Senior School 

Empowering student's Inner Voice: Metacognition through curiosity in Self-Authorship

At Kambala, we believe that for a girl to truly excel, she must first understand herself as a learner. Thinking about thinking, known as metacognition, is not merely an abstract academic concept. According to recent research from the International Baccalaureate (IB), metacognitive strategies are among the most influential factors in effective student learning.

Our school value of Curiosity in Self-Authorship serves as the primary driver in this development. We define self-authorship as the cognitive process students use to make meaning and craft their own learning story by cultivating and trusting their inner voice. This aligns perfectly with the IB’s view of metacognition as the essential driver for self-regulation.

Through the lens of self-authorship, our students are encouraged to become researchers of themselves. This dispositional approach moves them through the three critical phases of the metacognitive process identified in research:

• Goal Setting and Planning: Students seek to understand themselves as learners, identifying personal strengths to craft their own learning stories.
• Monitoring and Control: By asking "how can we see this differently?"students actively track their progress and course-correct when challenged.
• Self-Evaluation: In the reflection phase of learning, students evaluate not just their result in a learning experience, but the effectiveness of the strategies they employed.

By making thinking visible and fostering these dispositions of curiosity and metacognition, Kambala ensures that students are not passive recipients of information. Instead, they are active, critical and resilient learners equipped with the self-awareness to navigate an increasingly complex world and the confidence to become lifelong, globally minded citizens.

Carolyn Gedling

Deputy Principal - Academic

Introducing K-Talks Sport- Senior School

The Kambala Sports Department is excited to launch K-Talks Sport. Think TED Talks, but with a sporting twist!

Each term, we'll welcome inspiring guests from a range of sporting backgrounds to share their experiences, insights and lessons learned both on and off the field. Students will hear firsthand about topics such as:

• What it takes to become an elite athlete
• Overcoming setbacks and making comebacks
• Building resilience and confidence
• Nutrition, training, and performance
• Balancing sport, school and life and much more!

Our First K-Talk

We're kicking off the series on Thursday 18 June at lunch time in the Lecture Theatre with an incredible AFLW panel featuring Kambala's own Sports Administrator and former AFLW player Eliza Vale, joined by current AFLW stars Sarah Steele Park and Laura Gardiner.

Together, they will share their journeys to the AFLW, discussing the challenges they've overcome, the setbacks they've faced and the determination that helped them achieve their goals. Students will gain a unique behind the scenes perspective on life as an elite athlete and the mindset required to succeed at the highest level.

See the bio of each speaker in the sport section of this newsletter. 

Brigitte Athas

Acting Deputy Director Sport

Join the Kambala Parents' Association for the City to Surf on 9 August.

Click here to join the team and to gather all details.

We'd love to have you join us!!

Model UN Club

In late May, Kambala students had the privilege to compete alongside hundreds of high school students from around the world in the prestigious Harvard Model UN competition. Over four gruelling days, students were pushed to debate, negotiate, and formulate resolutions to complex global issues. 

It was an amazing experience for all students involved, with many students expressing excitement to return to the competition next year. Congratulations to Skye Wells, who was named Best Delegate of the United Nations Human Rights Council - an exceptional achievement at a competition of this calibre. 

A special thank you to Model UN Club leaders Antonia and Cecilia, as well as Kambala, for making this opportunity possible. 

The Federal Budget

Every year on the second Tuesday of May, the Federal Budget is announced by the Treasurer as an outline of the Australian Government’s planned expenditure on services such as healthcare and welfare and planned revenue from taxation for the next financial year. To celebrate, our Economics classes had a ‘Budget Party’ where we analysed cryptic clues that were laid out for us by Ms Howell. 

By using our critical thinking skills to interpret the clues we identified real world examples from the 26/27 budget that enhanced our understanding of the role of fiscal policy. The collaborative and interactive nature of the lesson made learning about the Federal Budget both engaging and memorable, allowing us to discuss different perspectives and predictions about the economy in a real-world context. Of course, no Budget Party would have been complete without Ms Howell’s famous budget cake, which made the experience even more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Savanna Kirkwood and Quincy Sheldrick

Year 11

Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal

On Saturday 30 May, a group of dedicated students volunteered their time to support the Red Shield Appeal, raising an outstanding $3,800 for The Salvation Army. These funds will help provide vital local support for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and housing stress during the winter months. Importantly, the money raised will remain within the Eastern Suburbs community, helping those most in need close to home. We are incredibly proud of the girls for demonstrating such compassion, generosity, and commitment to serving others through this important community initiative.

Benjamin Farr

Head of Library Services

2026 Big Sister, Little Sister Fluro Night

On the evening of Friday 29 May, Year 12 transformed the Souberian and surrounding rooms into multiple dance floors, painting and craft rooms, games area and chill out zone for the annual Year 7 and 12 Fluro Night. The Big Sister, Little Sister Fluro night has become a beloved Kambala tradition with Year 12 hosting Year 7 for an evening of activities and activities. The ‘Rave Cave’, otherwise known as M15 has become legendary and a huge thank you to Frankie Johnston for bringing the decks and tunes that set the night up for high energy. In every room cross cohort connections were enjoyed, and it was hard to know if it was the Year 7 or 12 students who were having the most fun!

Thank you to Year 12 for their enthusiasm and leadership that made the evening fun and a night to remember. Thank you also to Head of Year 12, Mr Hay and Head of Year 7, Ms McAtamney for organising the evening, supported alongside the Year 7 and 12 Mentor teams. What a joy it was to witness sisterhood in action and build a strong sense of belonging in our School community.

Julie Laytham

Head of Student Life

Inside the 2026 Sydney Schools Careers Convention

On the 4th of June, the Sydney Schools Careers Convention was held at Sydney Grammar School.

As attendees, we found the convention to be both informative and inspiring, providing valuable insight into the many pathways available after school. We found the panel discussion particularly interesting because it not only offered advice about university applications but also explored the highly relevant theme of AI. Some of our key takeaways from the speakers included the importance of gaining experiences beyond the classroom, such as leadership, community service, and studying abroad. One speaker remarked that “the only way to get a clear sense of what to do is by trying new things”—a message that particularly resonated with us as we head into Years 11 and 12.

The discussion also explored the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, with panellists highlighting its potential to improve agriculture and create emerging careers. Speakers talked about AI optimistically, explaining that “it is just another technological change that opens up huge opportunities,” encouraging us to view it as an exciting possibility rather than a threat.

We also visited the Expo booths, where representatives from many universities and colleges provided insightful information regarding local and international study options. We were able to ask plenty of questions and take-home posters and informational brochures, which will be amazing tools to refer back to in the future. Engaging with these booths gave us valuable insights to consider when planning our future pathways.

In addition, we were given the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with industry and university representatives, which allowed us to discuss our independent career goals with professionals. There was a wide range of successful personnel available, including lawyers, psychologists, barristers, and doctors. This diverse group allowed us to speak with experts about our specific goals and life beyond school. They provided excellent guidance and direction; for Year 10 students, they suggested senior subject choices, while for Years 11 and 12, they recommended specific university degrees and career steps.

Overall, the Sydney Grammar convention was incredibly insightful for us as Year 10 students. The information we gathered will be of great use as we head into our final years of school and step out into the wider world.

Sofia Samios and Sofia Longmuir

Year 10 Future Pathway Ambassadors

Harvard Debating Win 

‘In Western academic institutions, This House Proposes the housing, studying, and teaching of AOA (Africa, Oceania and the Americas) artifacts in art history departments rather than anthropology departments.’ 

During Spring each year, more than 100 teams from approximately 70 countries compete in the USA's premier World Schools Debating tournament: The Harvard College World Schools Debating Invitational. 

I was fortunate enough to be flown out to participate this year with my two teammates, Victoria from Queenwood and Mia from Wenona. Representing Australia, we debated over two intensive days and five motions in the preliminary rounds against countries including Brazil, Argentina, and South Korea to qualify for the knockout rounds. 

Ultimately, we surpassed the USA team in the finals, securing the trophy in the novice category. We are eternally grateful for the support of our family, debating society, and teamwork with each other. Personally, I extend my gratitude to the constant support of Ms. Barlow and my coach, Lily, and hope to continue uplifting the debating community this year at Kambala. 

Skye Wells

Year 11

Whole School Survey- Response Time Extended

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 14 June 2026. The Senior School students will be completing their questionnaire today. 

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.