Today, Mrs Dunwoody speaks on the importance of Upskill, and how it is ensuring our students thrive in a transforming world.
It is hard to believe that we are now in the last few days of winter and approaching the final stages of Term 3. Over the past fortnight, Camberwell Girls has been inspired by many student-led initiatives and opportunities that have showcased our students’ leadership, creativity and interests. National Science Week, led by our STEM Captain, sparked curiosity and innovation across the School, while CamberWELL and Book Week, organised by our Wellbeing Captain, Student Wellbeing Committee and Literature Captains, brought our community together to celebrate wellbeing, reading and connection. We thank all of the students involved, as well as the Teachers in Charge and supporting staff, for their organisation, mentorship and guidance in bringing these important school initiatives to life.
This week, we also enjoyed another successful Upskill Day, where students explored new interests and developed valuable skills beyond the classroom. This included Year 9 workshops with Danielle Miller OAM from Enlighten Education, the Year 10 Fit2Drive Learner Driver Program, Year 11 and 12 Law Matters with representatives from Gadens Law Firm, and Year 11 leadership sessions with HEX.
With one of our largest teams competing, our Athletics team showed great determination and courage, with rain jackets at the ready, at the GSV Division 3 Championship Carnival on Tuesday 25 August. Undeterred by the winter weather, their achievements reflected their commitment to training and fierce competitive spirit, which was rewarded with a triumphant victory across the Junior, Middle and Senior categories, as well as the title of Overall Division 3 Champions. Last night, families had the opportunity to celebrate this success, along with the many outstanding sporting achievements of 2026, at the annual Celebration of Sport. The evening program provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on another exceptional year of participation and success in the School’s sports program.
Looking ahead, we are excited to share several special events with our students and families, including the Annual Music Concert, Fathers’ Day Breakfast, and the many learning, sporting and community opportunities that make this such a vibrant time of year.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
Model UN is a very popular Learning Extension and Enrichment Program (LEEP) at Camberwell Girls. It simulates a United Nations committee such as the Security Council or General Assembly, with students acting as delegates representing a specified country. Model UN offers students the opportunity to learn about the UN, geopolitics, diplomacy and key global issues connected to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Camberwell Girls recently participated in two Model UN programs. The session at Scotch College focused on Sustainable Cities, and students acted as delegates for the UK, Nigeria, Australia and Singapore. The second program took place at Ruyton, where our delegates looked at the issue of AI and its effect on human rights.
Further to this, group of particularly passionate Year 10 and 11 students have attended the EVATT Model UN Competition run by UN Youth Victoria on weekends throughout August. We look forward to extending our involvement in Model UNs as part of a new LEEP Global program in 2027.
The Science Engineering Challenge is a new extension initiative by the Science and LEEP departments. Recently our team of 32 students participated in the inaugural Monash University Victorian region day organised by the University of Newcastle, were students completed tasks such as the Bridge Build and Eco-Habitat, along with challenges focused on sustainability, electronic systems, flight and wind power to name a few. Our students enjoyed the hands-on engineering opportunities, working together as a group and using state-of-the-art tertiary learning spaces. They were mentored on the day by university mentors and retired engineers from Rotary and relished in the opportunity to connect with experts in their field.
The day ends with the testing of the Bridge Building groups. The excitement felt by the Camberwell Girls team as our bridge survived yet another set of weights was great to see! Overall, the team placed third on the day against some very strong and experienced opposition. When asked for student feedback there was a resounding “yes” to continuing this program in 2027.
The Global Alliance of Leading Edge Schools for Sustainability (GALESS) is an international research conference for Year 10 students that selects a theme annually drawn from the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. GALESS hold hub conferences each year, and last week Camberwell Girls hosted one of the four days for the Melbourne and Beyond Network.
The 2026 theme for the conference was “Minority Groups”. The Camberwell Girls team comprising of Sophie W, Misha V, Amy Q and Maryam U, researched Developmental Language Disorder under the guidance of Dr Charlotte Forwood, sharing their findings with conference attendees. We were joined by teams from Poland, Indonesia and Singapore, as well as some local teams from Camberwell Grammar School (Boys) and Ivanhoe Grammar. The quality of the student presentations, their engagement, the depth of research and the empathy evident in their learning was incredible.
During the conference the group also engaged with a First Nations artist, Greek dancing, Australian food sampling, workshops with the Intersection, bowling and a laneway lunch in Melbourne. In four days, they connected well, learned much and had fun together.
The GALESS Conference is a truly international experience of global citizenship, and we are incredibly proud of the contribution made by our Camberwell Girls students.
Michele Linossier
Head of Extension and Enrichment
On Thursday 13 August, eight students from Years 7 and 8 represented Camberwell Girls at this year’s Mario Kart competition as part of the Australian schools’ eSports event, the Fuse Cup.
With a large turnout of competitors from various schools across Melbourne, Camberwell Girls had one of their strongest showings for the Cup, racing in several courses to earn points to secure them a spot in the next stage.
Rachel D, Olivia H, Alessandra R (Year 7) and Ashlyn C (Year 8) all managed to qualify in their heats to reach the round of 32, whilst Abigail L (Year 8) beat out her rivals to reach the quarter finals.
Stephanie M and Chloe Z (Year 8) both reached the semi-finals, competing in some of the closest races of the day. One highlight was a tie-breaker race that ended in a last-second ‘clutch victory’, with both students performing exceptionally well under pressure and overcoming seemingly impossible situations that had everyone holding their breath.
To close out the day, the Grand Final had fierce competition between the final four racers, with just single digit points separating the resulting places at the end. Claire Z (Year 7) maintained composure under immense pressure to secure an amazing third place finish.
Alongside the competition, students participated in sessions on mental health, online safety, and healthy gaming habits, delivered by well-known organisations including the eSafety Commissioner, Kids Helpline, and Movember.
Kingsley Ren
Head of Technologies
Mark Major
Systems Engineer
This year, National Science Week was celebrated under the theme “Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All”, highlighting the importance of cultivating curiosity, discovery and lifelong learning in every student. National Science Week provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to explore, question and discover the world around them through the lens of science. Throughout the week, students participated in a range of engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and encourage scientific thinking. Highlights included the visit of a scanning electron microscope, which enabled students to examine everyday objects at extraordinary magnification and gain an appreciation of the technologies used in modern scientific research. Students also attended a thought-provoking panel on digital health, with presenters Dr Urooj Kahn and Lily Liu, exploring how emerging technologies are transforming healthcare and improving lives.
Hands-on experiences were a feature of the week. Students were captivated by a colour-changing chemistry session, investigating the science behind dramatic colour transformations, while others created stunning crystal roses, combining creativity with an understanding of crystal growth. Another popular activity was electrolytic etching, where students used electrochemistry techniques to create detailed designs while exploring the practical applications of scientific principles.
National Science Week also provided valuable opportunities for students to engage with science beyond the classroom. These enriching experiences exposed students to diverse STEM pathways, emerging technologies and real-world applications of science, encouraging them to see scientific thinking as a vital part of everyday life and future careers.
A special thank you to our science staff and guest presenters for creating inspiring learning experiences, and to our students for their enthusiasm and willingness to embrace new challenges. We also acknowledge Larissa M (Year 12) – 2026 STEM Captain, for her leadership and contribution to promoting student involvement throughout the week. National Science Week reminded us that science is not just a subject studied at school; it is a way of thinking, questioning and discovering.
Deb Henson
Head of Science
On 13 August, four Camberwell Girls students participating in the Girls in STEM Mentoring Program, delivered by Veski and the Bionics Institute, visited the Zenker Lab at the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University. Hosted by their mentor, Dr Jenny Zenker, the students gained a unique insight into the life of a research scientist. During the visit, students experienced firsthand what it is like to work in a leading research laboratory. They observed mouse embryos undergoing mitosis under the microscope and learned about induced pluripotent stem cells and their potential applications in medical research. Students also explored the innovative regenerative medicine research being undertaken at ARMI. The experience provided a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world scientific research and inspired students to consider future pathways in STEM.
Deb Henson
Head of Science
Student Reflections
The highlight of the day for me was going into Jenny’s lab and participating in a practice, where we got to use pipettes and microscopes to observe stem cells and fibroblast cells. It was fun to immerse ourselves in the process, taking part in a practical and seeing science outside of the textbook.
Lily W, Year 10
During the Monash University visit into the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, the highlight of my day was watching mitosis occur in real time under a microscope! It was both shocking and intriguing to see what we had learnt earlier in the year come to life and connect our classroom learning to what was happening inside the labs.
Hesara S, Year 10
Being part of the Girls in STEM Mentoring Program gave me an invaluable opportunity to visit the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute. One of my highlights was using microscopes to observe tiny organisms, including a fish that was only around a week old and whose tiny heart I could see beating. It was fascinating to see the science we learn in the classroom come to life in a real research laboratory. The experience was incredibly inspiring and fulfilling, giving me a greater appreciation for the possibilities of STEM and the impact scientific research can have on the future.
Bella Beltrano, Year 10
At ARMI, a highlight was getting to see the different microscopes used in the lab, including the ones kept in black boxes to mimic the right conditions for growing stem cells. It was really interesting to see how much care goes into research that we usually only learn about in the classroom.
Lillian W, Year 10
Nine students represented the School at the Association of German Teachers of Victoria (AGTV) Poetry Competition Regional Finals, hosted by Trinity Grammar.
All German students in Years 7-9 memorised and recited a German poem, and three students from each year level were selected to participate in the Melbourne Inner East Regional Final. The students practised diligently to perfect their pronunciation and intonation while bringing their own interpretation to their performances. The Camberwell Girls students competed against students from Scotch College, Trinity Grammar and PLC.
Camberwell Girls achieved excellent results, with Nawita D (Year 9) and Brianna H (Year 7) both receiving Honourable Mentions (fourth place) in their divisions. Emma C (Year 8) was awarded the Silver Medal for her recitation of Kleine Weiße Friedenstaube by Erika Mertke (Little White Dove of Peace). She qualified for the AGTV State Final, where she performed her poem before an audience and competed against finalists from eight regions across Victoria.
Poetry competitions are a fun and engaging way for students to improve their German. They develop pronunciation, fluency and confidence while gaining a deeper appreciation of German language and culture.
Emma C 5th Place in the Secondary State Finals Poetry Competition
Emma C competed in the 33rd Secondary State Final, held on Saturday 22 August at the Austrian Club in Heidelberg West. The event featured 67 eligible state finalists. Emma is warmly congratulated on achieving an outstanding fifth place in the statewide competition for Year 8 students.
Emma shared her thoughts on the experience:
“Having the privilege of attending the German Poetry Regional and State Finals was a rewarding and memorable experience. I was able to enjoy traditional German cuisine while listening to other students recite their poems, creating an authentic and engaging atmosphere. The events provided an excellent opportunity to further develop my intonation skills while engaging in conversations with other students who shared a similar interest in German language and culture. The competition also recognised participants’ achievements through the presentation of certificates, medals and trophies. I was particularly honoured to achieve second place at the Regional Final and fifth place at the State Final, winning both a silver medal and a trophy.”
We congratulate Emma on her outstanding achievement!
Ingrid Beck
German Teacher
Over the past few terms, we have been organising our new initiative called Sparks of Kindness. If you’ve walked through the breezeway between the quad and the oval over the past week, you might have seen our new art installation which includes colourful stars and wands! Our initiative is a fun, interactive art piece which represents the acts of kindness that take place within our school. As the term continues, we are encouraging members of our community to fill the stars with colourful tokens, representing acts of kindness and positivity that have been shared by students and staff.
As part of the initiative tokens have been placed around the school and can added to one of the stars for one of three reasons, each relating to a specific colour.
As the term progresses, we are looking forward to seeing how our committee supports and connects with each another, and the ways in which this spreads joy and kindness. We hope that as the stars fill, it is a physical representation of the kindness within our community, igniting a spark in each of us to do more.
Students, teachers, parents, or anyone else moving around the school are all welcome to join. This initiative is not only for students, but hopefully a way to bring all areas of our community together.
Anneka, Christina and Amber
School Captains
On 18 August, Year 7 students who have studied Chinese this year visited the Museum of Chinese Australian History. The excursion provided students with a valuable opportunity to connect their classroom learning with the rich history of Chinese Australians.
Throughout the day, students explored stories that are often hidden in plain sight. Many of us walk past historic buildings every day without noticing their significance. For example, students learned about the history of the Celestial Avenue building and gained an understanding of the vital role that community networks played during the gold rush era. Students were fascinated to discover how, in a time before modern transportation, telephones, and the internet, people relied on these networks and written communication to stay connected with family and friends back home.
Students also explored the Chinese writing system, learning that Chinese characters are not phonetic in the same way as English words. Instead, characters often convey meaning through their written forms and historical development. This helped students make meaningful connections between what they have been learning in their Chinese classes and the cultural heritage they encountered at the museum.
As students listened to the stories and examined the exhibits, many expressed a sense of wonder and surprise. It was rewarding to see them make connections between history, language, and their own learning, bringing the past to life in a memorable and engaging way.
Scarlett Zhang
Chinese Coordinator and Teacher
Camberwell Girls’ students dressed up in style on Monday to celebrate the launch of Book Week 2026. Drawing inspiration from both contemporary and classic literature, students and staff arrived adorned as Smurfs, fairies, mythological and historical figures, and of course Bananas in Pyjamas. The joy and wonder of literature came to life as students transformed characters from the page into living, breathing creations.
During Tuesday’s Upskill Program, Year 7 students heard from award winning author, Alice Pung, who shared her fiction and challenged students to develop their own distinctive written voices. Year 8 students were inspired by poet and broadcaster, Alicia Sometimes, whose work, Interstellar, explores the grandeur of the universe through the intersection of astrophysics and poetry. Alicia stepped students through a creative writing process that culminated in the composition and performance of their own poetry.
Throughout the week, visitors to the Library have puzzled over deconstructed books in jars; attempted to match teachers with their ‘shelfies’; crafted bookmarks; and strived to identify books and titles. We look forward to concluding our Book Week celebrations on a high note with a student concert in the library on Friday.
The Library extends its gratitude to Literature Captains Kelly D and Lodzia H, both in Year 11, for leading the activities and celebrations throughout the week. We also thank all staff and students for embracing and contributing to our strong reading culture.
Bridget Forster
Head of Library
It was wonderful to come together once again in Barbara Sutton Hall to celebrate the outstanding sporting achievements of our students over the past twelve months. It has been a pleasure to witness the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to sport throughout 2026, and every student should be incredibly proud of the way they have represented Camberwell Girls this year.
We were privileged to welcome AFLW player Poppy Scholz as our special guest speaker. Poppy currently plays for the Carlton Football Club after being selected with Carlton’s first pick in the 2024 AFLW Draft. Poppy shared insights into her football journey and inspired students with her experiences and achievements.
Throughout the evening, several awards were presented, including recognition for students who made the most valuable contribution to GSV Sport, represented GSV, Victoria or Australia, and demonstrated leadership and initiative through the Olympic Change-maker Award.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Year Level Champion Awards. These awards recognise students who have made an outstanding contribution to sport at Camberwell Girls. Selection was based on participation across multiple sports, commitment to training, attitude, leadership, performance and personal improvement throughout the year.
Year Level Champion Award Recipients
Year 7
1st – Alessandra R
2nd – Lucy M
3rd – Annie S
Year 8
1st – Hannah G & Joyce Z
2nd – Iris Z
3rd – Sara Z
Year 9
1st – Cleo S-A
2nd – Hanna L
3rd – Aneira P
Year 10
1st – Jessica M
2nd – Amelia L
3rd – Helena C
Year 11
1st – Emily L
2nd – Harper D
3rd – Zara D
Year 12
1st – Amalia P
2nd – Erika T
3rd – Ruby E
The major award of the evening was the prestigious Sportswoman of the Year Award, presented to the student who made the most significant contribution to sport at Camberwell Girls across all year levels. We are delighted to congratulate Cleo S-A (Year 9), the deserving recipient of the 2026 Sportswoman of the Year Award.
A sincere thank you to our 2026 Sport Captain, Amalia P (Year 12), and our GSV Sport Captains, Ruby E (Year 12), Emily L (Year 11) and Grace G (Year 11), for hosting the evening and for their hard work in planning and delivering such a successful event.
Finally, we extend our gratitude to all parents, families and guests for their ongoing support throughout the year and for joining us to celebrate our sporting community. We hope everyone enjoyed the evening as much as we did, and we look forward to another exciting year of Camberwell Girls Sport in 2027.
Lauren Law
Head of Sport
The Athletics season has been a fantastic period of growth, commitment, and achievement for our students. Throughout the term, athletes have demonstrated outstanding dedication by attending training sessions every Wednesday and Friday morning, where they have worked hard to develop their skills, improve their fitness, and prepare for competition.
The GSV Championship Carnival was a day filled with outstanding achievements, both individually and as a team. Entering the carnival as top qualifiers, our students arrived highly motivated and determined to make the most of the opportunity. Their hard work, commitment and competitive spirit were on full display throughout the day, resulting in a stream of impressive performances across a wide range of events.
With “Camberwell” echoing across the venue throughout the carnival as students cheered their peers on, school pride remained high and success continued to follow. Event after event, our students showcased exceptional talent and resilience, earning an impressive collection of ribbons and placings. The carnival was a wonderful celebration of teamwork, dedication and sporting excellence, and all students should be commended for the way they represented the school.
These exceptional performances resulted in a clean sweep of all categories, with Camberwell Girls placing 1st in Juniors, 1st in Inters, 1st in seniors and 1st overall with a 101-point lead over second place.
A highlight of the season has been the support of our specialist coaching staff from Elite Wellbeing, whose expertise and encouragement have helped students refine their techniques, build confidence, and achieve personal bests. Their professional guidance has been invaluable in fostering both athletic development and a positive team culture. Our heartfelt thanks to Kelly, Imogen, Lily and Chris.
We congratulate all students who have been involved throughout the season and wish the final competitors, with the prestigious finals evening still to come, the best of luck as they pursue a medal on Tuesday 8 September at Lakeside Stadium.
Nareen Robinson
Head of Athletics
This year Camberwell Girls was represented by a talented group of students who demonstrated determination and resilience in the 2026 Victorian Interschool Snowsports Championships. Competing in challenging conditions and on a demanding range of courses, our students embraced the experience and supported one another both on and off the slopes. A highlight of this year was seeing two students qualify to represent Camberwell Girls at the National Championships. Ivy X for Snowboarding in Giant Slalom and Snowboard Cross, Amy Q in Freeski Slopestyle, which is a first for Camberwell Girls. Angel Q also had a fantastic result in the Giant Slalom coming 28th overall. Congratulations to all our competitors it was an incredible two days and wonderful to see all the Camberwell Girls students giving it their best and representing the school, they all should be incredibly proud of themselves.
Ainslee Grant
Makerspace Coordinator
Art and Technology Teacher
Student Reflection
This year, 2026 Snowsports was a challenging yet rewarding experience. Guided by the support of my friends and fellow competitors, I was able to achieve my best. For me, Snowsports is not a competition against others and other schools, but an opportunity for personal growth in skill and resilience, as well as to connect with others who share the same passion. I was able to socialise with a competitor from France with the same hobby as me and share tips, as we cheered each other on. I am honoured to have qualified for the National Snowsports championships and represent Camberwell Girls at Perisher. After sustaining a significant injury last year that required my resignation from the competition, I am pleased to resume this sport and serve as a representative of our School.
Ivy X (Year 8)
Today, Mrs Dunwoody speaks on the importance of Upskill, and how it is ensuring our students thrive in a transforming world.
Open to the community, Barbara Sutton Hall was on full display last weekend as visitors explored the reimagined space.
Winners are grinners - the Secondary School Track & Field team returned home with plenty of silverware this week!
