Junior School
Raising Capable, Confident Children
One of the guiding principles we often return to at Kambala is this simple mantra:
"Do not do for your daughter what she can do for herself."
The message applies equally to all children. As parents and educators, our role is not to make life easy for children, but to help them develop the skills, confidence, and resilience to manage life independently.
This can sometimes feel counterintuitive. We naturally want to help. We tie shoelaces because it is quicker, pack bags because we are running late, and solve problems because we want to spare our children frustration. Yet every time we step in unnecessarily, we may also be stepping between our children and an opportunity to learn.
Research supports this idea. A longitudinal study conducted by the University of Minnesota followed children from preschool into adolescence and found that those who developed greater self-confidence, stronger social skills, better executive functioning, and higher levels of life satisfaction had one thing in common: they regularly participated in household chores from an early age.
Not academic grades. Not IQ. Not talent. Not the number of extracurricular activities.
Instead, it was their contribution to the everyday functioning of their family.
In today's busy world, many of us work hard to provide opportunities for our children. We organise sports, lessons, tutoring, and activities, often wondering whether we are doing enough. Yet one of the most powerful things we can do may be to allow our children to do more for themselves.
Household responsibilities teach children far more than how to tidy a room or empty a dishwasher. They help children learn to:
- Take initiative
- Recognise when something needs to be done
- Plan and organise tasks
- Persist when a task is challenging or uninteresting
- Contribute to a community
- Develop a sense of responsibility and ownership
As children grow, these opportunities can extend beyond chores. They might help plan a family meal, write the shopping list, organise part of a family holiday, or take responsibility for planning elements of their own birthday celebration.
One family I know has a simple expectation: the first person who notices the rubbish bin is full empties it. When groceries arrive, everyone helps unpack them. No one waits to be asked. Children learn to identify a need and respond with action.
Of course, children are often slower than adults. They may make mistakes. They may need reminders. Tasks may not be completed perfectly. However, while short-term convenience can be tempting, it is capability that we are ultimately trying to build.
Achievement teaches children how to perform when someone is watching. Contribution teaches them how to function when no one is watching.
As parents and educators, we are not simply raising high achievers. We are raising future adults who will need to navigate challenges, take responsibility, solve problems, and contribute positively to their communities.
So perhaps the next time we are tempted to step in, we might pause and ask ourselves:
"Is this something my child can do for themselves?"
Because every small opportunity to contribute is also an opportunity to grow.
Stuart Coppin
Deputy Principal - Head of Junior School
Year 6 Production - Once Upon a Term
In Week 9, our Year 6 cohort took to the stage and showcased their many talents in their Year 6 Production of Once Upon a Term.
Thanks to the help of parent volunteers, the performers looked outstanding in their costumes and make-up, while the creative set transformed Alexander Hall into a magical world filled with adventure, mystery and imagination.
The audience joined our brave students on an exciting quest to restore the Spirit of Kambala after it had been stolen by the fearsome fairy, Hildigrim. Along the way, they encountered mythical creatures, solved riddles and discovered that true school spirit is created through friendship, teamwork and belonging.
Each student gave 110% and embraced their role with enthusiasm, confidence and commitment, making me incredibly proud. Whether performing on stage, assisting with direction or helping to bring the story to life, every girl played an important part in the production's success.
The Year 6 Production is such an integral part of the Kambala experience and provides our students with memories that will last a lifetime. It was wonderful to see the girls support one another throughout the rehearsal process and celebrate their achievements together on performance night.
A special mention to our talented dance choreographer, the Year 6 teachers who assisted with all things backstage, Inspired Productions, and the Kambala Krew who expertly managed the lighting and set. Thank you also to our parent volunteers whose support helped make this production so special!
Anna Derrig
Director
Thank you Mrs Pericles
I take a moment to celebrate and farewell our Junior School Teacher Librarian Kimberly Pericles who is retiring, at the end of Term 2, after ten years of dedicated service to Kambala and 30 years of service in the education sector.
For the past decade, Mrs Pericles has been at the heart of our learning community, fostering a love of reading and imagination in our students. Through her passion for literature and learning, she has created a library which is a place of discovery and possibility.
Her enthusiasm for books comes alive each year during our much-anticipated Book Week celebrations. From creative costumes and engaging activities to the excitement of welcoming acclaimed authors and illustrators, she has created memorable experiences that have inspired our students to read widely, think deeply and express their own creativity. These joyful occasions became treasured highlights of the school calendar, sparking imaginations and nurturing a lifelong love of stories.
As a committed advocate of the Project Zero approach developed at Harvard University, Mrs Pericles has championed visible thinking and inquiry-based learning. Her work encouraged students to become curious and independent thinkers, empowering them to ask meaningful questions and make thoughtful connections in their learning.
Her impact extends far beyond the library shelves. Through her wisdom and unwavering commitment to education, she has enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues. She leaves a legacy of curiosity and creativity that will continue to flourish for years to come.
We thank Mrs Pericles for her contribution to Kambala and wish her every happiness and fulfilment in this exciting new chapter. May her retirement be filled with wonderful books, new adventures and all the joy she has brought to others throughout her remarkable career.
I know our students will enjoy meeting our new teacher librarian Ms Dora Kazamias who will join the Kambala community from the commencement of Term 3.
Increased Truck Movements - New South Head Road (Gate 4) - Major Build
There will be increased truck activity for the Major Build via New South Head Road, outside Gate 4, on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 June.
We expect this to occur throughout the day, including drop-off and pick-up times.
As a result, there may be minor traffic delays.