Huddle St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School S P R I N G
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Huddle Editor Alice Brandon
Contributors Wendy Biggs Meg Bishop Rachel Condos-Fields Jenny Crome Sue Figliano Catherine Grant Samantha Lee Karen Madden Gillian Moses Holly O’Sullivan Williams Toni Riordan Claire Rush Sue Russell Emma Schafer Kelly Swan Graphic Design Annie Fanning Photographic Contributors Miranda Everett Marc Pricop
Content From the Principal
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Dr Donna Marcus Workshop
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Vale Mother Eunice
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Year 12 Visual Art
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Leadership 8
Reconciliation in Action
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Kindy - Henny Penny
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A Walk to Remember
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Under 8’s Day
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Leading Ladies 28
Back Street Band
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Foundation 30
eTextiles Wearable Technolgy
16
Parents and Friends
31
Bush Tucker Tasting
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Alumni and Archives
33
Oxley Creek Catchment Association
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The Last Word
51
Bookweek 20
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From the Principal
AUTHENTIC CARING CONFIDENT C R E AT I V E CONNECTED
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Our Legacy At the time of writing, we are moving through the selection cycle for our next senior student leaders. They will be the 94th group of leaders in the history of the school, and will build upon, and in doing so become part of, an ever-growing legacy of St Aidan’s student leaders. Student leadership selection heralds the nearing of the end of the school year, and preparing for the beginning of the next, and I am always compelled to reflect on many aspects of our school, at this time. Reflecting on what our current leaders have achieved so far in 2021 and anticipating how the leaders of 2022 will carry on that mission is like flipping between two sides of the same coin - that is legacy. It might seem strange at first to consider the concept of legacy in future tense, but I think broadening our understanding of legacy, especially with regards to time, actually makes it much more tangible. Thinking of your legacy, or our legacy as a school, as purely what has been done by those before us, not only excludes our current actions from the picture, but also discourages us from taking such action when it is most important: right now. Legacy is not finite: it is not something that happened back then and is now finished. The clearest example of this is in the compounding, cumulative efforts that make up what we might normally consider to be defining moments in history. For example, the moment women were first granted the right to vote in elections in the United States is commonly viewed as the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920; however, as historian Leslie Hume highlights, you only reach tipping point when there has been enough force behind it, for long enough: “The women’s contribution to the war effort challenged the notion of women’s physical and mental inferiority and made it more difficult to maintain that women were, both by constitution and temperament, unfit to vote. If women could work in munitions factories, it seemed both ungrateful and illogical to deny them a place in the voting booth.” This explanation alone covers the roughly four years over which World War I took place, and the entire movement had a legacy much longer than those four years.
because everything we do, everything we say, every decision we make or action we take, impacts our legacy. So it is critical that we keep this in mind, that we dismiss the notion that legacy is done, and instead remember always that legacy is doing; and in that spirit, recognise that what we do every day is what makes up what we do with our lives. I draw on the wisdom of the Ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” So, all who are connected to St Aidan’s are challenged to develop our legacy. We are challenged to build a habit of developing our legacy. Whether we like it or not, everything we do will impact our legacy, so the only meaningful way to act is with our legacy always in mind. For our student leaders, you inspire respect and admiration from your younger peers every time you treat them as equals, or behave with dignity, or honour, or service; that is your legacy, and you build upon it day-by-day. For our leaders of 2022, and the years beyond - the selection cycle is called just that because it does not end with the announcement assembly. The responsibilities of a leader are not momentary. A great leader is expected to live the values of the community she represents. Just as the St Aidan’s community expects those without a badge to also be leaders, we expect and encourage those who are in official positions to earn that badge over and over again. Legacy is not finished, it is not in the past. Instead, it is alive, and it is everything we do. As the author Annie Dillard writes, “How we spend our days, is, of course, how we spend our lives.”
The point is that legacy, any legacy, is not finite, nor finished. Instead, it is alive, and we have a responsibility to make our legacy every day. Not the opportunity, but the responsibility,
Ms Toni Riordan Principal huddle I spring 2021 5
AT H L E T E M E N T O R I N G P R O G R A M
Vale Mother Eunice 1936 - 2 021 Mother Eunice led a remarkable life of faith and service and we take this time to acknowledge her indelible contribution to the Society of the Sacred Advent (SSA), their schools and beyond. 6
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Mother Eunice was a compassionate, caring, friendly, humble and unassuming woman, who dedicated much of her life to the SSA. Born in 1936, Mother Eunice grew up in Mitchelton in Brisbane’s north. She attended Mitchelton State School for her early years of schooling. Her family home was high set with the lower level the venue for her Parish’s weekly Sunday School program. From very early on, Eunice was drawn to the education and religious development of young children, a theme that remained constant throughout her life. Mother Eunice sat for Sunday School examinations and developed a keen interest in teaching scripture to pre- school children. When she was seventeen, she was invited to take charge of the very popular Sunday School at her local church, St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Grovely. Mother Eunice worked at department store JCPenneys in Queen Street, Brisbane, and at women’s fashion store Rockmans, training staff. However, her early experiences teaching children led her to apply for a position at the School of the Hearing Impaired at Yeronga. After completing twelve months of training, Mother Eunice began teaching hearing impaired kindergarten children at the school. After a year of teaching at Yeronga, Eunice took a role at the Florence Kindergarten in Margate where she taught for several years. Mother Eunice recalled that while she enjoyed this service, she felt a calling to do something else. She went to Sydney to commence her religious life, training at the Anglican Board of Mission’s (ABM) House of Epiphany. It was here she met many people who would become lifelong friends. She worked at the Lockhart River Mission Station in North Queensland and at the St Paul’s Mission on Moa Island in the Torres Strait.
She returned to Brisbane and after much consideration joined the religious order, the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent, in 1965, testing her vocation to religious life over the following two years, and making her Profession on 21 August 1967. During this time, she undertook a course of studies with Canon Sharwood at the end of which she received an Associate Degree in Theology (Th.A.). The Sisters’ schools of St Catharine’s in Warwick and St Anne’s in Townsville were home to Mother Eunice before she returned to Community House at Albion and St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School at the end of 1978. Mother Eunice was in charge of the Wafer Room at Community House for some years, where the motto of the workers was “Patience, Perseverance and Perfection”. At its peak they were sending out 8.5 million wafers per year to parishes throughout Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Well known to many generations of students at both St Aidan’s and St Margaret’s, in 1982, she was elected Mother Superior of the Society of the Sacred Advent, serving on both School Councils, numerous committees and the Sisters’ Trust over the past 30 years. The Eunice Science and Resource Centre at St Margaret’s was opened in 2012, named aptly in recognition of Mother Eunice’s significant contribution and influence within the St Margaret’s community. At St Aidan’s, Eunice Plaza in The Link was named in her honour in 2017. Mother Eunice is an exceptional example of the Sisters’ philosophy, “to prepare a place for God in our hearts and minds, in our school community and in the world in which we live”
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Ava Schwennesen and Bridget McCormack
C o ngratul ati o n s to o ur 2 0 2 2
Student
LE 8
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DERS
SCHOOL CO-CAPTAINS 2022: Bridget McCormack Ava Schwennesen
Leadership Mrs Meg Bishop St Aidan’s has a proud and long tradition of developing leadership opportunities for our students. Individual leadership can be informal, such as wearing the correct uniform or showing care for their peers, whereby an individual’s influence can positively impact on the behaviour and experiences of others. I like to think of this as the everyday expression of leadership and one that we promote at St Aidan’s. However, there is a recognition that processes of formal leadership play a significant part in the social, emotional and cognitive development of adolescents. At St Aidan’s we are proud of the rigorous and inclusive leadership program that has been developed over many years. This formal structure provides students with experiences and opportunities to develop their self-awareness, teamwork, communication, strategic thinking and empathy as they hone their future potential leadership qualities. The transition of the new ATAR system into Queensland for 2020, required the formal school leadership program to be revised. With most Year 12 students focused on their external exams in the later part of the year, the decision to bring forward the formal handover period of leadership to the end of Term 3 has proved very successful. Both out-going and in-coming leaders have valued the opportunity to both shadow and share responsibilities during this time. The final day of term 2 saw the leadership process for 2022 officially begin with a successful Leadership Day for all Year 11 students. Students explored different types of leadership styles, the impact of leadership and identified effective leadership qualities. Following this day, students were asked to consider formal leadership opportunities available for 2022. Girls were then required to submit a written application outlining their interest in leadership, their demonstrated capacity of service and participation, and a script of their first proposed speech to the student body. Candidates for leadership were then invited to participate in an afternoon of problem-solving activities observed by members of the Educational Leadership Team. This led to the selection of shortlisted candidates invited to participate in a formal interview with the Principal and delegates of the leadership team. Finally, the importance of community voice was recognised with an online ballot conducted for students and staff as an indication of support for the nominated candidates. While this was an exhausting process, all students have acknowledged the growth in their leadership skills and confidence by participating in the process. The St Aidan’s school community commends all students who demonstrated the courage and commitment to participate in the program and congratulates the appointed Seniors Leaders for 2022.
PREFECTS: Imaan Ahamed Kavindi Athuraliya Talia Devendra Anna Figliano Eliza Goffage Bridget McCormack Jade Nguyen Ava Schwennesen Hannah Snowden Anna Svenson Charlotte Traynor Jojo Yuen SACRISTANS: Monica Behrenbruch Beth Miller SPORTS CAPTAINS: Mia Hughes Georgina West MUSIC CAPTAINS: Emma Aziz Sarah McArthur DEBATING CAPTAINS: Eloise Wood Joy Yin INTERNATIONAL CAPTAINS: Chloe Lau Joanna Shi HOUSE CO-CAPTAINS: Austen Paige Edwards Elizabeth Wilkins Barrett Gemma Casaceli Samantha Jolly Bronte Lucy McGrath Sophie Rose Cavell Amy Carpenter Isabella Hannaford Hartland Mia Brown Phoebe Sweeney Nightingale Estella Sherlock Angelina Tignani
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Henny Penny Ms Emma Schafer In Term 2, this year, the Kindergarten students have been learning about what grows and lives on farms and why we need them. As part of our inquiry, we have enjoyed accessing the Henny Penny Hatching Chicks Program.
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This program runs over two weeks. Our Kindergarten students were able to observe the eggs in the incubator hatch and see the chicks grow. During this time, our children have been able to hold the chicks and have also learnt about the life cycle of a chicken. This experience allows our students to observe the changes in the chicks and see how fast they hatch. The excitement of the children (and even some parents) each morning was palpable! These kinds of programs help us embed inquiry-based learning in our Kindergarten Program. Through inquiry-based learning,
educators and children are able to raise questions and provocations, and we are then able to investigate, research and find the answers collaboratively. This type of teaching deepens the children’s general knowledge, fosters curiosity in students, creates a love of learning and increases engagement with our Kindergarten Program. This approach to learning encourages our children to observe, question, infer and hypothesise possibilities as well as predict and investigate different outcomes. It has been a wonderful way to extend and expand the children’s prior knowledge and have some fun along the way!
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8
Under
EI
HT’S Day
Ms Kelly Swan
For one week every year our Under 8’s
the morning such as face painting, kite
students occupy the spotlight during the
flying, an obstacle course and creating
nationally recognised ‘Under 8’s Week’.
art with rocks. A highlight of the day was
During May, in schools across the nation,
tree planting which was the concluding
these excited younger students were the
activity for the day. Representatives from
focus as they celebrated Under 8’s Day
the Oxley Creek Catchment Association
with special activities designed to embrace
spoke to our students about sustainability
the joy of learning. Initiated by the Early
and the importance of looking after the
Childhood Association’s (ECA), Under
environment. Every child was then invited to
8’s Week, is about acknowledging the
plant trees, which we will continue to care
importance of learning in the early years
for at Ambiwerra to assist with protecting
of a child’s life. Running for more than 60
the wildlife that live there.
years across Queensland, celebrations this year focused on the theme ‘Children Celebrating Outdoor Play and Learning.’
participated in a number of outdoor activities at school. Kindy girls and boys
On Friday 21 May, students in Prep to
went on a ‘Bear Hunt’ in the Junior School
Year 2 assembled at Ambiwerra for a fun-
playground and were very excited to use
filled morning of activities. The day was
their handmade binoculars as they climbed,
a wonderful opportunity for the school
walked, skipped and jumped hunting for the
community to celebrate its early learners.
bear. Their morning culminated in a special
The younger students really enjoyed
morning tea and teddy bear biscuits.
the many activities on offer throughout
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Our youngest St Aidan’s students also
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Like a little or
POP Mrs Sue Figliano
Look or should it be, listen no further than the St Aidan’s Back-beat Band! 2021 has seen the re-establishment of the Back-beat Band originally formed in 2019 but suspended due to COVID and lack of numbers in 2020. With the new intake of instrumental musicians in 2021, St Aidan’s was able once again to offer this exciting ensemble opportunity to students in Years 6-12. As repertoire is taken from the genres of jazz and pop, instruments such as electric guitar, drum kit and jazz piano are featured alongside a horn section consisting of saxophones, trumpets and trombones. The group is classed as an extension ensemble, meaning the girls who have chosen to audition already participate in other extracurricular music groups and/or classroom music at St Aidan’s. Back-beat Band is unique in that it provides students with the opportunity to expand their contemporary music skills by collaborating with students with similar interests. Jazz and pop music is composed using unique melodic and rhythmic sequences therefore, immersion in this repertoire enhances understanding of blues scales, added note chords and syncopation. In addition to this, improvisation (music created spontaneously/without preparation) is a feature of jazz/pop music and forms an important part of the skill set of jazz musicians. Like all our extra-curricular ensembles at St Aidan’s, links to the classroom curriculum remain an important part of the immersive learning process. Students in Year 9 and 10 classroom music study units on Popular Song and Jazz and have the chance to put their knowledge into practice by performing in Back-beat Band. Additionally, musicianship skills gained through singing, playing, reading, writing and listening in classroom music greatly enhance student’s experiences when participating in all extra-curricular ensembles at St Aidan’s. 14
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eTextiles + WearableTechnology Mrs Jackie Child Term 2 started with Year 8 students researching the history and difference between eTextiles and wearable technology. They spent some time learning simple sewing stitches, running stitch and cross stitch. Together we discovered the possibilities of Loomia and how such textiles can be used to benefit and enhance manufacturing of eTextile garments. Students made a wristband using an LED with conductive tape and a press-stud to complete the circuit for the LED to light up. They were introduced to EL wire (Electroluminescent Wire) and how it is suitable for clothing as it doesn’t heat, then they used their sewing skills to decorate something of their choice. They were next set the task of creating an item which could be worn at night when out with friends, programmed using Morse Code which would flash with a message if they needed assistance or simply to share that they were safe. The girls discussed how to prepare for an evening out and how to stay safe. They researched the history of Morse Code and how to use dots and dash to write messages using a translator to help. Then it was time to be introduced to the Gemma Board, a miniature wearable electronic platform, which can be programmed with Arduino to flash neo pixels. Students designed a fashion piece using felt or cotton material to sew, using conductive thread, to incorporate the Gemma Board with LED’s to give friends the signal they had coded into the Gemma Board. The items were exceptionally creative and included brooches, bag tags, headbands and stuffed toys!
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Bush Tucker Tasting Mrs Cath Grant As part of Science Week 2021: Food – Better by Design, Junior School students in Years 1 – 5 participated in hands on activities to learn more about Indigenous food, sustainable food production and the role of bush tucker in traditional Indigenous communities. Kara Pulou from the Kuppibunda Kitchen shared her knowledge, presented bush tucker to taste and smell and showed the girls innovative ways to include bush tucker into modern recipes. Part of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) includes the ongoing commitment to welcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into our classrooms as guests to work alongside our students and children in learning activities. Having an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence in learning environments is vital when teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in curriculum planning, development and evaluation processes is a key and ongoing consideration across all year levels and learning areas at St Aidan’s.
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Oxley Creek Catchment Association Ms Holly O’Sullivan Williams The Oxley Creek Catchment Association, also widely known as OCCA, has been working with St Aidan’s since 1996. This year, we received a Brisbane City Council Grant that helped facilitate several activities in conjunction with OCCA, to assist us in taking care of our beloved Ambiwerra.
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St Aidan’s hosted community events and educational sessions which allowed students, staff, and parents to engage in sustainable practices to ensure that Ambiwerra is well looked after now and well into the future. The community events included: •
over 2000 trees, ground cover and shrubs planted
•
lessons about native wildlife and fauna
•
professional development regarding the future upkeep of the area
•
weeding
•
night spotting of nocturnal species
•
picking up litter.
We are also fortunate to be working alongside Old Girl, Camilla Duff Burford (2002), who is the Partnerships and Education Manager at OCCA. Camilla graduated from St Aidan’s in 2002 and completed a Bachelor of Environmental Management (Sustainable Development) at the University of Queensland. She spent the first six years of her career working as an environmental consultant with Golder Associates, before becoming an environmental manager within the construction and resources industry. A lot of her work has focused on assessing and mitigating the impact of development on our local ecology and waterways. Camilla commenced her role with OCCA in 2017, with a focus on community and corporate volunteering programs, environmental education, and research projects. Camilla really enjoys working with the community, including St Aidan’s, seeing the impact firsthand of small, positive changes on the environment. “I can remember OCCA visiting our Geography classes during my time at St Aidan’s. It’s been great working with Mrs Anne Page over the last few years to help students explore our catchment and learn more about the role of creeks in providing habitat corridors within an urban environment. It definitely feels like I’ve come full circle to now be providing environmental education to young geography students at St Aidan’s.” Camilla is looking forward to seeing what the future brings for the OCCA and St Aidan’s partnership. “Our recent ecological restoration and weed management project at Ambiwerra has been a great success. While the habitat along the boundary of Ambiwerra is quite narrow, it still plays an important role in protecting the mangroves of Oxley Creek, reducing pollution within the waterway, and providing a corridor for fauna movement. I’m thrilled that we can help St Aidan’s take a handson approach to conservation.” A heartfelt thank you to those groups who participated in the OCCA Program for Ambiwerra this year. These include: Duke of Edinburgh students, the St Aidan’s Maintenance Team, Earth Angels in the Junior School, the whole Year 7 Cohort, Year 8 Geography students and our Under 8s Day students. Thank you to the teachers who assisted in facilitating these events along with Camilla Duff Burford from OCCA.
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Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds
BOOK WEEK
Each year since 1945 the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has brought children and books together across Australia through CBCA Book Week. St Aidan’s students and staff love spending this week celebrating books and Australian children’s authors and illustrators. Our libraries were awash with colourful displays and our teachers and librarians developed activities, ran competitions and told stories relating to the theme: Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds. The free dress day is always an exciting and important day with fundraising for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. This year we were able to donate $702 thanks to the generous support of our school community.
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Dr Donna Marcus’ Dodecahedron Workshop with Year 11 Art students. Mrs Gaye Brown Donna is an Australian artist best known for her use of vast collections of discarded aluminium kitchenware. Constructed from largely abandoned aluminium kitchen utensils her sculptures draw viewers into a nostalgic world of kitchens both remembered and imagined. The stories evoked by these objects, and by the familiarity they engender in many viewers are at the core of her practice. Through assemblage, she combines repetitive forms using modernist grids and spheres. During the workshop Donna discussed the flexible thinking shared by scientists and artists in relation to experimental approaches to discovery. She mentioned how the students might consider their construction of geodesic domes and the discovery of the Buckminsterfullerene/Carbon molecule; particularly speaking to the book The Most Beautiful Molecule: The Discovery of The Buckyball and the resourcefulness of the scientists involved when configuring the initial carbon molecule structure with the everyday materials: gummy bears and toothpicks.
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A snapshot of Year 12 Visual Art, exploring Art and Science connections. Erica Gu Emotional Flux My work explores how much control we have when our emotions fluctuate, and how unstable our emotions can be when the outside world puts pressure on us. This work consists of four self-portraits (Fear, Sadness, Surprise, Acceptance), each representing four very distinct and remembered feelings. Four paintings are fixed in black frames and as the audience passes by and interacts with them they flutter back and forth. The shaky picture obscures and blurs my reality metaphorically suggesting someone else is responsible for how I am feeling. Existentialism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will. My work plays with that idea.
Sarah Campbell Connections Strength in any community is conditional upon Trust and Hope. Communities are like chains- as strong as their weakest links. This work is about what we see, know and reveal openly. It is also about secrets, how we share them and how we lock them away. My work is inspired by the Curiosity Cabinets (Wunderkammer), specifically Medicinal Wunderkammer, and the importance of structure and support in people’s lives. Sociologists quote “friendships are the key to surviving.” Community, trust, and working in groups are all important factors that allow for individual and collective self-preservation. The cabinet will allow audiences to reflect on their own relationships and experiences, and the significance of the connections in their lives.
Morgan Kerr Weightless Harmonies explores weight and weightlessness. Music is a healing power for the brain, and can psychologically be used to release gravitas and internal pressures like anxiety and depression. Music often provokes an emotional response from listeners, and in my works the audience needs to suspend reality to imagine they can hear music to connect with the work. Music can have a positive impact on the weighed-down human condition, yet its impact is unable to be quantified and measured through weight itself. This is ‘played on’ in my works by making instruments look like they are made of graphite rock. ‘The Flow’ is one aspect of positive psychology identified by Milay Csikszentmihalyi, who describes it as the state of absorption we experience when we engage with an activity – enter my “quiet music world.”
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Jessica Kim Cemented Grief (above) The human life-cycle results in death; from death the healing process begins. Swiss–American psychiatrist Elizabeth KüblerRoss determined seven stages of grief: anger, denial, bargaining, anxiety, depression, acceptance and peace. Concrete is often considered a nonconventional, ‘lowly’ art material, mainly associated with construction, monuments and graves. I used it along with selected dried and living botanicals to represent some rituals associated with the ending of the human journey.
Solidifying botanicals within the concrete and plaster symbolise emotional changes and ultimately closure. Authors Karen French and Keith Critchlow talk of the hidden geometry of life and flowers and secret underpinnings of existence. “But these geometrical archetypes are more than the building blocks of reality: they are gateways to profound new levels of awareness”. (French, 2018). Flowers have a positive impact on the human psyche, and I have deliberately chosen to include them with other shapes and textures to symbolise life’s exit.
Charlotte Cooney Inevitability Our connection with nature is ever-changing and one of extreme complexity. Seemingly the balance between humans and nature is constantly in a state of change and uncertainty. This constant battle is seen through environmental impact, climate change, human expansion, global warming and the extinction of species. As we advance and evolve, it seems nature must adapt to our needs. The Balance of Nature Theory can be defined as a biological equilibrium between the living beings such as human, plants, and animals. My work explores this ever-evolving balance by asking the audience to consider examples of human intervention (out of balance), and also examples of where humans and nature come together as one. It begs the question of the audience as to how they tip the scales in their practices and attitudes.
Holly Nahrung Impact The rapid damage to our natural world and its resources is a common fact that is often ignored by many in order to prioritise self-interest and corporate greed. This is my message that is best explored through a contemporary context. Buddhist practice promotes learning through thoughtful and mindful actions- we must be at one with the world we inhabit. It confronts us to consider what world we leave behind for future generations. Nature in all its majesty of growth and decay sends us messages to alter our attitudes towards its damage. Humans must practice and implore a growth mindset to preserve precious resources. This work explores growth and decay.
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Reconciliation in Action St Aidan’s began working on a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) almost four years ago. Encouraged by our relationships with local elders, including Aunty Theresa Clancy-Powers and Gaja Kerry Charlton, we continue to take steps to understand what reconciliation looks like for us.
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St Aidan’s began working on a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) almost four years ago. Encouraged by our relationships with local elders, including Aunty Theresa Clancy-Powers and Gaja Kerry Charlton, we continue to take steps to understand what reconciliation looks like for us.
even more and to educate other students around me. This is just the start; I want the education and awareness around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to continue throughout the school and I want to leave a legacy of continued education well beyond my education here.”
The process is considered, as we learn more about the long history of Corinda and all the people who have walked on this country over thousands of years. You may have noticed some of our progress, including regular acknowledgments of country at school events and the addition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on campus. We continue to welcome Aunty Theresa and other aboriginal elders into our classrooms and gatherings, while we are exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and tradition in a number of curriculum areas.
Ms Lily Bougoure, a proud woman of the Lardil and Waanyi people, shared her thoughts on the steps St Aidan’s is taking towards reconciliation.
To coincide with National Reconciliation Week in 2021, St Aidan’s RAP working group designed the first ever St Aidan’s Indigenous sporting jersey. Students Rhani, Ella and Zara, alongside Ms Bougoure designed the jersey which celebrates the richness of our St Aidan’s history. Year 9 Student, Rhani Hagan, from the Quandamooka, Kullilli and Turrbal people, shared her experience growing up as an Aboriginal person and designing the inaugural St Aidan’s Indigenous jersey. “I always think about my past and my ancestors and how much they had to go through. To be able to design an Indigenous jersey that celebrates our culture is very important to me. For non-Aboriginal students to be shown this, starts the conversation and the education around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Only commencing at St Aidan’s this year, the support I have received has inspired me to express my culture
“As an Indigenous staff member, I see this as a positive step towards achieving reconciliation. We plan to build on this action in the future years and hope that all QGSSSA schools take a lead in achieving reconciliation in Australia.” The jerseys were proudly worn by our Open Basketball, Open Touch Football and Open Soccer in the final round of QGSSSA autumn fixtures, where St Aidan’s also presented hand painted commemorative balls to the opposing teams. St Aidan’s staff, students and parents also attended the annual Sorry Day commemorations at the Sherwood Arboretum on 26 May 2021. Students played an integral part by assisting Aunty Theresa Clancy-Powers with her presentation and laying native flowers at the Bringing Them Home plaque on behalf of St Aidan’s. Our RAP is progressing well, and we look forward to the future and more learning. We want to develop a sense of pride in our shared history of this land, which has nurtured people for so long. There is a lot to learn, and a long way yet to walk. We acknowledge the painful history of the Stolen Generations and resolve to walk with First Nations people into our shared future.
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A Walk to Remember Rev Gillian Moses What would induce Rev Gillian to leave her comfortable house in the middle of the holidays to trek across parts of Australia’s hardest walk, risking blisters, sunburn and rocky escarpments, as well as freezing desert nights?
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Walking the Larapinta Trail is a bucket-list item for many people. The whole Trail covers over 220 km of rugged territory, beginning at Mt Sonder (Rwetyepme) west of Alice Springs (Mparntwe) and finishing at the Old Telegraph Station just outside Alice. It is a test of endurance, but rewards walkers with incredible beauty and soaring views. As part of the Anglican Board of Mission (ABM)’s Larapinta Challenge, we walked a third of the 14 stages, although they were not necessarily the easy parts (there are no easy parts). We encountered a remarkably green face of the desert, as there has been good rain this year. That meant the wildflowers were blooming, and we encountered an amazing array of desert flowers on our walks. We marvelled at the stars, and the Dark Emu in the heart of the Milky Way. My daughter, who walked with me, observed that it was the first time in her life she had really seen the Milky Way! Clearly we are not a camping family. The heart of the experience was in walking with a group of strangers who soon became friends. This included three other chaplains from Anglican Schools, so many hours were spent comparing notes as we walked, and sharing our ideas and resources. We gathered for evening prayer each night around the campfire, we sang our sacred songs as we walked, and in doing so we entered into foundational experiences of being human, finding ourselves in a bigger story of creation, just as the First Peoples of Australia have done on these sands for millennia. And while the scenery was no doubt very different, I think much of my experience was not that dissimilar from St Aidan of Lindisfarne, as he walked the paths of Northern England, talking with his walking companions, and allowing the rhythm of the days and the walking to shape his work and his speech. There is an attractive slowness to getting around on foot, even over difficult terrain. And like Aidan we walked to grow God’s kingdom, through the work of ABM which seeks to improve the lives of people in developing communities and to empower them to be their own changemakers. It is practical good news, and that is always worth supporting.
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AT H L E T E M E N T O R I N G P R O G R A M
Paying it Forward Mrs Jenny Crome Studies have shown that no matter their age or background, girls envision their future based on role models they can see in front of them because as the saying goes when they see it, they believe they can be it.
Lauren MacDonald (2011) This year, St Aidan’s has embarked on the first stage of a mentoring program calling on past students to come back to talk to current students. We are incredibly lucky at St Aidan’s to be able to call on such an active old-girls network where alumnae are happy to reach back to help the next generation reach forward. We believe that when you engage alumnae in coming back to school to talk to girls about their journey into the world, it can provide role models who show self-efficacy, encourage girls to break free from limitations and to imagine a world of possibilities. To begin this program, we have hosted alumnae speaking to senior students during lunchtime. In this informal setting, and over lunch, alumnae have shared tips, stories and advice that they wished someone had told them when they were younger with the common thread being “I have been in your shoes.” They have also faced a barrage of questions from eager students keen to find out what life is really like in the outside world of study, university and work.
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So far, we have heard from Eloise Skinner (Stephenson 2007) Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Stanford University who focuses on the ecology of vector-borne diseases, Lauren McDonald (2011) Dragline Engineer with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, Katy Whelan (2111) a civil engineer with AECOM, and Jo Stone (Youngelson 1990) TV producer, ABC journalist, publicist, marketer and podcaster. As the Huddle goes to print, we are looking forward to our next Leading Ladies lunchtime meetup with Dr Vanessa Cobham (1982), Clinical Psychologist, who has among other things led youth mental health disaster responses for government in Australia and in consultation for governments internationally after events such as the 2019 Christchurch Mosque attack. If you have time to be a part of our mentoring program we would love to hear from you.
Students learn about the career paths of successful St Aidan’s Old Girls What our alumnae have said
Lauren McDonald I loved coming back to St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School to speak with a very bright bunch of STEM enthusiasts. Even more I loved watching a whole room of young women raise their hands when we asked who was considering a career in engineering. I’m very grateful to have been invited back and to have attended a school that encouraged us so strongly to pursue such rewarding, challenging and interesting paths.
Eloise Skinner (2007)
Katy Whelan (2011)
Katy Whelan It was great to chat to the next group of potential engineers! I look forward to seeing you all around the industry. Thanks to AECOM for promoting flexible working and encouraging me to take a few hours out the day to chat to the next generation. Jo Stone (Youngleson 1990)
If you have time to be a part of our mentoring program we would love to hear from you. Please email paststudents@staidans.qld.edu.au
Dr. Vanessa Cobham (1982)
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Fo u n d a t i o n
Foundation Chair
Mrs Rachel Condos-Fields
Golf Day
28 October
As the Chair of the Foundation, I consider it a privilege and honour to champion our Capital Campaigns forming part of a transformational journey centred around the empowerment of young ladies. This year, my goal is to ensure everyone within the St Aidan’s community is introduced to the Foundation and understands our role. The Foundation was incorporated in 1999 and exists to bridge the gap between St Aidan’s income and its aspiration. Our Foundation has granted over $6 million to our school from previous generations benefiting every girl, every family, every year. Our aspirational, innovative development plan and future focussed growth of our school is only made possible by the generous support from our community – the support is not just monetary, it is also about connecting our community, sharing success and enjoying opportunities to come together. I encourage you to join us at the Friends and Futures Lunch in October, I am looking forward to meeting many of you there.
Giving Day 2021 On one amazing day last year, our wonderful community came together to establish the Born to Fly Bursary. Within 24-hours and generously supported by a group of matching donors, we raised $75,378. These funds assisted 29 current families whose financial circumstances changed dramatically last year.
Sponsorship opportunities now available! foundation@staidans.qld.edu.au
On 21 October this year, St Aidan’s is holding its second annual 24-hour Giving Day to change the course of current and future girls. Every gift made to the St Aidan’s Born to Fly Bursary Fund on this day will ensure current girls can continue their education at St Aidan’s should their families be experiencing financial hardship and future students, who would otherwise not be able to afford a St Aidan’s education are given the opportunity. We will also be launching the St Aidan’s Old Girls Association Bursary, which will provide financial assistance to daughters and granddaughters of Old Girls, so they may have the opportunity to continue the rich tradition of attending St Aidan’s.
Giving Day 21 October
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Like last year, we ask all Old Girls, current parents and grandparents, past parents, current and past staff as well as current students to give – no matter the amount. Your generosity will assist in providing girls with an education at St Aidan’s. If you are interested in being a matcher to help us reach our target or joining the fun and volunteering in our operations room on the day, please contact: Julia McKenna Director of Development & Community j.mckenna@staidans.qld.edu.au
P a r e n t s & Fr i e n d s SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY
The BIG Picnic – 3 May 2021 The P&F BIG Picnic finally took place after a couple of false starts due to COVID19. On a beautiful Labour Day, the P&F hosted over 300 St Aidan’s students, family members and pets at Ambiwerra. There was a sausage sizzle, gelati van, live music and lots of games of cricket, volleyball, badminton between students and parents. The fun-filled afternoon was enjoyed by all who attended, and so this Picnic will become an annual event where the whole School community can come together to enjoy some good old-fashioned fun and games in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Lock in the Monday Labour Day in your diaries for the 2022 Picnic.
Junior School Movie Night The 2021 Junior School Movie Night was held in the CHC on Saturday 12 June. More than 300 people attended the screening of Ferdinand and enjoyed the free sausage sizzle, movie-style popcorn and fairy floss. Ticket sales covered the cost of the screen hire and movie licensing with donations from Coles and Woolworths providing the sausage sizzle. Decorations and movie snacks were kindly sponsored by Junior School families. The night was a wonderful family friendly event and we look forward to another in 2022.
Thank you, Tara and Heidi! Trivia Night – Dress for your Dream Holiday After a one-year hiatus, our legendary Trivia Night was back in May, with an impressive $37,000 raised. Monies raised went towards the Senior School drama production Alice In Wonderland, lighting and potted plants for the Link, lighting for S&T Centre and play equipment for Junior School. Nineteen tables of holidays makers turned up to play hard – the Bali Bogans, Monte Carlo High Rollers, Big Kahunas, Fitter Futures, to name a few. A huge thanks to all our helpers on the night.
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Friends & Futures
LUNCH Friday 8 October
11.30pm for 12.00pm Rose Room, Cloudland 641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley
Tickets: $99 per person Includes a two course lunch and glass of champagne on arrival
To purchase your tickets visit: https://events.humanitix.com/friends-and-futures-lunch-2021 or scan the QR code
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ALUMNI & Archives
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Honouring Winifred Davenport
(1941) OAM
The Institution of Engineers Australia (EA) Queensland office moved to new premises in December 2019 and we were thrilled to learn that they chose to name one of their meeting rooms after a St Aidan’s Old Girl, Marjory Winifred Davenport, known to most as Win. Win was a prominent trail blazing engineer and the first female in Australia to register with the Institution of Engineers in 1951. Then in 1958, she became a member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects. She was a key figure in Australian maritime engineering and architecture, working on various projects all around Queensland, including the Manly Boat Harbour in Brisbane. In 1990 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to engineering. On the Department of Transport and Main Roads website there are reflections from Senior Cartographer Shirley Webb, who was a cadet cartographer while Win was with The Harbours and Marine Department. Webb remembers a woman
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whose humility was the hallmark of her approach to people and work. “While focused and unquestionably good at her job, Win never lost a sense of perspective or her personal touch. She was the archetypal quiet achiever. She was a very calm and pleasant person, gentle-natured and understanding and down to earth. She put a lot into her work, but was never strident about it,” Webb said. Year 10 students, Georgia Feros and Ellen Walker were invited to attend the room naming ceremony with Mr Shane Macdonald at the Institution of Engineers Australia Queensland office in May and they reflected on the experience as valuable learning for their potential future working in the industry.
“At the ceremony we got to meet many distinguished engineers with lots of experience in the area. One of these guests was the first female National President of Engineers Australia, Air Vice Marshall Julie Hammer, who shared some of her experiences working and succeeding in a male-dominated industry. The experience was fascinating and something we will remember when potentially entering the field after finishing school.” They were also able to put their networking skills to use and have formed some valuable partnerships for engineering and STEM education at St Aidan’s. We are incredibly lucky to have the legacy of Old Girl, Win Davenport, as a wonderful role model to our current students.
The Barrett Collection St Aidan’s is proud to be the guardian of the Helen Barrett collection, donated by the Barrett family in 2020, and we are honoured to now display an array of Helen’s belongings and awards on campus for all to enjoy. The Barrett Collection can now be viewed near the O2 Café in the Templeton and Archer Science and Technology Centre. Helen Hugo Barrett and her sister, Joyce, were the sixth and seventh students respectively to be enrolled at St Aidan’s when it was founded in 1929. Their father, The Reverend Canon W.E.C. Barrett, who was partly responsible for the foundation of St Aidan’s, was Rector of the parish of Sherwood, and Chaplain to the school until his retirement in 1952. The Dean Barrett Memorial Library was opened at St Aidan’s in 1964 in his honour. As a lively, enthusiastic and well admired young girl from a family of faith, Helen was a natural born leader and motivator, and soon rose to the position of School Captain. Her natural talent coupled with her exceptional organisation skills, guided her through a successful path of personal and academic achievement throughout her time at St Aidan’s. Upon leaving school in 1938,
Helen trained as a nurse before dedicating her life to missionary work in the Solomon Islands for the Australian Board of Missions. Over fifty years, Helen worked tirelessly, dedicating herself to the people in her care. She established an institution of education for girls, nursed at numerous clinics, hospitals and schools, taught literacy to young mothers, cared for orphans and school children, and founded the Mothers’ Union in the Thursday Islands. Helen began her retirement in 1984, but soon agreed to revive the Mothers’ Union in the Torres Strait for a period of six months. Eight years later, she returned home. In 1970, Helen was officially recognised when she was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. In 1992, she was awarded a Premier’s Award for outstanding service to the citizens and community of Queensland and was presented with the Archbishop of Brisbane’s Medal in 1997. Helen was appointed as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia in June of 2002 and appears in the Anglican division of the Queen’s Birthday 2002 Honours List. Helen passed away in November 2019.
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ALUMNI Awards Caroline Amy Award Marianne Wobcke (1978) Graduating from St Aidan’s in 1978, Marianne Wobcke commenced training as a nurse and midwife at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Early in her nursing career, Marianne recognised the value of art as a tool for empowerment and expression and later began using these tools for the care of mums and their babies. Marianne discovered as an adult that she was a Girrimay woman from North Queensland, part of the Stolen Generations, born on Turrbal land. In 2006, after 27 years serving the community in the field of nursing and midwifery, Marianne enrolled in the Queensland College of Art’s (QCA) unique Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (CAIA) program where she explored her passion for the healing potentials of art. Graduating in 2009 with First Class Honours, she was awarded life membership to the Griffith University Golden Key International Honours Society. Marianne’s search for identity resulted in her creating holistic practices called Perinatal Dreaming and Understanding Country, using art and culture to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and their babies. Marianne worked as part of Australia’s first Urban based ANFPP - providing an educational and relationship-based program, visiting first time Indigenous mothers during pregnancy and until the child’s second birthday. She continues developing her models for working with women, their babies and families to ensure all birth practices are culturally safe, using art as a tool for empowerment and expression. With over 40 years of diverse experience, Marianne is passionate about inspiring and supporting clients in exploring and expressing their unique cultural creativity. She speaks at national and international conferences and writes about her work in professional journals, endorsing the role arts in community plays in holistic wellbeing. As this year’s recipient of the 2021 Australia Council Ros Bower Award for Community Arts and Cultural Development, for her pioneering work using art to create culturally safe birth practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, her inspiration to many has been recognised. Demonstrating her ongoing commitment to her profession, her culture and her art, Marianne is a PhD candidate at Griffith University continuing her research into the connection between art and holistic health. Further acknowledging her contribution to community, she has been awarded the 2021, Griffith University Indigenous Australian Postgraduate Research Scholarship.
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Mother Emma Award
Emma Betts Award
Louise Crozier (2007)
Kyu-Yeon Choi (2010)
Successful brand designers enable connection between a brand and its consumer, through strategic insights and purposeful design. Louise Crozier does just this. Not only is Louise highly regarded for her work, she has also gained experience and networks both nationally and internationally.
Upon leaving St Aidan’s in 2010, Kyu moved to Sydney to pursue a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in sociology and Japanese Studies at the University of Sydney. Kyu then returned to Korea in 2013 to purse her passion for the television and media industry. She began working at South Korea’s national broadcaster, KBS, as a presenter of numerous popular shows such as ‘K-Rush’ and ‘Entertainment Weekly’ which were aired nationally and abroad. In these roles, Kyu presented alongside and interviewed A-list celebrities including Mark Ruffalo, Ryan Reynolds, Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, Scarlett Johansson and Zoe Saldana.
From an early age, and nurtured during her years at St Aidan’s, Louise thrived in graphics and art and discovered her passion for typography and print design early on. After graduating from St Aidan’s in 2007 Louise received a full scholarship to study a Diploma of Graphic Design at Southbank Institute of Technology and continued her studies with a Bachelor of Creative Industries at Queensland University of Technology majoring in Interactive and Visual Design, with a minor in Advertising. After graduating, Louise made the bold decision to move to Armidale in NSW, known as a technology hub for designers working with Sydney based firms. In Armidale, Louise worked for Nucleo and developed skills in managing her own clients and projects. Whilst enjoying life in a regional town, Louise was offered a position back in Brisbane at a boutique graphic design firm, Juno Creative, which quickly became a renowned branding agency, working with some of the biggest architecture and creative industry firms in the city. In 2018, Louise decided it was time to go out on her own, focusing on small business and start-ups. Louise’s strategic and holistic approach to design not only focuses on brand identity development, but also on creating a seamless flow from print to digital - essential in an increasingly digital world. Working with small businesses and start-up companies allows Louise the opportunity to give other small businesses what she has, a fighting chance of success with a brand that looks good and functions well.
In 2017, Kyu turned her focus to news and journalism accepting a role as News Producer for KBS’ news division where she began directing news programs such as Global 24, a prime-time live news program that was aired nationally to present global news and current affairs to a Korean audience, and News Today, KBS’ English news program on domestic news and current affairs which is broadcast globally. But Kyu’s love for the cameras took her back to live television and she began working as the main news anchor for the News Today program in 2018 and as a presenter on Global 24 in 2019. Despite her busy career driven lifestyle, Kyu has been a regular volunteer at a local animal shelter on weekends and has also operated stalls at public markets and an Instagram store selling pet items to raise funds for local community organisations. By leveraging her bilingual capability and her ability to empathise with people of different backgrounds and cultures, Kyu has been dedicating her career to bringing the world closer together through her pursuits in the news and media industries.
Louise’s success and attitude towards her work is an inspiration to all young women looking for a career in the creative industries.
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ALUMNI
NE WS
Engagements Annabel Tidmarsh (2009) to Richard Thompson Becky Clouston (2010) to Jonathon Sklavos-Creevey
Marriages Gerrie Baldwin (2009) to Ben Hocking in May Meg Rylance (2007) to Adrian Dragicevic in February Zanny George (2007) to Jim RobertsThomson in March Annie Elliott (2008) to Nick Ford in July Eve Pinkerton (2010) to Dan Bundock in May Emma Nowlan (2012) to Pranav Soni in May 2021
Births Michelle (Hoyer 2007) and Brett Kronk welcomed Leo on 12 May 2020 Francesca (McLeod 2009) and Tony Reid welcomed Annie on 31 July 2020 Elise (Hoyer 2010) and Nick Edwards welcome Indianna on 16 January 2021 Maggie (Spencer 2009) and Dave Theobald welcomed Daisy on 7 May 2021 Georgia (Elliott 2007) and Tom Pyke welcomed Angus on 1 May 2021 Sarah (Watkins 2009) and Dan Sutter welcomed Grace on 28 June 2021 Emily (Spiller 2010) and Alex Potter welcomed Ezra on 19 May 2021 Deborah (Stephenson, 2003) and Chris Kelly welcomed William on 19 August 2021 Annabel Tidmarsh (2009), Eliza Baldwin (2011), Gerrie Hocking (Baldwin 2009), Kelsea Hargreaves (2009), Paige Archard (2009)
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Kate (Jacques 2009) and Alex Colby welcomed Bonnie on 23 August 2021
Don’t underestimate your ability! Yasmin Al-Bahrani (2000) I thought I knew myself, Then realised my high school friends, Saw something in me That I didn’t see. My warrior personality! One of them told me, I just did me. No matter what came your way, You just had to climb that mountain. You will surprise yourself As to what you are capable of. As if no skin off your back, you can do it, just like that! Others saw it in me, But I had to be reminded that I had it. I’m just getting my courage up! Going through my own motions, To see where the next bit of my life is going to take me, The endorphins of my future are driving me crazy. I needed some inspiration And it seems I had to go back to who I was, Back in high school to get it. Where was that woman warrior? Here she was in me all this time, But I didn’t see. Modesty is a great quality! But I remember I was born in a snowstorm! Left where I was born at 2 years old and travelled the world. I’ve seen some things others have never seen, I forgot that! I knew stuff around the world before people here even knew it existed. When you go back, To a flash back in time, Then you see. You see who you were and realise how strong you can be. Don’t underestimate your ability! Self-doubt is your worst enemy!
Vale Nerida Simmers (Biggs 1949) passed away on 11 July 2021 Jennifer Tabrett (Stainer 1961) passed away on 1 February 2020 Christine Willmott (Underwood 1978) passed away on 12 April 2021 Daphne Prentice (Matthews 1945) passed away on 18 March 2021 Timothy Pixley passed away on 13 June 2021 Long standing staff member, Mrs Irene “Laurie” Laura Forsythe, passed away 5 June 2021 aged 98 years old.
Donations We thank the following Old Girls and families for donations to the Archives: Bethmay Watson-O’Loughlin (Watson 1965) Nerida Simmers (Biggs 1949) Melissa Bristowe-Browne (Meredith 1979) Juliet Bailey (McAuley 1988) Caitlan Prentice (2005) Judith Dennison (Heane 1961) Carole Dobson from Woodford Anglican Op Shop
From the Author When I recently attended my St Aidan’s reunion, seeing my old high school friends reminded me of the strength I have. I have suffered depression and a difficult custody battle, and thanks to the loving support of my husband and family, I found my inner strength and got my career as a teacher back on track. My purpose for writing this poem was to share that strength and give other women the courage to pursue their dreams and to remind them not to underestimate their own abilities.
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ALUMNI
NE WS Reunion Week We feel very privileged to have had so many Old Girls able to visit us over our annual reunion week after 2020 reunions were cancelled. Each reunion was a combination of two classes and although we missed those who could not join us from interstate and overseas, we are looking forward to seeing them in 2022 and beyond.
60-61 YEAR Reunion
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1965 Book Launch The class of 1965 caught up at their reunion in 2015 and decided that it was not nearly enough time to discuss all the great memories they had, so ever since, they have been working on a collection of their memories in the form of a book. They originally hoped to launch their book in 2020 but their event was postponed due to COVID, so we were pleased to welcome them to launch it during reunion week this year. A huge thank you to Tricia Smout (James 1965) for all her work on this project and for bringing everyone together.
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Ascension Day It is wonderful to see Old Girls of all ages come together to celebrate Ascension Day each year. A “picnic” style lunch is enjoyed by all, followed by a whole school assembly.
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10 11 YE AR
Reunion
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20 21 YEAR
Reunion
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30 31 YE AR
Reunion
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40 41 YE AR
Reunion
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50 51 YE AR
Reunion
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ALUMNI
NE WS Follow Lucy’s journey:
...
tanglesandtail.com @tanglesandtail facebook.com/TanglesAndTail youtube.com/c/lucybarnard
Walking the World with Wombat Alumna Lucy Barnard (2000), is attempting to become the first woman to walk the length of the Americas. It’s a 30,000km trek from the southernmost point of South America to the highest point of Alaska. When Lucy finishes, she will be the first woman, and one of only a handful of people to have ever completed it. Lucy travels only by foot, or where there are ocean crossings, she swims or kayaks. She is self-supported, sleeps in a tent, is responsible for navigation and logistics, all without an on-road support team. Lucy has friends she leans on when she needs a new pair of tights, or unusual logistical assistance. She also turns to friends, family, and the community on social media for support when adventure life becomes mentally tough. Lucy is kept company day to day by her beloved cattle dog, Wombat, who is having an extended holiday in Bogota with a friend until she can commence her journey again. Three years from starting her journey, Lucy has walked the length of Chile, through its desert, continuing along the Incan trails of Peru and Ecuador. In 2019, she became the first woman to have hiked the length of South America (from Argentina to Colombia). When she arrived in Colombia in 2020, COVID19 was declared a pandemic, and the expedition was put on pause at a total of 9897km. Lucy has momentarily returned home to Australia as part of the pandemic response and won’t be able to continue until the Australian travel ban is lifted. Lucy’s blog is harrowing and heartfelt and we highly recommend subscribing and following Lucy’s journey via her social channels.
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2022 Re u n i o n s Ascension Day (All Welcome) Thursday 26 May, 11am Young Old Girls (Classes of 2012-2021) Friday 20 May, 5pm 10 Year Reunion (Class of 2012) Saturday 21 May, 5pm 20 Year Reunion (Class of 2002) Saturday 21 May, 12pm 30 Year Reunion (Class of 1992) Saturday 28 May, 12pm 40 Year Reunion (Class of 1982) Sunday 22 May, 12pm 50 Year Reunion (Class of 1972) Sunday 22 May, 12pm 60 Year Reunion (Class of 1962) Thursday 26 May, 11am 70 Year Reunion (Class of 1952) Thursday 26 May, 11am 58
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Tickets for all events will become available in December 2021 and will be emailed to Old Girls. If you need to update your details please contact us: paststudents@staidans.qld.edu.au
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The Last Word
Suppose there was a book full only of the word, let – from whose clipped sound all things began (Kei Miller, The Book of Genesis)
I suspect one of the words of 2021 will be restrictions – we have become surprisingly comfortable with the idea that our lives have become necessarily restricted by mechanisms designed to keep us safe: masks, distance, hand sanitiser and the cancellation of longed-for events. And I hasten to say that I appreciate the effect of these restrictions which have meant we have largely escaped the worst effects of the pandemic. Perhaps that is why this poem caught my eye the other day, as it played with the word let, the antithesis of restriction. It draws us to God’s speech in the opening chapter of the Book of Genesis: Let there be light… Let there be dry land… Let the earth bring forth vegetation… Let the waters bring forth life… Let us make humankind in our own image… Imagine a book of let, a world of permission, of freedom, a world where we have space and time to be. Imagine a world in which every person knew they were here by right, that they belonged, that they were enough. Who knew that let was such a holy word? 50
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Much of our world is described by restrictions that have nothing to do with coronaviruses. We spend inordinate amounts of time thinking about who belongs, who is right, who fits our images of what is proper and good. We place restrictions on ourselves and others that lead many of us to feel inadequate, improper and ashamed. None of this is life-giving, not much of it is helpful. Imagine, again, that we live in a world of let. That our task in life is to let others, and ourselves, be. As a mindset change, let is significant. Instead of restrictions, we can think of letting – letting others have some distance, letting the vulnerable be safe, letting our community thrive, letting our land be renewed. The idea of letting is one of making space for others. One could think of this as self-limiting, self-restricting, but why? Isn’t it more helpful to think of making space for more? The Bible’s Book of Genesis reminds us that everything begins with love, and with God’s desire for life in abundance. It begins with God’s letting. What an invitation for us to do likewise. Reverend Gillian Moses Chaplain
Open Morning 24 November
St Aidan’s Open Morning is a wonderful opportunity to experience daily life at St Aidan’s and meet staff and students. We look forward to seeing you at our final Open Morning of 2021:
Wednesday 24 November 9am-11am Register here: www.staidans.qld.edu.au/events
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
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Anglican Girls’ School
St Aidan’s
AUTHENTIC CARING CONFIDENT 11 Ruthven St, Corinda Qld 4075 Australia P +61 7 3373 5999 E reception@staidans.qld.edu.au www.staidans.qld.edu.au A School of the Society of the Sacred Advent ABN 71079817981 CRICOS Provider Number 01194k
C R E AT I V E CONNECTED
