Senior School
Welcome to Term 4
Our School has been abuzz in preparation for our final term of 2024. It is hard to believe that our Year 7 students have nearly completed their first year of learning in the Senior School, and our Year 12 students, sitting their final examinations. We wish our Year 12 students well during this period and know that the preparation they have poured into years of learning will serve them well.
For all Senior School students, a busy term lies ahead. We have experiential service- learning opportunities occurring for our Year 8, 9 and 10 students and all year groups will start looking ahead in preparedness for 2025.
This term, we are focusing on the notion of Sisterhood, defined under the Kambala value of Respect as “honouring the importance of trust in our relationships with peers… seeing difference as strength, compassion as power and knowing that our participation matters”. We commenced this term with Sisterhood Circles, an initiative that brings together groups of house families across Junior and Senior School for bonding, relationship-building and… fun!
As you know, the academic term culminates in a special celebration of learning, our Annual Prize Giving Ceremony ‘Speech Day’, beginning at 11.00am at the State Theatre on Wednesday 11 December 2024. In the lead up, we encourage all of our students to reflect on the growth they have made so far this year, and continue with the focus, tenacity and effort that will allow them to continue their academic year with personal pride.
As always, our dedicated Kambala teachers are here to support each student’s journey, and we encourage you to remain connected with our Academic and Pastoral Teams as we support each other and our girls.
Here's to a wonderful term of learning ahead.
Ms Carolyn Gedling Ms Samantha Gooch
Deputy Principal - Academic Acting Deputy Principal - Wellbeing
Sundial Parent User Survey
In the event you missed the Sundial parent survey notification last week, we are keen to gather your user feedback, as we seek to refresh Sundial over the coming 12 months.
To fill out a short survey please click here.
Mrs Rebecca Hambour
Head of Marketing, Communications and Engagement
Kambala Year 12 Student Success in Engineering
Recently, four Kambala Year 12 students (Kiana Finau, Erin Dunn, Molly Aboud and Scarlett Davies) were recognised for completing the HSC Engineering Studies course through the University of Technology’s Wanago program.
As part of the course, the girls completed modules on Aeronautical Engineering and Telecommunications Systems, and in the process attended excursions to the Sydney Flight Centre and NBN headquarters. Recently, students applied their learning by using advanced aircraft testing equipment to modify aircraft designs. The girls attended weekly lessons at the Faculty of Engineering and IT at the UTS campus in Ultimo.
Our students are to be congratulated on completing this challenging course. We wish them all the best for their future studies.
Mr Sebastian Knox
Head of Academic Life
(L-R): James Newell (UTS Teacher of Engineering Studies), Kiana Finau, Erin Dunn, Molly Aboud and Scarlett Davies.
Celebrating the Class of 2024
The final week of Term 3 is a special time for the Kambala student community to celebrate the Class of 2024, as their school journey comes to an end. The week consisted of activities including, an awards assembly, a special morning tea for Year 12, and their ‘little sisters’ from Year 7 who gave their ‘big sisters’ cards to thank them and wish them good luck for the exam period ahead. Year 12 students enjoyed a festival day with a healthy dose of glitter, trivia, food trucks and a jumping castle!
The celebration week concluded with Year 12 walking through the school for the last time from the Tivoli Gates to the Alexander Hall. As Year 12 made their way through the campus, staff and students lined the paths clapping, cheering and congratulating the girls as they made their way to the Valedictorian Assembly. Each Year 12 student was presented with a handmade gift from our oldest (Year 11) and youngest (Prep, Year 1 and 2) students. We are so proud of each Year 12 student, our school community has been enriched by your leadership, energy and kindness. Good luck to Year 12 for their HSC and IB exams. What a privilege to celebrate each student and their Kambala journey.
Ms Julie Laytham
Head of Student Life
Congratulations to our AMEB Senior Music Performance Candidates
Music Exams - Senior School
Year 7
Emily Carman, Violoncello Repertoire Grade 5
Sam Cook, Flute Repertoire Grade 2
Sophie Elliott , Singing Leisure Grade 2
Syndia Jin, Piano Repertoire Grade 4
Darcey Keenan, Musical Theatre Comprehensive Grade 2
Mary Kotronakis, Piano Repertoire Grade 3
Olivia Li, Viola Repertoire Grade 6
Charlotte McLennan, Viola Repertoire Grade 3
Tara Mahtani, Singing Leisure Grade 2
Saskia Munro, Singing Leisure Grade 2
Taya Tredler, Musical Theatre Repertoire Grade 2
Year 8
Maddie Dixon, Flute Repertoire Grade 3
Che (Natalie) Jin, Viola Repertoire Grade 2
Eleanor Webster, Singing Leisure Repertoire Grade 4
Leah Wilkinson, Piano Leisure Grade 4
Year 9
Yui Ching (Sofia) Chan, Flute Repertoire Grade 6
Gisele Correa, Flute Comprehensive Grade 5
Arella Domabyl, Singing Leisure Repertoire Grade 4
Elle Dlugosz, Musical Theatre Grade 4, High Distinction
Katerina Harris, Flute Repertoire Grade 6
Savanna Kirkwood, Flute Repertoire Grade 5
Katherine Lewis, Flute Repertoire Grade 4
Tyrah Nuta, Singing Leisure Repertoire Grade 3
Lucy Pan, Flute Repertoire Grade 7
Jasmine Zhang, Singing Leisure Repertoire Grade 3
Year 10
Michaela Blier, Musical Theatre Repertoire Grade 3
Charlotte Cullen, Musical Theatre Repertoire Grade 4
Chloe Carman, Flute Repertoire Grade 8
Eloise Hoskins, Flute Repertoire Grade 7
Lucinda Isert, Clarinet Repertoire Grade 5
Laura Janes, Clarinet Comprehensive Certificate Performance Honours (esteemed accolade)
Alannah Lennox, Singing Leisure Repertoire Grade 5
Coco Manovel, Musical Theatre Repertoire Grade 6, High Distinction
Nicola Scarlis, Singing Comprehensive Grade 5
Emily Sleep, Musical Theatre Repertoire Grade 5
Jolie Wu, Flute Repertoire Grade 6
Jolie Wu, Musical Theatre Grade 3
Kate Wu, Singing Comprehensive Grade 7
Ella Wylie, Saxophone Repertoire Grade 6
Grace Yang, Singing Comprehensive Grade 5
Year 11
Lauren Assef, Singing Leisure Repertoire Grade 8
Cacharelle Dan, Singing Leisure Repertoire Grade 6
Hattie Pearce, Singing Leisure Repertoire Grade 6
Olly Vassallo, Singing Leisure Repertoire Grade 5, High Distinction
Bianca Zhu, Singing Leisure Repertoire Grade 7
Mr Gene Clark
Acting Director of Music
Volunteer Code of Conduct
Kambala is a child safe organisation and values the contribution of all members of the school community in volunteering their time and effort to support school activities. To assist Kambala in providing a safe environment and a positive educational climate, from Term 4, parents and others who are volunteering at the school are being asked to sign off on a Volunteer Code of Conduct and also indicate their commitment to the School’s Child Safe Policy. If you intend to volunteer at the school, please take the time to read these documents now and complete this form.
If not done prior, Kambala staff may also ask you to complete the google form before to assisting with an event and it will be available via QR code at school reception. Please note this process will replace any previous requirements for parents to obtain Working With Children Checks (unless you will be volunteering in a direct unsupervised role with students).
Dr Tamara Lang
Deputy Principal - Strategy, Operations and Development
Launch of the Sustainable Development Goal's in Action Program
We are thrilled to announce the successful launch of the SDGs in Action program under the framework of Global Mindedness, a dynamic initiative aimed at empowering our Year 10 students to become global citizens and female leaders in tackling the world's most pressing challenges. The program focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with students collaborating with peers from partner schools across the Asia-Pacific region to develop actionable projects addressing these global issues.
In the inaugural session, our students engaged with their counterparts from Hachioji Gakuen, our partner school in Japan. The virtual exchange was filled with insightful discussions, creative brainstorming, and the building of strong international connections. Students exchanged ideas on how to address key SDGs, such as climate action and quality education, while embracing the cultural nuances that come with international collaboration. The energy and enthusiasm from both schools marked a fantastic start to the year-long program.
Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome three distinguished guest speakers: Councillor Lucinda Regan, Mayor Sarah Swan and Minster Kellie Sloane, who will share their expertise on local sustainable development and leadership. These sessions will further inspire our students as they embark on their SDG projects.
We are incredibly proud of our students for their active participation and look forward to seeing their progress as they work towards making a positive impact on the world!
Ms Samantha Chen Yang
Languages Teacher Senior School
UBS Young Women's Leadership Academy
UBS, a renowned global financial services company, holds an annual Young Women's Leadership Academy, selecting 40 Year 11 students from across NSW to participate. During the holidays, Claudia Chisholm and Abi Jellins had the incredible opportunity to attend this three-day intensive program, where they explored not only the world of finance but also developed vital leadership and communication skills, vital for success.
We had the opportunity to hear from inspirational women such as Cecille Heath, who reminded us, "There’s a reason you’re at this table," and Pippa Gardner, who taught us leadership communication skills, particularly important when being assertive in male-dominated industries such as finance. These lessons, combined with skills in leadership and personal branding, have empowered us to pursue our goals in finance.
A highlight of the academy was the networking event where all of the learning applied to a real-life setting. An important message was shared by Camilla Love who said “The more people you know, the more problems you can fix.” This resonated with us greatly as it reiterated the importance of connections with all people, within and beyond a certain corporate field.
We would sincerely like to thank UBS for organising this incredible program. Their dedication to empowering young women through the UBS Young Women’s Leadership Academy is truly inspiring. We would also like to extend special thanks to Carly Mills, Ophelia Phu, Jen Warat, as well as the entire UBS team for fostering leadership and personal growth.
If you are in Year 11 next year and are interested in finance or leadership, we highly recommend and encourage you to apply. It's a fantastic opportunity for both personal and professional development and we hope more students from Kambala will participate!
Mr Ian Pettit
Future Pathways Advisor
(L-R) Abigail Jellins and Claudia Chisholm Year 11 2024
Leaning into Leadership
Year 11 Retreat is dedicated time that allows students to focus on leadership, confidence and connection. Day 1 of the Retreat is of particular importance as the cohort complete sessions to support them to consider the ‘why’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ in relation to their leadership tenure. On Friday 20 September, Year 11 students completed two sessions where they collaborated, listened and documented ideas and passions as part of the journey to guide them to establish their motto and plan for the year ahead.
At the conclusion of the day, the Class of 2025 landed on the motto, Unite to Ignite. Throughout the year ahead, this motto will inspire and guide the focus areas that students identified on the day, community, empowerment and opportunity. We look forward to a year driven by the leadership of all Year 11 students.
Ms Julie Laytham
Head of Student Life
Industry Immersion Program
We're excited to share an update on our Year 10 Kambala Industry Immersion Program! Recently, Caroline Lin (pictured) participated in this enriching experience, hosted by the Bondi Junction Veterinary Hospital. Caroline had a fantastic hands-on opportunity to explore what life is like in a veterinary practice, gaining valuable insights into the profession.
Could Your Organization Host a Kambala Student?
We’re looking to expand our immersion program to include a wider range of industries. If your organization is open to hosting a Kambala student for a few days in early to mid-August 2025, we would love to hear from you! Kambala will cover all insurance and risk assessments, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for both the student and your team.
A special thank you to the organizations that are already part of our program: Qantas, Nakatomi, Vision Premier Medicine, Leeton Physiofix, Prince of Wales Hospital, Adamantem, Northrop, and Aileen Sage Architecture. Your support is invaluable!
We're also seeing growing interest from students eager to gain experience in mechatronics, aeronautical engineering, law, and finance-related fields.
If you're interested in hosting a student or want to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact our Future Pathways Team. We look forward to collaborating with you!
Mr Ian Pettit
Future Pathway Advisor
Engaging Insights from Emma Davey: A Kambala OG's Journey
At the close of Term 3, Year 11 students were treated to an inspiring presentation by Emma Davey (Kambala OG ’14), who shared her dynamic post-Kambala journey. Emma’s story illustrated the unpredictable nature of career paths, revealing how her initial plans evolved in exciting ways.
After graduating from Kambala, Emma pursued a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts at ANU, completing her studies in 2019. She began her professional journey as a graduate in KPMG’s technology consulting division, where she played a crucial role in supporting the Federal Government’s COVID-19 response and large-scale tech initiatives. Notably, she specialized in assisting government agencies with funding strategies during the Federal Budget.
Now based in Sydney, Emma has transitioned to a boutique human capital consulting firm, focusing on the “people side” of technology programs and organisational design. Her unique blend of skills showcases the value of adaptability and seizing unexpected opportunities.
In a memorable moment during her presentation, Emma conducted a mock interview with a Year 11 student, providing practical insights and encouragement. Her story serves as a testament to the exciting possibilities that await after Kambala, inspiring the next generation to embrace change and follow their passions.
Mr Ian Pettit
Future Pathways Advisor
