Today, Mrs Dunwoody talks about an international educators' conference that Camberwell Girls will be hosting next term.
As we come to the end of Term Two, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what has been a full and rewarding term across our Secondary School. There has been a strong sense of energy and engagement throughout the semester, with students embracing both their learning inside and outside of the classroom with enthusiasm and pride.
There have been many highlights along the way. Special weeks including National Reconciliation Week and Celebrating Diversity Week, provided meaningful opportunities for reflection, learning, and celebration. Students have represented the School with great commitment, in a variety of GSV Sports with our Senior AFL team winning the Premership against an undefeated side. Our Upskill curriculum, co-curricular activities, and year level camps have also enriched learning and fostered confidence and connection, as students pushed themselves out of their comfort zones and challenged themselves in the plethora of opportunities on offer.
This week’s Environment Week has been another highlight. With our student-led sustainability group – Froggies, planning a range of different activities which raised environmental awareness and inspired us to think more deeply about sustainability.
We extend our gratitude to our dedicated staff, whose care and expertise underpin all that we do, creating an environment where students are both challenged and supported to thrive.
As the holidays begin, we wish all families a restful and well-earned break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term Three on Tuesday 14 July, refreshed and ready for the term ahead.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
Energy and curiosity filled the School as students and families came together for our recent Subject Information Evening and Careers Expo, a vibrant and highly engaging evening bringing together students, families, staff, alumni, and industry professionals to explore future pathways.
There was a strong sense of community throughout the event, with families actively engaging in meaningful conversations and students taking full advantage of the opportunities available. Across the various spaces, the energy was clear, with thoughtful questions and genuine curiosity evident throughout the evening.
The Careers Expo featured a diverse range of representatives from tertiary institutions, industry bodies, and employers, providing students with valuable insight into study options and future careers. This breadth of representation ensured students could explore a wide variety of pathways and begin to make more informed decisions about their next steps.
A highlight of this year’s event was the introduction of our Careers in Industry Hubs. These hubs created informal, conversation-based spaces where students and families could connect directly with alumni and industry professionals, gaining authentic insights into their career journeys and experiences.
For the first time, these hubs were positioned alongside VCE subject teachers, strengthening the connection between subject selection and future career pathways. This integrated approach helped students see the relevance of their subject choices in a meaningful and practical way.
It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm and engagement across the evening. We extend our sincere thanks to our alumni, industry partners, and staff for their generosity in creating such a valuable experience for our students.
Ashley Nguyen
Head of Careers Education
We are pleased to share reflections from our Year 7 students who recently participated in the MAV Math’s Games Day at Parkdale Secondary School. It was an exciting opportunity to collaborate, solve problems and celebrate their passion for Mathematics, and we thank the staff and students involved.
Michele Linossier
Head of Extension and Enrichments
The first round at the Year 7 Maths Games Day was a fast-paced team relay which immediately became my favourite game. One person from each team sprinted to the table to collect a problem, before racing back to their team and solving it. With nineteen problems in total, we had to think quickly and efficiently to solve them in time. After a speedy and chaotic game, the team handed in the 19th problem and finished first for this round!
Brianna H
Year 7 student
This year’s MAV Maths game hosted at Parkdale Secondary School was an extremely exciting opportunity. We were able to participate in activities such as logic problems, mathematical problem solving and construction. Camberwell Girls teams both placed highly with one team taking first place!
Hope K
Year 7 student
Maths Games Day was packed with fun and challenging tasks like logic puzzles, fermi questions, team relay and construction. It has helped improve my teamwork skills, and I really enjoyed working with my team to figure out the hard questions. It was also a great chance for some friendly competition with other schools. It was an amazing experience, and I would definitely do it again.
Melinda Q
Year 7 student
Six Year 11 students from Lowther Hall visited our school as part of their leadership camp. The visit gave them the opportunity to learn more about the leadership process at different schools and ask questions about captaincy and Year 12 life.
It was a great chance to meet students from another school and share our experiences. The students were all incredibly friendly and curious, asking lots of questions about leadership roles, school culture, and what it is like to be a Year 12 student at Camberwell Girls. It was also interesting to hear about their own school and compare some of the similarities and differences between our experiences.
The school provided lunch, creating a relaxed atmosphere where everyone could chat and get to know each other. After lunch, we took the students on a tour of the School. They were particularly impressed by the campus and were amazed by some of the facilities, especially the gym and oval.
Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. It was great to meet such a lovely group of students and learn more about another school community. The visit was a valuable opportunity to share ideas about leadership, gain different perspectives, and make connections with students outside our own school.
Anneka, Christina and Amber
2026 School Captains
The Camberwell Girls and Camberwell Grammar (Boys) school captains came together for a breakfast meeting to discuss the next Year 12 Conversation Series, which will be held on 3 August at our school.
The Conversation Series is designed to create meaningful opportunities for students from both schools to connect, build friendships, and develop lasting relationships across both school communities. As the program continues to grow, the breakfast meeting provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on previous events and plan for the next one.
During the meeting we discussed a range of logistical details, including how many students should participate, the structure of the event, and how long the sessions should run. These conversations helped ensure that the upcoming event will be engaging, well organised, and beneficial for everyone involved.
Overall, the meeting was a productive and enjoyable experience. Not only did it allow us to prepare for the upcoming Conversation Series, but it also provided another opportunity to strengthen the connection between our two schools.
We are looking forward to welcoming Year 12 students from both schools to the next event, which will be preceded by the much-anticipated annual CGGS v CGS netball match! Go Camberwell Girls!
Anneka, Christina and Amber
2026 School Captains
We were delighted to be recognised as finalists in the ResourceSmart Schools Awards for Curriculum Leadership, celebrating the many ways sustainability is embedded across learning and life at Camberwell Girls. Through our Service Learning Program, Makerspace projects, and Froggies co-curricular group, students bring environmental responsibility to life through meaningful action.
The awards ceremony, held at the MCG, was an inspiring opportunity for students and staff to connect with like-minded schools, share innovative ideas, and celebrate a collective passion for creating a more sustainable future.
This week, our annual Environment Week highlights the enthusiasm for our community. Lunchtime activities included making bay leaf wreaths, bath salt bags, coffee scrub, beeswax wraps, milk bottle lid art, potting indoor plants, sowing seeds, and making recycled products. The week concluded with our much-loved Cold Day BBQ, where heaters were switched off, students wore warm casual clothes, and funds were raised for the Solar Buddy program, through which students build solar lamps for communities experiencing energy poverty.
As we celebrate sustainability, we pay tribute to a true Camberwell Girls environmental trailblazer, Jill Dumsday, who sadly passed away last month. Teaching Environmental Science, Science and Geography at Camberwell Girls from 1996-2012, Jill inspired countless students through her passion for learning, and her tireless work as a champion and campaigner for the nature’s environment. Inspired by Year 9 Geography students, Jill founded Froggies (Friendly Organisation of Gorgeous Green Indicators of Environmental Sustainability) and nurtured a vision that led students to fundraise for the School’s first solar panels.
Anna Clarkson
Geography and Mathematics Teacher
Sustainability Coordinator
Our VCE Music students have been working with focus throughout Semester One, preparing and refining their performance repertoire. Last week, the Unit 3 class shared selections from their VCE programs with an appreciative audience of family, friends, and staff in the Robinson Hall.
The performances showcased a diverse range of styles, spanning multiple historical periods, from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras through to 20th and 21st century works. Highlights included a piano duet, alongside performances from musical theatre, folk, pop, rock, funk, fusion, jazz and works by Australian composers.
This event provided a valuable opportunity for students to present the more substantial portion of their end of year external examination program. It was a significant and important milestone in their assessment journey. Students demonstrated confidence in working with an accompanist, alongside secure technique, developing artistic maturity, and an increasing ability to shape musical character and expression. Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the evening as the highlight of their week. Just as importantly, the event fostered a strong sense of camaraderie amongst the performers. Students supported one another with exceptional spirit and energy, and several reflected that they achieved their most controlled and confident performances to date.
We are incredibly proud of the dedication, perseverance, and passion displayed by these young musicians. Their willingness to challenge themselves and strive for excellence was evident in every performance. We look forward to witnessing their continued growth in the months ahead.
Congratulations to all our VCE musicians for their outstanding efforts. They are shining examples of musical excellence within our school community. We eagerly anticipate the Unit 2 and Unit 4 recitals in early Term 4, as students continue their preparation for final assessments.
Kate Savige and Rohan Mack
Directors of Music
Mathew Duniam
Music Teacher
Last weekend, Sophie W (Year 10) participated on Flute in the Under 16 Woodwind and Brass category at the 2026 Ringwood Eisteddfod. Sophie performed the first and second movements of Gabriel Fauré’s Fanatsie. As a VCE Music student, Sophie approached the event not as a competition, but as a valuable opportunity to develop her performance skills, gain confidence performing in front of an audience, and to listen and learn from like-minded musicians in her category. The section featured thirteen talented performers across a range of woodwind and brass instruments, including French Horn, Oboe, Saxophone, Trumpet, and Flute.
We are thrilled to announce that Sophie was awarded 1st Place in her category and has also been selected to perform at the upcoming Showcase Concert on 11 July. It was a wonderful experience for Sophie to hear musicians of a similar age performing alongside her and to draw inspiration from all the performances. Sophie continues to pursue her interests in music performance, and we congratulate her on this outstanding achievement.
Kate Savige and Rohan Mack
Directors of Music
This week, Olivia H (Year 7) presented her debut piano recital at St Paul’s Cathedral, marking an important milestone in her musical journey. The Cathedral’s weekly lunchtime recital series offers audiences an opportunity to pause during the busy working week, providing both a space for quiet reflection and the opportunity to listen to high-quality live music. The Cathedral invites visitors to slow down and experience music in an atmosphere of calm and beauty.
Olivia’s program showcased both technical command and expressive range, spanning a variety of musical styles and eras. The featured works Olivia performed were Joseph Haydn’s Piano Sonata in C minor, Manuel de Falla’s Nocturno, John Carmichael’s ‘Postcards’, and Isaac Albeniz’s ‘El Puerto’.
Through this diverse repertoire, Olivia demonstrated both musical maturity and a deep engagement with the expressive capabilities of the piano. The recital not only highlighted her artistry but also contributed meaningfully to the Cathedral’s ongoing tradition of presenting inspiring live performances to the community. We congratulate Olivia on her recital debut and look forward to celebrating her ongoing growth as a musician.
Kate Savige and Rohan Mack
Directors of Music
A jam-packed five-day camp took Year 7 students to Phillip Island Adventure Resort, filled with exciting activities and experiences. The students challenged themselves to participate in a wide variety of rotations. Activities like the giant swing, high ropes, crate stacking and the twin flying fox certainly raised the student’s heart rates, whilst activities such as team rescue, laser strike and canoeing tested their teamwork and collaboration.
The rain thankfully stayed away for most of the week, and it was wonderful to see the whole group come together both during activities and throughout their well-earned downtime. We are very proud of the many students who challenged themselves and embraced new experiences, and we know many are already looking forward to Year 8 camp next year.
Kaitlin Barr
Year 7 Level Coordinator
Shane Maycock
Outdoor Education Coordinator
Health and PE Teacher
We recently attended our Year 7 camp at Phillip Island. A highlight of Year 7 Camp was going to Amaze n’ Things. We played mini golf and visited multiple illusions, sharing excited chatter and friendly competition. Many of us also enjoyed the twin flying fox. The exhilarating feeling of rushing through the sky, feeling the cool air on our faces, while still racing our friend beside us. Lots of students also overcame their fear of heights, as friends and peers encouraged them. Although the food was not the best, we all loved the variety of sweet desserts all while chatting with our friends about our newfound experiences.
Night-time activities included a bush walk, disco, campfire, movie night and trivia. We watched High School Musical, and in between the smell of popcorn and the students snuggling up to keep warm in their sleeping bags, it was definitely one of the highlights.
Overall, our camp to Phillip Island was enjoyable, full of challenges and a great way to spend the week!
Josie L, Neli F and Faye L
Year 7 students
Last week saw Camberwell Girls teams play Finals in all sports offered in the Term 2 GSV Weekly Sport program.
The first team to take to the court was the Senior A Netball team who produced a valiant performance in the B Grade Cross Over Final #2, pushing the eventual premiers all the way in a spirited contest. Thank you to Nareen Robinson and Alexia McConnell for guiding this team to the Finals.
The Intermediate B Netball team who finished second in their zone at the conclusion of the regular season, also played valiantly, losing an enthralling match in the C Grade Cross Over Final #4. Well done to Liana Robinson for coaching another team to Finals.
Having recorded an undefeated season and claiming a Zone Pennant, the Junior Hockey team progressed directly to the Grand Final in C Grade. The Year 8 students were gallant in their performance, finishing as Runner-Up. Former GSV B Division Premiership players – Samantha Huynh and Katharine Polatsidis – are to be congratulated for their coaching prowess in leading their team to the season decider.
Finals week concluded last Friday with the Senior AFL team marching into a Grand Final off the back of impressive must-win matches in recent weeks. Up against an undefeated opponent with a talented playing list, the Camberwell Girls team brought their trademark pressure to the contest from the outset, prevailing in a match played to such a high standard. Congratulations to Latia B (Year 10) who was judged as the Best Player afield in the epic contest. Congratulations to Andrew Burnell who coached superbly across the season to claim the ultimate prize, in the inaugural GSV C Division Grand Final.
Last week saw Camberwell Girls teams play Finals in all sports offered in the Term 2 GSV Weekly Sport program.
The first team to take to the court was the Senior A Netball team who produced a valiant performance in the B Grade a
The annual GSV Senior Basketball Tournament is a one-day competition open to Year 11 and 12 students.
The Camberwell Girls team came ready to play, notching up five match victories on the way to claiming the bronze medal in the 3rd/4th place playoff match, which was an incredible 20-point win!
Maddie W (Year 12) playing in the Point Guard position, reflected that the Camberwell Girls team initially experienced close, tightly fought contests, before developing a cohesiveness allowing them to find their rhythm, resulting in larger victories as the tournament continued. The press defence proved decisive in key moments, providing possession back to the Camberwell Girls players, who rallied at key moments to put on a fine display of winning Basketball.
GSV Captain Ruby E (Year 12) noted that this tournament provided a wonderful opportunity to experience the joys of competition. Ruby loved the change of routine for a day full of exercise and sport, relishing the confidence that the Camberwell Girls team engendered through their matches. Ruby also derived inspiration from observing some highly talented players to take to the court to showcase their capabilities across the tournament.
Thank you to team coach – Shane Maycock for his Basketball expertise in leading this formidable group of players to a memorable result.
Cross Over Final #2, pushing the eventual premiers all the way in a spirited contest. Thank you to Nareen Robinson and Alexia McConnell for guiding this team to the Finals.
The Intermediate B Netball team who finished second in their zone at the conclusion of the regular season, also played valiantly, losing an enthralling match in the C Grade Cross Over Final #4. Well done to Liana Robinson for coaching another team to Finals.
Having recorded an undefeated season and claiming a Zone Pennant, the Junior Hockey team progressed directly to the Grand Final in C Grade. The Year 8 students were gallant in their performance, finishing as Runner-Up. Former GSV B Division Premiership players – Samantha Huynh and Katharine Polatsidis – are to be congratulated for their coaching prowess in leading their team to the season decider.
Finals week concluded last Friday with the Senior AFL team marching into a Grand Final off the back of impressive must-win matches in recent weeks. Up against an undefeated opponent with a talented playing list, the Camberwell Girls team brought their trademark pressure to the contest from the outset, prevailing in a match played to such a high standard. Congratulations to Latia B (Year 10) who was judged as the Best Player afield in the epic contest. Congratulations to Andrew Burnell who coached superbly across the season to claim the ultimate prize, in the inaugural GSV C Division Grand Final.
Congratulations to Year 9 student – Charlotte T – who was recently selected in her specialist position of Goalkeeper to Football Victoria’s Talent Identification and Development Centre (TIDC) Program.
Charlotte trialed successfully at ‘The Home of the Matildas’ in Bundoora to achieve a coveted position in the program.
Charlotte will now attend ten training sessions and play in two tournaments that will focus on the technical and tactical aspects of Football Victoria’s playing model. This program content is designed to support Football Victoria’s selection criteria for the Emerging Matilda’s Championships and aligns with the Youth National Team playing style.
Charlotte will lace up the boots for Camberwell Girls in the Term 3 GSV Soccer competition and is expected to be a shot-stopper of the highest order, benefiting from her experience in elite programs.
Cameron Childs
Director of Sport
Today, Mrs Dunwoody talks about an international educators' conference that Camberwell Girls will be hosting next term.
Students and parents gathered in large numbers for the inaugural Senior School Subject Information Evening and Careers Expo.
The Junior School had a busy end to the term with a Chess Tournament, Environment Week, and an Open Classroom.
Our Alum community came together at the Careers Expo, providing students with an insight into an array of careers.
