A Week in Boarding

We've just wrapped up an incredible boarding week filled with exciting events like our formal dinner, dodgeball, high tea, sausage sizzle and a lovely celebration of our community at assembly. Our Year 9s have returned from their transformative Cape York experience, where they learned from Indigenous people on their traditional lands coinciding with the important period of Reconciliation Week. Meanwhile, we have enjoyed a jam-packed week of fun activities and continued involvement in Saturday sport.

In this newsletter, we'll share highlights from the last two weeks. This week we’re celebrating Reconciliation Week with our girls and reflected and collaborated at our Reconciliation Assembly.

Get ready to celebrate the spirit of community, adventure, and sportsmanship that makes our boarding house so special!

It’s safe to say the girls are looking forward to going home or spending time with their day girl friends over the long weekend.

Reminder for Families

Naming of clothing: We have an abundance of unnamed clothing that comes back from the laundry each week. This is difficult to then distribute back to the owners. Often, teenage girls will have the same clothing and if it is not named, we don’t know who it belongs to. Please arrange for a name stamp for your daughter so they can name their clothing easily.

Medical Appointments: We ask that parents inform the Health Centre of all medical appointments for their Years 7-10 daughter. These are then managed by the nursing staff and follow-up appointments can be coordinated.

Leave from day school: Parents are reminded that any leave requiring an exemption from attendance at school, must be sent through Sundial using the appropriate forms.

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 student's 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

Boarders Week Barbeque

As part of National Boarding Week, the girls held a Friday lunchtime BBQ on the School oval a couple of weeks ago. Our amazing Gill family donated 250 sausages to sell as a fundraiser and it’s safe to say it was a big success! With lines across the oval, the sausages, drinks and ice creams were a huge hit. The money raised will go to Dolly’s Dream Foundation. Thank you to all the staff and students who volunteered their time and energy to this worthy (and tasty) cause.

“Dolly’s Dream is committed to changing the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide, through education and direct support to young people and families.”

If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause that is close to our Boarding community, please visit:

https://www.dollysdream.org.au/event/do-it-for-dolly-day-2024/donate

National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week

Sunday the 26th of May was National Sorry Day, and the week that followed was Reconciliation Week. National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week are a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

These events were commemorated within our boarding community through a number of activities this week. During formal dinner on Monday night, 8 boarders spoke, educating both houses on the meaning and significance of the day.

“The dinner featured some speeches, me and a few other girls spoke about the indigenous history of Australia, and I learned a lot about the Stolen Generation during my research throughout the week” Taylor - Year 11 Yalari Boarder

Afternoon Rec also featured two reconciliation themed activities. The girls created beautiful native hibiscus flowers, which are the symbol of the Stolen Generation due to their incredible resilience in the face of harsh conditions. Girls also learned about Indigenous symbols through a painted feather activity provided by Reconciliation Australia.

A very special morning tea was provided by CaterCare, featuring saltbush sausage rolls and wattle seed biscuits from Lizard Island.

Our Yalari support staff Shona and Destiny took the Yalari girls to the Ascham hosted BBQ on Friday. Kincoppal and Kambala Indigenous students were invited to share a dinner and reflect on the importance of National Reconciliation Week.

The week was important for our Kambala boarders, and as always, we strive for a united future built on understanding, education and respect.

Weekend Recreational (Rec) Activities

Vivid Sydney Light Show

The girls were treated to a stunning spectacle as Vivid Sydney illuminated the night sky. Our boarders had the unique opportunity to witness this world-renowned festival of lights right from the comfort of their dorm windows, making it an unforgettable experience.

From intricate patterns projected onto iconic buildings to dazzling displays that danced across Sydney Harbour, the view was nothing short of magical. Vivid Sydney has always been a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community, and this year was no exception. For our Kambala boarders, being able to witness such a spectacular event from their dorm windows was a special privilege, one that they will surely cherish for years to come.

Alice in Wonderland Themed Escape Room

During Sunday Rec, Tivoli boarders embarked on an enchanting adventure to an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed escape room. The outing was a blend of teamwork, problem-solving, and whimsical fun. From deciphering cryptic clues to unlocking hidden passages, each room transported them deeper into the imaginative realm where nothing was as it seemed.

The escape room adventure was not just about solving puzzles; it was also about teamwork and celebrating individual strengths. The girls cheered each other on, celebrating small victories and strategising together to overcome the more challenging tasks.

“It was really fun and challenging! And it was great to work together to find the Queen of Hearts strawberry tarts!” - Isobelle - Year 7

“We were all determined to find the answers. It was difficult but we worked as a team to solve the clues and escape from Wonderland. It was really really fun!!’ - Sonya - Year 7

High Tea

As part of National Boarding Week, the girls had the opportunity to invite a day girl to an afternoon High Tea. Held in the beautiful Tivoli Drawing Room, the picturesque afternoon was a chance for our girls to host their day friends who generously take them out on weekend leave. The delicious food included traditional scones with jam and cream, pretty pink cupcakes, French pastries and of course enough red cordial to make staff Megan and Emily a little worried about bedtime! A number of the girls gave their day girlfriends a tour of their home away from home, and it was great to see them all enjoying the extra time with their friends. Thank you to Taylor in Year 11 for taking some great pics too!

Sonya - Year 7 described the high tea as: “Really fun! Really lively. It was special having the day girls and boarders together. Everyone seemed very happy. The food was really good it tasted so good, and the pink lemonade was refreshing”

A Walk with Ms Chronis

On Tuesday afternoon, Ms Chronis and gappie Emma joined the Year 7 and 8 girls on a walk by the Hermitage Foreshore. A stroll after school was the perfect time to decompress and have some time away from screens. Despite the peaceful backdrop the steep walk definitely got the blood pumping!

Just Dance

The girls all joined together in T11 where they participated in some ‘Just Dance’ routines. The playlist selection consisted of classics such as ‘Waka Waka’ by Shakirah, ‘I like to move it’ from the Madagascar movie soundtrack and Blue (Da ba dee). At first the girls were hesitant to get into the activities (and a bit camera shy), but once they started there was no stopping them.

Staff Updates

A special thanks goes out to our amazing teacher helpers who have been bringing their experience and care to Tivoli over the past fortnight. Prep and afternoon Rec have been enriched by your presence. Thank you.

Saturday Sport

Saturday sport has been another highlight for the boarders. It has been amazing to see their enthusiasm and commitment whether they win or lose.

Some highlights from our Junior girls:

“It was really fun, even though we didn’t win, my teammates were determined and had a lot of spirit!” Sonya - Year 7 on her Netball game.

“We sadly lost but a highlight was that my dad came to watch me for a surprise” Charlotte - Year 7 on her Netball Game.

Chloe in Year 8 won her Netball game last Saturday, 34-30. Congratulations!

Senior Hockey:

The Senior girl's hockey team had a disappointing morning, last Saturday, after getting half way to Kurnell only to have the opposition forfeit, the girls returned to the house a little disheartened but will save their fighting spirit for another weekend instead.

Unfortunately, our hockey girls’ following match was cancelled halfway through the match due to the wet weather, but we happily welcomed back Frankie to the pitch following her ankle injury.

“It was a fun and cold first game back. The match was called off at half time, but we were already 4 goals ahead. I am excited to play the next match in better weather with the girls.” Frankie - Year 10

Events

Our Senior International Boarders recently enjoyed a Wednesday night special get together in Fernbank over a shared love of food. They enjoyed taking a break from study and all agreed that they should catch up more often. Next term, our Junior girls will join them too.

“At this stage in term 2 I think a lot of the international girls are feeling a bit homesick. I wanted us to connect to the shared experience of being overseas.

I took food order requests from the girls and there were a lot of dumplings and noodles - foods that reminded us of home. Above all, I wanted to create a good experience.” Megan - Year 12

“At the dinner I talked with new people which made me feel good and I would really like to do something like that again.” Kristy - Year 10

Fernbank Fun

Fernbank boarding house has had a lot of fun lately, particularly after the girl's wind down after intense study in the Year 11 common room.

Poppy - Year 11 showed off her art skills in an upcoming project to the girls with an inspiration she says is “very close to her heart.”

“I adore food so of course I painted food, and it made me hungry” - Poppy, Year 11

A love we all shared with her in admiration of her brilliant take on pop art.

Poppy recently decided to spread the love some more by exploring other art forms and serenaded the girls and Staff with her country blues voice and superb guitar skills. An encore has been requested and talk of a ‘Battle of the Houses’ talent show might be on the cards.

Our Year 11’s has a newfound passion for jigsaw puzzles, and are now on to their second challenging puzzle this term. These puzzles have found their way through all of the Fernbank boarding years as a bonding experience and are a great mode of entertainment.

“It's so rewarding and it’s nice to get quality time with the Year 11s” Jackie - Year 10

What are we Reading?

Jackie - Year 10 - “I'm currently reading One Day. I recently watched the television show, but the Gap Students recommended the book as well. After One Day, I plan on reading Daisy Jones & The Six because I love Reid's bestseller, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.”

Jacqui - Year 8 - “This week I read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Liesel Meminger, after her brother's death and mother's disappearance, is sent to live with foster parents in Molching, Germany. She finds comfort in reading with her foster father and begins her fascination with books by stealing "The Gravedigger's Handbook" from her brother's burial site.”

Prep

Prep this fortnight has been very productive as the girls creep closer to their upcoming exams and assignments.

Year 10’s have been diligently working on their student leader applications in addition to their business skills with their in-class business assessment in Week 6.

Year 11’s have been collaboratively working on their Maths investigation projects whilst fitting in study for their upcoming 3-day exam period.

Year 7 recently studied hard for their Ancient History exam on Egypt and are relieved to have completed it.

Our amazing IB girls Angie - Year 12 and Ava and Vy - Year 11 have just completed their IB exam blocks and did a great job! All came back confident and excited that they’re one exam closer to the end of the road.

Quote of the Week

Anonymous Staff member received a passionate reply from Jackie - Year 10 to an autocorrected email request for their “eatings” rather than their “readings”…

"This week, I have been snacking on a few extra chocolates and sweets to pump up my energy during school/excursions. Specifically, marvellous creations and jolly ranchers. Lilli and I raided the American sweets store in Chatswood when we were visiting Rachel, so we are stocked up on all the foreign candies!"

Head of House Megan was so excited she introduced Sophie’s Mum Emma to girls as “the mother of the Bride”; instead of “the mother of our 2025 Kambala new Head Girl”!

Boarding Bytes

Issue 5 · 06 Jun 2024

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