Senior School 

Humanity in Action: Senior School Assembly

At a recent Senior School Assembly, our students exemplified Humanity in Global Mindedness—a core Kambala value that celebrates listening to diverse perspectives and advocating with purpose.

Year 12 IB students shared their Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) experiences, highlighting how service fosters empathy, leadership and global awareness. Their projects spanned local and international causes, all aimed at creating meaningful impact.

Students raised nearly $28,500 for cancer research through 86K for a Cure and the March Charge, committing to physical challenges throughout the month. Others supported the School for Life Foundation, volunteering at its gala to assist with logistics and fundraising efforts for education in Kenya.

One CAS group co-organised a chamber concert at Mark Moran Aged Care, showcasing performances from students in Years 5–12. The intergenerational event sparked conversation and connection, particularly among Kambala Old Girls and former mothers now residing at the facility.

Other service initiatives included volunteering for Story Factory, where students led weekly online creative writing workshops for primary children, and Smith Family’s Student2Student program, where a student read with younger peers to build literacy and confidence.

A student-led partnership with the Country Education Foundation raised funds and awareness to support ambitious young women in rural Australia, helping to remove barriers to education and opportunity.

The assembly also featured an IB alumna whose reflections showed how Kambala’s service culture influenced her post-school path. She reflected on how her service experiences helped shape her GAP year with The Greater Good, working on sustainable solutions to nappy waste in Samoa.

These diverse efforts illustrate how one group of students live out Humanity in Global Mindedness—using their voices to serve with empathy, connect across cultures, and lead with purpose. 

Ms Carolyn Gedling

Deputy Principal - Academic

Introducing the 2025/2026 Senior Leaders and House Officers

Our Prefect Team and newly appointed Senior Leaders began their term with an energising leadership induction workshop, a day filled with shared ideas, teamwork, and imagining the future of our Senior School together.

Following the appointment of our Prefects, it is with great pleasure that we introduce Kambala’s 2025/26 Senior Leaders and House Officers. These students will play an important role in shaping the year ahead, working alongside our Prefects to enhance student life, and supporting our House Prefects in fostering House spirit and a strong sense of belonging.

We congratulate these students - they have been recognised by their peers for their capacity to serve, to take action and to uphold the trust placed in them by our community. Their leadership will be about collaboration, service and inclusion, acknowledging that every student contributes to the life and culture of Kambala.

Ms Samantha Gooch

Deputy Principal - Pastoral

Subject Selection

Year 8 students must choose three electives to study from the following subject offerings, all of which support students wishing to study either the HSC or IB Diploma pathway in the future;

• Commerce
• Design and Technology
• Drama
• History Elective
• Languages (French, Latin, and Mandarin)
• Music
• Philosophy
• Photographic and Digital Media
• Sport Science
• Visual Arts

Year 10 students have recently concluded interviews with Mr. Knox (Head of Academic Life), Mr. Bird (Head of IB) and Mr. Pettit (Future Pathways Advisor). These 15-minute interviews are a valuable opportunity for the girls to discuss key considerations such as the differences between the HSC and IB Diploma pathways, syllabus requirements, subject combinations and workloads, and how their selections might align with future career or tertiary study plans.

Further information about curriculum choices can be found on the Curriculum Information tile on Sundial.

Mr Sebastien Knox

Head of Academic Life

Volunteers Needed: HSC Examinations

Every year NESA approves provisions to support students with disability to access their Final HSC Examinations on the same basis as their peers. Kambala’s supportive and inclusive schooling environment ensures that practical arrangements are provided in line with NESA Guidelines. These provisions can include the use of a reader and/or writer to support individual student needs.

The Learning Enrichment Team are looking for volunteers to act as readers and/or writers to support our Year 12 students during their Final HSC Examinations. 

Readers and Writers:

Readers may be approved for students whose disability prevents them from independently reading and/or comprehending written questions.

Writers may be approved for students whose disability prevents them from independently communicating their responses in a handwritten format. 

Due to the nature of service, all reader/writers must be acting in a voluntary capacity.

Qualities that a  Reader or Writer should have:

A reader or writer should have:

• the ability to communicate clearly in English with a sufficient literacy level
• an understanding of the subject(s) being examined
• clear, legible handwriting (if writing for the student)
• a willingness to spend time practising with the student
• patience and sensitivity
• an understanding of the need to maintain confidentiality and an ability to do so
• a Working With Children Check for volunteers 

If you are interested in applying please scan the QR Code below or clickhere to apply.

Not able to volunteer yet, but know someone who may be interested? 

Please share this information with your contacts.

Oxford Summer School Tour 2025

Our time in London was an unforgettable start to the program. From the moment we landed, we were immersed in the city’s energy and history. We visited iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster, and the Houses of Parliament, followed by a ride on the London Eye with breathtaking views over the Thames. We also explored the city’s cultural side from the British Museum’s ancient artefacts to the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Shopping in Carnaby Street and exploring Regent Street gave us a taste of modern London life. The evenings were just as special. We were lucky enough to see WICKED and Les Misérables in the West End. Each night ended with delicious dinners and lots of laughter with friends, a perfect way to wind down after full days of sightseeing. London gave us the chance to bond as a group, learn beyond the classroom, and appreciate how much history, culture, and excitement one city can hold. 

There were four campuses where Kambala was spread across in Oxford: St Hugh’s, St Peters, Balliol and Queens. We authors attended St Hugh’s which teaches law, business, and film with hands-on experience, acting out trial cases, creating your own business, and all the way to producing and acting in your own film. We learnt about law with our experienced teacher, Marcus Choy.  He also taught us the steps of a trial by having us solve a case and then act out a mock trial which gave us experience of being a lawyer or witness in a trial. We would never believe that in two weeks, we would’ve learnt so much about law and how intricate it is, especially when it contradicts itself or brings inconsistency through social morality and ethics. What we experienced in Oxford Royale really opened our eyes and revealed to us that the law isn’t just about rules, but about interpretation, context, and ethical dilemmas. 

The Oxford Royale program involved students from all across the world, ranging from the ages of 13-15 on our campus. Each day after all our classes we would have time to hang around with our friends and participate in sports and leisure activities. These activities ranged from arts and crafts, sports, and walking tours of the City of Oxford. On the weekend, we were given off campus days. For us, Saturday was dedicated to shopping at Westgate (the shopping centre in Oxford City), and on Sunday we went on an excursion to Warwick Castle. Each meal was in a large dining hall, giving us loads of space to be able to sit, eat and talk with our friends. There was lots of free time to hang out with our newly made friends on campus. Before curfew, we would have to attend an evening shout, where the Counsellors would let us know the activities on for the next day. Some days, between dinner and evening shout, we were allowed off campus, to go to either Summertown or Westgate, where we would get fast food and restock our snacks for our rooms. 

On the last day, after our graduation, everyone got together on the main lawn to hang out for the last few hours that we had together. Music was blasting and smiles were plastered on everyone's faces. The following morning was the day that everyone would be leaving. Lots and lots of tears were shed as we said goodbye to the memories that we had made over the past 2 weeks. The Oxford experience was more than just studying overseas – we’ve made memories and long-lasting friendships that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.

Finally, a huge thanks to Miss Mac, Ms Laytham, and Mr Cheung for organising and looking after us on this amazing tour!

Micaela Doobov,  Zoe Terkasher and Victoria Wang - Year 9 

Women in Finance Success for Kambala Year 11 Students

Two Kambala Year 11 students have achieved outstanding success in securing coveted places in UBS’s prestigious student leadership programs. Chloe van Onselen has been selected for the UBS Young Women’s Leadership Academy, while Cecilia Wang has been accepted into the UBS Finance Academy.

Both programs are designed to give high-achieving students a unique, insider perspective into the world of global banking and finance, while fostering the next generation of female leaders in the industry.

Chloe van Onselen will attend the UBS Young Women’s Leadership Academy from 7–9 October 2025. This immersive three-day program offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at how a global bank operates, with a focus on empowering young women to pursue careers in finance. Chloe will engage in hands-on learning activities, including trading simulations, workshops, networking events, and mentorship sessions with leading women in finance.

“I am extremely excited to take part in this program and gain a deeper insight into the finance industry and the opportunities available for women,” Chloe said.

Cecilia Wang will participate in the UBS Finance Academy from 30 September – 2 October 2025. This three-day experience is designed to build students’ confidence and broaden their understanding of the financial sector through experiential learning, professional development workshops, and mentorship from industry experts.

UBS, a global financial powerhouse with over 100,000 employees in more than 50 countries, is committed to nurturing young talent and fostering diversity within the finance industry. Both programs seek students who demonstrate strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, as well as a passion for making a meaningful impact in the banking sector.

Kambala congratulates both students on their selection and looks forward to seeing them thrive as they take these exciting first steps into the world of global finance.

Mr Ian Pettit 

Kambala - Future Pathways Advisor

Wind and Jazz Band Evening 

Last week, the annual Winds and Jazz Band concert took place in the Alexander Hall. Brass and woodwind instrumentalists, ranging from Years 5-12, performed pieces that amazed the audience that night.

To initiate the evening, our youngest performers, the Tivoli Wind Ensemble, conducted by Mr Birchall, performed two delightful pieces. ‘Mickey Mouse March’ and ‘Shadowlands’ setting the energetic atmosphere for the night. This was followed by numerous, unforgettable performances such as Kambala Stage Band performing ‘Peter Gunn’ and ‘The Chicken’, Joyce Gibbons Wind Orchestra performing ‘New World Symphonette’ and ‘The Medley from Shrek’, and Symphonic Wind Orchestra performing ‘March’ from Holst's Second Suite and ‘El Camino Real’.

Special highlights of the night include the spectacular Kambala Big Band, conducted by Mrs Davy and not one, but two thrilling Year 10 performances. The Year 10 Wind & Brass Class, featuring Quincy Sheldrick, Jasmine Ooi, Jaimie Humphrey, Giselle Overton, and Melody Costi, delivered a vibrant rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, showcasing their individual talents and demonstrating how brass and clarinet can blend beautifully. Meanwhile, the Year 10 Jazz Quartet, Lucy Pan, Gisele Correa, Iris Zheng, and Emma Li, impressed with the fast-paced ‘Veloce’ from Bolling’s Jazz Suite. This chamber ensemble features flute, drum kit, piano, and the school’s newest instrument, the bass flute, reflecting the ever-expanding musical diversity at Kambala.

The Kambala Big Band opened their set with ‘You’re Welcome’ from Moana and ‘Soul Bossa Nova’, showcasing impressive ensemble work under the direction of Mrs Davy. A special highlight was the guest appearance of three talented singers, Coco Manovel, Milla Sleijpen, and Annabelle Shepherd, who joined the band for a captivating performance of ‘Orange Coloured Sky’, highlighting both vocal talent and the ensemble’s skilful accompaniment. The Big Band concluded with a lively rendition of Mamma Mia, leaving the audience thoroughly delighted.

To conclude the exciting night, Kambala Jazz Orchestra performed ‘Blue Rondo Alla Turk’, ‘Blue Skies’, and ‘Uptown Funk’, which is certainly a familiar piece.

Congratulations to all the performers for dedicating their time into rehearsals for such an outstanding evening.  Special thanks to Cacharelle Dan and Nicola Scarlis for their wonderful compering between each performance and to all the private music tutors for their efforts and hard work. And of course, thank you for the ever-supportive audience and parents.

Lucy Pan - Year 10 and Jolie Wu Year 11

Amplifying Kindness

The Senior School Student Representative Committee (SRC) lived into our school value of Respect last week by organising and running a Second-Hand Uniform Fundraiser. The students amplified kindness with this act of service supporting sisterhood with all money raised supporting Yalari scholarships. 

Thank you to all the committee members who help out during the fundraiser on Friday 8 August. Similarly, thank you to everyone who made a purchase on the day. $340 was raised in just one lunchtime and this amazing achievement from the SRC celebrates how small acts can have a big impact and make a difference to our community.

Ms Julie Laytham

Head of Student Life

Aria Calabro - Opera Australia Success

We are thrilled to share that one of our Year 8 students, Aria Calabro, has once again graced the stage with Opera Australia. Following her performance in Tosca last year, Aria is now part of this season’s production of Carmen. Balancing her studies at Kambala with such an ambitious artistic pursuit is no small feat and speaks to Aria's courage and curiosity. 

Principal Danvers, Ms Paige Zavaglia (Head of Year 8), and Ms Madeleine Streater (Wentworth Mentor) had the pleasure of seeing her perform on Saturday evening, to a crowd of over 1500. 

We are incredibly proud of Aria. 

Strings Evening

In late July, the annual Strings and Orchestra Evening was held in the Alexander Hall. A variety of captivating pieces were played by students on string instruments from Massie House to Year 12. To begin the evening, Senior Orchestra performed Trepak and March from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, which set an energetic tone for the evening. Every performance throughout the night was brilliant, such as the Senior String Quartet which performed Mendelssohn's String Quartet Op. 13 movement 1, the Years 5-6 Junior String Ensemble which played Music from Brave, Junior String Quartet which performed Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (movement 1) by Mozart, and the Dulcie Holland Orchestra which played Danse Bacchanale by Saint-Saëns. 

A special highlight of the evening was the recently formed 'Pamela Whyte Strings', which is an ensemble for Year 1 and Year 2 committed violin and cello players, directed by Dr McDonald. Dedicated to Ms Pamela Whyte, a Massie teacher, who wrote the words for the Massie House School Song in 1962, the ensemble played 'Twinkle Twinkle' by Mozart as well as the German folk tune 'Lightly Row'. It was inspiring for the older students to watch the younger girls and see how far they have progressed, as well as for the younger girls to be inspired by older performances. 

To conclude the evening with a bang, students from Years 1 to 12 performed in the 'Combined String Item' - An Ode to Joy by Beethoven, skilfully arranged by Ms Easton. The performance was a major success, and the sound produced from so many string players was outstanding.

Congratulations to all the performers for such a memorable night, and thank you to the audience, private music tutors and the music department staff for your dedication, enthusiasm, hard effort and support. Thank you especially to the directors Mr Benz, Ms Easton, Mr Ingwersen, Mr K, Dr McDonald and Mrs Spencer. We hope to see you all again next year.

Elsie Paton - Year 11

World Environment Day Initiative

In celebration of World Environment Day on the 5 June, the Environment Committee held a Year 7 Earth Day-themed Poster Drawing Competition at lunch in the Art Studio. It was a great chance for Year 7s to meet older girls within the school community and assisted in fostering a stronger bond between younger girls and the Prefects. About 35 Year 7s attended, with one being awarded a blue reusable water bottle at the end. All posters are being put up around the coffee cart/canteen area to show all of the students' artistic talent and celebrate those who came along and participated. Thank you to my great committee, Senior leaders, the Year 7 girls who came, Ms Gooch and Mr Pettit for making it such a successful event! 

Abi Jellins - Year 12

Spring Cello Course

The Adelaide Cello Trio is delighted to present a continuation of its musical journey for young cellists, with a Spring Cello Course to be held in the October school holidays from 6– 8 October 2025 at Kambala. Now in its second year, the course also celebrates the legacy of legendary Hungarian cellist and pedagogue János Starker. 

Join forces with the renowned Swiss cellist Kurt Hess, Sydney cellist John Benz, and Brisbane based cellist André Duthoit (QSO). This is a great chance for cellists of all levels to come together, learn, play, and be inspired. The Spring Cello Course is open for beginners from AMEB Grade 2 level to experienced school age cellists (AMEB Grade 8+).

This exciting three-day program offers a rare opportunity for young cellists to work closely with these internationally acclaimed artists.

Open to school-aged cellists the course includes:

·       Ensemble playing

·       Solo performance opportunities

·       Workshops and masterclasses

·       Technical and musical development

Whether you're a developing beginner or an advanced player, you'll be immersed in the vibrant world of cello playing and performance. It’s a fun, relaxed and supportive environment—perfect for developing skills, making new friends, and deepening a love for the cello.

The Adelaide Cello Trio has been performing together since 2002, with concerts across Europe featuring a wide range of repertoire—from baroque to contemporary works, both original and arranged. Their roots trace back to the renowned Adelaide Cello Ensemble, which began in 1983 and gained international acclaim for its innovative performances and recordings.

Course Schedule

Monday 6th – Wednesday 8th October 2025, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM daily

Final Concert: Wednesday 8 October 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Note: If you're unable to attend on Monday 6 October (public holiday), but would still like to join the course, please contact Mr. Benz to discuss options.

Clickhere for Registrationsand online payment.

For more information, please email Mr Benz at:  john_benz@kambala.nsw.edu.au