Today, Mrs Dunwoody farewells the Class of 2026.
Welcome to the first edition of CamNews for Term 4. There is always a special energy that accompanies the start of the final term of the school year. Across the Secondary School, it has been wonderful to see staff and students reconnecting and settling back into rhythm of school with a shared purpose as we enter the term of the year.
During the holidays we welcomed home our Japan STEM and Design Tour participants. Departing at the end of Term 3, 27 students and five staff spent two weeks exploring Japan, a country renowned for the way it seamlessly blends centuries-old traditions with world-leading innovation. From experiencing cutting-edge technology and scientific advancement, to exploring traditional Japanese architecture and immersing themselves in the rich culture of Japan, the Tour provided a valuable and memorable learning experience for all involved.
Term 4 is a time of anticipation, achievement and reflection, with important milestones across every year level, whether it is a last GSV Sport match or final assignment, the completion of exams, or performing at Christmas at Camberwell, there is much to look forward to.
It is also a time when we come together as a community to celebrate and say farewell to our Year 12 cohort, the Class of 2026, as they approach the end of their Camberwell Girls journey and prepare for the exciting opportunities that await beyond the school gates.
The Class of 2026 embraced the festivities of these final two weeks with joy and a strong sense of community, from uninform swaps, to pig tails to recreating a childhood photo, it was a wonderful way to celebrate their last few days at Camberwell Girls.
On Wednesday 14 October, parents, students, staff and families came together for our annual Presentation Evening, which recognises the academic, co-curricular, and citizenship achievements of our Years 11 and 12 students, while Celebration Day saw our Year 12s embrace the Fairy Tales theme with creativity and enthusiasm, and plenty of cheer. Next Monday, our community will gather again for the Year 12 Leavers’ Service and Valedictory Dinner, providing a fitting opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the many contributions of this remarkable cohort, before they depart for a revision period prior to the commencement of VCE exams. We look forward to sharing more about these events in future editions of CamNews, and the many achievements and opportunities that Term 4 will bring.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
This year’s Years 11–12 Presentation Evening marked a particularly special moment in our School calendar as we returned to the re-imagined Barbara Sutton Hall. It was wonderful to gather once again in this much-loved space, bringing together students, families, staff and special guests to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our students.
Throughout the evening, we recognised the hard work, determination and commitment demonstrated by our students across so many areas of school life. Through the presentation of School Prizes, VCE Subject Awards and Prizes, and Outstanding Citizenship Awards, we celebrated the achievements of our Year 11 and 12 students. We were also delighted to recognise several Year 10 students who achieved significant academic awards through their accelerated VCE studies, an impressive achievement and testament to their dedication.
More than an awards ceremony, Presentation Evening also showcased the breadth of talent within our School community. Musical performances, student presentations and House items were a highlight of the evening, and provided another opportunity to celebrate the creativity, collaboration and commitment of our students.
We were also proud to acknowledge our 2026 Student Leadership Team and thank them for their service and contribution throughout the year. We recognised our School Captain Anneka S, and Vice Captains Amber C and Christina W, for the leadership they have shown across the School community.
For our Year 12 students, the evening provided an important opportunity to celebrate not only their achievements, but also the many ways they have contributed to the life of Camberwell Girls. Each student was recognised on stage and presented with their Testimonial and Commemorative Gift, marking this significant milestone in their final weeks at the School.
As we continue this season of celebration, we look forward to the Leavers’ Service and Valedictory Dinner to be held next week, where we will have another opportunity to honour the Class of 2026 and celebrate all that they have brought to Camberwell Girls.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
At Assembly last week, we were delighted to celebrate the recipients of the 2026 Australian Defence Force (ADF) Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award. This prestigious award recognises students who embody the values demonstrated by Australian soldiers at the Battle of Long Tan: determination, teamwork, tenacity, compassion and leadership.
Each year, one student from Year 10 and one from Year 12 is selected to receive this significant award, recognising the positive contribution they make to their school and wider community.
We are incredibly proud to congratulate our 2026 recipients:
Naomi C, Year 12
Jessica M, Year 10
Naomi and Jessica are both wonderful examples of students at Camberwell Girls who lead through their actions and the way they contribute to and support those around them. We warmly congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition and achievement.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Welcoming our music community back into the beautifully renovated Barbara Sutton Hall and Cultural Centre for the Annual Concert was a truly memorable occasion. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the outstanding performances of our Secondary School musicians and acknowledge the beginning of an exciting new chapter for music at Camberwell Girls.
Our student musicians and the audience enjoyed experiencing the transformed Barbara Sutton Hall auditorium and performance stage. As music once again filled the Hall, the evening served as a fitting celebration of the vision and generosity that has made this transformation possible. We look forward to seeing these remarkable spaces continue to enrich the musical journeys of our students for many years to come.
The concert showcased the depth of talent across our ensembles and choirs, with each performance reflecting the many hours of rehearsal, collaboration and commitment from students and staff. From powerful orchestral works to moments of musical nuance and artistry, students embraced the opportunity to perform on the transformed stage with confidence and enthusiasm. The concert was also a celebration of our community. Families, staff and friends warmly supported our students and shared in the joy of each performance.
We look forward to seeing these remarkable spaces continue to inspire creativity, excellence and a lifelong love of music for generations of students to come.
Rohan Mack and Kate Savige
Directors of Music
Congratulations to Year 7 student Olivia H on her exceptional achievement of gaining the AMEB Associate Diploma (AMusA) in Piano with Distinction. This prestigious qualification represents an advanced level of performance and is a remarkable accomplishment for a student of Olivia’s age.
Achieving an AMusA requires a high degree of technical proficiency, musical maturity and dedication, and Olivia’s Distinction result reflects the outstanding quality of playing.
We commend Olivia on this wonderful achievement and commend her on her dedication and commitment to music.
Rohan Mack and Kate Savige
Directors of Music
The Camberwell Girls Music Department is delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of three exceptional young musicians.
We warmly congratulate Iris L, who has been awarded the prestigious Licentiate in Music, Australia (LMusA) Diploma in Clarinet as well as Joyce Z and Asha B, who have also both been awarded the Licentiate Diploma in Piano.
Achieving an LMusA Diploma is a remarkable milestone, requiring an exceptional level of technical mastery, musical understanding and sustained commitment. It is one of the highest performance qualifications awarded by the Australian Music Examinations Board and represents years of disciplined study.
These outstanding results are a testament to the students’ hard work, perseverance and passion for music. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing their continued success in the years ahead both here at Camberwell Girls and in the wider community.
Congratulations to Iris, Joyce and Asha, on this exceptional achievement.
Rohan Mack and Kate Savige
Directors of Music
A huge congratulations to Year 10 student Beatrix F on her outstanding achievement of attaining the AMEB Associate Diploma (AMusA) in Cello with Distinction. This prestigious qualification represents an advanced level of performance and represents thousands of hours of hard work.
Beyond the examination result itself, Beatrix is an exceptional young musician whose artistry, dedication and generosity have enriched our music community in countless ways. Through her performances, ensemble work, School Production and the 2025 European, she consistently brings depth, sensitivity and maturity to her music-making. Her achievement is the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and a genuine love of music.
We are incredibly proud of Beatrix and look forward to celebrating this well-deserved milestone with our school community.
Rohan Mack and Kate Savige
Directors of Music
In Week 2, our Year 8 students headed to Elwood in Melbourne’s southeast for a hands‑on day of fieldwork. The purpose of the fieldwork was to investigate how coastal towns manage flood risk. Fieldwork gives students the chance to connect classroom concepts to the real‑world. Throughout the day, they were able to link what they learned in class about urbanisation, coastal processes and environmental management to what they observed on site. Despite a forecast of cold winds and grey skies, Melbourne delivered another one of its classic meteorological plot twists: a bright, sunny day perfect for doing geography.
Students began by exploring the Yalukit Willam Wetland before walking the Elwood Canal, examining how the canal and levee system work together to protect nearby homes from flooding. At Point Ormond Lookout, they sketched and photographed panoramic views of the coastline while analysing how coastal processes, and the ways we manage them, have shaped the coast over time.
A highlight of the day was testing the strength of longshore drift, where students launched oranges into Port Phillip Bay to track the movement of material along the coast. Watching the oranges sweep sideways along the shoreline made the purpose of the nearby groynes clear, demonstrating how these structures help prevent the beach from eroding away.
The next step for students is to transform their field data into a polished fieldwork report using ArcGIS StoryMaps, showcasing their understanding of coastal processes and management in this environment.
Ben McManamny
Geography Teacher
At Camberwell Girls, Geography comes to life beyond the classroom. Fieldwork provides students with the opportunity to investigate real-world issues while developing essential geographical skills in data collection and analysis.
During their Year 10 fieldwork investigation, students examined how urban greenspaces improve human wellbeing and help tackle environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity decline and the Urban Heat Island Effect. Together, students visited Studley Park/Yarra Bend Park and Abbotsford Convent, two well-known Melbourne green spaces.
Throughout the day, students worked in teams to collect primary data, including conducting visitor surveys, measuring temperatures of different surfaces using thermal imaging cameras, undertaking biodiversity counts, counting park users and mapping relevant features. The fieldwork experience highlighted the vital role that greenspaces play in creating healthier, cooler and more resilient cities.
The accompanying photograph shows students visiting one of these notable landmarks: the rebuilt Kane’s Bridge at Studley Park, following the destruction of the original 1928 bridge in major floods.
Karoline Walter
Head of Geography
On 8 October, eight students from Years 7–9 competed in the exclusive eSports event, ‘The Fuse Cup – Girl Gamer Competition’.
Ellie T & Amelia A (Year 9), Chloe Z, Abigail L & Ashlyn C (Year 8) and Claire Z, Olivia H & Alessandra R (Year 7), joined more than 70 students from schools across Melbourne to compete in ‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’ for the title of Melbourne metropolitan division champion.
The Camberwell Girls team delivered one of its strongest performances in the history of the competition. All eight students progressed comfortably through the heats and into the Quarter Final Round of 16. As the competition intensified, the team continued to excel, with Abigail L, Claire Z, Amelia A, Ashlyn C, Chloe Z and Ellie T securing six of the eight semi-final places.
With teammates now competing against one another, only three could advance to the four-person Grand Final.
In a closely contested Grand Final, where lead positions changed frequently, Ashlyn C and Chloe Z finished in fourth and third place respectively. Ellie T, demonstrating impressive technical skill throughout the competition was crowned champion and secured the coveted Fuse Cup golden ticket. This achievement provides the opportunity to represent Camberwell Girls at the National Championship on the Gold Coast in November alongside Stephanie M (Year 8), who earlier this year won the individual champion ‘Just Dance’ Golden Ticket.
Kingsley Ren
Head of Technologies
Mark Major
Systems Engineer
On Thursday 8 October, students, families and staff gathered in Barbara Sutton Hall for the annual VCE Visual and Performing Arts and Design Exhibition, a celebration of creativity, commitment and artistic achievement across the Secondary School.
This year’s event marked a significant milestone as, for the first time, Music, Art Creative Practice, Visual Communication & Design and Theatre Studies were brought together in a single celebration. By uniting exhibitions, performances and presentations under one banner, the evening provided a powerful showcase of the breadth of creative learning occurring across the School and highlighting the connections between the visual and performing arts.
Barbara Sutton Hall served as the heart of the event, bringing the community together before guests moved through a range of exhibition and performance spaces. This shared experience created a vibrant atmosphere and enabled families to experience the full scope of student achievement across multiple disciplines in one evening.
Audiences enjoyed outstanding performances from students studying Music Repertoire Performance, including piano, strings, woodwind, voice and drum kit in both Barbara Sutton Hall and our new Rehearsal Space. Their performances reflected hours of practice, collaboration with their teachers and refinement, showcasing both technical accomplishment and artistic expression.
The exhibition spaces displayed an impressive collection of works from Art Creative Practice and Visual Communication & Design students. Families, friends and visitors were immersed in a diverse range of media including ceramics, painting, collage, digital illustration, textiles, installation art, graphic design, product design and three-dimensional prototypes. Each work reflecting the curiosity, craftsmanship and personal voice of its creator.
The evening also celebrated the achievements of Theatre Studies students as they presented interpretations developed for their VCE examinations, demonstrating sophisticated research, creative decision-making and performance skills.
Most importantly, the event brought our community together to celebrate the imagination, courage and dedication of our students in the visual and performing arts. We congratulate all students who exhibited, performed or presented and thank the dedicated staff whose expertise and encouragement make these opportunities possible.
Kate Manners
Director of Teaching and Learning
Luke Ridgewell from Deakin University recently presented the 2026 Deakin Young Leader Award, an annual award that recognises one exceptional Year 11 student from Camberwell Girls Grammar School.
The award celebrates students who demonstrate outstanding leadership within their school and wider community, using their initiative, influence and skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
This year’s recipient, Amelia S, was recognised for her impressive commitment to leadership, service and community involvement. Through her participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, coaching and mentoring younger students, volunteering at national tennis events, and becoming one of the youngest accredited netball umpires within her association, Amelia has consistently sought opportunities to support and inspire those around her.
Her leadership extends across multiple areas, including her role as an Outdoor Education Captain, where she has encouraged participation and fostered a strong sense of community. Amelia has also created opportunities for younger officials to develop their skills and has worked to ensure athletes from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed, supported and included.
Demonstrating initiative, resilience and a genuine passion for helping others, Amelia exemplifies the qualities at the heart of the Deakin Young Leader Award.
As part of the award, Amelia will receive a $5,000 Deakin Young Leader Scholarship to support her future studies.
Please join us in congratulating Amelia S, the recipient of the 2026 Deakin Young Leader Award.
Ashley Nguyen
Head of Careers Education
The Smith Family’s Student 2 Student Reading Program pairs secondary school students with primary school readers who are seeking to improve their reading skills and confidence.
Recently, Mrs Suzanne Williamson, State Coordinator for The Smith Family, addressed students at assembly and acknowledged the outstanding contribution of 14 Camberwell Girls students who participated in the program.
In their role as an S2S Buddy, the students met online with their Reader two to three times each week for approximately 20 minutes per session over a 20-week period.
While the program is focused on reading, the role of a Buddy involves much more: communicating with their Reader, demonstrating patience and empathy, navigating technical issues when required, and seeking support for themselves or their younger Reader. These students demonstrated remarkable kindness, resilience and commitment throughout the program, which is to be celebrated.
Together, they completed 308 reading sessions, shared 547 books, and spent more than 107 hours listening to younger students read.
Congratulations to the following Year 10 and 11 students: Beatrix F, Carissa L, Eliza C, Emily F, Emma L, Maggie R, Misha V, Natasha C, Olivia Y, Sass L, Sophie P, Valerie K, Zhiyu C and Zihan L.
Student Reflection
As someone who has always loved reading and has struggled to find reading-based volunteer opportunities outside school, I believe The Smith Family offers something special through this program. Particularly encouraging is that 96% of readers over recent years have shown improvement.
Throughout the 20 weeks, I had a wonderful time with my Reader. At the end of our time together, I made her a butterfly-themed bookmark, as butterflies were her favourite, to encourage her to keep reading.
What is particularly special about the program is that we get to see someone improve in real time and know that we were part of that journey. Most importantly, thank you to Suzanne, who has been wonderful throughout the process. I have greatly appreciated all your support.
Sass L (Year 11)
Michele Linossier
Head of Extension and Enrichment
Our Japan STEM & Design Tour took 27 students from Years 9–11 on an extraordinary journey through Tokyo, Fukushima, Hiroshima, Osaka and Kyoto, exploring Japan’s remarkable combination of technological innovation, cultural traditions and complex history.
In Tokyo, students experienced the intersection of science, design and everyday life. Highlights included the immersive digital art installations at teamLab Planets, robotics demonstrations at Kawasaki Robostage and Cyberdyne, and a visit to the Dawn Avatar Robot Café, where technology enables people with limited mobility to work remotely and connect with others. Architecture tours, manga drawing and a visit to JAXA’s Space Dome offered further insights into Japanese creativity and innovation.
Our time in Fukushima was particularly moving. Visits to the preserved Ukedo Primary School, the Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum and the TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Centre provided powerful perspectives on the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. Meeting local students and hearing survivors’ stories brought an important human dimension to our understanding.
In Hiroshima, the visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, together with a moving survivor testimony shared by a legacy successor, encouraged reflection on the devastating consequences of war.
The tour also celebrated Japan’s rich cultural heritage through temple visits, a traditional matcha tea ceremony in Kyoto (dressed in kimono), an okonomiyaki cooking class and explorations of bustling markets and shopping districts.
Beyond the educational experiences, friendships flourished across year levels as students shared discoveries, challenges and plenty of laughter. It was a memorable journey of learning, connection and cultural discovery.
Joanne Rittey
Head of Languages
On Saturday 7 September, the Boroondara Netball Centre was buzzing with excitement as grand final day arrived after 17 weeks of hard work, dedication and competition.
The first Camberwell Girls team to take the court was the Year 8 Crystals: Anshika A, Sarah A, Emily D, Lauren J, Stephanie M, Holly P, Lucinda R, Summer W and Iris Z. Despite slippery court conditions, a light breeze and the inevitable grand final nerves, the team remained focused and determined.
Guided by coach Emily P, the Crystals settled into the contest and delivered a thrilling performance in a nail-biting match. Showing resilience, teamwork and composure under pressure, they emerged victorious to be crowned Premiers.
Congratulations to the Year 8 Crystals on a fantastic season and a well-deserved championship victory.
The Year 10 Sapphires were next to take the court for their Grand Final. While there were a few early nerves, the team quickly found their rhythm and showed great determination to perform at their best.
Ann B, Dahlia B, Anjelina C, Nini C, Sienna J, Audie N, Panya S, Lila T and Sarah W wasted no time in taking control of the match. Skilfully guided by their experienced coach, Mia G, the Sapphires delivered a dominant display of teamwork, skill and composure across the court.
Their hard work throughout the season culminated in a well-earned premiership victory, with the team crowned Premiers at the final whistle.
Congratulations to the Year 10 Sapphires on a brilliant season and a thoroughly deserved Grand Final win.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our parents, supporters, coaches and staff for their incredible enthusiasm, community spirit and unwavering support throughout the season. Your energy and encouragement from the sidelines created a fantastic atmosphere each week and played a significant role in our teams’ success. The endless cheering courtside never went unnoticed and was greatly appreciated by all involved.
Alexia McConnell
Netball Coordinator
Congratulations to Chelsea Z in Year 8, on her outstanding performance at the Victorian Age Short Course Championships.
Competing against some of the state’s strongest young swimmers, Chelsea qualified as one of the top ten finalists for both the 100m and 200m Girls’ 13 Years Breaststroke events. In an exceptionally competitive field, she achieved an impressive 9th-place finish in the state final for both events.
Reaching a Victorian Age Championship final is a significant accomplishment and reflects Chelsea’s dedication, resilience and commitment to her training. Her success is particularly noteworthy given the depth of talent in these events and the high standard of competition across the state.
With the short course season now complete, Chelsea is already looking ahead to the upcoming long course season and the opportunities and challenges it will bring.
We congratulate Chelsea on her outstanding achievements and wish her every success as she prepares for the next stage of her swimming journey. We look forward to following her continued progress in the pool.
Lauren Law
Head of Sport
This is an exciting time of year for our swimming program, with CGGS swimmers competing across several championship events and achieving outstanding results.
The Victorian Age and Open Short Course Championships were a great success for the club. A strong contingent of swimmers competed across multiple events, with many qualifying for finals and contributing to excellent relay performances. Congratulations to all swimmers who represented the club with determination and enthusiasm.
The 2026 Australian Short Course Championships, held at Sydney Olympic Park from 29 September to 2 October, provided another opportunity for our swimmers to test themselves against some of the country’s best. Across the four-day meet, our athletes delivered impressive performances, recording numerous personal best times and demonstrating the benefits of their hard work and preparation.
From a coaching perspective, it has been particularly pleasing to see swimmers maintain their performances throughout each championship meet. Developing strong race speed, refining technique, and consistently reproducing training performances in competition were key goals, and our swimmers rose to the challenge. As we move into the next phase of the season, our focus remains on race skills and maintaining speed under fatigue.
We look forward to seeing our swimmers continue their strong form at the Victorian Sprint Championships later this month and wish them every success.
Yuriy Burunov
CGGS Aquatics Head Coach
Congratulations to Carissa, who recently participated in the ISU Synchro9 Development Camp in Thailand, a prestigious international development opportunity in the sport of Figure Skating. Carissa’s selection for the camp is a testament to her talent, perseverance and unwavering commitment to her sport. During the camp, Carissa had the invaluable opportunity to learn from international coaches and world champion skaters, gaining insights and experiences that she will bring back to support her future competitions and continued development as an athlete.
Many members of our community already know Carissa as a highly organised and hardworking student who consistently balances the demands of academic studies with a rigorous training schedule. Her ability to pursue sporting excellence while maintaining her commitment to school is truly admirable.
Carissa has also enjoyed success closer to home, recently representing Victoria at the Sydney Synchro Festival, where her team secured a competition victory. Adding to this achievement, Carissa was voted as Team Captain, a significant personal milestone and recognition of her leadership both on and off the ice.
One of Carissa’s proudest moments this season was watching her team grow in confidence. With several less experienced skaters joining the squad, she found great satisfaction in seeing the team come together, support one another and develop a strong sense of unity.
The busy competition season continues, with State Championships this weekend and the Australian Figure Skating Championships in Perth, in November. Alongside her own training and competition commitments, Carissa is also enthusiastic about coaching. She currently coaches a team that includes fellow CGGS Junior School students Marvella, Jenny, Sophie and Reece, sharing her passion for the sport and helping inspire the next generation of skaters.
We are immensely proud of Carissa’s achievements and we look forward to following her skating journey and wish her every success in her upcoming competitions and future endeavours.
Lauren Law
Head of Sport
It has been a busy start to Term 4 with Year 11 - 12 Presentation Evening and many musical achievements.
Over 100 Old Grammarians returned to Camberwell Girls last weekend for the annual Reunion Weekend.
