Today, School Chaplain Reverend Creed offers the community a reflection during this Advent season.
On the final day of the school year, we are delighted to share the last edition of CamNews 2025.
On Friday we farewelled our Years 10 and 11 students, who recently completed their end-of-year examinations and participated in Headstart. This program is an important step in preparing for the next stage of their VCE journey. Both year levels also enjoyed extended time with their 2026 Year Level Coordinators and Form Teachers. Year 11 activities included a Blessing of the Year 12 Common Room by Reverand Helen Creed, a festive Christmas Kahoot, and introductory information sessions on VCE and VTAC in Year 12, setting the scene early for a successful year ahead. For Year 10, the challenge of completing a giant Post-it Note puzzle board was a wonderful way to foster teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity among students, preparing them well for the transition into Year 11.
Years 7–9 students also spent time with their 2026 Year Level Coordinator and met the Form Teacher who will guide them next year, engaging in transition activities designed to prepare them for the next stage of their learning journey and ensure they feel confident and ready for 2026. They also enjoyed the annual Middle School Carols Service at St Mark’s Anglican Church, with some high-quality choral singing on display for all to enjoy.
On Wednesday 2 December, our Years 7–10 students came together for the Presentation Assembly, celebrating achievements and growth across the year. These moments provided an opportunity not only to celebrate accomplishments such as Citizenship and Academic Awards, but also to reflect on the remarkable development of our students throughout 2025.
On behalf of the Camberwell Girls Grammar School community, we extend our deepest thanks to our staff for their unwavering dedication and passion for our students in the Secondary School. Their care, guidance, and expertise continue to inspire and empower our students every day. We also thank our parents and guardians for their support and collaboration in fostering their children’s growth and wellbeing. This strong partnership in learning is vital to our shared success, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration in 2026.
As we approach the festive season, we wish all families a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you back in 2026 for another exciting and inspiring year at Camberwell Girls Grammar School.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
On Wednesday 3 December, we recognised the commitment and achievement of students in Years 7-10 at the annual Presentation Assembly. It was an opportunity to reflect upon both individual successes and those shared by the School community throughout the school year.
Academic Awards are one way in which we recognise the talents of students who have performed at an outstanding level across all their subject areas. We also be presented Outstanding Citizenship Awards, which are an important recognition and acknowledgement of those students who best embody the School’s values as well as our school motto Utilis in Ministerium – Useful in Service. The celebration was complemented by performances from the Russell Strings and Concert Band, alongside reflections from each year level, the Director of Co-Curricular Programs, and a presentation on the recent Service Learning Immersion Tour to Timor-Leste
A recording of the assembly, as well as each year level’s reflection (in speech format) is available via the buttons below.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
Year 9 students, Jess M, Jess W, Sienna T, Zara T, Christine M and Eden C, members of Team Opportunity, represented Camberwell Girls in the First Lego League National Championships South on Saturday 6 December. Competing against 48 other finalists from South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, the team presented an innovation project about non-contact, ethical archaeological exploration which related to the year’s theme of ‘Unearthed’ and engaged in some rigorous questioning from the judges. They also designed and programmed a Lego Spike Prime robot to complete a series of complex challenges on a Lego game table with the aim to collect as many points as possible in two and a half minutes. With a previous best of 360 in the regional finals, Team Opportunity achieved a personal best of 380 points in the robot game and took home the second prize trophy, appropriately constructed from Lego.
After the regional finals, Team Opportunity did a complete pivot with their innovation project, based on the feedback provided by the judges. They worked hard to create a carefully designed new solution to a different problem, which demonstrated their willingness to take on feedback and engage in the design thinking process. In their thinking, interactions, presentations and performances, Team Opportunity embodied the core values of both the First Lego League and Camberwell Girls Grammar School. Congratulations to each of these students.
Dr Charlotte Forwood
Director of Research and Design
Sam Fitzgerald
Head of Digital Technologies
On Monday 8 December, Year 8 students took part in the CGGS Annual Djirra Hamper Drive. A BBQ was held at the start of the term with funds being raised to purchase non-perishable hamper items, along with this, each student also contributed by bringing different goods to go in these hampers.
Across the morning, students learned about the incredible work Djirra do in the community, whilst decorating and packing Christmas hampers with the selection of non-perishable items.
Djirra is a place where culture is shared and celebrated, and where culturally safe support and resources are available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, particularly those who have experienced family violence. The hamper drive aims to deliver food hampers to First Nations women across Melbourne and regional Victoria who are doing it tough this Christmas, to support them and their children as they show strength and resilience moving forward from challenging and difficult family situations.
A Woi Wurrung word, Djirra is the reed used by Wurundjeri women for basket weaving. When Wurundjeri women gathered to weave, important talks took place, stories were shared, and problems were solved. Djirra symbolises Aboriginal women today, still coming together to share stories, support each other and find solutions.
A truly wonderful morning, it was a joy to witness the level of care, thoughtfulness and creativity each of the groups put in to designing, constructing and packing their hampers.
Denise Tan
Head of Service Learning, Religion
This semester has marked an exceptional milestone for Camberwell Girls music students during the AMEB examination period, with a significant number of Associate and Licentiate Diplomas being awarded, with some students even achieving both awards in the same year! These prestigious qualifications represent the highest levels of musical achievement, signifying mastery well beyond Grade 8 and the Certificate of Performance.
The Associate (A.Mus.A) and Licentiate (L.Mus.A) Diplomas are nationally recognised credentials that demonstrate not only advanced technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of musical stylistic interpretation. Students who attain these awards have reached a level of performance comparable to professional musicians and are considered to hold a qualification equivalent to a tertiary-level diploma.
Ray Z (Year 11) was awarded L.Mus.A with Distinction on Violin. Elise F (Year 9) and Joyce Z (Year 8) achieved A.Mus.A on Piano. Iris L (Year 8) was awarded A.Mus.A in both Piano and Clarinet, and Jenny W (Year 7) earned A.Mus.A with Distinction on Piano and A.Mus.A with Distinction on ‘Cello.
Congratulations to all students who have earned these remarkable achievements, and we acknowledge the invaluable support of their families and teachers. Their success is a testament to the vibrant culture of music education at Camberwell Girls and the School’s commitment to fostering and nurturing talent and inspire growth.
Rohan Mack and Kate Savige
Directors of Music
The School community came together at St Mark’s Church on Friday 5 December, to celebrate the Festive Season at the Christmas concert. Hosted by the 2026 School Music Captain, Sophie T, the evening featured beautiful Christmas music performed by student musicians, along with carol singing in the church and on the school oval, sharing the story of Christmas. It was a welcome opportunity for our community to pause at the end of a busy week and reflect on the significance of the Christmas readings and the joy of the music during this special time of year. The story of Christmas reminds us of the enduring importance of giving and receiving love and kindness. The church was filled with Christmas spirit, light, and warmth throughout the concert – a truly wonderful way to conclude the year.
On Monday 8 December, a group of Secondary School students and staff brought festive cheer to Broughton Hall Aged Care in Camberwell. The students performed a delightful program of Christmas music, featuring instrumental pieces and carol singing that filled the room with warmth and joy. The residents and their staff joined in singing traditional carols such as Silent Night and Joy to the World, creating a beautiful sense of community and celebration. The performances highlighted the importance of service to others and a commitment to sharing the spirit of Christmas, making the occasion truly memorable for everyone present.
Rohan Mack and Kate Savige
Directors of Music
CGGS Sport enjoyed another exciting GSV Finals campaign to conclude the Term 4 competition with Intermediate Basketball teams and the Junior Cricket team progressing to season-deciding match-days.
After finishing the regular season undefeated and on top of their table, the Intermediate A Basketball team claimed a GSV Zone Pennant. Their campaign concluded with a win in the A Grade Consolation Final #2. Congratulations to Mr Shane Maycock (Education Outdoors Coordinator) who brought his considerable basketball experience and expertise to the fore to guide these charges through a successful season. Shane is in rare form this semester, collecting GSV Pennants at will, having coached the Intermediate Soccer team to a Semi-Final in Term 3.
The Intermediate C Basketball team provided some great highlights across their season, progressing to their Grade Cross Over Final, losing to the eventual premier.
The final day of the 2025 GSV weekly Sport program concluded in incredible fashion, with the Junior Cricket team engaged in a thrilling run-chase that came down to the last over of the match. In a back-and-forth struggle for the ages with wickets falling amidst swashbuckling innings with bat in hand, the CGGS team prevailed by five runs to win their division premiership. Congratulations to coach Ms Liza Stevens (Head of Health and Physical Education/First Nations Programs Coordinator) who led this team through an undefeated season, bringing home two GSV Pennants to 2 Torrington St – a zone pennant and the division title. Liza has now coached consecutive Junior Cricket GSV Premierships in 2024 and 2025!
The CGGS Junior Cricket team were one of the great narratives arising from the Term 4 GSV weekly Sport season. In speaking with the playing group in the build-up to what turned out to be a remarkable Grand Final run-chase and victory, several players referenced their love of playing Cricket and the unique team chemistry as themes central to the success of the team.
Baani B (Year 8), who lists Indian great Virat Kohli as her favourite player to follow in international cricket, cited the ability of team mates to continually encourage one another throughout the inevitable ebbs-and-flows of a match, as a pivotal reason for the team’s progress. Baani was one of the driving forces behind this team’s intensity in the field, always looking to deny runs to the opposition.
Dahlia B (Year 8) also commented on the CGGS teams’ commitment to restrict opposition totals through aggressive fielding, continually focused on limiting the quick single to opponents and not allowing them to keep their scoreboard ticking over.
Aaratrika K (Year 8) loves the feeling of scoring runs, motivated by the sweet sound of willow on leather as she dispatches another loose ball to the boundary.
Elise M (Year 8) cited that there were several all-rounders in the playing group who took the debutantes under their wing to assist in their education of the game. Elise loves to bowl fast, always trying to establish a good line and length to terrorise opposition batters and take wickets.
Congratulations to Nawita D (Year 8) on representing Victoria in the U15 Hammer Throw last Friday at the Australian Athletics All Schools Championships. Nawita placed 8th in the country with a personal best performance of 33.32 metres.
Fourteen members of the CGGS Aquatic Swim Club competed strongly at the recent Victorian Sprint Championships progressing to eight Finals.
Current CGGS students – Anneka S (Year 11), Claire F (Year 11), Jasmine X (Year 9), Ivy X (Year 8), and Alis C (Year 6) – took to the pool at MSAC for this fast-paced sprint format event over two days of competition. School Captain Anneka S continues to impress in the 50 Metre Backstroke, touching the wall in 8th position in the 17 Years Final.
Congratulations also to the following members that progressed to Finals:
Claire F (Year 11) has been a member of the CGGS Aquatic Swim Club since she was a student in Year 4, participating in the Learn-To-Swim program at the CGGS Swim School. Claire loves the close connection and sense of community that the CGGS Swim Club embodies, citing the incredible friendships that she has made with students across all year levels. The close-knit bonds that the club fosters amongst swimming members as well as between parents/guardians is a particular strength of CGGS Aquatic, and new members are always welcome to come and join to be coached by Mr Yuriy Burunov.
Claire is also focused on the upcoming Term 1 (2026) GSV Preliminary and Championship Swimming Carnivals, with CGGS hoping to claim a third successive Division Two Championship. The 2026 iteration will be Claire’s sixth GSV campaign, and she is leaving no stone unturned in her training and preparation to make a bold statement at the GSV level next year.
All Secondary School students that can swim 50 metres unassisted are welcome to participate in the Term 1 GSV Swimming competitions and are warmly invited to attend the 3-day training block in the CGGS Pool prior to the commencement of the 2026 academic year on Wednesday 28 January, Thursday 29 January and Friday 30 January. These sessions will be conducted from 9.00am – 11.00am. Please email Head Swim Coach Mr Yuriy Burunov if you require further information burunovy@cggs.vic.edu.au
Beginning in Term 1 (2026) Secondary School students are welcome to participate in the inaugural CGGS Run Club which will be conducted on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7.00am – 8.00am (students are requested to arrive to the Gym at 6.50am for roll call).
The CGGS Run Club is open to all Secondary School students who wish to improve their fitness as well as prepare for the Term 2 GSV Cross-Country and Term 3 Track & Field competitive seasons.
Ms Kaitlin Barr (Year 7 Coordinator & Physical Education Teacher) will design and deliver the running sessions based upon her considerable experience and expertise in the sports of Athletics and Cross-Country. Kaitlin is an exceptional athlete and earlier this year made history with her AFL boundary umpiring debut in the Round 24 match between the Adelaide Crows and North Melbourne Kangaroos. Kaitlin is one of only three women boundary umpires who are the first to officiate an AFL match in the 128 years of the VFL/AFL. Kaitlin covers an average of 18-kilometres per AFL game!
Supporting Kaitlin with the running sessions at specified times during the year is Mr Joshua Cozzio (Head of History). Joshua is also a runner of considerable talent, having completed the 2025 Melbourne Marathon (42.195 Kilometres) and Great Ocean Road Marathon (which was 44 kilometres in length!).
Joshua knows well the immense benefits associated with running and is keen for students to experience the joy of running, establishing goals, supporting each other through the challenges, and growing in self-confidence. He knows all too well from his impressive marathon feats this year that running is a great educator, imparting life skills such as developing perseverance to fight on to a finish line that seems miles away, engendering discipline in training sessions, and displaying humility with both success and setback.
If your child would like to participate in the Term 1 (2026) CGGS Run Club and did not register through the Sport Registration Link, please email Director of Sport – Mr Cameron Childs childsc@cggs.vic.edu.au
In this edition, we celebrate the appointment of Emily L (Year 10) to the position of GSV Captain for 2025/26. Emily is an inspired selection to the GSV Captains role, after producing a raft of sporting highlights throughout the year, resulting in being recognised with the coveted CGGS Sportswoman of the Year Award at the Celebration of Sport.
Performances such as pitching for the Intermediate A Softball team that progressed to the GSV Grand Final match, gaining selection in the GSV Representative Soccer Team, to claiming a bronze medal in the Final of the Year 10 100 Metres at the GSV Finals Evening, Emily has shone bright on the big stage in 2025.
A pivotal member of the Intermediate A Basketball team that won a GSV Zone Pennant and progressed to Finals this term, Emily will certainly lead-by-example in inspiring the next generation of CGGS students to take to the sporting fields and strive to deliver high quality performances whilst representing our great school.
Today, School Chaplain Reverend Creed offers the community a reflection during this Advent season.
For our Year 6 students, their last few weeks at Junior School have been filled with celebrations!
The year has ended on a high note with the biggest event on the School’s calendar, Christmas at Camberwell, proving to be a huge success.
