As we recognise Reconciliation Week through various activities and acknowledgments, Mrs Dunwoody shares the School's Reconciliation Action Plan.
As the term reaches the halfway point, many of our students have been busily working on their House Cinema short films – directing, recording, editing and of course, acting ahead of the much-anticipated showcase in Term 3. Alongside this, rehearsals and backstage preparations for the VCE Production of Unicorn Girl are well underway, reflecting the creativity, collaboration and commitment of our VCE Theatre Studies students.
Across Years 10 and 11, there has been a strong focus on preparation for upcoming examinations. Targeted sessions have supported students to refine their study approaches, with an emphasis on effective revision strategies, including spaced practice, organisation and stress management. In Year 10, this has been supported through dedicated workshops led by Heads of Department, focusing on subject-specific study and revision techniques. This week’s focus has been on Mathematics, with Science and English to follow in the week ahead.
This week also marked National Reconciliation Week, guided by the 2026 theme, “All In”. This significant national event fosters understanding, respect and reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples and the wider Australian community. At school, we engaged in a rich program of learning experiences, including the Worawa Reconciliation Sports Carnival and the annual Marngrook Game against Camberwell (Boys) Grammar School, providing students with meaningful opportunities to connect with culture through sport and shared experience.
Our whole-school assembly on Monday 25 May provided an important moment of reflection, where we explored the history and significance of National Reconciliation Week and the key events it commemorates. We were privileged to receive a Welcome to Country from Murrundindi, Ngurungaeta (Head Man) of the Wurundjeri people, and to hear from some of our First Nations students, who generously shared their stories and perspectives. Their reflections highlighted the importance of connection to community, culture and Country, and offered powerful insight into the challenges and opportunities of ‘walking in two worlds’.
This year’s program was led by Liza Stevens, First Nations Programs Coordinator, with support from Georgia Biggs, First Nations Student Coordinator and students across our Secondary School. Further highlights will be shared in the next edition of CamNews.
In addition, over the past two weeks, in true Camberwell Girls fashion, students have embraced a wide range of both school-based and external opportunities. We’ve seen students participate in DAV Debating, GSV Preliminary Cross Country Carnival, Victorian All Schools Cross Country, the Model United Nations program, the Senior Leaders Forum and, today students from Years 7 – 12 competed in the GSV Cross Country Championships – a reminder that each day at Camberwell Girls offers meaningful and enriching experiences.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
The Unit 3 /4 Business Management class visited the Yakult Factory to witness firsthand a range of Operations Management strategies. This experience equipped students with a contemporary case study that can be referred to in their SAC and examination responses.
Nicole McKie
Year 12 Coordinator
Business Management and Commerce Teacher
Student Reflections
This excursion was engaging and interactive, giving us insight into how inputs are transformed into the final Yakult product, through a highly organised production process including machinery such as an Automated Production Line. One of the highlights was tasting the Yakult after learning about the extensive quality control involved, as well as getting to see the lab testing. It was interesting to see how each stage ensured the product maintained its flavour and quality. I also found it interesting to learn about Yakult’s Global considerations, such as importing machinery from Japan to maintain consistent production standards across the world.
Overall, this excursion was a valuable experience that helped apply our knowledge to a business context.
Nathinee E
Year 11 Student
Unit 3/4 Business Management students were able to visit the Yakult factory where we were able to see our Unit 3 learning come to life through their comprehensive factory tour, aligning with our recent studies in AOS 3. Being able to see the elements that go into creating their product firsthand was extremely valuable to making sense of the operations content and being able to apply it to a real-life situation. A highlight of the excursion was being able to witness the automated production line and being able to see how complex and meticulous each part of the production process is. Overall, the visit was enjoyable and an opportunity to put our learning into context in a real factory setting.
Ashleigh F
Year 12 Student
On Tuesday 19 May, students across Years 7–9 took part in another exciting Upskill Day, engaging in a range of authentic learning experiences designed to build creativity, confidence, collaboration and connection.
Year 7 students participated in a full-day Designing for Impact workshop where they explored the Design Thinking Process. Through collaboration, questioning, empathy and feedback, students developed creative solutions connected to meaningful objects and real-world ideas.
Year 8 students began the day with the student-led Lead Up workshop, challenging stereotypes, questioning assumptions and encouraging one another to become their most authentic selves. Students then participated in Technologies rotations including Food Tech, where they made yo-yos, Engineering using Lego Spike Prime Maker where they designed and built treehouses, and Digital Technologies where they explored coding using Python.
Year 9 students attended the Dignity Conference, taking part in meaningful discussions and Service Learning opportunities focused on empathy, dignity and community impact. As part of the day, students created playdough for Big Group Hug to support families in need.
The day highlighted the power of hands-on, future-focused learning experiences that encourage students to think creatively, collaborate with others and connect learning to the wider world.
Emma Perrett
Head of Upskill
Diversity Week brought colour, creativity and an incredible sense of community to Camberwell Girls last week, with students enthusiastically coming together to celebrate inclusion and belonging. Across the week, students participated in a variety of lunchtime activities that explored different aspects of diversity in engaging and interactive ways.
The neurodiversity activity saw students creating their own fidget toys in the Makerspace, encouraging conversations around different ways people think, learn and experience the world. The collaboration activity invited students to contribute to a shared art installation, while the ‘Cultural Kahoot Quiz’ quickly became a crowd favourite, with students competing in teams to test their knowledge of culture, language, countries and geography. The Personal Wellbeing activity was especially popular, as students sewed their own microwavable heat packs to take home. The response was so overwhelming that a follow-up session was needed to ensure everyone had the opportunity to participate. Diversity Week concluded with Rainbow Free Dress Day for IDAHOBIT, where students dressed in vibrant colours to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate the importance of inclusion at Camberwell Girls.
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) is recognised globally as an opportunity for schools and communities to stand together against discrimination and celebrate diversity. The week served as an important reminder of the value of kindness, allyship and creating spaces where everyone feels safe and respected.
As Wellbeing Captain, I am incredibly proud of the Wellbeing Committee for their creativity, ideas and commitment in bringing the week to life. Their enthusiasm and teamwork played a huge role in making Diversity Week such a meaningful and enjoyable experience for our school community.
Amelie T
Year 12 Student
On Monday 4 May, our school community came together for a Year 12 students and staff Marngrook game on the oval as part of our new “Tri It Out” program. The match was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to connect, have fun and show their school spirit in a relaxed and inclusive environment. The students and staff team ultimately won this game by two goals in the final minutes. This very close game was incredibly exciting, keeping everyone engaged until the very end.
The day highlighted the strong sense of community within the school, with students and staff enthusiastically supporting one another and enjoying the friendly competition. It was especially rewarding to see so many people participating, cheering from the sidelines and creating a positive atmosphere across the oval.
This initiative was the first of three “Tri It Out” days being held this term, designed to strengthen relationships and encourage connection within the school community. Following the success of the Marngrook match, the next event will feature friendship bracelet making and board games for students to enjoy together.
Anneka, Amber and Christina
School Captains
On Friday 22 May I had the privilege of attending the Kew Senior School Leaders Forum, where alongside other students from other schools, I presented a short speech to Jess Wilson MP discussing the current issues that face young people. I found this to be an empowering experience, as this event allowed me to meet others who are similarly passionate about their future. Having the opportunity to speak directly to Jess Wilson, I felt like I was able to contribute to creating positive change for young people. During the forum, we discussed issues such as crime rates, the public school system, cost of living and education. After each of us presented a speech, we were given a guide tour around Parliament House and learnt how the system of government works, as well as the history of the Victorian Government. If given the opportunity, I would not hesitate to participate in an event like this in the future.
Emily L
Year 12 Student
On 22 May, Emily and I attended the Kew Senior School Leaders Forum, where we met and spoke with student representatives from a range of other schools. During the forum, each student presented a speech to Jess Wilson MP about issues currently affecting young people. My speech focused on civic education, while other students discussed topics such as mental health, cost of living pressures, potholes, and challenges within the education system. Hearing such a variety of perspectives was both interesting and eye-opening, as it highlighted the different ways young people are impacted by issues within society and showed just how important student voices are for a change. After the presentations, we toured Parliament House and learnt more about the Victorian parliamentary system and its history. I especially enjoyed seeing the architecture of the Upper House and learning about the symbolism behind its design. Overall, the forum was an inspiring and memorable experience, and I would love the opportunity to participate again in Year 12.
Navya K
Year 11 Student
Recently students represented the delegations of Barbados and the United Kingdom at the Mentone Grammar School’s Model United Nations. This educational experience provided excellent global citizenship learning as it aided our understanding of the inner workings of the UN and how delegates work together to reach resolutions on clauses. With the theme “Pathways to Peace”, the delegates explored the importance of diplomacy in negotiations especially when dealing with conflicting interests between delegations. This experience also allowed us to connect with other students from different schools and broaden our horizons. We encourage other students to take part in future Model UNs as well as engage in opportunities of international negotiations.
Michele Linossier
Head of Extension and Enrichment
Participating in UN Youth’s The Voice Extension was an eye-opening experience. The online format made it accessible and dynamic, connecting us with peers across the country. The judges’ questions truly challenged us to think critically and defend our perspectives with evidence and confidence. Their challenging questions pushed me beyond my comfort zone and taught me to gather and present my ideas more clearly and convincingly, in a limited amount of time.
The Voice Competition was incredible. The process taught me patience, resilience and how to maintain unwavering eye contact with multiple judges at a time on a Zoom call. Researching for each round pushed me into real world issues I never would have encountered otherwise, and it broadened the way I understand the world around me. Furthermore, winning the National Final opened opportunities in speaking and leadership that I hadn’t imagined. It’s an experience that I’m grateful for, and one that has shaped the way that I want to grow moving forward.
Congratulations to the Camberwell Girls Finalists: Kyla C – State Final, Grace W, Vaishnavi K – National Final and Ishana S – National Champion 2026.
Grace W
Year 8 Student
Today marks the conclusion of the 2026 GSV Cross Country Carnival campaign with the staging of the Championship at Cruden Farm (a full report on the Championship Carnival to feature in the next edition of CamNews).
The Preliminary Carnival, which determines school rankings for the Championship Carnival, was conducted at Yarra Bend Park on Tuesday 19 May.
The Camberwell Girls Junior Division contingent (Years 7 and 8 students) proved to be energising with their wonderful exuberance and enthusiasm to represent the school at the GSV Carnival level. The experience will prove invaluable for them, and I am excited to see how they perform today in the Championship. Janice P (Year 7) was first across the finish line in 39th position, with Hannah G (Year 8) in 45thplace and Abigail Y (Year 7) in 50th.
The notable performers on this day were the Year 9 and 10 students that comprise the Intermediate Division. Hanna L (Year 9) led the charge with an 8th place finish, superbly supported by Beatrix F (Year 10) 16th, Georgia P (Year 9) 18th, Nini C (Year 10) 37th, and Luna C (Year 9) 43rd, which saw five Camberwell Girls athletes place in the top 50.
To conclude the event, the Senior Division (Year 11 & 12) took to their 4-kilometre course. Fresh from her Year 11 House Carnival domination for Schofield, Millie M (Year 11) saluted the judges in 20th position, with Emily L (Year 11) in 37th and Amelia S (Year 11) in 61stplace.
Year 9 students continued their preparations for the GSV Championship Cross Country Carnival with participation last Saturday in the Victorian All Schools Cross Country Relay Championships.
The venue was the picturesque Jells Park in Wheelers Hill, where students ran 3-kilometres each in a relay team of four competitors.
Congratulations to Dahlia B, Hanna L, Aneira P, Cleo S-A on finishing in 19th position from a field of strong runners in the U16 Female category in a time of 56 minutes 46 seconds.
Year 9 students continued their preparations for the GSV Championship Cross Country Carnival with participation last Saturday in the Victorian All Schools Cross Country Relay Championships.
The venue was the picturesque Jells Park in Wheelers Hill, where students ran 3-kilometres each in a relay team of four competitors.
Congratulations to Dahlia B, Hanna L, Aneira P, Cleo S-A on finishing in 19th position from a field of strong runners in the U16 Female category in a time of 56 minutes 46 seconds.
Congratulations to Audrey C (Year 7) on her selection to the Australian U15 Women’s Softball Team that will contest the World Cup Oceania Qualifier in American Samoa this July.
Audrey and her teammates will play against American Samoa and New Zealand in a bid to qualify for the 2027 U15 Women’s Softball World Cup in Oklahoma City, USA. If successful, the Australian team will play at one of the official Softball venues that will host the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Audrey reflected recently that it is a great honour to represent her country, after impressing team selectors during the high-performance training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra this past April.
Year 9 student, Nawita D, continues to accumulate valuable experiences in her chosen discipline of Hammer Throw. In April, Nawita travelled to Brisbane to compete against domestic and international athletes at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre.
Competing in her third national championships, Nawita is benefitting from exposure to these high-performance environments, continually acquiring confidence in her capabilities. She reflected that she successfully focuses her thoughts on remaining in the moment and not to impose any expectations on herself, which in turn does not lead to any internal pressure.
Nawita also enjoys the friendships that she has made with her fellow athletes from across the country that compete in the U16 Hammer.
With the conclusion of the GSV Cross Country season, attention now turns to preparations for the Term 3 GSV Athletics campaign.
The emphasis of the Run Club training sessions for the remainder of this term and Term 3 will be Athletics specific running modules.
If your child is not currently registered to participate in Run Club, please contact Mr Cameron Childs (Director of Sport) for information and to have your child participate in these training sessions: E: childsc@cggs.vic.edu.au
Cameron Childs
Director of Sport
As we recognise Reconciliation Week through various activities and acknowledgments, Mrs Dunwoody shares the School's Reconciliation Action Plan.
The cross country has come to an end with some outstanding individual and team results.
It has been an active fortnight at Junior School with House Athletics and District Cross Country.
A group of dedicated parent volunteers are preparing for the production of Finding Nemo Jr.
