Weekend Recreational Activities

Sea Life Aquarium

The rainy weather on Saturday was perfect weather to visit all the fish at the Sea Life Aquarium, Darling Harbour. We were fascinated wandering through all the underwater tunnels, being surrounded by fish, sting rays and sharks of all sizes and colours. The grey nurse sharks are the definite favourite of the group, even with their slightly unnerving beady eyes. Learning what a shrimp looks like when we spied them hiding under the coral was an exciting experience! The touch pools were so cool, we got to pat star fish, sea cucumbers and hold shark eggs, but we made sure to wash our hands before so we could keep their habitat clean.

Kambala Rec Outing to Bondi Junction

Unfortunately, our much-anticipated City2Surf (Kambala2Surf) outing had to be cancelled this term due to heavy rain. While we were disappointed to miss the event, we quickly adapted our plans to ensure the students could still enjoy an afternoon out together. Instead, our Kambala Rec group headed to Bondi Junction, where they enjoyed some relaxed shopping, lunch with friends, and, of course, hot chocolates to escape the winter chill. It was a great opportunity for the girls to relax, socialise and share a few laughs despite the change in plans. We were proud of how well the girls embraced the change and made the most of the day — a wonderful display of flexibility and positivity. We look forward to more outings ahead and, hopefully, better weather for next year’s City2Surf!

Boarder Birthdays

Sophie A (Yr 12) - 18th birthday

Saturday Sport

Saturday in Week 2 was a huge washout with grey Sydney skies preventing our keen sports enthusiasts from heading out. Instead lots of girls made trips to Rose Bay and played board games together in the common room and did some baking in the Fernbank kitchen.

Our New Gappie - Diana

Where are you from, and what’s something special about your hometown?

I’m half Italian and half German, but I‘ve lived in Basel, Switzerland my whole life with my family. Basel is a beautiful city on the Rhine River and is especially known for its big, lively carnival.

What made you decide to take a gap year in Australia?

From the moment I decided to take a gap year, I knew I wanted to spend it in Australia. I wanted to improve my English and experience a culture and natural environment that are so different from Switzerland. I also visited Australia with my parents when I was six years old, and ever since then, I‘ve always wanted to come back someday.

What did you study in school or hope to study in the future?

I’m not completely sure yet, but I‘m thinking about studying either medicine or psychology.

Do you have any hobbies or sports you enjoy?

I started dancing two years ago, and I have been swimming since I was very young. I really enjoy spending time outdoors and socialising with friends in my free time too.

What has surprised you the most about Australian School life?

What surprised me the most about Australian school life is that most schools require students to wear uniforms. That‘s very different from Switzerland, where school uniforms aren‘t common - I’ve never had to wear one.

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?

A fun fact about me is that I can speak four languages: Italian, German, French and English.

What’s something you’d like to learn or try while you're here in Australia?

I would love to learn some typical Australian sayings and expressions. Besides that, I‘m also hoping to try snorkelling or maybe even surfing if I get the chance.

Key Dates

Term 3

Monday 22 September - 6pm Y12 Leavers Dinner in Boarding

Friday 26 September - Boarders’ travel day

Term 4

Monday 13 October - Boarders’ return

Wednesday 10 December - Speech Day, boarding house closes at 4pm

Boarding Bytes

Humanity, Courage, Curiosity and Respect

Issue 12 · 12 Aug 2025

In this issue