From the Principal

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road

Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go…

…It's something unpredictable

But in the end, it's right

I hope you had the time of your life. [1]

This is the final edition of The Whole Girl for 2021. Difficult to believe that the year has almost concluded and so much has occurred in the life of the School. The announcement of Ms Danvers as the next Principal, a warm farewell to Mr Hogan mid-year, an unplanned Term 3 of remote learning, followed by Term 4 with a late return to face-to-face teaching, but with restrictions. Expectations constantly needed to shift with the needs of the community and everyone’s safety.

Despite the disruptions, I see and hear happy students outside Tivoli each day. Friendships intact, students enjoying their classes (perhaps not assessments so much), and warmer weather encouraging an optimistic shared mood about the forthcoming summer. 

Year 12 have completed their IB exams and are soon to complete their HSC. Perhaps they feel they have missed some pivotal milestones in their final year, but maybe it’s how you look at things and there is much to be thankful about. Speech Day will be an important time for recognition and farewell on Tuesday 7 December at the State Theatre, followed by a celebratory lunch. 

Different to expectations, but nonetheless, the day will mark the conclusion of their secondary schooling and the beginning of exciting new opportunities and experiences. Perhaps not the "time of your life” this year as Green Day would hope, but across the Year 12 students’ entire time at Kambala, I am trusting they will look back on the best of their years here, and see how special their time has been together.

My time as interim Principal of Kambala is about to conclude. A very warm thank you to my colleagues, students, parents, the wider community and Council for supporting me throughout a most unusual leadership context. I have enjoyed my time and have no doubt that Ms Danvers will lead Kambala next year with distinction, flair and a wholehearted dedication to the education of girls.

Have a safe, restful holiday and without reservation – but with care – have the time of your life.

Dr Amanda Bell AM

[1] Green Day, The Time of Your Life