Junior School 

The Power of Reading: The Wellbeing Impact of Fiction

In our increasingly fast-paced world, the simple act of sitting with a good book offers more than just entertainment, it can be a powerful tool for wellbeing. Reading fiction, in particular, provides children with the opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes, building empathy, emotional intelligence and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. According to award-winning teacher-librarian and author Megan Daley in her book Raising Readers, stories help children “make sense of their place in the world” by providing emotional scaffolding through characters and plots they can relate to, learn from, and be comforted by.

Daley highlights how fiction cultivates a child’s capacity for connection. When children immerse themselves in story, they engage with complex ideas, confront challenges alongside characters, and learn that emotions such as joy, sadness, fear, resilience, are both universal and manageable. This emotional engagement not only supports literacy development but contributes significantly to a child's mental and emotional wellbeing. Books become safe spaces for children to explore tricky topics, build language for feelings, and experience a sense of belonging through the characters they meet.

Moreover, shared reading moments, whether between parent and child or in the classroom, create rituals that support security and attachment. Daley writes passionately about how these shared stories foster a love of learning and a sense of calm, often providing a soothing counterbalance to busy family lives. In these moments, reading becomes a tool for connection, not just comprehension.

As we nurture our young learners, prioritising fiction is not simply about improving reading skills, it’s about growing kinder, more reflective and resilient humans. With Megan Daley’s work as inspiration, we are reminded of the quiet, transformative power of story in every child’s day.

As we look forward to Book Week our Year 6 parents and students have organised a tasty bake sale to coincide with the Book Week Parade and Picnic and a delightful book raffle (including a copy of Megan Daley's Raising Readers).

Mr Stuart Coppin

Deputy Principal - Head of Junior School

From Nerves to Notes: A Magical Band Evening

Last week, the annual Wind and Jazz Band evening was held in the Alexander Hall. Young musicians performed challenging pieces including Uptown Funk, You're Welcome and Orange Coloured Sky to name a few.

As the crowd flooded in, the performers jittered in their seats, smiling and laughing with excitement. To kick off this incredible night Tivoli Wind Ensemble performed Mickey Mouse March and Shadowlands. As we lifted our instruments ready to play, nerves disappeared. We were given the cue from Mr Birchall and played to our hearts’ content.

Sitting in the audience, waiting for your turn to play was magical. 

As my eyes drifted through the bands the girls all had one thing in common apart from their impeccable uniforms. Everyone had huge grins on their faces. Though I was going over my pieces in my head, the incredible music jumping out from the stage left me tapping my feet and swaying in delight. 

Once I had stood up to play my pieces I began to worry, “What if I muck up my solo” I was constantly telling myself. I was doing it, I was playing! The crowd began to cheer which only fuelled the fire inside of me. An uncontrollable smile took over my face as I saw the lights, crowds and most importantly I saw my family and friends smiling and clapping along. The worry disappeared as the excitement came flooding in. As I sat down after completing the solo I felt an unwavering sense of proudness. 

The concert was jaw dropping. A special thank you to Mrs Davy and Mr Birchall for conducting all of the bands. Congratulations to all performers, and thank you to the audience, private music tutors and music department staff for your dedication and constant support.

Gabriella Harrison and Emily Cullen - Year 6

Book Week Raffle - Win a Basket of Brilliant Books!

Celebrate the joy of reading and support our Year 6 students by entering the Book Week Raffle! You could win a beautifully curated basket of 2025 CBCA Shortlisted titles, along with top reading picks specially selected by Mr Coppin. This wonderful collection includes stories to inspire, entertain and inform readers of all ages.

By purchasing a ticket, you're not only fostering a love of reading at home but also contributing to a special Year 6 fundraising initiative — raising funds for a farewell gift to the Junior School.

The lucky winner will be drawn on Friday 22 August 2025, following our Junior School Book Parade. Don’t miss your chance to take home a treasure trove of books!

Please CLICK HERE to purchase your RAFFLE TICKETS!

Junior School Book Week Parade and Morning Tea Picnic - Friday 22 August 2025 - Tivoli Lawn

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify the supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines.

NCCD information is provided to the Australian Government and includes details about each student’s category of disability and the level of adjustment provided. This information assists schools to formally recognise the support provided to students with disability and to review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

Junior School House Netball and Touch

We will be holding the Junior School House Netball and Touch matches at lunch time on the oval in week 4. The two houses with the highest point score in each sport will progress to the final, which will be held on Friday 12 September, Junior School Open Day. Teams are made up of Year 6 students who play Touch or Netball for Kambala first.  If required, Year 5 students who play netball/touch for Kambala, will be used until the teams are full. 

All girls are asked to bring their sports uniform and runners/touch shoes along on the days they are playing matches. Please come up to the oval at the start of lunch each day.

The dates of the matches are:

Tuesday 12 August - Netball

Wednesday 13 August - Touch

Thursday 14 August - Touch

Friday 19 August - Netball (back up day)

Wednesday 21/22 August - Touch (back up day)

The teams for both House Netball and House Touch can be found here 

Volunteers Needed in Senior School:  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 

Are you ready to apply? Please scan the QR Code or clickhere to apply.

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

Please share this information with your contacts.

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