From Mr Coppin
Belonging
Belonging is at the heart of everything we do in our school community. It plays an essential role in supporting students’ academic, emotional, and social growth. When children feel a strong sense of belonging, they naturally engage more positively with their learning environment, which allows them to truly flourish both in and out of the classroom.
Beyond academic success, fostering a deep sense of belonging is vital for students' overall well-being. Schools that create an inclusive and nurturing environment give children the space to build confidence, form healthy relationships, and feel valued. Research by Osterman (2000) highlights the importance of this connection, showing that when students feel they belong, they experience greater social and emotional well-being. In these spaces, students are less likely to feel isolated, more resilient, and better equipped to handle life's challenges. By prioritizing belonging, schools become a place where students feel safe to express themselves, form lasting friendships, and develop a strong sense of trust with their peers and teachers—ultimately creating a lifelong love of learning.
We were absolutely delighted to host our KPA Cocktail Party on Friday evening, 13 September 2024. This special evening was all about "friend-raising" and building a stronger sense of community and belonging among our families. It was truly wonderful to see more than 200 parents, from Hampshire House to Year 8, come together and connect at the Watson’s Bay Hotel.
A heartfelt thank you to the Walker family for their incredibly generous donation of a trip to the Fijian Resort Kokomo, valued at $20,000, which was won by Valentina Roushanak. We also extend our warm thanks to Paspaley for their stunning donation of the celestial crescent moon jewellery set in white gold, valued at $10,600, and won by Susie Binder.
This event was a perfect reminder of the power of community, and we’re so grateful for everyone who helped make it such a memorable evening!
Junior School Open Day - Friday 20 September, 2024
On Friday 20 September 2024, we look forward to further enhancing our sense of connection and belonging in seeing our parents and carers at our Junior School Open Day. Thankfully the weather is predicted to be fine and sunny.
As this is a formal school occasion we ask all students in Preparation to Year 6 to attend in their winter school uniform. Students in Year 5 and 6 who are in the finals for the House Touch and House Netball will need to change quickly into their sport uniform at the start of lunch.
Students in Year 4 who will participate in a PE lesson will also need to bring their sport uniform to change into at recess.
We are delighted to share our Open Day Program for 2024:
Staffing Update
We take this opportunity to congratulate Kate Moore on her exciting new role as Deputy Head Pastoral at SCEGGS Redlands, commencing in January 2025.
Since her appointment at Kambala in 2019, Kate has worked tirelessly, and her impact within the wellbeing domain has been considerable.
Anyone who has had the privilege of connecting with Kate (AKA Ms Moore) knows how deeply she cares about the pastoral development of our students. Her passion, insight, and enthusiasm in supporting their well-being have been inspiring.
We congratulate Kate on her exciting new role as Deputy Head Pastoral at Redlands, beginning in January 2025. While we know she will be missed by our students and parents alike, we feel certain she will continue to make a difference in her new school community.
Progressive Reporting
Much research is linked to the power of ongoing and meaningful feedback for students to better understand and improve their learning. To that end, we would like to remind parents of our Years 5 and 6 girls to check Sundial for feedback on their work for this term. Feedback is provided each term by Class teachers and Specialist teachers.
Parents of girls in Preparation also receive Portfolios at the end of Terms 1-3, so please look for these next week in the Sundial ‘Learning Moments’.
Term 4, 2024 - Summer Uniform - Kambala Outfitters
Outfitters will be closed for the school holidays from 3.45pm Friday 27 September until 7.30am Monday 14 October 2024.
Please note that students return in Term 4 in summer uniform. We therefore ask that you take the time to check the size of your daughter's summer uniform and arrange to place an order prior to the end of term.