Senior School 

Marking the end of Term 4, 2025

As we conclude the school year in the Senior School, we extend our sincere thanks to all Parents and Carers for your ongoing support, partnership and engagement throughout 2025. Your commitment has played a vital role in the learning, wellbeing and growth of our students.

The final two weeks have showcased our students at their best. From sports finals, academic assemblies and Prize Giving and our much-anticipated Rock Concert, our students have shown up with enthusiasm and energy, finishing the year on a wonderful high.

We wish all families a restful break and hope you find time to reconnect and enjoy the holiday season together.

We look forward to seeing you in person at our beginning-of-year KPA Cocktail Party and the Parent Information Sessions in early 2026. Please mark these key dates below in your calendars.

Warmest wishes for a safe and happy holiday break.

Samantha Gooch - Deputy Principal - Pastoral Care

Carolyn Gedling- Deputy Principal - Academic 

Social Media Delay - Effective as of 10 December 2025 

Further to our earlier communication, the Government’s Social Media Delay has now come into effect. Some social media companies began deactivating under-age accounts ahead of this date, and we are continuing to align our school practices with the intent of the initiative to strengthen the online safety of our students.

Over the holiday break, we encourage Parents and Carers to reinforce the key message of the Social Media Delay with their daughters. Standing together in partnership helps ensure young people understand the purpose and long-term benefit of delaying access to social media platforms

How we are supporting this at school

To support safer online experiences, we are making minor adjustments to our internet filtering on school-managed devices when students are logged in with their Kambala account. These changes do not affect personal devices, personal accounts, or home internet settings.

• Access to social media and selected YouTube categories will now be blocked outside school hours, consistent with existing settings for our younger students.
• We recognise YouTube’s educational value and continue to allow access to legitimate learning content.
• Safe Search will remain enabled to help ensure the material students access is appropriate and free from explicit or harmful content.
• Online safety education continues to be integrated into our curriculum, ensuring students build the knowledge and skills to navigate digital spaces responsibly.

What is Safe Search?

Safe Search is a protective feature that filters out explicit material, such as nudity, graphic violence, and other inappropriate content from search results, helping students navigate online spaces more safely.

Resources for Families: 

• The Kambala Online Safety Hub: provides practical resources, guides and expert advice. 
• The Qustodio Parent App: remains available to help you guide your daughter’s digital activity at home. Qustodio enables you to view usage reports for your daughter’s school laptop, pause internet access outside school hours, receive expert cyber-safety advice, and protect one additional personal device per child. 

Our ICT Team will shortly send a reminder email with instructions on how to sign up or reactivate your account.

• The eSafety Commissioner’s website: includes a variety of resources and updates for Parents and Carers. 

During our Learning in Focus Parent Information Sessions at the start of 2026, we will explore practical strategies and supports to help parents navigate their daughter’s online engagement through a stage and developmentally appropriate lens. 

We value working in partnership with you as we support your daughter’s safe and confident participation in the digital world.

Sundial offline Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 January 2026

As part of the work to enhance the design of the parent-facing pages on Sundial, the Sundial platform will be offline on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 January 2026.

During this time, some functions within the school app will also be temporarily unavailable.

All Sundial and app functions will resume on Wednesday 14 January 2026.

Rebecca Hambour

Head of Marketing, Communications and Engagement

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Network: Head Prefect Scarlett Levy meets MP Kellie Sloane

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Parliament as part of the NSW Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network. I was honoured to be the one young woman nominated by Kellie Sloane, the newly elected leader in NSW Liberal Party and Member for Vaucluse. Kellie and I first met through surf lifesaving, and our connection has grown over the years. She has been a role model for me, and i'm so grateful for her guidance.

Being part of the CWP network gives me the chance to meet inspiring young women from across the State, as well as many of the female MPs in Parliament. It was an amazing experience to expand my network, learn from accomplished leaders, and gain insight into leadership. I feel incredibly lucky to be mentored by Kellie throughout the year and to participate in the network's events. 

Scarlett Levy

Head Prefect

Year 7 Technology - Inside the Workshop

Building on their continuing agricultural work in Kambala's vegetable patch, Year 7 Technology students have now been designing innovative packaging solutions for modern meal kits. 

The unit encourages students to think like young designers—combining creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills to develop user-focused, sustainable concepts.

As part of their hands-on practical learning, students were introduced to our design workshop technology, such as scroll saws. They have been demonstrating safe operation under the supervision of myself and the Year 7 teaching team, earning a Scroll Saw Proficiency Certificate. This training supported their ability to work confidently with workshop materials and it has helped the girls bring their design ideas to life!

Students have been experimenting with form, structure, and functionality to construct prototypes which have guided the development of their final designs. Later in the unit they will present their concepts in a Shark Tank–style pitching video!

Year 7 approached this project with enthusiasm and creativity, demonstrating a growing confidence in both design thinking and practical fabrication.

Ms Bernadett Butson

Technology Teacher

Senior School Drama Production: Picnic at Hanging Rock

The Kambala Senior School Production of Picnic at Hanging Rock is in full rehearsal mode! The production promises an experience that delves far more deeply than a simple recounting of a much-loved Australian historical mystery. Director Jon Suffolk is at the helm, guiding our talented cast through Tom Holloway’s critically acclaimed script. Utilising stark, contemporary theatrical techniques, this production explores the terror and lingering questions surrounding the Valentine's Day disappearance of three schoolgirls and their teacher on a hot summer’s day in 1900. 

The talented Kambala cast are excitedly stripping the narrative down to core, expertly weaving together fragmented dialogue, testimonies, and abstract scenes, challenging the audience to confront the limits of human knowledge and the fear of the untamed Australian landscape. 

Under Suffolk’s direction, the Kambala Senior School Production promises a visually striking and emotionally resonant experience. The cast will bring a raw energy to their complex roles, navigating a script that demands nuance and an understanding of profound unease.  Kambala’s production is an ambitious artistic endeavour that uses a classic Australian story to explore universal themes of loss, friendship, and the terrifying power of the natural world for those who seek to change it. Secure your tickets for an unforgettable evening of atmospheric, thought-provoking theatre.

Opening Night 19 March - closing 21 March

Alexander Hall, Kambala

Tickets on sale Term 1 2026

Ms Kelly Young

Acting Head of Drama

Goanna Academy Empowers First Nations Students Through Culture and Wellbeing

This year, First Nations students from Kambala, Ascham, and Kincoppal-Rose Bay came together to participate in a powerful and inspiring mental health and wellbeing initiative: the Goanna Academy Program.

Designed specifically for Indigenous students, this unique cross-school program fostered a sense of community and provided essential tools for navigating the challenges of school life and beyond.

Who is the Goanna Academy?

The Goanna Academy is a mental health education provider on a bold mission to improve mental health outcomes for all Australians, with a vision to help reduce suicide rates, which is the leading cause of death for young Australians. The Academy was founded by proud Dunghutti man and NRL legend Greg Inglis and delivers accredited programs in schools, clinics, and workplaces across the country, championing an Indigenous-owned and designed approach to preventative mental health.

A Collaborative Journey Across Terms

The program consisted of six enriching sessions held across Terms 2, 3, and 4, with each school taking turns to host the gathering. This rotating format not only allowed the students to experience different school environments but also strengthened the bond between the young women from the three institutions.

The Goanna Academy facilitated all sessions, led by Alyse Inglis, creating a safe and nurturing space where students could openly learn, share, and communicate. The program's design utilised various learning techniques, ensuring the content was engaging and accessible to everyone. 

Core Focus: Wellbeing, Mental Health and Culture

At its core, the Goanna Academy Program is dedicated to opening a vital dialogue around Mental Health. Its primary aims are to:

• Establish preventative strategies for managing stress and challenges.
• Promote healthy habits for long-term physical and mental wellness.
• Equip students with practical tools for the future.

The full program covered crucial modules essential for personal growth and resilience, including Goal Setting, Routine and Time Management, Positive Self-Esteem, and Self-Care & Wellbeing.

Crucially, the sessions embraced cultural connection and learning. Students participated in a range of cultural activities such as painting, weaving, yarning circles, and games, ensuring the sessions were grounded in belonging and identity, strengthening their connection to culture and community.

Insights from Inspiring Mentors

A major highlight of the program was the opportunity for students to meet and speak with inspiring mentors who shared their own life experiences. These special guests provided real-world context for the lessons being taught. The mentors discussed their personal journeys with education, their demanding sporting careers, the challenges they faced, and strategies for overcoming these, alongside covering vital topics like goal setting and mental health.

The students were privileged to engage with three exceptional ambassadors:

• Olivia Kernick: An elite Australian rugby league footballer (Sydney Roosters, NRLW) who attended four of the six sessions. Olivia holds dual Indigenous (Wiradjuri) and Māori heritage, bringing a powerful, intersectional perspective.
• Nakia Davis Welsh: A proud Dunghutti woman and professional athlete for the Cronulla Sharks NRLW team. Nakia is an Australian international and New South Wales representative, having achieved the ultimate honour of winning a World Cup with the Jillaroos.
• Taneka Todhunter: A proud Wiradjuri woman and professional athlete for the Parramatta Eels NRLW team.

These ambassadors offered invaluable advice and encouragement, demonstrating how dedication, resilience, and a focus on wellbeing are essential for achieving success in any field.

The collaboration between Kambala, Ascham, and KRB, championed by the Goanna Academy, has successfully established a supportive network for our young First Nations students, empowering them with the confidence and knowledge to thrive.

Ms Shona Goggin

Indigenous Program Coordinator

Bannockburn Co-educational Experience with Scots College

In Weeks 7 and 8, our final Year 8 students embarked on their Bannockburn co-educational experience with Scots College. They returned beaming after their time away, enriched with a wealth of knowledge about sustainable farming practices, the protection of quolls, and the importance of stewardship and caring for the land. Mr and Mrs McMaster generously welcomed everyone with open arms, and their passion and dedication to their work truly inspired our students.

This program has been a great success, and we look forward to continuing it in 2026.

Savanna Destro’s Bannockburn reflection - Rotation 3

Last week, Year 8 students travelled to Bannockburn Farm for a joint camp

with Scots College. The purpose of this experience was to develop our collaboration

skills, deepen our understanding of environmental sustainability, explore ecosystems, and

build independence and responsibility.

Students were divided into six mixed groups with Scots boys, each named after local

Aboriginal communities. My group, Yuin, represented the Aboriginal people from the South Coast of NSW. 

Throughout the camp, we participated in a range of hands-on activities that helped us understand how the farm operates. These included water testing, transects, soil testing, bee observations and quadrats.

Meeting the Scots boys was a memorable part of the experience. While many Kambala girls were admittedly nervous, interacting with another school allowed us to step outside our comfort zones and overcome the initial hesitation of meeting new people. Prior to the camp, we also took part in two sessions at Scots, where games and group activities helped us build connections before arriving at Bannockburn.

Bannockburn was also a valuable opportunity for personal growth. We learned extensively

about the environment and were introduced to new terminology and concepts. The

challenges we faced helped us develop important skills such as confidence, perseverance, resilience and teamwork—whether taking responsibility during tasks or standing near hundreds of bees only a ruler’s length away.

Overall, the camp was energetic, enjoyable and highly impactful. We returned with new

knowledge, strengthened friendships and a greater appreciation for the environment. This

camp was one of the best i've been on and hope to do something similar in the near future!

Finally, I'd like to personally thank all staff, organisers and instructors from both schools,

especially Mr and Ms McMaster for welcoming us to their beautiful farm, and Ms Derrig from Kambala for organising all of this, we acknowledge all the efforts you have put in to make this such a memorable camp and we really appreciate it. Thank you!

Anna Derrig

Head of Curriculum Experiences

Sisterhood Circles

On Wednesday 26th November, the Junior and Senior School came together for our final Sisterhood Circles session of the year – and what a celebration it was! Our Year 12 2026 cohort led with confidence and care, guiding activities that encouraged conversation, creativity and connection across year levels.

We were so proud to see students of all ages engaging wholeheartedly in their Sisterhood Circles. With this strong foundation, we’re excited to see the initiative continue to grow in 2026.

Olivia McAtamney 

Head of Year 12

Behind the Bench: Ella and Sabine's Exceptional Week at the NSW District Court

Two of our Year 10 students, Ella Sargent and Sabine Miller, recently completed an extraordinary work experience placement at the New South Wales District Court—an opportunity very few students get to experience.

The placement was kindly facilitated through Debbie McGowen, one of our teachers at Kambala, who helped connect the students with the Judge. Across the week, Ella and Sabine were warmly welcomed by the Judge C Jeffreys and his Associate, Jacqui Gray, who generously guided them through the inner workings of the Court.

Throughout the week from 10–14 November 2026, the students observed a wide range of proceedings, including trials, legal submissions and sentencing matters. They were also given an exclusive look behind the scenes, visiting the Judge’s chambers and gaining insight into the careful preparation, professionalism and structure required in the justice system.

Their days followed the rhythm of the Court, with morning tea at 11:30am, lunch between 1–2pm, and sittings continuing through to 4pm. This allowed them to experience the authentic pace and discipline of daily courtroom operations.

Ella and Sabine described the experience as inspiring, eye-opening and unlike anything they had encountered before. From speaking with legal staff to witnessing complex cases unfold in real time, the students left with a deep appreciation for the work of judges, associates, lawyers and court officers.

This remarkable opportunity has strengthened their understanding of the legal system and offered a powerful glimpse into potential future pathways in law and justice.

Ian Pettit

Future Pathways Advisor

Year 8 Recital

On the 12th of November, the Year 8 Recital took place in the Performance Theatre during the evening. Selected Year 8 students, chosen for their exceptional results in the concert practice assessment, performed demanding pieces across a wide range of instruments, including Iris Liu playing Jumbuck Jive by Kerin Bailey on the flute, Isabelle Lo playing Hungarian Rapsodie by Carl Koelling on piano and Hannah Heimans singing Pulled by Andrew Lippa from the Addams Family musical. 

The recital was truly fantastic, offering students a chance to showcase the effort they’ve put into learning and perfecting their pieces, and to be recognised for their excellent assessment results. Congratulations to every performer, and thank you to the audience, private tutors, and music department staff for your hard work, encouragement, and unwavering support. A special thank you to Mr Sagar for accompanying all of the students and helping them to improve and perfect their pieces - it truly was a wonderful night!

Emily Carman 

Year 8

The Scholar's Guild Inaugural Presentation Evening

Last week, on Thursday evening, the inaugural Scholar’s Guild Presentation Evening was held in the Coote Theatre at Scots College. This event celebrated the efforts of Year 10 student researchers from both Kambala and Scots, who have been working hard all semester in small groups to develop a research question, investigate it through rigorous methodology, and present their findings. The showcase included a range of fascinating and diverse topics, from the impact of AI in education, through to the impact of social media usage on teen mental health. 

The Guild, organised by Jeffrey Mann (Scots Coordinator of Student Experience) and Julia Surducki (Kambala Teacher-Librarian) was supported by Kambala staff mentors Kelly Young, Charlotte Crowley, and Freya Campion, and Scots staff members, Alex Anastas and Peter Howse. We warmly thank them for volunteering their time and effort to support the students in their endeavours.

Congratulations to Kambala participants; Lyn Bae, Adriana Becarevic, Georgianna Botros, Alice Chen, Emma Li, Lucy Pan, Hania Skimin, Savannah Steel, Josephine Watson, Skye Wells, Chelsea Wong, Amy Wu, and Tiffany Zeng.

Congratulations also, to Scots students; William Chen, Jack Cho, Oliver Criddle, James Dunbar, William Lyons, Deves Manoji, Clive Riethmuller, Oscar Su, Wilbur Teasdale, Andrew Xie, and Max Wilson.

Thank you to staff, students, and parents for attending the evening in support of our wonderful Scholars. It has been an honour to work with the students on this venture, and I heartily congratulate them on their excellent work.  

Mrs Julia Surducki

Teacher-Librarian

TRINITY EXAMS – XC Drama

The Extra-Curricular Drama Department is thrilled to share the wonderful achievements of our Kambala performers who recently completed their Trinity College London examinations in Speech and Drama, Acting, Musical Theatre, Communication Skills and Diploma-level ATCL. 

Over 60 Kambala girls participated in this year's exam, with many of the girls taking part in more than one exam. This year’s examiner spoke exceptionally highly of the girls’ work, praising not only the technical standard of their performances but also their confidence, creativity and maturity. He noted that Kambala students consistently presented work of a high to outstanding calibre across every discipline — a reflection of both their commitment and their love of the craft.

Trinity examinations are entirely optional, yet each year a remarkable number of girls choose to challenge themselves through this rigorous and internationally recognised program. The preparation requires focus, resilience and a willingness to explore text, character and intention in great depth — skills that strengthen their learning well beyond the Drama room.

We are incredibly proud of the results achieved this year, with over 50% of girls achieving a Distinction. We’re even more proud of the determination and enthusiasm shown throughout the process. Many of our students take on more than one exam, all while balancing a single weekly lesson amidst busy academic and co-curricular schedules. Their achievements are truly commendable.

Our sincere thanks go to our wonderful tutors, Ms Ali Bendall, Ms Olivia Hunt, Ms Victoria Tsingos, and Ms Rhiannon Cox, whose expertise and encouragement continue to inspire our young performers.

Congratulations to all students who participated - we look forward to another exciting year of storytelling, imagination and dramatic adventures next year!

Ms Justine Kacir

Extra-Curricular Drama Coordinator

Duke of Edinburgh - Morning Tea for Gold Level Achievers

Last week, we had the privilege of attending Government House to celebrate recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, including our very own Chloe Paleologos (Year 11) and Year 12 2025 students Abigail Jellins and Ziva Mortimer. We also had the pleasure of meeting the Governor of NSW, who was incredibly generous with her time and shared some sage advice with the girls. 

Following the reception, we enjoyed refreshments in the beautiful grounds overlooking Sydney Harbour, nestled within the Royal Botanic Gardens – a memorable setting to celebrate our students’ dedication and achievement. A special thank you to Rosie Boshell, our Duke of Ed Coordinator, for guiding the students through this meaningful process. 

Olivia McAtamney

Head of Year 12

ALTIUS Program Inspires Global Futures for Year 9

The Year 9 ALTIUS Global Study Preparation Program (GSPP) this year, offered students an engaging introduction to future pathways, global opportunities, and essential career skills. Throughout the program, students explored communication strategies, career choice tools, aptitude testing and the impact of AI on future work. They also completed activities in resume writing, interview preparation, personal profiling and digital portfolio creation.

A highlight of the program was the extensive lineup of guest speakers who generously shared their expertise. Parents, industry professionals and community service leaders spoke with students about their pathways and experiences. International GAP students from England and Switzerland provided insight into studying and working abroad, and a Kambala alumna now studying at UNSW offered valuable perspectives on university life and global study options.

The program concluded with students presenting their personal future planning documents and showcasing the career websites they created. The ALTIUS GSPP has successfully  equipped Year 9 students with confidence, practical skills, and a global mindset as they begin to consider their senior subject choices and long-term aspirations.

Ian Pettit

Future Pathways Advisor

Year 12 - The Melodies

On Sunday the 27th of November, Kambala’s only all Year 12 rock band, ‘The Melodies’ headed over to St Joseph's College Hunters Hill to compete in the Battle of the Bands competition, held at their annual Spring Fair.

The Melodies consists of: Coco Manovel and Charlotte Cullen on lead vocals, Alicia Lincoln-Smith on vocals and guitar, Olivia Baukh on guitar, Frankie Somerville on bass guitar and Bianca Wong on drums. The Melodies played Don’t Look Back in Anger by Oasis, gaining an impressive crowd of fans, reminiscing from the recent Oasis concert. 

There were around 40 bands competing from various schools all around NSW. Some groups had only 3 people, while others with 8 people, and participant ages ranged from as young as Year 7 up to Year 12! This allowed for a wide range of energy, confidence and stage presence, making each band unique. There were many talented individuals with singers with grand harmonies and riffs, guitarists with epic solos, some even playing behind their heads, bassists playing tough rhythms, drummers with impressive fills and even saxophone players!

Other bands played 2000s classics like Since U Been Gone, Can’t Stop and Smells like Teen Spirit. Some bands like Grammar Rock embraced the heavy rock from Rage Against the Machine, capturing the attention of many in the audience.

Congratulations to all of the performers for creating such a spectacular atmosphere. Thanks to the Joey’s and Battle of Bands staff for their hard work behind the scenes and for organising this outstanding event. Special thanks to Ms Mitchell and Mr Amalm, for their efforts and hard work, ensuring our participation in these events run smoothly and even staying all day for us. We had such a fun day and had an experience we would never forget!

We hope you are all excited for the Annual End of Year Rock Concert on the 9th of December! 

Bianca Wong

Year 12

Fabulous Flutes

Our Kambala flautists have had some amazing achievements recently. Cathy Wang, Year 5, received First Prize in the Grade 5/6 section of the NSW Flute Society Eisteddfod, as well as receiving a Merit Award for her age category in the Lyrical Flute International Championship. Chloe Carman, year 11, also received a Merit Award in the same competition for the Solo Flute category, and the Kambala Year 10 Flute Class received a Highly Commended - for the second year in a row- for the ensemble section. This annual competition is adjudicated by Sir James Galway amongst other well-known flautists around the world. Bravo Flutes!

Mrs Lucie Benz

Music

Year 8 Alina Meers

Year 8 student Alina Meers recently achieved success at the Australian National Eisteddfod in Canberra, securing a bronze medal in the 14 Years & Under Own Choice Piano Solo category on August 29th. Competing against a high standard of talented young pianists, Alina was thrilled with the experience, which saw her perform 'Variations on a theme of Paganini' by Isaak Berkovich. 

We congratulate Alina on this excellent achievement, highlighting her dedication and strong commitment to her music.

Lizzie Spencer

Music

Chamber Music at Mark Moran Retirement Village

A wonderful feature of Kambala’s Music Department is the Extension Chamber Music Program, an opportunity for Senior Students to form independent ensembles that enjoy learning challenging repertoire for small groups. 

On the 11th of November, six of these groups had the privilege of performing for the residents of Mark Moran Retirement Home in Vaucluse. The items encompassed a vast range of musical traditions, including the first movement of Allegro non troppo con fuoco from the Grand Trio Opus 33 by Walckiers, Barcarolle by Offenbach, sung by the Kambala Vocal Trio, and the jazz fusion duet Sentimentale from the Jazz Suite for Flute and Piano by Claude Bolling. 

As music is an enduring medium of expression and communication, many of the residents were able to resonate deeply with the performances. Students had the opportunity to appreciate how music has influenced the lives of so many, particularly when hearing a few Old Girls’ fond recollections of music at Kambala!

We would like to extend our gratitude toward Mrs and Mr Benz as well as Mr Clark; their musical expertise has been invaluable in the development of every group, and in the organisation of this performance. 

Zoe Leibman and Chloe Carman

Students

Fundraiser

The Environment Committee ran the Second-hand Textbook and Uniform Fundraiser on Monday 01 December. Students across the Senior School donated their pre-loved items, which were resold to help reduce unnecessary waste within our school community. All profits from the sale were also donated directly to wildlife conservation efforts at Taronga Zoo. Thank you to those who donated and purchased items and huge thank you to the Environment Committee for their organisation on the day.

Lucinda Isert

Environment Prefect

Soubeiran Magazine - Digital

As part of Kambala’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, we are committed to embedding sustainable practices across all areas of school life. One important step in this journey is the gradual transition from printed to digital publications, including The Soubeiran Magazine.

By reducing printing where possible and embracing digital formats, we aim to minimise our environmental footprint, promote responsible resource use, and ensure our communications are accessible and convenient for our community.

This initiative reflects our shared responsibility to care for the planet and support a more sustainable future for the next generation. 

If you would like to receive a digital copy ONLY of The Soubeiran Magazine, please scan below or click here by 5 December 2025. 

Rebecca Hambour

Head of Marketing, Communications and Engagement