rs ea 80 Y
rs ea 80 Y
W Acknowledgements Thank you to all the wonderful Old Girls who have enthusiastically supported this 80th Anniversary edition of Directions.Your suggestions, information and willingness to share your lives is greatly appreciated. It has been a pleasure to put this magazine together. Production Team: Jane Rees Danielle Clegg (Bridge, 1994) Kirsty Foster (2001) Catherine King (2010) Produced in conjunction with Danebank Old Girls Association, by Danebank Anglican School for Girls 80-98 Park Road, Hurstville NSW 2220 Tel: 02 9580 1415 www.danebank.nsw.edu.au
1
elcome back to the second edition of the Directions magazine. After the success of the first edition, we’re proud to say we continue to be impressed by the quality of the magazine being produced and excited by the contributions of others. This magazine enables us to know about what is happening in our alumni world so we hope the articles are as interesting for you to read as they were to research. It is amazing to learn of the contributions our Danebank Old Girls are making in the wider world and to hear their reflections about their school years. As reported in other places, the Old Girls Association has worked to bed down a new membership structure that has given us renewed enthusiasm. Through it, the Executive Committee looks forward to growing the Association, developing our outreach to all Old Girls, and allowing all Old Girls to participate. I thank Mrs Davis and Ms Rees for the school’s support in this endeavour. There is more about the work of the Association later in this publication. So read on – it’s D for Danebank and D for Directions. I hope you enjoy it. Petty Heather, OGA President
I
n this 80th Anniversary year, I am reminded that a school is never completed. It must by definition continue to evolve and develop as it strives to meet the changing needs Mrs Davis, during dress-up time of its students and on Founders Day, donned an outfit reminiscent of Miss Edith Roseby Ball. their education. This is why our alumni are important to us. They remind us of all that is valuable in the past and they encourage us to keep striving for the girls. It is true that each generation of Danebankians has contributed to those who came after them just as each succeeding generation of today’s Danebankians will contribute towards future generations. As time continues to flow, it is hard to believe that a year has already passed since the first edition of this magazine was issued. The first Directions created a stir in our alumni community and the feedback to the new initiative was very positive. I am delighted that the magazine began a year of extending our outreach to old girls online and that many more old girls now connect with each other and the school, through the online Directory on the school’s website, Facebook and LinkedIn. We will continue to celebrate our 80th Anniversary with old girls at this year’s August Fest Reunion when we will share memories of school days, enjoy splendid performances and savour the special warmth that is distinctly Danebank. August Fest Reunion is a wonderful occasion and I look forward to greeting many Old Girls on that day.
Maryanne Davis, Principal
In this edition SERVICE TO OTHERS p. 3 Unmasking the cause of bird flu in Indonesia Gina Samaan (1996) p. 4 Rebecca’s Miracle Rebecca Sterjovski (2009)
p. 9
Farewell Mrs Lucas Laraine Lucas (21 years’ service)
p. 13
AN INTERNATIONAL STAR Kirby Hughes (2001)
p. 15
OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION NEWS by Petty Heather (Litsas, 1993) p. 19 You are invited to August Fest Reunion 2013
p. 23
LAW Breaking the Glass Ceiling Lexia Wilson (1979)
p. 25
Work at something you Love Christie Mead (2001)
p. 29
Old Girls’ Online Directory
p. 31
Old Girls Vs Students Water Polo Match 2012
p. 33
HIGHLIGHTS At Danebank 2012
p. 35
MEMORIES OF DANEBANK Ridiculously Proud of Danebank Judith Leece (1972)
p. 37
An Interview with Miss Marilyn Marsh
p. 39
DANEBANK BEGINS 80th Anniversary Film
p. 42
DOWN MEMORY LANE Some memories across the years REUNIONS 2008 Five Year Reunion 1993 Twenty Year Reunion 1983 Thirty Year Reunion 2013 Water Polo Match
p. 43
p. 12 p. 32 p. 41 p. 12