From Mr Coppin
At Kambala, building a Culture of Thinking has become a central pillar of our educational philosophy, deeply informed by the work of Dr Ron Ritchhart who fulfils the role as Academic In Residence. His research, particularly through Project Zero at Harvard, emphasises that the environment in which learning occurs is just as important as the curriculum itself. Embracing this mindset, our journey began with the belief that thinking must be made visible—not only through student work, but through the way teachers speak, plan, and interact. Classrooms evolved into spaces where curiosity is valued, ideas are shared respectfully, and intellectual risk-taking is encouraged. It’s not just about what students learn, but how they engage with learning itself.
As our staff engaged more deeply with Ritchhart’s principles, we began embedding his “Cultural Forces” into the fabric of our teaching practice. Teachers collaborated to intentionally shape routines, language, and expectations that promote deep thinking. Thinking routines such as See-Think-Wonder, Claim-Support-Question, and I used to think... Now I think... have become part of the daily rhythm, helping students to slow down, reflect, and articulate their thought processes. Professional development sessions and reflective practice have been key to this growth, enabling teachers to design learning that fosters understanding, not just knowledge acquisition.
The impact on our learning culture has been profound. Students are now more metacognitive, aware not only of what they are learning but how they are learning. A shared language of thinking has empowered even our youngest learners to engage with complex ideas and to see themselves as capable thinkers. At Kambala, we are not just teaching content—we are nurturing a community where thinking is valued, visible, and central to all we do. Dr Ritchhart’s work continues to inspire our journey, helping us shape a vibrant, thoughtful learning culture that prepares our students to thrive both in school and beyond.
Student Free Day - Friday 6 June 2025
Friday 6 June is a Student Free Day, and our Teaching Staff are excited to be spending the day working with Academic In Residence Dr Ron Ritchhart from Harvard’s Project Zero Classroom.
Please also note that Monday 9 June is the King's Birthday Public Holiday.
Exploring URSTRONG and the Language of Friendship - Recording
At Junior School, building a strong foundation of social-emotional learning is a key priority, and one of the most impactful ways we do this is through our involvement in the URSTRONG program. Last week we hosted a webinar on the Language of Friendship. This globally recognised friendship program empowers your daughters with the skills and language they need to foster healthy relationships. With engaging lessons, role-playing, and thoughtful discussion, URSTRONG helps our students become more empathetic, confident, and resilient friends.
**LANGUAGE OF FRIENDSHIP RECORDING - CLICK HERE
Inquisitive Minds Maths Incursion
This term, students in Years 3-6 will participate in an exciting Maths incursion with Inquisitive Minds. The students will engage with maths activities and brain teasers which demonstrate the value of approaching problems strategically. They will apply a range of problem solving strategies, including Drawing Diagrams, Making Models, and Looking for a Pattern. Students will participate in interactive, hands-on challenges, as well as developing skills of cooperative learning in a fun, engaging way. The incursion will take place in the Junior School on the following dates:
- Monday 2 June: Year 3 and Year 4
- Tuesday 3 June: Year 5 and Year 6
Year 3 Term 3 Saturday Sport Registration
Please click here to access all the information in regards to the Year 3 Saturday Sports offer for Term 3 2025.
The girls will have two Saturday Sport options to choose from – Netball or Minkey Hockey. Girls can only register for ONE sport, as they will both take place Saturday mornings.
Please note that the final day for registrations is Friday 13 June. The Google Registration form can be found at the bottom of the letter.
Extra Curricular - Pupil Free Day (Friday 6 June 2025) and Holiday camps
The extra curricular department has you and your daughters covered for pupil free day on the 6th June.
We will have 2 camps running :
MUSICAL THEATRE WIZARDS AND WITCHES THEMED : PREP - YEAR 2
Step into the magical world of wizards and witches! This camp, inspired by magical worlds like Harry Potter and Wicked, will have kids singing and dancing their way through enchanting stories. They’ll create their own magical characters, perform spells through song, and explore the world of wizardry on stage.
RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS : YEAR 2 - YEAR 6
Nastic Gymnastics will focus on teaching and enhancing skills related to rhythmic gymnastics, which combines elements of ballet, dance, acrobatics, and apparatus handling such as ribbons, hoops, balls, and clubs.
Skill Development will include
Basic Technique: Emphasis on building flexibility, strength, and coordination, which are crucial for rhythmic gymnastics. Apparatus Training: Sessions where participants learn how to use different apparatus (ribbon, hoop, ball, clubs, and rope). Dance Elements: Introduction to dance routines and how they integrate with gymnastics. Choreography: Teaching simple routines to music, improving timing, and spatial awareness.
Learning new skills and incorporating them in leaps, acrobatics and balances, culminating in a performance at the end of the day!
It’s basically the Olympics at Kambala!
To enrol, go the usual way, through Sundial
Click the Enrol & Pay tile.
When you sign into the Clipboard Portal, click on 'Sign in with SSO' rather than entering your email and password.
Looking forward to seeing your daughters here at the Camps !
Juan Renshaw
Extra-Curricular Manager
(02) 9388 6747
0417260310
juan_renshaw@kambala.nsw.edu.au
Extra Curricular Activities Terms 3 and 4, 2025
Enrolments for Semester 2 open next MONDAY 9 JUNE at 8PM.
Log through Sundial, using the link here
Click the Enrol & Pay tile.
When you sign into the Clipboard Portal, click on 'Sign in with SSO' rather than entering your email and password.
As we have had a slight issue with the Clipboard update, could you please go online to make sure your account is working before Monday night. If you are getting an error, please clear your cache/cookies, and then reload your browser.
Reach out to me if you are still having troubles.
Remember, when you enrol your daughter, they are enrolled for both Term 3 and Term 4 (until the end of the year).
VIEWING WEEK
We are very excited to announce our viewing week for all extra curricular activities:
Tuesday 17 June
Wednesday 18 June
Thursday 19 June
Friday 20 June
Monday 23 June
If your daughter does an after school activity on these days, please feel free to turn up to watch them 10 minutes before their class finishes.
(So if your daughter's class finishes at 4.10pm, please turn up at 4pm).
Do not be any earlier than that, as we are getting the girls ready to perform, and it can be distracting if they see you any earlier.
Please make the time to come.
It really is the perfect time for them to be seen, celebrated, and valued.
All your daughters activities are on their calendar, with the times and rooms.
There will be a timing and rooms guide at the Massie House Reception every day for the Viewing Week for your perusal.
WINTER HOLIDAY CAMPS
Winter Holiday Camp Timetable is out next week!
Lots of days available for your daughters (and their siblings / cousins / friends) to book into!
Friday 27 June (school finishes Thursday 26)
Monday 30 June – Friday 4 July
Monday 7 July – Tuesday 8 July
Monday 14 July – Wednesday 16 July
Monday 21 June (school starts Tuesday 22)
We have all the usual camps, with some new ones also on board, all to be announced next week.
Spoiler alert, Disco Roller Skating …. 🛼
As always, if you have any queries about any of the above, or any extra curricular question, please reach out by email, text or phone call.