We are thrilled to reflect on an incredible two weeks at Camberwell Girls, marked by a series of student-led initiatives that have showcased the remarkable talents and leadership qualities of our students.
National Science Week commenced on Monday 12 August, with STEAM Captains Cindy G and Shelly T creating a vortex of scientific fun and discovery in response to the 2024 theme, Species Survival. From interactive science experiments, escape room challenges, ecosystems in a jar and DNA bracelets, their enthusiasm and dedication to making science accessible and fun was inspiring.
Following Science Week, Monday 19 August saw the launch of Book Week and CamberWELL Week, two celebrations that are purposefully integrated to enhance our understanding of the magic of reading and its links to wellbeing. Led by the Literature Captains, Lizzy C and Melanie C, and the Wellbeing Committee under the leadership of Lucy L, the school was abuzz with activities throughout the week. Highlights included the Magic Show, Book Week dress ups where stories were brought to life in the most imaginative ways, alongside music and drawings in the quad, possum ball and e-sports. Across the week, activities fostered a sense of community and highlighted the importance of relationships, joy and movement in promoting overall wellbeing.
These initiatives underscore the capacity of our students to lead and create meaningful opportunities for our school community. Their creativity, leadership and commitment are inspiring. We thank all the students involved and extend our gratitude to the dedicated staff who supported these events including Deb Henson, Vicky Ellis, Anne Devenish, and Jess Friend.
Over the next few weeks there are numerous opportunities to celebrate the achievements of our school community and to see their passion and hard work in action. We look forward to seeing you at one or all the upcoming events, including the Celebration of Sport Evening, the VCE Music Recital, the Annual Music Concert, and House Drama. What a fantastic way to celebrate the end of Term Three!
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
We are excited to announce that at an awards ceremony on Thursday 15 August, Lara was honoured at the Boroondara Youth Awards 2024 for her exceptional work as a local dance instructor. Lara’s commitment to offering dance training to students, designing choreography for competitions and VCE Dance, and motivating young individuals to showcase their creativity has earned her the esteemed Youth Professional Award.
Lara’s passion and commitment to the arts have made a significant impact on the CGGS and wider community, inspiring young people to pursue their creative dreams. We are incredibly proud of Lara’s achievements and look forward to seeing her continued contributions in this area.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
The theme for Book Week this year was ‘Reading is Magic” and so we took the opportunity to invite a Magician to our Library to help us create a sense of magical excitement and wonder. We also had so much fun dressing up as our favourite book character and many (book) prizes were won for best dressed by both staff and students. In Assembly, our Literature Captains, Lizzy C and Melanie C presented the 2024 House Readers Cup winner, and we congratulate Lawrence for being crowned champions! We awarded our top readers in every year level and our top reviewers with a book of their choice. To create even more magical vibes in the Library, we invited an Artist in Residence, Claudia Rubinstein to work with Year 8s to create their own beautiful, beaded keyrings.
Reading IS Magic and we are proud of our wonderful CGGS reading culture.
Anne Devenish
Head of Library
CamberWELL Week was a vibrant and inspiring student-driven event that left a lasting impression on our school community. Organised by the dedicated members of the Wellbeing Committee and chaired by Year 11 leader Lucy L, the week-long celebration provided students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in activities designed to promote wellbeing, inclusion, connectedness and diversity.
One of the standout activities was Possum Ball. Naomi L and Lily M (Year 10) were the drivers in generating student engagement and fostering inclusion for all who participated. This simple yet engaging activity encouraged physical movement, teamwork, and laughter—key ingredients for enhancing mental and emotional wellbeing. The game not only got students moving but also fostered a sense of camaraderie as they worked together and cheered each other on. We even welcomed some new members to the CGGS community through the School’s partnership with MITS.
Another highlight was the transformation of our school quad. Through the lens of wellbeing, students decorated this central space with vibrant colours, uplifting messages, and creative art installations. The result was a visual feast that served as a daily reminder of the importance of mental and emotional health. The decorated quad became a space where students could pause, reflect, and recharge, surrounded by the collective creativity of their peers.
CamberWELL Week was more than just a series of activities—it was an experience that highlighted the importance of wellbeing in our daily lives. The events fostered a sense of community, reminding us that when we come together with a shared purpose, we can create something truly special.
The Wellbeing Committee
Our Upskill program last Tuesday saw a range of experiences take place for our Years 7-12 students. From a design thinking immersion for the Year 7s, curated by Dr Forwood and lead by a team of experienced staff, to preparing the Year 10s for the complexities of decision making and risk assessment as they take to the roads with their Learner Permits, each program was tailored to students needs now and for the future.
The future focus for the Year 10s continued with a financial literacy workshop exploring workplace rights and responsibilities and the launch of our Semester Tw online HEX offering ‘Innovation’, which will culminate in several immersive excursions at the end of the year for students who successfully complete their online checkpoints.
Year 11s were similarly invited to complete the ‘Future’ online course which will culminate in a one-of-a-kind experience for the students.
At Year 8, Indigenous Learning as part of the Service Learning program was the focus, whilst at Year 9 Service Learning was a feature, alongside a choice of Digital Technology sessions and the student led LeadUp program.
Finally, our Year 12s engaged a masterclass in LinkedIn from HEX CEO and founder Jeanette Cheah. With just under 10k in followers herself on this platform, the students were in great hands as they learned about the importance of digital representation, connection and networking in preparing for the next steps of their education and work journeys.
The design of all our Upskill programs is intentionally hands on and practically themed, and we are looking forward to sharing our next program in the final week of Term Three on 11 September.
Kate Manners
Head of Strategic Initiatives
During Week 5 Camberwell Girls celebrated National Science Week along with many other schools in Australia. The STEAM Captains, Cindy G (Year 12) and Shelly T (Year 11), planned a variety of engaging activities linked to the Science Week theme sharing their love for Science with the other students. The Captains also planned some fun activities at Junior School and were inundated with support from many Secondary School volunteers who jumped at the opportunity to share their love for science with the Junior School students and contribute to Junior School teaching and learning through service.
A big thank you to the STEAM Captains, Shelly and Cindy, all the student volunteers, the lab technician’s Ange and April and all the Secondary School students who participated in the fun activities. Shelly and Cindy have reflected on the week below.
Deb Henson
Head of Science
During Week 5 we organized a range of lunchtime activities at the Secondary School to celebrate this year’s Science Week. The theme of the week was Species Survival, and many students showed their keen interest in exploring their understanding about endangered species during our activities. Many participated in the whale snot experiment, where the students got first-hand experience about how to examine the health conditions of whales from their “snot” sample. The DNA bracelet making activity was also well received, with the students entering the world of biology through this creative process. We also brought back the popular science escape room activity due to student’s high demands. Cindy, Year 12
As one of the STEAM captains for 2024, I am thrilled to share my passion for the theme “Species Survival” during this year’s Science Week, engaging with all students and staff members on a journey of exploration and discovery. While planning activities for a week-long school-wide event was both exciting and challenging, it was so worth it when I saw the students and teachers enjoying themselves. The smiles on everyone’s faces and the enthusiasm from the volunteers made me feel incredibly grateful. Co-ordinating with students and staff, brainstorming fun events, and managing the activities all contributed to my personal development and experience. It was a memorable, remarkable, and unforgettable week. Shelly, Year 11
On Tuesday night, an audience of around 60 welcomed wonderful chef and author, Annie Smithers to an In Conversation event with me in the Brooksbank Library on the very day her new book, Kitchen Sentimental was released.
As well as teaching French at CGGS, I am very lucky to be able to chat to chefs about food and life as a chef on my podcast, Conversation with a Chef. I have spoken to Annie a few times now; she was one of the first conversations with a chef that I had while writing for community newspaper, the Northsider. I always love talking to Annie and I value her generosity in what she’s willing to share, as well as her frank and articulate way with words.
Annie is a culinary icon known for her dedication to the principles of farm to table cooking. With a career spanning decades, she has established herself as a champion of sustainable practices, bringing fresh local ingredients to the forefront of her cuisine. Her acclaimed restaurant, Du Fermier is a testament to her philosophy of simplicity, seasonality and respect for the land. In Kitchen Sentimental, Annie invites us into her world blending personal memories and discoveries with a selection of matched recipes. This book is more than a collection of dishes and more than even a memoir. It is a reflection on the power of food to evoke emotions, create connections, and preserve our most cherished moments. For Annie, it’s been the centre of her world through some very low times as well as in the good times. It was a privilege to hear from Annie herself as we discussed the stories behind this deeply personal work.
Dr Jo Rittey
Head of Languages
This year, the Year 9s ventured to Warburton where they were offered the choice of four different trails to complete over the course of the week. These included Adventure Plus, Adventure, Sustainability and Artisan. This novel approach to the Year 9 Camp was designed to tap into the specific strengths and passions of the Year 9s and was undoubtedly a success.
The Adventure Plus trail was predominantly undertaken by Year 9s completing the Bronze Level of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. It involved a four day/three night hike and camping out experience as well as abseiling and caving.
The Adventure trail involved a three day/two night hike and camping out experience as well as mountain bike riding and bike upcycling (restoring, maintaining and repairing bicycles).
The Sustainability and Artisan trails both involved a one night stay at a nearby venue and participation in a range of activities that included visiting a local orchard, a coffee roastery, pottery making, pizza making, felting, gardening sustainability and bike upcycling.
All groups spent time with Murrundindi who discussed with them the local environment, foraging for food in the forest and for several groups, visiting the Murrundindi Tree/Ada Tree (the tallest eucalypt in Victoria).
The weather was largely favourable throughout the week and the feedback from both the Year 9s and the staff involved was overwhelmingly positive. As always, the Year 9s were exceptional ambassadors for the School and their enduring optimism, engagement and resilience to overcome the various challenges encountered during the week was simply outstanding. Special thanks to Mr Maycock for all his hard work and diligence in organising such a fantastic Year 9 Camp and all the staff who attended.
Andrew Burnell
Year 9 Coordinator
Many years ago, I went to see a musical staged at a nearby private school. They had a total number of 25 in their cast and over 2,000 in their school. I wondered how many might have auditioned for one of those coveted spots. How many missed out? Then I wondered how it might have prepared their students for their lives outside of those walls. Yes, the world is competitive, but if you’re not given the opportunity to cultivate the necessary skills at school, what chance have you got?
It was then that the ‘CGGS casting process’ became as inclusive as we could make it. Anyone at a school who has enough courage to say, “I am interested to learn about this artform and myself,” by publicly auditioning using a set of skills that could be in any state of development, should be applauded.
Auditions began in Term Four last year with supplementary auditions for our new and Year 7 students, at the beginning of this year. Rehearsals ran five days a week across Term Two with singing, choreography and acting rehearsals all running concurrently. As much as we possibly could, we tried to only call students for a maximum of two after school rehearsals per week.
Meanwhile, alongside the onstage performance content, tails, tentacles and some bespoke costumes had to be made, set items had to be designed and built, backstage had to be managed, the orchestra had to rehearse, and lighting had to be conceived and programmed. That takes a lot of people. In terms of our student involvement, 230 students to be exact, almost half of our Secondary School.
The Lead Technician of the audio company we work with made a comment that stirred a deep sense of pride within me. He said, “I love the culture that’s been created here. The students are so kind and capable, and they’re so generous with their knowledge. I love listening to them help each other, passing on what they’ve learned so that everyone can get better. It’s one of the most beautiful, functioning communities I’ve ever worked with.” This is the strength that comes from inclusivity and diversity. From fostering student voice and leadership. ‘Connected community’ is the superpower of the arts.
The Little Mermaid highlights the essence of the Camberwell Girls’ experience. Students led the way at every turn, developing a myriad of technical and general skills in line with our motto – Utilis in Ministerium.
Thank you for coming with us on this journey.
Keira Lyons
Head of Drama
Eleanor Wood
Director of Co-Curricular Programs
To encapsulate the breadth of student experience, we asked The Little Mermaid students to summarise their learning and memories.
“Throughout the Little Mermaid, I learnt what it’s truly like to be part of a theatre family. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to create friendships, work with so many incredibly talented people, and nurture my love for the performing arts in this musical.” Olive C (Year 11 – Cast Member)
“I learnt many new things from working with a group of people designing the props of the musical. Knowing how to get everyone’s ideas incorporated and forming one design choice was a learning curve, and I learnt many new skills – I had never painted a person before! I also had never seen the behind the scenes making of a production – I usually act, so it was interesting to be a part of another aspect of the production process.” Romy M (Year 12 – Set Design and Makeup Crew)
“When I was younger, I loved using a toy EFTPOS machine and playing cashier. But at TLM kiosk I was thrilled to learn how to use a real EFTPOS machine and interact with real customers.” Sarvani P (Year 7 – Service Learning Assistant)
“A lesson I learnt from the Little Mermaid is the importance of being present in a specific moment. As humans our minds naturally tend to worry about what happens next – whether it’s a prop that must come in the next scene or preparing for an actor’s exit. However, being in this production has taught me that being in the present and fully in the moment not only enhances the whole experience but also allows you to create everlasting memories with everyone else involved!” Aashi S (Year 11 – Stage Manager)
“Designing the lights together for the show was an amazing experience, filled with many long but rewarding days and a lot of teamwork. Working with a new system presented a challenge in time management, but also forced us to think creatively as the show developed. Watching the final show from up in the tech box, having seen all the hard work everyone involved had put in was incredible.” Hannah C (Year 12 – Lighting Designer)
“Walking down into the pit for the first time after the term break, it was like entering a whole new world “down under” the stage. Entering the pit and hearing our music blend with the voices of the cast for the first time, bringing the magical world of the Little Mermaid to life in BSH is a memory I’ll always cherish.” Angela L (Year 11 – Orchestra)
“I loved how everyone came together across year levels in The Little Mermaid.” Mabel C (Year 8 – Cast Member)
