CamNews

Junior School

As my first term as Head of Junior School at Camberwell Girls draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what a truly remarkable journey this term has been. Stepping into this role, I knew I was joining a community with a reputation for excellence, but experiencing the warmth, energy, and spirit of this School first-hand has been nothing short of inspiring.

The absolute highlight of my term has been getting to know our students. Whether it was a visit to the ELC, observing the wonders and curiosity in our classrooms, or seeing the camaraderie on the playground, the enthusiasm our students have for learning is infectious. I have been struck by their confidence and the genuine care they show for one another. It has been a delight to begin building these relationships, and I am grateful to the families and staff who have welcomed me so warmly into the community.

Looking ahead, I am excited for what the remainder of the year holds. This term has provided a wonderful foundation, but there is so much more to explore and achieve together. I wish everyone a safe and restful break, and I look forward to returning for an even more rewarding Term 2.

2026 Jess Wilson MP Easter Colouring Competition

Congratulations to all the talented students who participated in the 2026 Easter Colouring Competition hosted by Jess Wilson MP. The standard of entries was exceptionally high, showcasing the vibrant creativity of our students. A special round of applause goes to Edie (Year 5G), who was the overall winner for her outstanding artwork. We also celebrate our runners-up, Caroline (Year 5G) and Chloe (Year 2R), for their impressive contributions. To honour these achievements, the students were invited to a special afternoon tea and award presentation. Congratulations Edie, Caroline and Chloe.

Kellie Morgan
Head of Junior School

EARLY LEARNING 3

Throughout the entirety of Term 1, EL3 have demonstrated a strong interest and curiosity in their natural environment, and they have eagerly searched for mini beasts and learned about millipedes. EL3 researched using books and reflected using ‘See, Think and Wonder’ routines, and were introduced to paper clay, wire and matchsticks as a medium to help them learn about their appearance and characteristics. We recommend researching what a millipede’s heart looks like compared to our heart, we were so surprised!

Millipede See, Think, Wonder Routine

I SEE: “Lots of legs, it’s moving, moving and black, it’s curled, it’s touching the leaves”

I THINK: “He’s hungry, he can’t swim, he needs water”

I WONDER: “What do they eat? Can they swim? How will they drink? Do they have a mouth? Will they bite?”

The children also developed a deep connection to the seed pods they regularly found during their play. We connected with Chelsea Baker, an Artist from Queensland who paints seed pods, and we learned about her creative process, as well as discovering that we can connect with others in the wider community to extend our learning. This is only the beginning of what is going to be an amazing ongoing project.

Eva Szymanski and Jacqui Laird
EL3 Teachers

YEAR 1 INCURSION: NOW AND THEN

This term, Year 1 has been exploring how families and roles have changed over time and the differences and similarities between school life in the past and now.

On Monday 23 March, students were transported back more than 150 years through their National Trust incursion, The Past in Your Class. They were encouraged to dress up in clothes that children would have worn in 1870’s and were visited by Mrs Sargood, the matriarch of Rippon Lea Estate. This hands-on experience allowed students to view historic photos and artefacts from this era, bringing the past to life and helping them understand how different life was for children compared to modern life. At the end of the incursion, students used an ink pen and pot to try and write the alphabet in cursive writing. 

I learnt that boys and girls couldn’t play together.
Milla

If I went to school in the olden days, I would write with an ink pen.
Liya

My favourite part of the incursion was when I learnt to write with the ink pot and pen.
Isabelle

I learnt that teachers could hit children in the olden days.
Roma

If I went to school in the olden days, I would do everything that the teacher said and follow all the rules.
Jennifer

Our Year 1 cohort thoroughly enjoyed stepping into the shoes of children from another era. It was wonderful to see them so engaged and building on their knowledge of how life has changed and stayed the same, across generations.

Liz Warren
Year 1 Classroom Teacher

JS HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY

On Monday 30 March, students in Year 3-6 participated in the House Cross Country event at Boroondara Park. The event is aimed at promoting physical activity and encouraging students to stay persistent in their efforts. The track is a challenging 2-3 km race, depending on the runners age, navigating through rough terrain and hills. It was so wonderful to see our students having fun, trying their best and cheering each other on to cross the finish line.

One of our school values we have been discussing and reflecting on in PE this term is the value of commitment. Cross Country events can be incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally, and students faced difficulties, such as cramps, exhaustion, and injuries. But with commitment to their training, and support from both teachers and peers, students were able to push through and finish the race.

Participation was the key focus, and it was fantastic to see all the students in Years 3-6 try their best and complete the course. The event was divided into three age groups, 9/10 year olds, 11 year olds and 12/13 year olds. Congratulations to those students that finished in the top ten for their age group. They will be heading off to District Cross Country in Term 2 to represent CGGS. Finally, while everyone did incredibly well tackling the track, the winning House on the day was LAWRENCE ! Congratulations LAWRENCE on taking the win from Singleton who have won this event for the last two years. SINGLETON finished in second place, TAYLOR finished third and SCHOFIELD finished fourth.

Kim James
Head of Health, Physical Education & Sport (JS)

EASTERN METROPOLITIAN REGIONAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

For students in the Junior School, Term 1 is our swimming Term. District Swimming was held in Week 4 and saw Camberwell Girls perform incredibly well with a team of seven swimmers progressing on to Division. At the Boroondara Division Swimming Carnival Emilia Z secured herself a place in the 50m butterfly race at Regionals.

On Tuesday 31 March Emilia headed to Aquanation in Ringwood to represent Camberwell Girls and compete in her race. Regionals are a tough competition with the best of the best coming together. Emilia performed incredibly well, finishing fifth in her event and smashing five seconds off her PB! We could not be prouder of the little champion she is becoming and look forward to seeing what the future holds for her in the pool. Congratulations Emilia!

Kim James
Head of Health, Physical Education & Sport (JS)

YEAR 4 MAYOR VISIT

Earlier this term, Year 4 were visited by the Mayor of Boroondara, Cr Wes Gault.  Students learnt about the role of local government, the importance of laws, and the responsibilities of a councillor and a mayor. Students participated in a mock council meeting and were given the opportunity to ask the mayor questions about his job and the local government. It was a fantastic incursion, and we are grateful to Mayor Gault for his time. Our Year 6 Event leaders interviewed two of our Year 4 students about their experience.

Charlene: “This affected me by boosting my knowledge about the three states of government.”

Jessie: “It was inspirational as I learnt about voting and what you do as a councillor.”

May Ou
Year 4 Classroom Teacher

MOUNTFIELD MAESTROS

The Mountfield Maestros Music Concert Series provides a supportive and inclusive environment for student musicians at every stage of their learning, from first-time performers to more advanced levels of experience.

The process of music-making and music sharing is a powerful and enriching experience that supports student growth both inside and outside the classroom. Instrumental study also nurtures personal and social development. Through regular practice, students learn perseverance, goal setting, and self-discipline, building confidence as they see their efforts translate into progress. Performing music encourages self-expression and emotional awareness, providing a creative outlet that supports wellbeing.

The first Mountfield Maestros music concert for 2026 was a memorable evening that showcased not only outstanding performances, but the collective celebration of musical expression between performers and the audience. Our student musicians were warmly supported by an enthusiastic audience of family, friends, and staff, whose encouragement and appreciation illuminated the sense of community throughout the concert.

From the first notes, the Hall was filled with a sense of celebration. The program featured a wide range of instrumental performances across classical, jazz and contemporary styles, each marked by thoughtful interpretation and a high standard of musicality. Particularly striking was the maturity and stage presence of the performers, who communicated with poise and expressive musical storytelling.

Throughout the evening, it was clear that this concert was more than an opportunity to perform; it was a celebration of growth, dedication, and the joy of music shared.

Kate Savige – Director of Music (Curriculum)
Nichole Adams – Music Teacher

Principal

Today, our School Chaplain, Reverend Helen Creed, shares a reflection on this significant time in the Christian calendar.

Secondary School

The final weeks of Term 1 at the Secondary School have highlighted numerous accomplishments of our athletes.

Junior School

The last weeks of Term 1 at the Junior School have been filled with curiosity, exploration, and joy!

Connected Community

The Moonlight Movie Night united the community for an enjoyable evening of connection and fun.

Create Your Tomorrow