Junior School
The Anxious Generation - Professor Jonathan Haidt
A year has passed since Social Psychologist and Professor Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation was released. Professor Haidt argues that society has effectively “rewired childhood” with the widespread introduction of smartphones. He highlights that “the years from 2010 to 2015 marked the definitive end of the play-based childhood,” citing data showing that the first generation to experience puberty with smartphones in hand became “more anxious and depressed.”
Given these concerning findings, I wanted to share Haidt’s insights from his article Go Outside and Play! 20 Rules for Raising Kids in the Age of the iPhone. His recommendations strongly align with our commitment to maintaining a smartphone- and smartwatch-free environment in the Junior School. We believe in fostering real-world interactions, play-based learning, and a childhood free from digital distractions. As we approach our well-deserved holidays, I thought these tips were powerful in assisting our families to have a digital reset.
ySafe Resources
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, students in Years 4 - 6 had the opportunity to learn responsible digital citizenship with ySafe. To support our families in navigating the challenges of the digital age, we highly recommend the ySafe Cyber Safety resources which can be found at The Kambala Online Safety Hub.
Easter Church Services at St Michael's Vaucluse - Thursday 10 April 2025
We will honour our Anglican Heritage by having two Easter Church Services at St Michaels at Vaucluse on Thursday 10 April 2025 - the last day of Term 1.
Kindergarten to Year 3 will walk to St Michael's after lunch on Thursday. This will be followed by the Year 4 to Year 6 Easter Service thereafter.
Girls will need to wear their summer uniform and Panama hat. Blazers may be required if the weather is Autumnal.
Mother's Day Stall- purchase gifts for that special someone
To celebrate this Mother's Day, The Kambala Parents' Association will be selling a beautiful range of gifts suitable for Mothers, Grandmothers or that special someone.
These gifts will be available for your daughter (or son if in Hampshire House) to select during recess and lunchtime at the Tivoli Forecourt on the following days;
Monday 5th May to Wednesday 7th May
Vouchers are $45 each
Please CLICK HERE to purchase your vouchers and the gifts can be selected by your child by presenting the pre-purchased voucher/s at the stall on 5-7 May.
Winter Uniform - Term 2 - Outfitters
Please note that when students return in Term 2, they will be required to wear their Winter uniform.
Our Outfitters store operates on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7.30am - 3.45pm until the end of term - Outfitters will not be open during the school holidays.
The last working day of Term 1 is Wednesday 9 April. Outfitters will re-open Week 1 of Term 2 on Monday 28 April, Tuesday 29 April (first day students return) and then as usual Wednesday and Friday. No appointments are necessary.
We will revert to our usual opening days of Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Week 2 of Term 2.
Staffing News
Our Junior School French Specialist, Kelly Hanson has made the courageous decision - after close to twelve months at Kambala - to relocate to the United Kingdom to be with her adult children from the beginning of Term 2, 2025. We warmly thank Madame Hanson for the last 12 months of service to Kambala and her commitment to developing in our students a love of French learning from the earliest of ages.
Monique Shippen will join us from the beginning of Term 2 2025. Monique holds a Bachelor of Education (French Major) from the University of New England, Master of Teaching from University of New South Wales and Bachelor of Arts from Macquarie University.
Halogen National Young Leaders Day - 2025
On the 25th of March, the Junior School student leadership team travelled to the ICC, in Darling Harbour where we were privileged to attend the Halogen National Young Leaders Day. At the leadership day, we listened to four inspirational people tell us their life stories and how each of them grew from children with big dreams to accomplished leaders. The life stories told by Catherine Laga’aia, Thomas Duncan-Watt, Emma McKeon, and Anthony (Harries) Carroll, all of whom are aspiring role models, have planted a seed in our hearts that will continue to grow for years to come.
The first speaker, Catherine Laga’aia, will be starring in the live action movie Moana this year. Her life on the film set of Moana was incredibly exciting but also challenging because she was away from her family and friends and was not allowed any contact with them. This instilled in her a sense of perseverance and resilience. Catherine shared her story of success and her experience of auditioning many times which was incredibly stressful.
The second speaker was Thomas Duncan-Watt, a Sydney-born screenwriter. He shared his experiences of failing and failing again. But after many years of chasing his dreams, he is now an award-winning author and screenwriter.
The third speaker was the inspiring Emma McKeon. She explained that she always had a dream of swimming at the Olympics, but even with her determination to succeed, there were still many challenges along the way. She is currently the most decorated Australian Olympian of all time. And, her powerful words inspired us - ‘Don't be afraid to have big dreams, you are more capable than you realise.’
Final speaker Harries Carroll, from Bondi Rescue, talked to us about his experience whilst saving lives at Bondi Beach. Harries started by reminding everyone in the audience how to do CPR because he believes it's a skill everyone should learn and went on to talk about the importance of kindness and empathy in all that you do.
One final message we think will stick with us forever is: Do everything, no job is too small, they are all steps towards your goal.
Junior School Student Leaders
Year 5 Camp in Gerringong
Our Year 5 students recently enjoyed an enriching camp experience based in Gerringong. The week featured exciting surfing lessons at Seven Mile Beach and an immersive exploration of the nearby Minnamurra Rainforest, where they discovered unique plant life and gained insights into this fascinating natural environment. Alongside these adventures, students participated in team-building activities and kayaking, making the most of the beautiful coastal and natural surroundings for a memorable and educational experience focused on the diverse environments of the region.
Mr Julian Ko
Junior School
Year 3 Camp Adventure
On Thursday, 27th March, a very excited group of Year 3 girls set off on their first Kambala camp. The bus ride was filled with laughter, a few nerves, and the familiar chorus of “How much longer?” and “Are we there yet?” Spirits were high as the girls arrived at the beautiful Port Hacking and settled into their cabins at the Telford campsite.
The adventure began with the swim challenge before lunch. Afterwards there was a boat ride through the mangroves, where students explored the local environment, learned about native plants, and even tasted salty leaves! Bonfire building and damper cooking brought fun, hands-on learning to their outdoor experience.
After dinner, the evening continued with a creative Newspaper Fashion Show, showcasing imagination and teamwork. Sleeping in cabins with friends was undoubtedly a highlight for many—despite a few sleepy faces the next morning!
The second day was also action-packed, featuring Christian Discovery sessions and the thrill of conquering the legendary waterslide. Throughout the camp, our Year 3 girls demonstrated courage, curiosity, and kindness.
The students embraced every moment with enthusiasm and resilience, and it was wonderful to witness their growth and confidence shine. They've already started asking about Year 4 camp—clearly, this first adventure was a memorable one!
Ms Rebecca Grose and Ms Robyn Wishart
Year 3
