Senior School
Remembering the Past, Imagining a Future
Upon return to school last week, we commemorated ANZAC Day in a short service in the morning and later in the day during a Senior School Assembly. We were fortunate to have Mrs Beverley (Phillips) Cockburn (OG 51) join us as a guest during the assembly to talk about her recollections of Kambala as a young student during World War II. She had the students imagine what life was like back in 1939-1945 and brought to life the social history of the time. As an Historian, I was enthralled by her recall, without notes might I add! Our resident Archivist, Ms Carmichael has curated a display in the library showing artefacts from that time period.
After farewelling her, Mrs Cockburn’s stories had me thinking about the role of imagination and how this feeds curiosity. Cultivating curiosity is a key value and driver at Kambala and we understand imagination so closely feeds curiosity. Students imaging the past, can also imagine a future. Our current students, Gen Alpha’s, have grown up in a world that many of us would have only imagined in the past. Popular culture of my youth included Get Smart, The Bionic Woman, the Jetson’s and The Simpsons. To what extent did those imaginings create our current world?
Research suggests the curious are the more patient, the people that can ponder perspectives, ask questions, seek nuance, and listen more intently. Such traits serve young people in the academic sphere and all other areas of their lives. It is those that imagine and are curious that will create a better world and I am confident Kambala students are taking up that mantle.
Carolyn Gedling
Deputy Principal, Academic
The Halo Effect
We are very excited about the forthcoming Senior School production The Halo Effect
in conjunction with Cranbrook School, Reddam School, St Andrew's Cathedral School and Sydney Grammar School.
Synopsis:
Holly Tristamere is trouble. She’s just returned to her town for the summer vacation and her parties are “legendary.” Except this time, she has outdone herself, she sees a Vision of a Great Lady and not only that she has convinced her two younger friends Michelle and Chloe of the Vision. In the middle of this Holly is falling into a messed-up love with Jake, a hunky guy who desperately wants to build a life away from the hardship and violence he has endured. The town is soon overwhelmed with seekers, the suffering, and those intent on exploiting the situation to almost dangerous cost. Can Holly rise above her destructiveness to stem the madness? The Halo Effect is moving, funny and an exploration of the magnetism of Apparitions. In this production, students extend their perspective of the world via involvement in the development of our newly commissioned play, The Halo Effect, by playwright-in-residence Catherine Zimdahl.
Join us next week, tickets available here
Please also clickhere to view a Halo Effect video made Xavier Hanna a performer in the production.
Lisa Moir
Head of Drama
Reading to Reflect
Students of English across Year 7-9 engage in a reading and literacy programme, 'SPARK' (spelling, punctuation & reading comprehension), of which the reading component is integral to learning through to Year 12. Designed to build consistent and authentic reading habits and critical reflection skills, this fortnightly lesson is centred on the meaningful connections and empathies built through shared dialogue with peers by delving into other worlds. Students select from a choice of fiction -from the canon through to contemporary authors- accessing literature as a vehicle for self-authorship; to uncover, question or find resonance with their selves and their own world.
In small peer reading groups, students engage in structured reflection and socratic dialogue surrounding the values, perspectives and experiences represented in texts. In doing so, we enable our Kambala learners to reflect upon their own interpretations and to embrace the importance of perspective-taking when engaging with their peers. Students report developing or expanding their interest and knowledge of genres, style and writing conventions, as well as an appreciation for both the solace and the conversations that arise from shared reading experiences.
Greta Beaumont
Head of English
Winter Cello Course, Adelaide Cello Trio, 1-3 July 2024
Get ready to embark on a musical journey with the Adelaide Cello Trio at the upcoming Winter Cello Course in Sydney.
Join forces with the renowned Swiss Cellist Kurt Hess, the Sydney Cellist John Benz, and the Brisbane based cellists André Duthoit (QSO). It's a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of cellos, with ensemble playing, masterclasses and more! Supervised by the Adelaide Cello Trio, the Winter Cello Course offers both ensemble and solo experience with workshops, masterclasses and ensemble playing that effectively allows each cellist to refine their technical and musical skills. This inaugural Cello Course is also a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the legendary Hungarian cellist and pedagogue, Janos Starker.
When is the course?
The Winter Cello Course runs from Monday 1st July to Wednesday 3rd July from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM each day, concluding with a final concert involving workshop participants and tutors at 6:30 PM Wednesday 3rd July.
Where?
The course will take place at the Music Centre of Kambala School, 794 New South Head Road, 2029 Rose Bay.
The Cost?
The fee for the course will be $350.
Book here
John Benz
Music
Year 7 and 8 Inaugural Production: Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
Term 1 of 2024 saw Kambala's first Middle School Drama Production take to the stage. After a busy term of rehearsals, perfecting their songs, dances and pantomime characters [all on top of their other commitments and keeping up with their studies!] this talented cast of 34 put on a professional level show with a slapstick script, a few parodies & choreographed fights, and a whole lot of fairy tale magic. “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” was a huge success. As well as being a great opportunity to prepare all of our budding stars for their Senior School Shows, this production allowed students to experience auditions, hone their stagecraft, learn more skills, grow in confidence, make new friendships and have fun.
We would like to thank all of our teachers, parents and carers who supported the students and made this possible, and we look forward to watching the girls' talents continue to grow throughout their time at Kambala.
Alice Bendall
Director of Production / XC Drama and Dance Tutor
Sun Safety and Skin Care Pilot Workshop in Schools
On August 29 Kambala will host the Pilot Workshop to educate Year 8 Kambala students on providing preventative care for their skin. Designed by Simon Board (Head of PDHPE) and Dr Philip Tong (Dermatologist and founder of Dermscreen) the 2-hour workshop will consist of students engaging in reviews of current TikTok videos relating to topics such as UV rays and the impact on the structure of the skin, the impact of UV rays on the skin, the three types of cancer, cultural and genetic influences, tanning, myths about skin cancer. The TikTok video will be played and a specialist dermatologist will review the validity of the message provided.
The project also brings together a relationship with Sydney University as Emily Foster who has designed Australia's first portable camera, comes on board to provide her portable camera to help show students firstly the damage they have caused through exposure to the sun and secondly how effective their sunscreen application is. Research has shown that the biggest barrier isn't that we forget to apply it is that we don't apply well enough to avoid sunburn. Emily has been a fabulous inspiration already coming in to talk to the girls about her journey with stories of working with lead researchers at Oxford University who have undertaken studies with NASA on the use of detecting UV rays to predict earthquake activity.
I would love to hear from any families who would like to support this project in some capacity. Please contact me here. As a community, we will look to run some student advocacy initiatives including a staff versus students' fundraiser for a cancer charity amongst others that will be explored. We look forward to a fabulous workshop ahead and the opportunity to improve students' understanding of how to care for their skin and be advocates in the future for sending this message beyond the school walls.
Simon Board
Head of PDHPE
IGSA Dance Festival
Congratulations to both Bonnie Zhang and Coco Sweeney who represented the school at the Inaugural IGSA Dance Festival which was held on Sunday 28th April.
Over two days, 52 dancers from 21 IGSA schools, participated in dance workshops taught by leading industry professionals from the Sydney Dance Company. Complex and challenging choreography was learned in record time, culminating in three performances on Sunday at the Neilson Studio Performance Space. The experience allowed dancers to challenge themselves more deeply but also gave them the opportunity to connect with new friends from other IGSA schools in a non-competitive environment.
Well done girls, you both did Kambala proud and put on an amazing performance!
Please see a short video of the rehearsal process/ performance :
Olivia Hunt
Dance/ Musical Theatre Co-ordinator
Paideia Club Gears Up for Stimulating Events!
Mark your calendars, Paideia members! The Paideia Club has secured tickets to several exciting events happening in Sydney this May. Whether you're fascinated by the potential of gene editing, intrigued by the debate surrounding artificial intelligence, or want to delve into the future of misogyny, there's something for everyone.
As part of the Sydney Writers Festival, Paideia will attend a discussion with Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna, the pioneer behind CRISPR gene editing technology on May 21st. Students will witness a battle of wits on May 23rd as experts debate the potential benefits and existential threats posed by artificial intelligence on writing. On May 26, students will join renowned philosopher Kate Manne for an analysis of misogyny's evolution and a discussion on its potential future trajectory.
Joined by Jane Danvers on May 28th, students will experience Arthur Miller's iconic play "Death of a Salesman." This poignant exploration of the American Dream and its disillusioning consequences promises to be a powerful theatrical experience.
Stay Tuned for More!
Remember to keep an eye on your Sundial course pages for future Paideia events. Tickets for the highly anticipated German Film Festival 2024 will be released soon, so be sure to mark your calendars!
Himmi Cheruvu
English Teacher
Bondi Astra Performance
As part of an outreach program organised by the Year 12 music prefects, Sophie Regan and Alana Zhou, a group of talented Kambala girls from Year 5 to Year 11 recently performed a music recital for the residents of Bondi Beach Astra Retirement Village.
The Kambala recital consisted of both solo and chamber music performances, including:
- two piano soloists: Emma Li (Yr 9) & Emma Bensoussan (Yr 8);
- a junior string quartet: Audrey Chan (Yr 6), Clara Wu (Yr 6), Madeline Yu (Yr 5) & Jolin Zhou (Yr 6);
- a senior string quartet: Marie Hori (Yr 11), Lilian Pack (Yr 11), Grace Yang (Yr 10) & Annabel Rowney (Yr 9); and
- a flute trio: Ellie Hoskins (Yr 10), Chloe Carman (Yr 10) & Grace Yang (Yr 10).
Unfortunately, Grace was unable to perform on the day, so we appreciate Mrs Benz’s and Dr McDonald’s efforts in filling in for her absence.
The residents were blown away by the girls’ musical talent during the one-hour long performance which ranged from the elegant ballads of Chopin to the lyrical harmonies of Elgar. Their humming along and appreciative smiles as they listened to the girls’ musical renditions illustrate the power that music has in bringing joy to people’s lives. In fact, many studies have also demonstrated the multitude of therapeutic benefits that music has on residents in aged care, including cognitive stimulation, enhanced emotional well-being and improved social interaction.
After the impressive performance, the Kambala girls mingled with the retirees and engaged in conversation about their musical backgrounds and school life. The retirement village staff were also kind enough to treat everyone to delicious refreshments including a decadent assortment of chocolate brownies, frosted cupcakes and macarons.
This musical event was a phenomenal opportunity for Kambala music students to publicly showcase their musical talents to the older community, who ordinarily would not be able to easily access such live music performances. It was extremely rewarding to see the immense pleasure we brought to the residents through the simple act of sharing music, making us better appreciate the potential for music to connect people and foster a sense of community spirit. The girls are to be commended for their incredible performances and we hope to partake in future volunteering opportunities like this again to help enrich the lives of our senior citizens.
Thank you to Sophie Regan and Alana Zhou (Year 11 Music Prefects) for starting a community outreach program and to Ms Lewis, Mrs Benz and Dr McDonald for supervising.
Emma Bensoussan
Year 8
The performance at the Bondi Astra Retirement Home was a wonderful opportunity for all girls involved. The Junior String Quartet played a beautiful romantic piece written by Edward Elgar. Nerves and excitement buzzed around the air like a bumblebee as we waited for the retirees to arrive and sit.
Once the first couple of people arrived, we realised that there was nothing to be worried about. The audience was a cheerful, friendly and supportive bunch. My group, the Junior String Quartet, was up first. We played magnificently and the audience enjoyed it a lot. After we finished, we got to watch 2 piano soloists, the Kambala Flute Trio and Senior String Quartet.
After the performance ended, we had afternoon tea and chatted with the retirees. They told us how good we were and how grateful they were for us coming and performing for them. This performance must have made their day since they probably get out often. Overall, this concert was an exhilarating and wonderful experience and we’d all love to do this again.
Jolin Zhou
Year 6 Music House Officer
