Marking Time: Conversations Across the Decades at Kambala

Year 9 and 10 Elective History students were invited to engage in conversation with Kambala Alumni representing over five decades, from the 1950s to the 1990s. This rare gathering allowed students to connect with past generations, offering a rich tapestry of stories that brought Kambala’s rich history to life. 

Despite changes to Kambala’s buildings, curriculum, and even the landscape of education itself, a shared theme emerged: the enduring opportunities and values Kambala has provided to each generation. These ranged from fostering resilience and curiosity to encouraging lifelong friendships and community bonds. The event highlighted how, while specifics may have changed, Kambala’s commitment to empowering young women has remained steadfast.

Year 10 students had been studying oral history as a vital method for recording and preserving local stories and personal experiences. In preparation, they explored the art of interviewing, focusing on asking thoughtful, curiosity-driven questions. They also learned about the technical and ethical considerations of managing oral recordings in the school archive, gaining insight into the complexities of preserving memories for future generations.

During Marking Time, conversations flowed freely, covering topics from school discipline and uniforms to memorable teachers, favourite subjects, and the impact of key historical events on student life. Some alumni shared anecdotes of navigating social changes, like the rise of feminism or shifts in educational standards, while others reflected on how Kambala traditions have shaped their identities and values. Every twenty minutes, students rotated to speak with alumni from a different decade, allowing them to experience both the continuity and evolution in Kambala’s culture firsthand.

One recurring theme was the balance between academic rigor and personal growth. Alumni recounted how their time at Kambala prepared them for challenges beyond the classroom, whether in their careers or personal lives. For the students, hearing these firsthand accounts deepened their understanding of how education transcends academics, providing skills and values that last a lifetime.

Marking Time was a collaboration between the Kambala History Department, Alumni Manager Donna Kelly-Smith, and School Archivist Laura Carmichael, whose efforts helped bring this enriching experience to life. The success of the event left both Old Girls and students abuzz with excitement and a renewed sense of connection to their school community. Many were already suggesting ideas for future gatherings, underscoring the powerful impact of intergenerational storytelling as a bridge between past, present, and future.

A special thanks goes to the following Alumni from across the decades:

1950s: Margie Merriman, Sue Kelly, Thea McKeown

1960s: Diane Speed, Carolyn Williams, Elaine Budd

1970s: Janet Robilliard, Kerry Thorn, Tish Lancaster, Cornelia Cassimatis, Mandy Dodds

1980s: Vicki Kekatos, Sally Dan-Cuthbert

1990s: Anna Webster, Peita-Maree Pyne, Sasha Smith 

With the event’s success, Marking Time is sure to become a cherished tradition, providing ongoing opportunities for students to deepen their historical understanding through meaningful exchanges with those who walked Kambala’s halls before them.