KITE

Authoring Our Professional Kambala Story: Highlights from Term 2

Education provides students company on this difficult journey [towards self-authorship] 

- Marcia B. Magolda

Throughout this term, our focus has been on unpacking the complexities of the adolescent journey towards self-authorship - a theory that explores the shift from a selfhood shaped by external authorities to one guided by an internal voice navigating beliefs, relationships, and identity. Principal Jane Danvers introduced this concept through a professional learning session exploring Baxter Magolda’s three core dimensions of self-authorship: epistemological (how do I know?), intrapersonal (who am I?), and interpersonal (how do I relate to others?). 

Paige Zavaglia (Head of Year 8) shared a picture of practice with staff, showing how she translated theory into a pastoral care program that empowered Year 8 students to better understand the neuroscience behind their developing brains and consequently become more conscious, reflective learners. In another professional development session, Olga Ibrahim (Leader of Digital Strategy and Innovation) led an exploration of how the digital age intensifies the challenges of self-authoring. She shared current neuroscience shaping the adolescent digital experience and offered insights into the associated challenges. Both teachers exemplify the excellence that underpins their practice, while our staff’s commitment to learning from one another continues to strengthen our culture of thinking.

Since 2023, we have enriched the Kambala culture of thinking in collaboration with our Academic in Residence, Dr Ron Ritchhart, who facilitated our Staff Professional Learning for all teaching staff on 6 June 2025. As we approach three years of residency with Dr Ritchhart, the day provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on our story of professional learning. With a focus on our evolving thinking, the actions taken, and the impact on our practice, each curriculum area shared how they will move forward with intention.

With a busy term of experiences for students and teachers, we are reminded that we are in “company” as a community of learners.

Ms Lauren Walsh

Executive Director KITE