Mrs Dunwoody reflects on the importance of Language and Culture week at Camberwell Girls.
It has been a wonderful fortnight at Camberwell Girls, with a range of meaningful experiences across the Secondary School.
We were delighted to host our annual International Women’s Day Breakfast in the Brooksbank Library, which featured a panel discussion facilitated by alum Emma Race (1993). The panel brought together a range of inspiring voices, including alumna Mia Sieber (2017), Head of Languages Dr Jo Rittey and 2026 School Captain Anneka S, for a thoughtful and engaging conversation.
This year, the United Nations theme was ‘Balancing the Scales’, which spoke to fairness and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity, support and respect they need to thrive. The panel offered interesting insights into their experiences in sport, media, education, hospitality and health care; discussing the changes and challenges they had seen, the changes they hope to see, and the role we can all play in addressing inequality.
Following the Breakfast, Year 10 students put their learning into action. Partnering with the Days for Girls organisation, students made sustainable menstrual care packs for distribution to women in developing nations, who do not have regular access to these products. During the program, students learnt about the impact of their work, with increased global accessing to menstrual products strongly linked to increased school attendance and positive outcomes for girls and women.
This week, we also celebrated our culturally rich and vibrant school community through our annual Language and Culture Week. Led by the Languages Department, students were invited to participate in a range of lunchtimes activities which saw them learn and share about different cultures around the world, culminating in today’s ever popular International Concert. Our Principal, Mrs Debbie Dunwoody reflects on this week on the significance of language and culture in her editorial in this edition of CamNews.
Among the festivities and celebrations, students continue to extend themselves in a range of learning experiences in and out of the classroom. We share reflections from the Year 9 Geography and Years 8/9 Organic Gardening excursions and celebrate our efforts at the GSV Division 1 Championship Diving & Swimming Carnival, among other important highlights over the last fortnight.
We hope that you enjoy this edition of CamNews, and we look forward to connecting with you, potentially over some popcorn and delicious food at the Moonlight Movie Night on Saturday. Happy reading!
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
Camberwell Girls was honoured to participate in the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast at Parliament Hall, hosted by the International Coalition of Girls School. This significant event recognises women’s leadership, advocacy, and their contributions to public life. Representing the School were eight Year 11 and 12 students: Gretel B, Rui M, Pardis S, Alana S, Abbey M, Naomi C, Zoe L, and Sophie T, alongside myself and the Year 12 Coordinator Mrs Nicole McKie.
The breakfast featured keynote addresses from Jess Wilson MP and Georgie Crozier MP, both of whom spoke candidly about their leadership journeys, the responsibilities and challenges of public service, and the importance of increasing the representation of women in leadership and in important decision‑making roles.
Ms Wilson MP and Ms Crozier MP reflected on the challenges and biases they have faced as women in politics, as well as the diverse pathways that led them to Parliament. Their reflections highlighted the value of perseverance and advocacy, and the need for women to support other female leaders to ensure continued success and growth. Their messages reinforced the importance of creating spaces where women’s voices are heard and valued and the impact this has on progress in diverse areas of our society.
Following the keynote addresses, students engaged in a Q&A session and participated in table discussions alongside student leaders from other schools. These conversations encouraged students to reflect on leadership in action and the ways each student can contribute meaningfully to positive change within their school communities and beyond.
One of our Year 12 students, Abbey, shared the following reflection on the experience:
“Last Wednesday, a group of Year 11s and Year 12s were incredibly grateful to have attended the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast at Parliament House. Not only were delicious breakfast items served, but several female Members of Parliament, including Jess Wilson MP and Georgie Crozier MP, spoke thoughtfully about their careers and experiences as women in politics. They shared the challenges they faced, as well as the importance of having more women represented in leadership and decision‑making for our country. It was truly inspiring to hear their personal stories and the different paths they followed to reach Parliament. There were also many networking opportunities with leaders and captains from other schools; there is truly so much to learn! This event really encouraged us to think more about the impacts that young women in leadership positions can have, and how as a community, we are more than able to contribute positive change in the foreseeable future.”
The International Women’s Day Breakfast provided a valuable opportunity for our students to engage with real‑world leadership and reflect on their own potential to effect change. Experiences such as these reinforce the importance of International Women’s Day as a platform for discussion and action and enrich the Camberwell Girls’ Leadership program.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
On 4 March, Years 8 and 9 Organic Gardening elective students attended The Plummery, a suburban property food garden in Northcote. Students learned about sustainable living and gardening, toured the backyard, quail enclosure, and kitchen. They took photographs and sampled grapes and quail eggs. Students observed a range of sustainable living practices during the excursion. They noted how food production and waste were linked through systems such as feeding garden weeds and scraps to quails, which in turn produce eggs. Greywater was used to irrigate fruit trees, and multiple varieties were grafted onto single trees to save space. Garden clippings were used as mulch, and seeds were collected annually for replanting. Students also observed practical household sustainability measures including a composting toilet, a grapevine providing natural summer cooling, and an indoor pulley‑style drying rack that uses warm air near the ceiling to dry clothes efficiently.
Anna Clarkson
Mathematics and Geography Teacher
Sustainability Coordinator
On Tuesday 10 March, we celebrated International Women’s Day with our long‑time partners, Days for Girls organisation. We had the privilege of welcoming eight wonderful volunteers from the Camberwell Chapter to our school to work alongside both parents and our Year 10 students in making and assembling menstrual kits to be sent to girls around the world.
The day began with an International Women’s Day Breakfast, after which guests were invited to join a session with Days for Girls in our Makerspace. We had six parents/guardians (including one grandparent!) join our volunteers in assembling the menstrual kits. Throughout the day, Year 10 students tried their hand at sewing, tracing, cutting, folding, threading, and stamping the different components of the kits.
Days for Girls is an international nonprofit organisation focused on providing sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions and education for girls and women in developing countries. Their mission is to empower girls by breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation, ensuring access to sanitary products, and providing reproductive health education. Through partnerships and community‑driven initiatives, they aim to improve health, dignity, and opportunities for girls worldwide.
The Service Learning team also held a sausage‑sizzle on 5 March, with all proceeds going to the Days for Girls organisation and their amazing work.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be Useful in Service through our ongoing partnership with Days for Girls. A big thank you to Lee Baker and her team of volunteers. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, especially as next year marks our 10TH anniversary of partnership.
Denise Tan
Head of Service Learning
The BJR–AGTV German Exchange Program is thriving once again, bringing vibrant cross‑cultural learning to the Camberwell Girls community. This term, we are delighted to host four students from Bavaria, Germany who have quickly immersed themselves in school life and shared their language, traditions, and perspectives with great enthusiasm. Welcoming Lina (Year 11), Flora, Antonia and Luisa (Year 10) to Camberwell Girls is providing wonderful opportunities for German students to share ideas and knowledge about their lives in Germany. Flora is following in her mother’s footsteps, returning to the very same exchange her mother experienced 30 years ago. The BJR–AGTV exchange program began in 1988, created to give Victorian and Bavarian students a meaningful, affordable, reciprocal cultural and educational immersion experience. This year, Camberwell Girls is one of many Victorian schools involved, with around 40 German students currently placed across the state for a 10-week period. Camberwell Girls hosting students Aaliyah (Year 11), Mabel, Florence and Scarlett will join their Bavarian host families for a winter Christmas experience at the end of the year. Camberwell Girls is proud to champion opportunities that help students see the world and themselves through a wider lens.
We also warmly welcome back Vivienne Torre and Audrey Rees, who spent ten weeks in Germany over December and January on the BJR-AGTV exchange. Vivienne reflects on her time in Germany below.
Reflecting on Exchange
In late November I went to Germany to stay with Marlene, my exchange partner in Bavaria. I stayed in a small town in the north of Bavaria (UnterFranken) called Kronungen with a population of just under 300 people. The town had one main street with a church and some houses. For all our shopping we had to go to the neighbouring villages or to Munich. Coming from a big city, it was interesting to see what life was like in such a small village. I also had to adapt to very cold temperatures. We had a lot of snow and on some days the temperature dropped to -18°c. We went sledding, ice skating and hiking in the snowy weather. I attended school in the nearby city, Schweinfurt. The subjects were mainly humanities focused (history, politics, economics, ethics, technology and physics). Classes began at 8.00am and on most days school would end at 1.00pm after which we would take the bus back to the village. On Fridays my exchange partner had orchestra rehearsal, and I had the opportunity to play percussion and perform in both the Christmas Concert and a concert for an aged care centre. Most of the time I spoke a mix of English and German with the family and at school, however Marlene’s grandparents could only communicate in German. During Christmas there were multiple days of celebration and gatherings with Marlene’s extended family. The exchange program also offered a study tour to Berlin, which included visits to the main tourist attractions, museums and cultural activities, including ballet, ice skating and musicals. I would highly recommend this exchange. Not only did I make many new friends but also improved my German and experienced life in a German village.
Vivienne T
Year 11
Year 9 Geography students recently undertook their fieldwork to the South Melbourne Market. Students collected data by recording origins of market products, surveying members of the public and interacting with a variety of stall holders. There was intentional planning that allowed students to navigate the market in groups; allowing them to develop their independence and their interpersonal skills, as they had to negotiate how to manage their time to complete the tasks, while exploring the market based on the different interests within their group.
Through this, students investigated the local scale social, economic and environmental impacts of the market and its businesses (stalls) to make comparisons with businesses at a global scale. Students made interesting observations about Australian-made products, learnt more about sustainable products, composting at an industrial scale and local scale supply chains. Students were able to make comparisons to sustainability initiatives at school as well.
Students enjoyed their interactions with members of the public and fully immersing themselves in the experience of purchasing market food. They were also amazed to discover that the family of an old Grammarian holds a stall at the market, Greenvalley Chopping Boards.
Student highlights
“My favourite part was how kind the people were and how open they were to talk to us.”
“The food options were really diverse and delicious.”
Mr McManamny, the Year Level Coordinator for Year 9 and one of the Geography Teachers, said that a highlight of his day was purchasing a sustainable seaweed treat for his dog, Kosi.
Karoline Walter
Head of Geography
This week, Camberwell Girls came alive with colour, flavour, music, and the rich diversity that makes our community so special. Language and Culture Week celebrates the many cultures represented in our school and highlights the importance of global understanding.
Monday German Day
German Day brought festive energy to the school with lunchtime brezeln (pretzels) for sale. In the quadrangle courtyard, creativity flourished as students decorated gingerbread houses at 11 small tables arranged for the activity. A lively piano accordion performance filled the courtyard with traditional German tunes.
Tuesday Messages of Culture
Tuesday invited students to reflect on the power of language and cultural identity in the courtyard by writing messages in different languages. It was a simple, meaningful celebration of expression and connection.
Wednesday French Day
French Day brought a taste of Paris with a Waiters Race that showcased balance, teamwork, and plenty of laughter.
Thursday Chinese Day
Thursday’s celebrations highlighted the richness of Chinese culture with a dumpling truck and a martial arts demonstration which captivated the audience with impressive skill and energy. The day also featured the Languages Assembly, bringing the school together to celebrate cultural diversity.
Friday International Day
The week concluded with International Day, a joyful celebration of the many cultures that make up our school community. Students were invited to wear International Dress, representing their own cultural background or another culture they admire, and we held the very popular International Concert with a variety of excellent performances.
Language and Culture Week reminds us that our differences are something to celebrate. Through food, music, language, and shared experiences, we deepen our understanding of one another and strengthen the sense of community that makes our school unique.
Dr Joanne Rittey
Head of Languages
French Teacher
Students in Years 7-12 recently participated in another dynamic Upskill Day, engaging in experiences designed to build wellbeing, capability and future readiness.
Year 7 focused on belonging, identity and wellbeing. Through their Art Therapy session, students explored strategies to support their mental health, self-awareness and connection to the Camberwell Girls community. The day also included Soul Siblings, where students were introduced to their Year 9 mentors.
Year 8 engaged in innovation and real-world problem solving through A Veri Spatial Challenge, applying mathematical and geographical thinking in a hands-on, team-based context. Students also continued their specialist rotations across Digital Technologies, Engineering, Food Studies and Maker, further developing their design and problem-solving capabilities.
Year 9 focused on voice, confidence and leadership. Students worked alongside contemporary Artist in Residence, Rowena Martinich, exploring creative expression through colour and design. They also participated in a workshop led by Camberwell Girls alumnae Emma and Lucy Race from Making The Call, building confidence and communication skills. The day concluded with Soul Siblings, as Year 9 students took on mentoring roles with Year 7 students.
Year 10 explored pathways and future readiness through Morrisby profiling, supporting students to better understand their strengths and potential career directions. They also participated in A Veri Spatial Challenge and sessions with Elevate Education, focusing on effective study strategies and preparation for their senior years.
Year 11 centred on wellbeing, independence and future capability. Students selected from a range of Wellbeing Choice sessions and participated in a Speaking of Money workshop, developing practical financial literacy skills. The day also included Elevate Education: Time Management and The GenAI Learning Lab with Dr Brendan Jackson, where students explored how artificial intelligence can support their learning.
Year 12 focused on preparation for life beyond school. Students engaged in Speaking of Money: Options for Wealth Building, Preparing for Tertiary and Elevate Education: Finishing Line, equipping them with strategies for managing finances, navigating post-school pathways and preparing for their final exams. Students also selected from a range of Wellbeing Choice sessions, supporting balance, personal wellbeing and sustainable routines during this important stage of their learning journey.
The Upskill curriculum continues to provide valuable opportunities for students to step beyond the traditional classroom and engage in authentic, future-focused learning. We thank our staff and external partners for their expertise and contribution in making the day such a meaningful experience for our students.
Emma Perrett
Head of Upskill
On Thursday 19 March, Murrundindi, Ngurungaeta of the Wurundjeri people, visited Camberwell Girls to share some of his rich cultural knowledge with staff and students. Throughout the day, Murrundindi spoke to staff, worked with ELC 3 students; teaching them about the life cycles of native plants and importance of caring for Country, and gave a Welcome to Country in Woi Wurung language during the Language and Culture School Assembly. Year 8 Music students also gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the unique qualities of the Yidaki (didgeridoo), comparing it to other aerophone instruments, and learning about Songlines through a Wurundjeri perspective, including the connection to lands, stories, and histories. This unique experience allowed students to gain more context for their comparative analysis between a Medieval Plainchant melody and Birinyi, a First Nations contemporary song from North Queensland about the creation of the Barrier Reef.
Liza Stevens
Science & VCE Health & Human Development Teacher
Indigenous Programs Coordinator
For the first time in the 26-year history of GSV, Camberwell Girls Grammar School competed in the Division 1 Championship Diving and Swimming Carnival in the same year. Only four other schools from the twenty-three strong GSV Association achieved this feat in 2026.
Further analysis and reflections from competitors will feature in the next edition, however, wonderful to report that three divers finished in 4th position in their respective divisions. They were:
The Camberwell Girls swimmers produced some spectacular performances, claiming five race victories, seven second place and four third place finishes. Congratulations to:
Members of the CGGS Aquatic Swim Club attended the Tasmanian Long Course Championships in Hobart on the weekend of 6-9 March.
School Captain, Anneka S (Year 12) recorded some impressive results progressing to the finals of the 50 metre, 100 metre, and 200 metre backstrokes.
In the 100-metre backstroke, Anneka produced personal best performances in the heats during the morning session and then backed up in the final that evening to achieve another personal best. What a day of racing!
Anneka also claimed the bronze medal in the 200-metre backstroke final.
Sisters Ivy (Year 8) and Jasmine X (Year 10) continued the run of personal bests in the discipline of backstroke. Ivy won the B Final with a time of 1.16 whilst Jasmine smashed her PB by an incredible 4 seconds.
Camberwell Girls swimmers benefited greatly from experiencing this interstate championship level event, participating in heats and finals on the same day whilst competing against athletes from multiple states and territories.
Chelsea Z (Year 8) has been in scintillating form in the pool in recent times.
Winning the Year 8 Champion title at the House Swimming Carnival saw Chelsea begin the year in fine style. This achievement was soon followed with a victory in the Year 8A 50 metre breaststroke at the GSV Preliminary Carnival in early March. Chelsea would go on to post a further two second place and two third place finishes at the Preliminary to contribute to Camberwell Girls returning to the Division 1 Championship Carnival for the first time since 2004.
This past Wednesday, Chelsea again established her dominance in the Year 8A 50 metre breaststroke, claiming victory at the GSV Division1 Championship Carnival.
A relative newcomer to the sport who has only swum competitively for the past three years, Chelsea has made great inroads and been recognised for her talent and work ethic, gaining selection to the Victorian Performance Pathways Program Junior Talent Squad.
In 2024, Chelsea won the 50-metre breaststroke at the Victorian Sprint Championships and at the 2025 Victorian Age Championships won the silver medal in the 100-metre breaststroke. This performance saw her gain selection to the Victorian Team to compete at the School Sport Australia Championships in Brisbane.
In the upcoming Term 1 school holidays, Chelsea will compete in the Australian Age Championships at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. We wish her continued success!
Congratulations to Angela N (Year 10) and Chloe W (Year 11) who were selected to the 2026 GSV Representative Tennis Team.
This is the third consecutive year in which Chloe has been selected to this team, which is remarkable on her behalf, as students can only be considered for selection to a GSV team from Years 9-12.
This past Monday, the GSV side played the annual match against AGSV with the AGSV team prevailing.
Congratulations to Angela who won her Singles match as the Number 2 seeded player for the GSV team and was voted the Player of the Match by her AGSV opposition.
Harper D (Year 11) has made an incredible contribution to Camberwell Girls Sport over the years and was recognised for her superb efforts in claiming the prestigious 2024 Camberwell Girls Grammar School Sportswoman of the Year Award.
Harper is selected year-upon-year in the teams to compete at the GSV Athletics, Cross-Country and Swimming Carnivals, evidence of her versatility and talent across a range of sporting disciplines.
Drawn to the leadership position of Lawrence House Sport Captain, Harper’s drive is to inspire her peers to unlock their interest and passion to play sport, as she is a firm believer that sport contributes to a person becoming the best version of themselves.
Possessing admirable leadership strengths, she values the ability to listen to other people’s opinions and to sit in the solution when challenge and conflicts present. Harper has that rare quality of empathy to support her House peers and allow them to perform to their best levels.
One of Harper’s most memorable sporting memories so far from her time at Camberwell Grammar, was the bronze medal performance in the Year 9 – 4 x 100 metre relay at the GSV Athletics Finals Evening. Harper and her teammates were exceptional that evening back in 2024 under the bright lights of Lakeside Stadium.
2025 at Lakeside provided further highlights on the track, as Harper was a member of the now famous 4 x 100 metre relay team that won the Year 10A event at the GSV Championship, as well as individual victories in the Year 10B 100 metres and Year 10B 200 metres. A third placing in the Year 10A Triple Jump rounded out a superb program.
Always attuned to the learning opportunities available through sporting competition, Harper knows that dedication, effort and application can overcome any challenging situation.
A great competitor in both Athletics and Swimming, it is on the netball court where Harper finds her greatest sporting enjoyment, contributing to her team as they strive for high performance play.
A little-known fact about Harper is that she likes to play the ukelele in her spare time. No doubt, the Lawrence House faithful will be hoping for Harper to be strumming a catchy tune with her leadership and performances in red at the House Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals this year.
Cameron Childs
Director of Sport
It's been a busy fortnight at Secondary School with an Upskill day, excursions, breakfasts, and competitions.
The Year 3 and 4 students had a very special visitor in their Art class this week, whilst the ELC children are learning about community.
The community came together in a powerful show of unity to celebrate International Women’s Day.
