Mrs Dunwoody speaks about the upcoming social media ban and its effects on our community.
Last week saw the return of students and staff for the start of Term Four, with the strength and connectedness of our school community immediately evident. Across the school, there has been a gentle sense of purpose with students reconnecting, classrooms settling back into rhythm, and a shared purpose as we enter the final chapter of the school year.
Amidst this return, we have also begun to farewell the Class of 2025 through several significant events, including the Years 11–12 Presentation Evening and the Year 12 Celebration Day. These gatherings play a crucial role in recognising the years of perseverance, learning, and consistent growth of our Year 12 students. They provide an opportunity for students to reflect on cherished friendships and memories and the unwavering support from family, friends and educators. These celebrations also acknowledge the moments that have shaped their identities, their ongoing development and the limitless possibilities that await.
Presentation Evening, held on Wednesday 15 October, was a particularly special occasion this year. With Barbara Sutton Hall currently undergoing refurbishment, we were delighted to host the event at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. The evening recognised the academic, co-curricular, and citizenship achievements of our Years 11 and 12 students, with musical performances and presentations from students across Years 7–12 adding a rich and joyful dimension to the program. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather to honour community, tradition and excellence.
Celebration Day, held on Thursday 16 October, saw our Year 12s embrace a vibrant ‘Pirates and Under the Sea’ theme. Students arrived in an imaginative array of costumes, from mermaids and sea creatures to pirates, sea captains, and even a parrot! The day began with the traditional Year 12 Breakfast, followed by a joyful and spirited final Assembly. The afternoon was capped off with the much-loved bellringing at 3:25pm, marking the end of formal classes for our Year 12s.
As we look ahead, we are preparing for two of the most meaningful events in our school calendar: the Leavers’ Service and the Valedictory Dinner. These upcoming occasions will provide a final opportunity to gather as a community to celebrate, reflect, and send off our graduating students with pride and gratitude. We look forward to honouring their journey and the legacy they leave behind at Camberwell Girls.
As we move into the final weeks of the school year, we extend our very best wishes to all students and families for the term ahead. To our senior students undertaking their end of year and VCE exams, we wish you calm, focus and confidence as you demonstrate all that you have learned. To our Years 7–9 students, may this final term be a rewarding one and may it be a time to consolidate your learning, set new goals and continue contributing positively to our school community.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
This year’s Years 11–12 Presentation Evening, held on Wednesday 15 October, marked a significant moment in the Senior School calendar. With Barbara Sutton Hall currently under construction, we were excited to host this event at the Hawthorn Arts Centre, a beautiful and fitting venue that provided a grand stage for our celebrations.
The evening brought together families, staff and special guests, including members of the School Council and Life Governors, who joined us in recognising the outstanding efforts of our students. Through the presentation of School Prizes, VCE Awards, Academic Excellence and Outstanding Citizenship Awards, we celebrated the dedication, resilience and excellence that define our Year 11 and 12 learners.
More than an awards ceremony, the evening was a vibrant showcase of the academic, co-curricular and citizenship achievements of our senior students. It also offered a moment to reflect on the shared experiences and individual journeys that have shaped their time at Camberwell Girls in 2025. We were delighted to hear from several key members of our community, including our Principal – Mrs Debbie Dunwoody, Chair of Council – Dr Nikita Weickhardt, and Abigal L – the 2025 School Captain, as they shared their reflections.
A particular highlight of the evening was the musical performances, featuring talented students from Years 7–12, alongside the storytelling of Olive C, Lucy R and Elysia W from Year 12 as they reflected on 105 years at Camberwell Girls. These performances and presentations added a rich and joyful dimension to the evening, showcasing the depth of creativity and collaboration across year levels.
We also took the opportunity to thank and acknowledge our 2025 student leaders for their service, commitment and inspiring contribution to the life of the school this year. Their leadership has set a strong foundation for the years to come and has exemplified the values at the heart of our community.
The evening also included an acknowledgement of the varied contributions of Class of 2025, with each Year 12 student recognised on stage and presented with their Testimonial and Commemorative Gift. It was a moment of pride and gratitude, celebrating not only their achievements but also their contributions to the CGGS community.
As we continue this season of celebration, we now look forward to the Leavers’ Service and Valedictory Dinner, two cherished events that will provide a final opportunity to honour our graduating students and send them off with gratitude and hope for the future.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
At assembly, we proudly recognised the recipients of the 2025 Australian Defence Force (ADF) Long Tan Awards. These prestigious awards honour students who embody the values demonstrated by Australian soldiers at the Battle of Long Tan – determination, teamwork, tenacity, compassion, and leadership.
There are two categories: the Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award, and the Future Innovators Award. Each year, schools select one student from Year 10 and one from Year 12 for each category. Recipients receive a certificate and a financial prize, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to school and community life.
This year, we congratulate:
These awards, a joint initiative of the Australian Government and the ADF, continue to inspire young Australians to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
We proudly acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of three outstanding students who have been selected for the prestigious 2025 Monash Scholars Program. This program recognises high-achieving Year 10 students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to future university study.
The Monash Scholars Program offers students a unique opportunity to engage with Monash University through enrichment activities, academic skill-building, and leadership development. Scholars commit approximately 20 hours annually to the program and benefit from a strong network of peers, academics, and industry professionals.
This year, we congratulate:
Their selection is a testament to their dedication and drive, and we look forward to seeing the many ways that they will continue to lead and inspire within our school community and beyond.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
During the Term 3 holidays, eight CGGS students and three staff embarked on a Service Learning Immersion tour to Timor-Leste. The tour offered students the opportunity to explore the historical ties between Timor-Leste and Australia, while actively engaging with local service partners including Spend-It-Well and Days for Girls.
The focus of the tour was to live out our School motto, Utilis in Ministerium – Useful in Service. With dignity, honesty and courage, the group connected with the Maleha’a School, located 90 minutes west of Dili. Working alongside Maddog Adventures, the school, and the Spend-It-Well Foundation, the team helped construct and landscape the school’s vegetable garden – a vital resource that supports the preparation of school meals. Students and staff collaborated to level and prepare the soil, plant new crops, and enclose the garden to protect it from local animals.
Another highlight was visiting Days for Girls in Balibo, an organisation that provides menstrual products to girls in developing nations. CGGS has a strong connection with the local branch, and it was a proud moment for the group to deliver kits made by our Year 10 students, helping to boost supplies at the Timor-Leste distribution centre.
Year 10 students Rui M and Gretel B reflected: “Timor was an enjoyable and inspirational experience. We miss it a lot and are so grateful for all the opportunities we had to immerse ourselves into the Timorese culture.” We look forward to sharing more stories from this journey as we prepare for future tours. The success of this experience would not have been possible without the generous support of our school community. On behalf of the students and staff who participated, we extend our heartfelt thanks.
Shane Maycock
Education Outdoors Coordinator
Physical Education & Health Teacher
From Friday 12 September to Tuesday 16 September, five CGGS students joined peers from PLC to complete the journey component of their Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award along the stunning Great South West Walk (GSWW).
Starting near Portland in Victoria’s southwest, the GSWW is one of the state’s hidden gems, offering a diverse range of scenery and terrain. The students trekked through rugged coastal cliffs, river gorges, and sandy beaches, experiencing breathtaking sunsets and sunrises and encountering a variety of wildlife. Throughout the journey, they honed their bushwalking skills and mastered cooking on trangias.
We are proud to celebrate two Year 12 students, Ency C and Maya M, who have recently completed their Gold Awards, having previously achieved both Bronze and Silver levels. Their dedication and perseverance are truly commendable.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr Ivan Carlisle for his invaluable support and supervision throughout the journey.
Shane Maycock
Education Outdoors Coordinator
Physical Education & Health Teacher
The Term 4 GSV Weekly Sport competition commenced this week with students participating in Basketball, Cricket, Touch Football, and Junior Water Polo (Year 7 and 8 students).
The annual CGGS Celebration of Sport was staged in the final week of Term 3.
Due to the re-imagining of Barbara Sutton Hall, the event this year adopted the format of a breakfast in the Brooksbank Library.
Guest speaker for the morning was Deanna Berry, Captain of the Western Bulldogs AFLW Team, who spoke eloquently to students and parents on her experiences as an elite footballer and leader of her club.
Congratulations to all award winners with special mention to the dual recipients of the 2025 Sportswoman of the Year Award – Emily L (Year 10) and Jessica M (Year 9).
The GSV Athletics season wrapped up at Lakeside Stadium on Tuesday 9 September with the much-loved Track & Field Finals Evening.
Sixteen CGGS athletes qualified in twenty-six events at this showcase of athletics, based upon their performances at the Championship Carnival.
Congratulations to all CGGS athletes with special mention for the notable performances below:
The CGGS athletes received high quality coaching throughout the duration of the Term 3 GSV Athletics campaign, with coaches from Elite Wellbeing at every training session and competition.
Led by four-time Olympian Craig Mottram, specialist in the 5000 metres who claimed the Bronze Medal at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki, our students received the best possible instruction from the following former and current athletes:
The last week of Term 3 was indeed a busy one for CGGS Sport with seven teams qualifying for Finals and four of them claiming the Zone Pennant Winner title.
The week began in the best possible manner with the Senior Badminton team winning the A Division Premiership for a second successive year. The Senior Soccer team were gallant in reaching the Semi-Final stage.
Wednesday ushered in the Intermediate teams which progressed to Finals in all weekly sports played. The Badminton A team made it to the Cross-Over Final, Soccer to the Semi-Final stage, and Indoor Cricket playing off in the Grand Final.
Finals week concluded on the Thursday with the Junior Indoor Cricket team playing in a Semi-Final. Three of the Junior Badminton teams made it to the big show. The A team played in the Cross-Over Final, whilst the B and C teams progressed to Semi-Finals. With specialist coach – David Zhou at the helm, five of the ten CGGS Badminton teams played in Finals.
A year of incredible achievement on the volleyball court continues for Jenny J (Year 9). Travelling to Perth, Western Australia as a member of the Victorian U17 Team to compete in the Australian Youth Volleyball Championships, Jenny and her teammates finished in first position to claim the national championship title this September.
Two-time GSV Representative Tennis team player – Chloe W (Year 10) continues to impress with her achievements in the world of Tennis.
After completing four years as a Ballkid and being Ballkid Leader in her 4th year, Tennis Australia offered Chloe the opportunity to join two leadership programs, 2024/25 Future Leaders and 2025 Learn-to-Lead. These programs are designed to develop young adults’ leadership skills and encourage them to give back to their communities. Chloe recently graduated from both programs, which included various volunteer initiatives with her local tennis club to promote community involvement in sport.
As part of her Future Leaders Program, Chloe worked closely with her tennis club’s committee to improve communication between the Club and the wider community. She successfully developed a social media presence for the club, created a new club website, and designed a newsletter template for regular member updates. In addition, she assisted the club to successfully apply for government funding not only to support her project, but also for other marketing purposes. This recent school holiday period, Chloe was invited by Tennis Victoria to present at the Major Project Planning session of the 2025/26 Future Leaders Program, to share her experiences and to inspire young future leaders like her.
Following these projects, Chloe completed the Chair and Line Umpire training program with Tennis Australia. She is now a qualified Chair and Line Umpire and officiated her first Chair Umpire match at the Bendigo J250 Victorian State Finals. Chloe plans to commence volunteering as an umpire at various tournaments to gain more experience and prepare herself for the upcoming Australian Open in January 2026.
Cameron Childs
Director of Sport
Year 10 students attended RMIT Activator for a bespoke learning experience to culminate their completion of learning modules as part of our HEX@CGGS partnership. Camberwell Girls is the first and only school in Australia working with multi-award winning HEX in this capacity and our partnership continues to evolve. Highlights of the day included a focus on communication and collaboration and application of learnings from our four HEX@CGGS modules on futures thinking, innovation, money and technology. As well, a Futures panel featuring Gen Z female leaders, Cece Tan from Mubi, Zoe Kappos from Employment Hero and Vanessa Minhtri – an influencer with over a quarter of a million followers (@paints.v on Instagram) shared their insights and experiences. Students also learned about marketing and AI from Lisa Teh, founder of Mooning and Codi Digital Marketing Agency, exploring both its’ pitfalls and the pros. They then worked in teams to design their own social movement in an area they were passionate about, creatively developing and refining their concepts. Ultimately, students had the chance to pitch their ideas at the end of the day, receiving valuable feedback and building confidence in presenting innovative solutions. The event was a fantastic opportunity to network, gain real-world insights, and celebrate these students’ achievements.
Kate Manner
Director of Strategic Initiatives
The VCE Art and Design Exhibition was a vibrant celebration of imagination, dedication, and the power of sharing. After months of exploration, experimentation, and refinement, students had the opportunity to present their work to a live audience, transforming private process into public dialogue. The gallery buzzed with conversation, curiosity, and pride as each piece invited reflection and connection.
This joyful culmination reminded us that art is not only made, it’s shared. The exhibition honoured the courage it takes to express ideas visually and the generosity of inviting others into that space.
A heartfelt thank you to all who made this event possible: the students for their bold and thoughtful work, the teachers for their guidance and encouragement, and the Parents and Friends Association (PFA) for their invaluable support. Your contributions helped create an experience that was both meaningful and memorable.
Congratulations to everyone involved, your creativity lit up the room.
Rachael Miller
Head of Art and Design
The Model UN experience, where student diplomats are allocated a country, gather in an assembly that mimics a key UN Committee such as the Security Council and discuss and debate global issues, has been very popular in 2025. This learning experience immerses students into world politics, diplomacy skills and the interesting experience of speaking from their allocated country’s perspective.
In 2025 CGGS students from Years 9-11 have attended Model UNs run by UN Youth Victoria in the EVATT rounds and the United Nations Association of Australia days at McKinnon Secondary College and Trinity Grammar School.
The Trinity Day discussed Global Poverty and Food Security. As the diplomats from Canada, Burundi and Indonesia, our groups provided very different perspectives. Each Model UN includes a Caucus time where countries can negotiate with each other and modify clauses within the stated resolutions, however negotiation discussion occurs outside the formal time. These dynamic days usually draw on real UN discussions and current world issues, which is a cornerstone of Extension and Enrichment programs.
Michele Linossier
Enrichment and Extension Coordinator – Secondary School
The Global Health Youth Challenge (GHYC) is a new Science Extension initiative. It is a small group challenge where each team has 11 days to research and develop a comprehensive response to the nominated major health issue. The 2025 topic is ischemic strokes.
65 teams from across the state participated in the challenge, with Camberwell Girls entering 12 teams. As part of their preparation for the finals, the GHYC organisers provided a Mentor Masterclass with medical students, who reviewed the presentations and offered feedback. One Year 9 team (Marlo, Vincy, Anni and Sophia) and one Year 10 team (Erin, Tiya, Rui and Leila) finished in the top 10. These two teams competed in the Victorian Final on Friday 5 September at the University of Melbourne, with our Year 10 team finishing fourth overall. Both teams were great ambassadors for Camberwell Girls and impressed the judges with their knowledge of ischaemic strokes and their original responses to the challenge.
Michele Linossier
Enrichment and Extension Coordinator – Secondary School
Pitchdeck is a Commerce Extension Day where students form interschool teams learn from expert speakers about creating and pitching a product. Given a problem to solve, they create and pitch their solutions.
Presenters included Ross Milton, the Founder and Managing Director of Bounce Middle East, and seed investor with Scale Investors; Professor Kim Cornish, an internationally recognised neuroscientist who has led groundbreaking research into childhood brain development, and was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for her contributions to education and child development; and Mackenzie Casey, a global brand strategist and founder who launched HUMM, a peer-to-peer luxury dress-rental platform, which she developed in New York.
The approach was comprehensive, covering different lenses, ethics, branding, word and image effectiveness to name a few. In a short space of time, the teams created amazing content, slides, a dynamic pitch and one group even created a startup website.
The four best pitches were presented to all teams and the winning team, which included Camberwell Girls Year 10 student Aeysha, will tour State Parliament with Nicole Werner, the Shadow Assistant Minister for Youth and Future Leaders.
The event was organised by Mr Rion Ahl, Director of Matte Ventures and Korowa Anglican Girls School as part of the Melbourne and Beyond Gifted Network (MBGN) of 26 schools who work together to provide extension and enrichment activities for students of high ability and potential. Ms Michele Linossier and Dr Charlotte Forwood co-chair this network.
Michele Linossier
Enrichment and Extension Coordinator – Secondary School
Term 3 concluded with numerous sporting achievements, and Term 4 began with celebrations at the Year 11 & 12 Presentation Evening.
The Years 5 & 6s enjoyed their time at camp, and there are many individual achievements to celebrate.
