From the Deputy Principal - Head of Junior School

From Mr Coppin

Exploring URSTRONG and the Language of Friendship

At Junior School, building a strong foundation of social-emotional learning is a key priority, and one of the most impactful ways we do this is through our involvement in the URSTRONG program. Last night we hosted a webinar on the Language of Friendship.  This globally recognised friendship program empowers your daughters with the skills and language they need to foster healthy relationships. With engaging lessons, role-playing, and thoughtful discussion, URSTRONG helps our students become more empathetic, confident, and resilient friends.

 

A cornerstone of the program is the "Friendship Fire" concept, which helps children navigate conflict in a safe and respectful way. By recognising that every friendship has moments of disagreement, students are encouraged to talk it out using “I” statements and calm communication. The Friend-o-Meter—a popular infographic from URSTRONG—helps students visually sort friendships into healthy (green), unhealthy (yellow), or toxic (red) zones, guiding their decisions and reflections on how they feel in different social situations.

The Four Friendship Facts, another key infographic, teach children that no friendship is perfect, that every friendship is different, and that trust and respect are essential for strong connections. These facts help our students normalise challenges and approach relationships with a growth mindset. Through these lessons, students come to understand that managing friendships is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice.

 

Our ongoing commitment to the URSTRONG program reflects our belief that social-emotional wellbeing is just as important as academic growth. We encourage families to reinforce these tools at home by using the same friendship language and exploring the URSTRONG Family Resources together. By working in partnership, we can continue to nurture a culture of kindness, respect, and connection across our school community.

Walk Safely to School Day

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful families who came together to form “walking buses” and support their daughters on Walk Safely to School Day, held on Friday 16 May 2025. It was a joy to witness the Carline almost empty that morning—a rare and welcome sight that beautifully reflected the House spirit and strong sense of community at Kambala.

 

Beyond the practical benefits, the wellbeing impact of walking to school together was unmistakable. The fresh air, gentle movement, and opportunity to slow down and connect—both with nature and with one another—set a positive tone for the day. Despite the light drizzle, there were smiles, laughter, and a sense of calm and connection as students and their parents entered through the Tivoli Gates. Taking this time together in the morning, away from screens and the usual rush, provided a moment of mindfulness and genuine presence—something we value deeply in our Kambala community.

Congratulations to Gurney House and Wentworth House, who shared the top spot for participation on the day!

 

Inquisitive Minds Maths Incursion 

This term, students in Years 3-6 will participate in an exciting Maths incursion with Inquisitive Minds. The students will engage with maths activities and brain teasers which demonstrate the value of approaching problems strategically. They will apply a range of problem solving strategies, including Drawing Diagrams, Making Models, and Looking for a Pattern. Students will participate in interactive, hands-on challenges, as well as developing skills of cooperative learning in a fun, engaging way. The incursion will take place in the Junior School on the following dates:

  • Monday 2 June: Year 3 and Year 4
  • Tuesday 3 June: Year 5 and Year 6 

Term 3, 2025 Sports Choice for Years 4 - 6

Please be advised that you can find the letter containing all the 2025 Term 3 Years 4-6 Sports information here.

 

Please read the document carefully as it contains the options for Term 3, the directions for trials and training, and the link to the Google registration form to be completed at the bottom of the letter.

 

The cut-off date for registrations is Wednesday 28 May. Late registrations will be placed on a waitlist, and a spot in the sport is not guaranteed.

 

The options for Term 3 2025 are:

  • IPSHA Touch Football
  • Badminton Clinics (Saturdays Only) 

For skiing and snowboarding, please email kath_sambell@kambala.nsw.edu.au if you require any information regarding the competitions for students in years K-12 during the last week of the July School Holidays.

Our vision for mathematics education is broad and ambitious. We want each girl to know that mathematics is for her—that it is creative, exciting, and connected to the world around her. And as we continue our journey of academic enhancement, we are proud to draw on research-based practices, such as those from Harvard Project Zero, to ensure that this vision becomes a reality.

2025 Junior School Interhouse Athletics Carnival - Friday 30 May 2025 - ES Marks Athletics Field, Kensington

The Junior School Interhouse Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 30 May 2025 for students in Years 3–6 at ES Marks Athletics Field, located at the corner of Anzac Parade and Boronia Street, Kensington (enter via Boronia Street not Alison Road).

 

Travel to the Venue

  • All students must arrive at school by 8:00am for an 8:15am sharp bus departure.
  • Carline will operate from 7:45am to 8:10am to ensure all girls are present on Tivoli Lawn for roll call before boarding the buses.

Travel Home

 

Parents may take their own daughter(s) home directly from the carnival at its conclusion (PLEASE COMPLETE GOOGLE FORM IN PERMISSION SLIP SENT LAST WEEK). 

Alternatively, girls will return to school by bus, arriving by approximately 2:30pm, in time for regular carline and Extra-Curricular Activities.

PLEASE NOTE - if Parents have nominated to take their daughter/s home directly from the ES Marks Field, they must already have attended the Carnival.

There is NO CARLINE operating or street pick up allowed at the Field after the carnival.

 

Key Details

  • Carnival Start Time: 9:00am
  • Uniform: Sports uniform, House Polo shirt, sports cap, and sunscreen
  • What to Bring: Morning tea, lunch, and a water bottle. Please pack sufficient food and water for the day (NO CANTEEN LUNCHES ON THIS DAY).
  • Medication:
    • Any student requiring an EpiPen, asthma puffer, or other medication must bring it on the day.
    • Medication should be clearly labelled, in a zip-lock bag, with dosage and timing instructions.
  • Participation: All students will participate in a minimum of four events.
  • House Points: Attendance and participation contribute to House points.
  • Supervision:
    • All students must remain for the full duration of the carnival.
    • Students may only go home with their own parent/guardian (not with other families).
    • No changes to home arrangements will be permitted on the day.
  • Spectators: Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend and are encouraged to wear House colours.
    • Please sit behind the students in House areas and refrain from inviting your daughter to sit with you, as she will be supporting her House.
  • Parking: No parking is available in the ES Marks carpark. On-street parking is available on Boronia Street.
  • Health Guidelines: Please do not attend the carnival if you are feeling unwell. Students who are unwell should remain at home, in line with school health guidelines.

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • There will be no Year 3 Touch Training after the carnival on Friday 30 May.
  • All other Extra-Curricular Activities will proceed as usual.
  • A coffee cart (for parents only) will be available, offering drinks and limited food. Students are not permitted to visit the coffee cart.
  • No dogs are allowed at the ES Marks Athletics Field – this is a dog-free venue.

Actions Required

  • If you intend to take your daughter home from the carnival, please  CLICK HEREto notify us.
  • Please complete the permission form you have been sent earlier today for your daughter’s attendance.

We are looking forward to a wonderful day of competition, community spirit, and fun!

Year 6 Drama Production - Goldie Locks On! - Alexander Hall - Thursday 19 June 2025 at 6.00pm

We invite our Year 6 families to reserve their tickets to this year's exciting production. This is the ultimate Fairy Tale Mash-Up gone wrong!

 

Please CLICK HERE to reserve tickets.

Pupil Free Day - Friday 6 June, 2025

We advise our Preparation to Year 6 parents that Friday 6 June, 2025 is Staff Development Day and students will not attend school on this day.

 

Please also note that Monday 9 June is the King's Birthday Public Holiday.