Where are they now?
Laura Barden (2012) I am and always will be an extremely proud Carey Grammarian! I cherish many memories I have from my time at Carey from 2007–12, and I am incredibly grateful for the support, guidance and endless opportunities I received. After leaving Carey, I completed a Bachelor of Science, majoring in food science, at the University of Melbourne, while also pursuing my love for hockey and training with the Victorian Institute of Sport. In 2016, I was selected to join the Australian Women’s National Hockey Squad, relocating to Perth to join the centralised training environment. I proudly wore the green and gold bodysuit for 42 international capped games in the following two years. Unfortunately, I was not selected for the 2018 National Squad. Still feeling like I had unfinished business and a strong desire to make it back
work, determination, and constant love and joy for the game, I was able to earn my spot in the 2020 National Squad off the back of a strong performance during the HockeyOne competition in 2019. I am now back living in Perth, halfway through my Master of Nursing, and training hard to get to Tokyo and win a gold medal.
into the squad, I moved to Holland, the hockey capital of the world, to learn and develop my hockey with undoubtably some of the best players in the world. Not only did I develop as a hockey player, but I felt a real sense of growth as a person. I learnt a bit of Dutch and came home with a new desire to become a nurse. Through some sacrifices, hard
Carey taught me a lot, but the most important lesson was to chase my passions with determination and grit. As long as I work hard at what I love and pursue my dreams, even when faced with challenges, I can be proud of everything I do. I feel so lucky to have spent six amazing years at Carey because I know my time there truly shaped me into the person I am today. Carey offered me more than an education: it offered an opportunity to thrive in every aspect of life.
Jan Sherry (Hartnett, staff 1981–2002) To me, the spirit of Carey is characterised by the many lasting friendships I have with staff and students from my time at the School. Carey is a place that cares for people both personally and professionally, has a positive approach and emphasises service in all spheres of community life. I joined the Commerce department at Carey in 1981. During my 22 years at Carey, I saw the transformation from the early days of co-education to one where girls made up almost 50% of the student body, the acquisition and development of the Donvale campus, the introduction of the International Baccalaureate, the School’s International Accreditation, and the introduction and development of computer technologies into education. Over my time at Carey I was encouraged to take on a diverse range of roles and
34 | Torch
Kingdom, Canada and USA, and I was fortunate to be supported to complete my Master of Education where the first year was run within the School.
responsibilities by each of my three Headmasters/Principals. This included my time as the first female Head of House at Carey for Newnham House, Director of Curriculum and Dean of Studies. I was also awarded a threemonth travel scholarship, giving me the opportunity to visit schools in the United
After leaving Carey, I set up a consulting business and continued my involvement in education through the Incorporated Association of Registered Teachers/ Centre for Strategic Education, the Independent Education Union and the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) where I played a key part in drawing up the codes of conduct and ethics for Victorian teachers, worked as a field officer and also as an investigator. I am currently a member of the pool of Hearing Panel Members for the VIT. Since 2007, I have lived on three acres in the Macedon Ranges where I’m able to indulge in my passion – building and nurturing gardens – and I volunteer with Open Gardens Victoria.