Boarding 

New Head of Boarding Term 3 2024

We are delighted to introduce Ms. Joanna (Jo) Andrew as our new Head of Boarding, commencing full-time from Term 3, 2024, reporting to the Principal. Jo joins us from New Zealand, bringing a wealth of experience in teaching and boarding from her extensive work across international schools and in her home country. Her husband, Mr. Jon Disher, started at Kambala in Term 2, teaching senior school IB Mathematics, and their daughter, Makenzie, will be joining us in Year 9 alongside her mother.

Jo is excited to integrate her family into our boarding community, emphasising the importance of making our boarding program a priority. Her primary goals include establishing a strong sense of community, fostering positive relationships, and supporting individual boarders in their academic and personal development.

With extensive experience in physical education and boarding, Jo has learned valuable lessons that shape her approach to leading, nurturing, and educating young women. "Young women thrive in an inclusive environment where they feel valued and respected," she shares. Jo believes that strong mentors and positive role models are essential in helping young women navigate their educational journeys and prepare for life beyond school.

The Benefits of Family-Style Boarding

Jo is a strong advocate for intimate family-style boarding, which she believes has a significant place in contemporary boarding offerings. "Family-style boarding helps create a strong sense of community and provides opportunities for mentorship," she explains. In such an environment, social skills, independence, and resilience flourish. This type of boarding experience supports students individually and collectively, to enhance their academic engagement and overall life balance. 

Fostering Positive Relationships Amid Digital Distractions

In today’s digital age, fostering positive relationships among our young women is more crucial than ever. Jo believes that meaningful interactions and quality conversations are the cornerstone of these relationships. She emphasises the need for face-to-face interactions and setting boundaries around digital use. "Our young women need role models who are supportive of their interests and well-being," says Jo. She also highlights the importance of educating students on net safety as they navigate the digital world during their teenage years.

The Importance of Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise

Jo also emphasises the critical role of sleep, nutrition, and physical activity in the development of young adults. "Sleep, nutrition, and physical activity are the pillars of balanced health," she asserts. Prioritising these aspects leads to improvements in concentration, immune system function, and self-esteem. Jo’s experience in physical education, particularly in netball and basketball, has equipped her with the wisdom to support the physical, mental, and social well-being of our young women.

Excited for Sydney Adventures

Jo, Jon, and Makenzie are looking forward to their new life in Sydney. "We are excited to meet new people, explore the city, try the food, and attend events," Jo enthuses. Having lived in various countries, she enjoys learning about local cultures and participating in community activities.

Outside of work, Jo and her family are passionate about sports. "We are a sports-crazed family," she laughs. Weekends are filled with coaching and playing netball and basketball. Jo has previously played in the National Netball League and is now heavily involved in coaching, including a school-age team and the Canterbury Tactix coaching group. Basketball remains another passion, both playing and supporting her daughter at her games.

We warmly welcome Jo and her family to our community and look forward to the positive impact they will undoubtedly bring.

Ms. Megan Setches will continue to play a key role as part of the senior leadership in boarding taking responsibility as Residential Dean of Boarding. Megan will work closely with Jo to ensure a welcoming and well organised boarding routine for our girls. Ms. Jo Sarmiento will return to her responsibilities within the senior school.

Ms. Jane Danvers

Principal

Transition to Fernbank 2024/2025

As we prepare to welcome Joanna (Jo) in Term 3, 2024, we are excited to provide further insights into our new model of boarding that will deliver an outstanding student experience. The purpose-built facility Fernbank will support a genuine feeling of home for our students.

We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey and witnessing the positive impact it will have on our students' lives. The transition, under Jo's leadership, aims to create a nurturing environment where students can develop holistically. The new model focuses on fostering a strong sense of community, supporting academic engagement, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits among boarders. It is built on the pillars of holistic well-being: healthy sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise. 

The transition will occur in several carefully planned phases to ensure a smooth and effective implementation.

Phase 1: Community Engagement (Term 3, 2024) 

Jo is looking forward to immersing herself into the school community. During this phase, she will conduct a series of meet-and-greet sessions with students, parents, and staff to understand the current dynamics and learn about our boarding community. 

Phase 2: Pastoral and Lifestyle Enhancements (Term 4, 2024) 

Building on the insights gained during Phase 1, Jo will review planned programs for the new boarding model and integrate further enhancements to the boarding experience that incorporate elements of physical education, nutrition, and wellness. Drawing from her extensive background in physical education and coaching netball and basketball, she will design programs that encourage active living and teamwork.

Phase 3: Infrastructure and Support Systems (end of Term 4 2024 - ready for commencement Term 1 2025)

Upgrades to the boarding facilities will be delivered at the beginning of Term 1 2025. No disruption will be made to the current boarders. These upgrades will include refreshed and rejuvenated furnishings, additional bathroom facilities, long-awaited air conditioning, and dedicated spaces for study. Our girls are providing input on the design and use of space through focussed workshops. 

• Fernbank will include common rooms for Year 12, Years 10 and 11 in a senior common room and a junior common room for Years 7 to 9
• Year 12 will continue to reside in single rooms with Years 7 to 11 mostly in twin rooms sharing with a friend and changing each term 

Additionally, a robust pastoral support system will be established, to guide and assist students in their wellbeing journey. Small cohort mentoring will form a central part of the boarding program informed by current best practice in girls’ development.  

Boarding Transition Student Workshop

Recently we held our second workshop focussed on the upgrade of Fernbank. A team of students representing each year group met with Ms Danvers and Dr Lang to discuss feedback from our last workshop that has been actioned into the plan moving into Fernbank and to work together as we make further improvements and decision on the interiors that the girls would be excited to see. 

The group explored the functional use of the spaces and their preferences. The girls enjoyed exploring some proposed suggestions.