Senior School 

Whole School Survey

In support of our school improvement process, Kambala has provided an opportunity for parents (Hampshire House to Year 12) and students (Year 5 - Year 12) to provide feedback relating to their views of the school across a number of areas.

Last week MMG Education invited parents to complete a questionnaire,  which remains open until Sunday 7 June 2026. The Senior School students will be completing their questionnaire today. 

At the conclusion of the research period, MMG will provide Principal Danvers with a report. There will be opportunities for members of the school community to receive feedback from the research.

In anticipation, we thank you for the valuable contribution you will be making by completing the questionnaire.

“Carry the Baton with Courage, and Pass it on with Care”

At our Assembly following the Senior School Athletics Carnival, Stephanie Levy, mother of Head Prefect Scarlett Levy, addressed students with a message that captured the deeper significance of such days. Reflecting on sport, leadership and community, she reminded our girls that while athletics teaches us to “run our own race”, it also teaches us that “you can run your own race and still cheer your heart out for the girl beside you.” Her reflections on courage, character and the responsibility of “passing the baton” between year groups resonated deeply with students and staff alike. 

For the full address, click here

The Carnival itself was marked by exceptional attendance, spirited participation and wholehearted House support, with girls embracing every opportunity to contribute both on and off the field. Under clear blue skies, the day demonstrated the energy, encouragement and grit that characterise girls’ education at Kambala. Congratulations to our athletes, many of whom put aside hours to train and prepare. A special mention to Year 7, whose outstanding attendance and participation were recognised with a celebratory ice cream lunch the following week! 

This same spirit of leadership and service is embodied in Kambala’s newly announced Student Executive for 2026/27. These students have been entrusted by their peers to serve the school in its highest student leadership capacity, carrying forward the traditions, values and sense of sisterhood that define the Kambala experience.

During the election process, Ms Danvers and I had the pleasure of attending an evening with our Boarders in the Tivoli Dining Room, where Year 11 students shared their vision for Boarding House leadership and community life. The thoughtfulness, warmth and clarity of purpose shown by the candidates reflected the strong culture of belonging fostered within Fernbank and more broadly, across the senior student cohort. Under the leadership of these passionate young women, our community is in caring and capable hands.

Their drive is captured perfectly here by newly appointed Head Prefect Quincy Sheldrick and Deputy Head Prefect Tilly Mathews (2026/2027):

“As the school leaders for the year ahead, our greatest desire is to instil self-belief and confidence in every girl. We want her to know, deep down, that she is capable, that she is valued, and that she is enough.

Every girl that walks through the Kambala school gates is connected by a sisterhood that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. We feel strongly about supporting one another to contribute to a place where we can be pushed beyond boundaries, where mistakes are encouraged… knowing that support structures are there for us when we need them.”

Samantha Gooch

Deputy Principal - Pastoral Care

Year 9 Visual Arts

Last week, Year 9 Visual Arts students participated in an en plein air (outdoor) painting experience on the Harbour View Terrace. Using watered-down oil paint and a limited colour palette, students painted directly from observation to map out the basic forms, shapes, and tonal structure of the landscape.

Students will continue developing these oil paintings throughout the term, applying their growing understanding of colour mixing, value, and oil painting techniques. This practical experience was informed by their studies of Australian Impressionist and Modernist landscape artists, who documented the changing light, atmosphere, and rapid industrial growth of Sydney and the Australian environment.

Coco Peirce 

Visual Arts, Design & Technology Teacher

Soubeiran Magazine - Go Digital!

As part of Kambala’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, we are committed to embedding sustainable practices across all areas of school life. 

One important step in this journey is the gradual transition from printed to digital publications, including The Soubeiran Magazine. By reducing printing where possible and embracing digital formats, we aim to minimise our environmental footprint, promote responsible resource use, and ensure our communications are accessible and convenient for our community. This initiative reflects our shared responsibility to care for the planet and support a more sustainable future for the next generation. 

If you would like to receive a digital copy ONLY of The Soubeiran Magazine, please scan below or click here.

Rebecca Hambour

Head of Marketing, Communications and Engagement

STEM - Hampshire House Initiative

Once every two weeks, while Senior School relaxes during lunches, the STEM committee visits Hampshire House to conduct STEM workshops. These workshops consist of 3-4 activities ranging from paddle pop sticks to marshmallows to boats, where many of the older girls were able to build meaningful connections while fostering a shared eagerness to learn. Our youngest students have used the most of these opportunities to interact with the different fields of STEM, sparking an early interest and curiosity which I am sure many will carry through to Junior and Senior School. 

Our first Hampshire House Lunchtime was on the 11th of May where lots of food colouring, oils, bubbles and shapes excited many children but also provoked a deeper questioning in the scientific and mathematical concepts of chemistry, light and geometry. The STEM committee was particularly helpful in engaging and building upon the seeds of fascination in which a sisterhood was formed through a collective endeavour for new insights. 

Overall, the Hampshire House is one of my favourite initiatives to nurture and lead as a STEM Prefect and I cannot wait to return back with my committee in the next 2 weeks!

Danica Zheng

STEM Prefect

Rostrum Voice of Youth Regional Finals: Congratulations Leyla Saurajen

A special congratulations to Leyla Saurajen (Year 9) who was awarded Runner Up in the prestigious Rostrum Voice of Youth Regional Finals Competition earlier this month. 

On the evening of Tuesday the 5th May, Leyla competed in the Rostrum Voice of Youth Regional Finals held at Easts Leagues Club, Bondi. Competitors of this round were required to present to a 6-minute prepared speech as well as a 3-minute impromptu speech on one of three unseen topics. 

In her prepared speech she delivered a powerful and thought-provoking address detailing the impact of antisemitism across the globe. Along with it she presented a compelling call to action, encouraging audiences to actively challenge anti-semitism within their social and school communities.  

Leyla’s impromptu speech topic for this final was ‘A Great Entertainer’, whereby she explored the ethical concerns surrounding the growing prevalence of child exploitation across social media platforms, persuading audiences to make more conscious and responsible choices regarding the content they consume and support. 

A special congratulations to Leyla who was awarded Runner Up of the Rostrum Voice of Youth Regional Final. We commend Leyla on her extraordinary dedication to her competition preparations, as well as the engaging and inspiring performances she delivered at every stage. Congratulations Leyla!

Victoria Tsingos 

Public Speaking Coordinator

A Glimpse of College Life at St John's

On Monday, May 11th from 5.30-7.30pm a group of Kambala Girls and I were invited to visit St John’s Residential College, at the University of Sydney and participate in one of their weekly formal dinners. 

We were able to meet some of the current residents which included some past Kambala girls who gave us some advice on the admissions process and told us about their experience at Johns. We were then given a tour of the college, which looked like Hogwarts, around their libraries, chapels, dining hall and common areas. 

After the tour, we took part in the formal dinner. There was an opera singer and student announcements which allowed us to experience the college atmosphere. After the formal dinner, we were lucky enough to be shown the rooms by the Kambala old girls, including Soh. They explained how everyone at johns has an open-door policy to foster connection and socialising amongst the residents. 

This experience really allowed all of us to get a glimpse at what life would be like if we went to St John’s college and was highly insightful in helping us understand the foundations, values, and strong sense of community that the college is built upon.

Eden Pitt

Year 12

Rock Concert - Senior School May

The annual mid-year Rock Concert was held on the 6th of May 2026 in the Performance Theatre, showcasing an incredible evening of talent from students across Years 8 to 12. The audience was captivated by an excitingly diverse setlist featuring performances of Beaches by Beabadoobee, Rein Me In by Sam Fender, Billie Eilish’s My Future, Tears Dry On Their Own by Amy Winehouse and many more. A subtle Fleetwood Mac theme was woven throughout the evening that brought a nostalgic energy to the concert, particularly through the stunning performances of Gypsy and Silver Springs. 

The night concluded with an unforgettable performance of Pompeii by Bastille, where the entire audience joined in clapping and singing along, creating the perfect end to the concert. Congratulations to all the performers and bands, Paranormal, Sunsetz09, Blue Hour, Six Degrees, Wishbone, The Melodies and The Year 9 & 10 Bands, who dedicated their time and effort into weekly rehearsals. A heartfelt thank you must also go to the Music staff and band directors, Mrs Mitchell, Mr Amalm, Mr Clark, and Mr Karamanos. Without their hard work behind the scenes, nights like these would not be possible. 

Alicia Lincoln-Smith Yr 12

Music Committee