We place a strong emphasis not only on academic growth, but also on effort, resilience and a willingness to embrace feedback. It is important to remember that our view of the students is multifaceted and extends far beyond words or grades on a page.
ICAS Assessment Competition
Kambala is pleased to offer our students in Years 3-6 the opportunity to participate in the ICAS Assessments, which will take place in Term 3. Our students can nominate to sit the English, Science and/or Mathematics assessments. The assessments are designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.
Please consider carefully before choosing this enrichment opportunity for your daughter. It is a rigorous competition with many questions set beyond grade level. Participants are required to demonstrate a deeper, integrated and thorough level of learning. Please note that most schools only enter their most capable students, so the averages are very high.
More information about the assessments can be found at ICASassessments.com
Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition and development. All students receive a certificate and an individual student report with their score and achievement level. Top performers are eligible for an ICAS medal.
The dates for each competition are as follows:
English - Monday 10 August
Science- Monday 17 August
Mathematics- Monday 24 August
Each of these will be completed at Kambala.
If you would like to register your daughter, please complete this form.
Registrations close on Friday 24 July, 2025 (Term 3 Week 1).
Extra Curricular Parent Viewing Weeks
Thank you all for enrolling your daughters in the Dance and Musical Theatre program in Term 1 and 2.
Our program has grown in the past year and we are very excited to share with you important dates for our Parent Viewing Weeks.
At the end of Term 2 we will have our traditional Open Class week, when parents are welcome to come in for the last 15 minutes of your daughter's class to see the great work they have been doing in the first Semester.
Parent Viewing Week 9 and Monday Week 10:
Tuesday 16th June to Monday 22nd June
(Week 9 and Monday Week 10)
All classes will be held in the week 9 and 10, however there are a few exceptions.
Please see groups below:
Parent Viewing in Week 7
Monday 1 June 2026
Year 3 Ballet
Year 5/6 Ballet
Year 7/8 Ballet
Wednesday 3 June 2026
Year 2 Ballet
Year 4 Ballet
Parent Viewing in Week 8
Tuesday 9 June 2026
Year 6 Musical Theatre
Duo Contemporary: Josie and Louise
Thursday 11 June 2026
Year 6 Hip Hop
Year 6 Contemporary
Duo Hip Hop: Evie and Jacqueline
Looking forward to seeing all the parents there!
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Whole School Survey
In support of our school improvement process, Kambala has provided an opportunity for parents (Hampshire House to Year 12) and students (Year 5 - Year 12) to provide feedback relating to their views of the school across a number of areas.
Last week MMG Education invited parents to complete a questionnaire, which remains open until Sunday 7 June 2026.
At the conclusion of the research period, MMG will provide Principal Danvers with a report. There will be opportunities for members of the school community to receive feedback from the research.
In anticipation, we thank you for the valuable contribution you will be making by completing the questionnaire.
End of Term 2 Church Services - St Michael's Vaucluse - Friday 26 June, 2026
We appreciate our diversity and take the opportunity to honour our Anglican Heritage.
Girls in Kindergarten - Year 3 will walk up to St Michael’s Church on Friday 26 June 2026 at 1.30pm to attend end of term church service and out Year 4 - Year 6 girls will walk up at 2.15pm to attend their end of term service.
As a mark of respect, girls are to wear full Winter Uniform on the day including Blazers and Panama Hats. If students have a timetabled sports or PE lessons on Friday 26 June they are to bring their sports uniforms in their Kambala Sports bags.
Pupil Free Day - Friday 5 June, 2026
We advise our Preparation to Year 6 parents that Friday 5 June, 2026 is Staff Development Day and students will not attend school on this day.
Please also note that Monday 8 June is the King's Birthday Public Holiday.
Junior School Events
Please see the next page for exciting Junior School Events and Dates for your Calendars!