Junior School
*2027 Kambala Scholarships are open
Applications are welcomed from girls currently enrolled at Kambala or attending other schools.
Click here to learn more about the scholarships on offer and how to apply. Click here to apply.
All scholarship enquiries are to be directed to Mrs Tracy Mulligan, Director of Enrolments.
Mr Coppin's Book Club
The long-term benefits of focus and attention, as explored in Stolen Focus, are profound and far-reaching. When individuals—especially children—cultivate the ability to concentrate deeply and resist distractions, they unlock what can truly be described as a superpower. The capacity to direct one’s attention purposefully not only supports academic success but also strengthens problem-solving abilities, creativity, and emotional regulation. Over time, these skills nurture greater resilience, deeper relationships, and a stronger sense of fulfilment, as individuals learn to be fully present in their interactions and experiences. Ultimately, developing focus contributes to a more balanced, intentional, and successful life.
For parents, Johann Hari’s insights highlight the importance of creating environments that nurture this “attention superpower.” He recommends limiting screen time—particularly before bedtime—and establishing routines that emphasise single-task activities such as reading together, engaging in creative play, or spending time outdoors. By modelling focused behaviour, for example turning off phones during family time, parents can help children understand the value of being present and resisting distractions.
To further strengthen children’s attention, parents can introduce mindfulness practices like deep breathing or quiet reflection to help them regain focus after periods of distraction. Regular breaks from technology and plenty of opportunities for physical activity also enhance concentration. By consciously prioritising focus and presence in their children’s lives, parents can empower them to harness their attention—one of the greatest superpowers for thriving in school and beyond.
Year 5 Drama Excursion - Bangara Dance Theatre Company
On Friday 17 October, Year 5 went on their first ever Drama excursion to Bangara Dance Theatre Company in Dawes Point. Prior to the show, we enjoyed our lunch at Barangaroo reserve overlooking Sydney Harbour before walking to the theatre.
The show The Bogong’s song: A call to Country followed the story of a brother and sister who are swept into a dream that becomes a portal to their Dreaming. Pulled by the magnetism of the Bogong Moth they journey into an extraordinary world where Country shares its secrets.
The Bogong’s Song was an interactive and immersive experience. The performance incorporated script, lighting, projection, set, costumes, props, puppets and sound to evoke the characters, colours, music and rhythms of nature, transforming the stage into the environment of Australia’s high country, opening up a fluid and creative space for imagination and play.
Some of our Year 5 students shared their thoughts after the show;
“I liked how they engaged the audience and had us join in with part of the performance.” - Alaia Benko
“I loved the funny moments in the story, especially the lizard and his potato chip packet” - Madeleine Peters-Brown
“I liked the excursion because it showed how sacred the Bogong Moth is to the Indigenous Australians” - Molly Wang
“The shadow puppets were really cool, how they shifted the shadows was really clever. I loved the way they mapped it out” - Lingyi Jiang
“I loved the whole play; the whole back story was great” - Georgie Ross
“The acting, singing and dancing were amazing” - Georgie Dahdah
“I like how it all connected at the end, and the storyline was great” - Minnie Dewar & Ruby Lowe
“I liked how they mentioned that every small creature matters.” - Imogen Jones
“I loved that they called us Bush Critters and that they had one mission, and it was explored through dance” - Eve Drew
I believe exposing students to live theatre is incredibly important and I was thrilled to hear the performance was so well received.
Anna Derrig
Head of Curriculum Experiences
Number-a-thon
We are excited to announce that girls in the Junior School will be participating in a Number-a-thon this year; the benefits of which are enormous. The Number-a-thon helps the girls to better remember and embed their learning in number facts, builds mathematical fluency and raises money for students less fortunate than us. The funds raised will go to St Jude’s School in Tanzania. Each year Gemma Sisia, the foundress of the school, comes to Kambala to share her inspirational story with the girls.
On Monday of Week 3, every student from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be given a number fact list appropriate for their year level and level of ability. The girls will then be tested on their number fact list over the course of Week 6 (commencing Monday 17 November). Girls’ results in the Number-a-thon will contribute to their House Points. The House with the best overall number fact results will be rewarded with a fun movie lunch at the end of Term 4.
Our girls are asked to find friends or relatives who will be sponsors and record their information and donation on the sponsor sheet. Sponsors can either nominate an amount ‘per correct number fact’ or pledge a donation. Sponsorship money will be due by the end of Week 7 of Term 4 (Friday 28 November). Please return funds raised to your daughter’s class teacher.
Happy calculating!