Today, Mrs Dunwoody updates the community on our Digital Ecosystem Transformation and announces our new School Chaplain commencing 2027.
It has been a particularly special fortnight at Camberwell Girls as we celebrated and farewelled the Class of 2026. Our Year 12s brought plenty of magic, joy and humour to their final days, continuing the much-loved tradition of including the Secondary School community in their celebrations. From the colour and creativity of Celebration Day to the Leavers’ Service and Valedictory Dinner, it was a fitting and memorable farewell to this wonderful cohort. We look forward to sharing some of these special moments later in this edition.
The Year 12 students, along with other students studying a Unit 3 and 4 VCE subject, now turn their attention to their final examinations. After all their hard work and determination, supported along the way by their teachers and families, students are well prepared and ready to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have developed throughout the year. We wish all our VCE students every success for the weeks ahead.
Across the School, students have continued to demonstrate their enthusiasm for learning through a wide range of extension and enrichment opportunities, GSV Sport, House events and Upskill. From participation in the Year 8 Opportunity Challenge initiative to excursions for RE, Service Learning and Hex in Years 7, 9 and 10, students have taken their learning beyond the school gates, extending themselves, broadening their knowledge and actively contributing to the wider community.
We hope you enjoy the many highlights from the past fortnight in this edition of CamNews, and we wish you a wonderful long weekend ahead.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
Tom Clark
Head of Middle School
The Year 12 Celebration Day was a joyful and colourful occasion, filled with laughter, reflection and a strong sense of community. Embracing the theme Happily Ever After, students arrived dressed as characters from beloved fairy tales and stories, including Shrek, Rapunzel, Trolls, The Wizard of Oz and many more.
As students entered the School, they were warmly greeted at the gates with bubbles, magical wishes and laughter, setting the tone for a truly memorable day. Robinson Hall was transformed into a magical fairy-tale wonderland for the breakfast where ‘Smurf Awards’ were presented celebrating the unique contributions and achievements of the graduating class.
The entire school community then gathered in Barbara Sutton Hall, where students from Years 7 to 12 enjoyed a specially created Year 12 video. One of the highlights was the whole-school rendition of Bruno Mars’ Count on Me, a fitting tribute to the friendships, support and connections that have shaped the Year 12 journey.
Following an emotional morning of celebration and reflection, students had the opportunity to channel their energy into an engaging African drumming workshop. The room was filled with rhythm, laughter and enthusiasm, with students and staff joining in a spirited conga line.
The day concluded with the cherished tradition of the final bell. Surrounded by family, staff and fellow students, the Year 12s were applauded as they marked this significant milestone. There were plenty of hugs, cheers and a few tears as the community came together to celebrate their journey and wish them well for the future.
It was a magnificent day that reflected the inclusive, supportive and vibrant spirit of the Year 12 cohort, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Nicole McKie
Year 12 Year Level Coordinator
The Leavers’ Service is a cherished tradition at Camberwell Girls, bringing together students, families, special guests and staff to reflect on and celebrate the graduating class. Each Year 12 student has the opportunity to acknowledge those who have supported them throughout their journey, while we celebrate the memories, laughter and contribution that the Class of 2026 has made to the life of our School. A particularly poignant moment came from the Year 12 Choir, who performed Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. Its themes of change, growth and moving forward felt especially fitting as our Year 12s reflected on how far they have come and how prepared they are what lies ahead.
As the Service concluded, our Year 12 students took part in the much-loved tradition of running down the school driveway towards the Torrington Street gates, a symbolic farewell inspired by the words of our School Hymn, When the Gates Swing Wide. Cheered on by students and staff, it was a joyful and memorable farewell, and a fitting way to celebrate the Class of 2026 and thank them for all they have brought to our school community.
Later that evening, students, parents, guardians and staff came together for the Valedictory Dinner at Zinc Fed Square, in what was a night filled with memories, reflections, good food and even better dance moves. We were honoured to have Murrundindi conduct a very special Welcome to Country, and to hear a moving and inspiring speech from Dr Vicki Pandeli, alum and mother of Amalia and Nicola, which made the evening even more memorable
It has been a privilege to work with the Year 12s this year and to witness their growth, leadership and service to the School, and they leave a legacy of which they should be incredibly proud. While their time as students at Camberwell Girls may be coming to an end, their connection to our community is not; it simply changes as they move from students to Alumnae. We extend our very best wishes to the Class of 2026 for the weeks ahead and look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and the exciting journeys that lie ahead.
Kath Woolcock
Head of Senior School
On Tuesday 20 October, Camberwell Girls’ students attended the Girls in STEM Veski Bionics Institute Celebration Event at The Arena in Docklands, marking the conclusion of an inspiring mentoring program. Students had the opportunity to meet and connect with participants from other schools while celebrating their achievements. As part of the event, students received certificates recognising their participation and commitment throughout the program. The celebration featured presentations from two outstanding guest speakers, Dr Rhea Longley, Lab Head and Viertel Senior Medical Research Fellow in the Infection and Global Health Division at WEHI, and Dr Sophie Crouch, Quantum Chemist at Monash University. Both speakers shared insights into their career journeys and highlighted the exciting and diverse opportunities available in STEM fields. Students also listened to five reflections from program participants, who spoke about their experiences, challenges and successes. The event was a fitting celebration of learning, connection and inspiration for the next generation of women in STEM.
Student Reflections
The best part of the Veski Girls in STEM mentoring program was the opportunity to deepen my understanding of cells and see concepts we had previously learnt in the classroom come to life. I particularly enjoyed the laboratory visit, especially observing mitosis under a microscope, as it allowed me to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience. (Hesara, Year 10)
Personally, the most valuable takeaway from this program is gaining awareness into the world of modern and evolving STEM Careers. Specifically, at ARMI and how crucial stem cells are to the future of medicine. (Bella, Year 10)
Being mentored by Jennifer (Jenny), a woman working in STEM, was inspiring, and visiting her lab was the highlight. It was fascinating to see where the research actually happens and to hear about her work first-hand. (Lillian, Year 10)
The best thing about this program was the fact that we had a woman in STEM as our mentor. Being able to see a woman in STEM was inspiring, as it gave me something tangible to see and hear, creating connections that otherwise wouldn’t have been formed. (Lily, Year 10)
Debbie Henson
Head of Science
2026 was Camberwell Girls’ most successful debating season. Five of the eight teams that advanced to the finals from our region were from Camberwell Girls. A big congratulations to all our students who debated in the DAV season, and another congratulations to all our students who were finalists. These students have taken part in our DAV co-curricular program and been able to develop collaboration and communication skills as well as their ability to create logical and persuasive arguments.
Year 9
Aanya R, Livia S, Nawita D, Lydia H, Aneira P
Year 10
Elise F, Iris H, Nini C, Anni Z, Carissa D, Kealey L, Eden C, Jessica W, Asha B, Jasmine X, Christine M, Eshani N, Misha V
Year 11
Sass L, Valerie K, Natasha O, Clementine A, Maggie R, Chloris D, Rui M, Millie M, Pardis S, Audrey R
Demonstrating exception skill were Sass L, Valerie K, Natasha O, Clementine A, Maggie R, and Chloris D who were Quarter Finalists, putting them in the top 8 teams in Victoria. The took part in multiple rounds of finalists and have been Camberwell Girls’ most successful team from our time in the DAV competition. They had an hour to unpack the topic and prepare their case, demonstrating strong teamwork and argumentation skills. A wonderful achievement!
Jennifer Gordon
Head of English
This achievement reflects years of commitment, perseverance and a willingness to embrace new challenges. We congratulate Summer Z on completing the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, the highest level of the internationally recognised program.
Throughout the Award, Summer demonstrated exceptional dedication to service, skill development and physical challenge. Her pursuits included diving, where she represented Camberwell Girls at GSV Diving meets, Mandarin language studies, and volunteered as a dive coach alongside Camberwell Girls and Whitehorse Diving Club coach Jenny Donnet.
As part of her Gold Award, Summer further extended her skills and experiences by working towards a Recreational Pilot Licence, completing the Great Southwest Walk in south-west Victoria, and participating in a French cultural and language exchange residential project.
Summer’s outstanding organisation, perseverance and enthusiasm were evident throughout her Duke of Edinburgh journey and during her service as Education Outdoors Captain. Her achievement is a testament to her determination, leadership and commitment to personal growth, making her a most deserving recipient of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Congratulations, Summer, on this remarkable accomplishment.
Shane Maycock
Education Outdoors Coordinator
Today, Mrs Dunwoody updates the community on our Digital Ecosystem Transformation and announces our new School Chaplain commencing 2027.
The Secondary School has had a big few weeks celebrating the graduating Class of 2026!
Year 5 & 6 students have a fantastic time on camp, and the ELC children are exploring the garden.
The PFA is proud to share some recent donations made to the School, including contributions to the music department.
