The Solstice

Junior School 

Junior School YSafe Sessions

In early May, Mr. David Smith from YSafe conducted a session with our Year 4, 5 and 6 students. This session covered cyber behaviours that are inappropriate such as “dissing”, “masquerading” and exclusion. The students were presented with multiple examples of these actions and what they might look like online. 

 

Girls were asked to act out a role play between three friends, gaming online, in which one friend was being targeted.  In the first scenario one we heard the third friend playing the role of bystander who reinforced the bullying behaviour.  The role play was then repeated with the same friend acting as an upstander who calls the friend out on the behaviour.  

 

This was a very powerful message for the students, to understand that a slight change in language can help shift the environment of a chat to a more positive place. The girls were also given tips on what to look for to identify fake accounts and what to do if they are the victim of cyberbullying. These included;

-Report

-Block

-Leave if a chat gets toxic

-Ask an adult for help

 

The parent information session that evening was well attended and well received with one parent commenting:

 

 “Thank you so much for the terrific presentation for Kambala this evening (Tuesday) - it was really a great help and I have seen many cyber safety events as I have a daughter much older than our 12-year-old but this was concise and helpful in a real-life scenario. Please pass on my thanks”

 

The Kambala Family Zone Hub which offers a multitude of resources can be accessed here  https://kambala.onlinesafetyhub.com.au/

 

Year 5 Taronga Zoo Excursion

On Wednesday, May 15th, 2024, the Year 5 girls embarked on an enchanting excursion from Kambala to Taronga Zoo, where they encountered a magical menagerie of animals right at their doorstep. The girls were thrilled to meet Turramurra the tawny frog mouth, Laurel the long-necked turtle, Monte the teenage diamond python, Tim the cane toad, Spud the potoroo, and the teachers’ favourite Melody the yellow-bellied glider.

 

As the girls sat in awe in the rainforest classroom, eagerly anticipating their turn to get up close to these splendid creatures, our knowledgeable host, Ash, captivated them with explanations of the remarkable adaptations these animals have developed. Monte, the teenage python, demonstrated her unique skin colouration and non-fused jaw, while Ash explained how Melody could glide effortlessly from tree to tree using her patagium. Spud, the potoroo, intrigued the girls with his nocturnal behaviour and long, sharp claws for digging. Laurel, the long-necked turtle, displayed her resilient hard outer body casing, and Tim the Cane Toad fascinated everyone with its toxic glands and ability to absorb water through its skin which make it a formidable invasive species.

 

This extraordinary visit highlighted the incredible diversity and resilience of wildlife, enriching the students' understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Nature's wonders truly came to life, leaving an indelible impression on all who attended.

 

Ms Diane Jones

Junior School Science

 

Year 1 - Calmsley Hill City Farm Excursion

Recently Year 1 embarked on an exciting educational adventure to Calmsley Hill City Farm, delving into the intricacies of living organisms as part of their Science Unit, 'I’m Alive'. The farm greeted us with a stunningly clear blue sky and verdant paddocks and stalls teeming with goats, horses, sheep, pigs, cows, chickens, and rabbits. With buckets of enthusiasm, the students engaged closely with many animals, with the highlight of the morning being the hands-on experience of milking a Jersey cow and interacting with rabbits, goats, and sheep.

 

The afternoon continued to thrill with a captivating sheepdog show and an impressive stockman whip demonstration. The day's activities, filled with excitement and new discoveries, exceeded all expectations. The students relished the opportunity to cuddle, pat, and explore an array of farm and native Australian animals. Mr. Ko and Ms. Cusack demonstrated their newfound skills in whip handling and animal herding, showcasing remarkable techniques.

 

This extraordinary day was not only educational but also left an indelible mark on our memories, creating moments that will be cherished for years to come.

 

Ms Diane Jones

Junior School Science

Years 4 - 6 Term 3 Saturday Sports Choice

Please be advised that you can find the letter containing all the 2024 Term 3 Years 4-6 Sports information here.

 

Please read the document carefully as it contains the options for Term 3, the directions for trials and training, and the link to the Google registration form to be completed at the bottom of the letter.

 

The cut-off date for registrations is Monday 27 May by 9 am. 

 

The options for Term 3 2024 are:

 IPSHA Touch Football

  • Please note that for Year 4 girls, as well as trials, we will offer clinics in Term 2 to ensure they will be familiar with the game before Term 3 starts.
  • Please also note that the girls who have signed up for the Term 2 Touch Football Clinics will still need to register for IPSHA Touch Football.

 Badminton Clinics 

  • As an alternative to the IPSHA Competitions, we will offer Badminton coaching clinics each Saturday morning in Term 3. 
  • The Saturday morning clinics will take place at Badminton Worx located at 2/30 Sir Joseph Banks Street Botany 

For skiing and snowboarding, please email kath_sambell@kambala.nsw.edu.au if you require any information regarding the competitions for students in years Kindergarten - Year 12 during the last week of the July School Holidays.