Old Fintonians’ Alumni

20 ALUMNI

Fintona File | Autumn / Winter 2022 FINTONIANS’

OLD

Reunions postponed from 2020 and 2021 have been rescheduled to this year.

Class of 2002

20 Year Reunion Friday 29 July 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Class of 2010 Class of 2011 Class of 2012

10 Year Reunion Friday 26 August 6.30pm — 8.30pm

INTERSTATE / REUNIONS NSW/ACT

Thursday 8 September

QLD

Saturday 22 October

SA

November — TBC

OFA Golf Day

Monday 19 September Sorrento Golf Club

Blue & Gold Luncheon

For Old Fintonians who left the School over 50 years ago (Class of 1971 and below) Friday 2 September, 12 noon

MARRIAGE

Congratulations to Mackayla Hanney (’10) and Adam Ahearn who were married on 5 January, 2022 at the Melbourne Town Hall. Old Fintonian, Emily Miller (Pedley ’10) was in the Bridal Party. The Fintona community is saddened to learn of the passing of the following Old Fintonians.

Marian Letcher (’66)

8/2/21

Louise White (Nason ’46)

23/4/21

Elizabeth Dextor (Burnet ’46)

30/7/21

Joan Hall (Serman ’42)

17/10/21

Trish Leigh - past staff

10/12/21

Alison Banova (Trahar ’80)

14/01/2022

Wendy Bode (Mau ’52)

29/1/22

Margaret Belle (Murphy ’48)

16/2/22

Vi Angliss (Watson) - past staff

25/3/22

Helen Francis (Mullins ’65)

27/3/22

SHARE YOUR NEWS

We love to share special and significant achievements of Old Fintonians. Please send your news to Kate McPhee, Community and Communications Officer at kmcphee@fintona.vic.edu.au.

JOIN THE OFA FACEBOOK GROUP

Please join the Old Fintonians’ Alumni Facebook Group at facebook.com/ groups/ofafintona to keep up to date with Alumni news including reunion dates and photos.

ALISON ROSE (TRAHAR ‘80)

20/4/1963 – 14/1/2022

Alison attended Fintona from 1969 to 1980 and was very active in the life of the School. Alison excelled in science, literature, history and drama, representing the School in swimming and hockey. Alison enjoyed performing on Shakespeare Day, and the inter-school play with Camberwell Boys’ Grammar. A talented pianist and cellist, Alison was in the School orchestra, and played ‘March Militaire’ at the 1980 Valedictory Night alongside a classmate.

After achieving her HSC in 1980, Alison completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Speech Pathology at the Lincoln Institute, graduating in 1984. She travelled through country NSW working as a regional Speech Therapist before transferring to the Victorian Health Department as a manager in an Allied Health team.

Alison loved the stage and in 1986, she was cast in a play called In Duty Bound alongside a handsome young man called Dean Banova, who became Alison’s life partner.

A love of travel saw Alison enjoy an extended trip to Europe in 1986, where she made many lifelong friends. In 1988, Alison and Dean spent a year in London, Dean working as a teacher and Alison as a shop assistant in Regent Street. Alison and Dean were married in 1990; their first son Tim was born in 1994, followed by Ned in 1996 and Harry in 2001. The Banova family enjoyed many trips to Italy, and Alison would return from her travels with an amazing array of recipes she loved cooking for her family and friends.

After completing an MBA at Monash University, in 2006 Alison left the health sector to work for Australian Air Express. She helped coordinate a major air freight software project which saw her travel the world as part of an international consortium. Alison then supervised the development of a software framework at Australia Post, including the Star Track system which online shoppers benefit from today.

Alison was a very generous and loyal friend, who remained close with many of her Fintona classmates. The 1980 class recently met up for a reunion, and a toast was made in Alison’s honour. Many fond memories were shared. Junior School friends remember acting out a play under the oak trees with fairy wings made of coat hangers. Senior School friends remember Alison’s vivacity, intelligence, strength of character, infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy.

In more recent years, Alison and her family enjoyed renovating their home in Clunes and creating a beautiful garden. Alison was a loving partner to Dean, an inspiring mother to her boys, and a thoughtful friend. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

It was with great sadness that the news of the passing of Trish Leigh, past Head of Middle School (2013 -2018), on Friday 10 December was shared with the Fintona Community.

Trish began teaching at Fintona in 2009 as a classroom teacher and led the Primary teachers in Numeracy programs. Her appointment as Head of Middle School saw her lead the Middle School from what others described as her iconic parlour at the front of Moss House. She was a valued member of the Mathematics Faculty and was instrumental in developing mathematics enrichment programs and continued to support the Years 5 and 6 teachers in quality mathematics instruction until her retirement at the end of 2018. As is often the case with Fintona, Trish did not stay away for long, returning to assist as a replacement teacher, supporting teachers in the Year 9 Connections program and in the supervision of examinations. She very much remained part of the life of the School to which she had dedicated ten years.

Trish embodied the spirit of Fintona in her warmth, confidence and unwavering commitment to living her truth. She had an endless amount of energy, bringing a vibrance and upbeat positive attitude to every interaction. The education and development of Fintona students was her priority, and her support and mentorship of staff allowed them to grow as educators, with Trish demonstrating great trust in the capacity of her team as professionals.

The impact of Trish’s passing is felt broadly and deeply across our community. Our deepest sympathies are with her husband Ewen, her family and her wide circle of friends.

VI ANGLISS

16/1/1925 – 25/3/2022

The Fintona Community was saddened to hear of the passing of Vi Angliss (Miss Watson) on the 25 March. Mrs Angliss was a dedicated staff member of Fintona from 1951 until the end of 1975.

During her tenure at Fintona, Mrs Angliss made a valuable contribution to the School in many different areas. She was a committed staff member whose knowledge and passion for Mathematics encouraged both staff and students in this discipline. She was always most generous in giving extra help to her students and devoted a great deal of time for that purpose. Mrs Angliss was keenly interested in social issues and worked tirelessly with the Service Groups for many years. In addition, she was Ower House mistress from 1954 until the end of 1975 where she exhibited a deep commitment to Ower. Her diligence was much appreciated by the Ower girls. Mrs Angliss was active in many professional organisations such as the Mathematics Association of Victoria where she served as a sub-committee member for a number of years. She was also on the committee of the Assistant Mistresses Association of Victoria taking on the role as Secretary for five years and President for one year. Mrs Angliss also worked on the committee of the Independent Association of Registered Teachers of Victoria (IARTV) as Treasurer and Vice President.

At the time of her retirement staff members stated that Mrs Angliss, ‘will be remembered for her strong sense of justice and her fearless defence of a principle’, and by students for her ‘discipline and compassion.’

Mrs Angliss’s contribution to Fintona and education, as well as her influence on the lives of so many, is well deserving of our gratitude. She will be remembered with appreciation and respect. The Fintona community extends its sincere sympathy to Vi Angliss’s family.

NEWS OF OLD FINTONIANS

LUKA MAKES IT BIG ON THE SMALL SCREEN

Congratulations to Old Fintonian, Luka Gracie (’20) whose six-part television series, More Than This, that they co-created with actress, Olivia Deeble, aired on Paramount+ earlier this year and received many positive reviews and high viewer ratings. The series follows the coming-of-age experiences and challenges of five 17-year-olds and their teacher whose worlds collide when they are thrown together in an English class.

Filmed over two months in Melbourne during last year’s lockdown, Luka loved the experience of working with such a talented and open-minded cast and crew, and said that production was a highlight during the dull of the pandemic.

Luka is studying Film and Television production at JMC Academy. Though deferred this semester because of the busy schedule of releasing a television show, they continue to write and create scripts for other projects. Luka hopes to continue acting, writing and someday moving into directing.

ZOE HEADS TO OXFORD

After completing a Bachelor of Science (Mechatronics Systems) and concurrent diplomas in Computing and Mathematics (Pure), Old Fintonian, Zoe Schwerkolt (’16) has spent the past 18 months working as a software engineer. Zoe works at a rapidly growing start-up smart parcel locker company called Groundfloor as part of a small team designing and implementing the full stack of the company’s client-facing kiosk software. ‘I work independently to build a high-quality and reliable software system, including interfacing with hardware, user experience, and consulting with clients and partner businesses,’ said Zoe. Zoe has now been accepted into Oxford’s Master of Sciences (MSc) in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science as a resident of Somerville College. Zoe’s degree focuses on the interface between pure mathematics and theoretical computer science; a foundational field which underpins the operation of all modern computing. ‘Theoretical computer science was one of my favourite topics as an undergraduate, so I’m extremely excited by the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the field over the next 12 months,’ said Zoe. At the conclusion of the degree, she plans to stay in England and either pursue further research or apply her skills to a job in the technology industry.

GREAT RESULT FOR OFA GOLF TEAM

Congratulations to Old Fintonians, Kari Sheer (Elder ’71), Libby Day (’71), Penny Inge (Randall ’77), and Marg Picken (Mill ’67) who competed in this year’s Women’s Inter-School Golf Challenge at Commonwealth Golf Club in March and placed 4th out of 29 schools.

The final tally was Clarendon with 129 points, Presentation College Windsor (PWC) 128 points, St Margaret’s 126 points and Fintona with 124 points. Thank you to all the players for representing Fintona on the day.

L – R: Kari Sheer (Elder ’71), Libby Day (’71), Penny Inge (Randall ’77), Marg Picken (Mill ’67)

EXCEPTIONAL PATHWAYS FOR THE CLASS OF 2021

Congratulations to the following Old Fintonians from the Class of 2021 who have been recognised for their outstanding VCE results with scholarships and offers into competitive degrees overseas.

‘It was terrific that so many students were recognised for their outstanding results, a testament to hard work and dedication to their studies and the many strings to their bows that these very talented students display. Considering these girls had their VCE years interrupted by the pandemic, they displayed passion for their future endeavours and resilience amongst many other attributes,’ said Suzanne Hannebery, Careers Coordinator.

Jasmine Ye Jasmine was awarded a Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship and is studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine Degree at The University of Melbourne.

Catherine Zheng Catherine received a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship from Deakin University and is studying a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education Degree.

Isabella Chen Isabella has been accepted into the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York to study design.

Lily Shi Lily is heading to the UK and will be studying a Bachelor of Engineering Degree at the University of Cambridge.

Sherry Wang Sherry will be studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in economics at New York University.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA REUNION

Sunday 28 November, 2021

L – R: Karen Anderson (Roper ’76), Diana Pinkney (Goodson ’65), Primrose MacAlister (’62), Prue Jay (Love ’66), Sue Vandeleur (Leaver ’57), Front: Nancy Sinclair (Backholer ’63)

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CLASS OF 1992 30 YEAR REUNION

Friday 25 March, 2022

1 Class of 1992 with Rachael Falloon,

Principal

2 L – R: Rachel Hanson (Weiland)),

Sally Cox, Pennie Callaghan (Wilson),

Maria Kardis

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CLASSES OF 2015, 2016 & 2017

Friday 8 April, 2022

1 Class of 2015

2 Class of 2016

3 Class of 2017

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2 3

CLASSES OF 1966 & 1967

Friday 6 May, 2022

L – R: Ros Bath, Jill Reason (Weston), Libby Marshall (Jones), Marg Edwards (Tipping), Anne Waters (Campbell), Heather Maloney (Tibbits), Marg Hyde (Weichelt), Judy Davies (Archdall), Robyn Golder (Henty-Wilson), Marg Bristow, Seated: Ros Jonas (Syme), Helen Fairlie (Alexander)

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CLASSES OF 1980, 1981 & 1982

Saturday 7 May, 2022

1 Class of 1980

2 Class of 1981

3 Class of 1982

WA REUNION

Saturday 7 May, 2022

Photo L – R: Margaret Bruns (Loughnan ’44), Lynette Clayton (Handley ’52), Julie Dickinson (Adams ’53), Kate Collin (McIlwraith-Smith ’53), Sarah Bentley (Smith ’94), Jennifer Mathews (’77), Alison Smith (Pyper ’50)

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