From the Principal

A Farewell to 2025 

As we turn the page on 2025, it’s impossible not to marvel at how far we’ve come as a community. The year at Kambala has been filled with memorable milestones, joyful celebrations, and countless moments that remind us of the strength and warmth of our School. From the exuberance of the Festival of Music, to the soulful connection experienced in the Sisterhood Circles, the journey has been rich with discovery, creativity, and shared accomplishment. As the year draws to a close, we honour the imagination, perseverance, and generosity of our students, staff, and families who continue to shape Kambala into the vibrant community it is today. Together, we have celebrated learning in all its forms—academic, artistic, and experiential—both inside and far beyond the classroom.

Over the past twelve months, a host of events have brought our community together. The Kambala Parents’ Association kicked off the year with the 2025 Welcome Cocktail Party, where 700 new and returning parents gathered to connect and celebrate. The KPA once again made an enormous contribution through events such as the KPA Golf Day, Junior School Morning Tea, and the Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all KPA members and volunteers for their dedication and enthusiasm. Appreciation also goes to The Kambala Old Girls (KOG), who continue to nurture connections with alumni across generations and continents, helping our extended community stay engaged and informed.

As confirmed earlier in the week, we are delighted to share some long-awaited and exciting news. After years of planning, consultation and shared anticipation, we are preparing to begin construction on the IT’S HER TIMEproject - a transformative Multi-Purpose Auditorium and Sports Precinct that will benefit our current students, and generations of Kambala girls to come.

This world-class facility, to be built on the northern side of the school under an elevated oval, will be visible from the New South Head Road Gates. The precinct will serve as both a vibrant community hub and a state-of-the-art learning environment, featuring:

·   Multi-Purpose Auditorium for performances, whole school assemblies and community     gatherings

·   Two full size basketball courts for competitive and recreational sport

·   Strength and Conditioning Centre for fitness and wellbeing programs

·   Six flexible learnings spaces to support innovative teaching approaches

·   Three dance studios for in class and extra-curricular dancing

·   All-weather oval surface enabling year-round outdoor activities

This facility will truly be the heart of our community – a place where learning, wellbeing and sport come together.

We are pleased to announce after a detailed tender process, that Taylor Construction Group has been appointed to build the Multi-Purpose Auditorium and Sports Precinct. They will commence work in January 2026, with completion expected within two-years. Kambala’s School Council and Building and Property Committee is overseeing the project, bringing extensive experience in managing complex education builds.

Looking ahead to 2026, as part of our commitment to cultivating exceptional teaching, we marked the culmination of Dr Ron Ritchhart’s three-year academic residency at Kambala. His whole-school sessions, small-group workshops, and faculty projects strengthened pedagogy and deepened our focus on making thinking visible across classrooms, establishing strong foundations for outstanding learning experiences. Alongside this pedagogical work, we prioritised professional wellness through a year-long development program delivered by Daniela Falecki that reinforced the vital link between building the capacity of our staff to navigate the demands of their work and a flourishing learning community.

To our IB and HSC students awaiting their results next week on the 17th and 18th of December, we send our warmest wishes. Your commitment and determination—particularly throughout this year—have been remarkable. Whatever the numbers may show, you leave us with skills, character, and wisdom that will serve you well in the years ahead. We are deeply proud of each and every one of you and look forward to watching your next chapters unfold.

Throughout 2025, the bonds of our sisterhood have continued to grow, creating a powerful sense of belonging and shared purpose. At a time when qualities such as equity, collaboration, and courageous leadership are more important than ever, girls’ schools play a vital role. By providing a nurturing environment where young women are encouraged to speak up, take risks, and lead with confidence, we are preparing them to enter the world with conviction and compassion.

I wish every member of our community a joyful, restful, and safe break. I look forward to welcoming everyone back renewed and ready for 2026.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.

Jane Danvers

Principal