Junior School
Here’s to Strong Women: May We Know Them, May We Support Them, May We Raise Them
At Kambala, we believe every day is International Women’s Day. Empowering young women is not reserved for a single celebration, it is part of the fabric of daily life at our school. Through meaningful experiences and opportunities, we inspire and equip our girls to step confidently into their futures.
By introducing students to strong female role models across diverse fields, we offer guidance, inspiration and real-world insight into what is possible. At the heart of this is sisterhood, the powerful bond of support, mentorship and encouragement shared between women and girls of all ages.
The United Nations theme for International Women’s Day 2026, “Balance the Scales: A call to ensure equality and a fair go for women and girls across Australia and the world,” strongly reflects our ongoing commitment. At Kambala, we continue to champion this message by nurturing an environment where girls are not only supported, but empowered to lead, innovate and excel. Sisterhood here means lifting one another up, celebrating achievements together and ensuring every girl feels confident to take her place in the world with courage and conviction.
Late last week our Year 5 and Year 6 students attended our International Women’s Day Breakfast, where they heard from three exceptional female leaders:
- Dr Lydia Garside, a Kambala parent and UK-trained paediatrician specialising in paediatric forensics. Dr Garside is Head of Department at the Child Protection Unit at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.
- Isabella Pettiford (OG07), Director of Investor Relations at Five V Capital.
- Sascha Ryner (OG05), Head of Communications at Australian Athletics.
Lydia, Isabella and Sascha each lead in very different fields, yet share a common thread — courage, perseverance and a commitment to excellence. Their reflections on overcoming challenges, embracing leadership and forging their own paths will offer invaluable lessons for our students. Just as importantly, their presence reinforces the power of mentorship, networks and the collective strength found in sisterhood.
At Kambala, we know the true impact of these moments is not defined by a single assembly or event. It is the steady, consistent exposure to strong female role models, mentors and leaders that shapes our students’ aspirations and confidence.
Every day is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood. Since 1887, Kambala girls have been remarkable in the making — and we remain deeply committed to fostering a community where women support, uplift and champion one another for generations to come.
Stuart Coppin
Deputy Principal - Head of Junior School
Junior School Parent Teacher (Zoom) Interviews - Monday 30 March - Thursday 2 April 2026
Parent-Teacher interviews with Class and Specialist teachers will be held during Week 10 of Term 1 (Monday 30 March- Thursday 2 April). Specialist teachers available for Term 1 interviews are:
Year 2- PE and Art
Year 3- PE, Art and Music
Year 4- Music, French, Art
Year 5- Science, French, Drama
Year 6- Science, PE, Drama
Interview times with your daughter’s teachers will be offered both before and after school hours. Most parents find 10 minutes sufficient time for interviews with their daughter’s Class teacher, plus 5 minutes with Specialist teachers and if their daughter’s Maths teacher is not their class teacher (Years 3-6). If you feel that more time is necessary, please contact your daughter’s teacher to arrange a convenient time and date for a longer meeting. You may request interviews at other times throughout the year by contacting teachers directly.
How will these interviews work?
We will continue to utilise Zoom for our interviews as feedback indicates this works best for our busy parents and carers. Parent-Teacher interview bookings can be made using our online booking system at https://kambala.meettheteacher.com/ Once you click on the link you will be directed to the online booking system to schedule your appointment/s. The booking portal will be open from 4.00pm on Thursday 12 March 2026 and will close at 4.00pm on Thursday 26 March 2026. A Parent-Teacher Booking Appointment Guide has been created to assist parents with their bookings. Please click here to access this Guide. Once you have made an appointment time, confirmation of your appointment time will appear on your screen. A confirmation will also be sent to your parent email address. If you need to amend your booking time, please do so via your confirmation email.
On the day of your Appointment
You can access Zoom links for all teachers on your daughter’s Sundial grade page. Teachers will be alerted that you are in the virtual waiting room and will admit parents to begin the appointment at the scheduled time. Every effort to keep to the schedule will be made and we encourage parents to access the Sundial class pages ahead of the scheduled meeting times to support timeliness. Please note if you are running significantly late, you will need to reschedule your appointment as teachers must follow their pre booked interview times with other families. We kindly ask that you respect our teachers’ time and notify them in advance via email if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment time.
ICT support
Should you experience technical difficulties during the event, please access ICT support by clicking on the ICT Support tile on the Sundial homepage. While we are doing all we can to prepare for a smooth experience, we appreciate your flexibility should there be any disruptions.
National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy - NAPLAN 2026 - Year 3 and Year 5
NAPLAN provides an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students have already learnt through the school curriculum. Teachers will provide appropriate support and guidance, including ways to become familiar with the format and functionality of the online platform.
Students in Year 3 will complete the Writing test using pencil and paper. Year 3 students will answer the other test questions on their school iPad. Students in Year 5 will answer all their test questions on their school laptop. All students will need their own headphones.
Preparation at home is not required and can lead to unnecessary anxiety. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure them that NAPLAN tests are just one part of our school’s learning and assessment program, and to advise them to simply do the best they can on the day. A good night’s sleep, punctual school arrival and healthy breakfast are the best ways to set the girls up for success. Students and parents can access the Public Demonstration Site to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN and the types of questions and tools available. Please click on this link - NAPLAN 2026 Information for Parents and Carers- for further information.
Students in Years 3 and 5 will sit the NAPLAN tests on the following dates:
Year 3
Thursday 12 March- Reading
Friday 13 March - Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
Tuesday 17 March- Numeracy
Year 5
Thursday 12 March- Reading
Friday 13 March - Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
Friday 20 March- Numeracy