Today, Mrs Dunwoody farewells the Class of 2026.
At our first Junior School Assembly for Term 4, we celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child, a day recognised around the world each year on October 11, to honour girls, amplify their voices and champion their rights and opportunities.
During the assembly, we explored the themes of the book ‘A Girl Like You’ by Frank and Carla Murphy. Our Librarian, Mrs Spencer recently purchased the book after Mrs Dunwoody discovered it while travelling overseas and warmly recommended it to our Junior School community. We were privileged to hear reflections from our Year 6 students, Akira and Ajab, who shared personal stories about courage, perseverance, empathy and self-belief. Their thoughtful responses reminded us how fortunate we are to belong to a community that encourages every girl to learn, explore her interests, use her voice and pursue her aspirations. For girls to truly thrive, they need opportunities to feel safe and supported, take on new challenges, discover their strengths and make meaningful contributions. As Akira and Ajab reminded us, even everyday choices to be brave, support others and stay true to ourselves can help create a world in which every girl has the opportunity to flourish.
Akira reflected on overcoming her nerves to tackle the giant swing at camp, demonstrating that courage is often about taking the next step, even when something feels daunting. She also spoke about the determination required to earn a leadership position, reminding younger students that worthwhile goals are achieved through commitment and perseverance. When discussing the importance of using her voice, Akira highlighted the value of helping others through acts of service, such as contributing to the Winter Warmth Appeal.
Ajab shared the influence of her sister in encouraging her to face new challenges and spoke about role models who inspire positive change. She reflected on the work of Malala Yousafzai and the impact one courageous young woman can have in advocating for girls’ education around the world. Ajab also encouraged students to be proud of who they are, embracing their individuality and recognising the unique strengths they bring to our community.
Throughout the conversation, themes of empathy and kindness emerged strongly. The girls reminded us that understanding and supporting others helps create a community where everyone feels valued and included. Their reflections aligned beautifully with the purpose behind the International Day of the Girl Child. Every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, lead, belong and flourish.
As a Junior School community, we are so proud of our students who are thoughtful, courageous and determined to make a positive difference. On International Day of the Girl Child, we celebrate not only what girls can achieve, but also who they are becoming. Their voices matter, their dreams matter and their actions today will help shape a better tomorrow for all.
Kellie Morgan
Head of Junior School
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Dr Jane Goodall
The Early Learning 4 Full-Time children, recently engaged in an inquiry that focused on learning about the effects of rubbish on Sea Country, environmental issues that impact sea turtles, and the connection between human actions, waterways, wildlife and environmental wellbeing.
During this inquiry, children engaged in research, investigation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. They gathered information through books, photographs, video clips, discussions, and imaginative play experiences, using a variety of sources to build and extend their knowledge. Children developed wonderings, shared theories about turtles and their habitats, challenged their misconceptions, and developed a deeper understanding of environmental issues. Children also demonstrated curiosity and a growing capacity to transfer their learning to real-world situations.
As children explored environmental issues that impact sea turtles, they developed an appreciation of the importance of maintaining healthy environments for the wellbeing of all living things. Conversations about pollution harming animals prompted empathy, care, and concern for Country. Children discussed ways to protect turtles and demonstrated an understanding that safe, healthy, and clean environments contribute to the wellbeing of animals, people, and communities. Through discussions about rubbish, pollution, conservation, and the impact of human actions on sea turtles, children developed an awareness of their responsibilities as environmental stewards.
Learning about sea turtles, their habitat, life cycle, and the challenges they face encouraged children to not only consider issues of sustainability, pollution, and environmental care, but to recognise that even their small actions, such as placing rubbish in bins or using reusable items, can contribute to positive change. These experiences encouraged children to recognise their role in protecting natural environments and strengthened their commitment to caring for Country through everyday sustainable practices.
A turtle can get stuck in a plastic bag. He gets trapped because some people don’t put the plastic bag in landfill. We take care of Country, and we put rubbish in landfill. You need to pick the rubbish up and put it in landfill because the wind will blow the rubbish to the sea and the turtle will get stuck in a bag. Audrey
The mum turtle lay the eggs in the sand and covers them with sand so the hatchlings can hatch. The mum doesn’t want the fox and crow to eat the eggs. It takes 100 days to hatch and when they pass 100 days, they crawl up out of the hole and go into the sea. We need to care for Country, putting landfill in the bin to keep our planet clean. If plastic bags go into the sea the turtle will get trapped. Micheline
The mother turtle goes back to the sea because she doesn’t look after the babies. The baby turtles look after themselves. The mother turtle lays her eggs and then covers them with sand. The turtles come out by themselves. They crawl out of the hole and into the sea. The zoologist uses wire to cover the sand so the fox can’t eat the eggs. Evelyn
Someone threw rubbish. The people picked up the rubbish from the beach. We care about Country. We need to pick up the rubbish and put it in the rubbish bin because the turtles will think that’s a jellyfish and the turtle will get trapped. Lina
The turtle swims in the ocean and the turtle hides the eggs because the fox will eat them. People care for Country. They put rubbish in landfill. They die – the turtles. The fox eats them. They put wire over the sand nest. The fox cannot eat the eggs. Natalia
The zoologist keeps the baby turtles safe by not letting the fox get the baby turtles. The zoologist puts strong wire on the sand to cover the turtle’s nest. The fox tries to eat the baby turtles but it’s so strong he can’t get through it. Tahlia
Don’t put trash in the ocean because the turtle will think that’s a jellyfish and the turtle will go near the trash and eat it. It will get sick. We need to put trash into the bin. Ella
Angela Follacchio
Early Learning 4 Teacher
To begin the term, our Foundation students have been learning about the important role community helpers play in keeping us safe at home, at school and in the wider community.
Across two sessions, the students enjoyed an engaging firefighter incursion. The experience provided an opportunity to develop a greater awareness of fire safety and emergency procedures.
A key focus of the visit was learning the important steps of ‘Stop, Drop, Cover and Roll’. Students enthusiastically practised this technique and discovered how these simple actions can help keep them to be safe in an emergency.
The excitement continued as the children explored the fire truck and had the opportunity to use a real fire hose! The students took turns spraying water while learning about the equipment firefighters use and the important work they do to protect our community.
The Foundation students and teachers would like to thank our local firefighters at the Hawthorn Fire Station for giving their time and providing a memorable highlight of the year!
“We got to look in the fire truck. I saw firefighter jackets” – Evelyn
“I enjoyed spraying the hose and Miss Stanaway getting water on her” – Tashi
“My favourite part was when I was spraying the hose” – Elakiya
“I liked when the firefighters sprayed water on the classroom windows. It was so funny” – Dorothy
Mikaela Stanaway
Foundation Classroom Teacher
It has been a busy start to Term 4 with Year 11 - 12 Presentation Evening and many musical achievements.
Over 100 Old Grammarians returned to Camberwell Girls last weekend for the annual Reunion Weekend.
