Senior School
The Power of Participation
This week at Kambala has been a reminder of the importance of participation. When girls step forward, whether in classrooms, on fields or on stage, they contribute to something larger than themselves. Participation is how confidence grows, how community is strengthened and how our girls learn that their presence and their voice matter.
Our Festival of Music offered a beautiful expression of this. With every girl belonging to a house choir, the evening was a celebration not only of musical talent, but of shared effort and belonging. Student-led with outstanding leadership from our Year 12 girls, the event reflected a deep sense of agency and sisterhood. Congratulations to all of our students.
A similar spirit was evident at Cross Country, where the focus was not simply on times or placings, but on encouragement, determination and personal bests.
It was fitting that the week concluded with the global celebration of International Women’s Day, this year marked by the theme Balance the Scales. At our Senior School Assembly, we were privileged to welcome back Kambala Old Girl Dr Annie Handmer (Class of 2011). Annie’s journey since leaving Kambala has taken her from studying Philosophy and the History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney, to international fellowships, investment banking, and ultimately to an award-winning PhD exploring how law can respond to the growing challenge of space debris. Today, as Satellite Policy and Industry Engagement Manager at Optus Satellite and Space Systems, Annie works at the intersection of science, policy and global connectivity, shaping how satellite technology supports communication and security around the world.
In her address, Annie spoke candidly about the structures and systems that were not originally designed with women in mind. Her message was both honest and empowering: progress requires participation. Change happens when women step forward, contribute their ideas and refuse to sit quietly on the sidelines. It was a powerful call to action for our students and a fitting reminder that the habit of participation we nurture at school, in choirs, on cross country courses, in assemblies and classrooms, is not incidental. A reminder to all of our girls: your participation matters.
Samantha Gooch
Deputy Principal – Pastoral Care
School Drop Off
We kindly remind our Senior School families that our preference is for students to travel to school using public transport wherever possible. This helps to reduce traffic congestion in the local area, supports environmental sustainability, and encourages the independence that is such an important part of the Senior School years.
Parents of Senior School students are also asked not to drop off on Tivoli Avenue. In particular, we have observed instances of U-turns in this area, which create a safety risk for students entering the school.
We appreciate your support in helping to keep our community safe.
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Over the past two months, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of partaking in the rehearsal process for our upcoming production of Picnic at Hanging Rock. This experience has been truly eye-opening. Our cast spans from Year 7 to Year 12, and together, we’ve built incredible friendships and memories that I know will last long after curtain call.
Based on Joan Lindsay’s celebrated novel, this play is a psychological thriller full of mystery. It follows the chilling disappearance of a group of schoolgirls and their teacher at the Rock, and the absolute chaos that ensues in the aftermath. It’s a haunting period piece that explores the unknown in the heart of the Australian bush.
Being part of this ensemble has been an honour; I’m working alongside such talented actors who bring so much depth to this story. I know that this show is going to be unforgettable.
Tickets are officially on sale now! Please invite your friends and family to join us for an evening of suspense.
Eloise Cowper
Year 10
Festival of Music 2026
Earlier this month, the Kambala community gathered in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House for our annual Festival of Music. This greatly anticipated event remains a highlight of the school’s musical calendar, bringing together students from Years 5 to 12 in a celebration of music, performance and house spirit.
The evening featured outstanding performances from our flagship ensembles, our Senior Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Kambala Jazz Orchestra and our 5&6 Combined Choir, reflecting the dedication, preparation and musicianship of our students. The high standard across the program was a testament to the commitment shown throughout the year.
A central feature of the evening was, of course, the House Music Competition, in which each house presented a student directed instrumental item and two choral works. The performances demonstrated impressive musical leadership and collaboration.
My sincere thanks go to all students who performed, conducted, accompanied and supported the event. I also acknowledge the work of the Music staff and the wider Kambala community in making the evening such a success. The Festival of Music continues to be a wonderful celebration of our shared musical life, and finally, congratulations to Gurney, who were awarded the overall House Music title this year.
Mr Gene Clark
Director of Music P-12
First Sisterhood Circle of 2026
On Friday 6th March, as part of our International Women’s Day celebrations, students from Year 1 to Year 12 gathered for their very first Sisterhood Circle of 2026. The Circles, which are now in their second year, are a place for our girls to strengthen their sense of connection across the Kambala community. With oversight from our Athena Circle Year 12 Leaders, the program is entirely student-led, creating small “Kambala families” where girls from different year levels can meet, share experiences, and build relationships beyond their usual peer groups.
The first session centred on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Balance the Scales. Students began by contributing to a collaborative “Legacy Piece,” reflecting on a woman or girl who has helped make life fairer, safer, or kinder for others. Some girls wrote reflections, while others created drawings capturing the impact these women have had in their lives.
The rooms quickly filled with thoughtful conversation, as students shared their stories in small groups, exploring the dispositions that help create change, such as courage, kindness, persistence, and leadership.
Across the School, the Circles were full of energy, reflection and connection. Younger students relished the opportunity to spend time with their older ‘sisters’, while senior students stepped confidently into their roles as mentors and leaders.
Sisterhood Circles will continue throughout the year, nurturing friendships across year levels and strengthening the sense of sisterhood that sits at the heart of Kambala.
Paige Zavaglia
Head of Wellbeing Curriculum
Sheridan Sweeney
Deputy Head of Junior School
Kambala Italy/Austria Music Tour
The Music Tour girls recently came together for their very first official get-together, marking the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable journey. The occasion was filled with excitement as they posed for their tour publicity photos, capturing the enthusiasm and camaraderie that already defines the group. It was a wonderful opportunity for the performers to connect, share their anticipation, and begin preparing for the incredible experiences ahead. Rehearsals are beginning in Week 7.
In September and October, the girls will embark on an international music tour to Italy and Austria. During their time in Europe, they will not only perform in a variety of stunning venues but also immerse themselves in the rich musical heritage of these culturally vibrant countries. The tour will include individual concerts, performances in beautiful historic churches, and several prestigious high-profile events.
Beyond the performances, the tour offers a unique educational and cultural experience. The students will have the chance to listen to world-class music, explore iconic European cities, and deepen their understanding of the global music tradition.
Peter Sagar
Kambala Music Tour Organiser
The Duty of Memory: Preserving the Bondi Memorial Collection
Before my time at Kambala, I worked for the Archive of Australian Judaica (AAJ). Founded on 4 July1983 as a Special Collection within the Fisher Library at The University of Sydney, it was an extraordinary repository where I collaborated closely with researchers and the Jewish community. This significant collection, comprising 500 shelf metres of material, was eventually amalgamated into the Australian Jewish Historical Society (AJHS), led by my colleague, Head Archivist, Sabrina Elias.
In the wake of the tragic shooting at Bondi, I reached out to my former colleagues and friends to offer my condolences and archival support. Last week, Sabrina and I worked together to clean and rehouse artefacts from the Bondi memorial. These materials had been gathered by Sabrina, staff from AJHS, the Sydney Jewish and Holocaust Museum, as well as a dedicated group of volunteers to be preserved for posterity.
Of the 1,266 items collected, Sabrina and I processed 200 with the utmost care, cleaning each artefact and placing them into protective mylar sleeves in preparation for digitisation. Archives do more than store records; they preserve the very soul of our history. While some collections are born from profound trauma, we have a duty to protect them. These primary sources are essential for establishing truth and ensuring that even in our darkest moments, the stories of those we lost are never forgotten.
Working on this collection was a journey of profound sadness, but it is, above all, a testament to the human spirit. There is a well-known saying to 'look for the helpers' in times of tragedy, and as I cleaned each item, I saw them everywhere. Every artifact was more than a record of grief—it was a tangible expression of love from each individual to the Jewish community, and all of Australia.
As an archivist and a Bondi local, my heart remains broken for the victims and all those affected by this senseless act of violence. If you would like to help support the ongoing work of the AJHS in preserving our history, please consider making a donation.
Ms Laura Carmichael
Archivist
How One Year 12 Student Brought Humanity to Life Through Service
At Kambala, we often speak of the importance of service. Year 12 student Mila is showing us what that looks like when empathy is paired with action.
Since Year 9, Mila has been a dedicated volunteer with the Recreational Sports and Aquatic Club (RSAC), a charity dedicated to providing sporting opportunities for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. What started as Saturday morning tennis coaching in Sydney’s western suburbs has grown into a leadership role that is changing the landscape of inclusive sport in Australia.
Last year, Mila organised a large-scale charity pickleball tournament that brought together corporate sponsors and community members. She successfully pitched to major sponsors including Guzman y Gomez and ANZ. The event raised an extraordinary $37,000 which will enable RSAC to launch a brand-new inclusive sports program.
Mila also brought eight Kambala students to the RSAC Women’s Summer Camp in Narrabeen. For many, it was their first meaningful connection with the disability community. Through this experience, Mila enabled her peers to bring Kambala’s value of Humanity to life, witnessing firsthand the joy and impact of inclusive sport.
As Mila considers studying in the United States for university, her commitment to service remains strong. She is also working alongside Ms Negri, Leader of Experiential & Service Learning, to ensure Kambala’s partnership with RSAC continues to grow for future students.
Congratulations, Mila, on your meaningful contribution. Your example challenges all of us to ask: how can we use our own talents to make a meaningful difference?
Ian Pettit
Future Pathways Advisor
