Our Head of Junior School reflects on a joyful start to 2026, welcoming new families and inviting students to embrace a year of curiosity, confidence and endless possibility.
It is with great excitement that we welcome back the Camberwell Girls community to the 2026 school year, and to our first edition of CamNews! We hope you enjoyed the holidays and are prepared for an exciting year of learning, challenge and opportunity. CamNews plays an important role in sharing the stories of our community and we look forward to highlighting key achievements, events and celebrations in our Secondary School throughout the year.
It has been a pleasure to welcome staff and students back to school over the past week. To support a smooth and successful transition we provide a staggered start across our year levels with students in Years 7, 11 and 12 returning early to complete transition programs, prior to welcoming the full school back on Tuesday 3 February.
With the return of students and staff, the School has once again been filled with a familiar energy, as excitement and enthusiasm for the year ahead flowed through classrooms, corridors and shared spaces throughout Week One. Students have embraced their new timetables and classes, along with the commencement of co-curricular programs, including music ensembles and House Swimming.
In this edition of CamNews, staff and students share reflections and insights on the start of the school year, as well as highlights from holiday experiences and adventures.
We also extend our thanks to parents and guardians who joined us for the Years 7–12 Meet and Greet and PFA Welcome Drinks on Thursday 5 February. It was wonderful to reconnect with so many families and to warmly welcome those new to the School community. The evening was vibrant and full of conversation and laughter, and we look forward to many more opportunities to come together throughout the year.
We extend our very best wishes to all members of the Camberwell Girls community for a productive and successful year, marked by growth, progress and achievement.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
The hallways were again filled with excitement and energy as our newest members of the Secondary School entered the school gates for their first official day. Students were reintroduced to their Form Teachers and peers as well as our new mascot – an otter! This year our Year 7 students hope to embody some traits of the otter such as connection, belonging and playfulness. After discussing these qualities, students launched straight into a scavenger hunt around the School. Here, they found important classrooms whilst solving riddles to find spaces and explore every area and crevice available.
Students were also given their 2026 CGGS diaries and shown their new lockers, which was met with much excitement and marked an important step in being a Secondary School student. Following this, students were introduced to the plethora of co-curricular programs on offer. It was fantastic to see that many students have already signed up for Sport, Music and many more opportunities.
Finishing the day with an exciting Science rotation, the students then had some time in the library before their Commencement Service and Welcome Dinner. Led by Reverend Creed, the Commencement Service was a wonderful way to gather and officially welcome our Year 7 students into the school community, with each student being presented with their school badge. Following the service, families and staff came together to share dinner, marking the beginning of Year 7 and the journey ahead for the Class of 2031. We look forward to all that the year will bring.
Kaitlin Barr
Year 7 Coordinator
It has been a great start to the year for our Year 8 cohort as students dive into a new chapter of learning and connection. There has been a palpable sense of anticipation as students returned, reuniting with friends, and settling into their new spaces – ready to explore all that lies ahead. The move into the Year 8 space has been met with enthusiasm, providing a fresh setting that reflects both independence and opportunity.
Our 2026 theme, Diving into Who We Are, has already made a meaningful splash. Inspired by underwater and deep-sea adventures, the theme invites students to explore identity, strengths, passions and values with curiosity and courage. Just as the ocean holds depth, mystery, and beauty, students are encouraged to look beneath the surface, embrace self-discovery, and appreciate the richness of their individual and collective journeys.
The excitement has continued with the commencement of core and elective classes, where students are eagerly immersing themselves in new subjects and experiences. From creative pursuits to academic challenges, these opportunities allow students to chart their own course and discover new passions along the way.
With a week filled with reconnecting, settling in, and setting intentions, the cohort has already demonstrated a positive and purposeful approach to the year ahead. Ms Walter, Mr Childs, Ms Castauro, Mr Perkins and I look forward to supporting them as they navigate the depths, build confidence, and make waves throughout the year.
Lindsay Hill
Year 8 Coordinator
This week we welcomed our Year 9 cohort back to school for the start of an exciting new school year. Students have been settling into their dedicated space in Lower Woodstock – reconnecting with friends, meeting new classmates, and beginning to make the area their own. Early conversations about how they might decorate and personalise the space have already sparked plenty of creativity and collaboration in their forms.
As a year level, our focus to begin 2026 is to “grow every day.” This theme encourages students to look for small, meaningful opportunities to stretch themselves, whether that’s trying something new in class, contributing positively to their form group, or approaching challenges with curiosity and persistence. We want students to see growth not as a single moment, but as a daily habit that shapes who they become.
The Year 9 Form Teachers and I are looking forward to the year ahead and to supporting each student as they navigate the unique journey of Year 9. There is so much potential in this cohort, and we’re excited to support their growth and development this year.
Ben McManamny
Year 9 Coordinator
The year has begun smoothly for our Year 10 students as they settle into life in the Senior School. From navigating new classes and fresh timetables, students have approached this transition with enthusiasm. The energy across the cohort has been fantastic, setting a strong tone for the months ahead.
The new locker area, complete with keypad locks, has been enthusiastically embraced by students for its convenience and ease of use. These spaces are already helping students feel settled, connected and proud of their place in the Senior School.
In the classroom, students have embraced their new classes, particularly enjoying the wide range of electives on offer, which provide opportunities to explore interests, try something new and deepen their learning. The level of participation and curiosity evident each day has been wonderful to see.
Excitement is also building as we look ahead to the Year 10 camp in Week 4. Mr Maycock has been hard at work organising another engaging program filled with adventure and teamwork. The camp will be a valuable opportunity for students to strengthen friendships, challenge themselves, and create lasting memories together.
With such a strong and positive start, we’re excited to see how the Year 10 cohort continues to grow throughout the year. There’s plenty to look forward to!
Daniel Loff
Year 10 Coordinator
With a purposefully curated commencement program, our year has kicked off to a flying start and the VCE journey has begun! There has been a strong sense of belonging and excitement for 2026 and I couldn’t be prouder of the positive energy this year group have brought in these first few days.
Each year, the choosing of a mascot and motto is part of the program, alongside some discussion on our values and guiding principles for the year ahead. With the group embracing the Peanuts character ‘Snoopy’ as their mascot, and declaring that his wit and wisdom is all they need. Additionally, each student has been tasked with developing their own 6 word motto to guide their actions and words in2026.
Our guest presenter, David Bott from the Wellbeing Distillery led an engaging and interactive session, giving tips and strategies to improve wellbeing in the year ahead. Putting one pillar to the immediate test, students then moved on to an African Drumming workshop, where each student had their own djembe drum and learnt traditional West African songs, rhythms and dances. It was highly engaging, loads of fun and very loud!
The day finished with a house based challenge that promoted teamwork and began the building of strong group connections. Each group had 60 minutes to design, create and decorate a cardboard ‘car’ on the base of a 4-wheel dolly. Their creations were fantastically creative and included a Bat Mobile, a Minion Car, a Frog themed cart and of course a Lightening McQueen entry from the movie Cars. With the cars built, it was then time to complete the complex F1 circuit – with sand traps, height barriers, chicanes and tight corners to be navigated.
With laughter, camaraderie, competitiveness and great design (mostly), we had a fabulous afternoon, with team Queen Unicorn taking the race win, Batman taking the decoration honours and the SassMobile awarded best Design and Functionality.
In the days since, students have settled into their academic subjects, begun their Captaincy roles in earnest, performed open morning duties and participated in today’s House swimming event.
2026 is shaping up just right!
Nareen Robinson
Yr 11 Coordinator
As the Class of 2026 gathered for their ‘Last First Day’ of school, students took time to reflect on their hopes and goals for their Year 12 journey, considering how they might build on their strengths and challenge themselves in meaningful ways.
Continuing a much-loved tradition, the cohort selected their theme and mascot for the year – the Smurfs. With this comes the fun of each student discovering their own ‘inner Smurf’ and choosing their Smurf names as the year unfolds.
Our guest presenter, David Bott from the Wellbeing Distillery, invited students to think deeply about their legacy and how they wish to be remembered as a year level. Together, we created a Simplified Operating System consisting of three guiding principles:
We also crafted a year-level motto that captures our shared identity and aspirations: Kind Hearts, Creative Minds, Leaders Together.
The day concluded with the traditional Church Service at St Mark’s, where each student received their Year 12 badge and candle from Mrs Dunwoody. Staff and students shared messages and prayers of hope as we marked the beginning of this important and memorable year.
Student Reflection – Spencer P Year 12
On Monday 2 February as the school year commenced, the Year 12 students enjoyed their First-Last Day, and Transition Day.
We also welcomed guest speaker David Bott from The Wellbeing Distillery, who worked with us in realising and forming the beginnings of our legacy and leadership as students in our final year. We focussed on the notion of kindness, always showing up, and being leaders together.
In the afternoon we also enjoyed our Commencement Service at St Marks Church, hearing hopes, prayers, and messages from our peers and teachers for the year ahead. Each student was also presented with their Year 12 Badge and candle.
Overall, our Transition Day was filled with hope and excitement, setting the tone for a wonderful year ahead.
Nicole McKie
Year 12 Coordinator
In 2025, 15 Students from Camberwell Girls were invited to compete in the Science Olympiads. The Australian Science Olympiads are organised by Australian Science Innovations (ASI) and are designed to challenge and nurture high-achieving science students.
Students performed well in the Olympiads with Wendy Y achieving a distinction in Biology and Rithanyaa P achieving a distinction award in Chemistry. Abbey M in Physics and Sarah H in Biology also received credit awards for their efforts
All other students achieved a participation award, these students were: Sophie C (Biology), Elsie Mc (Biology), Isuli P (Biology), Jenny W (Chemistry), Nhumai N (Chemistry), Nhuquynh N (Chemistry), Annabel L (Chemistry), Sharon T (Physics), Christina W (Physics), Summer Z (Physics), Dina MG (Earth and Environmental Science)
Debbie Henson
Head of Science
We would like to congratulate Ruby E on being chosen as the recipient of the 2025 Deakin Young Influencer Award. This award is open to all Year 11 students, and Ruby was selected, which is an incredible achievement.
The Deakin Young Influencer Award recognises excellence and celebrates students who are truly motivated to make a positive difference in the world, now and into the future. Deakin strongly believes in acknowledging outstanding students who embody our values of Community Leadership, Change Advocacy, and Progressive Thinking. The University has rewarded Ruby’s efforts and achievements with a $5,000 scholarship to support her first year of study at Deakin in 2027.
Ruby has made significant contributions to her school and community through music, sport, and leadership. As a long-term member of the Box Hill Academy Brass Band and Whitehorse Brass, she has mentored younger musicians, fostered an inclusive culture, and performed at important community events including the Melbourne ANZAC Day March, Box Hill Dawn Services, and local retirement community concerts.
At school, Ruby has flourished as a leader through GSV sport, supporting younger athletes and participating in the GSV Athlete Community Leadership Workshop. She has also held formal roles such as Reconciliation Captain and House Technical Captain, where she advocated for inclusivity, coordinated events, taught technical production skills, and led collaborative creative projects.
Congratulations Ruby, we wish you all the best and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
Ashley Nguyen
Head of Careers Education
Hello CGGS!
We are your 2026 School Captains, Anneka, Christina and Amber, together known as abrACAdabra. As we step into a brand new year, we invite you to join us in embracing our magical theme and our word for 2026: WISH.
This year is all about believing in what can be and having the courage to reach for it. For Term 1, the W in WISH stands for Wings and represents our focus for the term. Wings remind us to let go of what’s holding us back so we can soar, try new things and “fly the nest”, and keep going with perseverance even when things get tough. Together, we hope to encourage our community to take the leap and see how high we can fly.
As for Terms 2, 3 and 4… well, a magician never reveals her secrets!
During the holidays, we attended a three-day leadership conference in Sydney, and it was unforgettable. The conference was not only incredibly fun but also enabled us to hear inspiring guest speakers and participate in workshops focused on public speaking. We practiced impromptu speaking, met student leaders from around the world, and formed new friendships while strengthening our team’s bond. Most importantly, it gave us valuable time to plan and shape our vision for the year ahead. We can’t wait to bring these ideas to life alongside the CGGS community!
We hope you have a WANDerful start to the year, and we look forward to our truly magical future!
Anneka, Christina, Amber (abracadabra)
This week, CGGS Intermediate and Junior teams commenced their respective Term 1 GSV seasons in the sports of Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.
The Senior teams will begin their Round 1 competition this coming Monday 9 February.
Today was an amazing display of the intangible CGGS House Spirit at the annual House Diving & Swimming Carnival. All the fun and inspirational performances to be featured in the next edition.
Starting off in Term 1, Camberwell Girls offers three GSV sporting options for students: Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball. All three of these options are such incredible team sports to participate in with peers, providing the opportunity for students to meet other people and make new friends. These three GSV Sports are extremely diverse and offer great opportunities for students to develop their sporting skills and knowledge, alongside having the ability to find a balance between academic and co-curricular pursuits.
Personally, I have been participating in GSV Sport since I started at Camberwell Girls in 2021 and I have found this to be such a great forum to make lasting friendships. It has also provided me with balance to my studies as I have progressed through the Secondary School.
Friday 6 February (today) will see the staging of the Secondary School House Diving & Swimming Carnival, one of the many House Sport events celebrated throughout the year, involving students from Years 7 to 12. In past years, I have found the House Diving & Swimming Carnival to be available to students with all levels of swimming abilities, due to the inclusion of novelty relay events such as: Board, Egg & Spoon, and Lifejacket (PFD).
Following quickly on the heels of this House event is the GSV Diving & Swimming Carnival on Monday 2 March. This year, CGGS is scheduled to compete in the Preliminary C Carnival at PLC, looking to defend the title of Division Two Swimming Champion, which we have claimed in 2024 and 2025! I highly recommend that students participate in the Monday and Thursday morning training sessions leading up to this carnival, as it provides such an amazing opportunity for students to be able to interact with others across Years 7 to 12, whilst being able to represent our school on the GSV stage.
This year in my role as the 2026 Sport Captain, my focus is to inspire students to participate in sport. As young women, I think it is especially important to take part in a range of different sports, including sports at school and in the community. I aim to encourage a high number of students to take advantage of the sport provided at CGGS, whilst also promoting the benefits of participation in different sports.
As the second person in my family to be appointed to the School’s Sport Captain position, I feel as though I have a legacy to continue and contribute to. I am honoured to have been given this opportunity, and I want to be able to encourage others to become as passionate about playing a range of sports as I am.
With my older sister Sofia previously serving as CGGS Sport Captain, I am fortunate to have a mentor and role model to look up to as I begin leading my peers through their sporting journeys in 2026.
Amalia Pandeli
School Sport Captain
The final day of the 2025 academic year saw the staging of the much-loved annual CGGS Aquatic Swim Club Presentation Night.
The CGGS Aquatic Swim Club swimming members are a combination of CGGS students and non-students, with the following Camberwell Girls Grammar School students receiving awards:
Age Group Champions
10 & Under – Nicole L (Year 6)
15-16 Years – Anneka S (Year 12)
17 & Over – Jasmine R (graduated 2025)
2025 Awards
Leadership – Anneka S (Year 12)
Dedication – Alis C (Year 7)
Encouragement (Senior) – Jasmine R (graduated 2025)
Coaches Award (Senior) – Jasmine X (Year 10)
2026 Club Captain – Darren T
Congratulations to Carissa L (Year 10) who finished in sixth position in the Junior Synchronized Team event at the national championships conducted in Brisbane at the end of 2025.
Carissa was proud of her teammates and her own performance as she personally skated to a high level against the best in the country.
Congratulations to Selena C (Year 11) who once again wore the green-and-gold to represent Australia at the 2025 Inline Freestyle World Championship in Singapore last December.
This championship proved to be an invaluable international competitive experience for Selena, who went up against the world’s best skaters on surfaces different from her previous campaigns.
We look forward to the next instalment of Selena’s international career as she continues to represent Skate Australia proudly!
Cameron Childs
Director of Sport
Our Head of Junior School reflects on a joyful start to 2026, welcoming new families and inviting students to embrace a year of curiosity, confidence and endless possibility.
More than 400 parents came together for the Annual PFA Welcome Evening, celebrating connection, conversation and a warm start to the year as a community.
A new school year begins with the energy of new students, exceptional VCE results, and important developments shaping the year ahead at Camberwell Girls.
