Senior School 

Stepping into the Year Ahead

There is a strong sense of momentum across the school as our Senior School girls reconnect with routines, friendships and teachers.

At our first Whole School Assembly, our Deputy Head Prefect, Laura Janes, shared a message that set a hopeful and encouraging tone for the term ahead. Laura encouraged students to embrace new opportunities, even in moments when confidence has not yet caught up. She reminded us that “confidence is a by-product, not a prerequisite,” explaining that confidence does not come pre-packaged, but is built through action, perseverance and sometimes failure. Her message was an invitation to students to step forward this year, take risks and give things a go, trusting that confidence grows through experience. We look forward to all that the year will bring, and the opportunities our students will lean into. 

We thank our Year 11 and 12 families who joined us for the Learning in Focus Parent & Student Information Evening last week. These evenings are designed to strengthen the partnership between home and school by clarifying learning priorities, developmental goals and what to expect at each stage. Information shared will be made available to families who are unable to attend in person, including our boarding families. We look forward to continuing these conversations with our Years 7–10 families in the coming weeks and emphasise that these evenings are more impactful when our students attend with their families or support networks. 

Event Reminder

Learning in Focus: Year 9 and Year 10 Parent & Student Information Evening 

• Wednesday 11 February 2026
• 6.00pm – 7.30pm
• Alexander Hall 

Learning in Focus: Year 7 and Year 8 Parent & Student Information Evening 

• Thursday 19 February 2026
• 6.00pm – 7.30pm
• Alexander Hall 

Carolyn Gedling

Deputy Principal - Academic Deputy Principal 

Samantha Gooch

Deputy Principal- Pastoral Care 

Academic Updates and Information

The beginning of the year always represents an exciting time for Kambala students as they settle into new classes and challenge themselves in fresh ways. I would encourage families to note the information below to ensure a smooth transition and to plan for busy times.

Progressive and Summative Reports

Throughout the semester, there are several formal opportunities for families to receive feedback on learning from classroom teachers. In Years 7-10, our system of progressive reporting ensures that timely feedback is provided via Sundial within two weeks of a task being undertaken. End of Semester summative reports provide information about student achievement with respect to course learning outcomes, learning competencies and overall achievement grades for each course. Teacher comments are included in end-of-semester reports for Years 11 and 12 (HSC and IB), while mentor comments are written for all students in Years 7-12.

Semester 1 Parent Teacher Conference Dates

Parent Teacher Conferences are an excellent opportunity to discuss your daughter’s academic progress. In 2026, these will again take place on Zoom, as feedback has suggested that this supports greater engagement and attendance.

Please note the dates below for 2026. Conferences take place from 4.00-7.00pm on each date listed. Further information about the logistics of these conferences, including how to book appointments with teachers, will be communicated via Sundial at least three weeks before each date.

Year 12 - Tuesday 17 March

Year 11 - Tuesday 31 March Year 9 - Thursday 30 April

Year 7 - Thursday 7 May

Year 8 - Thursday 14 May

Year 10 - Thursday 2 June

Learning Resources and Assessment Calendars

As was mentioned at last week’s Year 11 and 12 Learning in Focus evening, at this time of year we strongly recommend that girls familiarise themselves with the suite of resources available on Sundial – these include the School Assessment Policy and Assessment Calendar, the Artificial Intelligence Learning Hub, the Bain Library and Beyond Kambala pages, as well as cohort and individual Sundial class pages, which are used to communicate important information and resources referred to during lessons. It is particularly important that all senior students access learning tasks on Sundial when absent from school, and I would encourage students with questions about learning to contact their classroom teacher should they have any questions. 

Homework

Homework allows Kambala students to consolidate their understanding of what has been learned during lessons. Homework involves regular review, preparation and practice. It provides students with opportunities to enrich their classroom experience and cultivate curiosity through differentiated tasks. Research suggests that students who regularly review material are much more likely to retain important information and use this as the foundation for deeper understanding.

The school diary (page 25) sets out expectations for the amount of time that the typical student should be spending on review and preparation each evening, along with time spent completing tasks such as assignments and past papers. We encourage students to let their teachers know if they are experiencing difficulties in completing tasks within the recommended timeframes.

Year 7: 1.5 hours per night, five times per week

Year 8: 2 hours per night, five times per week

Years 9 and 10: 2.5 hours per night, five times per week

Years 11 and 12: A minimum of 3 hours each weekday outside of lessons (private studies should be used to complete review and preparation throughout the school day).

HSC Examination Timetable

Please note that the 2026 HSC Written Examination timetable will be published on the NESA website on the 1st of May. 

Written examinations begin on Tuesday 13 October. 

Mr Sebastien Knox

Head of Academic Life

New Sports Uniform - online ordering link on Sundial

Further to communications sent to families on 29 October, 19 November and 5 January regarding the new sports uniform, please find attached the link herefor ordering the new Kambala sports uniform online. 

The transition to the new sports uniform will occur over a two-year period, with the expectation that all students will be wearing the new PE and relevant competitive sports uniforms by January 2028.

To facilitate the ease of ordering a tile has been added to Sundial, top right hand side of the home page (see below) and on the Outfitters page.

Rebecca Hambour

Head of Marketing, Communications and Engagement

Senior School Production - Picnic at Hanging Rock

On Valentine’s Day in 1900, three Australian schoolgirls and their teacher set out on a picnic to the remote Hanging Rock. During the outing, they leave their group to explore the beckoning landscape—and all but one are never seen again. The mystery of their disappearance becomes the basis for the nightmare that follows.

The Kambala Picnic at Hanging Rock Ensemble are working hard to create an evocative evening at the theatre, exploring the aftermath of the tragedy. Told through beautifully choreographed Ensemble moments, this production will stay with you.

Clickhere to book tickets.

Ms Kelly Young

Acting Head of Drama

Year 11 Common Room Opening

I am thrilled to finally open the doors of the new Year 11 Common Room and watch the students truly make it their own. It has been a joy to see them settling into the space, which was designed to be a perfect blend of a study hub and a place to recharge. The interior looks fantastic; the inviting couches and stylish furniture create such a warm, premium feel, while the gorgeous harbour view offers a sense of calm during a busy school day. Whether they are huddled around the tables for group study or relaxing in the lounge area, seeing the students thrive in this new environment is a proud moment for our year group.

The space is already buzzing with a lively and fun energy, yet the students have maintained a remarkably respectful environment. From the practical additions like the microwave and kitchen area that make their lunch breaks easier, to the open layout that encourages connection, the room is serving as the perfect home base. It is more than just a facility; it is a dedicated sanctuary where our Year 11s can build community and find balance during such an important academic year. It has been wonderful to witness the positive impact this beautiful space is already having on their daily school life.

Mr Henry Clark

Head of Year 11

Leadership in Action

Our Senior School Students have hit the ground running with our student leadership team leading from the front to welcome back their peers and set them up for success with a strong sense of belonging and sisterhood.

On Thursday 29 January, our Year 10 Peer Mentors had a full day of leadership in action as they welcomed Year 7 to the Senior School. The Year 10 students supported their younger sisters to work together to consider clues, navigate around their school in order to pick up puzzle pieces as part of a navigation challenge. Mentor groups collected puzzle pieces and then collaborated, under the guidance of their Peer Mentors to solve their two puzzles. It was wonderful to witness our Year 10 Peer Mentors support Year 7 students to become familiar with their new surroundings, begin to develop relationships and share stories of nerves and excitement as part of the transition to the Senior School. 

Also as part of the Year 7 Orientation Program, our Year 12 House Prefects welcomed Year 7 students into each House group. There was an afternoon of sharing House traditions, history and most importantly, chants to Year 7. Preparing them to participate in upcoming House events and carnivals with chants and cheers loud and proud!

The Year 12 House conductors and instrumentalists kicked off the 2026 Festival of Music season, with rehearsals for both instrumentalist and lunchtime choir sessions. It was wonderful to hear the sound of excitement and music, bringing House connection and sisterhood to life.  

The first full week of the 2026 school year concluded with Lunar New Year celebrations. A wonderful surprise awaited students as they entered into school on Friday 06 February. They were welcomed with fortune cookies at the gates and front entrances, courtyards and outdoor spaces decorated with the Lunar New Year colour of red. The lunchtime dragon dance allowed our Junior and Senior School students to enjoy the colour and energy of the band and Dragon Dancers. A huge thank you to the Kambala Parents Association for their organisation of these special events.

Our older students have demonstrated that leadership is action, leading courageously. What a joy to witness connection across the school, strengthening belonging and sisterhood. Welcome back to our School community, an exciting year awaits!

Julie Laytham

Head of Student Life

Sustainable Development Goals in Action

Last year, we embarked on the SDG in Action tour with a group of Year 11 students, which was a unique and exciting opportunity for us to develop our leadership and student voice at Kambala. As globally minded citizens, our aim of this initiative is to implement student-led projects to address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), protecting the sustainability of our global society and environment.

Prior to the trip, we formed small teams of 3 - 6 people, collaborating with students from Hachioji Gakuen in Tokyo, Japan and Zhongshan Girls High School in Taipei, Taiwan. During our weekly planning sessions, we communicated with our team members via Google Meet, learning about their experiences living in Japan and Taiwan. We discussed what issues they believed to be pertinent in their societies, and decided on the SDG goals we would aim to address (e.g. Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality)). 

On December 10th, 2025, we departed for the SDG in Action Tour. Highlights included a beach cleanup in Fulong, Taiwan; picking up rubbish in the forest at Shifen Old Street in Taiwan; a street cleanup in Shinjuku, Japan; completing an initiative to distribute care packages for the homeless in Taipei; conducting speeches destigmatising mental health in Hachioji and Zhongshan Girls; presenting awards to businesses supporting gender equality; and conducting street interviews investigating local attitudes towards gender equality and mental health. The trip was a balance of student-led initiatives, relaxing activities and opportunities for cultural interchange. Not only did we complete our IB mandatory CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) requirements and Global Citizen Diploma (GCD) requirements but we also took away many personal insights and unforgettable memories. 

Overall, our experience in the SDG in Action program was one of the most valuable and memorable experiences of our journey in Kambala. It was the opportunity for us to foster intercultural exchange, develop leadership skills, deepen our global understanding and form an awareness of our shared humanity and shared stewardship of our world. We highly recommend 2026 Year 10 and 11 students to sign up for this program to also experience an unforgettable journey!

Kate Wu and Penny Wong

Year 12IB

Celebrating our First Science Extension Cohort: Excellence in Authentic Scientific Research

Well done to our inaugural cohort of students to complete the HSC Science Extension course at Kambala last year! Our dedicated Year 12 students not only excelled in their challenging research but have also laid a fantastic foundation for future students, embodying the rigour and spirit of scientific inquiry, as well as the Kambala values of Courage and Curiosity. 

The feedback from our graduating students has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the unparalleled opportunity to understand how science operates in a professional context, well beyond the confines of a traditional classroom environment. They also noted that the in-depth focus on data handling was invaluable, significantly enhancing their understanding of the statistics needed to analyse experimental results.

The 2025 projects included:  

• Sophie Alexander with her research titled “The comorbidity-cancer axis: an integrated oncological approach”
• Lucea Benko with her project “Low energy availability: impact on lactate response and female sporting performance”, and 
• Alicia Cai with her project “Evaluation of the key factors influencing the occurrence of the recent earthquake swarm approximately 25 km North-East of Santorini, Greece, between late January and late March 2025”. 

Sophie and Lucea’s projects were entered into the NSW Science Teachers Association Young Scientist Awards and were awarded Distinction and High Distinction certificates respectively.

The commitment shown by our 2025 cohort in undertaking a high-level research project, which involved collaborating with UTS mentors, demonstrates a true passion for the field. Their success proves the value of this course in equipping future scientists with the sophisticated critical thinking and practical skills required in a modern research environment.

We congratulate our 2025 Science Extension students on their outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing the significant contributions they will undoubtedly make to the world of science and beyond.

The students wish to acknowledge the support and guidance and thank their Science Extension teacher Ms Nikki McDonald, Dr Lisa Cabral who leads the Science Extension programme at UTS and their UTS Mentors Miss Bridget Thurn, Miss Sophia Nguyen and Mr Samuel Hansen.

Ms Nikki McDonald

Science Extension teacher

Trinity Communications Skills Results 2025

We kick off the year with some incredibly exciting awards for the Trinity Communications Skills students who completed exams in 2025. 

We highly commend the exceptional results of our senior Trinity Comms Skills student cohort, with the overwhelming majority of students attaining Distinctions, this being the top band of the Trinity exams. We in particular offer congratulations to our recently graduated (Class of 2025) student Zara Dempsey, who attained Distinction in her ATCL Trinity Communications Skills (Public Speaking) Diploma. 

We wish to formally congratulate all students of the program of 2025, who consistently impressed with engaging, awe-inspiring performances throughout the inaugural year of this new course and commend them for laying such a strong foundation for its continued growth and success in 2026.

Congratulations students. We look forward to seeing you thrive and flourish as the course continues.

Victoria Tsingos 

Public Speaking & Trinity Communications Skills Coordinator