From Mr Coppin

Raising the Age

In a significant move to promote youth well-being and online safety, the Australian Government has raised the minimum age for access to TikTok and other social media platforms to 16. This policy shift, inspired by the "Raise the Age" campaign, is designed to protect children from the potential risks associated with social media use at a young age. By setting the age limit higher, the government aims to shield younger users from cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the addictive nature of social media, while encouraging more responsible use as they mature. The policy reflects a growing consensus that online platforms, while valuable, need to be accessed by age-appropriate users who can handle the challenges of online interactions.

This new age restriction also addresses increasing concerns among parents, educators, and mental health advocates. Studies have shown that excessive social media use among young people can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. By raising the age limit to 16, the government is taking a proactive approach to safeguard children’s mental health and help ensure they can enjoy a balanced and healthy relationship with technology. These restrictions also push social media companies to develop more reliable age verification systems and enforce stricter regulations, which may set a precedent for other nations considering similar policies.

For parents, especially those with daughters in Junior School, this is a time to stay strong in supporting these age restrictions, despite the popularity of social media among young people. Encouraging children to follow the government’s guidelines can empower them to focus on real-life relationships, engage in enriching offline activities, and build resilience away from the pressures of social media. Junior School parents play a critical role in reinforcing these guidelines, promoting a healthy digital culture, and showing their daughters that it’s okay to wait until they are ready to handle the complexities of social media. By standing firm, parents help lay the foundation for responsible technology use that will benefit their daughters well into the future.

Staffing News

Junior School

Ms. Sheridan Sweeney – Deputy Head of Junior School

We are proud to announce that Ms. Sheridan Sweeney has been appointed Deputy Head of Junior School. This new role for Sheridan follows a career opportunity for our current Deputy Head, Ms. Kate Moore, to whom we extend our warmest wishes as she embarks on her next chapter.

Sheridan joined Kambala’s Junior School in 2021, bringing with her rich experience from teaching and leadership roles in both the private and public education sectors. Known for her dedication to fostering creativity and providing a supportive, engaging learning environment, Sheridan has made significant contributions to our Junior School. She recently collaborated with the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools as a Global Action Research Collaborative Fellow, developing and implementing a Global Competency Learning Program, which she presented at the ICGS Global Conference in 2022.

Sheridan’s qualifications, including a Master of Education (Gifted Education), Master of Teaching (Primary), and Bachelor of Business, further support her dedication to education. We are confident she will continue to be an invaluable asset to our school community, guiding the growth and development of our students in her new role.

Whole School

Mr. Gene Clark – Director of Music

We are equally pleased to announce Mr. Gene Clark’s appointment as Director of Music, Preparation–Year 12. Gene has served as Acting Head of Music following Mr. Mark Grandison’s departure, and has shown exceptional commitment and leadership within the Music Department.

Since joining Kambala in 2022, Gene has taught music across Junior and Senior School, including the Year 12 IB and Year 12 Music 2 courses. His extensive international experience, gained in esteemed institutions across London such as Wimbledon College, West London Academy, and Southbank International School, brings a global perspective to Kambala’s Music program. Gene’s own extensive performance history across Europe enriches his teaching, as he exposes students to a diverse range of musical styles.

Gene’s qualifications, including a Bachelor of Music and Master of Teaching, complement his passion for music education and dedication to our students. He has a comprehensive understanding of Kambala’s music programs and co curricular offerings, ensuring his leadership will continue Kambala’s commitment to musical excellence.

These appointments reflect the depth of talent within our Kambala community. Both Sheridan and Gene were selected on merit from a strong field of candidates, demonstrating their exceptional performance, alignment with Kambala’s values, and vision for the future.

Please join us in congratulating Sheridan and Gene on their well-deserved appointments. We are excited to work with these leaders, confident in the positive impact they will have on our School community.

Parents as Partners

The Junior School teachers are working with determination to finalise Semester 2 2024 Reports. We anticipate parents of Preparation to Year 6 students to receive their daughter’s report on the penultimate day of Term 4, which is Monday 9 December 2024.

Data is reviewed and Year 3 to Year 6 Speech Day prizes are announced to the girls in the EJ Watt student Week 8 Assembly on Friday afternoon, 6 December 2024. Girls who have been awarded prizes for 2024 Speech Day will receive a letter regarding arrangements for Speech Day at the assembly. We kindly ask parents to reflect a growth mindset or “yet” mentality with the girls to ensure perspective is maintained.

Speech Day - Wednesday 11 December, 2024 - 11.00am - 1.00pm, State Theatre, Sydney

It is an expectation that all girls in Years 3 - 12 attend in full school uniform with a parent/s to hear the address and support students who will receive prizes.

Massie House sisters who attend Speech Day will need to attend in their school uniform.

Massie House Final Day 2024

The final day of school for girls in Massie House will be Tuesday 10 December, 2024 (normal dismissal times apply).

Year 2 Merit Assembly - Friday 6 December, 2024 - Music Performance Theatre - 9.00 - 10.30am

Year 2 Merit Assembly will be held on Friday 6 December, 2024 from 9.00 - 10.30am in the Music Performance Theatre at Kambala.

Parents of girls in Year 2 are warmly invited to attend.

Class Requests for 2025

Class placements and class lists are announced to families on the morning of the first day of Term 1 each year. Class lists are posted on notice boards in EJ Watt and Massie for girls in readiness for their arrival at school.

Parents will also be notified over Sundial of class lists on the first day of Term 1.

The School has a ‘No Class Request’ policy and thanks families for understanding that we cannot accept requests for teachers and class placements - factors behind the scenes and educational considerations make these requests impossible to deliver.

SPELL-A-THON

We are excited to announce that girls in the Junior School will be participating in a Spell-a-thon this year; the benefits of which are enormous. The Spell-a-thon helps the girls to better remember and embed their learning in spelling, builds spelling skills and raises money for students less fortunate than ourselves. The funds raised will go to St Jude’s School in Tanzania. Each year Gemma Sisia, the founder of the school, comes to Kambala to share her inspirational story with our students.

“For those of you who don’t know, Gemma Sisia is an Australian philanthropist and educator who founded The School of St Jude in Arusha, Tanzania, in 2002. The school was established to provide free, high-quality education to some of the country's poorest and brightest children. With a vision to break the cycle of poverty through education, St Jude's has grown from just a few students to over 1,800, offering opportunities in academics, leadership, and community service. Gemma’s work has inspired global support, with St Jude's becoming a beacon of hope for underprivileged students across Tanzania.” To date Kambala has contributed more than $110,000 to this worthy initiative.

Each student, from Kindergarten to Year 6, has been given a spelling list appropriate for their year level and level of ability. Massie girls have 50 words in total. Students in Years 3-6 have 100 words. The girls will be tested on their spelling list over the course of Week 6 (commencing Monday 18 November 2024). Testing will take place during Spelling lessons. Girls’ results in the Spell-a-thon will contribute to their House Points. The House with the best overall results will be rewarded with a fun movie lunch at the end of Term 4.

Our girls are asked to find friends or relatives who will be sponsors and record their information and donation on the sponsor sheet. Sponsors can either nominate an amount ‘per correct word’ or pledge a donation. You will find the sponsorship form on the back of the note, which was sent home with the girls last week.

An online copy is HERE.

Sponsorship money will be due by the end of Week 7 of Term 4 (Friday 29 November 2024). Please return funds raised to your daughter’s class teacher.

Year 3 2025 (Current Year 2) Term 1, 2025 Saturday Sport Information and Registration

Please click here to access all the information in regards to the Year 3 Saturday Sports practices for Term 1 2025.

Please note that the final day for registrations is Friday 29 November 2024.

Resources for Parents to Order for 2025 Year 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Students (CAMPION)

CURRENT YEAR 2 PARENTS (YEAR 3, 2025) - Resources List and Parent's Link to Purchase

Campion Education would like to let you know that the Resources List for Year 3, 2025 (current year 2) is now available to be purchased online by CLICKING HERE and visiting www.campion.com.au