The Collegian
October 2018
IN THIS ISSUE:
Issue 25
Academic Achievement, Learning Matters, Mission, Sports, Alumni News
www.clc.vic.edu.au
From the Principal Our College theme this year has been “Justice”, which is one of the four Mary Aikenhead Ministries’ values. Justice is the call to right and loving relationships with God, self, others and all of creation. Mary Aikenhead encouraged others to “always try to act with justice and truth”. Our CLC community has responded to this call, as seen in its ongoing commitment to Social Justice, Reconciliation, Community Service and student initiatives including the Feminist Collective. There have been a number of opportunities this year for our past students to come along to CLC for community events. It was with delight that we welcomed back past students AnnMarie Harrison (CLC, 1976) and Professor Cheryl Jones (CLC, 1981), who addressed the community at our Founder’s Day and International Women’s Day assemblies respectively. In sharing their experiences, Ann Marie and Cheryl provided inspiration for our young women about the many opportunities that lie ahead. This year inspiration has also come from past students who have given generously of their time as panel members for the careers evening, addressed parents and students as part of the senior pathways program, spoken at subject specific workshops and taken on tutoring roles to support student learning programs. We are most appreciative of their continuing
support of the College. It was with sadness that we mourned the passing of Sr Patricia Nunan rsc on April 25. Sr Patricia was a former Principal of CLC Eltham (1979 – 1986) and Board Director. Her energy, faith, passion, perspective and grounded sense of humour touched and inspired those she loved, taught, led and ministered to in her sixty plus years as a professed Sister of Charity. 2018 has seen a change in the timetable structure, new subjects being offered,
increased opportunities for acceleration and the option of pants as part of the Winter uniform. Our refurbished College hall has created a fresh space for the Performing Arts and the new design and repositioning of the Honour Boards have highlighted the contributions of many community members both past and present. Enjoy reading all about our wonderful community. Stephanie Evans Principal
Welcome to our new Registrar We welcomed new Registrar Carolyn Key to the College this year. For many of you Carolyn will have been your first contact with CLC. She is the go to person for new enrolments or queries from new or prospective families. If you would like to speak with Carolyn please contact her on T:9439 4077 or E: registrar@clc.vic.edu.au
Front Cover: Claire Stewart, Ciara McNamara and Ashleigh McConnell with Year 7 Team Leader, Jessica Vassallo who presented all Year 7 students with Mary Aikenhead prayer cards from her recent visit to Ireland. Back Cover: Year 10 student Maigan Hounslow with teacher Liana Colaluca.
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The Collegian
Courage • Resilience • Empathy • Integrity
Revitalised visual identity CLC has always been a progressive and accomplished learning community. We ensure our students have access to every opportunity, as evidenced by our state-of the-art facilities, our beautiful campus and our committed staff. We place our students at the centre of everything we do to empower and inspire extraordinary young women. In response to the market research we gathered last year we have been singleminded in improving the communication of our story to students, parents and the community. Central to fulfilling our vision for the future is to empower our girls to create the lives and careers they dream of; to be more than book-smart; to recognise and amplify their own unique potential;
to embrace diversity and to encourage a well-informed and compassionate global view. You will have seen evidence of our new identity both within the College and externally in our advertising. As we move forward into an exciting future we wish only to give our girls the best possible foundation to meet the future with confidence, integrity and self-belief. We trust this new vision of CLC’s identity resonates with all our community and beyond. Stephanie Evans Principal
Congratulations to our 2019 College Leaders
L-R: Arts Captain Ashley Ramsey Social Justice and Environment Co-Captain Nicola Tsiolis, Mission Captain Kiara Cameron, Sports Co-Captain Jessica Kerr, College Co-Captain Victoria Wingjan, College Co-Captain Niamh Pilatti, Reconciliation Captain Maggie Beattie, Sports Co-Captain Rani Taylor, Social Justice and Environment Co-Captain Annika Brugman
October 2018 - Issue 25
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VCE Results We congratulate the class of 2017 on their excellent VCE and VCAL results. Overall, half of the VCE students achieved results which placed them within the top 30% in the state and all VCAL students gained their Certificate. We are also proud of the involvement of our students in many different areas of school life in fields as diverse as sport, music, drama, debating, peer support and social justice. In particular we acknowledge the way so many of the girls fulfilled the responsibilities of leadership positions. Thanks also to the teachers for their obvious dedication to their students and to the staff as a whole for the important part they have played in the girls’ development over the last six years. It is a privilege to see our students, through tenacity and dedication, achieve excellence across a range of endeavours throughout their schooling. Catholic Ladies’ College aims to offer a broad curriculum which enables students to choose courses of interest and relevance and assists each young person to achieve her potential. Students graduate with a wide range of skills, experiences and achievements. As they move into the next stage of their lives, whether it be study, employment or travel we wish all our students success and happiness in the future. Congratulations are extended to Jacqueline Eyres who achieved a perfect study score of 50 in Legal Studies and, who in Year 11 received a perfect score for Psychology. Also to the following students who achieved study scores of 40 or more in individual subjects: Art: Madison Billings Biology: Chiara Drago, Jacqueline Eyres, Catherine Fairlie, Lauren Farrelly, Business Management: Olivia Lees
Business (VCE VET): Kiera Fatone, Cassandra Zaccagnini Chemistry: Madison Billings English: Georgie Aidonopoulos, Abbey Beare, Ciara Croft, Jacqueline Eyres, Charlotte Mikic, Olivia Romeo, Xanthe Sefton, Clare Zammit Geography: Samantha Ryan Global Politics: Jacqueline Eyres Health & Human Development: Laura Broadbent History, Revolutions: Jacqueline Eyres Languages, Indonesian: Abbey Beare, Jasmine Waters Legal Studies: Georgie Aidonopoulos, Jacqueline Eyres, Gabrielle Hurrel, Kiera Fatone Literature: Xanthe Sefton Mathematics, Further: Laura Lazzara Physical Education: Skylar Bartolo Physics: Charlotte Mikic Psychology: Sophie Carmel, Lily Hopping, Teslyn Hosking, Ruby Suter, Keira Wright The following students also achieved a scaled score of 40 or more in the following subjects: Chemistry: Abbey Beare Global Politics: Abbey Beare Languages, German: Rachel Keane, Catriona Marshall, Charlotte Mikic, Allyra Van Zwienen, Clare Zammit Languages, Italian: Mikayla Scarano, Emma Stinger Mathematics, Methods: Charlotte Mikic Mathematics, Specialist: Charlotte Mikic
CLC 2017 Results Compared to State Average CLC 2017 Results Compared to State Average 100 93%
80
79%
CLC
82%
CLC 2018 Destinations College Dux, CLC2017Jacquie 2018 Destinations Eyres
60 59% 50% 40
achieved an ATAR of 99.55, placing her in the TOP 1% IN THE STATE. She receieved a Perfect Score in two subjects.
11% 11%
We are very proud of all our VCE and VCAL students.
79% 81%
10% 8%
40% 35%
25%
20 17%
0
STATE AVERAGE
15%
85 & ABOVE
75 & ABOVE
65 & ABOVE
50 & ABOVE
ATAR SCORE COURAGE | RESILIENCE | EMPATHY | INTEGRITY
11%
Employment / Traineeships
10%
Vocational Education and Training Courses
79%
University
Employment//Traineeships Traineeships Employment
La Trobe University
34
RMIT University
27
Vocational Education and Training Courses
Vocational Education and Training Courses 14 Employment/Traineeships
Deakin University
9
Monash UniversityUniversity University
8
University of Melbourne
6
Australian Catholic University
6
Swinburne University
6
Swinburne University TAFE
3
Victoria University
3
Box Hill Institute
3
Deakin College
1
JMC Academy
1
La Trobe Melbourne
1
Navitas College of Public Safety
1
Total Students
126
COURAGE | RESILIENCE | EMPATHY | INTEGRITY
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The Collegian
Courage • Resilience • Empathy • Integrity
2017 VCE Success We celebrate the achievements of these 2017 VCE Students on their outstanding success attaining ATAR scores over 90. Back: Xanthe Sefton, Jasmine Waters, Clare Zammit, Jessica Atkinson, Lauren Front: Abbey Beare, Jacqui Eyres, Georgie Aidonopoulos Absent: Madison Billings and Charlotte Mikic
College Dux 2017 VCAL Excellence Congratulations Kristen Rosch who was the recipient of the 2017 VCAL Excellence Award. Kristen is taking a gap year in 2018 with some casual employment and is in the process of completing a Certificate 4 in Hospitality, Leadership and Management.
Special congratulations on an outstanding achievement to Jacquie Eyres, College Dux, who achieved an ATAR of 99.55, putting her in the Top 1% of the state. Jacquie also received perfect scores for Legal Studies and Psychology (2016). Jacquie has chosen to study a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne. Jacquie also received a VCE Premiers award for Legal Studies.
October 2018 - Issue 25
La Trobe University Vice Chancellor Scholarships Samantha Ryan has chosen to pursue a degree in Commerce having gained a prestigious La Trobe University Vice Chancellor Scholarship.
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Outstanding Achievements 2018 Caltex All-Rounder Award School Spirit Award Old Collegians’ Association president, Mrs Sue Vander (CLC 1987), presented the School Spirit Award to College Co-Captain, Mikayla Grisinski.
Past CLC student, Sr Elizabeth Costigan rsc presented the Caltex Allrounder Award to Lily McCarthy
Mary Aikenhead Ministries Social Justice Award
The Past Principals Award Love of Learning
The Past Principals’ Love of Learning Award was presented to Grace Moroney by Past Principal Mrs Margaret McKenna. This Award was presented on behalf of the Trustees of Mary Aikenhead Ministries by Trustee, Mr David Alcock to joint awardees Gabrielle Hurrel and Keira Wright for their commitment to the service of others.
Margaret Cross Award
ADF Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Awards
The ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Awards, sponsored by the Australian Government, were presented by Board Director, Mr John Kennedy to Year 12 student Mikayla Grisinski and Year 10 student Chelsea Tomada 6
The Margaret Cross Award was presented to a very dedicated Georgia Kerr by Mrs Margaret Cross, former CLC PE Teacher.
The Collegian
Courage • Resilience • Empathy • Integrity
Outstanding Achievements 2018 Janette Clarke Award
Well done Shania John whose commitment to college Sport saw her awarded the 2018 Janette Clarke Award presented by Janette Clarke’s father Allan and her sister and staff member, Mrs Debbie Willoughby.
Natalie Vita Writer’s Award
The Natalie Vita Writer’s Award was presented by Natalie’s parents Mr Mike Vita and Mrs Val Vita to Gabrielle Hurrel.
Dr Jane Westerman
Excellence In Mathematics Award
Community Service Award Congratulations to Keira Wright who was presented with the Community Service Award by State Member of Parliament for Eltham and past student Ms Vicki Ward (CLC 1986)
Dr Mike Westerman and his granddaughter Emily were pleased to present the Jane Westerman Excellence in Mathematics Award to Lily Hopping on behalf of the Westerman family.
Colleen Smith Award Commitment in the Face of Challenge
Jacqueline Ryan Collegial Award
The Jacqueline Ryan Collegial Award was presented to Brigette McVeigh by Jacqueline’s parents Mr Kevin and Mrs Jan Ryan and sister Brooke (CLC 1998).
October 2018 - Issue 25
Board Director, Dr Helga Neidhart rsc presented the 2018 Colleen Smith Award – commitment in the face of challenge, to worthy recipient, Monique Cross.
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Celebration Days International Women’s Day
Pauline Toner Award Breakfast
In this global celebration, College Captains Brigette McVeigh and Lily McCarthy, captured the essence of International Women’s Day addressing our College assembly, whilst Performing Arts Captain Olivia Tomada unveiled and explained a unique sculpture created by Visual Arts Captain, Ruby Lam that depicted solidarity.
As last year’s Award recipient, Abbey Beare (College CoCaptain 2017) and CLC were honoured to host the 2018 Pauline Toner Award Breakfast and welcome neighbouring Colleges to this year’s Award winner announcement.
Special guest speaker and past student, Professor Cheryl Jones (CLC 1981) spoke of her career in medicine, working at the Boston Children’s Hospital, USA, as an Infectious Diseases Fellow and completing her PhD at Harvard Medical School and the University of Sydney. Cheryl took a position on her return to Australia as a specialist infectious diseases paediatrician and Academic Professor at the Medical School at Sydney University. More recently, Cheryl was the first woman ever to be appointed as the Stevenson Chair of Paediatrics and Head of Department at the University of Melbourne. Currently working at the Royal Children’s Hospital, she is an internationally recognised leader in her field, inspiring the next generation of paediatricians. Cheryl encouraged students to not be dissuaded in pursuing fields which have been traditionally male dominated, to be inquisitive, eager to learn and prepared to work extremely hard to achieve their goals. Our Student Leadership Team did an amazing job organising an enjoyable day which included a lunchtime concert, photo booth and market stalls.
Pauline Toner was the first female councillor and Shire president in Diamond Valley and first female cabinet minister in the Parliament of Victoria. Presented annually in memory of Pauline and her spirit of the service to her community and Victoria, this award recognises a student who has made a significant contribution to the community.
Back L-R: Principal Stephanie Evans, selection panellist and Pauline Toner’s daughter Madeline Toner (CLC 1983), Award Breakfast initiator Ms Vicki Ward (CLC 1986), MP for Eltham, Dr Margaret Beavis from iCAN, Hon Jenny Macklin MP – Parliament of Australia, College Leaders Maddison Heckmann and Kiera Wright Front L-R: College Leaders Olivia Tomada, Lily McCarthy, Brigette McVeigh and Mikayla Grinsinski.
Founder’s Day Each July, as we celebrate Founder’s Day, we recall the story of the founder of the Sisters of Charity Venerable Mary Aikenhead, and our journey as a CLC learning community in the heritage and tradition they established. This year we had a wonderful community day in which we welcomed to our assembly, past student Ann Marie Harrison (CLC 1976), CEO of the Victorian Institute of Sport who shared stories about being a student at the College and the choices and opportunities that contributed to her career today. The day then continued with fun, food and festivities for the whole College community.
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The Collegian
Courage • Resilience • Empathy • Integrity
Champion of her future!
“The future looks super bright and exciting”
On completing VCE, the sports loving Amy O’Neill (Sports Co-Captain CLC 2014) was unsure about moving away from friends and family when offered a full basketball scholarship in the United States. However, the thought of not accepting prompted Amy to make the move to Cowley College, Arkansas City, Kansas. For two years she trained and studied with the dream to be recruited to a NCAA Division 1 school to play basketball and finish her accountancy degree. Cowley College was isolated and tough, with little to do but play basketball, study and sit in Steamy Joe’s coffee shop. Although challenging, Amy made the most of her time. In her first year she played in the most successful Cowley College team in 25 years, making it to the National Junior College Championships in Texas and was also a member of one of the top 32 Junior College women’s basketball teams across America.
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Her second year saw Amy excel as an individual, becoming only the 11th player in the school history to be named a Junior College All-American, an extremely proud moment for her. Amy’s dream to attend an NCAA Division 1 school came true when she was offered another full scholarship to attend St Francis College, Brooklyn, in New York, one of the most amazing cities in the world. She is now in her second year there and although loving the city and St Francis, Amy plans to return to Melbourne to start her Accounting career when she finishes college. Amy believes CLC gave her a great appreciation for all the things that women can do. Although it wasn’t always easy for her, she risked travelling halfway across the world buoyed by the CLC encouragement to reach for the stars and achieve your dreams, with the strength gained from what the school had taught her.
“I think my greatest success has been having the strength to live away from my friends and family for four years. It’s hard leaving a close, loving family but I know they’re so proud of me and I know I’ll be so proud the day I get to look back and know that I did this. The future looks super bright and exciting. CLC is a caring community and it’s always a place I feel I can come back to. I honestly, absolutely and completely loved my time at school and have so many amazing memories because I was very involved. My passion was sport and I made sure that I used that to enjoy all that CLC offered. Through its culture of empowering women, I’ve learnt to take risks and put myself out there to achieve my dreams. The college offers so much for young growing girls and I feel really lucky that I got to experience that empowerment first hand.”
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Da Vinci Decathlon The Da Vinci Decathlon inter-school gala day at MLC is designed to provide students with challenging tasks with a particular emphasis placed on higher order thinking skills. As its name suggests, the Decathlon included 10 topics: Cartography, Science, Maths, Engineering, English, Art and Poetry, Creative Producers, Ideation, Code breaking and General Knowledge. The 2018 Decathlon theme was “The Unexpected!” How do you prepare for that? The CLC Team comprising of Caitlyn You, Rachel Adams, Emilia McDonald, Erica Bromilow, Jiayue Wang, Maddie O’Brien, Emily Hopkins and Lauren Owen approached the challenge with dedication, open-mindedness and a great sense of fun. They also gave up much of their own time in preparation. The competition was fierce on the day, as the team competed against many other schools with a long history of involvement in the Decathlon. It was an intense academic environment where students collaborated, hypothesized, evaluated, analysed, comprehended, synthesized and applied their knowledge and skills to questions worth over 500 marks. It was inspiring to see how the girls moved into action as they were handed the tasks, tackling questions based on their areas of strength with new found confidence to step outside their comfort zone and lend themselves to more diverse disciplines. Herein lies the essence of a true enrichment experience.
From front left: Caitlyn You, Emily Hopkins Jiayue Wang, Lauren Owen, Erica Bromilow, Madison O’Brien, Emilia McDonald and Rachel Adams
Having evidenced some of their work on the day it is without doubt that the students embraced the challenges wholeheartedly and performed admirably in a highly competitive environment. Congratulations girls!
International Day of Women and Girls in Science Five passionate Year 12 Science students Teslyn Hosking (12H), Lily Hopping (12C), Catherine Fairlie (12H), Olivia Tomada (12D) and Jemma Davison (12F) visited Government House to attend the Royal Women’s Hospital’s 2018 Meet a Scientist Day lunch hosted by the Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC.
Science KLA Team Leader Mrs Cathy Jackson with Olivia Tomada, Lily Hopping, Teslyn Hosking, Dr Dilini Imbulana, who had just finished her Masters in the Neonatal ward at RWH, Jemma Davison and Catherine Fairlie.
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The students were able to meet four of the top women researchers at the Royal Women’s Hospital and two PhD students. The researchers spoke about their science career pathways and the ground breaking discoveries they are making to improve the health and wellbeing of women and babies. These senior girls also learnt how to build a rewarding science career in a hospital setting and the exciting new discoveries these scientists are making that are dramatically changing lives.
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Learning Matters Canine Comprehension (Animal Assisted Therapy Program) CLC has been involved in the 2018 Animal Assisted Therapy Program called “Communication on the Inside and Out” This eight-week program, works with a tutor and “RUBI” a specially trained therapy dog. The programe has been a great success in reducing student’s anxiety, helping them understand their learning, to communicate more effectively and to enjoy coming to school. Our students have had a great time learning to train a dog, understand body language and even meditate around a dog! For more information vist www.caninecomprehension.com.au
Pre VCAL TAFE Taster Program CLC VCAL students participated in this program which enabled them to be involved in activities that gave them a good insight into the courses being offered. The program provided students with the opportunity to try life as a TAFE student and use the TAFE facilities, build skills and confidence, work as part of a small team while experiencing activities designed to suit the way they learn. Students were also able to prepare and plan for post-school options. The programs consisted of four sessions and included a masterchef class and introduction to a trades class. This excursion is designed to raise student awareness of the various courses/apprenticeships (plastering, painting, bricklaying, hospitality, carpentry, agriculture and hairdressing) that they can choose for the VET component of their VCAL course.
English writers workshop We celebrated English Week, commencing with English Trivia and a Short-Story Writing Competition. Celebrations continued with the annual CLC Writer’s Festival. Authors Lucy Christopher and Demet Divaroren, English Teacher and Writer Mr Richard Smith, and journalist Sammi Taylor (CLC 2014) offered our students workshops on creative writing and writing techniques. All students participating appreciated the unique opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the professional writers to understand the different styles, practices and tips each of them shared.
October 2018 - Issue 25
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Learning Matters Swannie Regional Award Winner The Debaters’ Association of Victoria awards a ‘Swannie’ Award in recognition of a student receiving the highest speaking scores for their debates in their debating region. The Swannie Award for the Watsonia region was awarded this year to Evangeline Hurrel (9C) at a presentation at Methodist Ladies’ College. Evangeline was also nominated for a State Swannie Award for the D Grade division. Well done, Evangeline.
Maths for learning Jenni Tomkinson from RMIT, who works and studies in Geospatial Science and Surveying, spoke to Year 10 students about the numerous opportunities and experiences available in this area of work and above all of the different aspects of her work. Students also learnt about the prerequisites and work involved in these courses and the increasing job availabilities in Geospatial Science. Students gained new knowledge about the different areas and numerous opportunities available to enter into in the future.
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Learning Matters Year 9 Humanities (Geography) Fieldtrip to the Yarra Valley Year 9 Humanities students study Biomes and how people have altered and modified these natural environments to suit our needs for food, water and other resources. To enable students to fully understand this area of content, they visited a number of locations spread throughout the Yarra Valley, where they could see for themselves how people have influenced the natural world and why this has occurred. Firstly, visiting the Big Bouquet (Gerbera and Alpaca Farm) students learnt about looking after flowers, how to handle Alpacas, how effectively a glass house works and the importance of saving and helping the environment. The process of logging and the importance of replanting was revealed in the lovely natural environment of the Toolangi Forest. At Maroondah Reservoir students learned the value of clean water and spoke about the process involved in managing water. The final stop was Rayners Orchard where the girls toured the farm, viewing the different types of fruit whilst learning the importance of irrigation, pest control and the significance of rich and fertile soil.
“Food for Thought” VCAL Learning Experience In a new initiative CLC VCAL students partnered with Lalor Secondary College and St Vincent de Paul to prepare a main meal and dessert, under the guidance of Simon Matzke (Chef/ Food and Technology teacher, Lalor Secondary College), for food parcels to be delivered by the St Vincent de Paul team to local families in need. The students were challenged to prepare meals for eight families within three hours. Behind the scenes they completed cooking session costings, designed the aprons, grocery shopped and gained an insight into the St Vincent de Paul
Society. Our resident chef Tayla Burn ensured the students were well supported and a surprise visit from the Nillumbik Mayor Peter Clarke added extra encouragement. Principals Stephanie Evans and Corey Jewell of Lalor Secondary College, attended a presentation where Michael Said from St Vincent de Paul presented certificates and shared that comments from the families have been overwhelmingly positive; but better than words were the joy, delight, smiles and happiness in their faces as they opened up their beautifully packaged evening meal.
L -R: Principals Stephanie Evans and Corey Jewell, CLC VCAL coordinator Jade Charalambous, Nillumbik Mayor Peter Clarke and LSC Chef/Food and Technology teacher, Simon Matzke with participating students from both Colleges.
October 2018 - Issue 25
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Learning Matters Congratulations Year 7-9 English KLA Team Leader Tulay Et on her International recognition Year 7 to 9 English KLA Team Leader, Ms Tulay Et, had the privilege of presenting a research paper as part of her PhD studies at the 24th Congress of the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology, in Canada. “It was an honour to hear so many Professors and fellow academics from around the world share current research on the fundamental cores influencing the student learner today. “ There were many significant focal points of discussion highlighting the relative impacts pivotal to the cognitive, speech and language, social and emotional developmental processes of young children and adolescents. The conference instigated the following reflections: Communication, Technology and Globalisation Whilst growing technology has brought countries closer together and allowed for advancements in areas of medical and scientific research and technologies, businesses and networking in the global context; Technology has also changed means of interaction and communication. When Information Communication Technology is used to enhance knowledge and productivity, it can be an invaluable resource. However, the need to use technology to strengthen communication and development, rather than debilitate, is vital. The benefits of technology cannot be devalued as it has and continues to foster great innovation, production and creation. People can make news of their own, offering a sense of empowerment and expression. To continue utilising technology as an asset, we need to ask the question: How can technology be used to extend, rather than subtract? Technology is an efficient method of communication. However, when interactions are limited to socialising online, taking the place of face-to-face communications, and where quality family time may be interfered with technological devices, in place of meaningful dialogue, then we need to consider the impact this may have on the development of social and communication skills, and the growing rates of concerning issues in areas of mental health and wellbeing, attention retention and literacy levels. Language and Literacy As our world continues to develop at immense speed, with the increasing global economy market, the need to preserve languages becomes one of the greatest, indispensable values. Language promotes culture and diversity. Language fosters literacy. Research shows that being bilingual, and/or multilingual, complements the development and understanding of the English Language. Speaking a language other than English at home assists with communication, memory and literacy, not to mention a connection to culture and family. In addition, speaking a language other than English offers prosperity in employment opportunity, provides a beneficial role towards globalisation and productivity, and perhaps even fostering a greater sense of community. By the year 2050,
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languages such as Mandarin, Spanish, French and Arabic may possibly be the most-spoken languages in the world. Australia’s 2016 Census Data reveals 26 per cent of Victorians speak a language other than English at home, an increase from 23.1 per cent in 2011. However, Australia is in fact falling behind with the fostering of second-language education, with experts revealing this area requiring dire attention. Shifting Values, Environment and Culture Whilst for most families the fundamental core values of raising honest and compassionate children remain the same, the face of families and our environment is changing with the times. Today, our youth lead the way in areas of liberation and social justice. Perhaps all the more prevalent that our sense of empathy and understanding extends to cross-cultural families who endeavour to call Australia home. The most recent Australian Census records close to fifty per cent (49.1 per cent) of Australians were either born overseas or born in Australia with at least one parent born overseas. And what a great advantage Australia has as a multicultural society! Families are becoming more diverse and extending over generations. The importance of grandparents, parents, families remaining connected with their children is immeasurable in worth and value as we, as a whole community, continue to tackle issues of mental health and substance abuse, regardless of cultural background. This is an epidemic that does not discriminate. Therefore, the need to come together as a whole community becomes even more imperative. With its positive and negative attributes, the world is not the same as it was fifty, or even twenty years ago. Children acquire knowledge and learn differently today. They have greater exposure and accessibility than ever before. Perhaps the most vital value of all is that we teach our children resilience. Times have changed and we may not necessarily want to enforce the same expectations as our parents did upon us, but we need to reflect: Does a sense of entitlement and indulgence do more harm than good? Perhaps a shift in values could reflect back on what we learnt as children, and with that - what the value of gratitude taught us.
The Collegian
Courage • Resilience • Empathy • Integrity
Community News CLC Careers Forum CLC Alumnae were invited to speak about their chosen careers to Year 10, 11 and 12 students and parents at the Catholic Ladies’ College Careers Forum. Our students had the opportunity to listen to a number of the presenters in fields they were interested in and then chat with them informally. A wide range of occupations were represented and each speaker outlined her career journey since leaving school to the present. It was a great opportunity to hear about working in different areas and the presenters were able to offer useful advice to the current students as they continue to weigh up options for their futures. We are very grateful to the 50 Alumnae who were happy to come back to the College to share their experiences. Jacki Dixon (nee Turner, 1994), Brigette Kennedy (2011), Gabrielle Camen (2009) and Emily Trewarne (2009)
Mothers Day Walk In what was a great community event the Parents’ Association organised a Mother’s Day Walk and Morning Tea followed by a morning tea in the McAllister Centre, providing the opportunity for mothers new to the College to make connections and a catch-up for those who have been part of this community for an extended time. All proceeds raised on the day was donated to Project Kenya.
Celebrating 25 Years of The Collegian As producer and editor of the Collegian for the past 16 years I would like to thank all who have contributed and those of you who have enjoyed each and every edition our College magazine. The ever changing and evolving nature of CLC and girls’ education has seen this publication, which is celebrating its 25th year, cover a plethora of topics, celebrate untold achievements and showcase our amazing, talented students, staff and Alumnae in all their capacities. It has been an honour to produce the Collegian and to witness CLC’s amazing journey through the joyfulness of our young students, the enthusiasm and professionalism of our staff, in the breathing, humming life of the College and the unlimited possibilities on offer for all in our community. I hope you enjoy this edition. Lynn Mason Marketing Coordinator
October 2018 - Issue 25
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Languages Science in German Workshop Year 11 German class had the unique opportunity to attend a number of STEM workshops at the Goethe Institute, Melbourne which were conducted in German. This is only the second time that these workshops have been offered to students and the girls really enjoyed the opportunity to explore the real life applications of Science, Technology and Engineering in small groups and to practise their language skills with students from other schools. The hands-on workshops offered were to Design a 10-star Energy-Efficient Home, a microscopic view of tissue cells, what is DNA and can it actually be seen and LEGO Robots Space Mission.
L-R: Angelina Boutzetis, Maja Tkalec and Ellie Ritter
Dante Alighieri Italian Poetry Recitation Competition Our students in Years 9, 10 and 12 Italian participated in the Dante Alighieri Italian Poetry Recitation Competition at the University of Melbourne. This is the only Italian poetry competition of its kind in the world run by a ‘Dante Alighieri’ Association. We are proud of all our students who made up part of the 3,400 participants statewide and recognise their achievements. We especially congratulate our four students who made it through to the finals: Alexandra Munday (9F), Chloe Apostolos (9A), Mikayla Kolef (9A), Monica Scarano (10E)
Alexandra Munday
Chloe Apostolos
Mikayla Kolef
Monica Scarano
Sayembara Lisan Indonesian speaking competition Congratulations to these Indonesian language students who represented CLC in the Eltham region at the state-wide Indonesian Speaking Competition - Sayembara Lisan. The students showed great skills competing against hundreds of students with all girls achieving places. Awards went to Aneree Shah 2nd (Yr 7-9), Caitlin Zortea Highly Commended (Year 7-9), Emily Dixon Highly Commended (Yr 10) and Mary Apostolos 3rd (Yr 11). An Awards night was held at the University of Melbourne and presentations were made by the Indonesian Consulate General.
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Languages Indonesian Independence Day celebration Year 12 Indonesian Language students felt honoured to attend the Indonesian Embassy for a ceremony to celebrate their Day of Independence. In a garden hidden between two tall city buildings our students mingled with other secondary and university students, business people and Indonesian people celebrating the day. Indonesian officials dressed in pure white suits marched to begin the ceremony and after six years of studying the language the students were excited to be able to
understand the speeches of the Indonesian Leaders during the ceremony. “The ceremony was beautiful and it was so special being able to experience the culture of Indonesia within our own city.” The live choir, including our Indonesian Teacher, Pak Sil, sang Indonesian traditional and national songs. Traditional Indonesian food was served for lunch followed by Indonesian Trivia games. It was an amazing experience for the Year 12 Indonesian students who fully immersed themselves into Indonesian culture.
Global Connections Japanese exchange student Miku Matsubara from Den En Chofu Futaba School lived with Year 8 student Amelie Easton and her family whilst attending CLC for Term 3. Den En Chofu is the region, which means Garden City of Chofu, and Futaba is the school name which is located approximately 10km from the centre of Tokyo. Miku, who spent her days immersed in normal classes at CLC, came to Australia through the Australian Institute of International Understanding (AIIU) and meet weekly with an AIIU coordinator who provide pastoral care, English support lessons, who organised excursions and supported the CLC teachers in their dealings with Miku.
Above: Miku Matsubara with CLC Principal Stephanie Evans and Den En Chofu Futaba Principal Ms Kazue Takiguchi
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Miku happily shared some of the amazing things she had learnt and the big differences she had noticed between Japanese and Australian schools with CLC Principal Stephanie Evans and Den En Chofu Futaba Principal Ms Kazue Takiguchi who was visiting Melbourne.
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Godspell Production This year’s successful CLC version of the musical ‘Godspell’ involving a range of girls from across all year levels who work on their passions and talents or challenged themselves to try something new. Throughout the many months of rehearsing and planning, students developed and worked hard to produce an amazing show. CLC would like to acknowledge gratitude to
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teacher David Tod, Director, Music teacher and Godspell Musical Director Ben Carr, Bonnie Poynder (12B), Student Director, Olivia Tomada (12D), Choreographer/Face Leader and all the other fantastic creative people on this show.
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Senior Arts Exhibition Our VCE Art, Visual Communication and Design, Media, Fashion and Drama students thrilled us with an incredible array of work in many different mediums and forms at our annual Art Exhibition. The evening was officially opened by Ms Amy Bryans (College Captain 2010), who inspired us with her journey in the Media and
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Advertising Industry. We congratulate our students, their parents and the Art staff for their commitment and energy. Below L-R: Year 12 Art Award winners Carina Love, Jennifer Walker, Arts KLA Team Leader Ms An Durham, Victoria Cefai, Erin Judkins and Tuesday Moon.
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Dance and Drama This year, Year 7 and 8 Drama Club saw students devised roving performances with melodramatic style, to be performed on open days, with a Melodramatic style. Whilst the Dance Troupe rehearsed together weekly, sharing their work on Founders day with a beautiful performance. The Dance troupe also developed a short performance to present at the Eltham festival where they taught young hopeful dancers to great delight.
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Semester two saw the Drama Troupe shift into top gear to create an ensemble performance based on the play ‘Atomic’, by Amelia Chandos Evans for the ‘The Suitcase Series’. The troupe were thrilled to perform their work at the Malthouse Theatre in October. This was a fabulous opportunity to share their work with other schools and to experience performing in one of Melbourne’s most renowned theatres.
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Music Each year CLC music students participate in many, many performances. The highlights for the budding musicians are the Co-Curricular Music Camp and Semester One and Two Music evenings. The Camp is an opportunity for students to connect and sync with other music students whilst learning to perform in various styles. It culminates in our talented music students coming together to perform with gusto at the two Musical evenings, having contributed much effort into rehearsals and preparation.
are entertained by a program of various genres and styles. They are wonderful evenings and great opportunities to acknowledge and recognise both students and staff. For our future singing stars our Vocal Group Grace Notes, rehearse diligently and enjoy performing for a variety of audiences the latest being at the Practically Green Festival. Organised by Vocal teacher and past student Emma Gilmartin (CLC 1996) this performance, as are many others, was lauded as very impressive by the audience and Festival coordinator.
The Musical evenings are truly an outstanding showcase and both a great success, thoroughly enjoyed by the audiences, who
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Mission St Vinnies Sleepout
Refugee Awareness
The Social Justice and Environment Group held its annual St Vinnies Sleepout with students staying the night in the College Gym to show their solidarity for those who are doing it rough on the streets. The sleepout was a stark reminder for the girls of just how much we take for granted.
Today and everyday refugees flee their country for many reasons such as war, abuse and sexual assault. It is said that over 50% of the refugees are under 18.
“We sat outside in solidarity for a short while and it became so cold that we could scarcely feel our fingers or toes. Feeling sorry for ourselves we huddled together for warmth. We realised that the experience of homelessness goes so far past the physical nature of being uncomfortable or cold. It is the lack of human connection, the experience of being disregarded, unseen, unheard and avoided.” Gabrielle Hurrel and Keira Wright Social Justice and Environment Co-Captains
“Put your feet in the shoes of a refugee. How would you feel? Would you be scared? Being a refugee would be hard; leaving family, leaving everything you own. they say that every year there are around 68 million people who have fled from their homes and their countries.” - Chloe Grisinski (Year 11) Year 11 Students were totally engaged when they had the opportunity to imagine how hard it would be to be a refugee at a young age when a man named Abraham spoke gently about his own experiences and the many issues he had faced. He was tortured when imprisoned, suffering beatings for 17 days, all because he was a part of a political opposition party. Abraham, who now has permanent hearing loss, described the life of a refugee and the trauma of having to flee his country. As happy as he is to be living with and supported by an Eltham family, he is also very sad that his own family and children are left behind. Abraham is hoping he will be accepted to study Agricultural Science. Students were also able to discuss the issues of the many refugees who live with host families in Eltham and some of the controversy this has raised.
Year of Youth To celebrate the Year of Youth, some Year 9 students participated in a Listening Forum at Our Lady of Sion College. Bishop Mark Edwards OMI, as well as special guest Steve Angrisano, a singer and story teller from USA who has been working in youth ministry for over 30 years, addressed the group of well over 200 secondary school students from the Victorian Eastern region. The aim of the day was for students to be heard on issues that are important to them and to ask questions on various topics.
Gabrielle Hurrel (Year 12) and Evangeline Hurrel (Year 9)
Back: Sophia Carnell, Evangeline Hurrel, Laura Galati, Isabelle Broadbent, Steve Angrisano, Naomi Crabtree, Bishop Mark Edwards OMI, Georgia Le Page, Mr Heinz Wolf Front: Madison Venn, Olivia Wingjan, Kirra Johnston, Chloe Smith
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Abraham, teacher Sonia Gulec and Chloe Grisinski (Year 12)
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Project Kenya – CLC House CLC Students are very aware of the privilege to live and learn in a safe and prosperous community such as ours knowing not all school children around the world have such opportunities.
volunteers brought our school community together to raise $18,000 to build this permanent and safe home within the Br Beausang school grounds for vulnerable girls and their carers.
Over the past 15 years, CLC has developed a relationship with the Br Beausang School in Embulbul, Kenya, sponsoring many primary and secondary school students. In 2012 and 2014 staff and students visited the school as part of the Kenyan Immersion program. Our community has also raised funds for special projects such as a ‘girl’s protection program’ which saw the renting of a house in the village with organised carers.
The entire College community walked in solidarity to raise money to build CLC House. We asked the community to support CLC students by sponsoring them in the walk to help them make a difference for their fellow students in Kenya. Each student was asked to raise just $20 which will enable us to build and furnish CLC House in Kenya. We thank everyone for their generous support getting behind our students that has empowered them to make a difference.
Located about 25km from Nairobi, the school has more than 800 students across all year levels and helps many impoverished students from displaced families, particularly orphans. All students are provided with a meal each school day; for many it is their only meal of the day. Our 2018 goal is the most ambitious yet, funding the construction of “CLC House”. An inspired group of CLC student
Our hope is to affect long lasting and deeply needed change for our friends in Kenya, while confirming our commitment to championing justice in the global community. CLC House is a charitable project in conjunction with Edmund Rice Overseas Aid Fund.
“Our hope is to affect long lasting and deeply needed change for our friends in Kenya, while confirming our commitment to championing justice in the global community.”
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Aboriginal Immersion Experience The Aboriginal immersion Experience was an opportunity filled with learning and several unique experiences. Students and staff alike gained a deeper understanding of people’s connection to home and country whilst witnessing the Aboriginal way of life.
Experiencing beautiful interactions with Aboriginal communities in the remote centre of Australia and developing relationships with Elders, women, children and young upcoming leaders who are still completely immersed and willing to share their culture, language, kinship, lore and song lines was extraordinary.
Despite the challenges of sleeping in a swag in extreme cold weather, undertaking challenging physical experiences, being occasionally homesick and unable to communicate with family, the well prepared group overcame fears and the difficulties to ensure that the immersion was one of the best experiences of their lives.
The Aboriginal Immersion Experience is a once in a lifetime connection that opened hearts, eyes and minds to not only life of some of the Aboriginal people and communities, but also to the possibilities that the future holds for all of us.
Reconciliation Week The Sea of Hands installation at Catholic Ladies’ College during Reconciliation Week demonstrated our ongoing commitment to increasing awareness of reconciliation, through the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and achievements. In our FIRE Carrier group (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) we continue to work towards improving the relationships and respect between the wider Australian community and First Nations people.
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The Collegian
Courage • Resilience • Empathy • Integrity
A story of success, empowerment and seizing opportunity.
“In my ideal future I’d be working to try to better the lives of disadvantaged women and children.”
Inspirational Year 12 student leader, Kiera Wright, is challenging the status quo and already has a clear vision for her future. She is a human rights advocate and underage producer who is most well known for her activism work. Keira is a Social Justice and Environment Co-Captain and co-founder of CLC’s feminist collective. As a Plan International Youth Activist, Kiera has contributed to many national and international projects focused on improving gender equality. She has been featured on several of Plan Australian media projects and has appeared on Buzzfeed, The Herald Sun, ABC Breakfast News and ABC Life Matters. Developing strategic marketing techniques for Banyule YouthFest programs to aid newly settled Asylum Seekers in their transition, acting as assistant producer at ABC-Me for the International Day of the Girl episode and as part of CLC’s work with disadvantaged children to develop their literacy skills at the St Pius Primary School are but some of Kiera’s many volunteer activities.
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Kiera believes being in the CLC community, where female leadership is encouraged, has undoubtedly allowed her to pursue roles which could leave her vulnerable to public criticism. “The support from my teachers and peers has empowered me to have the courage to stand up for what is right. I am immensely proud of the work that I have done regarding gender equality in Australia and would definitely consider this to be one of my greatest successes. I also finished writing a full-length poetry book, which I designed, illustrated and formatted myself as a part of my Visual Communications project. I have always wanted to publish a book, and to see it come into fruition was a really amazing feeling. In my ideal future I’d be working to try to better the lives of disadvantaged women and children. I’d be a published author and run literacy workshops for children who have limited access to education. I’d love to travel the world and volunteer, particularly in Indonesia.”
To begin a GAP year next year Kiera will spend a month in Indonesia improving her language skills and working as a volunteer, after which she intends to pursue her passion in the form of an internship in international and community development and media and communications. After her Gap year Kiera is planning to study professional communications at RMIT. The CLC Community is very proud of Kiera’s achievements and like many of our students she is a living example of the confident and inspiring young women who rise to the challenge to champion justice in our global community. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Vu4sxjQj0ys http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-1011/ban-gendered-school-uniforms,address-gender-inequality/9037508 https://www.monash.edu/mada/ research/labs/xyx-lab-monash-spacegender-communication-lab/free-to-bedesign-thinking
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Sports Carnivals Swimming Carnival Overall Champions: Vincentia School Spirit Cup Winner: Aikenhead Record breakers: Abbey Carr (Year 7), Charlotte Key (Year 8), Madison Daniels (Year 10) and Jessica Kerr (Year 11) Year Level Champions: Year 7 Charlotte Kerr Loyola Year 8 Charlotte Key Vincentia Year 9 Alana Forsyth-Grant Loyola Year 10 Madison Daniels Aikenhead Year 11 Jessica Kerr Loyola Year 12 Georgia Kerr Loyola
Athletics Carnival Overall Champions: Loyola School Spirit Cup Winner: Marita Year Level Champions: Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12
Emma Meflin Holly Vankuyk Tess Budge Mia Spencer Rani Taylor Alexandra Timewell
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Loyola Loyola Loyola Vincentia Marita Aikenhead
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Sporting Achievements 2018 Pierre De Coubertin Award Congratulations to Year 12 student Shania John on receiving the 2018 Pierre de Coubertin Award. This award is a joint initiative between the Victorian Olympic Council and the Department of Education and Training. The award is named after the founder of the Modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin. “The most important thing in the Olympic Games (or any sporting event) is not to win but to take part. Just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.” Shania is our 2018 College Sports Co Captain and has been an active participant in school sports and a role model to others in her 6 years at the College. Well done Shania. (Pictured with College Sports Manager Miss Stephanie Audley)
3x3 Championship Basketball Cup
Junior bronze medals champions
Senior bronze medals champions
L-R: Milana Trimcevski, Amber Burgess, Sophie Davis, Charlotte Playfair, Alana Poulton
L-R: Meghan Stagoll, Angle Parkinson, Georgia Feel, Gemma Morganti and Maddy Brancatisano
SCSA Senior Tennis Champions
SCSA Futsal Champions
L-R: Lucy Roff, Kirsten fisher, Darby Jacobson, Hannah Novalija,
Back L-R: Zoe Katiforis, Kristina Dimitrovski, Stephanie Katiforis, Prada Byrne, Aland Poulton Front L-R: Mr Rice, Jamie Velkovski, Olivia Weekes, Brooke Moore, Aislinn Tham, Ayva Tanfara
Ruby Suter, Paris Batchelor (awarded best player) and Maeve Suter
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Sporting achievements SCSA Junior Netball Champions Undefeated SCSA Junior competition and overall competition winners. Congratulations to Nieve Tenni and Olivia Weeks who received the Most Valuable player awards.
School Girls Elite Senior Netball Silver medalists Congratulations to the Senior Netball team! Back L-R: Olivia Spence, Charlie Seivers, Rachel Watt, Maeve Donegan, Taylah Wright, Niamh Pilatti, Chloe Gray. Front L-R: Emily O’Brien, Kyra Athanitis, Matilda Blakey, Tess Budge and Sports Manager Stephanie Audley.
Back L-R: Sienna Pennell, Nieve Tenni, Aisha Nolan, Samantha Kirkright. Front L-R: Catherine Taylor, Olivia Weeks, Jessica Butter-worth, Charlotte Kerr, Ava Klaic.
National Aerobics Championships
Sports Leadership Day After a great day surfing at Urquharts Bluff, a Leadership Workshop was held for Sports Leaders to connect and discuss their strengths and ways to go forward as leaders and as a team. “Make your come backs stronger than your setbacks.” - Grace Turner (Year 12) The day consisted of everyone coming together as one rather than our individual friendship groups as well as learning new leadership skills and teamwork skills.
Congratulations to our National Aerobics team for finishing 4th in Australia at the Gold Coast Aeroschools championships. L-R: Mia Ritter, Tiarna Graham, Kate Nayler, Amy Channon.
Back L-R: Emily O’Brien, Maddy Brancatisano, Lily Timmons, Catherine Fairlie, Georgia Kerr, Taylah Wright, Chloe Gray. Front L-R: Alex Timewell, Holly Spooner, Tilly Blakey, Ruby Lam, Shania John, Grace Turner and Ruby Suter.
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The Collegian
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Sporting achievements CLC 4th Annual Interschool Dressage Day Many families arrived from across the State for the 8:30 am Saturday Dressage Test which began the annual CLC Interschool Dressage Day. Our riders presented beautifully with plaited horses and polished boots, looking professional and well represented in the final presentations. Winners received embroidered rugs donated by our major sponsor, Jellis Craig Real Estate, Greensborough and Reserve winners enjoyed the embroidered saddle blanket bridle bags, donated by Hurstbridge Saddlery. Other placegetters received blue and gold CLC rosettes. “We really enjoy the CLC Dressage Day, it’s always so calm and friendly with great prizes.” - Competitor CLC Equestrian Team sincerely thank the parents, past riders and staff who, as always, contributed hugely to the success of this event. Many thanks also to Sue Turner for the great competitors show bags and to Equestrian Co-Captains, Cassie Bebbington and Grace Turner who helped the day run smoothly.
CLC Dressage competitor Molly Hunter (Year 12)
CLC Synergy Cheerleading Huge congratulations to “CLC Synergy” cheer leaders who placed 2nd at the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF) State Finals at Melbourne Sports and Athletics Centre.
Back L-R: Ciara McNamara, Lillian Nikias, Casey Treloar-Aguis, Ciara Towell, Maddie McVeigh, Georgia McKay, Brianna Gonella, Matilda Mee, Nina Reagan, Alexandra Timewell Front L-R: Alyssa Miller, Bianca Gaggiono, Ruby Dyson, Maria Paragas, Tahlia Di Berardino, Charlotte Tomada, Charli Long
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Vale Sr Patricia Nunan rsc
“Fond memories of a dynamic woman ahead of her time.” L-R: Anne Marie Harrison (CLC 1976 Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Institute of Sport), Anna Clarke (CLC 1980 Director of Human Resources - Private Hospital Division St Vincent’s Health Australia and CLC Board Member), Sr. Patricia Nunan (who was the proud Principal of these Alumnae) and Lara Poloni (CLC 1986 Chief Executive of AECOM - the largest global design, engineering and construction services firm) at the Women in Leadership Forum 2017. Sr Patricia Nunan was Principal of Catholic Ladies’ College from 1979 to 1986 and, in more recent years, a member of the CLC Board of Directors. She was also Principal at our sister school, St Columba’s College where she had attended as a student. Sr Patricia was a strong, faith filled, good humoured and nononsense woman who always had the best interests of students and families at heart, especially those in challenging situations. She had a wonderful memory, which honoured the stories of all the people with whom she had connections. We are grateful for the life and example of Sr Patricia and for the legacy she has left behind - one that has shaped our CLC community over the years and which will continue to do so into the future. A number of Catholic Ladies’ College Senior Captains, Board and staff members, current and past students attended Sr Patricia’s funeral. Current students formed a Guard of Honour at the conclusion of a beautiful celebration for a special woman, now
in the care of her God. Some reflections of Sr Patricia Nunan from alumnae that were posted on the College Facebook page: “Lovely memories of Sr Patricia playing tennis with us in the CLC Old Collegians’ Tennis Team. She was a keen player with a great overhead (run for your life!) and ran everything down. We had so much fun, and I always enjoyed catching up with her at CLC events. RIP dear Patricia.” “RIP Sr Patricia, you were a fabulous leader and set high standards for your students and teachers that made for a wonderful school under your leadership.” “I have many fond memories of Sister Pat and have no doubt she was disappointed with the Bombers on Anzac Day. She always had a dig at Dad about the Pies but she was a good sport. She went up the street in a Collingwood jumper and bought fish and chips for our class to raise funds for Charity. Rest In Peace Sister Pat.” “Fond memories of a dynamic woman ahead of her time.”
Never afraid to lend a hand, Sr Patricia making mudbricks with parents and staff for the CLC RE Centre, mid 1980’s 30
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Alumnae News Vale
Save the Dates
Let us remember in our prayers our deceased Old Collegians and their families, in particular:
Class of 1969 50 Year Reunion Saturday, 16 March 2019
Judith Coghlin (nee Hickey, CLC 1940)
Old Collegians’ Remembrance Mass Saturday, 10 November, 2018 at 10:30am in the Sr Una McAllister Centre
Jean Whelan (nee Downey, CLC 1952) Mary Walsh (nee Busch, CLC 1952) Catherine Mortell (nee Foley, CLC 1953) Isabel Giuffrida (nee Adams, CLC 1958) Christine Murphy (nee Woollard, CLC 1967) Elizabeth Rodgers (nee Carr, CLC 1966)
For further details please contact: Marianne Roberts, Alumni Coordinator Email: clcalumni@clc.vic.edu.au or phone 9439 4077
Staff: Sr Patricia Nunan, Principal CLC 1979 – 1986 and member of the Catholic Ladies’ College Board of Directors Cedric Baker, CLC staff 1987 – 1994. Sr Eileen Duffy, CLC staff 1960’s-mid 70’s
Farewell from Marianne Roberts
Join CLC Connect today to maintain connections, renew old friendships, explore events or become a mentor. www.connect.clc.vic.edu.au
During my time as Alumni Co-ordinator it has been a privilege to have connected with many East Melbourne CLC former students as well as the 70s and 80s girls at Eltham plus those who have been at CLC during my time as a teacher. These relationships have all been very special. I have loved organising your reunions, sharing your memories and hearing your stories - both as students and post CLC. You are all such a wonderful source of information which contributes to the fabric that is unique to CLC’s story. Thank you for your knowledge, your contributions to the life of the College, your interest and your friendship. This is what I will miss the most when I retire at the end of this year. For me, it has been an enriching journey. Thank you. My very best wishes and may God bless you all. Marianne Roberts Alumnae Coordinator Sr Josephine Cannell with Marianne Roberts
Teacher and Pupil Sr Elizabeth Costigan (CLC 1953) with Sr Josephine Cannell Sr Elizabeth was taught by Sr Josephine (formerly Sr Luigi) in Form 1 at CLC East Melbourne in the late 1940s. Earlier this year Sr Josephine celebrated her 100th birthday with the Sisters of Charity, friends and family. What a wonderful and remarkable achievement! Congratulations and a belated Happy Birthday Sr Josephine.
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Celebrating achievement
Alexandria Phillips (CLC 2009) Lifestyle Choice Hustle hard, they said. So, I did …… and the result? Within the space of nine months. I had gone from being promoted…. to burning out…… to quitting my job. Rewind to the beginning of 2017. I had settled into my newly appointed position at a digital marketing agency, doing some pro bono work on the side and, ironically, trying to get a Lifestyle and Wellness blog off the ground. As one could predict, spending every waking hour glued to a screen and essentially clocking the equivalent of two full time jobs. Without sufficient time to recharge, this sent me down the painful path of burnout and took a huge toll on both my physical and mental health.
for progress and achievement, but subscribing to a culture that demands personal sacrifice over personal wellbeing is not the answer. Having played the ‘hustle game’ for some time, I understood the motivation behind it. We buy into the myth that we will reach our goals sooner if we just push ourselves a little harder and crank up the speed, painfully ignorant of the burnout footprint we’re leaving on our physical and mental state. My episode of burnout was an epic wakeup call and the catalyst for turning my life around. I stopped using busy as an excuse and started prioritising my wellbeing. Finally, in October 2017, I mustered up the courage to hand in my resignation in pursuit of a new mission, one that genuinely excites me, even on a Monday morning. Yep, I found the cure to Mondayitis!
Fortunately, I started questioning everything - you could call it a quarter life crisis of sorts. I quickly realised that hustling aggressively and sidelining my health was the epitome of selfdestruction and, with a few more decades before retirement was even an option, it was no longer a lifestyle I wanted to participate in, or endorse.
Fuelled by a passion to spread the message of self-care, my partner and I decided to launch Saint Belford. Our mission was to create lifestyle and wellness tools that empower you to design, build and live the life you want, without compromising physical and mental wellbeing in the process — a message that is so easily forgotten.
Putting in the hours is necessary
To champion this message and empower
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others to make more mindful choices, we reinvented the diary and created a Lifestyle Curator. In addition to traditional diary elements, there is dedicated space for scheduling self-care into the daily routine, planning weekly menus, setting and tracking goals, curating habits that support your intentions and weekly drawing boards for mind mapping and brainstorming purposes. As strong mental health advocates, Saint Belford is proudly donating a percentage of the profits to Beyond Blue and R U OK? two nonprofit organisations that are very close to our hearts. Regardless of whether you are a parent, student or deep in the corporate world, the same message applies. Slow down and put yourself at the very top of your to-do list. Making your health a #1 priority and checking in with yourself on a daily basis is the single most beneficial thing you can do for yourself and those around you. As Jim Rohn (author and motivational speaker) famously said, “Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live.” Alexandria Phillips (CLC 2009) Co Founder www.saintbelford.com.au
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I've done, but, in my late 40s, there developed a restlessness and desire that conventional job roles could not fill for any length of time.
Jeanette White (nee West CLC 1983) Enduring friendship and a shared lifelong passion
I left my comfortable career for a life of self-employment and Wise Women Ride was born. It is a passion business built around horses and people and adventurous journeys - both geographic journeys and deep inner journeys.
1983 seems like a long time ago and yet, like only yesterday. If only I knew then what I know now! Such as…….that career paths are not always linear, friendships have their seasons and life is full of unlimited opportunities for adventure when you make space for creativity. In June 2017, I led a group of women from Australia and NZ on a trip of selfdiscovery to a remote horse and cattle ranch in Montana USA. Seven women, 14 days, laughter, tears, sore legs and backsides, new friendships...and for me, a reacquainting with the old and familiar. A horse-centred adventure to the USA in 2017 was the first step for me in setting up my passion business Wise Women Ride, combining my skills in facilitation, leadership, horsemanship and my love of travel. One of the many unexpected pleasures this experience brought was reconnecting with my school friend, Gerlinde Watson. Gerlinde and I met in 1978 when we started at CLC in Form 1. We had much in common, staying friends ever since…….40 years! One of my favourite school memories is the day we were in the chapel (now Room 4) and the priest got too close to the candle behind him and caught on fire! Gerlinde was the first to notice and started hitting him with her school jumper to put out the flames on his back! At first, we were shocked and thought she had gone mad, but really, she was brave and showed great leadership, qualities she still holds today. When I asked her recently about this incident - to check I hadn't dreamt it - she replied, "Yes it was me! I even ended up with a hole burnt in my school jumper that day!" Many times our lives have entwined and intersected, however, there have been occasions when we barely connected. After HSC we kept in close contact despite living in different parts of the state and there being no mobile phones or email! We wrote letters and took
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Gerlinde heard about my new venture and reached out to me, signing up for the 2017 trip. Our lives intersected once again.
any opportunity to visit one another on the horse farms where we worked. We travelled together on a bus for a Queensland holiday after Gerlinde was involved in a terrible car crash and had to learn to walk again. We loved one another’s passion, intellect and sense of fun. We just clicked. I admired her tenacity - recovering from her horrendous injuries was no easy journey.
Gerlinde and I both live on farms, she in WA and me in Victoria. We both still have horses and ride regularly. We love to travel and drink fine wine. We love talking about the deeper things in life and laughing about all the silly things we've done along the way. We have a lifelong love of learning and challenge ourselves to seek deeper meaning in our lives. Gerlinde always hoped I would move to WA and be a horse Vet. I always hoped she would come back to Victoria. I guess we will just have to keep finding excuses to catch up somewhere in between.
Over time, life got in the way. Gerlinde moved to WA to go to University, studying business and finance and forging a career in the corporate sector, her horses assigned to hobby status in her life. Likewise, I entered medical research, working at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute before travelling and working in a molecular genetics lab in the USA. On my return to Australia in '89 I commenced a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne Uni before being accepted two years later into a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, an accomplishment that I am particularly proud of, given that my HSC results fell well short of this target. I was married during this time and started a family, moving to country Victoria to pursue my veterinary career, which lasted 12 years. I then went on to work for the Victorian State Government in community and economic development roles, studying a Certificate in Training and Assessment and a Diploma in HR Management along the way. I have loved everything
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Celebrating achievement Gianna Cortese (nee Bragagnolo, CLC 1987) Thanks to CLC and the opportunity to camp out at Ayres Rock on a school trip, Gianna came down with a bad case of “travel bug.” After completing year 12 in 1987 she travelled Australia extensively as a backpacker and upon settling down began to share her love of this big amazing country with her husband and four children. After a unanimous family vote they all relocated to Broome. The Cortese family now own and operate two businesses from Broome: Kimberley Information & Travel Centre www.kimberleylocal.com.au Compare Kimberley Cruises www.comparekimberleycruises.com.au L-R Gianna Cortese and her twin daugthers Rachel and Larissa
They would love to share their love and knowledge of the Kimberley with fellow CLC students, both past and present, and their families. Gianna is offering excellent exclusive deals on tours, accommodation and Kimberley cruises. Well…..what are you waiting for?
Glenys McDonald AM (nee Kennedy CLC 1961) This year, March the 12th and March 16th respectively, commemorated the ten year anniversary of discovering the wrecks of the WW11 German Raider HSK Kormoran and the mighty HMAS Sydney in waters 2500m deep and 112 nautical miles off the coast at Shark Bay Western Australia. Glenys McDonald, (Director of the former Finding Sydney Foundation) who raised funds and put the search together, was privileged to be on board the search vessel during the location and filming of both wrecks. Glenys has written two books on HMAS Sydney - the first, ‘Seeking the Sydney: A Quest for Truth’ (2005) and the latest, a memoir about the search, ‘Finding HMAS Sydney’ (2016). Her love of history came from Sister Una McAllister’s history lessons!
Front row L-R Commander Bob Trotter OAM, Glenys McDonald Back row L-R Ted Graham AM, Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Russ Shalders, Keith Rowe
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Glenys has led a full and busy life with a varied career as a trained nurse and midwife, sports administrator, caravan park proprietor, health professional and local government executive. From 2004 until 2007 she was a full time carer for her husband who suffered dementia. Since 1994 Glenys has been a Justice of the Peace and in 2001 she was awarded an Order of Australia AM for her work in establishing Masters Swimming both within Australia and internationally. Glenys has also been the recipient of the Australian Sports Medal and the Centenary Medal.
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Bianca Garzia (CLC 2006) After following in the footsteps of her parents when she set her sights on teaching, Bianca graduated in 2006. Now a primary school teacher of 8 years, Bianca has taken on another passion, writing, and has brought this to life in her self-published poetry collection, ‘Labyrinth Love.’ She began journalling and soon started an Instagram where she shared her poems and this grew into a mass worldwide following. She set herself a goal to write and self-publish a book which was achieved mid-year. Her poetry captures heartache, self-love and growth through powerful imagery and description. Her words advocate for mental health awareness and encourage others to see they are not alone in this world. To take a look, follow @lessonsinlust101.
Catherine Falalis (CLC 2010) From the age of 12, all Catherine wanted was to become a journalist and this dream was further encouraged in her English and literature classes. However, it was her media classes with Mr Tod that she will never forget. His passion for the industry and dedication to his students has stayed with her to this day. Catherine’s Year 11 work experience was at The Herald & Weekly Times and she was Chief Editor of the College annual, Caritas, in Year 12.
Catherine Falalis interviewing the CEO of the Malaysian Timber Council at the Export Furniture Exhibition in Kuala Lumpar
Catherine credits the encouragement and support of her CLC teachers with gaining her Bachelor of Journalism at La Trobe University. She has since worked as magazine publisher at Universal Magazines, editor and ad production manager. Catherine is currently editor of the online furniture journal – www.furnishinginternational.co and has traveled to Shanghai, Singapore and Kuala Lumpar to report on various furnishing exhibitions. She has also started her own copywriting business – Content Savvy (www.instagram.com/contentsavvy ) managing the copy and social media accounts for numerous wellness and lifestyle brands. “I just wanted to pass on my sincere thanks to the staff at CLC for nurturing our individual talents and always inspiring us to follow our dreams. If it weren’t for the foundation of academic excellence that CLC prides itself on, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today! Please pass on my sincere thank you to the school”
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Celebrating achievement Brigette Duckworth (College Co-Captain 2012) Brigette Duckworth was this year’s recipient of the Rotary Club of Melbourne’s Young Achievers Award, for her scientific research and lifetime community contribution and for the incredible fundraising efforts she championed last year. Brigette raised $18,000 for Creuzfeldt Jacobs Disease (CJD) research in memory of her mother and CLC staff member, Mrs Jennifer Duckworth (dec). As a research student since 2014, Brigette has studied the immune system at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute whilst completing a Bachelor of BioMedicine at the University of Melbourne. In 2016, Brigette completed a successful Honours year at WEHI where she was awarded First Class Honours for her thesis on how immune memory is established to protect from recurrent infection. This information will allow the identification of new targets for the strategic design of vaccines and therapies for infectious and inflammatory diseases. In addition to academic success, Brigette has always been passionate about giving back to the community. Throughout her time at CLC she was engaged in social justice and fundraising for multiple local and international causes.
Jennifer D’Costa (CLC 1978)
“I’m really honored to receive this award, as not only an acknowledgement of my medical research but also of our family’s efforts to raise funds and awareness in memory of our beautiful mum Jenny. We will continue to support the incredibly important work that the CJD Support Group Network and all of the CJD research labs do every day to help families and loved ones of those with CJD. This award has really inspired me to continue to work towards my goals of completing my PhD in immunology, and to also persist in advocating for CJD research.”
Upon leaving CLC Jennifer became an Environmental Scientist, having obtained a BSc and PhD in Microbiology. Following the birth of a son in 1993 and a daughter in 1997, Jennifer retired from the field of science to better look after her children; it was then she started a boutique hospitality business on her property at Phillip Island. In the past two years she has set up a small business in Premium Teas, the Taprobane Tea Company. The striking logo of the Taprobane Tea Company is the native leopard of Sri Lanka. Jenny and her company are deeply concerned about the endangered status of the Sri Lanka leopard and regularly donate to the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust, which funds the Leopard Project in Sri Lanka. Thanks to Jennifer, the Catholic Ladies’ College staff and mothers who attended the Year 8 and 9 Mothers’ Day Breakfast enjoyed some of the teas she gifted to the College. For a full list of teas and stockists please visit http://www. taprobanetea.com.au/
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Dr Nicola FitzGerald (CLC 1997) Obstetrician and gynaecologist Over the last decade or so I have had some incredible experiences in the Pacific Islands, working, training and teaching in the local hospitals and community clinics. Each time I go I am overwhelmed by the generosity and cheerfulness of the people, the beauty of the landscape, but also by the differences in resources between Australia and the Pacific Island countries. There have been wonderful experiences working with women in the Pacific – sharing with them the births of their new babies, performing surgeries, looking after them for pregnancy care and performing their pap smears. I have also had the privilege of teaching junior doctors, midwives and other health professionals and many friendships have been made along the way. Unfortunately, the lack of resources has also meant that I have had some very sad experiences that will stay with me forever. One of the most confronting women’s health issues throughout the Pacific is the high rate of women dying from cervical cancer. Fijian women have a 3% chance of developing cervical cancer in their lifetime. Due to lack of screening and treatment, Fijians who contract cervical cancer frequently die from the disease. This is completely different in Australia, where our screening and treatment program has almost completely eradicated the disease from our population. Fiji, and the other Pacific Islands, do not have the resources for cervical cancer screening and, because of this, most
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women only see a doctor after their cancer is too advanced for treatment. Personally, I have found it emotionally very difficult caring for these women knowing that if they were in Australia their health outcomes would have been so significantly different. Some of these women would present at the hospital with uncontrollable bleeding and their 6 small children in tow. I was so saddened that these young women were going to die in the near future from something so preventable, leaving their families without a mother and wife. Because of experiences like this in Fiji, I have successfully applied for a small amount of funding to pilot a cervical screening program in the Pacific nicknamed PICCSI: Pacific Island Cervical Cancer Screening Initiative. By screening women for the infection that causes cervical cancer (Human papillomavirus), we will be able to treat any who test positive on the same day, dramatically decreasing their risk of developing cancer in the future. My long term goal is to expand this service into other areas in the Pacific, so that women are able to access safe and free cervical cancer screening. However, help is always needed to support this initiative. Please visit the website piccsi.org for more information plus the link to our donation page. All donations are fully tax deductible. If anyone who has a nursing or medical background in women’s health would like to participate in this program please email nicola@piccsi.org. Postscript: Since writing this article Nicola has become a first time mum. Congratulations to Nicola and her husband Damian Watson and a warm welcome to their son, Thomas Patrick.
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Celebrating achievement in Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts (Melb University), where I studied the biomedical sciences as well as Philosophy and German. After gaining a better understanding of what I ultimately wanted to pursue, I transferred to an undergraduate medical degree and never looked back. This path is somewhat reflective of the post-graduate medical school entry that is current today. It also gives one the opportunity to experience widely what tertiary education has to offer before entering a course such as medicine that has a very definitive employment outcome. Whilst my entire university career spanned eight years, they include some of my most treasured memories. Through my medical training, I travelled to numerous locations both within Victoria, interstate and internationally and through these, formed solid friendships that last today. Graduating from medical school was just the beginning. After completing my mandatory intern year, I undertook a few years of residency in a major Melbourne trauma hospital, before entering the Australian anaesthetic training program. Over the next five years I sat for the mandatory two postgraduate exams and completed a cardiac anaesthetic fellowship. I was supported through this by a medical registrar whom I met in the hospital cafeteria and who now is my lovely husband.
Dr Andrea Bowyer (CLC Dux 1995) Consultant Anaesthetist at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Cabrini Health and Epworth Health When people ask me what I do for a living I smile. I am the person that calms a distressed patient, drifts them into unconsciousness, supports their life-essential physiological processes and then returns them to awareness when the time is right. If I do my job properly, people do not remember me. I am an anaesthetist. The aim of my secondary and early tertiary study was to choose subjects that maximised my future career options for as long as possible. After graduating dux from CLC (1995), I enrolled
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I have been a consultant anaesthetist since 2011. In the time since then I have established both private and public anaesthetic practices, have had two wonderful boys (3 ½ years and 20 months), have published in peer reviewed journals and am nearing completion of a PhD. Whilst I was not even aware of the existence of anaesthesia as an entity until after I graduated medical school, I am immensely grateful that it found me. Life is insanely busy and there is always the struggle to maintain work-life balance, but I find my work both professionally and personally rewarding. I am present at some of my patient’s most distressing moments, such as when their lives have been upturned by a trauma, but am in the privileged position of being able to provide emotional as well as physiological support. I also work as part of the whole perioperative team that comprises doctors, nurses and technicians, all of whom are essential to a successful patient outcome. My work friendships have been forged by many a 2:00am sit down over instant coffee in the theatre tea room during night shift, by a discussion in the anaesthetic office over a shared patient experience or a Friday night drinks after a particularly difficult patient outcome. Whilst I have put much of myself into medicine, it has given me much in return. My advice to those embarking on the initial stages of choosing a career is to remember that the scenic route is often the road best travelled. If you are one of the rare people that truly knows exactly what you want to do ‘when you grow up’, then this does not apply to you. However, for most of us we are initially faced with more of an inkling (however vague) of what interests us. We may also have supposedly competing interests between which we are torn. There is immense pressure to ‘choose right’ when aiming for post-secondary school training. However, remember that most people have on average three career changes in their life. Remember, also, that there are possibilities out there that you are not even aware of. Good luck and remember to enjoy the ride!
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Memories Margaret Jenkins (nee Howard CLC 1946) Margaret attended CLC East Melbourne for two years, 1944 - 1945, where she studied for her Intermediate and Leaving certificates. These were post war years and due to the war effort, some adaptations to the College uniform were required. No stitched hats, tunics did not always have pleats because these used up too much fabric and the crest on the blazer pocket was printed on a patch of fabric and sewn on because embroidery used up too much thread. When Margaret left CLC, her hat and uniform, but not the blazer, went to a young girl whose father had been killed in the war. She was very aware of the war because many of her cousins and other family members were involved. Her own father had even served in WW1. Margaret was a diocesan scholarship student who attended a primary school which was part of St Mary’s parish in West Melbourne. This is where she was prepared for entry to Catholic Ladies’ College East Melbourne. Margaret travelled to school from Sunshine by train and tram. During those years the unions were dominated by members of the Communist party and she remembers times when sudden strikes were called by the transport unions making it difficult for her to get to school. Margaret was at CLC when Mother Frances Donovan was Principal and remembers the lovely Sr Gabrielle who taught English and Religion. Her favourite teacher was Miss Rush and Margaret loved being in her Mathematics classes. She also loved sport and was fond of Sr Austin who brought softball to CLC after a trip to the US. Sr Austin would hook her nun’s habit over her belt when demonstrating how to play. The basketball and tennis courts shared the same space and Margaret played tennis with a wide wooden racquet and softball with a skinny bat. Margaret only went to the beautiful convent for music practice before doing her exams and was most upset to learn that it had been demolished.
Encore21
We are very grateful to Margaret for donating her beautifully kept blazer to the College Archives. Thank you.
On August 25, Parade College celebrated 21 years of school productions by inviting previous cast and crew members from all their College productions to participate in Encore21 which was held in Melbourne’s oldest theatre, the beautiful Athenaeum. Together with a sixteen piece orchestra, songs from previous Parade productions were performed to an audience of 500 people. These included numbers from Grease, Les Misérables, West Side Story and Pirates of Penzance. Three CLC former students, Gabrielle Hatty (nee Cosgriff, CLC 1997), Christine Sosnowski (nee Dixon CLC 1999) and Britanny D’Silva (CLC 2007) participated in this memorable celebration. Gabrielle and Christine reunited for a duet of Where Is Love from Oliver, which they also performed together in the original Parade production. Brittany was a member of the ensemble and she spoke on behalf of all three CLC performers, saying “It was great to be invited back by Parade College, be creative and relive our youth once again!”
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Back L-R: Gabrielle Hatty and Britanny D’Silva Front: Christine Sosnowski
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A story to tell... Barbara Messier (nee Kolf CLC 1965)
Daughter Barbi arrived to weather the storm with us. Sunday, 27 August: Approximately 2:00am I awoke to a deafening roar akin to Niagara Falls. It was black outside and difficult to see the street below if not for a flicker of light from the street lamp. Rain was pouring and storm water pooling. At daybreak, the roar continued as the rain fell with full fury. Floodwater had accumulated in the street to several feet. It was too late – we were trapped in our home, our car locked in the garage. The hurricane and its fury had arrived earlier than expected. By this stage, our entire front garden had been swallowed up. There was still electricity, but, news reports showed the horror that was unfolding in all parts of the Houston area.
In August 2017 Barbara Messier (nee Kolf, CLC 1965), her husband Roger and two adult daughters were caught in a terrifying and extraordinary 1000 year flood in Houston Texas. The Houston County Flood Control District estimated that one trillion gallons of water was dumped on the County alone in four days. An estimated 136,000 structures/homes were flooded to unbelievable proportions with a death toll exceeding 70 lives. Hurricane Harvey was the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States to date. August 17 was the first day Harvey was mentioned on the news as a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico and reports issued stern warnings of what to expect. Barbara and her husband live at Lake at Stonehenge, a small gated community of 124 homes located south of Buffalo Bayou. Barbara’s Journal: Thursday, 23 August: Stocked up on ‘hurricane supplies’ - water, batteries, non-perishable food, ice and wine. Needed to be prepared to lose electricity and have a full tank of gas for the BBQ. By Friday evening all grocery store and hardware store shelves were empty. Saturday, 26 August: Meteorologists on every television channel worked shifts around the clock and the imminent danger of the storm was very clearly evident - it was time to bunker down.
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By approximately 10:00pm the floodwater had now infiltrated the garage and the wheels of the SUV were barely visible. It was time for action. Every piece of furniture, rugs, any belongings and precious items in the living area were carried to the highest point upstairs for safekeeping. Passports, birth certificates, medications, money and jewellery, plus a set of clothing for each of us, were packed into three backpacks. There was nothing left to do but wait for the morning light. Monday, 28 August: As the rain continued, its intensity never wavering, the floodwater reached new heights. Our garage, storage area and crawlspace were completely flooded to the subfloor. We had several steps before floodwater would reach the main living area’s front door. First responders were arriving in canoes and small boats were rescuing neighbors whose one-storey homes had already been swallowed up. Anxiety and panic started to rise. Then news came that our community would not be available for city emergency services until later that day due to a shortage of boats. What to do? Luckily, friends came to our rescue with a very large red canoe. It was time to go and tears of terror mingled with joy were shed as we carefully boarded. Along with an elderly neighbor we were eventually brought to higher ground quite a distance away, close to the bridge that crosses Buffalo Bayou to the north,
hoping to find a way to cross. Numbly, we stood there in the floodwater, looking at an impossible task. Rescue came out of nowhere when a ‘monster’ truck pulled up and a young Spanish couple shouted, ‘We can take two of you across the bridge!’ With Roger and our elderly neighbour on board, it took off, when suddenly, another ‘monster’ truck arrived and another young Spanish couple came to the rescue. As the trucks crossed the bridge they left an image of massive waves spilling high into the air in all directions. Approaching the North side we saw our son-in –law standing in waist-high water waiting for our arrival. Thank God we were safe. There were tears, warm blankets, hot showers and a safe high, dry home with our daughter Wanda waiting for us. Those two young Spanish couples continued to rescue people, driving back and forth over the bridge all day, uniting families. We do not know their names, we only know that many angel wings were earned by the brave first responders who selfishly gave their all to rescue and comfort so many victims of the flood.
Tuesday, 29 August: During the night several uncontrolled water releases had happened. Dams (built in the 1940s) were spilling over and presenting a real danger. The Corp of Engineers informed the Houston public that the release of floodwater into the bayou from these dams had been increased tenfold to millions of gallons overnight and would
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potentially flood homes that had not been flooded by Hurricane Harvey. By noon that day, news spread quickly that our surrounding neighborhoods, north and south along the Buffalo Bayou, were flooding fast and furious. People were in shock. The water was filling the streets through the sewer system and there was no time to gather items, no time to leave by car. The floodwater was rising quickly, invading homes and destroying anything in its path. The West Houston Energy Corridor District was now trapped within a raging river.
high levels but not high enough to enter their home - we finally had a place to stay.
Once the initial shock was accepted, work to recover began immediately. The initial tasks were the worst - cleaning what we could whilst wearing full safety gear to protect from the toxic residue. We were lucky as we had flood insurance and a few days later contractors took over the recovery process. Our house had actually sat in ten feet of water, subfloor to the living area was soaked for two weeks.
By the afternoon the worst was happening – we were now caught up in the water release disaster. Wednesday, 30 August: By 2:00 AM it was time to evacuate for the second time. Water had filled many of the streets in the neighborhood and the worst was expected. We quickly gathered some belongings, plus Cookie the family Shitsu, and loaded the truck and SUV. By noon, we hoped that the water release would stop, that the floodwater would subside, and we could return, but, that did not happen. We needed to leave the Houston area. For eight days we stayed at a hotel in Boerne, Texas in the Texas Hill Country (just outside of San Antonio) – five hours drive from Houston to wait out the aftermath of the hurricane.
us hard. Furniture, pictures on the walls, everything had been scarred by Harvey. Inside the garage and storage area, there was nothing to save. The car was a total loss, everything in the storage area destroyed.
Sunday, September 10th: News spread quickly that the floodwater at Lake at Stonehenge had receded during the night and the City of Houston allowed homeowners to return to the area. We were unsure what to expect. Based on previous reports and photos from friends and neighbors our community had suffered extensive damage. Water levels had reached 10 to 15 feet at the entry gate and our home was the third left from the gate. City of Houston warned all residents and first responders to wear extensive clothing, masks, gloves and boots as the water residue was toxic.
For almost six weeks our area looked like a war zone. Debris, sheetrock, home appliances – anything and everything a home consisted of, lay in the street piled high to the rooftops. Sunday, September 17th: Our daughter Barbi was finally able to return to her temporary housing townhome only to find most everything had been lost. She left with only her suitcases, looking forward to a new beginning It has been an emotional journey – a difficult recovery and will take years for the community to recover. Many homes will be torn down and rebuilt – many will sell and move on. Time will heal, memories will fade – all will be “OK.”
Based on this warning, we loaded up all the necessary supplies and headed home. Our emotions were raw – anxiety, nervousness, tears of joy and sorrow all rolled into one.
Thursday, 7 September: Finally our daughter Wanda received word that water in her neighborhood was subsiding and we could return to Houston. To our great joy the floodwater had reached
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As we turned through the Entry Gate we saw neighbors standing in shock and disbelief, their emotions clearly visible. It was overwhelming – everywhere you turned was the same – black slime, slush, debris, anything the floodwater carried was now resting at our feet. The smell of sewerage and rot consumed the air. Our beautiful garden had been destroyed – except the elephant ears in the yard which stood high and proud, as if welcoming us home. Upon opening the front door our immediate reaction was relief, but then the thick heavy moisture and stench hit
Barbara and her husband Roger
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60 year reunion Leaving Class of 1957
Form 5 (Leaving) Class of 1957 celebrating a reunion at the Park Hyatt in December 2017. A wonderful occasion - the sharing of so many memories and friendships made long ago. Thank you to Sr Cathy Meese for organising this event.
50 year reunion Class of 1968
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40 year reunion Class of 1978
20 year reunion Class of 1998
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10 & 5 year reunion Classes of 2013 & 2008
18 month reunion Class of 2016
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Baby Congratulations Anna Bolmat (CLC 1995)
Kara Jackson (nee Lapadula CLC 2005)
Lisa Matthews (nee Thomas CLC 2001)
Emil Bolmat arrived safe and sound late 2017 to proud parents Philipp Hammes and Anna Bolmat, a senior advisor to the COAG Education Council.
The arrival of son Harvey, born late last year was a joy for new parents, school teacher Kara and her husband Dave Jackson.
Late 2017 school teacher Lisa Matthews and her husband Glen proudly welcomed a daughter, Amelia Ellen, a new little sister for Quinn.
Nikita Frayne (nee Walsh, 2003) Nikita and husband Nick welcomed their second son Asher, a little brother for son Marley. Nikita runs her own Graphic Design business.
Rachel Enright (nee Khaw CLC 2008) Lenny Bao-Shan, first baby for Stuart and design engineer Rachel Enright (nee Khaw CLC 2008) was welcomed with much love, September 2017. Rachel Redden (nee Netto CLC 1997, Performing Arts Captain) Rachel and Steve Redden are now the proud parents of two beautiful daughters Jayda (2) and baby Asha.
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Jacinta Patti (nee Ortega CLC 2005)
Brooke Ryan (CLC 1998)
Earlier this year, Infection and Immunity researcher, Jacinta Patti and her husband Matthew welcomed their beautiful daughter Zoe Maree.
Oliver (Ollie) William, first child for Brooke Ryan and Blake Clancy was welcomed into the world earlier this year. Brooke is a HR Business Partner for Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
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Weddings Congratulations and best wishes to our Alumnae who have recently been married Charlotte Virgo (CLC 2005) and Tim Wallace Charlotte Virgo and Tim Wallace were married at The Farm in the Yarra Valley. Charlotte was attended by her sister Elizabeth (CLC 2000). Many of Charlotte’s CLC friends were there to celebrate this happy occasion with the bride and groom.
Above L-R: Friend Stacey Whittingham, and CLC 2005 girls - Imogen Christou, Phoebe Spalding, Jessica Buhagiar, Stephanie Audley, bride Charlotte Virgo, Emily George, Hayley Corr (nee Ryan), Jo Ryan-Lamb and Renee Torcasio
Siobhan Donovan (CLC 2006) and Danny Jones Siobhan Donovan (CLC 2006) and Danny Jones were married at Campbell Point House on the Bellarine Peninsula. Videographer Siobhan, was attended by a large bridal party which included her two sisters Shannon (CLC 2010) and Brighid (CLC 2014).
Kate Cleeve (CLC 2005) and Chris Sullivan Interior design consultant and residential building estimator Kate Cleeve (CLC 2005) married Chris Sullivan at the beautiful Daly Waters garden estate chapel on the Mornington Peninsula.
Above: Siobhan with her sisters Shannon (L) and Brighid (R)
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Weddings Dr Siobhan McGuinness (CLC 2003) and Ronan Daly La Bastide des Barattes Provence, in the south of France, was the beautiful setting last year for the marriage of anaesthetist Siobhan
McGuiness (CLC 2003 College Sports Captain) and Irishman, Ronan Daly. Siobhan was attended by her sister Caitlyn (CLC 2007) who was maid of honour, her cousin Stacey Maden and good friend Jessica Legg (nee Bearzatto CLC 2004).
L-R: Shane Liddy, Jessica Legg, Groom Ronan Daly, Bride Siobhan McGuinness, Peter Daly (Best Man), Stacey Maden, Seán Óg Daly and Caitlyn McGuinness (Maid of Honour)
Laura Poole (CLC 2003) and Shannyn Jeffreys Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula, was the setting for the marriage of teacher Laura Poole (CLC 2003) to Shannyn Jeffreys. The bride was attended by Samantha Smith (CLC 2003) who flew
in from Chongqing in China, where she is also currently working as a teacher, and friend Anna Rowe whom she met whilst studying at Australian Catholic University. Many close friends from CLC celebrated with the happy couple.
L-R: Rebecca Lucas, Ineke Waller, Lauren Turville (O’Sullivan), Samantha Smith, Laura Jeffreys (Poole), Siobhan McKenna, Sarah Wickham, Sarah Love (Woon), Leah Wigmore (Busuttil) and Penny Phillips, all class of 2003.
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THE COLLEGIAN Catholic Ladies’ College 19 Diamond Street Eltham Victoria 3095 Phone: +61 3 9439 4077 Facsimile: +61 3 9431 1157 www.clc.vic.edu.au