DANEBANK’S FIRST UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR CAREERS IN MEDICINE OUR USA CONNECTIONS Specialists in their fields
FROM THE OGA
Old Girls Events & Reunions
2014 HIGHLIGHTS
Danebank Old Girls
2015
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thank you to all Old Girls who have been so generous in helping us with this edition. We have had great fun putting it together. It is always a privilege to share in the lives of our Old Girls and to highlight their activities.
PRODUCTION TEAM: Jane Rees Danielle Clegg (Bridge, 1994) Kirsty Kortum (Foster, 2001) COVER IMAGE: This edition features a focus on some Old Girls who are living and working in the USA. We chose the New York skyline as our cover photo, in honour of all those Old Girls who have lived and worked there.
Produced in conjunction with Danebank Old Girls Association, by Danebank Anglican School for Girls 80-98 Park Road, Hurstville NSW 2220 Phone +61 2 9580 1415 www.danebank.nsw.edu.au
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Welcome back for another edition of ‘Directions’. Each year we have had the pleasure of marvelling at the previous versions of ‘Directions’ and of course this year is no different! We are happy to be a part of this great collection of information and updates of what our alumnae are doing in their lives. I know I marvel at the achievements and contributions of our old girls, no matter what direction their lives have taken them. There are many of us who also look forward to finding out about progress at the school. With 2015 well and truly halfway over, we continue to focus on engaging our members and ensuring we keep a dialogue going for all old girls. Don’t forget to join us on the old girls online Directory that is hosted on the school’s website, the Danebank Old Girls Association Facebook page and our new LinkedIn page. Enjoy reading ‘Directions’ and we hope to catch up with our members online and in person throughout the year. Mrs Petty Heather, OGA President
Gail Kelly said, “The key to success is loving what you do and being pretty focussed on what matters. You have to make choices with regard to your life and your career. I prioritise my whole life, not just my work life. There is nothing more important to me than my family.” At Danebank we often speak about developing character. We speak about girls serving others with Christ as the model for servant leadership. This approach can raise the question of whether an Ut Prosim approach to life can be achieved when competency and the economically productive student is such a powerful focus in today’s educational climate? We are constantly linking our Christian focus with the desire to empower girls in a manner that will take them from the girls in the classroom to the women who will be mothers and people of influence in the boardroom. I hope that our girls will strive to reach their potential in all areas of their lives. The Honourable Quentin Bryce, former Governor General of Australia, has said that women can have it all, just not all at the same time. Ms Bryce has been married for more than 50 years, she has five children, a distinguished Law Career, has been a Human Rights advocate, a Childrens’ advocate, university lecturer and passionate supporter of Australia. She is a woman who is much admired for her achievements. But she is also a woman who is admired for the way she has conducted her life, in particular her activism on behalf of others. One has to admire those who aim high in their lives and who live according to a code of service. These pages contain articles about Danebank women at different life stages. Some are just starting out on their career paths and others have reached ‘dizzy heights’. They are the product of a school which will always celebrate achievement and which aims to empower girls to aim high in every area of their lives.
Mrs Maryanne Davis, Principal
IN THIS EDITION SERVICE Laura Alchin (2007) Sophie Langshaw (Cachia, 1997)
p. 4 p. 7
A CAREER OF NOTE Dr Michele Allan (1975)
p. 10
MEDICAL CAREERS Dr Kerry Chant (1980) Dr Christine Thien (1988) Dr Victoria Johnson (2004)
p. 14 p. 17 p. 20
OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION NEWS Petty Heather (Litsas 1993)
p. 23
OLD GIRLS VS STUDENTS & TEACHERS WATER POLO 2014 Match p. 25 2015 Match p. 26 HIGHLIGHTS At Danebank 2014
p. 27
OLD GIRLS ONLINE REPORT
p. 29
USA CONNECTIONS Robyn McKeon Powers (1976) Jessica Lim (2001) Christina Trahanas (2001)
p. 31 p. 34 p. 37
OLD GIRLS EVENTS & REUNIONS
p. 40
DANEBANK MOMENTS Mr Warwick Fogden
p. 41
MEMORY LANE Some memories across the years
p. 43
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In September last year Laura Alchin (2007) organised an exciting adventure to raise funds for the PLAN organisation, specifically in support of PLAN’s ‘Because I am a Girl’ Campaign for Cambodia. PLAN says “Globally, one in five girls around the world is denied an education by the daily realities of poverty, violence and discrimination.” The ‘Because I am a Girl’ Campaign aims to reverse this reality for vulnerable girls and to fund educational opportunities for them. Laura is a Primary School teacher and she has endeavoured, since leaving school, to help poor children overseas to gain an education that will transform their lives. She said: “Opening classroom doors to children, particularly to girls, can help combat the poverty cycle and provide these children with so many more opportunities in life.” In 2010, she volunteered to work with Global Vision International. She travelled to Nomzama Township in South Africa during her holiday break where she gave children lessons in numeracy and literacy. This experience showed her “true poverty”, she said, “and how a lack of resources severely affects children’s chances of being educated and having better
lives.” She described the trip as “a rewarding, the challenges included “navigating the Vietnamese traffic, especially as some of us unique and challenging experience.” were beginner cyclists! There were collisions with locals, bikes landing in the river, and The South Africa trip in 2010 fuelled Laura’s desire to do more, hence her recent support cuts and bruises to be had by all. The heat for the ‘Because I am a Girl’ Campaign. was also challenging.” Laura’s approach to raising funds for this was to organise for a group of Australians to As part of the cycling tour, though, the undertake a cycling expedition from Vietnam group visited one of PLAN’s project sites in to Cambodia. She advertised and eight Cambodia and saw first-hand the work that people took up the challenge. She asked all their fundraising was supporting. “We were participants to find sponsors for their trips, given the chance to see the human faces the funds raised being donated to PLAN. of the water wells being constructed in the villages, the fish farms, the basket weaving The cycling tour took 10 days “with a trade and the children’s club. Particularly well-needed rest in the middle.” Some of close to our hearts, as five of the group were
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teachers, was talking to the community leaders about the positive impact the work PLAN is doing in the community to help and increase girls’ access to education.” When asked if she would do it again, Laura answered “Seeing Vietnam and Cambodia by bicycle offered us the chance to catch a glimpse of conventional life in the villages and consequently, the fantastic work that PLAN International does to empower these communities. Sore bottom aside, I would do it all again for the chance to give more to this cause.” Her group donated $13,000. Laura is the recipient of Danebank’s 2015 Valerie Crakanthorp Award for Philanthropy*. She spoke about her trip at the school’s Founders Day Assembly. Laura continues to sponsor a child through PLAN and she hopes to be able to organise another fundraiser in the future.
*The Valerie Crakanthorp Award for Philanthropy is given to a student or exstudent who has raised considerable funds for worthy causes. It is given in the name of Mrs Valerie Crakanthorp who donated funds to help start our school.
BEST DANEBANK MEMORIES • Dressing up in crazy costumes for House Festival day. • Lessons in the music cottage, and working together with friends to prepare for performances. • Lasting friendships formed from high school years.
It would be easy to understand why Sophie Langshaw (Cachia, 1997) might not have too many spare moments outside of work and home. She is a partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) with a large client portfolio and high-pressure career, and is also new mum to daughter Amelia. However, Sophie also finds the time to be a Director on two not-for-profit Multiple Sclerosis Boards, and regularly volunteers to help charities. Plus, one weekend a month, Sophie and her husband Matt foster a young boy through Wesley Mission’s Aunties and Uncles program. Multiple Sclerosis is an illness especially close to Sophie’s heart. In 2003, her brother Dimitri was diagnosed with the debilitating disease after years of unexplained symptoms and continual deterioration. Sophie said that was “the initial trigger for wanting to become involved with the MS society, both from an understanding perspective around this mysterious illness, and in offering my financial skills in trying to help.” She volunteered on the Audit Committee for Multiple Sclerosis Limited, and became a member of the fundraising group ‘MS Angels’ (a group of like-minded business 7
women who raise funds to sponsor a researcher working on a specific MS related project). Within a couple of years, Sophie was appointed to the Board of Directors for Multiple Sclerosis Limited, but curious to learn more and eager for research into finding a cure, she joined the Board of Directors for Multiple Sclerosis Australia as well. Additionally, Sophie regularly takes part in fundraising ventures such as the ‘Kiss Goodbye to MS’ campaign, fun runs and charity balls.
Sophie with her husband Matt and baby daughter Amelia.
PwC is thankfully very supportive of its staff and their community service responsibilities. In fact, they actively encourage it. “PwC is as passionate about serving the community as I am!” said Sophie. The professional services firm has programs in place for partners and staff to become involved with the community, such as Foundation Days when all staff are allowed to spend one work day per year volunteering for a charity (e.g. Planting trees with Landcare, assisting at an orphanage, or packing Christmas hampers with the Salvation Army). “Last year we spent around 8964 hours volunteering!” said Sophie. PwC have also installed a ‘matched giving program’ and will match charity donations made by its staff members.
coached for one day a month to develop their leadership, employability and enterprise skills. The program was only for 12 months but Sophie still regularly catches up with her mentee. Her husband Matt wasn’t able to take part directly in the ‘Elevate’ program but listened intently to Sophie and her stories and ultimately decided to look for something similar that they could be involved in together. “Matt stumbled across ‘Aunties and Uncles’, a mentoring program that aimed to build a better life for disadvantaged kids,” said Sophie, “so we applied, were trained, and quickly matched with a three and a half year old boy.”
A joint PwC/Mission Australia program called ‘Elevate’ led Sophie and her husband to foster a child with Wesley Mission. The ‘Elevate’ program pairs high-performing PwC staff with ‘at risk’ teenagers who are
Sophie and her husband have fostered the boy, one weekend a month, for the last six years. She admits there have been a few challenges along the way but said they are now able to laugh about many of them, such
For Sophie, the highlights “very much outweigh the challenges” when it comes to her community service roles and activities. “I really enjoy being able to give back to the community,” she said, “and having the opportunity to hear first-hand about MS research projects that are underway is invaluable.” Sophie has a personal interest in the fight to find a cure, for her brother and for other MS sufferers. Her involvement with MS research and awareness remains very close to her heart.
Sophie with her brother Dimitri
as the first weekend they had the little boy for an overnight stay. “Given that we didn’t have kids of our own back then (just two faithful labradors!), we quickly had to learn all about looking after a toddler, and the joys and challenges that come with that,” said Sophie. Many rewarding experiences have come from the ‘Aunties and Uncles’ program, and Sophie said of the experience “watching him (their foster child) grow and develop into a confident young man has made us both immensely proud.” Sophie muses that her passion for community service may have been stirred by her involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme at Danebank. The lifelong friendships she made at school also standout for her, as does the “passion for learning and development” that Danebank teachers instilled in her. Sophie’s favourite teachers were Mr Duhigg and Mr Wotton, and she said “I remember all too well taking drama lessons in the little classrooms off Heslop Hall, and the many laughs we had!” 9
MS FACTS • 1 in 20 Australians will be touched by MS through a family member, colleague or friend who is living with the disease. • 1,000 Australians are diagnosed with MS every year, equating to approximately four people every day. • MS is the most common disease of the central nervous system in young adults. • 50-80% of people with MS cease to work full-time within 10 years of diagnosis. • Australians with MS spend $78 million per year in out of pocket health care expenses.
A CAREER OF NOTE Dr Michele Allan (1975) was inducted as Chancellor of Charles Sturt University (CSU) at an Installation Ceremony held last December. As Chancellor, Dr Allan will play a pivotal role by leading the University Council, in particular in determining future strategic directions for that institution. She is the first woman to be appointed to the role. Dr Allan’s CV is filled with accomplishments, educational qualifications, and a series of career steps that have taken her up the ladder of career achievement. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Applied Science Major – Biomedical Science - Cytology (UTS), a Masters in Management Technology (University of Melbourne), a Doctor of Business Administration (RMIT) for which she was also awarded the University Medal, a Master of Commerce Law (Deakin University) , and is a Graduate and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Left: Michele with Mrs Symonds, Richmond House Mistress. Michele was Richmond House Captain. Right: Prefects 1975. Michele is 2nd from right in the back row.
Those credentials are probably as expected for a person in her current role. Yet, what may be unexpected is the wide range of Boards she has served. She has Chaired and/or been a Director on 26 Company Boards since 1991, notably for CSIRO Food and Nutrition Flagship Advisory Committee and Meat and Livestock Australia. Other companies include the Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council, Innovation Australia, and Forest and Wood Products Australia and the list continues. She chaired the Wheat Export Advisory Task Force 2013-14 which reported to the Australian Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce, and she was part of an Australian Government delegation to Japan at that time. She continues to serve on Boards and sub committees and she said she “works for both the blues and the reds in Canberra.” So, how does a Danebank girl come to do all this? One thing that is obvious is her thirst for knowledge. When confronted with a barrier, something she needed to know more about, she took herself off to learn about it at the highest level and through the most rigorous courses. This led to her developing her skills set that includes Human Resources, 11
management systems and business strategies. She describes the courses as “fantastic,” especially her doctorate course. Interestingly, Michele’s first job after completing her Bachelor’s degree was with the makeup company, Helena Rubenstein, in their quality assurance laboratories. She chose this company because it offered a day off work each week to attend university, something other companies did not offer. While there, she became interested in all facets of Quality Management, an aspect of business that has featured strongly in her career trajectory. After her first career steps, she took a series of positions which became increasingly more executive level, right up to becoming CEO/Managing Director of Patties Foods Ltd. Dr Allan’s appointment as Chancellor at CSU will enable her to contribute from her wide-ranging experiences, particularly her experiences in food, agriculture and livestock businesses, her relationships with big producers, her first-hand understanding of government processes and her experience in Board-level administration. CSU is a rural/ regional university that values and supports
its community by offering courses in agriculture and wine sciences and animal and veterinary sciences. Dr Allan looks forward to the challenge of supporting the university in these areas especially. “We need to reflect our community,” she said. While her Danebank years must seem a very long way behind her, Dr Allan still spoke enthusiastically about her school years. She keeps up with her Danebank friends and she said that the school “pushed us to do our best.” She admired Mrs Tisdell’s teaching of Ancient History because, she said, Mrs Tisdell’s enthusiasm “brought the subject alive.” Mrs Tisdell became an important
mentor, encouraging her to aim high. She also said that having studied public speaking was a bonus because it gave her confidence. Dr Allan attributed family values as contributing to her attitudes to her career. Her father owned a sheet metal conversion factory that she worked in during holidays as well as a family farm. “We were expected to pitch in,” she said. She attributes luck to her success too. She said she has been “fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.” Yet it is clear that there is no-one so “lucky” as she who works extremely hard, who strives to learn and develop her knowledge base, who takes very seriously those she is responsible for, and who brings an exceptional mind to her work.
ADVICE TO THOSE WHO WISH TO SUCCEED: 1. Take up opportunities. Say yes to everything. 2. Express your opinion in a non-threatening way. 3. Ask yourself – Can I make a difference? If it looks interesting and you think you can add value, have a go.
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A highly responsible role with
human lives
in the balance
As NSW Chief Health Officer and Deputy Secretary Population and Public Health, former Danebank student Dr Kerry Chant PSM (1980) has an incredibly challenging and rewarding role to play. Dr Chant, who was recently awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) in the June 2015 Queens Birthday honours, provides expert advice to the NSW Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner. Her role is to represent, advise and facilitate improvements to public health on behalf of the government. She is particularly interested in blood borne virus infections, communicable disease prevention and control, and Aboriginal health. Dr Chant received the PSM award in recognition of her effective, active leadership in the field of public health for the past 23 years, and her commitment to the delivery of world-class public health services for the people of NSW.
Dr Chant answering questions at a community meeting in Lismore, 2013.
However, she is very keen to acknowledge the contributions of others working in public health. “I am fortunate to have had fine people in this role before me and I have fantastic, committed people working with me today,” Dr Chant said. “There are teams of people who contribute to public health.”
Responses to health issues may include clinical approaches, public education and regulatory approaches. Her journey to the role of Chief Health Officer began at university, where she studied Pharmacy after school, and then transferred to Medicine. Later, she completed Masters Degrees in Public Health and Health Administration and decided to make a career in Public Health. She has worked in the field of Public Health in leadership roles since 1991.
Dr Chant speaks enthusiastically about NSW’s and Australia’s health successes, many of which are attributable to effective interventions. These include approaches to stem the spread of HIV (the virus which causes AIDS) among injecting drug users, and the response to emerging infectious diseases Last year, Dr Chant and her team led NSW such as Human Swine Flu in 2009. planning for the possibility of an Ebola case here. At the time, she told the Sydney Yet, she concedes that the challenge of Morning Herald that NSW had a contingency protecting the public “without applying plan for a possible Ebola outbreak. Australia draconian laws can be a juggling act.” has a “very robust” health care system and “while we may see cases of Ebola here, I’m Dr Chant’s role at NSW Health also includes confident we have systems in place that addressing conferences and public forums on would prevent further transmission and important health issues. She also facilitates outbreaks occurring in our context,” she told strategies for improving health outcomes. the SMH.
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Dr Chant also commended the health professionals who travelled overseas to help stem the Ebola outbreak. “We do support and acknowledge their work,” she said. “They go with our blessing and our appreciation that they are contributing globally.” Public Health administration can be a controversial area to work in. In 2013, Dr Chant was reported in the Daily Telegraph as being “heckled” during a heated debate at Lismore Council, “by a gallery packed with anti-fluoride protestors.” Council voted on a rescission motion in favour of fluoride, “leading to the heated exchange,” the paper reported. Dr Chant is currently leading a Cannabis Expert Panel to investigate the potential impact of using cannabis to provide relief for children suffering from epilepsy and for other terminally ill patients.
She has learnt the need to be pragmatic in her work – to think about future options for implementing change if they cannot be made immediately – and particularly enjoys the “breadth and depth of the work.” In one day, Dr Chant might be briefed about HIV strategies, work on policies regarding other viruses such as hepatitis C and hepatitis B and then move on to Aboriginal health issues. In her Year 12 School Captain’s Report, published in the Danebank Magazine, Kerry said: “I feel both a sense of adventure to reach out and discover my future destiny and a sense of regret in leaving the security, discipline and warmth of Danebank.” Dr Chant’s Danebank years seem long in the past now, and the school was a much smaller place in 1980 than it is today. Yet, her career in public health has certainly taken her on an “adventure,” and with most rewarding outcomes. Class of 1980 with Mrs Tisdell, Headmistress.
Christine with her husband Rey Robayna and children, Jessie and Sam. 17
All the Year 12 boarders in 1988, outside Yarra Mundi boarding house. (L to R Katrina Chua and Stella Acheampong (top), Trisha Steele and April McArthur (middle), Sharlene McIlvenna and Christine (bottom).
Christine Thien, April McArthur and Stella Acheampong, fellow Year 12 boarders outside Yarra Mundi.
YARRA MUNDI DANEBANK MEMORY Predictably, Christine always enjoyed Maths and Science-based subjects while at school. She was a boarder when she attended Danebank. She moved to Australia from Malaysia when she was in Year 9 and she said boarding “made me become more independent. I was a fish out of water at first but I became comfortable quickly.” She was Boarding Prefect in Year 12 and in that year the school had 44 boarders residing in Yarra Mundi on the corner of The Avenue and Queens Road. “It’s sad it’s not there now,” she said. 19
...but one that is full of great challenges.
Dr Victoria Johnson (2004) is a Junior Medical Officer working at St George Hospital, currently in the Neurology Department. She commenced there at the beginning of this year. She will remain in this role at St George for two years during which time she will undertake a number of rotations into other departments. At the same time, Victoria is pursuing PhD studies in Rheumatology, which is the field she hopes to specialise in later. Rheumatologists deal with clinical problems involving joints, soft tissues, auto-immune diseases and tissue disorders. Her PhD will examine the progression of osteoarthritis in the elderly. It will take her seven more years to achieve her dream of working in this field.
Victoria with her Deans Scholar Award, 2010
When asked about the challenges of being a new Doctor at a hospital, she said “Neurology is one of my favourites, but it is hard to find your limits because you’re new. It was daunting at first. But,” Victoria said, “I love the team atmosphere, the camaraderie and the support. I get to learn from different people and the patients too.” Perhaps the most challenging will be when she works with Surgeons later this year. After finishing her Residency at St George, she will commence her physician’s training. Victoria changed study directions after leaving school. She commenced studying for a Bachelor of Applied Science at Sydney University. She was interested in the science of exercise, sports science and nutrition, and was a Deans Scholar, but “half way through my undergraduate degree, I decided I wanted to extend myself more.” She sat the GAMSAT, a test for those who wish to study Medicine, was invited to attend an interview and was then accepted to transfer to Medicine. 21
Victoria has been interested in the science of sports for a long time. She played all kinds of sports at school. “I did lots,” she said, notably Hockey, Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics and Cricket. So it is no surprise that she has reflected this interest in her medical career. Sports injuries and other skeletal, tissue and muscular wounds are some of the problems she will be dealing with as a Rheumatologist. Victoria has to be motivated, organised and focussed to complete all the demands of her busy schedule. She gets up at 4:30am to go for a run (accompanied by her two dogs), completes her day’s work, undertakes her further studies and makes time for her social life (as much as she can). Her motivation and perseverance are clearly considerable, not to mention her energy levels. It will be a great day for her and a great achievement when she finally reaches her dream of becoming Dr Victoria Johnson, Rheumatologist.
Above: Victoria (far right) an Outstanding Sportswoman. Below: Victoria (second from right) with her Year 7 Hockey team.
BEST DANEBANK MEMORY Year 12 because of the mateship with teachers. They were great mentors and more than teachers. “It was a really special year with a family atmosphere. I’d do it again, except for the HSC!”
Old Girls Association
The last 12 months have flown by with the following key highlights for us in 2014/15 being: • Offering the e-Text subsidy for Old Girls whose daughters entered Year 7. • Hosting the 2014 annual August Fest event, which was a little bit different in 2014 as there were no special guest speakers or performances, more so an opportunity for Old Girls across the years to get together at a different venue and catch up on what has been happening. It was held at The Loft in the city where old girls enjoyed High Tea while they caught up with each other. • Having a good turnout at the 2015 AGM in March where we discussed a range of changes and reflected on the past year.
• Participation in the old girls vs students and teachers water polo match. The 2015 match was held at the Danebank Aquatic Centre in late March and once again, the old girls, students and teachers battled it out with a well-deserved win to the old girls! • With Social Media being key in contacting our members, last year we launched our LinkedIn page - Danebank Old Girls Association – with the “Golden D” logo, and we look forward to growing the network of ex-Danebankians in the broader community. This is an initiative which encourages exstudents wishing to connect with us and share their career progress. This is a great platform for our members to connect with each other – especially from a networking perspective.
Members of the OGA support the Autumn Fair. l to r: Petty Heather Noelene Weatherby Fell Lyney Bailey Matina Litsas
DanebankOGA
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danebank-old-girls-association
• Our Facebook members continue to be engaged and entertained with our postings – and my personal favourite part of Facebook is in fact watching the old girls interact over the Flashback Friday posts - from the “Olden Days” as my 8 year old calls them. Our key dates for the next 12 months: August Fest 2015 Sat 15 August 2015 AGM 2016 Wed 9 March 2016 Autumn Fair 2016 TBA August Fest 2016 Sat 20 August 2016
Remembering we always welcome feedback from members and friends of the Association and as such if you have any ideas or comments, please contact us at oldgirls@live.com.au or Danebank Old Girls Association, PO Box 349 Hurstville BC 1481. Alternatively, like our Facebook page or feel free to send us a request to connect via LinkedIn. We hope to hear from you soon. Mrs Petty Heather, OGA President
2015 OGA Committee Members President Assistant President Secretary Assistant Secretary Treasurer Social Committee
Petty Heather Noelene Weatherby-Fell Maxine French Matina Litsas Christine Lane Justine Sealey, Sally Mizoshiri, Lauren Culbert, Julia DeBono
Class of 94 20 Year Reunion The Bank Hotel - September 2014
Reunions are a great way to catch up with classmates you may have lost contact with over the years. Whether you meet for afternoon tea, a picnic in a park, or dinner and cocktails you’re sure to have a good time (and a laugh or two!) reminiscing about your days at Danebank.
Old Girls vs. Students & Teachers Water Polo Match The Old Girls vs. Students Water Polo Match last year was opened up to include current Danebank teachers, and what competition ensued! After being defeated two years in a row, the Old Girls were ready to give all they had in the pool in order to win back the trophy. The old girls fought tirelessly and by the second quarter they held the match 6-nil. Then with three minutes to go until half-time, the Students and Teachers team snuck in a goal, leaving the score at 7–1 to the Old Girls. Unwavering, the Old Girls were determined not to share their lead and continued their offense in the water during the third quarter, bringing the score to 9–1. Proving that they weren’t going to hand over the trophy without a fight, the Students and Teachers team regrouped and scored three fearless goals that brought the score to 10–4 by the middle of the fourth quarter.
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The age-old battle of experience versus youth (or youthful-ness in some cases) continued and, with three minutes to go, the score had narrowed to 11–6. Then, with just 60 seconds left on the clock, the Old Girls left no doubt that the trophy deserved to be theirs. They scored a tenacious goal, sealing a match win at 12–6!
2014
Congratulations and a big thank you to all the Old Girls who donned the lycra once again to help win back the trophy!
OLD GIRLS: Sharna Cox (1995), Aimee Martel (1995), Kate Morris (nee. Allum; 2001), Laura Butcher (2003), Brittany Mazzarella (2005), Juliette Sheahan (2009), Lucienne Martel (2009), Brittany Taylor (2011), Kaitlin Foster (2011), Tara Needham (2011), and Bianca Smith (2013).
STAFF: Mrs Adrienne Lees, Mrs Kate Hoare and Miss Nikki Martel
Old Girls vs. Students & Teachers Water Polo Match The Old Girls vs. Students and Teachers water polo match was brought forward this year from Term Three to Term One in order to line up with current playing seasons. Held on Friday 20 March, we once again had a diverse selection of Old Girls turn up to compete in the pool, all eager to keep the trophy for a second year. The stakes were even higher as three members of the Martel family battled against each other in the water (with one playing with the students and two with the old girls). There was no easing into the match for either team and strong defences meant the scoreboard remained empty at the end of the first quarter. It wasn’t until well into the second quarter that the Old Girls fired up the scoreboard, visibly boosting morale and leaving the match at 2-0 at half-time. The Students & Teachers contingent rallied (quite vocally!) back in the pool for the third quarter, spirits boosted even further when their goalkeeper executed a valiant save against a determined Old Girl. By the end of the quarter though, the Old Girls had strengthened their lead with a score of 4-0. An unstoppable force, the Old Girls powered through the fourth quarter! With only 30
2015
seconds left of the match and a score of 6-0 on the board, the Students & Teachers team finally broke through the Old Girls defence and scored! Spurred on by this late goal, calls for a ‘fifth quarter’ rang out through the Aquatic Centre… but would seven minutes be enough for the Students & Teachers to make a comeback? As both teams returned to their positions in the pool, tensions were high! Student versus Old Girl, teacher versus teacher, and sister versus sister! The Students & Teachers team scored early, giving hope to their last minute play for the trophy. Ultimately though, they proved no match for the Old Girls who convincingly won the match with a score of 8-2. Congratulations to the Old Girls for their backto-back wins, and thank you to everyone who came along to support both teams. OLD GIRLS: Sharna Cox (1995), Aimee Martel (1995), Kate Morris (nee. Allum; 2001), Brittany Mazzarella (2005), Juliette Sheahan (2009), Lucienne Martel (2009), Shannon Hood (2010), Bianca Smith (2013), Lillee Forrester (2013), and Jessica Pallis (2013).
2014 was another busy year at the school with many highlights. FOUNDERS DAY New portraits of all the school’s Principals were unveiled to acknowledge each one’s contribution to the school. They now hang in the PAC foyer. ACADEMIC HSC: Our 2014 HSC cohort achieved amazingly well with 98% qualifying for Degree courses, five All Rounder Awards (Diana Wang, Breanna King, Brigette Lo, Eliza Kuang and Sarah Vogel) and one first in the state (Anastasia Doulakis – Modern Greek Beginners). SPORTS Our Dragon Boaters competed at an International meet in Ravenna, Italy. Four crews won gold, 3 crews won silver. All the students returned home with medals. A number of students did amazingly well in reaching state and national levels - in Swimming, Cross Country, Hockey and Gymnastics. 27
CREATIVE ARTS The Junior School presented a delightful production of ‘Peter Pan’. A number of students were successful in Visual Arts competitions. The school had finalists in the Young Archibalds, the St George Art Awards, the Young Australian Art Awards and the Mosman Youth Art prize. Two students were accepted into the prestigious National Art School NSW.
SERVICE As ever, students supported many worthwhile causes including Anglicare, TEAR, Samaritan’s Purse, Bible Society, Bush Church Aid Society, McGrath Foundation, Jump Rope for Heart, Worlds Greatest Shave, Collections for the Homeless, #Peace in the Middle East, Biggest Morning Tea and CMS. A special portrait of Mr Norman Heslop was unveiled at the P&F Cocktail Party, in honour of Mr Heslop’s outstanding service to Danebank in the 1950s-1980s. Old Girls attended a special Memorial Service celebrating the life of Ms Kris Smith, English teacher. Ms Smith tragically died as the result of an accident.
OLD GIRLS ON STAFF – NEW APPOINTMENTS Aimee Martel, Junior School teacher Karlie Puntoriero, Outside School Hours Care Desiree Pollett, Junior School Music Jennifer Nordstrum, Languages RETIREMENTS Miss Marilyn Marsh, Science Department Mrs Robyn Cross, Junior School Mrs Sue Witham, Executive Assistant to Principal OLD GIRL VISITORS Kate Fitzsimons spoke to Year 12 about being well prepared to travel. Carlie Holt spoke at High Achievers Assembly in 2014. Above left: Five All Rounder Award winners (HSC 2014). Below L-R: Bianca Jervis with new Portrait of Principals on Founders Day, Samaritan’s Purse Gift Boxes packed by students, Junior School Peter Pan Production.
Over the last 12 months, Danebank has continued to grow online, from an ever increasing number of Facebook followers to new members registering with the Danebank Old Girls Online Directory. Our social media profiles are buzzing with activity and we would love you to be a part of it (if you aren’t already!). Our Facebook pages are a great way to keep in touch with the everyday goings-on at the school, as well as Old Girl specific news and events. The Danebank Facebook page has over 1,160 followers (a big jump from 656 followers in June last year) and encourages engagement from parents, students, staff, Old Girls and the community. Our OGA Facebook page is the meeting place for all things ‘Old Girls’ with reunion announcements, invitations, Old Girl news, and requests from fellow alumni. Flashback Fridays are a big hit and we love receiving photos from Old Girls, so pull out your albums and see what Danebank memories you can share! The Danebank Old Girls Online Directory
now offers a Mentoring feature for registered members. Our Old Girls work in a variety of industries from Education and Legal, to Healthcare and Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations. There are TV producers, lawyers, mining engineers, graphic designers, physiotherapists and more. If you are interested in mentoring a fellow Old Girl, or are looking for guidance from someone in a similar industry or career, please sign up via the Mentoring Directory so that others may get in touch with you. Your role as a mentor (or mentee) can be as involved as you like. You may wish to be available for an occasional online chat or perhaps you’re happy to meet for coffee from time to time. The choice is yours! As always, we encourage you to update your contact details regularly to ensure you don’t miss any communication from the school. We would also love to hear more about your career/studies, achievements, community service activities and life adventures so feel free to email kirsty.kortum@danebank.nsw.edu.au with any news you would like to share!
www.danebankoldgirls.com @Danebank DanebankSchool DanebankSchool danebank-anglican-school-for-girls 29
Robyn McKeon Powers’ life proves that you never quite know what’s around the corner and how good a change in life can be. Robyn (1976) was bitten by the ‘travel bug’ years before she moved to the United States in 2003. “I never had any thoughts of moving anywhere outside Australia and certainly never to the USA!” she said, “but mum and I loved to travel so we started cruising.” It was on a cruise from Hobart to Hong Kong, during an on-board ball, that Robyn met a “tall, handsome Californian” named Justin who “is the sole reason for my move to the United States.” Before meeting her husband, Robyn had enjoyed a 25 year career in banking, rising to Customer Service Manager with Bank of NSW (later Westpac). Then she suffered a back injury at work, and had to undergo 18 months of rehabilitation which ultimately made her unable to work full-time. She worked at several jobs after that, including medical transcribing and dental nursing. When she married and moved to California, she “expected to return to banking” but her new husband held a real estate licence and suggested she study for a licence too. 31
One of her challenges at this time was to “unlearn what I knew of Australian law and lending, and re-learn new laws and regulations. It was more difficult than I expected. I would hear terms like ‘Freddy and Fannie’ and think I was mishearing. But no, ‘Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac’ are actually financial regulatory bodies in the US!” Initially she thought she would enter the mortgage broker business but quickly realised that real estate was “her passion” and would be her next career. “We live in an amazing part of California – Silicon Valley,” she said, “the home of every tech company from Apple to Yahoo.” With a population over one million people, the housing market is diverse. “I love the challenge of preparing a home for market,” she said, “We had one listing that needed no preparation and sold for $1.4m and, the day after moving in, the new owners ripped everything out, completely gutting the property for a remodel worth an extra $400,000!” Robyn adds, “Not all properties that we represent are out of ‘Home &
Garden’ but to their new owners, they are all ‘home’. Our clients range from professionals in technology, medicine and business to first home buyers, retirees, investors, neighbours and friends.” Real estate is vulnerable to financial downturns as Robyn experienced in the US subprime mortgage crisis of 2008-2012. “The US financial crash was a particularly tough time for sellers, many losing their homes and moving into the rental market,” she said. “It was hard too for buyers, forced to accept homes in poor condition and dealing with a financial market in flux due to new regulations.” Yet Robyn focuses on the positive, and said that “every change in the real estate market brings opportunity.” She is excited about the opportunities available in California. “Anything is possible! In California, if you can dream it, you can do it… and even if you can’t dream it, you can still do it!” When asked if she would recommend living overseas, Robyn said...
Down town Silicon Valley, San Jose
She said it is important to research the immigration process and start preparations early because securing visas can take time. “If you are moving to the United States, look into the Green Card Lottery – I won my green card and it was the single greatest thing to help me with my immigration.” Despite this being her 13th year living in the US, Robyn retains strong ties with Australia. She stays in contact with her Danebank friends through the Old Girls Online Directory and through Facebook. She and her husband ‘rendezvous’ with her Danebank friends around the globe, including in Australia but also in places like Paris and San Francisco. Robyn said she believes in service, Ut Prosim. “Whether at work with my clients, serving their real estate needs, or in our volunteer work with the Salvation Army, giving back to our community is a big part of our lives.” Robyn and her husband helped to create and now run a weekly Life Skills class for men in drug and alcohol recovery with the Salvation Army. Robyn also recalled seeing former Headmistress, Mrs Cowell, just before she passed away. “She lived in the Peakhurst Retirement Community that my Mum moved into, and despite it being more than 25 years since I left school, Mrs Cowell reminded 33
me most eloquently that, had I maintained better attendance, I could have been Dux of the School! I think Mrs Cowell was my favourite!” Robyn has proved that anything is possible. She has experienced great success in her career. She is a successful realtor, earning a six-figure income and is in the top 5% of her company, Coldwell Banker. She said her move to the US “has brought amazing personal growth and development,” and she believes that, if she had not met her husband and moved to California, she would never have had this life-changing opportunity. THREE EXPERIENCES UNIQUE TO AUSTRALIANS OVERSEAS 1. Constantly being the one who has an accent! 2. The Australian sense of humour and colloquialisms which don’t always translate in the USA such as ‘flat out like a lizard drinking’ and ‘too small to swing a cat’. Robyn says, “I’m often asked ‘Who is Uncle Bob?’” 3. Vegemite! You have to be born in Australia to understand our love of Vegemite!
The allure of living overseas had always been tempting to Jessica Lim (2001) so two years ago, deciding it was “now or never,” she sat down with her boyfriend Pete and discussed the idea of moving to the United States. Three months later, they were on a plane to New York, with a suitcase each, ready to begin their American adventure. Before settling into their new lives as ‘New Yorkers’ there were several challenges that Jessica and Pete had to conquer. These included finding jobs, finding an apartment that Jessica said “wasn’t going to bleed our earnings dry (thank you rent control!),” applying for credit cards with no credit rating, and battling with “that lonely feeling you can get even when you’re in a city surrounded by people,” said Jessica. The couple moved to the ‘Big Apple’ without knowing anyone else in the city, and for them, that was part of the appeal. “I wanted to go somewhere where there wasn’t a safety net of friends, or even friends of friends – I wanted to make new American
friends!” Jessica said. Being an Aussie in the United States, though, Jessica found that, like homing-beacons, they met all the Australian ex-pats first. But after almost two years in New York they now have a tight group of Australian and American friends – “the best of both worlds!” she said. Life as an Australian ex-pat in America comes with its own unique set of differences and challenges. Simply ordering food with an Australian accent is an exercise in patience as Jessica explained “Whenever I ask for ‘tom-ah-to’ the server always feels the need to correct me saying ‘tom-ay-to?’ and I think ‘yes, you obviously know what I’m talking about. Do you really need to correct me?’” A much less ‘taxing’ problem for Australian ex-pats though is the constant delivery of Tim Tam care packages sent from home. “At last count we have 15 packets in our pantry,” said Jessica, “which at an average of 10 biscuits per packet means we have 150 Tim Tams to get through. Challenge accepted!” Making the international move has broadened Jessica’s horizons and her outlook on life, and she believes it’s brought “a new focus and belief” in herself and her abilities. “I think you have nothing to lose and everything to gain if you uproot your life and allow yourself to start again,” she said. New York is vastly different from the Australian lifestyle however, and Jessica says, “If you choose to move to New York, be very aware that you will work hard! That’s a given because it’s a very competitive city and people think nothing of working 24/7.” On living in the city that never sleeps, Jessica said, “There’s always something to do, the streets are always alive, bright and buzzing. On the flip side, the streets are always alive, bright and buzzing… so I’ve had to resort to sleeping with ear plugs and an eye mask.” 35
Jessica enjoys her work as a Senior Associate with KPMG US, working in mergers and acquisitions in a Deal Advisory team. Her role is to advise corporates and private equity funds that are buying, selling, merging or carving-out companies. She performs financial due diligence which allows the client to understand how much the target company is worth. A typical deal lasts two to four weeks which means Jessica flies to meet clients at least once a month, giving her the chance to work with colleagues all around the US. Jessica said, “Work can get busy without any warning, and weekends and holidays aren’t sacred over here.” During the recent Memorial Day long weekend, Jessica’s team were contacted by a client at 9pm on Friday night about some incoming data relevant to a meeting taking place on Tuesday. Her team consequently spent the entire weekend collating the data in preparation for the meeting. Jessica explained that there is an upside to the “crazy hours” and “unexpected busy times” though. “There’s no ‘face-time’ office culture here so when I’m not busy I can leave whenever I want or work from home,” she said. “I also get five weeks of
JESSICA’S HIGHLIGHTS FROM LIVING OVERSEAS • Driving down Highway 1 on the West Coast, from San Francisco to San Diego, – so beautiful and relaxing.
• Hiking for four days to get to Machu Picchu in Peru, hating it the whole time but then getting there, climbing Wayna Picchu, and having greater appreciation because of the struggle to get there.
annual leave, and I can start my work day at 9:30 to 10:00am – which works especially well for me because I’m not a morning person!” Jessica’s time in New York won’t be forever though as the comforts of home are always ‘calling’ to her. “Sydney is my home,” she said. “This has been an adventure but it’s nice to know home will always be there when I’m ready to return.”
• Visiting New Orleans during WWE WrestleMania and getting swept up in the craziness!
Jessica jumped head first into pursuing her dreams to live overseas and landed on her feet in New York, and she has wholeheartedly embraced the challenges (and upsides) of being an Aussie in the United States. Her international adventures are set to continue with plans to explore South America and Europe with her boyfriend, but Australia will always be home and home is, as they say, ‘where the heart is’.
DANEBANK MEMORIES • Favourite Memory - “The atmosphere on sports days at Hurstville Oval with all the noise, colours and hot chips!”
• Favourite Teacher - “Mrs Rickards – witty, smart, and possessing dry humour. She epitomises a true lady.”
Christina Trahanas’ (2001) career trajectory shows her passion for both public law and international law. She has worked for the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague and at the Australian Attorney-General’s Department. She is now an Associate at the firm of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP in New York where she works on investor-state arbitration and public international law matters. Initially, Christina’s move to New York was to further her studies. “I moved to New York to do a Master of Laws at New York University (NYU),” she said, “focusing on international law and public law… I highly recommend studying full time. I really enjoyed having the break from working. I found that I could bring my work experience to my studies, both in terms of my knowledge of particular subject matters and my attitude to study.” 37
As you would imagine, international experience is vital to work in Christina’s chosen field. In February 2010, she did an internship at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). She explained that working at the ICTY was something that had always intrigued her. “I wanted to experience working in an international criminal court,” she said. She interned with the Office of the Prosecutor, working specifically on the trial of a former Serbian police chief who was accused (and eventually convicted) of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the conflict in Kosovo. Christina “worked on written submissions, assisted in preparing the final oral submissions for the case, and also helped attorneys prepare to cross-examine defence witnesses… I found thinking and learning about how countries regulate their behaviour towards one another and their attempts to regulate individuals or corporations on an Christina (right) with a friend at their NYU Graduation. international scale very interesting,” she explained. Returning to Australia from The Hague, Christina worked as a solicitor at the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office before joining the Office of International Law (OIL) at the Attorney-General’s Department in Canberra in February 2011. Initially working in an advisory capacity, Christina provided legal advice on whether or not proposed laws and executive actions were consistent with, or implemented Australia’s international obligations. “I advised on a variety of areas such as treaty interpretation, international refugee law, and law of the sea,” she said. She also contributed to several projects, including assisting Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to define their maritime boundaries and zones. As well, she assisted with the ongoing arbitration between Philip Morris Asia and Australia, in which Australia is being sued for its tobacco plain packaging legislation.
After two and a half years with the AttorneyGeneral’s Department, Christina’s interest in international law led her to the US, at first to study and now to work. “It’s fascinating working in an American/New York workplace. My group is comprised mostly of other foreigners and some Americans. It’s great to be able to speak different languages, some quite regularly, at work.” She speaks French, Spanish and Greek. Her international arbitration group at the firm focuses mainly on investor-state arbitration, in which a foreign investor sues a country under the terms of an international treaty. She said, “I love this work because it involves international law and public law, and it’s also fun working on disputes.”
Christina - Dux at Speech Night 2001
Working in an international law firm has led Christina to discover a couple of interesting facts about Aussies overseas. “Australians are highly regarded for their skills and approach to work, at least in law firms where they’re considered to be good workers and thick-skinned. They also have a good sense of humour about themselves, their work and their country,” she said. Christina explained that having the selfbelief to pursue study and career goals half way across the globe can partly be attributed to her time at Danebank. “I took drama and loved being part of school productions. It instilled confidence in me.” Debating has also been an important part of her life and Christina is grateful that she was introduced to it at school. “It led me to seek out the debating society at UNSW, where I met my best friends, and I even co-ordinated adjudicators for the Archdale Schools’ Competition at one stage,” she said. The teachers who left a lasting impression on Christina during her years at Danebank were Mrs Rickards and Mrs Schwartz. She said, “They were very supportive of the girls, very passionate about teaching, and enthusiastic about instilling a spirit of learning in all their students.” 39
Christina at Niagara Falls
Christina has pursued every opportunity available in her quest for a career in international law. From Australia, to the Netherlands, to New York, she has studied and worked her way across the globe. While she intends to eventually return to Australia, for the moment, New York is home.
TIPS FOR STUDYING OVERSEAS • Talk to people in your industry about studying overseas to get a sense of whether it’s something that would be useful. • Talk to people who have actually studied overseas and ask them how they found it and the application process. • Investigate scholarships, both through universities and other organisations (it’s very expensive to study in the US). • Do lots of research about different universities in different countries.
2015 OLD GIRLS EVENTS AND REUNIONS
WHEN WHERE
Sat 15 August High Tea at The Loft 3 Lime St, Sydney
CONTACT
oldgirls@live.com.au
2010 5 YEAR REUNION WHEN
WHERE CONTACT
10 October, 3pm Danebank PAC Foyer kirsty.kortum@danebank.nsw.edu.au www.facebook.com/DanebankClassof2010
2000 15 YEAR REUNION WHEN
WHERE CONTACT
8 August TBC
salpal100@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/2755535925
1995 20 YEAR REUNION WHEN
12 September
WHERE
The Cargo Lounge, Sydney
CONTACT
sarah.squire@bigpond.com www.facebook.com/groups/danebankclassof95
There are teachers who stay at Danebank for many years, far longer than is the norm for the profession. Mr Warwick Fogden is one of them. Mr Fogden has worked at Danebank since 1989 and he currently holds the position of Deputy Principal Administration.
“What I love is the tone of the place,” he said, “the girls are warm and friendly and well-behaved so that teachers can put a lot of effort into their classroom teaching. I think the school’s Christian emphasis also contributes to the lovely environment.” 41
Another reason for Mr Fogden staying so long at the school is because he has taken a variety of roles since he arrived. He began teaching Modern History in 1989 as a leave replacement position and he was offered the position full time when the staff member on leave did not return at the end of that year. During the early nineties, he also assisted Mrs Yvonne Eccleston who was responsible for timetabling and other administrative duties. When Mrs Eccleston retired, Mr Fogden stepped into the role and was later made Director of Studies, responsible for those administrative duties as well as the school’s liaison with the Board of Studies for examination entries. This included the Higher School Certificate and the School Certificate back then. In 2002 the school made the role of Deputy Principal a dual position. Up until then, the full deputy’s role had been undertaken by Mrs Dian Rickards. When it was divided, Mrs Rickards became Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care, and Mr Fogden was promoted to Deputy Principal Administration. Mr Fogden worked closely with Miss Rosalyn Bird as Principal and Mrs Rickards until their retirements. He now works closely with Principal, Mrs Maryanne Davis. “It has been a privilege to serve with them,”
he said. “They have each inspired me in different ways,” he explained. Mr Fogden says he enjoys the day to day running of the secondary school. “You have to think on your feet and come up with lateral solutions sometimes.” And the worst part of the role? He immediately took his phone out of his pocket and held it up. “My phone is on duty 24/7,” he said, “because part of my role is to find casual relief when teachers are away.” His role as Deputy Principal keeps him busy and he continues working in the classroom, teaching Modern History. He especially enjoys teaching the HSC course. His best memory of a class was his HSC Modern History class of 2003. “They achieved excellent results,” he said, “and they were such nice girls.” Mr Fogden believes the school is an ideal size now and he has watched the development of facilities, infrastructure and technology. “The school’s reputation has skyrocketed due to all the developments,” he said. “Parents are positive about the school, and staff are proud to work here. I love it here.”
DANEBANK MOMENTS
This year’s ANZAC observance was a special Danebank Moment when the girls placed poppies in Remembrance.
Mr Fogden explained that ‘Danebank moments’ are special, optimistic moments. They are not at all “cringe worthy”. They happen regularly and always involve an expression of the girls’ positive outlook. An event may have an especially good feel about it or the girls may make him proud because of their care and contribution. These are his Danebank moments.
By the end of World War Two, the school had taken in boarders. Enrolments had increased during the war, and rationing was continued after the war years. The school was quite run down and Miss Roseby Ball had difficulty dealing with the costs of running the school.
1945
1935 43
Danebank acquired premises at 86 Park Road Hurstville. The building was screened from the road by a post and rail fence covered with blue flowering plumbago bushes. Entry was by a central set of stairs that led to a verandah with wrought iron railings on one side and a large bay window on the other. Inside, the wide hallway had large rooms with high ceilings either side of it. Students arrived to commence at the beginning of the school year and all future developments fanned out from this central spot.
1965
1955
The look of the school became relevant to enrolments so the post and rail fence at the front of the building was taken down, replaced by a new brick fence with a central entrance and wrought iron archway. The archway was to become associated with Mrs Cowell’s time as Headmistress.
The school was in building mode and Stage one of Roseby Ball House was completed. The official opening of the building was significant because it was the first time our school hymn was sung. The school also began stage two of Roseby Ball House which was to include new Science Laboratories. The third school trip to Tasmania was also undertaken with 37 girls enjoying the experience.
Stages Unlimited Drama Club presented their first major production ‘Babes in the Wood’ - a pantomime which involved both Junior and Senior students. 1985 also saw Mr Stephen Thomas join the English/Drama Department at Danebank. Danebank Bell ringers started performing at Kirribilli and Government House.
1985
1975 45
A highlight of this year was the Festival of Sound and Light. Mrs Tisdell, the new Headmistress, wished to offer more drama, music and sports activities. Students performed in two productions, ‘Lightshine’ and ‘Simplicity Smith’. Bible Study meetings and prayer meetings were introduced and for the first time, Danebank Junior School competed in an interschool Carnival, held at Ravenswood.
Classes moved into the new Terraces building for Creative Arts and TAS subjects. The school was pleased to provide computer labs, Ceramics Studio, Hospitality kitchen, a Drama studio and other specialist classrooms. A Year 12 Visual Arts studio was also opened, giving Year 12 students their own space to develop their artworks.
2005
1995
1995 saw lots of firsts at Danebank. A number of new subjects were offered: Design & Technology and Japanese were introduced in the secondary school: PD/H/PE and Hospitality were introduced as HSC subjects. A new Japanese Room, decorated in Japanese style, was opened as well as our new K-12 Resources Centre which was opened by the Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Reverend R. H. Goodhew.
Danebank Old Girls Association PO Box 349 Hurstville BC NSW 1481 oldgirls@live.com.au