Mrs McClure welcomes the community to the 2025 school year and introduces new staff members.
Welcome to the first edition of CamNews for 2025! We hope that you had a restful and joy-filled holiday period and are ready for the exciting year ahead. As we embark on the 2025 School Year, we look forward to sharing key stories, achievements, and events from our Secondary School through this fortnightly CamNews publication.
Over the past two weeks, it has been a pleasure to welcome staff and students. To support a smooth and successful transition, we provided a staggered start across our year levels, with students in Years 7, 11 and 12 returning on Tuesday, 28 January, prior to welcoming the full school back on Thursday, 30 January.
The School has been abuzz with energy over the past week, marked by shared laughter, excitement and enthusiasm. Students have enjoyed the start of their new classes and the commencement of co-curricular programs, including Concert Band and GSV Volleyball. In this edition of CamNews, staff and students provide highlights and reflections on the start of the School year and the initial days at school.
We look forward to seeing many of our parents and guardians at the Years 7-12 Meet and Greet (the Form/Tutor Teacher session) on Friday 14 February, which is followed by the PFA Welcome Evening.
We extend our best wishes for a productive and successful year ahead and hope that it is a year of progress and achievement for all members of our school community.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
Hello Camberwell Community!
We are your 2025 School Captains, Abi, Nysa and Angela (fondly known as ANA Travels).
As the year kicks off and we direct our attention to our goals, aspirations and hopes for the year, it is tradition for the School Captains to select a four-letter word for the CGGS community, where each letter corresponds to a thematic focus for each term.
Before the year started, we thought long and hard about how we could target the needs and desires of the Secondary School cohort of 2025. We discussed how our generation desires truth and trust, and that as the young people of this world we should step into the passions and talents we were gifted with to make the world a better place.
With this in mind, our word for 2025 is … REAL
REAL stands for Rejoice, Empower, Authenticity and Love.
Rejoice
We believe that we should strive to find joy in the little things. By exercising gratitude, generosity and optimism, we find ways to be kinder and lighten our mental load. Happiness and joy are often viewed and synonymous, but we believe that happiness is a reaction to your circumstances, whereas joy is a choice despite your circumstances. Once we embrace joy, we are better equipped to start making positive changes in our lives.
Empower
In Term Two, we want to focus on taking charge of our own journey as the young people of this world. We want to learn how to find confidence in ourselves and encourage others to do the same. We’re going to combat underestimation by using it as motivation to accomplish and grow even more than we think we can. Our aim is to encourage students to trust their intuition, listen to that small voice of hope and work hard to become the person they want to be.
Authenticity
We want this word to encourage everyone to be authentic and be their own true selves. Authenticity is such a gift, and the fact that we are all so different and original is a privilege. This word means to be true to your own values, and emotions, it’s also a cornerstone of personal fulfilment and meaningful relationships. In this day and age, it is easy to mould to society’s expectations due to external pressures, but embracing authenticity offers freedom and a true sense of self.
Love
We live in a world that can sometimes seem to lack in love and kindness. We believe that you don’t have to agree or even like someone to choose to love them. We need to band together, exercise forgiveness and actively choose to lead with good character and keep love and kindness at the forefront of decision-making. When this sense of trust and acceptance is fostered, the community will continue to flourish, and we hope that our focus on this will generate a ripple effect that will build in the years to come.
We are so excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to connect with our Camberwell community. It’s going to be a REAL good year!
Much love from your 2025 School Captains, Abi, Nysa and Angela (ANA Travels).
Our Year 7s started with a bang with their first two days of Secondary School filled with different activities as part of their transition program. One hundred eager, excited (and nervous) Year 7s, and their families, filled Barbara Sutton Hall for the Welcome Ceremony where the students and their teachers were presented as a tutor group to the new cohort.
Students were also introduced to our mascot for the year, a trusty ant. Along with some fun facts (did you know ants live on every continent except for Antarctica?), we discussed the characteristics of ants we hope to embody. They are highly organised and work together every day. Their colonies exemplify a working community, where each ant does their bit and always achieves more together. Our mascot enjoyed being looked after by different students throughout the day and the ant is already an integral part of the Year 7 community.
After assembly, the students participated in a scavenger hunt around the School. They located different classrooms and new spaces around CGGS. Once completed, students were introduced to the plethora of co-curricular programs on offer. Many questions and enthusiastic whispers were evident, an indicator of the wonderful opportunities our Year 7s are eager to participate in and try. The exploration continued in the final day of our transition program, where students participated in rotations of Music, Drama and Performing Arts, Service Learning and IT, giving them a taste of what would come once classes started. Working together with new friends, it has been fantastic to see such high energy and a willingness to give everything a go.
This special week concluded with the Year 7 Commencement Service and Welcome Dinner. During the Service, there were a number of other students led parts of the Service, including the prayers, the readings and reflections. We are grateful to the following students for their wonderful help: Yasmin, Kaitlyn and Joyce (7B); Thanshika, Ada, Chloe and Nellie (7P); Emily, Tilly, Ivy and Chloe (7T); Ella, Sophie and Maddie (7W).
Special thanks must also go to Rev Creed, who organised the service, and provide wonderful advice, inviting students to think about Year 7 as the start of an adventure, saying: “Out of all the things that you might want to take with you, the most important thing is not what you carry in your bag, but what you carry in your heart. And what I want you to carry in your heart is knowing that you are precious – you are precious to other people and to God.”
At the end of the service, students received their School Badge, and a candle with their name on it, before enjoying a meal on the Oval together to mark the end of the Year 7 Transition Program.
The first week of Year 7 has been a week to remember. We can’t wait to see what their enthusiasm and wonder will bring this year.
Kaitlin Barr
Year 7 Coordinator
It has been an exciting first week back for Year 8. We are particularly pleased to welcome our three new Year 8 students, who have already shown that they fit in beautifully with this cohort. The students were excited to move up a level in the Anne Feehan Building and settle into their new lockers and form spaces. Awaiting each Year 8 student was a motivational mantra on their locker to inspire them for the year ahead. These mantras hinted at the theme for the year: the Year 8 Garden of Self-Discovery. With our 2025 wellbeing focus centred on learning more about ourselves, the cohort is eager to embody this through the motif of a naturally growing garden.
A special shout-out to Mia Y and Nawita (pictured below), who came up with the brilliant idea of theming our year with such an inviting and inspiring concept. When introducing the theme to the cohort, they thoughtfully shared the importance of recognising personal growth and viewing ourselves as a garden that can bloom together. After all, “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow,” and we certainly believe in the Year 8 cohort.
Keeping busy with photo booths, rehearsals, decorating, new timetabled classes and more, the Year 8s have certainly made the most of Week 1 at CGGS. Ms Walter, Ms Castauro, Mr Perkins, Mr Cozzio, and I are elated with the energy and enthusiasm we have seen from these new form groups. We are all looking forward to supporting their journeys of self-discovery and growth in the year ahead.
Maria Litchfield
Year 8 Coordinator
As we step into a new school year, I am thrilled to share just how impressive our Year 9 students have been in their first few weeks of 2025. From their enthusiasm in the classroom, to their leadership in the wider school community, they continue to thrive.
One of the most exciting moments so far has been their role in helping facilitate the first Middle School Chaplains Assembly for 2025. With confidence, teamwork, and a genuine sense of responsibility, they helped Reverend Creed deliver a reflective and thoughtful session. It was wonderful to see them step up as role models, showcasing the leadership skills they will continue to develop throughout the year.
In the classroom, the energy and eagerness of our Year 9s have been equally impressive. Their engagement in lessons and curiosity for learning has had teachers full of praise.
Beyond academics, there is a vibrant sense of connection among the students. They are supporting one another, embracing new opportunities, and contributing to a fantastic school culture. This has been particularly evident in the Year 9 Piano being used for numerous sing along sessions!
If these first few weeks are anything to go by, 2025 is set to be a remarkable year for our Year 9 cohort.
Daniel Loff
Year 9 Coordinator
What a fantastic start to the year it has been for our Year 10 students. With their transition into the Senior School, they have embraced exciting new class structures, fresh timetables, and dynamic learning opportunities. The enthusiasm is undeniable, and the energy across the cohort has been inspiring.
One of the biggest highlights has been the brand-new Year 10 spaces, including a fantastic new locker area that students are already making their own. These fresh environments have provided a great sense of belonging and independence as they take this next step in their school journey.
Students have jumped into their new classes with excitement, exploring a wide range of elective courses that allow them to pursue their interests and discover new passions. The buzz of engagement is evident every day, and it’s wonderful to see them embracing the challenges and opportunities of Senior School life.
Looking ahead, we are eagerly anticipating the Year 10 camp in Week 6. Mr Maycock has been busy planning an action-packed experience full of adventure, team-building, and opportunities to make lifelong memories. This will be a special time for students to strengthen friendships, take on new challenges, and create stories they’ll share for years to come.
With such a positive start, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds for Year 10. Bring it on!
Lindsay Hill
Year 10 Coordinator
It was a pleasure to welcome the Year 11 students back to school as they embark on their VCE journey, reconnecting with friends and teachers. The Year 11 Form Teachers and I were delighted to see the excitement as students shared holiday experiences and discussed their hopes and aspirations for the year ahead.
In addition to settling into their newly renovated locker area and Form groups, the Year 11 Transition Day saw students receive essential information about VCE assessment requirements. They also engaged in a series of thought-provoking workshops designed to challenge their perspectives on leadership and inspire them to consider the legacy they wish to leave. The Year 11 team is excited to see how these students will flourish and thrive this year and wish them all the best.
Nicole McKie
Year 11 Coordinator
Student Reflections
To commence our VCE journeys at CGGS, we were thrilled to have our very own VCE Transition Day to ease us back into school life. On Transition Day, the Year 11s focused on many core values of leadership in Senior School such as communication, friendship, innovation and even some dancing. We also got to partake in African drumming, singing and dancing with musicians from Senegal and Australia. This was the perfect end to our day and really united us as a cohort. – Abbey M
The VCE Transition Day was a valuable and informative experience. We were lucky to have yLead come to our school to talk about how we could be leaders in our everyday life by leading with actions and your character. We finished the day with African Drumming where we played on djembes together as a year level. Overall, it was a fun and unique way to start the School year and reconnect with friends. – Sophie T
For our Year 12 students, the year of “Last Firsts” has begun! Starting with their final ‘first day’ of the School year students returned to CGGS for a purposefully curated transition program.
Each year, choosing 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 their fun and inner child, Sesame Street’s, the Cookie Monster was chosen as our mascot and ‘Year 12 Smart Cookies’ WERE officially launched.
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 a House based challenge that promoted teamwork and began the building of strong group connections. From covering a basketball in sticky notes, fastest puzzle finish, a great duck race and numerous other tasks, there was much laughter and competitive spirit shown.
The day finished with the traditional Church Service at St Marks, with all students receiving their Year 12 Badge from Mrs McClure and participating in a candle lighting along the ‘river of hope’. The theme was Hope and Community, with two students asked to share their reflections. Excerpts of what Nonie and Sienna shared are included below and were a highlight of the ceremony.
Something I’ve always loved about our year level is how we still want to be involved. Our shared love of doing things, whether its school-official co-curriculars or a game Mrs Robinson gave us in YLA or even House Sports Day late last term, our year level will show up, continue to commit, and continue to give it our all. And so going into Year 12, a year rumoured to be either the best or worst of your life, I hope that we don’t let this stop us from still having fun and continuing to connect and do things that draw us closer together. This really is something I love about the class of 2025 and have felt since Year 7 – that we are so capable of connecting and bonding. – Nonie M
I hope we find room for joy in the friendships we create, the activities we try, and the little moments of success. I hope the person at the end of the year can recognise and is proud of the efforts and hard work the person sitting in this service today will put in, but most importantly the growth and development that will shape us during this year. So, as we step into Year 12, let’s hope for growth, resilience, kindness, and support. Let’s hope we make it into a year that we can look back on in five, ten, twenty years with pride, not just for what we achieved but also for how we grew and who we became along the way. – Sienna C
In the week since, there has been a palpable sense of belonging and excitement for 2025 and I couldn’t be prouder of the positive energy and the work ethic each has brought for this very special year.
Nareen Robinson
Year 12 Coordinator
On Tuesday 4 February, we celebrated Chinese New Year with a spectacular lion dance by Hongde Lion. The rhythmic pounding of drums signalled the arrival of the vibrant red lions, whose dynamic movements impressed students and staff. More than just a professional display of agility and coordination, the performance carried deep cultural significance, symbolising prosperity and positive energy. It also provided students with a firsthand experience of this time-honoured tradition, fostering a greater appreciation for its classic, artistic and cultural heritage.
The celebration continued with screenings of The Farewell and The Nightingale in the Year 7 and Year 9 common areas on Wednesday and Thursday. These two Chinese films offered valuable insights into Chinese family values, cultural identity and intergenerational relationships, enriching students’ understanding of the language and traditions. Some students may have even found these stories resonated with their own experiences growing up.
Chinese New Year at CGGS is more than just a celebration; it is a time to embrace and learn from traditions that connect each other. As we enter the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and determination, we wish everyone a year filled with success, joy, and new opportunities.
Scarlett Zhang
Chinese Coordinator
As highlighted in last year’s CamNews, Isuli P achieved the prestigious honour of being named the National Winner for Year 10 in the National History Challenge. Her exceptional zine, Won’t Stay Quiet, explored the women of the punk movement and the evolution of Riot Grrrl, showcasing her passion for history and depth of inquiry.
On 25 November 2024, Isuli attended the National History Challenge presentation ceremony at the Australian Parliament House, where the achievements of this year’s winners were celebrated.
The National History Challenge is a free competition for primary and secondary students to explore world history and uncover Australia’s rich past. This year’s theme, Crisis and Response, attracted over 6,500 entries from 750 schools nationwide.
The ceremony included inspiring speeches from notable figures, including Ms Catherine Baron, President of the History Teachers’ Association of Australia; Ms Elizabeth McGinnis, Chair of the National History Challenge; and the Hon. Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education.
Minister Clare commended the winners for their exceptional contributions, stating, “Today, we are surrounded by inspiring young people who have delved into the past and demonstrated a keen focus on the future.”
Reflecting on her achievement, Isuli described the experience as both inspiring and rewarding, allowing her to form friendships with like-minded peers and deepening her love for history. “It has been such a joy not only to win but to create my project and delve into the details of such an enjoyable time in history.”
Karin Lemanis
History & Science Teacher
Mrs McClure welcomes the community to the 2025 school year and introduces new staff members.
New and returning students have settled in nicely with various engaging transition programs.
It has been a time of discovery at the Junior School as students start a new school year.
Students enjoyed a fun photobooth to commemorate the start of the School's 105th anniversary.
