Clippings - Special Edition

FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

Some key highlights include celebrating Craig Fielke's recent appointment at executive director of LESNW (Lutheran Education SA, NT and WA), supporting a parent/ caregiver and student survey, review of our Masterplan, setting fees and budget for 2023 and outworking opportunities at Aston Hills.

It is with mixed emotions that we congratulate Craig on his recent appointment as Executive Director of LESNW. Craig’s appointment is a testament to his skills and experience, both of which we are grateful for him to provide in service of the College.

To find our next Principal, the board have created a selection panel and commenced advertising. Applications close on Monday, 7 November and will be followed by the selection process. I would like to thank those in the community who have offered their support and prayers to the board and selection panel.

During 2022 our Pastoral representative Fin Klein resigned, the board is grateful for Fin’s service. In doing so Fin ensured governance ensures our Christian beliefs remain at our core. The board is looking at a replacement Pastor for this important College board position.

This year the College engaged MMG to conduct a parent/ caregiver and student survey. This process was valuable and the results will be useful as we continue to nurture the College services.

We also understand the importance our community places on facilities and the board have reviewed the Masterplan for near term capital projects. This is supported by the masterplan for Cornerstone 2020-2030.

Setting fees and budgets are a key area of responsibility of the board, we are supported by a dedicated finance committee. The board balances the need for sustainable finances and the delivery of high quality services that our parents/caregivers and students value.

In addition to Cornerstone’s land on Adelaide Road, we have ownership of 12 hectares of land at Aston Hills. The board continues to outwork opportunities for the land and are actively reviewing potential opportunities for how this land can be sustainably developed. This process includes a stakeholder engagement workshop, an external strategic project manager, engagement of consultants and continued governance reviews. This land prevents a wonderful opportunity for the community and we are grateful for the generosity of Marty and Betty Liebelt in their donation of the land.

I would like to thank the community of Cornerstone College for their support over 2022. I would also like to thank the staff of Cornerstone for their continued support of the College and the strategy.

As a board we are glad for the opportunity to serve the College at this level and we look forward to a prosperous 2023.

Lucas Marsh Cornerstone College Board Chair

2022 HAS BEEN A BUSY YEAR FOR THE BOARD OF CORNERSTONE COLLEGE.

“As a board we are glad for the opportunity to serve the College at this level…”

FROM

THE PRINCIPAL

WHAT OR HOW?

‘Little did either of us then dream of what was to spring from so small a beginning.’ – Mary MacKillop 1891

As I write this reflection, it has been just over a fortnight since I, along with my fellow inaugural “Lutheran principal pilgrims”, completed the Aussie Camino. A fortnight on, I have one physical reminder of the trip of slightly tired feet and numerous spiritual and leadership insights.

As I wandered around the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre on our last day of The Aussie Camino, it was both enlightening and inspiring to reflect upon the story where Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods made their dream a reality. Woven within this dream and the subsequent journey, was the culture and values inherent in Mary’s upbringing and heritage.

As one storyboard succinctly expressed, the way in which Mary lived out her values was reflected in Mary’s:

• Deep spirituality and trust in God

• Love of family and regard for friends

• Sense of social justice and compassion

• Belief in consensus and cooperation

• Respect for the dignity of the individual

• Spirit of Independence

• Charity to all regardless of religion, race or culture.

Throughout Mary McKillop’s extraordinary life, she consistently lived out her values and built a culture in her Josephite Order of being welcoming, inclusive and compassionate.

“Culture opens the sense of beauty".

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this edition of Clippings, you will be able to read the varied and wonderful stories and journeys of a number of Cornerstone College graduates. Whilst I am confident that their time at Cornerstone has played an important part in what they are now doing in their lives, I am ever more hopeful that Cornerstones College has influenced how they live their lives, and that it expresses the values we share, express and practice as part of the culture of Cornerstone College.

This will be my final reflection in Clippings as Principal of Cornerstone College before I undertake a new role as Executive Director of Lutheran Education of SA, NT and WA. It has been a privilege and honour to serve Cornerstone College over the last almost 11 years and I have many fond and enduring memories of my time as Principal. Cornerstone is a wonderful community and I leave in the knowledge that God’s story will continue to be told in and through the learning, support and care that is central to the College’s mission.

My children (Hamish, Charlie and Lucy), Celia and I have been wonderfully blessed by our experiences at Cornerstone and I have deeply valued the support and trust the community has consistently shown in my leadership.

Craig Fielke Principal

CONGRATULATIONS TO STUDENTS IN THE CLASS OF 2021 ON THEIR PERSONAL AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

It is a privilege to share with you a very brief snapshot of the excellent results of the Class of 2021.

I am extremely proud of the efforts and resolve of our Year 12 students, and their capacity to navigate the ebb and flow of the challenges, disappointments and adjustments made due to COVID-19 over the last few years.

I would also like to thank the dedicated and professional staff, and acknowledge the parents/caregivers of our students, whose guidance and care have been instrumental in their child/ren’s achievements.

We now turn our focus to the Class of 2022 who are currently completing their final assessments and exams.

BENJAMIN GAST

DUX with an ATAR of

ELLA SCHRAPEL PROXIME ACCESSIT with

an ATAR of

100 100 98.20 97.40

Benjamin Gast achieved an A grade for all subjects; Chemistry, Physics, Research Project and Specialist Mathematics in Year 12 and Mathematical Methods and English while in Year 11. He is planning to study a PhB Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) ― Science at ANU (Australian National University). This is an advanced science degree with an emphasis on flexibility for an Honours focus in Physics, Mathematics and Astrophysic s.

10 TOP ATAR RESULTS

Benjamin Gast 98.20 (Dux of the College)

Ella Schrapel 97.40 (A+ in Visual Arts, Proxime Accessit)

Liam Hinze 95.70

Sophie Ide 95.70 (A+ in English and Visual Arts)

Charlotte Treloar 95.40 (A+ in Drama and Visual Arts)

Gemma Klose 95.20

Samuel Reissenweber 93.85

Andrew Landon 93.70 (A+ in Research Project)

Lucy Kummerow 92.20

Charli Schultz 92.10

ADDITIONAL A+ STUDENTS

Akeera Chapman Outdoor Education and Research Project

Savannah Drake (Year 11) Workplace Practices

Courtney Eckert Research Project

Aimee Hacquoil (Year 11) Workplace Practices

Sophie Seppelt Tourism

Harry Vrabec-Lyons (Year 11) Research Project

Isaac Warhurst General Mathematics

Amelia Waters Drama

Macie Wheeler (Year 10) Workplace Practices

Ella-Bree Zobel (Year 11) Mathematical Methods

HILLS INTEGRATED LUTHERAN SCHOOLS (HILS)

Lutheran Education Adelaide Hills (LEAH) has recently undergone a brand refresh and the newly launched Hills Integrated Lutheran Schools (HILS) has emerged. The rebrand features the tagline Shared Place, Shared Purpose and perfectly articulates the shared location, relationship, resources, values and sense of community that HILS represents.

Lutheran Education continues to play an integral role within the Hills community and has done so since St Michael’s Lutheran Primary School was founded in 1839. Today, four Lutheran education schools support the demand for quality education in the Adelaide Hills for Foundation to Year 12.

HILS consists of St Mark’s Lutheran Primary School Mount Barker, Lobethal Lutheran Primary School, St Michael’s Lutheran Primary School Hahndorf and Cornerstone College Mount Barker. Together, HILS provide a seamless education experience where students are nurtured and encouraged, a holistic approach to learning is embraced and wellbeing and pastoral care are at the heart of everything they do.

The recent introduction and trialling of a new HILS bus service has now made it even easier for Adelaide Hills families to access quality education. The school bus network is exclusive to students of HILS and provides safe and reliable transport, to and from school, that is affordable, flexible, and convenient. Students can now

catch dedicated HILS buses through the new estates in Mt Barker, as well as outlying towns including Kanmantoo, Littlehampton, Nairne, Uraidla, Summertown, Piccadilly, Crafers, Stirling, Aldgate and Bridgewater.

Featuring an online booking system, families can book their child’s bus travel as little as 30 minutes before it’s needed – and monitor the bus in real time via the app to make drop offs and pick ups more convenient.

Hills Integrated Lutheran Schools (HILS)

ADOLESCENT SUCCESS MIDDLE YEARS SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE 2022

At Cornerstone College, one of our Strategic Intentions is to ‘Empower Innovative Teaching and Contemporary Learning’. Keeping up with current best practice in education is vitally important if we are to prepare our students for life beyond school in a world that is changing at an ever-increasing rate.

We are proud of the structures, pedagogies and methods of assessment that have been implemented at Cornerstone College over the last 5 years, that are in line with what is considered best practice. We are also proud to have recently been recognised for our hard work in this area, by the leading Middle Schooling Association in Australia known as Adolescent Success, as one of only 6 schools throughout Australia and New Zealand to be awarded their Middle Years School of Excellence.

This award was in recognition of the work achieved in the Middle School to:

• Implement a new structure at Year 8 that allows for Team Teaching and a deliberate focus on the Capabilities

• Establish a new Year 9 subject (Ignite), which uses Inquiry Learning as its foundational pedagogy

• Create and use Learning Progressions as an assessment method to highlight where students are at with their learning and their next steps of improvement.

This is all down to the hard-working, creative thinking and brave educators we have here at Cornerstone, who recognise that we don’t innovate just for innovation’s sake, we innovate and implement to allow our students to be prepared for an uncertain future and create positive change in their world.

Cornerstone has and continues to be at the forefront of innovation, and in 2014 introduced Year 7's as it expanded middle schooling in the College.

Cornerstone College has been recognised on a national level in 2019 by The Educator's Innovative Schools Awards and as a Middle Years school of excellence in 2022 by Adolescent Success and is considered an exemplary model to foster student learning and wellbeing. This recognition highlights the contemporary teaching and learning practices of Cornerstone's Middle School.

An integral part of the success of the Middle School is a commitment to ongoing development such as the College’s recent engagement and contribution to The Meta Praxis Project. This project has built capacity in learners, teachers and learning organisations to emphasise transversal 'capabilities', alongside knowledge-based disciplinary skills. At Cornerstone, Middle School teachers specifically focused on developing critical thinking in their subject areas and developing an assessment matrix and learning progression for critical thinking.

The annual Inter-House Athletics Carnival was held on Friday, 11 March on Morella Oval. With a new layout of the field thanks to the Mount Barker Little Athletics Club, student participation seemed to be at an all time high. However, it was Naturi’s efforts that enabled them to add another Athletics Shield to their ranks – winning for the eighth year in a row!

Final Scores:

1st: Naturi

2nd: Aroona

3rd: Battunga

4th: Moorak

The End of Term House Event (School to Summit) results are:

1st: Naturi

2nd: Moorak

3rd: Battunga

4th: Aroona

Below are the final results tallied over the past year (Term 4 2021 to Term 3 2022).

This result is the culmination of all extra-curricular activities from Academic Awards, Knockout Sports, Philosophy Club, 40 Hour Famine, Recycling and Instrumental Tuition.

It includes 146 different activities and 2,493 students who participated one or more times.

1st: Naturi

2nd: Battunga

3rd: Aroona

4th: Moorak

GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY

On Tuesday, 28 June our Year 7s hosted the annual Grandparents & Special Friends’ Day in inbarendi.

The Year 7s enjoyed the company of their Grandparents and Special Friends over an action-packed morning of entertainment, student performances and morning tea, followed by a student led tour of the College.

It was a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their learning and learning environment whilst spending quality time with their special guests.

Sheri Deboy Middle School Wellbeing Leader

YEAR 8 HERITAGE DAY

On Tuesday, 6 September we held our Year 8 Heritage Day, in person for the first time since 2019. It was a real pleasure to have a large number of guests come into Cornerstone to spend the morning in conversation with their young relatives and share in morning tea before having a tour around the College.

Heritage Day is a chance for students to spend some time in conversation with an older relative, discussing their guest’s past and learning more about their own heritage. Learning more about their own story.

I love Heritage Day! Being able to hear small snippets of the stories being told and the questions being asked as I wander around. We think it provides a rich time to just sit and chat about the past, and compare what life used to be like to what life is like today.

In my experience, the students find just as much pleasure and enjoyment in hearing the stories from the recent and distant past as the grandparents or guests find in telling them.

The students will take what they learned from their relative and craft their own historical fiction. It is not just a recount of the past, but a re-telling with imaginative embellishments allowed, but still based around some historical truth. We hope that when these pieces of writing are finished, the students will share them with their guest and family so they can see what their imagination has conjured up.

Rhett Fielke Middle School Learning Leader

On Friday, 16 September the Cornerstone Music Department was thrilled to hold, for the first time in three years, our celebrated Cabaret concert.

With the theme and tagline Sounds of the South − in joyful strains then let us sing and play, we had a focus on Australian composers and arrangers.

We were delighted to see performances from all of Cornerstone’s music ensembles throughout Middle and Senior School, with the opening act being a combined item featuring all of Cornerstone’s performing musicians playing the iconic Aussie anthem Down Under.

The Australian theme and focus was reflected in song choices from ensembles and décor used. Stunning Indigenous style artwork framing the stage and native flora as table centres, captured the Australian motif beautifully. Each table had a focus on a different rural SA town, and we made sure that no audience member left uneducated! The tables featured a description and history the town.

We were incredibly lucky to hear breathtaking (and theatrically entertaining) performances from our talented Year 12 soloists. The night’s special guests included local funk band Terry’s Pocket, who showed us virtuosic solos and incredible funk tunes, leaving all of inbarendi grooving out! It was wonderful to see the St Michael’s Primary choir perform, under the direction of Cornerstone’s Sophie Zerner. The evening began with pre-show entertainment from the new band, The Nineteenth Step, featuring Year 11 students Liam Carver, Sebastian Tonkin and Heidi Fopp

It felt amazing to have inbarendi alive with music once again, and this wouldn’t have happened without the work of our talented Communications & Engagement and Maintenance teams, phenomenal Music directors and our kind sponsors, Duttons and Beyond Bank

Thank you especially to my fellow Music Council Members and to Mr Anthony Janus, Mr Andrew Day and Ms Sophie Zerner for all their hard work and dedication and passion.

We cannot wait for Cabaret 2023!

Heidi Fopp Music Council 2022

We’ve been waiting a LONG time for this…

After months of rehearsals, the Year 12s took the stage for their production of Noel Coward’s 1941 beloved masterpiece, Blithe Spirit.

Blithe Spirit tells the tale of a haunting. A writer invites a clairvoyant to his home to conduct a seance for inspiration for his latest book but chaos ensues when she accidentally conjures up the ghost of his dead wife.

Working on this classic piece of theatre was a wonderful experience for the entire cast and crew. We were blessed with the most beautiful set, designed and constructed by

The performances were a hit and the audiences extremely receptive, loving the farce and comedy of this hilarious story. We loved bringing a bit of magic into the theatre and it was a fitting send off for our talented year 12 Drama students' final performance.

Kristen Doherty Drama Resource Manager

Cornerstone staff, Zoe Ferguson and Michael Stanbury and the costuming by Year 12 student Tiah Hough was absolutely exquisite.

In terms of labyrinth structure, there are 3 parts to the experience that parallel the life of Christian discipleship. First, the meandering walk into the labyrinth, which represents the spiralling complexities of human existence. The road is long and winding, but the opportunity exists for walkers of the labyrinth to let go of the things that bind and constrain them, through stillness, prayer, confession and meditation. The road in provides an invitation for Christ’s peace and forgiveness, as they draw closer to the centre of the labyrinth. Second, on arrival at the centre, walkers find themselves face to face with the cross, in the presence of the Christ who embraces them and restores them. This is a time for stillness, for listening, and an appreciation for the deep grace that the Gospel provides to individuals.

The walker’s time in the centre provides opportunity for thankfulness, as peace for the soul delivers the person in readiness for the final chapter of the journey.

Finally, the journey back out, once more a meandering trail that parallels the world we are returning to. On this leg of the journey, a sense of being sent is enjoyed, as the Spirit of Christ himself joins them on the journey, and empowers them for the highs and lows, the twists and turns, of life’s road ahead.

As walkers leave the labyrinth, a blessing may be offered as the final spiritual component of the journey, a gift from God to buoy the spirit in its return into the world. The labyrinth Prayer Garden will be located on the hillside adjacent to Morella Oval/changerooms. The area has been closed and construction will commence shortly.

Albert Gast Pastor

INBARENDI LANDSCAPE

A common reflection about Cornerstone College is the beautiful and natural campus. The significant trees (size, age and variety), native gardens, wetland and green spaces are quite unique.

Amongst our buildings and contemporary learning areas, there are a variety of outdoor spaces that are regularly used as learning environments and social places that students can gather in their breaks.

Another beautiful outdoor space has been completed and made available for our students.

The sloping area between Anakalypsi (Library) and inbarendi (gymnasium) has been developed into a tiered, outdoor space with Gabian wall finishes. It has a scenic outlook and features seating and landscaping. The plantings include crepe myrtles and a selection of grasses.

While Cornerstone has been blessed with this amazing location, the College is also blessed with very creative and clever grounds staff. They have designed and constructed this area to complement its stunning location. This includes the design and construction of the Gabian walls and outdoor furniture.

Prior to its development, this area was a thoroughfare for travelling from the library to the gym. With the vision of our Grounds Manager, Shane Hein, it is now an attractive and peaceful outdoor space that will be used for both learning and recreation.

JING SI LOU AND THE LOCKER SHED

Schools are dynamic learning communities that need innovative educational environments. Over the past year, progress has been made on the Master Plan with the redevelopment of Jing si lou and the construction of a new locker shed.

As well as general learning areas, Jing si lou was home to the lockers of senior students. Lockers lined the corridors of the upper level.

To make space for larger and light filled classrooms, a new locker shed was constructed on the perimeter of the hard court near the Science Centre.

From the beginning of Term 4 last year, students have been using this new zone to access lockers.

The relocation of lockers has enabled Jing si lou to be gutted and redeveloped. Walls have been removed and will be replaced with sliding glass doors so that each of the six learning areas can open up to the central Learning Common.

New ceilings, carpets, furniture and technology will provide a wonderful learning environment ready for students from the beginning of 2022.

This exciting redevelopment has been internally projectmanaged by Denis Wiencke, the College’s Building Services Manager.

Kerryn Simpfendorfer Business Manager

A full update of ongoing developments around the College will be featured in Collections (the College yearbook).

CORNERSTONE CHRONICLE

OUR GRADUATES – WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

After graduating from Cornerstone I dived straight into university, completing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2001.

From there I’ve worked just about everywhere! The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Mt Barker Community Health Service (11 years) and Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre (6 years) to name a few, with a focus on stroke rehabilitation.

Over the last four to five years, I’ve mixed it up a little, working with homeless youth with Baptist Care, fostering 18 children, getting elected as a councillor on Mitcham Council, which I did for almost two years, and most recently teaching and lecturing at Adelaide University in the new OT course there. If I could change careers, I would probably be a Youth Counsellor or a Sessional Musician.

In 2003 I married my husband Scott and we have two children, who are now 12 and 14 (which makes me feel very old). We have lived in Colonel Light Gardens the past six years and absolutely love the trees, the local bushwalks and the sense of community we have there.

My favourite memories of Cornerstone are singing in the worship band and participating in my Year 12 Drama production.

My happy place is either gardening or playing my guitar and singing with my kids and husband, who now all play instruments of their own. We call ourselves the Berry Family Band (I know, quite unoriginal!) and we are fairly average, but we have fun. We play at our local church and fortunately it’s a friendly crowd.

If I could have a cuppa with anyone it would be my parents, at my favourite place in the world, the Cinque Terre in Italy.

I’m incredibly grateful for my family and my faith. Life is about relationships and that’s my highest value. Losing my mum to leukaemia when I was 22 and my dad in the Cudlee Creek Bushfire in 2019 when I was 39 have both been reminders to me to prioritise my relationships with family and friends. Jesus gives me strength to get through my grief and the ups and downs of life, including some chronic health issues, and I’m grateful to know him.

The best advice I’ve been given was don’t sweat the small stuff and keep what’s important front and centre.

The advice I’d give my 18 year old self is that life is precious and wonderful, so be grateful, and that adventures await if you are willing to take risks and put yourself out there. I’d also say to surround myself with people who genuinely care for me, choose my own path, and in whatever I do, show Jesus’ love to everyone.

- Jasmine

Jasmine Berry (nee Selth) 1997

Having become mates at school we continued to study together at Adelaide University both graduating in 2006 (Bartschy B. Ag. Sc. Viticulture, Bulman B. Ag Sc. Oenology). From there we both travelled the world independently occasionally meeting up around the globe.

Bartschy returned permanently to the Adelaide Hills in late 2007 to work on his family farm and vineyard. Through his management his family properties grew from one vineyard in Echunga to five, one in Woodside, one in Lenswood and two in Forreston. Bartschy and his partner, Narelle Schiller, have three children together Harriet, Asa and Victor Bulman settled back in SA in the Barossa Valley in 2009. Here he worked for Turkey Flat Vineyards as Chief Winemaker until 2021. Bulman and his wife Lucy Nixon (2009) have two children together Sebastian and Angus

We maintained contact throughout this time and decided in 2021 to unite forces and Emmalene Wines was born. The wines all come from Bartschy’s vineyards and are made by Bulman. The name Emmalene is common to both family’s heritage and the label design is originally from Bartschy’s Gran’s art project in 1941!

We both look fondly at our time at Cornerstone, in retrospect it was a school with a very loving and caring culture that educated as well for the big wide world! Our successes have come through working to our strengths and passions, backing ourselves in and ultimately having a crack and not being perturbed by failure.

Our advice to our 18 year selves would be exactly this, work out what makes you, you, love yourself, back yourself in, work hard and the world will follow. Please head to https://emmalene.com.au/ for a 20% discount and free delivery using the coupon ‘launch’. Our range includes Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.

- Mark and Tim

Mark Bulman (2002) & Tim Bartsch (2002)

We (Tim Bartsch and Mark Bulman) graduated from Cornerstone College in 2002.

Michael Nitschke (2004)

Tell me about yourself? (further study, employment, hobbies, marital status, children, where are you living?)

I am now 34 and married to my wife Kat for 8 years and we have 2 girls – Peyton (6 yrs) and Harper (4 yrs). We live locally in Littlehampton. I am the Managing Director of our local Adelaide Hills family business Nitschke Real Estate, and my wife is a teacher at Oakbank Area School

What is your favourite memory of your time at Cornerstone College?

I have many great memories of my time at Cornerstone, it was an awesome school. A lot of my friendships were formed there, I used to love the daily banter with classmates and events like knockout sports (particularly basketball) and the sports and swimming carnivals.

What is your biggest accomplishment/career highlight so far?

My biggest accomplishment is definitely my children Peyton and Harper – being a parent is the absolute best and has been so rewarding.

If you could change careers, what would you be?

Growing up I played a lot of basketball, and always wanted to play for the 36ers and even the Boomers – one can dream haha!

My happy place is..?

I’m lucky to be in a career and business that I absolutely love, and I get a lot of enjoyment from my leadership and coaching role, as well as helping clients to buy and sell real estate locally.

What is something you are grateful for?

After being through a number of challenges throughout my life so far, I have tried to adopt an attitude of gratitude, and I try to appreciate the little things in life in particular and not lose sight of the moments that happen each day.

If you could have coffee with anyone, anywhere in the world, who would it be and where would you go?

Wow so many choices – I have always wanted to meet Michael Jordan so a coffee with MJ would be awesome!

Best advice you were ever given?

Choose courage over comfort – vulnerability is the first thing that people look for and is often the last thing we are willing to show others. Vulnerability is not a weakness, it is courageous and daring.

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Trust the process – enjoy the journey and don’t worry about the outcome. If your behaviours are consistent with the person you are hoping to be and you improve your habits over time, the results will come.

- Michael

“choose courage over comfort”

Jennifer Charles (2005)

Well, a little bit about me, I graduated in ‘05, and ended up taking a gap year before studying Fashion Design and Technology at TAFE for 3 years.

I then stumbled into my next job at Caleche bridal where I worked for 8 years before taking the leap with my partner Oliver and moving to London.

I had always dreamt of experiencing living there, and having been able to move with extensive skills as a bridal seamstress and pattern maker meant I landed a dream job within weeks of arriving. Ralph & Russo is an haute couture brand which showed a collection in Paris twice annually, and one month after arriving in London I was travelling with the team of seamstresses to Paris to show the collection at the top tier in fashion - it was the most surreal, pinch me moment of my life.

Not long after, I got a position at Alexander McQueen, where I helped work on their collection, and soon returned to Paris to show at Fashion week.

I eventually settled into Ralph & Russo full time and was able to make and work on gowns for celebrities like Angelina Jolie, and Penelope Cruz. To know wholeheartedly this is what I am meant to do is such a joy, and to be able to express my creativity in such a way has been a dream come true!

Since coming home due to the pandemic I have been able to work at Paolo Sebastian and love that my love for couture gowns gets to continue here. I have also been blessed to work on so many wedding gowns for old scholars over the years.

I have written a lot about dresses however feel so blessed to know what is my calling and passion, and am utterly obsessed with creating beautiful gowns. Whilst it is my full time job I also love making clothes for myself, and don’t often tire of it!

I feel so grateful to have been able to buy a house in the city this year with Oliver and I love being near the beach for strolls with our dog Ham

It’s funny to reflect that in our year 12 yearbook I wrote that in ten years time I will be... in Paris. Whist it wasn’t ten years it makes me happy for 17 year old Jenny that that dream came true, just 13 years later.

- Jennifer

Heidi North (2005)

Tell me about yourself? (further study, employment, hobbies, marital status, children, where are you living?)

The thought of becoming a dentist never even crossed my mind when I was at high school, but here I am working as the Senior Dentist at a practice in the mountain resort town of Whistler in BC, Canada.

After the infamous high school gap year of working and travelling North America and South Africa, I then tried my hand at Occupational Therapy and then Medicine, but realised my passion was possibly in Dentistry - and I LOVE it! I always wanted to work in the health sector, but I love how being a dentist allows me to use my mind to solve problems; my hands to be artistic and fine detailed; and my extroverted personality to work as a leader in a team environment - all while making a difference and being an important member of the community at large. It has proved to be an excellent career as a wife and mum too as the hours are so flexible.

After graduating from Griffith University's Dental School on the beautiful Gold Coast, I moved to Whistler Canada in 2015 to hit the slopes both for snowboarding and for downhill mountain biking - two of my favourite hobbies. What was meant to be a 6 month working holiday has turned into meeting my now husband, Kelvin, with whom I have 3 gorgeous young kiddos - Lucas Mark, Amelia Adelaide and James Aspen Kelvin and I just celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary a few weeks ago with a trip to North and South Carolina. In my spare time I also enjoy sewing, camping, dinner parties, flipping properties, and travelling.

Year 11 and 12 were especially great years but acting as Mr and Mrs Smith with Rachael Williams in Year 12 Drama was a highlight. Also swimming the Butterfly every swimming day with a girlfriend from each house while we all wore retro bathers was a hoot. I have a lot of fond memories with my girlfriends whom I still keep in close contact withRachael Williams, Donna Mahlburg, Jenny Charles, Shanti Wilby and Courtney Tohl. The awesome thing is we are all treasured friends to this day, and every time I am back in Australia seeing each of them is an important priority.

What is your biggest accomplishment/career highlight so far?

Finishing dental school was such an achievement as it was a tough degree! And this was all while studying Ministry part time at a Bible College in Brisbane. But now I'm focusing my dentistry on orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry which I find extremely rewarding. I am currently in the middle of a residency with a Dental Academy based in Florida - my next goal.

If you could change careers, what would you be? I would love to be an long haul commercial pilot. Since I can't do that, I finished ground school and I am currently (and slowly) getting my hours up at flight school to earn my private pilots licence. I aim to fly float planes for pleasure one day.

My happy place is..?

Palm Beach on the Gold Coast

What is something you are grateful for?

A faithful, adventurous and dedicated husband who loves his family and his God, and champions me to reach for my many dreams.

Best advice you were ever given? Make the effort to stay in touch with your friends from school. You can't meet old friends, it takes years to make them.

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self? Be brave to say sorry to others and to forgive yourself. Show appreciation. Be generous. Get a mentor. Limit your social media. thinking of a career, ask what your 25 or 35 year old self may enjoy doing. Keep dreaming big!

- Heidi

What is your favourite memory of your time at Cornerstone College?

Kelsey Dunstone (2011)

Tell me about yourself? (further study, employment, hobbies, marital status, children, where are you living?)

I spent my first years out of high school studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Adelaide and managing Mövenpick’s first Australian restaurant in Leigh street.

On the side I would do photography for local musicians, something that I’ve reignited my love for recently and was certainly unable to do as often working long restaurant hours! Upon the restaurant closing down some years later, I was offered a role at The Fat Duck by Heston Blumenthal and climbed the ranks as a Storyteller and then Guest Relations/Personalised Nostalgia expert. An absolutely magical and eye-opening experience, and for any hospitality driven individuals, absolutely worth jumping for. I arrived on a Sunday afternoon in Berkshire, toured the venues on Monday, and started work Tuesday morning for a week in the kitchen before starting my FOH dutiessomehow the chefs hadn’t been told I wasn’t a chef, which made everything that much more of a challenge, but I loved it. I’ve now moved back to Aus and am helping out with Hospitality executive recruitment whilst I find my feet on what and where I want to go.

What is your biggest accomplishment/career highlight so far?

One of my favourite moments was calling a guest from Australia after I finished work early one morning (midday in Aus) and we chatted for probably 20 minutes as I explained the concept of our ‘Journey’ menu and she told me of her favourite dish from Heston of a tiramisu in a flower pot, and she would be visiting with her partner whilst her young son stayed home, learning to cook scrambled eggs. I made a deal with a pastry chef to recreate this dish for her - but only if I could find the right sized pot (guess what my day off was spent doing). I jumped on the laser engraver in our Storyteller office, and wrote a note to her gorgeous son wishing him well on his scrambled egg journey. We continue to keep in touch today. Designing a menu for Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka was very cool, especially as David is so food oriented, and Neil, magic. It was very difficult however to not exclaim “legend…dary” every interaction, though.

What is your favourite memory of your time at Cornerstone College?

Summit to School was always a lot of fun, hanging out with friends in the sunshine and a cheeky Powerade after. The talent show was always a blast, with the teacher YMCA performance in 2007 a personal fave. I braved the stage one year as a dancing panda - that’s another story.

If you could change careers, what would you be?

I think I’ve always had an itch to jump into talent/PR management or tour the world with a band I love as their photographer.

What is something you are grateful for?

Having so much opportunity readily accessible. I’m so proud and at times perhaps jealous of people who had their dream career evolve from childhood drive, I’m very much a

curious being still unsure exactly - but that’s okay! School has allowed so much extra curriculum and classes to study now - photography was available while I was at high school but I never knew and wish I did!

If you could have coffee with anyone, anywhere in the world, who would it be and where would you go?

Andrew Garfield, in London – I’d show him the good London coffee (made by Aussies) and discuss anything and everything. I really admire the work he did with Jonathan Larsons’s Tick, Tick, Boom by Lin Manuel Miranda and think his perception on life is truly charming.

Best advice you were ever given?

You can tell far too much about a person by which monopoly piece they play as, and, are you letting yourself be led by fear or by love?

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

Take your time − just like every report card told you to. Find out what you love, continue to create a positive impact from it, and revolve your life around that.

In May 2019, my partner and I were invited to attend HRH’s Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

We were honoured to have so many amazing people in attendance including HRH, Prince Harry, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, and further lords and ladies.

We were adamant we would be on our best royal behaviour, showing how posh we could be - but when we saw Harry cheekily sneak a sandwich into his mouth before HRH sat down, it was on. We tried every single sandwich, pastry, and beverage on offer − iced coffee was a big surprise!

We had full roaming of the gardens, found a Wicker Corgi in a gazebo and roses galore, in addition to two royal band garden tents playing Pirates of the Caribbean and various music scores − a sight to behold indeed!

- Kelsey

I designed some of the custom dishes for Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka.

My favourite dessert, Botrytis Cinerea, famed after the noble rot.

Chris Smith (2012)

Following my graduation from Cornerstone in 2012 I went directly into the Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree at the University of Adelaide, a career path I had been fascinated with for many years.

I completed the Bachelor degree and the subsequent Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine over the following years, enduring many hours of study, exams, work placement, lectures. However my five years living on-campus at the Roseworthy Residential College ensured there was no short-order of great times and shenanigans also, leaving me with many lifelong friends.

Through my studies, I was able to experience veterinary work in a variety of interesting and exotic locations such as South Africa and Thailand.

On graduation as a veterinarian in late 2018, I moved to Perth early the next year to work as an intern in a multidisciplinary specialist hospital and subsequently as an emergency vet. After 18 months in WA, I returned closer to home, friends and family, and thus for the last two years have been living in Berri and working for the Riverland Veterinary Practice. Working as a country vet is undeniably tough - with long hours, isolation and ample heartbreak; but also comes with extremely rewarding cases, close relationships to pet owners, and exponential personal and professional development.

Career highlights for me tend to come in the day-to-day and often unexpectedly. Discharging a patient who has been in hospital and was on death’s door four days ago; learning a new skill to show off; the gratitude from relieved, sometimes emotional pet owners.

In my time off I am playing footy and cricket in Berri, as well as pursuing interests in gardening and environmentalism. I also have a 2-year-old rescue Staffy named Alby who requires constant attention.

I have many good memories from Cornerstone, with the following a few highlights. The extensive music program - having the chance to exponentially grow my musical skills with ensembles such as Hot House and show-off our skills at many internal and external performances. Helping to lead and grow the mighty Moorak house as House Leader in Year 12. Learning a second language and having unbelievable experiences as part of the German Exchange program. The Year 9 Journey - a program which gave me lifelong friends with whom I still hang out with regularly.

If I could give 18-year-old me one piece of advice it would be that no one has life figured out, so do what’s good for you and develop skills like empathy to help those who’re struggling.

- Chris

"I was able to experience veterinary work in a variety of interesting and exotic locations such as South Africa and Thailand."

Zac Eichner (2013)

Tell me about yourself? (further study, employment, hobbies, marital status, children, where are you living?)

I'm currently back in SA, living just outside of Glenelg, after hopping around the place a little, doing some work and study in Tasmania and touring the east coast playing music. I'm playing/writing music as much as I can, but the last two years as a musician haven't really been overly profitable, so I've been lucky enough to work for The Carly Ryan Foundation, which has allowed me to travel all over Australia talking to young people about Online Safety, Wellbeing & Mental Health. I've also just started a new role with a foundation called Lift Up Voices in partnership with the NDIS where I'll be mentoring young musicians in one-on-one song-writing workshops and music career development. I have a beautiful partner, Bonnie. She's a teacher! We're about to move in with one another and trying convince the landlord to let us get a dog.

What is your favourite memory of your time at Cornerstone College?

Music, Drama, Music, Drama, Study lessons writing music with Mr Janus, Music, Drama. More specifically I'd say Midsummer Night's Dream in Year 11 and Music Tour when Mr Day got the bus bogged.

What is your biggest accomplishment/career highlight so far?

I think touring the East Coast with the full band twice has been pretty special. Supporting PNAU, Timberwolf & George Alice. While it isn't everything, being played on the radio is pretty fulfilling too.

If you could change careers, what would you be? A chef maybe? If I could choose what people eat, under no time pressure and someone cleaned the kitchen for me.

My happy place is..?

Anywhere that there's good people or good music.

What is something you are grateful for?

The older I get, the more grateful I am for time spent with others and how my parents raised me.

If you could have coffee with anyone, anywhere in the world, who would it be and where would you go?

Other than Mr Janus in Atelier? I think sipping on an extra shot latte, sitting down with Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Dave Le'aupepe (Gang of Youths) or any real storytelling lyricist in a little cafe in New Orleans would be pretty special.

Best advice you were ever given? "Listen, inside voice" − Mum

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self? Learn music theory, start making more music and don't be afraid to share it.

- Zac

Sian Jones-Parry (2014)

Tell me about yourself? (further study, employment, hobbies, marital status, children, where are you living?)

It took me 3 attempts to find the right degree, after my gap year in 2015 I returned in 2016 to start a Bachelor of Business in Event Management and Tourism, and after 6 months I realised that as much as I loved to travel I didn't want it to be my career and although my parents were proud of me for going to university, I didn't have to go to university for them to be proud, I could be or do anything I wanted.

I started working for ANZ bank and spent time trying to figure out what it was I wanted to do in life until I decided I would become a Diabetic Educator who majored in nutrition in 2019. It was within this degree that my childhood passion for teaching was reignited and I jumped straight into a Bachelor of Primary Education in 2020 which I am still currently enrolled in and completing my third year.

What is your favourite memory of your time at Cornerstone College?

I believe my favourite memory of my time at Cornerstone College would be my year 12 Drama performances, Playing Beatie Bow with Mrs Doherty and Mrs Sierp running the ship. We had one of the biggest Year 12 drama classes and we were a true family.

What is your biggest accomplishment/career highlight so far?

My biggest accomplishment so far would have to be the competitive scholarship I won in 2021 which will see me depart for Fiji for 5 and a half months on 18 July 2022. It’s called a New Colombo Plan Scholarship run by the Australian Government that aims to lift knowledge of the Indo Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region. During my time in Fiji, I will be learning the local Fijian language, undertaking a semester of study at the

University of South Pacific, volunteering at local schools and hopefully intern to teach children how to swim and parents CPR to decrease the fatalities.

If you could change careers, what would you be?

I look forward to beginning my career in education and the places it will take me :)

My happy place is..?

Anywhere my friends are or if I’m alone, the beach at Port Elliot with a doughnut of the month in hand.

What is something you are grateful for?

I am grateful for the health care system here in Australia. I am a type one diabetic and have amazing access to all of the supplies I need. Unfortunately in other countries, this is not the case.

Best advice you were ever given?

The best advice I was ever given was to take a gap year. I had worked so hard and been so busy for so many years at school that when the opportunity to take a gap year and travel around the UK and Europe came about I took it with both hands. I honestly believe we learn so much more outside of our comfort zone and taking off on an 8-month trip that saw me travelling, working and exploring Europe and the UK I learnt and saw so much and would not change it for the world.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self? Say yes to the opportunities presented to you, you never know when you may find yourself in the middle of a pandemic and unable to do so many things. Remember that life is a gift, ensure you live a life that you are proud of. Dream big and work harder.

- Sian

Tell us about yourselves?

After Cornerstone we both took gap years. Bec went on to study a Bachelor of Marketing and Communications, where she had the opportunity to study in Italy and travel around Europe. She is currently working as an Office Manager.

Hamish went on to study a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. He has his final exams at the end of this year and will officially be a doctor by the end of 2023.

They are currently living in the Barossa Valley because Hamish is completing the 5th year of his study rurally, working in rural ED’s and GP Practices.

We first started dating in high school, we became engaged in July of 2020 and on 4 December 2021, we got married.

Where was the wedding?

The wedding was at The Lane Vineyard in Hahndorf. It was a perfect location and we had beautiful weather for the day.

Who did most of the planning for the wedding?

We both would have been pretty even in our planning! We had a very stress free lead up to the wedding because we had covered everything pretty early.

What was your favourite part of the day?

H: My favourite part was our first dance (and the super cool spin we did).

B: I can’t pick! Of course the ceremony was one of my favourite parts - but the food was amazing, and being with everyone on the dance floor was pretty incredible!

Who was in your wedding party?

We had some Old Scholars in our wedding party. Hamish’s Best Man was his brother Charlie Fielke (2018), and he also had Brady Ackland (2016) and Brad Pool (2016) as his groomsmen.

Who was the most well behaved Groomsman?

Charlie was very well behaved before his speech but following this speech, when he was able to relax a little − Brad took over his title!

Who was the best on the dance floor?

Principal Craig Fielke would like to think he would take that title (with his somewhat questionable dance moves)!

- Hamish and Bec

Hamish Fielke (2016) and Rebecca Longmire (2015)

Bec had Jenna Coates (not an ex scholar) as her Maid of Honour and Lucy Fielke (2020) and Claire Baron (2016) as her bridesmaids.

Claire Baron (2016)

I started my Bachelor of Nursing straight after finishing at Cornerstone and graduated in 2019.

I had only been a nurse graduate for 6 months before I started at Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS)

When I started in CaFHS I had just turned 22 and I was the youngest registered nurse in the service at that time. But it's an amazing organisation to be part of as many of the other nurses and allied health staff have been in the organisation for years and I have been able to develop my skills and learn so much from them. A common joke for most of my colleagues is that I could have been their daughter as a lot of them have children of similar ages to me. Soon I hope to start studying midwifery.

I am currently living at home in the hills, but recently bought a unit down in the city which I will be moving into next year.

My main hobby is going to the gym as I do find it a great way of winding down after work or a particularly stressful day and I'm dating Tom Liddell

My favourite memory at Cornerstone would be the friendships made and the relationships built with my teachers, especially in the more senior years where they guided and supported me.

I guess my biggest accomplishment so far is getting a job with CaFHS. It's a very unique job opportunity where I am able to meet so many lovely new mothers and babies and help guide them through the joys and difficulties of parenting.

I don't know if I would want to change careers as I am pretty happy where I work now, but I will consider this when I study midwifery.

In time I would like to be able to do some overseas travel. My happy place is anywhere with water whether that be the beach or the river. I'm not sure why, but I find water helps me feel calm.

I am grateful for living in Australia, as cheesy as that might sound. As I've become more interested in world affairs, I've become more aware of how hard it can be in other parts of the world, especially where there's war.

The best advice is not to take experience and moments for granted; even if that is just sitting outside with the family and eating lunch.

18-year-old me needed to know that it's not helpful to plan out every little moment and that sometimes things don't go to plan and to try as much as you dislike it, to embrace the change.

- Claire

Thomas Liddell (2016)

What have you been up to since graduating Cornerstone?

After graduating from Cornerstone in 2016 I then took a year off where I worked three jobs including starting a microproduction company with fellow Cornerstone old scholar David Cecil (2016).

In 2018 and 2019 I attended MAPS Film School where I had the opportunity to write and direct multiple short films and documentaries. This served as a great incubator for my creative practice and provided me opportunities to work with fellow artists and creatives many of whom I still work with today. Since graduating I have also had the immense privilege of working with some of the country's largest Arts organisations including the Adelaide Film Festival and the Adelaide Fringe Festival

My current film project is a documentary which tells the story of Australian Skateboarding legend Kat Williams. Kat skateboarded competitively around the globe for the better part of a decade and became the first Australian female Olympic skateboarding coach at last year's Tokyo games. I was fortunate enough to secure $10,000 of funding from Carclew which will go towards paying for post-production expenses. I recently became a formal part of Overdrive Films, a production company that works across both the commercial and narrative sectors of film, creating TVCs, music videos, live streams as well as narrative film and television. In this role I will be guiding and assisting in the management of the business whilst also acting as an inhouse writer and director. On the side I am also studying a degree in education as a way to diversify my professional portfolio and ensure that there is an element of teaching and education to my career. I am interested in the crosssection between education and artistic practice and intend to carve a space for myself in this space.

What is the best piece of advice that you have received?

One of my career mentors gave me this great quote from writer Oscar Wilde which reads I think much of this rings true for me and the lessons that I have learnt. There are no guarantees in life, you are here one minute and gone the next. Continually reevaluate who you are, what you want to do with your life and work hard and opportunities for success will present themselves.

What is your fondest memory of Cornerstone?

Many of my fondest memories at Cornerstone centre around some incredible teachers. I count myself very lucky to have been guided by teachers like Kristen Doherty, Karen Houghton (formerly Karen Sierp) and Ben Brazzalotto. These teachers in particular fostered my passion and aptitude for both Drama and English and many of the lessons they taught me still resonate with me today.

I feel fortunate to have attended Cornerstone College where I made some very positive memories and made some lifelong friends. I look back at my time fondly.

- Thomas

“If you want to be a grocer, or a general, or a politician, or a judge, you will invariably become it; that is your punishment. If you never know what you want to be, if you live what some might call the dynamic life but what I will call the artistic life, if each day you are unsure of who you are and what you know you will never become anything, and that is your reward”.

Emma Klatt (2017)

Tell me about yourself? (further study, employment, hobbies, marital status, children, where are you living?)

I began university the year after graduating from Cornerstone, and that’s where I still am today! Next semester I will be commencing my final year of a double degree in Laws and Commerce (Marketing) at the University of Adelaide. Alongside my study, I work for a funds management firm doing finance and admin. In the future, I hope to work in the field of family law with a specific focus on mediation.

What is your favourite memory of your time at Cornerstone College?

I have so many great memories about my time at Cornerstone; however, my favourite is the lifelong friendships I formed. One of my best friends Lauren Hoopmann (2018), (also featured), and I met while playing saxophone in Little Big Band (I played, and she mimed). My other favourite memories are probably the most boring ones. Rushing to get a two-pack of hash browns from the canteen, getting to look through the costumes and props in Drama, and the privilege of parking in the Year 12 carpark, to name a few.

What is your biggest accomplishment/career highlight so far?

Honestly, my degree is five and a half years, so I can't say I've accomplished much besides making it through four years of law/commerce. If I had to name something, it would be getting my job which has given me invaluable professional experience.

If you could change careers, what would you be? I would absolutely volunteer full time. I have had the privilege of volunteering for several organisations. Some of my favourites have been doing play therapy and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Green Team, and organising a yearly youth camp called Christian Life Week. Volunteering has been such a positive experience that has shaped and changed my worldview. I would recommend it to anyone with some free time.

My happy place is..? Probably anywhere with my friends or family, they make any place happy! A G&T and some good food also wouldn’t hurt.

What is something you are grateful for? I am so grateful for my faith. I have found so much peace in knowing that God is so much greater than I will ever be.

Best advice you were ever given? It’s probably to do your best which is pretty cliche, but there’s nothing worse than thinking you could have done more.

- Emma

Alfie Wenk (2017)

Tell me about yourself? (further study, employment, hobbies, marital status, children, where are you living?)

Since I left Cornerstone I have been a full time athlete, training and racing in Ski Cross during the northern and southern snow seasons. Ski Cross is the event where 4 skiers race down a course together, with berms, jumps and rollers, much like motor cross but on skis. So, I spend about 3 months a year in the Australian ski fields and 5 or 6 months in the northern hemisphere. Most of the time I am travelling around for races. When I’m not skiing I spend a few months of the year at home in Verdun. It’s nice to be out of the snow for a while! When I’m at home I catch up on my Uni work (I am studying Product Design part time at UniSA) and enjoy playing a few games of footy for the Bridgewater Raiders

What is your favourite memory of your time at Cornerstone College?

Enjoying the snow and skiing at Falls Creek with everyone on the Year 11 ski trip and helping our school to win the overall trophy at the South Australian Interschools there.

What is your biggest accomplishment/career highlight so far?

Starting in my first World Cup race and just recently being named on the National Ski Team.

If you could change careers, what would you be?

I have been told that I have a reasonable talent for voice impressions and have often thought it would be cool to do voice acting for a cartoon or something.

My happy place is..?

The beach! Specifically, my family’s shack on the Yorke Peninsula.

What is something you are grateful for?

I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to pursue skiing as my full-time career. I’m grateful for my parents instilling in me a love of skiing at a young age and encouraging me to continue as I got older. I’m also grateful for my major sponsor ASCEND, and the pathway they help provide for myself and other developing ski cross athletes.

If you could have coffee with anyone, anywhere in the world, who would it be and where would you go?

I wouldn’t have coffee with anyone, I don’t care for it. However, I’d love to have a hot choccy with Matt Stone and Trey Parker. They’re really funny dudes and maybe I’d be able to Swindle my way onto South Park.

Best advice you were ever given?

Just be yourself, you might think that you’re weird right now and it’s hard to fit in, but trust me, everyone is a little weird and eventually they stop trying to hide it and we all find our place.

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

“Alfie, it’s me, Alfie, from the future. I’m here to tell you to just keep going with the flow, things seem to be turning out just fine. I’m pretty sure you have like the opposite of a curse or something where no matter what you do, your decisions always turn out alright. Just keep enjoying life because that will get you to where you want to go.”

- Alfie

"Alfie is the first South Australian to compete at the Ski Cross World Cup."

Benjamin Krieg (2017)

Tell me about yourself? (further study, employment, hobbies, marital status, children, where are you living?)

After I finished school, I went straight into study at Flinders University and studied a Bachelor of Creative (Screen) for 1.5 years before breaking into the film industry. I worked in the film industry for 2.5 years where I had the opportunity to be a part of many big and exciting SA based film productions which included Mortal Kombat, The Tourist, Firebite, and more. I worked in the Location Department for the majority of my time in the industry where I managed, coordinated, and serviced the filming locations. I also had the opportunity to work in Byron Bay on Nine Perfect Strangers where I worked in the Assistant Director’s Department.

What is your biggest accomplishment/career highlight so far?

My biggest accomplishment so far has been starting up my own Portable Toilet hire business called Hit The Road Hire, where I provide my services to film sets, weddings, and events.

If you could change careers, what would you be? Recently, I have changed careers and have become a licensed real estate agent and I am currently working at Boffo Real Estate

What is your favourite memory of your time at Cornerstone College?

Being College Leader in Year 12 alongside a great team. I enjoyed the responsibility that came with the role, feeling proud to represent the school, and improving my leadership skills.

My happy place is..? Sitting around the fire pit with my partner. What is something you are grateful for? I’m grateful for having a supportive family and partner and for the opportunities that have come my way.

Best advice you were ever given? The best advice I have been given is that regardless of how long something takes to achieve, that time will pass anyway and that there is no failure, only feedback.

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self? The good things don’t come easy so don’t be afraid to put in the hard work.

-

Benjamin

Danica Male (2018)

Tell me about yourself?

After finishing Year 12 at Cornerstone, I studied a Bachelor of Primary Teaching for a year followed by a Certificate Three in Education Support. I now work at two high schools, Adelaide East Education Centre and Scotch College. I love working with the students and am hopeful that through helping them I can make a difference in their lives.

What is your favourite memory of your time at Cornerstone College?

Outdoor Ed Year 12 camps are amongst my favourite Cornerstone memories. As a class we had lots of fun and we were able to see some beautiful places. It has given me a love for camping and spending time outdoors.

What is your biggest accomplishment/career highlight so far?

A highlight of my career has been getting work at Adelaide East Education Centre and Scotch College in 2021. I absolutely love where I work and an accomplishment for me was being offered more days at both high schools last year. I opted to do three days at Adelaide East which is a Disability Centre where I help students learn basic life skills and two days at Scotch College where I support students to achieve their full potential.

If you could change careers, what would you be?

I absolutely love what I do and where I work and feel I have a lot more to give to the students I work with. I am content where I am at the moment, and I don’t have any desire to change careers at this stage.

My happy place is..?

My happy place is being outdoors on a sunny day with my puppy, Misty

What is something you are grateful for?

I am grateful for life and for being surrounded by good family and friends who have supported me through life. I lost my Dad suddenly in 2020 and I will be forever grateful that I had 20 years with him. He taught me so much in that time, he had an amazing love for Jesus, for us as his family and just for life in general. His cup was always full and overflowing. His passing has changed us as a family and taught us to treasure each day, I will be forever grateful to have had him as my Dad.

Best advice you were ever given?

Best advice I was ever given was from an adult mentor who told me to “Never stop learning, always remain teachable and you will go far in life”.

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

Life is short and it so important to treasure every moment and to remember that everything in life happens for a reason. Trust God and see where the journey takes you.

- Danica

Lauren Hoopmann (2018)

Tell me about yourself? (further study, employment, hobbies, marital status, children, where are you living?)

After completing my schooling at Cornerstone, I decided to head straight into more study and began a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology at Flinders Uni. I’ve loved my time at uni, particularly in the anatomy labs holding brains, tongues and larynxes. Placements have also been a big highlight, in particular, when I had the opportunity to go to Whyalla for two months, on a hospital placement. I worked with adults who have had a stroke or have dementia or Parkinson’s where I helped them with swallowing or communication difficulties.

I’m currently in my fourth and final year and in the middle of an honours project on how eye-tracking technology can be implemented within speech pathology practice.

Aside from study, I also keep busy working 3 jobs. I work as a student ambassador for Flinders University where I get to take school groups on tours, run workshops, and go into schools to assess students’ eligibility for university entry. I am also a support worker for a few children who have a disability or high needs. And finally, I am an Allied Health Assistant (AHA) at Time 2 Talk in Mount Barker. It has been my dream job to work for a private speech pathology practice when I graduate, and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to fulfil this dream before I have even finished my degree. I absolutely love working as an AHA as I already get to see my own clients and put into practice all the theory I’ve learnt in my four years of study.

At the moment in my free time I am organising a camp for high-schoolers – Christian Life Week (CLW). I grew up attending CLWs and have valued how much is has strengthened my faith and now I am fortunate to direct the camp. It’s a blessing seeing younger people grow in their faith within a caring environment where we play fun games, worship together and eat delicious food.

What is your favourite memory of your time at Cornerstone College?

My favourite memory from Cornerstone would be auditioning for Senior Vocal Ensemble singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to Ms Zerner in front of our Research Project class. I then commenced to lip-sync my way through all the performances we did.

What is your biggest accomplishment/career highlight so far?

I am proud that I got into the honours program and look forward to the opportunities that may come from it –particularly the potential to extend my research into a PhD.

If you could change careers, what would you be?

Probably a Formula 1 driver because I have recently become obsessed with the Netflix series Drive to Survive. I think it would be wicked to be able to travel the world while getting to drive super fast for only like 1.5 hours every other week.

My happy place is..?

At the moment being the middle of winter, my favourite place would be in front of the fire curled up with a book or a Netflix series. I also love camping, so anywhere with a tent and some friends and I am set!

What is something you are grateful for?

I am grateful for my parents who have sacrificed their time and money to provide me with many opportunities.

If you could have coffee with anyone, anywhere in the world, who would it be and where would you go?

I would have coffee with Jesus because I have too many questions to ask him. And we would have coffee while we walked on water, just because that would be cool.

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self? Live a little.

- Lauren

Tully Heinrich (2019)

During my time after graduating, I have been pursuing my creative identity. To do this involved working on myself in the mindset and spiritual sense. Which involves meditation, vision boards, gratitude journals and furthering my life experience by saying yes to more opportunities that appeared along the way.

The majority of my ‘self-development’ happened during Year 12 and continued in 2020 when the whole world was in lockdown. Following this, I received a scholarship for a 6-month intensive acting course in 2021, became a state finalist for Miss Universe Australia, and got a job working as a laboratory technician in a few wineries in the Limestone Coast. However, my most exciting opportunity came when I decided to sign up for supermodel Coco Rocha’s boutique modelling course which she conducts in New York City. I thought ‘why not, there’s nothing to lose’ and went through the application process. Sure enough I received a DM on Instagram the following week of her personally accepting me into the course (this was late 2019) and because of COVID-19 I ended up delaying the course until January 2022. Of which I am extremely grateful for as I grew so much self-love and confidence in those years!

When it finally came around it was exciting and nerve wracking. The Coco Rocha

Model Camp was a dream come true. She taught our group of 16 how to pose, walk the runway and run our ‘business’. I came out of those days a whole new person and I was fully confident in myself as a model! Afterwards some other girls from the course and I booked tickets to go and watch a runway show as New York Fashion Week was two weeks away. I ended up walking in the show that I bought a ticket to see. Further booking five castings out of seven and walking in ten fashion shows over the course of the week. My favourite runway was for the designer ASTA RASMA of which I was the closing look for. Afterwards I found out that the jacket I wore was worn by Ariana Grande’s brother Frankie at the Spiderman premiere in Los Angeles.

I am now back home helping my family on the farm during seeding and also at the same winery and bar in Kingston SE. My next adventure starts Mid July where I will be flying back to New York ready for the next NYFW in September!

For as long as I can remember I have written the same affirmation every month, ‘I am so happy and grateful I have walked in New York Fashion Week’. Now this dream has become a reality and I just want to let everyone know that whatever dream you have, nothing is too big or outlandish, do the inner work and anything is possible!

If you would like to follow my journey or have a chat feel free to reach out to me on Instagram

@tullyheinrich_ 

Zac Sauerwald (2019)

Tell me about yourself?

Since graduating from Cornerstone, I have undertaken a Bachelor of Music (Popular Music) at the Elder Conservatorium, which I am set to complete at the end of this year. This degree has allowed me to continue to push myself as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, sound engineer and producer. In the future, I intend on studying a Master of Teaching so that I can be a high school classroom teacher. As with a lot of Uni students, retail and hospitality jobs have given me a consistent source of income. However, I have also been fortunate enough to do gigs as a musician and as a sound engineer. I still attend St Michael’s Lutheran Church regularly where I volunteer as a Worship Leader, on the AV team, at Youth and Young Adults

What are your favourite memories of your time at Cornerstone College?

It would have to be one of the many hours spent in the Atelier building. I really enjoyed seeing creativity explored and friendships born in the Music Department. I will also remember the buzz and excitement that came from opportunities such as Cabaret, Music Camp and GIJ, long into the future.

What is your biggest accomplishment/career highlight so far?

My biggest accomplishment to date is being Co-Director of Hills Christian Life Week. Although it is not career-driven, this is something that I wanted to do since my first CLW in Year 9. I am extremely passionate about working with young people and sharing God’s love with them, which is why I enjoy camping ministry so much. From a music perspective, the gigs that I have done as a sound engineer always give

me a sense of achievement. My degree has also given me the opportunity to write, record and perform with some amazing up-and-coming local artists with a range of genres and artistic styles.

My happy place is..?

In my home music studio. I can spend hours in there: practicing and recording my drums, keyboards or guitars. Lucky I am studying music, or it would be an expensive hobby.

If you could have coffee with anyone, anywhere in the world, who would it be and where would you go?

Jacob Collier, in his home music studio. His musical knowledge and ability is insane! Although I would feel quite diminished after that and would probably look for a career change…aha

What is something you are grateful for?

My faith, my family and my friends.

Best advice you were ever given?

My parents always say: “Be a sponge!” Or in other words… soak up as many things as you can. Whether that be for my studies, volunteering and/or my other interests. Listening to people who have experience is valuable and you never know where you may end up by keeping as many doors open as possible.

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

Just keep doing your best. God has amazing plans for your life and while the path may not seem clear at times, exciting things are ahead!

My interest in flying took place in 2021 after studying Aviation as a year 12 subject at the Australian Science & Mathematical School (ASMS), facilitated by Cornerstone College.

I remember meeting all my new classmates and thinking they were such airplane nerds as it was ALL they talked about, little did I know I would soon become an airplane nerd too.

During the course, we all spent a lot of time in the big fancy flight simulator at Flinders Uni, but I wasn’t too sure about pursuing an aviation career after unintentionally taking out part of the Westpac building in a Cessna 172. Despite this, I ended up flying PA28’s and pursuing a Recreational Pilot’s Licence with Command Flight Training in early 2022.

After my first solo flight in my favourite Piper, Mike Tango Bravo, I decided I may as well apply to Flight Training Adelaide (FTA), the premier flight school in Australia for training commercial airline pilots. FTA has a world-wide reputation and trains international students and pilots for Qantas, Cathay Pacific and many other well known airlines.

The selection process was a bit intimidating as it included 10 hours of study material, a theory exam and a 2 hour long aptitude test, all of which I successfully completed before finally sitting an interview. I was so glad to be offered a spot in their intensive course starting this year.

Although there’s a lot of hard work ahead, I’m more than excited to start training in the FTA DA40’s and well on track to obtaining my Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) within the next 12 months.

- Ash

Ashleigh Sigalas (2021)

CLASS OF 2002 AND CLASS OF 2012 REUNION

On Saturday, 6 August Old Scholars from the Class of 2002 and 2012 gathered at Auchendarroch House and Wallis Tavern, Mt Barker to celebrate their 20 Year and 10 Year reunions.

With Tony Egan as MC, the night was filled with laughter and old stories. Old Scholars were able to look through year books, photographs and memorabilia of their time shared at the College. Old Scholars were also able to visit the College

earlier in the evening for a Cornerstone College Tour accompanied by Tony Egan − thank you Tony!

A further thank you to Cornerstone College current students The Nineteenth Step for providing live music - you were brilliant! And last but not least to Anthony Janus, thank you for your music direction and support.

We hope the Old Scholars enjoyed their night!

DEATHS & MARRIAGES

Caleb Blesing (staff) and Kimberley (nee Hein) (2009)

Kimberley and I welcomed Ellie Rose Blesing

Thank you for all the well wishes and messages.

BIRTHS DEATHS

Vale Elizabeth Pietsch

The Cornerstone College community were saddened by the recent news of the death of Mrs Elizabeth Pietsch

Liz was one of the foundation staff at Cornerstone College back in 1990 and played an important role in the College’s early establishment years. Liz served initially as a teacher of English, PE and Health, as well as bus driver and all the other roles that come with being a teacher in a fledgling school. She later became the College’s first Careers and Pathways Coordinator and introduced VET into the College.

MARRIAGES

Jack Hodgson (2012) and Georgia Chapman (2015)

Jack and Georgia married on Saturday, 9 April 2022.

The ceremony was held in the Armoury Courtyard (behind the SA Museum) surrounded by close family and friends.

Liz was inspirational to work with, always on the go and actively involved in so many aspects of College life. She had a passion for education, for demanding and bringing out the best in her students and a zest for life. She was very vocal, quite forthright in her views, quite animated and theatrical in all she did, but with always had a big heart for others.

Liz left Cornerstone in 2003 and continued to serve in a number of roles in Lutheran schools and with Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) until her retirement in 2018. In acknowledgement of her contribution to Lutheran education she received LEA Service Awards in 2011 and 2018.

After battling with cancer for a number of years Liz passed away in Melbourne on July 27 surrounded by her family.

Vale Liz and we thank her for her contribution to her role in establishing the Cornerstone College we know today.

Tony Egan Teacher

SAVE THE DATE

FIRST OLD SCHOLAR REUNION

Classes of 2019, 2020 & 2021

All Old Scholars from the graduating classes of 2019, 2020 & 2021 are invited to attend their first Old Scholar Reunion.

The reunion is on Friday, 25 November 2022 from 6.30pm-8.00pm at Purtinga Wetland and Environmental Centre.

Friday 14 October

What a fantastic day! The Golf Day was another huge success. The weather was kind and the rain held off, the comradery was infectious, laughs were a plenty and Aston Hills Golf Club provided near perfect conditions for a great day of golf.

The day began with barista coffee and the smell of bacon sizzling on the hot plate. 15 teams then took to the course for 18 rounds of Ambrose golf.

An informal prize presentation followed once the golfers returned, with a delicious lunch including drinks.

It was fantastic to see many new businesses and Cornerstone parents join us for the first time this year and we encourage anyone from our community to join us next year − Friday 13 October 2023 as it really is, a day not to missed!

Jayne Symons Communications &

Engagement Director

The 14th Annual Cornerstone Golf Classic −

What Is The PT&F?

The PT&F comprises a group of volunteers consisting of Parents, Teachers and Friends whose primary focus is to build community and support through College events and fundraising for special projects.

We work together by:

• Building a caring and welcoming faith filled community which seeks to involve everyone.

• Providing parents/caregivers the opportunity to be more involved with the College no matter what their skillset or time commitment.

• Providing additional support for parents/ caregivers through educational forums to assist with learning and wellbeing.

• Encouraging volunteers to contribute and enhance College events.

• Recognising the importance of community and the value and importance of creating meaningful connections.

We fundraise by:

• Assisting in the development and support of College activities throughout the calendar year including social, sporting, cultural and educational events within the College community.

• Overseeing sales and promotion of the Second Hand Uniform Shop.

We advocate by:

• Supporting the strategic direction of the College.

• Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, in particular the Principal, to achieve common goals.

• Representing the interests of the whole parent/ caregiver body.

• Providing additional resources to enhance opportunities and programs at the College for the benefit of students, staff and the wider community.

If you would like to learn more or have some spare time to help/volunteer, please contact us on ptf@cornerstone.sa.edu.au

OLD SCHOLAR COMMITTEE

Old Scholars, have your say, make a difference

Are you passionate about your Old Scholar community? Do you have suggestions or ideas as to how we can better connect with the College and each other?

We are looking to form an Old Scholar committee that will create a strong sense of community and provide an ongoing connectedness with the College.

Interested? Please contact Jayne Symons, Communications & Engagement Director on 8398 6007 or jsymons@cornerstone.sa.edu.au

How to Enrol at Cornerstone College

We encourage families wishing to enrol at Cornerstone to contact Rochelle Rogers, Principal’s Assistant/Registrar on 8398 6009 or rrogers@cornerstone.sa.edu.au

To commence the application process, please complete and submit the online Application Form found on our website.

Schools that form part of the Association of Independent Schools South Australia (AISSA) undertake to make offers of place for students a maximum of two years in advance. Cornerstone College is a member of AISSA and abides by this policy. On receipt of an Application Form your child will be placed on our waiting list.

Within two years of commencement at the College, we will invite you and your child/ren to attend an interview with the Principal.

Upon successful completion of the interview you will receive a letter of offer. Parents/caregivers are required to confirm their child’s offer of place in writing. A $400 enrolment fee is payable at this time.

As per our Enrolment Policy, priority of place is given to:

• Children of Old Scholars

• Siblings of current students

• Students currently enrolled at Lobethal Lutheran, St Mark’s, Mt Barker and St Michael’s, Hahndorf

• Date of application

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSORS

AA Windows

AA Windows have been very fortunate and are proud to be able to work with Cornerstone College’s Grounds, Building and Maintenance staff on building projects such as Paideia, Jing si lou, the Anakalypsi (Library) extension over the last five years and we look forward to our continual involvement in the future. Not only do AA Windows do commercial projects, we also provide product to builders, home owners with new windows and doors whether it be a new build, extension or replacement of old. We are very pleased to be a part of the Cornerstone community.

Beyond Bank

Beyond Bank has been working with Cornerstone College for several years. Recently, we were named number one in Australia by customers, in the Forbes 2022 World's Best Bank Awards. As a customer owned bank, we are committed to helping our customers and local communities thrive - especially in what may be financially challenging times ahead. We are currently offering a special low-rate Home Loan offer for a limited time only. Switching your home loan to Beyond Bank could see you putting more cash back in your pocket each week. If you're interested in finding out what Beyond Bank could save you, contact Justin Davis on 0490 437 608 or Sarah Mayhew 0419 257 168.

Higgins Coatings

At Higgins Coatings, painting is who we are. For over 73 years, we have been Australia's premier commercial painting provider servicing the Education segment and a broad range of other industries. As your team of local painting experts, we are proud to support Cornerstone College.

Openbook Howden

At OBH we take our role as a print partner very seriously, we recognize that every item printed is a representation of our clients’ brand and ultimately ours. Whether it be books, brochures, food packaging or embellished wine labels we are here to help. www.openbookhowden.com.au 08 8124 0000

Stroud Homes

Stroud Homes are a local family business based in Mount Barker. Sloping blocks, split levels, homes with pools, spas and granny flats, they take on the whole job from concept to completion. Multi licensed and a wealth of knowledge, Stroud Homes Adelaide Hills are your local experts and family builder.

Southern Cross Cleaning

Southern Cross Cleaning is a proud supporter of Cornerstone College. Established in 1980, the “big brother” of the SCC Group, Southern Cross Cleaning is a family owned business operating within the commercial cleaning services industry. ‘Our motto is simple and non-negotiable; we will supply a five-star service.