Senior School 

Kambala's Mathematics Department Embraces a Dynamic Leadership Duo

I am thrilled to share insight into a new era for the Senior School Mathematics Department, marked by a dynamic co-leadership model and a commitment to innovative approaches in mathematics education. Patricia Wong and Hattie Wilson, two exceptional educators with diverse backgrounds and expertise, are at the helm of this exciting transformation.

Patricia Wong: An Engineering Mindset and Passion for Women in Leadership

Patricia Wong brings a unique perspective to her role as Co-leader Years 11-12, honed by her background in global engineering having worked in the UK, Brunei and Malaysia. With a deep understanding of how mathematical principles apply to real-world problem-solving, she is passionate about fostering a love for mathematics in students and empowering them to see its relevance in their lives and future careers. 

Patricia's commitment to championing women in leadership roles extends to her work in the classroom, where she serves as a role model for young women aspiring to pursue careers in STEM fields. She is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.

Hattie Wilson: A Cambridge Pedigree and Mathematical Experience

Hattie Wilson's impressive educational background, which includes her Cambridge  education, speaks to her unwavering dedication to academia. With experience in both the UK and Australia, she possesses a deep understanding of pedagogical best practices and a passion for inspiring students to reach their full potential.

Hattie's expertise in curriculum development and assessment are invaluable as Kambala's Mathematics Department continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of education. Her commitment to academic excellence and her belief in the power of mathematics to transform lives make her an ideal Co-leader Years 7-10 for this exciting new chapter.

A Dynamic Partnership and a Fresh Direction

Together, Ms Wong and Ms Wilson form a dynamic partnership that has already brought a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to Kambala's Senior School Mathematics Department. Their complementary skill sets and shared passion for mathematics education make them a formidable team, poised to lead the department to new heights.

An Exciting Future for Mathematics at Kambala

Kambala is confident that this new leadership structure and fresh direction will usher in an exciting future for mathematics education at the school. With such leadership and an amazing team that will be introduced in later articles, the Senior School Mathematics Department is well-positioned to inspire and empower the next generation of mathematicians and problem solvers.

In the spirit of AI innovation usage at Kambala, this report was generated in conjunction with Gemini AI.

Ms. Carolyn Gedling 

Deputy Principal-Academic

Year 12 Academic Progress and Future Pathways Meetings

Since the end of the Music Festival in March, all Year 12 students have had the chance to meet with Mr. Pettit and Mr. Knox (HSC) or Mr. Bird (IB) to discuss their academic progress and future pathways planning. 

These 15-minute meetings are a valuable opportunity to discuss each girl’s plan for work, study or gap years beyond Kambala, and discuss her progress in each HSC or IB subject so far in 2024. Girls are also able to request information about their predicted ATARs, determined by Academic Assessment Services, to support them in setting challenging and achievable goals as they approach Mock and Trial Examinations in Term 3. These meetings can also be used to plan for scholarship and residential college interviews, and it has been a pleasure to conduct several mock interviews for students in recent weeks.

It has been fantastic to note the ambition of the girls in this cohort, and the diversity of experiences that they aim to pursue once leaving Kambala. We would encourage younger students to visit the Beyond Kambala Sundial page to familiarise themselves with the resources available to them. 

Mr. Sebastien Knox (Head of Academic Life)

Mr. Phillip Bird (Head of IB)

Mr. Ian Pettit (Future Pathways Advisors)

Year 9 Cape York Cultural Immersion Trip

At Kambala, one of our great strengths is that we value and invest in the personal character development of each student and nurture them during their educational journey to shine as local and global community members. One of the key experiences that encapsulates this is the Year 9 Cape York Cultural Immersion Trip. 

On Monday 20 May, the whole Year 9 cohort set off for Cairns for their 9-day, 8-night journey. The cohort was split into five smaller groups and after the first night in Cairns, each group set off to different Homelands where they would meet, live with and learn from the Traditional Owners of these lands for the next six days. Groups travelled between 6 - 8 hours and were all based within 1.5 hours inland of Cooktown in Far North Queensland. Each group had the opportunity to experience two different homelands and experience a range of knowledge or skills such as language, art, weaving, indigenous food and medicinal information and a huge amount of time spent with the Traditional Owners and their families learning and understanding their connection and their ancestors' connection with the land. 

Each group also assisted Homelands with a project. Students helped each community group by raising money in Sydney prior to departing and their donations went to assist a project identified by each of the Traditional Owners. Groups were able to help by building new toilet facilities, gardening, planting, building fences, painting murals and mending water facilities. An amazing achievement by our youth, we are so proud of their impact.

The final highlight of the trip was the cohort spending the day on the Barrier Reef, hearing stories of how the reef developed, the connection to the local indigenous people and the opportunity to swim and see the amazing array of coral and fish that live on and within the reef.

When the group returned to Sydney, they spent two days reflecting and drawing upon the different skills and character strengths they utilised whilst away. Each group also developed areas of interest that they had been drawn to whilst on Country, they then created an interest project to highlight and share knowledge of their area. The final part of the two-week immersion involved parents, carers, peers and staff coming together to view the incredible reflections and learnings of each Year 9 student in this experience. They acknowledged there is great power in sisterhood and together they have the skills and personal strengths to be thoughtful, impactful leaders.

Thank you so much to all Year 9 students for bringing to life our School values - the humanity, courage, curiosity and respect demonstrated every day made us all proud. My biggest thank you goes to the incredible Head of Year 9, Henry Clark. The care and attention to detail he provided in assisting every students' preparation was extraordinary. A huge thank you also to the staff who accompanied the five groups: Ms Ng, Ms Wright, Ms Keehan, Ms Goggin, Ms Peris, Mr Cheung, Ms Sarmiento, Mr Williams and Ms Chesney.

Ms. Julie Laytham

Head of Student Life

Paideia Inspires with CRISPR Discussion

The Paideia Club, dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity, recently attended a talk by Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna at the Sydney Opera House. Doudna, a pioneer in gene editing technology (CRISPR), discussed the immense potential and ethical considerations surrounding this revolutionary tool.

The talk explored CRISPR's ability to rewrite the genetic code, potentially curing diseases and solving food shortages. However, Dr Doudna also addressed the ethical and safety concerns of altering the human germline, raising questions about unintended consequences.

Doudna's own path to scientific discovery highlights the importance of inspiring teachers. A 2016 Washington Post profile of Doudna traced her origin story back to high school. “Young Jennifer never imagined being a scientist. In grade school she didn’t think she had any particular knack for it … A 10th grade chemistry teacher, Miss Wong, encouraged her.” In 2018, after winning the Kavli Prize in Nanoscience, Doudna credited Wong’s inspiration: “She taught us that science is about discovery. It’s not about memorising facts in the textbook. It’s about asking questions about the natural world.” 

This event aligned perfectly with Paideia's mission, sparking discussions among members about science's impact on society. It served as a powerful reminder that girls, like Dr. Doudna, can be at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs.

Ms. Himmi Cheruvu

English

A Visit to Downing Court

On April 11th, our Legal Studies class embarked on an eye-opening journey to the Downing Centre. There, we were privileged to gain insights from Judge Pickering and Judge Turner, both parents of Scarlett Pickering, year 11. Answering our endless questions, it sparked interest in potential futures for many of us but also highlighted the reality of the legal system. 

Throughout the day, we encountered former Kambala alum Charlotte Chambers (2015), now an associate to Judge Pickering, who shared her journey from leaving Kambala to her current role. Later, we were invited to observe court hearings with Judge Pickering, an experience that left us in awe.

By a stroke of luck, we met Crown Prosecutor Danielle New, Kambala alum (1995), who shared with us her six-year legal battle in a particular case, offering us a glimpse into her world and giving us advice on how to become a successful legal practitioner. Her passion for her career was infectious.

Our day was a whirlwind of unforgettable moments, filled with chance encounters and the honour of witnessing court proceedings firsthand. These experiences will forever inspire us as we navigate our own paths forward. 

Harriet Young

Year 11

Year 11 Visual Arts - Culture of the City

Year 11 Visual Arts students have once again demonstrated their creativity and dedication through an impressive array of artworks that explore the theme Culture of the City. This unit has provided a comprehensive exploration of various art forms, allowing students to delve into the rich world of digital photography, printmaking, photomontage, drawing, painting, sculpture, and assemblage. Students became practicing artists, exploring the diverse artmaking of both Modernist and contemporary artists. This journey began with an introduction to the different forms and techniques used by artists throughout history. 

The heart of this unit was the development of a Body of Work, a collection of pieces that reflects each student’s individual artistic journey, interpretation, and experience of the city. They collectively worked incredibly hard, dedicating lunch times and after school hours to producing their body of work. It has been a joy to see the Year 11 Visual Arts students’ excitement when their works were completed and exhibited, as well as seeing the younger year groups walk through and admire as well as gain inspiration from them. You can currently view the students' works in the exhibition space next to the senior art rooms. 

Ms. Coco Peirce

Art and Design

The Kambala Philosophy Club

As a student passionate about philosophy, I’ve always been enchanted by the insightful ideas and theories that shape our understanding and knowledge of the world. As Socrates famously remarked, "An unexamined life is not worth living." Studying philosophy improves our wisdom of the universe and ourselves while developing skills for daily lives. This passion led to the creation of the Kambala Philosophy Club (KPC).

At the KPC, we aim to provide students with a platform for engaging in the exploration of philosophical ideas, developing critical thinking skills, and intelligent discussion exploring profound philosophical concepts. Through diverse activities, the KPC allows students to deepen their understanding of the world, while developing critical thinking, open-mindedness, empathy, and intellectual growth. KPC members will be engaging in general topic discussions and have the opportunity to participate in the Ethics Olympiad and other philosophical competitions.

Within the general topic discussion, club members will explore philosophers’ life and theories and have the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of activities like philosophical debating and discussion. Not only that, but the club members can participate in interactive activities like thought experiments, idea-sharing and video/text reflection to stimulate creative thinking.

The Kambala Philosophy Club will also select and support students who would like to participate in the Ethics Olympiad, a competition involving discussions of moral theories and situations that fosters critical and creative thinking skills. Last year, our team earned an outstanding result of getting silver on our first participation. We aim to inspire more student participation in future years to come through the Kambala Philosophy Club. For students interested in this exciting opportunity, the KPC sessions will help them learn essential skills and ideas used in these competitions.

Other than our regular club sessions, the KPS will also host guest speakers, such as university professors or experts, to provide exclusive classes on various philosophical topics in addition to our regular club meetings. We believe that these lectures will offer an opportunity for insightful education and motivational thoughts.

We look forward to launching this club and seeing your attendance soon!

Alissa Song

Year 9

Year 10 Industry Immersion- off to a great start

The Year 10 Industry Immersion has begun well with two of our Year 10 students receiving excellent feedback from their immersion with the Vision X-ray Group. Sophia Dan and Scarlett Levy will be working together over the coming weeks to present a project back to the workplace that will potentially mean a time and cost benefit to the industry. 

Congratulations Sophia and Scarlett. 

Students will be heading off next week for her “Medical Services” Immersion at a medical practice, a local physio and the Prince of Wales Hospital.

Scarlett is pictured with Dr Sophia Zadelis OG’86 of Vision X-ray Group. 

Mr Ian Pettit

Future Pathways Advisor

Year 8 Ceramicists

Year 8 Visual Arts students have been working hard to create a collection of organic ceramic vessels and forms that reflect their natural environment. Using hand building techniques such as slab and coil construction, each girl has created a unique 3D form with details and textures recognisable in rocks, coral, shells and plants. 

Ms Georgia Kite has worked with each girl to help them realise their ambitious sculptures. When these have been fired in the kiln, they will be ready for a final layer of oxide to introduce some striking greens, reds and black detailing. 

Congratulations Year 8 ceramicists!

Mr. Drew Bickford

Head of Art and Design

Future Pathways Assembly Welcomes Back Alumnae

On Wednesday, 29 May, Alexander Hall was abuzz with anticipation at the Future Pathways Assembly for Year 10-12  students, as girls waited for our alumnae guest speakers to arrive.

Organised together with Kambala’s Alumnae Relations Manager, Ms. Donna Kelly-Smith, this event featured five ambitious alumnae, who presented diverse career pathways in fields including law, engineering, financial services and politics/international relations.

The assembly provided students with an opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of professional experiences by our younger Old Girls and gain insights into various career options.

Additionally, girls learnt more about coveted Linden Fellowships offered at Linden Global Strategies (LGS) in New York, founded by Josephine Linden AM OG69.  These Fellowships are highly sought after by Kambala Old Girls and only become open for their applications upon completion of undergraduate studies.

Following the assembly, students were invited to afternoon tea with the guest speakers to foster further discussion and networking opportunities for students. Our event offered valuable exposure for students to learn more about potential career paths while also connecting with successful alumnae.

The esteemed guest speakers were:

• Angelina Lockley OG17, Lawyer at Johnson Winter Slattery
• Belle Whitehouse OG21, currently working in Allegra Spender’s Office and third-year student at USYD, pursuing a BA/Advanced Studies in Politics & International Relations
• Bianca Tauszik OG21, Linden Fellow Recipient in Financial Services
• Caitlin O’Malley OG20, Associate Software Engineer at Macquarie Group
• Laura Smeets OG20, Undergraduate Civil Engineer at Northrop Consulting Engineers

Ms Donna Kelly-Smith

Alumnae Relations Manager

A Visit from Nelly Duret - Year 11 French

On April 8th, our year 11 French HSC class had the privilege to meet Nelly Duret, an historian visiting from France. Nelly Duret is passionate about studying the life of Augustine Soubeiran, who was a co-founder and teacher at our school, as well as the founder of the Sydney branch of the Alliance Française. Mme Soubeiran’s enthusiasm for holistic girls’ education was renowned throughout Kambala and Australia.

Mme Duret shared stories about Mme Soubeiran’s hometown with us and some of her most significant contributions to girls’ education and community service as well as her personal life experiences. We all know of Mme Soubeiran as a part of the school’s history, but Mme Duret surprised us with the depth of her knowledge of Kambala. Mme Duret spoke with such passion and admiration for Mme Soubeiran that provided us with great appreciation for our history as a school, and the feminine agency from the first footsteps of establishing Kambala. 

As a parting gift, she handed us a copy of Mme Soubeiran’s biography, which she wrote, and is now being published in a second edition, a letter from the Mayor, Pierre Aiguillon and a tapestry from her hometown. We are grateful for these gifts she brought us and honoured to be sent a letter from the mayor. Additionally, we are thankful for the knowledge she shared with us about our school and its co-founder. It was astounding to discover the diverse and global-minded roots of our school.  We believe it is valuable, as Kambala girls, to understand our school’s rich history; how the school came to be, and the lasting legacies of those students and teachers who came before us. 

Written By Lucea Benko, Lainie Liberiou, Emily Whitehead, Valerie Rimbo, Bella Stillone, Dominique Cheong Foo, Anna Mavrakis and Madame Braun 

Tapestry above: The motto of the town from which both Augustine Soubeiran and Nelly Duret came from, which loosely translates to “the source of freedom.” 

Crabb v Marr: AI gets Served at Sydney Writers Festival

Forget the HSC! The real battle of minds went down last Thursday at the Sydney Writers Festival's "SWF Great Debate”, with Paideia students in attendance. Aussie legends David Marr and Annabel Crabb squared off on the age-old question: are robots our future overlords, or just glorified dishwashers?

Marr, like the grumpy grandpa yelling at his Alexa, argued for the scrappy underdog – humanity! Crabb, ever the smooth operator, championed the rise of our AI overlords.

The rest of the debate was like a gold-medal mental gymnastics routine. We had Matilda Boseley dropping knowledge bombs, Rhys Nicholson with his signature brand of dark humour, Tracey Spicer asking the real questions, and Toby Walsh, well, being Toby Walsh (genius computer scientist guy).

But one thing's for sure: this debate was as entertaining as it was thought-provoking. 

Ms. Himmi Cheruvu

English