From the Deputy Principal - Head of Junior School Logo
From the Deputy Principal - Head of Junior School
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From Mr Coppin

The Power of Participation – Showing Up is Half the Battle!

On Friday 20 February 2026, our Swimming Carnival was a wonderful celebration of courage, commitment and House spirit. At Kambala, we proudly foster a culture of excellence, but what truly warmed my heart was seeing students who may not have considered themselves the strongest swimmers step up and give their very best. There was something incredibly special about watching a student begin the day feeling hesitant, only to finish beaming with a handful of ribbons or a personal-best performance. These moments reminded us that success isn’t just about winning, it’s about growth, determination, and the courage to try.

 

The true champions of the Swimming Carnival were those who pushed past their doubts and stepped onto the starting blocks for the good of their House. Whether it was finishing a race well ahead of last year’s result or simply taking part despite initial reluctance, every effort counted. Their stories inspired us all, proving that participation, perseverance, and House spirit matter just as much as talent.  Congratulations to Roseby House who won the Junior School Swimming Carnival.

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As we now look ahead to our Cross Country Carnival on Thursday 5 March 2026, we are reminded that the same spirit will carry us forward. Cross country provides another opportunity for students to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zones, and contribute to their House in meaningful ways. Whether striving for a personal best or simply aiming to complete the course, every participant will play a vital role in building a supportive and inclusive school community.

 

Encouraging our students to take part in both the Swimming and Cross Country Carnivals, regardless of skill level, fosters resilience, camaraderie, and self-belief. These events are more than competitions; they are powerful experiences that strengthen character and confidence. Girls who embrace these challenges learn the value of persistence, goal-setting, and personal growth. Showing up and giving their best effort, despite doubts or nerves, cultivates a mindset that extends far beyond sport.

 

Moreover, these carnivals unite students in shared experiences where every lap, stroke, and step contributes to the collective energy of the day. Cheering for peers, supporting teammates, and feeling the pride of participation strengthens friendships and deepens a sense of belonging. When girls take part, they inspire others to do the same, proving that courage, enthusiasm, and determination matter just as much as natural ability.

We look forward to seeing that same determination and House pride on display at the Cross Country Carnival on Thursday 5 March.

Kindergarten Literacy & Numeracy Presentation

It was wonderful to see so many families join us for our Kindergarten Literacy and Numeracy Webinar this past Monday. At this stage of development, we are not just teaching learners to count, read and write; we are helping them create the foundational ‘building blocks’ that will support them for years to come. During the session, we undertook a deep dive into the early years curriculum and ways that we set Kindergarten students up for success at Kambala.

 

Missed the Live Session? If you weren't able to tune in live, or if you simply want to revisit some of the strategies to use at home, you can watch the full video recording on the Kindergarten Sundial page.

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

Wed 11 March- Writing 

 

Thursday 12 March- Reading

 

Friday 13 March - Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)

 

Tuesday 17 March- Numeracy

 

Year 5

Wed 11 March- Writing

 

Thursday 12 March- Reading

 

Friday 13 March  - Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)

 

Friday 20 March- Numeracy

Years 4 - 6 Term 2 2026 Saturday Sports Choice

We are pleased to share the Term 2, 2026 sports options for students in Years 4-6. You can access the official letter detailing all available choices here.

 

Please review the document carefully, as it outlines multiple sports options. At the bottom of each section, you will find a link to the Google registration form, which must be completed to secure your child’s participation.

 

The registration deadline is Wednesday March 11, by 4:00pm.

 

The available sports for Term 2, 2026, include:

  • IPSHA Netball
  • Touch Football Clinics 

For skiing and snowboarding, please email kath_sambell@kambala.nsw.edu.au  if you require any information regarding the competitions for students in years K-12 during the last week of the July School Holidays.

Junior School Music Festival 2026 Information for Parents

Students in Year 5 and Year 6 will be performing at the Kambala Festival of Music, which takes place from 7.00pm on Tuesday evening 3 March 2026 at the Sydney Opera House. The performance concludes between 9.45pm – 10.00pm.

 

This is a compulsory event for students in Year 5 and Year 6.

 

Tuesday 3 March 2026 will be a school day for students in Year 5 and Year 6 with the usual 8.20am commencement time.  At 3.00pm, Year 5 and Year 6 students will then depart  Kambala on buses for an after school rehearsal which will take place at the Sydney Opera House.

 

We then ask parents to meet their daughters at 5.00pm at the Foyer of the Sydney Opera House and remain in the Circular Quay vicinity to have an early dinner. 

 

Junior School Students will then return to the Opera House to be seated at 6.45pm ready for the concert to commence  at 7.00pm.    

 

Wednesday 4 March 2026 is a late start for Year 5 and Year 6 students who have performed at the Festival of Music and they are permitted to arrive at Wednesday Recess time - between 10.05am  and 10.25am. 

 

  • Massie sisters attending the Festival of Music must wear summer uniform.
  • Students will leave their school bags at school overnight and only take their water bottles with them for the Festival of Music.
  • The Year 5 and Year 6 students will be provided with an afternoon snack and refreshment prior to their 3.00pm bus departure to the Sydney Opera House. 
  • Students should attend school on Tuesday 3 March 2026  in school uniform (with blazers in the event it is cool in the Opera House).
  • There will be no sport or extracurricular for students in Year 5 and Year 6 after school on Tuesday 3 March 2026.
  • Parents will need to reserve two complimentary tickets via the link sent on Monday 16 February via email. Tickets were on sale from Wednesday 18 February at 1pm.
  • At the end of the Festival of Music, parents of students in Year 5 and 6 will collect their daughters from the stalls seating area. Please do not arrange to meet your daughter outside the auditorium; we must know that she has left safely with an adult. Please refrain from stepping onto the stage.
  • Year 5 and Year 6 students should then arrive on Wednesday 4 March with their lunch (if not ordered from Canteen) as their school bags will remain in their classrooms overnight.
  • Year 5 and Year 6 Students requiring to arrive before recess on Wednesday 4 March will have access to supervision in the Junior School Library. If you would like to nominate your daughter for supervision please access the link and complete the online form by CLICKING HERE.
  • Arrangements will be confirmed  in the coming days for the small number of  students participating in the IPSHA Swimming Carnival at SOPAC during the day on Tuesday 3 March. 

Thank you for your support.  The Kambala Festival of Music promises to be a wonderful evening for our parents and students.

Kind regards

Stuart Coppin 

Deputy Principal - Head of Junior School 

Junior School Events

Please see the next page for exciting Junior School Events and Dates for your Calendars!