Senior School 

Kambala Students Prove their Mathematical Prowess

On Wednesday the 5th of June, IB and HSC maths students (including myself as a Year 11 Maths Extension Student) were lucky enough to attend the "Do the Maths" day at the University of NSW. It is a day program designed specifically for girls as a means to highlight the impact we can have on the world by working in diverse roles aligning with maths and statistics, closing the gender gap of females working in these jobs. It is of course also about the importance of mathematics and the role it can play in all realms of not only careers but also in the application to real world scenarios. 

We hopped on the bus at 7.30am, switching on our mathematical brains ready for the day ahead! The day consisted of an enlightening and inspirational speech presented by the key presenter Karen Willcox, director of the Oden Institute for Computing and Science; Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering; University of Texas at Austin.

Next up was the hands-on Maths carnival. Each booth consisted of a different real-life application or theory which allowed us all to dive further into the depth of maths such as: the 4 colour theorem, maths involved in cyclones, interrelations between virtual reality and maths, stats used in medical disease research and much more. I found this a chance to gain insight in a wide range of settings, understanding and applying the different mathematical techniques in such an engaging manner. 

To further this newly gained knowledge, we had the ability to work in groups with a mentor to figure out different mathematical problems such as Counting Conundrums. Through each one we started to see a pattern of how different mathematical techniques can be applied across different realms and the importance of teams to solve these questions. 

To rejuvenate our brains from the intuitive maths, each group was taken around the campus on a tour with a current UNSW student who gave us the inside information of life on campus as well as the different learning spaces and university habits.

Lastly, a Q&A session was held with current and recent graduates of mathematics and statistics. It gave me greater insight into different courses and also how you can apply your interest into a mathematical course, such as doing marine statistics, or doing an honours year where you can explore a topic of your own choosing, so that you can pursue a personal passion. 

I found the day intriguing and thought-provoking as well as enabling me to grow my understanding of university life and the multifaceted nature of mathematics! 

Thank you to Kambala and the UNSW for providing us with such an opportunity. 

Lucea Benko

Year 11 HSC Maths Extension Student

The Halo Effect

The Halo Effect - a premiere Australian production

Last year, with Ms Danvers’ courageous support, Kambala commissioned renowned Australian playwright, Catherine Zimdahl to write a play specifically for young girls and women, with the added aim of involving and educating as many Kambala students as possible in the playwriting process.

Ms Messariti and I began the first draft play reading with a range of Kambala girls, boys from a variety of schools and a couple of student teachers; the subsequent five drafts were each workshopped with a different group of students, until we reached the final version of what would become The Halo Effect. We were so impressed with the sophistication of the readers’ responses regarding the nuances of each draft. All of which gave the playwright rich food for thought in ways to further develop her script. 

This year came the process of bringing this fledgling work to life on stage. It was a privilege working with such a talented and enthusiastic young cast, many of whom had never been in a production before (and certainly not a production of a new Australian play), to explore the deeper meaning of the play and how best to realise it ‘in action’, in a way that spoke authentically to young people.

The backdrop of the Australian bush and themes of spirituality were augmented and stunningly evoked via the set, designed by Lisa Mimmocchi and the complex sound design, by Oonagh Sherrard. The characters within this visual and aural world, were then brought to life by Abby Leibman, Emily Sleep and Charlotte Jennings in the lead roles of Chloe, Michelle and Holly respectively. They were ably supported by the ensemble who played the many character roles with flair and skillfully performed choreographed sequences that enhanced the musical aspects of the production.

It took a dedicated team to realise The Halo Effect on stage and I would especially like to thank Ms Messariti for her enthusiasm and support throughout the entire development process, especially her skills as dramaturg; Kambala parent Daz Jones who so generously provided the set; Year 12 Drama students Sophie Scanlon and Lexie Murray, who excelled as my assistants; Xavier Hanna for his videography, the dedicated Kambala Krew; Coreena Cochineas and members of the KPA and the staff who volunteered for Front of House, the Canteen and especially, Kelly Assef, our hair stylist extraordinaire.

Reflections from the cast and Krew of The Halo Effect: 

“I enjoyed participating in the process of creating a larger-scale play for the first time and figuring out all the nuances of my character.” (Abby Leibman - Lead Role - Chloe)

 “By being the assistant to the Director, I learnt how much work goes into putting on a production, and how important good organisational and communication skills are.”          (Sophie Scanlon - Assistant to the Director and Michelle’s Mum) 

“This was a great opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone as a performer and the people organising the production were so supportive.” (Olly Vassallo - Ensemble member)

Ms Lisa Moir

Head of Drama

Plain English Public Speaking Award Semi State Finals

A massive congratulations to Zara Dempsey (Year 11) who as one of the winners of the Plain English Regionals has now progressed to the Plain English Public Speaking Semi-State Finals. This is a phenomenal result, with Zara being one of only four students across Sydney to be invited. 

Early on Monday 27th May, Zara set off to the Arts Unit in Lewisham to perform in the Plain English Public Speaking Regional Final. 

Each competitor was required to present an eight minute prepared speech on a topic of choice, and a three minute impromptu speech on a mystery topic with only three minutes to prepare. The impromptu speech topic for this Regional Final was ‘Crossing the Line’. 

Zara’s prepared speech delivered an excellent analysis of the abhorrent perpetuation of the culture of acceptance when it comes to crimes of sexual misconduct across the globe. Zara’s impromptu was a phenomenal examination of the problematic sensationalism of the true crime genre in popular media, whereby she tackled with excellence the ethical concerns of how these stories are often presented to the public, urging audiences to consider whether a line was being crossed. 

We congratulate Zara on the incredibly hard work she put into preparing for this competition, as well as her engaging, awe-inspiring performances throughout. Well done Zara on these phenomenal results, and Kambala wishes you the best of luck in the Semi-State Final. 

Rock Concert

On the 3rd of June, the Rock Band evening included a range of students from Year 8 to Year 12. This was a rock concert like no other, setting the standards extremely high for girls to come. Special lighting & boosted amplification, not to mention a smoke machine, all added to the ‘rock’ atmosphere. The room was flooded with anticipation & the audience was not disappointed. Stand out performances from Coco Manovel and Phoebe Skelton singing If I ain’t got you by Alicia Keys, as well as Milla Sleijpen singing Arabella were incredible. 

The night concluded with a rousing rendition of Are You Gonna Be My Girl? by the band Wishbone, with Sophie Scanlon as lead vocalist.

The year 8 band, with special call-back duties by vocalist Laura Halley did an incredible performance of Ex’s and Oh’s contributing to the electric atmosphere of the evening.

On behalf of the music committee, we would like to congratulate and thank everyone who performed at this amazing rock concert. We would also like to thank our amazing band directors for all their hard work with their respective bands, and to all the Music Staff for supporting and helping the girls prepare their songs. We also give a big thank you to everyone who helped prepare the evening and made sure it ran efficiently and smoothly.

We can’t wait to attend the next rock concert for more incredible performances by so many talented Kambala students.

Charlotte Cullen

Year 10

Future Problem Solving

The combined Kambala/Reddam presentation of Action Plan held in the USA, came second globally last week. 

Congratulations to Laura Janes, Elsie Paton and Kate Wu.

Ms Anna Messariti

Future Problem Solvers

Choral Gala

The Annual Choral Gala was held on June 13 in the Alexander Hall, featuring the dedication and commitment to choirs of 215 talented singers ranging from Years 3 to 12. The evening was such an amazing showcase of the connection between the senior students and the junior students within the choir program at Kambala. Ranging from a jazz and swing selection from the Madrigal group to the Year 3/4 choir’s rendition of the nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty, there was a great range of musical styles and genres. 

Some highlights of the evening included the entertaining hand actions displayed by the Junior Choirs led by Ms Muston, particularly the Year 3/4 choir’s “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?” as well as the Senior Chamber Choir’s exciting performance of a rich arrangement of 50s song Orange Coloured Sky. There were two items with reference to the Hunger Games Series, from Contemporary Vocal Ensembles Can’t Catch Me Now to Year 5/6/ Choir’s Deep in the Meadow. The gala concluded with the highly successful combined item Day by Day arranged by Mrs Mitchell, featuring Year 12, 7 and Junior Chamber Choir solos and the infectious grooves in the folk-rock ballad.

This concert would not have been possible without our extremely talented and hardworking choir directors, Mr Schweers accompanying, assisting staff, music committee members and the administrative tech team. Congratulations also to all 215 performers for their tireless commitment to choirs and thank you to families and audience members who came to listen - we hope you enjoyed the night! 

Alana Zhou

Year 12

The Archibald Prize opening night

The Archibald opening night was a fantastic night to celebrate Australian art, with four of the finalists also being Secondary Visual Arts teachers from around the country. Professional practice is alive and well in creative education!

Head of Art & Design Drew Bickford's piece Soda Jerk was also shortlisted for the Packing Room Prize and shared wall space with Eliza Bertwistle's stunning portrait of Kambala Old Girl Chanel Contos. Chanel is the founder of Teach us Consent - a campaign that mandated consent education for Australian youth.

Visit the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes at the Art Gallery of NSW until September 8. Link HERE. Don't forget to cast your vote for the People's Choice Award when visiting The Archibald Prize! (this can only be done on site as the gallery).

Mr Drew Bickford

Head of Art & Design