Overlooking the iconic and picturesque Sydney harbour, Kambala’s boarding homes provide a nurturing and supportive boarding experience for up to 100 girls.
Our boarding community is made up of young women from across Australia and overseas, adding vibrance and diversity to our school community.
Years 7 to 9 boarders occupy the beautiful heritage-listed Tivoli building in the heart of the campus, which boasts uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour and a sense of old world charm.
Years 10 to 12 boarders enjoy greater privacy, independence and social privileges at the purpose-built Fernbank building to help them develop the skills necessary for life after school. All girls have extended access to school facilities such as libraries and the swimming pool.
Weekly routine
| Monday to Thursday | Friday | |
| 7.00am to 8.15am | Wake-up Breakfast Order lunch Prepare for school | Wake-up Breakfast Order lunch Prepare for school |
| 8.15am | Leave for school | Leave for school |
| 8.20am | Boarding house closed for school hours | Boarding house closed for school hours |
| 3.20pm to 4.00pm | Afternoon tea | Afternoon tea |
| 4.00pm to 5.30pm | Leisure time, if no extra-curricular activity | Leisure time if no extra-curricular activity May depart for weekend leave |
| 5.30pm to 6.10pm | Dinner | Dinner |
| 6.10pm to 6.30pm | Prepare books for Prep (homework/revision) Tuesdays evening Prayer Service | Recreation activity or leisure time in house |
| 6.30pm to 10.30pm | Prep (homework/revision) and bedtimes depending on age (see Prep and Bedtimes sections of our Boarding Handbook) | Weekday bedtimes |
Weekend routine Structured activities and weekend sport ensure that boarders always have plenty of options as to how they spend their time. Increased flexibility is given to Year 11 and 12 boarders and all girls have access to the Senior School Library over the course of the weekend.
The Boarding House shuts down and boarders travel home or stay with friends or family during school holiday periods and long weekends. There are a number of major community events such as the annual Festival of Music, as well as boarding parent social events, providing parents with additional opportunities to be with their daughter and to connect with other Kambala families.
Boarders and their families can communicate with one another via a range of approved mediums, including phone and video calls and email. Unnecessary phone communication with parents during the school day is discouraged but there are no restrictions on communication outside of school hours.
Some Boarders choose to apply for weekend leave to go home or stay with friends/relatives. There are no restrictions on weekend leave. All students are discouraged from missing school during term time. Boarders meet in the ambient Tivoli Dining Hall for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Catering staff provide the girls with nutritious and varied options for each meal and snack.
Breakfast always includes a continental spread with staples as well as fresh fruit and vegetable juices, muesli and yoghurt. A different dish is cooked daily for lunch and is accompanied by a salad bar. Dinners focus on providing girls with comforting, home-cooked meals packed with nutrients.
The Boarding staff ensure that caterers receive feedback about meals and menus so that they can keep the girls feeling happy and healthy about their eating habits. Senior boarders also have the option to occasionally cook for themselves.