From Mr Coppin

“It took me a long time to develop a voice and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” The courage of “old girl” Chanel Contos continues to inspire, reminding us of the importance of speaking up and keeping conversations about respect and safety alive. Listening to and supporting the voices of young women from our schools is not only vital—it’s powerful. Their insights deserve to be acknowledged, believed, and acted upon.

The recent focus in the media on women’s safety highlights a wider community concern. Education plays a critical role in this space, and while it is essential to reflect on the messages our young men receive and may go on to perpetuate, I want to draw your attention to the proactive and preventative work we do to support your daughters here at Kambala.

Since I commenced at Kambala more than nine years ago, our suite of programs focused on personal safety and protective behaviours has grown significantly. We never “rest on our laurels,” and we remain committed to helping our students find and develop their voice.

One example is today’s URSTRONG Day of Friendship (Thursday 1 May 2025), a cornerstone of our learning from Year 1 to Year 6. This initiative helps our students understand and practise what respectful relationships look and sound like. It may seem simple, but this foundational work lays the blueprint for lifelong understanding of respectful interactions. We look forward to continuing the conversation with you during our upcoming Language of Friendship parent webinar on Wednesday 21 May 2025 at 6.30pm.

Students in Years Preparation, 1 and 3 also participate in Learn to be Safe with Emmy and Friends, a protective behaviours program designed specifically for young children. Through engaging stories, songs, and activities, children learn about body ownership, recognising unsafe situations, identifying early warning signs, and seeking help from trusted adults. Linked to “Act for Kids,” this program builds confidence and reinforces the message that every child deserves to feel safe.

Our youngest students in Hampshire House begin their learning journey through the My Underpants Rule program and the Kids Safe Series. These lessons are built on further in Massie House, through our Personal Development program, led by Deputy Head, Sheridan Sweeney.

From Years 4 to 6, students explore more advanced topics related to personal development and protective behaviours. We work closely with expert Judith Krause from Youth Related. With her impressive qualifications and experience, Judith facilitates workshops on boundaries, appropriate and inappropriate touch, recognising discomfort, and knowing when and how to seek help. These sessions also include content from the Daniel Morcombe Keeping Kids Safe program.

Importantly, our student workshops are complemented by annual parent sessions, ensuring the lines of communication between girls and their families remain open. This learning is supported by the work of thought leaders like Brené Brown, particularly around courage and building resilience to shame.

As I’ve shared before, I also draw inspiration from the work of Elizabeth Broderick—now UN Rapporteur for Discrimination Against Women and Girls—and her Male Champions of Change movement. Our conversations must also include male narratives and dialogue. This is a collective responsibility.

Thank you for your continued partnership in this important work. Together, we are helping our girls grow into confident, capable young women who know their worth and use their voices with courage.

Junior School Mother's Day Breakfast - Thursday 8 May, 2025 - Tivoli Forecourt - 7.30-8.30am

We warmly invite our Preparation to Year 6 Mothers to the Junior School Mother's Day Breakfast.

** PLEASE NOTE - all students attending the breakfast are to wear full Winter Uniform including blazer and panama hat. If Sport/PE is timetabled on that day, please pack sports uniforms in Kambala Sports bag to change into.

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP.