120 YEARS 1896 2016
The BI-ANNUAL Magazine of Fintona Girls’ School autumn/winter 2016
Miss Annie Hughston with some of her students at Fintona when it was located in Burke Road, East Hawthorn, in 1917
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PAGES 16-17 Celebrating 120 years
PAGE 4 2015 VCE Results
PAGE 18 We love to make a difference Staff, parents and students plant hundreds of trees at Manson’s Reserve, Knox
PAGE 5 ELC: It’s never too young to learn about protecting the environment PAGE 6 Junior School: New Discovery Centre inspires curiosity PAGE 7 Middle School: Transitions are smooth in the Middle School PAGES 8 Senior School: Meet our Consuls - Lucy Seale and Mary Nikolakopoulos PAGE 9 Camps: We love the great outdoors PAGE 10-11 Our Young Achievers PAGES 12-13 Our Community: Out and about at Fintona functions PAGE 14-15 Meet our Teachers: Elizabeth Exintaris and Anna Mendonça 2
Hope lives with Hannah PAGES 19 We love our refurbished Resource Centre One of Australia’s finest historians visits the Senior School PAGES 20 Sensational Soirées PAGES 21 House spirit soars at Sport Carnivals PAGES 22 Rowing @ Fintona celebrates 30 years PAGES 23-31 OFA Success Stories Deaths and Obituaries Reunions Lifelong Friendships Fabulous Fintonians 2016 Reunion Dates Back PAGE Important dates for 2016
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PAGE 3 From the Principal
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Front Cover Image ^ A recreation of the 1917 photo of Miss Hughston and Fintona students. Most of the students in the cover photo were selected based on having an Old Fintonian in their family. The Consuls are also included. 1.
Natassia Carayanis
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Bridget Bolton
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Jade Klein
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Eloise Roche
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Lily Stevens
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Mary Nikolakopoulos
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Chloe Lewis-Col
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Stephanie Jenkins
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Elaine Liu
10. Audrey Masters-Fleming 11. Lucy Seale 12. Principal Suzy Chandler 13. Tayla O’Neil 14. Zoe Schwerkolt 15. Imogen Allchin 16. Ashley Clausen 17. Alison Wells 18. Julia Down 19. Lucy Kimber 20. Bree McKernan
Fintona File Autumn/Winter 2016 Number 69 Published by Fintona Girls’ School 79 Balwyn Road, Balwyn Victoria, Australia 3103 CRICOS Provider number 00139C Ph +613 9830 1388 Fax +613 9888 5682 www.fintona.vic.edu.au Editor Vicky Kapourelakos Contributors Simon Bourke Sarah Burger Suzy Chandler Sally Clayton Maia Edwards Marion Ellis Elizabeth Exintaris Jennifer Johnstone Trish Leigh Kate McPhee Cara Mearns Anna Mendonça Mary Nikolakopoulos Lucy Seale Design JWB&CO M. 0410 458 366 www.jwb.com.au Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
From the Principal “ She made innovative changes to curriculum and teaching, made the School motto the aim of staff and students alike, ensured that as well as a first class education the girls had fun...”.
As we celebrate our 120th year, it is well worth reflecting on how Fintona has survived and thrived over those years despite a number of major events that could have led to the School’s decline. The economic depression of the late 1800s just as the School was getting started, the First and Second World Wars, the Great Depression and various other social, political and economic upheavals have all been part of the School’s history but seemed to have only served to strengthen its resolve to adapt and survive in changing circumstances. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, there were nearly a thousand ‘dame schools’ in Victoria, that is schools set up by women who often had no other form of employment being widows, unmarried or fallen on hard times. Apart from a handful including Fintona, most closed in the course of the following century. Annie Hughston, the founding principal and her brother William who worked alongside her, were nothing if not visionary setting up the School in the front room of a house in Camberwell, in a young colony experiencing a severe economic downturn exacerbated by a drought. The School thrived after its establishment and by 1921, despite beginning with fourteen pupils, was the biggest independent girls’ school in Victoria with 450 pupils. Margaret Cunningham carried on the tradition of a bold and visionary approach, moving the School to the site she purchased on Balwyn Road and continuing
great things come from a small package
the School’s independence from Church and other institutional control and also from what was then male domination of education leadership and administration. Miss Cunningham also led by example, as had Miss Hughston. She made innovative changes to curriculum and teaching, made the School motto the aim of staff and students alike, ensured that as well as a first class education the girls had fun and made the relationship between staff and students, and students and students, a warm and positive one, a feature that has been a hallmark of the School throughout its existence. Her successor, Elizabeth Butt began in the early sixties, a period of enormous social change, especially with the sexual revolution which would have such a big impact on women, especially girls who would experience it during their formative years. Fintona managed to navigate this tempestuous period while still holding to the traditional values of the School and maintaining the building blocks of education, literacy and numeracy. Deborah Seifert became principal during another period of economic slump and was faced with the challenge of upgrading facilities and continuing to modernise the curriculum and other aspects of School operation at a time when there were enormous fiscal restraints, increasing competition from other schools and great debate about the virtue of single sex education. Her successor, Karen Starr, continued the work and had great success
enrolling international students to shore up the enrolments, and the budget, while continuing to maintain our reputation. And so to today. We are still faced with challenges; economic, social, political and now technological but given the School’s long history of not just survival but being one of the best schools in Australia, our staff, parents and students can comfortably look to the future with optimism. Our small, single sex culture has increasingly been shown to be an asset, especially in a complex modern world and our approach to curriculum development, teaching and learning and the built and natural environment contributes to why we can maintain that position at the forefront. Suzy Chandler Principal
Suzy Chandler is pictured with Miss Elizabeth Butt, former Principal
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VCE Results
VCE results place us close to the top Fintona Girls’ School is renowned for consistently achieving excellent VCE results, placing Fintona among the highest performing schools in Victoria. The VCE results from the Class of 2015 once again affirm our strong position. With a median VCE study score of 36 and 34.9% of study scores of 40 and above, Fintona is the best performing girls’ school in Boroondara and the second most successful non-selective girls’ school in the State.* Adding to these impressive results is the median ATAR of 95.1. Over two thirds of the Class of 2015 achieved an ATAR of 90+ and 50% of the students achieved an ATAR of 95+. We congratulate most especially Virginia Chen, Dux of 2015, for achieving an ATAR of 99.90. We are very proud of each girl’s achievement. Supported by dedicated staff, our girls worked hard throughout the year to achieve the best possible outcome for themselves across a diverse range of subjects. *Based on the percentage of Study Scores of 40 and above
2015 VCE highlights at a glance •
68% of students achieved an ATAR of 90+ placing them in the top 10% of the State
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50% of students achieved an ATAR of 95+ placing them in the top 5% of the State
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18% of students achieved an ATAR of 99+ placing them in the top 1% of the State
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Five perfect study scores of 50 were achieved in Biology, Accounting, English and Maths Methods
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Our 7 year median ATAR is 95.1
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Median Study Score of 36 with 34.9% of study scores of 40 and over
100% of our students received a first round university offer. The most popular university choice was, by far, the University of Melbourne while the most popular courses chosen were Commerce related courses, Arts and Health and Behavioural Sciences. There was also an increase in Medicine and Biomedicine. 4
Dux of the Class of 2015, Virginia Chen with Mrs Suzy Chandler, Principal
Deakin University Deakin 8% University 8% La Trobe University La Trobe 8% University 8% RMIT 14% RMIT 14%Monash
Swinburne University Swinburne 6% University 6%
By Tertiary Institution By Tertiary for the Class Institution of 2015 for the Class of 2015
University of Melbourne University 46% of Melbourne 46%
University Monash 18% University 18%
Creative Arts Creative 4% Law Arts 4% 4% Law 4% Science 8% Science Medicine/ 8% Biomedicine Medicine/ 13% Biomedicine 13%
Health/ Behavioural Science Health/ 15% Behavioural Science 15%
Information Technology Information 4% Architecture Technology 2% 4% Architecture 2%
By Tertiary Courses for By Tertiary the Class Courses for of 2015 the Class of 2015
Commerce/ Business Commerce/ 26% Business 26%
Arts 25% Arts 25%
Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
ELC
It’s never too young to learn about protecting the environment
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xperiences in the early years help establish lifelong behaviour and values, and this reinforces the need for sustainability education to be included in early childhood programs. It is important for children to understand their place in the world and the role that they can play in protecting the environment. In the Early Learning Centre, we encourage the children to engage in many sustainable practices within their classrooms. Recycling, water conservation, maintaining a vegetable patch and turning off lights as we exit rooms are just some of the many ways we practise sustainability every day.
the children sorted recyclable materials from rubbish and collected food scraps to be re-used in this garden. By doing this, we have significantly reduced the amount of rubbish going into landfill and our chickens are also very happy with this arrangement, as evidenced by the number of eggs they lay for us to use in our cooking! As teachers and children learn together and role model sustainable practices, we hope to reduce our environmental footprint and grow in our youngest learners a sense of responsibility and respect for the world both now and well into the future. Cara Mearns Head of Early Learning Centre
So far this year, the children have learned about the different types of rubbish and the many ways that items can be re-used and recycled.
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Our Environmental Garden is home to a worm farm, a compost bin and to our chickens. Throughout the day 1. Charlotte Kwong and Eddie Newman (Wattle Pre-Prep) feed food scraps collected in the classroom to the chickens
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2. Kyna Bajaj (Banksia Pre-Prep) does some planting in the vegetable patch 3. The K4 children are responsible for sorting their rubbish during the day.
great things come from a small package
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Junior School
New Discovery Centre inspires curiosity
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new Junior School Discovery Centre which opened in Term 1 this year, presents a range of opportunities for the Junior School girls to explore Science, Technology and Maths. The girls now have a wonderful new facility in which to engage in experimenting and exploring in this area of their learning. Our girls are often 6
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curious about how things work and the Discovery Centre is the ideal place to have their questions answered. A Maths incursion, which took place in the Discovery Centre had the girls particularly excited. “We all love Maths!” said the Junior School girls, as they enjoyed a day of mathematical fun when World of Maths came to Fintona. The
girls engaged in a range of activities that involved shapes, symmetry, problem solving, decoding and so much more. They all had a great time and wished they could all do it again soon. Sally Clayton Head of Junior School
1. L-R: Sienna explores body systems during the Year 4 “Who we are” Unit of Inquiry in the Discovery Centre 2. L-R: Joanne, Zoe and Justina use their location skills to find out where the milkman delivered the milk 3. L-R: Elise, Lisette and Josephine discuss the instructions to solve the problem of how to balance the see saw 4. L-R: Angelica, Elizabeth, Ruby and Linh successfully construct a 3D bunk bed
Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
Middle School
Transitions are smooth in the Middle School
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ransitioning to a new phase in life can be stressful, especially for young people. During their school years, the transition from Year 4 to Year 5 and from Year 6 to Year 7 are times of quite significant change for students to accommodate. At Fintona, we recognise these times and have set in place programs to assist the girls in making smooth transitions that ease their concerns and prepare them for the year ahead. To begin preparing the girls for transition, I visit each girl at their current school prior to Orientation Day. This allows the girls to have a friendly face they recognise when they arrive. Orientation Day is held towards the end of Term 4 and gives the girls the opportunity to meet new teachers and make new friends. Timetables are modified for the first few days in Year 5 and Year 7 to allow the girls to settle into their new environment. In Year 5, formal homework is suspended in Term 1 to allow the girls to settle into the new routines and share their experiences of Middle School with their families in the evenings, free from the rigours of completing homework. It can be most stressful trying to find lockers, new classrooms,
great things come from a small package
and new surroundings and so for the first week of the year, the girls in Year 7 undertake a Transition Program where the focus is on getting to know one another, and feeling comfortable in their new surroundings. The activities include introductory sessions to Science, Humanities, Maths and ICT, an Outdoor Education Day, a House Chess Competition Day, Time Management and Study Skills sessions and a Personal Identity workshop. The Year 7 academic program has
also been tailored to help support the girls as they come to terms with having different teachers for different subjects. An integrated unit of study related to Indigenous Australians is presented across a number of faculties and students’ understandings are cemented during the Year 7 camp to Central Australia early in Term 2. Comments from the girls indicate that by the end of the Transition Program, they are
ready to begin formal classes without the fear of being late for class or not having their books ready. Trish Leigh Head of Middle School
Above: Year 7 students creating healthy food options during their transition program. L-R: Sara Seresli, Ava Orrico, Yasmin Fadavi Fircoz and Ayushi Chakravorty 7
Senior School Meet our Consuls
The School Consuls for 2016 are Mary Nikolakopoulos and Lucy Seale. Mary began at Fintona in Year 7 while Lucy has been here since Year 10. In the ‘Meet our Consuls’ segment, we get to know them just a little bit better. What do you think a Fintona education has given you?
Mary: A Fintona education has given me the ability to believe in myself and know that whatever I put my mind to, I can achieve it with perseverance and hard work. I also love Fintona’s learning environment. We are a small school and therefore every teacher is able to know who you are and understand your strengths and weaknesses. This helps a lot as teachers are able to get the best out of you. Lucy: Fintona has helped me to gain confidence as I find smaller class numbers allows students to have an active role in their education. I always feel that my views and observations are valued and therefore worth sharing. Fintona students are provided with so much more, beyond the classroom learning environment, with many incredible opportunities for involvement in the outside world, preparing us to live as responsible citizens in the future.
Who do you consider to be a great leader and why?
Mary: I believe that everyone in my family is a great leader. They all have qualities that I admire such as perseverance, confidence, strength and a great attitude towards life. They have inspired me to be the best I can be. 8
Lucy: I have great admiration for Emma Watson, who aged 26, has made some outstanding achievements in the battle for gender equality. Although commonly known for the Harry Potter series, I find her work as an activist more inspiring. Watson used her success and fame gained through acting as a platform to fight for an important cause, urging men’s involvement in feminism and creating visible change through establishing the ‘HeForShe’ campaign.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Mary: I would absolutely love a career in law. I love working with people and learning new things. I believe that being a lawyer would be a really rewarding job and I would thoroughly enjoy it. I also plan to keep travelling the world as I think it’s really great to learn about new cultures and to experience new lifestyles.
What would you consider to be the highlight of your time at Fintona and why?
Mary: The highlights for me at Fintona were the school camps. Each camp enabled me to push myself mentally and physically to complete the task. What was even more enjoyable about each camp was the opportunity for everyone, as a year level, to bond and get to know each other better. This bonding was extremely important, as now that we are in Year 12, we are able to support and encourage each other to push through the difficult moments so that we can all reach our maximum potential.
Lucy: I cannot select just one moment at Fintona to call my favourite. I have definitely enjoyed participation in GSV sport, music ensembles and house events. I am always delighted to engage with girls across different cohorts or areas of the school. Personally, events like the school plays and traditions such as Shakespeare Day, will forever be remembered as positive Fintona experiences due to feelings of support from my peers whilst doing what I love.
2016 Consuls (L-R): Lucy Seale and Mary Nikolakopoulos
Lucy: Since I was young, I have wanted to be a writer. Now I am channeling this creativity through another passion theatre. I am interested in script writing but also acting and directing. In addition to these theatrical aspirations, I possess an interest in Psychology. So, as of yet, I have not made a definite decision regarding which area I will concentrate on after my VCE. Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
We the great outdoors
Camps The
second week of Term 2, saw four year levels embarking on camps as part of Fintona’s Outdoor Education program. Girls love these outdoor experiences which give them the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, be exhilarated by the various physical activities on offer and enjoy the company of their peers away from academic demands. This year, our girls experienced the magic of an Uluru sunset, went canoeing on Lake Eildon and hiked through Victoria’s most iconic National Parks. In hindsight, many students who leave Fintona point to these camps as highlights of their time here.
In Year 7, girls travel to Central Australia for a six-day cultural adventure, camping under canvas and exploring the paths around Uluru, Kings Canyon and Simpsons Gap. The camp also supports studies in Geography, Science, Art and Indigenous History and is viewed by the girls as one of the highlights of the year. “Kings Canyon was incredible; it left me speechless (and thirsty), but getting to know the teachers and girls in a different environment was the highlight of camp.” Bridget Bolton
In Year 8, students explore the surrounds of Lake Eildon - canoeing, rafting and hiking between camp sites and participating in a range of team-building tasks. Students experience tent accommodation, cooking in small groups and rewarding day and night activities. “Camp was a really enjoyable experience where I was pushed beyond my comfort zone and given the opportunity to get to know many of the Year 8s better. We took part in many amazing activities, such as white water rafting, hiking and canoeing and even learnt how to cook on trangias and how to clean them.” Dyte Karagiannis
The Year 9 students participated in an expedition style, five day program. Students developed their independence, working in small groups to complete a journey in the scenic Alpine National Park. “I loved this year’s camp to the Great Ocean Road. The best part was the bonding at the dinner table and on the hikes. I got to know students who I don’t usually hang out with at school. I was also able to better understand many of my close friends and their personalities. When I look back on my experience, I feel a sense of accomplishment as I improved my fitness and gained in independence.” Elle Xie
The Year 10 outdoor education camp is held at Wilson’s Promontory National Park. Students undertake a five day hike and also enjoy a surfing component at Tidal River. “My favourite memories of camp were sitting around the camp fire with my group at the end of the day and reflecting on the hike whilst cooking meals on our trangias. I loved this time because we were all able to become closer to each other and relax after walking all day.” Elena Boyce
great things come from a small package
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Our Young Achievers DA VINCI DECATHLON TEAM PLACED THIRD IN STATE FINALS
On Tuesday 24 May, eight Year 7 students competed in the Victorian da Vinci Decathlon State Final and were placed third overall out of twelve competing teams. It is noteworthy that Fintona was in the ‘Top 4’ in five of the ten disciplines: 1st place in Science 2nd place in Art and Poetry 3rd place in Mathematics 4th place in Engineering 4th place in English This is a great effort and all members of the team are to be congratulated. Well done to Bridget Bolton, Olivia Johnson, Maanya Kapoor, Caroline Pearce, Monique Solnordal, Erika Valianatos, Shangyou Yang and Jasmine Ye!
A thespian crew who tamed the shrew This year’s Shakespeare Day, which celebrated 400 years since Shakespeare’s death, saw once again a myriad of stellar performances by our talented group of students. On 3 May, audiences were treated to five entertaining and at times comical performances
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including a scene from Much Ado About Nothing featuring our staff and Principal. The judges found it difficult to decide the best performance but in the end, it was a scene from The Taming of the Shrew that took out the honours.
Shirley is a Top All-Rounder
Congratulations to Shirley Tang (’15), who was named a Top All-Round VCE High Achiever at this year’s Premier’s VCE Awards, for achieving study scores of 46 or higher in at least five VCE subjects in 2015. The Awards Ceremony acknowledged the outstanding results of individual students and paid tribute to principals, teachers and families who played a valuable role in supporting and encouraging students during their VCE studies. What a magnificent achievement. We wish Shirley the very best for the future.
Jacqueline is a master of spelling In this age of spellcheck, we applaud Year 9 student, Jacqueline Motet for achieving first place in the Senior Division of the 2016 Round 4 Spellmasters competition.
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On Sunday, May 15, Jacqueline won the first place Macquarie Dictionary prize, a $50 voucher and earned a place in the Senior Grand Final at the end of the year. We wish Jaqueline all the best.
Zoe is recognised as one of Australia’s top Physics and Mathematics students Congratulations to Year 12 student, Zoe Schwerkolt, who was one of only eight students in Australia, selected to participate in the prestigious Asian Physics Olympiad. The competition was held in May in Hong Kong and is currently the premier physics competition for high performing students from Asian and Oceanic countries.
Zoe has also been awarded a Bronze Certificate in the Australian Mathematical Olympiad placing her in the top 35 students across the country. Based on their performance in Hong Kong, five of the eight-member Australian team will be chosen to represent Australia at the International Physics Olympiad in Switzerland in July. What a phenomenal effort by Zoe and we wish her all the best.
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Year 5 students reach the SSV Swimming State Finals
A big congratulations to Year 5 students Zoe Johnson, Charlotte Crozier, Rachel Crawford and Lauren Pitts who on Tuesday 19 April represented Fintona in the 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay at the School Sports Victoria Swimming State Finals at MSAC. After successfully progressing through the District and Division levels, the girls’ time automatically earned them a place in the State Finals against the top eight primary schools in Victoria. Full of excitement, the girls swam with great determination and were placed seventh overall. Well done on a fantastic achievement and thank you to all the parents for their support.
Senior Softball Team Runners Up What a wonderful effort by our senior softball team who won their division and qualified for finals in March. They played Ruyton in the first semi-final and came from behind to win the match 9 -7 in a great team effort. They then played OLMC in the final and it was a very tight match being three all at the end of the three innings.
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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
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Unfortunately, OLMC had a good batting innings and eight runners crossed home plate.
Senior Rowing Squad wins Bronze On 20 February, both the junior and senior rowing squads competed at the Victorian Rowing State Championships. The regatta proved to be a huge success for the Fintona senior quad crew made up of Bella Magliano, Zara Wotherspoon, Sarah Burger, Anna Reid and Estelle Hanney, who won a bronze medal in the Open Division 3 Quad Scull. The following weekend, the whole squad competed in the Head of the School Girls Regatta, which is the pinnacle event of the schoolgirls rowing calendar. Over 2,000 rowers competed on the Barwon River over three days with more than 10,000 spectators cheering them on. This year, Fintona had 20 rowers competing in Open and Year 9 events. The squad had a number of outstanding results including our senior quad crew qualifying all the way through to the semi-finals! It was also pleasing to see all Fintona crews posting personal bests at the regatta. All rowers, parents and coaches had a fabulous season and are looking forward to a break before starting the 2016/17 rowing season in July.
great things come from a small package
Alison performs lead role in local production of Annie Year 11 student, Alison Wells, performed the lead role in a local production of Annie. There were also a number of other students involved including Chee-Rae Loi and Laura Daly who were both in the Dance Troupe.
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Annie was produced by Wendy Samantha Productions, a small drama school based in North Balwyn and children from all over Melbourne auditioned to be a part of this production. We congratulate our girls for taking what they have learnt in their Drama classroom, onto a public stage.
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Julia leads at the Lady Somers Camp
Year 12 student, Julia Down was invited to participate in the Lady Somers Leadership Camp in January. The camp brings young people together to share experiences through teamwork, leadership and resilience building. For one week in January, Julia was fortunate to be selected as one of 100 girls to attend Lady Somers Camp, with 99 other girls from all parts of Victoria, and even some girls who had travelled internationally to attend. Julia said: �While it was hard work at the time, I look back on my week spent in Somers with fondness and dearly cherish the friendships I made there. I learnt a great deal about myself and how to work effectively in a team. I thoroughly recommend it to any Year 11 student wishing to apply this year.�
1. Pictured with their gold and silver certificates are (L-R): Erika Valianatos, Jasmine Ye, Bridget Bolton, Caroline Pearce, Maanya Kapoor, Monique Solnordal, Shangyou Yang, Olivia Johnson and their facilitator, Marion Ellis 2. Congratulations to Year 10 students (L-R): Freya Solnardal, Gayatri Chaturvedi, Jessica Kioussis and Esther Zhao for their winning performance from Taming of the Shrew 3. Shirley Tang being presented with her
certificate by the Hon. James Merlino, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, at the Awards Ceremony 4. Zoe, fourth from left, in Hong Kong with the Australian Asian Physics Olympiad team 5. L-R: Zoe Johnson, Rachel Crawford, Lauren Pitts and Charlotte Crozier 6. Back Row L-R: Zoe Schwerkolt, Rachel Eckert, Sophie Schwerkolt, Annie Rehe, Ayla Edwards. Front Row L-R: Monique Quinn, Sarah Ho, Rachnaa Kumar
and Amelia Smith Absent: Meredyth Lee 7. The senior quad crew with their bronze medals and their new boat - the Annie Hughston Clockwise from top: Coach Lucy Laussen, Anna Reid, Sarah Burger, Estelle Hanney, Bella Magliano and Zara Wotherspoon 8. Alison Wells in the local production of Annie 9. Jacqueline Motet 10. Julia Down
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New Parents Welcome Drinks
Grandparents’ Day ELC
Junior School ELC
Junior School
Middle School
Middle School
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Dads’ Beef and Burgundy Night
Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
Our Community
Mothers’ Day
Out and about at Fintona functions
ELC
ELC
Junior School
Junior School
Middle School
Middle School
High Tea
great things come from a small package
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Meet Our Teachers
Prior to teaching, you worked as a lawyer. What made you change your profession from law to teaching? I actually chose to study Arts/Law (with a Major in French) because I wanted to pursue my love of learning foreign languages and negotiating intercultural communication. Initially, I was interested in working in public international law.
Anna Mendonça Anna Mendonça, an undeniable francophile and an Old Fintonian (‘04), joined the Fintona staff last year, teaching French across the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. She is a Year 8 Tutor, Assistant Head of Clarke House and supervises Homework Club and a Debating team. Last year, she was awarded the Dean’s Honours Award for 2014 for the Master of Teaching (Secondary) at the University of Melbourne. This prize is awarded to the top 2% of students in their year level and recognises academic excellence among students. Let’s find out more about how important French is in Anna’s world. 14
At university, I really enjoyed and appreciated the broad education offered through studying Law. In particular, I learned a great deal about politics, society and history, and I developed many lasting friendships. However, as during my days as a Fintona student, at university I still looked forward to my language classes more than anything else on my timetable. Working as a lawyer, I had plenty of opportunities to play with language and to develop my communication skills in English, but I did not feel fulfilled in the same way as when developing my foreign language and intercultural skills. Ultimately, I made the decision to pursue languages and teaching not just as outside interests but as a career.
What do you love the most about teaching French? I love watching my students become more open-minded, courageous and persistent through their study of French. These are important attributes for life, extending far beyond the language learning context and the classroom walls.
Fintona student). The scholarship experience enabled me to further develop and update my understanding of French cultural, social and political life, which has given rise to many enhanced opportunities for the sharing of current, relevant insights with my students.
Also, I love seeing my students motivated to learn because they appreciate the real-life relevance of learning a modern foreign language and they are excited to explore their opportunities.
In Aix-en-Provence, I was also very eager to collect learning and teaching materials which would be authentic and engaging for our girls. These new resources are shared among the French teachers so as to benefit all of our French classes.
You were recently awarded a Scholarship by the Victorian Government to study in France. How has that experience benefited your students? During the summer holidays, I was fortunate to participate in the Languages Teaching Scholarships In-Country Course program to Aix-en-Provence, France, which was funded by the Department of Education and Training.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I like travelling, reading, keeping active and, of course, finding opportunities to practise my languages – and meeting new and interesting people along the way.
I had already been immersed in the language and culture of France and other francophone countries a number of times, in various contexts (the first time was on exchange as a Year 10 Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
“I was always involved with concerts, musicals and choirs when I was at school and my love for music has never subsided.“ When did you develop your love for music and what instruments do you play? I have always had a love of music from an early age. I was always involved with concerts, musicals and choirs when I was at school and my love for it has never subsided. When I was eight years old, I started playing the piano and soon after I discovered how much I loved singing. I can play various other instruments including violin, flute, guitar and cello, to name a few.
Elizabeth Exintaris Elizabeth Exintaris joined Fintona at the beginning of this year as Music Co-ordinator. She brings a wealth of experience to her role, having previously held similar senior roles at a number of schools in Melbourne. As well as being a consummate pianist, she is a composer, conductor and performer, has been a lecturer, and a compere, and loves to get involved in charity events. Now that Elizabeth is at Fintona, she is looking forward to developing each student’s love for music even further. We discover more about what she has planned for our talented music students.
great things come from a small package
Tell us about your professional background before coming to Fintona. I studied at the University of Melbourne where I received my Bachelor of Music degree and Diploma in Education. I have a Master’s degree in Arts (Music) and have been the Head of Music at several schools in Melbourne. I have conducted many orchestras and choirs, composed a number of works which have been performed and lectured and performed overseas. Apart from my involvement with music, I do a lot of charity work for the community and have been a compere at many events over the years.
As the new Music Co-ordinator, what is your vision for music at Fintona? My vision is to create new and exciting programs which will enable our very talented students to gain a deeper appreciation of playing a musical instrument. I have recently introduced regular soirées to allow students to appreciate what it’s like to be a music performer. I would like to see our students participate in various competitions and hopefully, go on tour around the country and overseas to compete. Overall, my aim is for students to develop a long term love and appreciation of music that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Apart from playing and listening to music, what else do you like to do in your spare time? I go to the gym, I love cooking, gardening, renovating, skiing, going to the beach, dancing, drinking lots of coffee and going for long walks with my little dog Zetta!
What do you enjoy most about teaching music to young students? Music is a universal language and I have great enjoyment in watching young people develop their musical skills and watching them grow in their ability over time. I enjoy introducing them to new and exciting aspects of music.
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120 years of educating girls to the highest standard
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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
great things come from a small package
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We to make a difference Staff, parents and students plant hundreds of trees at Manson’s Reserve, Knox
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ree planting day, Saturday 30 April, arrived with brilliant weather following on from 10mm of rain the day before. On the day, there was a turn-out of 100 people from Fintona Girls’ School, La Trobe University, Australian Plant Society (APS), First Friends of the Dandenong Creek and Apple. Fintona, invited by the APS, was represented by 44 parents and
students across the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. A special thanks goes to Mrs Chandler, Ms Brennan, Dr Barclay and Ms Ackermann who represented the staff. All in all, the group planted 3400 native plants in a little over an hour on the day! It was fantastic to see such industry from virtually every age-group at Fintona. A perfect end to the day was the sausage sizzle, which was very well supported. The collaborative venture was a follow on from a La Trobe University PhD research project on the impact of an invasive weed species, Watsonia, on native flora and their pollinators. The Bushland team of Maroondah Council cleared the areas beforehand and sunk holes for revegetation at Manson’s Reserve in Knox.
Clockwise from left: Maia Edwards, Grace Hordern, Eva Boyce and her daughter Lucy planting trees
The planting was aimed at restoring food plants for native insects. Dr Trevor Edwards, the project leader and a Botanist from La Trobe University, said that, “Solitary bee habitats need to be expanded because bees are one of the most important groups of insects for pollinating plants. Without them, your table would be devoid of many different types of fruit!”
helping with the organisation. Thank you to all who joined in on the day to make it a fun and worthwhile experience; future plantings are planned for springtime and we hope to see you there. Maia Edwards Middle School Environmental Captain and APS member
Dr Barclay and Mrs Chandler deserve a special mention for
Hope lives with Hannah Year 8 student, Hannah Jacobs, organised a team of enthusiastic Fintona girls, parents and teachers to participate in the Relay for Life initiative for the Cancer Council during the weekend of 19 and 20 March. Relay For Life is a chance for communities to recognise and celebrate those who have overcome cancer or are undergoing treatment, as well as the people who care for them. Hannah, who is on the Student Committee for Hawthorn Relay for Life, and her team, were committed to walking for at least one hour, however, most participants walked far beyond the minimum raising $3,300. With her characteristic beaming smile, Hannah said: “I was so thrilled with the response from the Fintona community and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time out of their busy schedules to raise funds for this wonderful cause. Your support means so much to me.” Trish Leigh Head of Middle School
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Hannah, back extreme right, with Fintona girls on the day of their Relay for Life walk Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
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The Resource Centre in the 1970s
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The Resource Centre after the refurbishment with Mr Chris Williams and his Economics class taking advantage of the abundant light
We
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The
our refurbished Resource Centre
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newly renovated Beatrice Chilvers Library and Resource Centre reopened on 7 March, much to the delight of staff and students. The new space is flooded with light and even though physically we haven’t altered the footprint, it looks bigger, the books are much more visible and are easier to access. The new back window gives a beautiful outlook onto the native garden and the little nooks for reading have proven to be very popular.
have contributed to the Library Fund over a number of years, and of course the Library, IT and Maintenance staff who were instrumental in ensuring the project ran smoothly.
We would like to thank the architect, Mr Richard Stampton, the Board for its support in the project, the Fintona community that
Suzy Chandler Principal
One of Australia’s finest historians visits the Senior School
Fintona was very fortunate to be hosting a visit from Professor Sheila Fitzpatrick who, apart from being one of Australia’s finest and most well-known historians, and a worldwide authority on Russia, has also written an autobiography ‘My Father’s Daughter’, about growing up in Melbourne. All Year 11 English students heard Professor Fitzpatrick speak on the subject of autobiography which students found very useful for their studies of Australian short stories.
Below L-R: Suzy Chandler, Kaitlyn Stewart (former Revolutions History student 2011), Nicola Dobinson, Ursula King, Professor Sheila Fitzpatrick, Lawra Bello, Estelle Hanney and Zara Wotherspoon
great things come from a small package
In the archives, we found a picture of the Library taken in the 1970s and thought many of you would be interested in seeing what a difference a few decades can make to design and materials.
Professor Fitzpatrick also spoke to the Year 12 Revolutions History class about Russian history and her time living there in the sixties. Revolutions History is taught by our very own Principal, Suzy Chandler.
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Sensational Soirées As
part of Fintona’s Soirée Series, our talented music students are given opportunities throughout the year to showcase their talents in a more intimate atmosphere to their family, friends and peers. It is also a fantastic opportunity for the Music Department to invite extraordinary musicians to perform, making it a memorable evening. Our accomplished piano and harp students performed in the very first soirée for the year in May in the Reid Studio. This was followed by the Brass, Percussion and Woodwind soirée and the Voice and Guitar soirée, also held in May.
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Students from Year 5 onwards, performed various works ranging from classical to a modern repertoire. Their performances were well received by the audience and they should all be congratulated on their confidence, enthusiasm and dedication to their chosen instruments. During the Piano and Harp Soirée, world renowned pianist, Mr Alan Kogosowski, performed Debussy’s Clair de Lune followed by an extraordinary performance of Chopin’s ‘Heroic’ Polonaise in A Flat Major Op.53, which totally captivated the audience. Highly accomplished opera singer, Emily Xiao Wang, stunned audiences with her magnificent voice during the Voice and Guitar Soirée, while audiences were entertained by the very talented Jazz Trumpeter Gianni Marinuci who was accompanied by Dan 20
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Talia Nania performing on the piano
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Students, teachers and guest performers at the Brass, Percussion and Woodwind Soirée
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Eliska Mitchell singing in the Voice Soirée
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Jasmine Ye performing on the harp
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Gordon on the Tuba as part of the Brass, Percussion and Woodwind Soirée. Judging by the overwhelmingly positive responses, we believe that this new initiative will be a resounding success for both students and their parents and we look forward to hosting more of these evenings throughout the year. Elizabeth Exintaris Music Co-ordinator 3
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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
House spirit soars at Sport Carnivals
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plashes of colour, events full of excitement and team triumphs characterised each of the House Sport Carnivals over the past several months. House sport has been closely contested by students determined to score as many points for their team as possible. The House Swimming and Diving Carnival showcased the elegant dives and strokes of our talented aquatic athletes. Carey Sports Complex was transformed into a sporting theatre as girls cheered their friends towards victory. By the final event, Ower were crowned the overall swimming champions. The Summer House Carnival combined Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Softball and Indoor Cricket as each House sought to display the breadth and depth of their teams. Traditionally, this carnival has been decided by narrow margins and this year was no exception. Murdoch rose to the top of the leader board and great things come from a small package
were victorious by two points over Ower, in second place. A beautiful sunny day reflected the joy and promise of the competition at this year’s House Athletics Carnival. Speed, agility, accuracy and technical prowess were displayed by each House as they aspired to achieve successful results across all disciplines. The eventual winners were Ower, who have now won this event for the past three years in a row. The Cross Country Carnival posed the challenges of endurance and resilience. The girls were clearly buoyed by their team mates as loud cheering and words of encouragement resonated across Balwyn Park. Congratulations to Boyne as they recorded their first House Sport win for the year. Simon Bourke Sport Co-ordinator
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1. L-R: Kathryn Demtschyna, Georgia Lord and Isabelle Chen surge forward during the Year 9 Breaststroke race at the House Swimming Carnival 2. The top three competitors from each year level celebrate with their House Cross Country medals 3. Ashley Tan flies high to clear the High Jump bar for Hughston at the House Athletics Carnival
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4. Anna Pantazis in action against Boyne during Senior Softball at the House Summer Carnival 4
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Rowing@Fintona celebrates 30 years On
17 March, the Fintona Rowing community celebrated the culmination of the 30th rowing season with a dinner at The Boulevard restaurant in Kew. It was fantastic to welcome a number of past and present Fintona rowers, coaches and families including the Crock, Hanney and Spain families, who have all played key roles in shaping the rowing program at Fintona. The night began with a room full of chatter as past rowers caught up with old crew mates and our current rowers reminisced about the success of the season. I was lucky enough to give a recount of the first rowing season of 1986, as written by Louisa Rose (’87), one of the first Fintona rowers, and the first Captain of Boats. Through accounts like Louisa Rose’s, we were able to gain insight into how rowing at Fintona first began; in ‘beautiful but heavy wooden boats’, and appreciate how far the program has come over the last 30 years. The evening involved a number of awards and the presentation of Morongo Medals, signifying the Senior Rowers four years of commitment to the sport. We were also able to share our thanks to parents, coaches and supporters of the program through crew speeches given by the respective coxes. After a beautiful dinner, the night concluded (as is tradition) with the end of season video -
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an excellent snapshot of the girls’ hard work and achievements this season. Fintona Rowing has a rich rowing history and we can be extremely proud of the alliance of past and present rowers that the program has formed in its 30 years. Sarah Burger Year 12 and keen rower
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1. Past Rowers: Brydie Parker (2014) and Mirella Connell (2012) 2. 2016 rowing award winners: Anna Pantazis (Year 9) Zoe Seale (Year 9) and Natassia Carayanis (Year 9) 3. Junior Rowing Parents: Wendy Norton, Marie Potamidis, Cathy Pynta and Anne-Maree McKernan 4. The 2016 Senior Quad crew with Morongo Medals and coaches: Alex Clark (Head Coach), Estelle Hanney (Year 12), Zara Wotherspoon (Year 12), Sarah Burger (Year 12), Bella Magliano (Year 12), Anna Reid (Year 12) and Lucy Laussen (Senior Quad Coach)
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5. The Hanney Girls: Dimity Hanney (2014), Natalie Reiter, Mackayla Hanney (2010) and Estelle Hanney (2016) 6. 2016 Rowing Coaches: Olivia Honore, Pip Clark, Alex Clark, and Lucy Laussen
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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
OFA
Old Fintonians’ Alumni AUTUMN/WINTER 2016
great things come from a small package
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OFA In February this year, The Weekly Review featured four of our past students in a careers article. Read their stories right here. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JILL SEWELL AM CLASS OF 1965 CV – Paediatrician
KATE FISCHER DOHERTY CLASS OF 1986 CV – Lawyer
LOUISA ROSE CLASS OF 1987 CV – Winemaker
LOUISE CATO CLASS OF 2005 CV – Sports Dietitian
Jill studied medicine at the University of Melbourne and became a developmental behavioural paediatrician. She became President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and has served on state and national bodies for quality improvement of health service delivery. Jill was a Director of Alfred Health for nine years and was recently elected President of the Australian Medical Council. She is now Deputy Director of the Centre for Community Child Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Jill was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2005 for services to child health. She enjoyed “having a go” at Fintona with her schoolwork, sport, social activities and friendships.
Kate was a Senator or Prefect in her final year at Fintona and, after finishing Year 12, she studied a combined Arts/Law degree at the University of Melbourne. She practised law for several years at city firms before undertaking a Master of Laws at Melbourne Law School and was also involved in sessional teaching. She then began work at the Public Interest Law Clearing House – now Justice Connect. Over almost a decade, Kate worked in all areas of the organisation, facilitating access to justice and pro bono referrals to disadvantaged people. In 2015, she returned to Melbourne Law School to become Director of the Public Interest Law Initiative and Director of Clinical Programs.
Growing up, Louisa spent weekends in the Yarra Valley on the family vineyard. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Physics, from the University of Melbourne. Relocating to South Australia, she studied winemaking and graduated as dux in 1992. While studying, she worked as a cellar hand at Yalumba in the Barossa and became Chief Winemaker in 2006. Louisa was named International Woman in Wine in 2004 and Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine in 2008. In 2014, she was voted the best winemaker in Australia by her peers. “I was inspired by the teachers at Fintona who taught me to believe that we could and would do anything we wanted to,” she says.
Louise’s favourite subjects at Fintona were French, English and the sciences. In Year 12, she was House Captain and Swimming Captain. She obtained a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics from Monash University in 2009 followed by an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Diploma of Sports Nutrition in 2012. She began her career as a Clinical Dietitian at Royal Hobart Hospital and the following year joined the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and worked at the AIS European Training Centre in Italy. Louise was appointed as Sports Dietitian for the Brisbane Lions and recently completed her Certificati di Italiano Generale (CELI) Italian exam – for which she gives a special mention to Mme Gowdie at Fintona.
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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
Obituaries
Deaths The Fintona community is saddened to learn of the deaths of:
Patricia Lyle Kitson (’41) 7/8/25 - 29/11/14 Following her marriage, Patricia relocated to Pendle Hill, Sydney, sharing a home with her parents-in-law, Peter and Mary Black. Then building a house on adjacent land where the growing family of five (children Phillip, Margaret and Anne) lived until moving to Gymea in 1957. Patricia moved to Loftus in 2000, where she lived until her death.
Patricia McAuley (McNaughton ’42) 24/1/14 Ann Joubert (Williams ’49) 12/10/15 Mary Gregory (Owen ’45) 18/10/15 Gwenneth Simpson (Mackrell ’36) 18/10/15 Anna Clapin (Wood ’48) November ’15 Isobel Bolton (Walter ’52) (Grandmother of Bridget Bolton, Year 7) 15/11/15 Marion Weisser (Heley ’46) 4/12/15 Helen Lester (Archer ’46) December ’15 Sylvia Eady (Bowman ’37) 20/4/16
great things come from a small package
Patricia Kitson started at Fintona in 1930 at the age of 5 and stayed at the school for her entire education leaving in 1941 at the age of 16. She was very proud of her life long association with Fintona, and had attended the annual NSW Old Fintonians reunions in Sydney since the late 1960s. Patricia was born on 7 August, 1925 in Hawthorn, the first child to Ethel and Gerald Kitson. Near the beginning of WW2, Patricia met RAAF serviceman Alistair Black (from Sydney), their long distance romance survived the war years and they were married in Melbourne in 1947.
During her life she made significant contributions to the community via volunteer service, including girls’ basketball at the Gymea Bay Sports Club, costume and make up at the Boy Scouts Gang Shows, the tuck shop at Gymea Bay Primary School and establishing the canteen at the new Gymea High School, supporting her mother-in-law in her final years, a “taxi” for the family or any others in need of a lift, and always readily available for providing guidance, advice and support.
After her husband Alistair died in 1970 and her children had completed their education, she was able to travel, both within Australia, to the USA and Canada, and Scotland accompanying her 90 year mother-in-law. Patricia was always an energetic, vivacious, elegant and even sporty lady. Throughout her life she attended theatre and ballet, loved family gatherings especially at Christmas, birthdays, and Mother’s Day and in recent years a good chat over lunch with her friends was a very significant occasion. Patricia passed away at her Sydney home on 29 November 2014.
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Obituaries
Patricia Browne Ness (Browne ’33) 9/4/17 - 26/12/15 ‘Bill’ Newlon Green, and accompanied him to the US where they raised a family in Los Gatos, California.
Patricia died peacefully in December 2015 at the age of 98 in San Diego, California. Born in Melbourne, Pat was the daughter of Clarence and Ina Browne. She was reared in a progressive thinking home with four sisters and a brother and was educated at Fintona. In her twenties she was one of the first librarians of the Melbourne College of Surgeons, where she acquired a lifelong interest in medicine and biological sciences. She frequently expressed a wish that she had been able to be a doctor. She met and married an American architect, Willard
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Following her divorce, Pat married Ansten ‘Jim’ Ness, MD in 1961, and continued to live in Los Gatos, where she was active in various community organisations: Ming Quong Home, Flying Needle, Holiday Circle, Montalvo Arts Center and Good Samaritan Hospital. Over many years of marriage, Pat traveled extensively and even in her seventies and eighties, she traveled to Antarctica, New Guinea and Africa. After Jim’s death in 1984, Pat moved to La Jolla, CA to join her two daughters, the author Drusilla Campbell (predeceased in 2014) and Margaret Ellen Green in San Diego. She worked as a volunteer at the La Jolla Library and was a member of the La Jolla Garden Club. Until she was 92, she walked two miles every day with her dog accompanying her.
Throughout her life, Pat relished the company of her children and extended family. She and her siblings encouraged strong family ties despite the distances and years that separated them and their families. She was proud to know that her grand nieces and nephews from overseas often came to visit and reinforced the connection between the extended family. Pat is survived by a younger sister, Margaret Oldroyd (’38), son Chris Newlon, daughter, Margaret Ellen Green, three grandsons, three great grandchildren, her son in law, daughter in law, step daughter, and step grandchildren. She leaves behind four generations of family, all of whom knew her and loved her sparkle, determination and beauty.
Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
Reunions Class of 2010 5 Year Reunion
Friday 23 October, 2015
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1. L – R: Ann Hawker, Tegan Sinclair, Nicole Elsegood, Julie Goldsworthy 2. L –R: Mackayla Hanney, Emily Rose Pedley, Jess Tenace 3. Class of 2010
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Class of 1965 50 Year Reunion
Saturday 14 November, 2015
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1. Class of 1965 2. L – R: Diana Loftus-Hills (Henderson), Jenny Barke (Burns), Janet Klotz (Miller), Anne Carter (McKenzie) 3. L – R: Tina Millott (Blomfield), Jenny Tudehope, Libby Thompson (Cooper)
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Classes of 1958/59 Luncheon Monday 8 February, 2016
1. Back L – R: Alumni Co-ordinator, Kate McPhee, Josephine Jones, Sue Barnett, Elizabeth Pitman, Merilyn Seward, Celia Tribe, Pam Bolton
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great things come from a small package
Front L – R: Diana Thompson, Mary Feore, Sandra Rae, Lorraine Williams, Merilyn Davies 27
Class of 1976 40 Year Reunion Friday 18 March, 2016 1. Class of 1976 2. L – R: Jane Dewan (Sanderson), Bit (Elizabeth) McLean (Townley), Sally Finn 3. L – R: Lynn Davies, Wendy Brandmeier (Eckersall), Sally Clayton (Maclean), Melinda Turner (Dawson)
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Class of 2011 5 Year Reunion
Friday 29 April, 2016
1. Class of 2011 1
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2. L – R: Natasha Watkins, Lulu Xiao, Emily Liu, Johanna Rigby
Class of 1996 20 Year Reunion Friday 13 May, 2016 1. Class of 1996 2. L – R: Lauren Bailey, Sara Mithen (Hamilton), Linda Wong 3. L – R: Marnelle Matthews (Cousens), Melanie Santamaria (Speed), Aveena Chaal (Sidhu) 28
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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
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OFA Golf Day
Monday 16 November, 2015
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1. OFA Golf Day competitors 2. 2015 OFA prize winners. L – R: Lisa Renton (Rankin ‘74), Jane Rodd (Archdall ‘75), Julie Woolf (Weisser ‘71), Lyn Macvean (Wilson ‘62), Jay Bethell (‘77)
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QLD Reunion
Saturday 31 October, 2015 1. Back L – R: Joan Claringbauld (Alder ’43), Mary Cameron (Hayward ’58), Helen Jane (’78), Michelle Harris (Lucovich ’60), Daniele Williams (Lucovich ’60), Adele Outteridge (Samuel ’63), Barbara Gunn (’64), Jessica O’Bryan (’85). Front: Shirley Coxon (Wright ’42)
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SA Reunion
Sunday 8 November, 2015 1. Back L – R: Principal, Suzy Chandler, Diana Hodge (’79), Prue Jay (Love ’67), Diana Pinkney (Goodson ’65). Middle L – R: Nancy Sinclair (Backholer ’63), Sue Vandeleur (Leaver ’57). Front L – R: Kirri Radcliffe (Hicks ’56), Joey Duncan (Harrison ’55)
great things come from a small package
A very happy, relaxed and casual luncheon was held at the home of Prue and Sandy Jay. This year we welcomed some newcomers which we very much enjoyed and hope that they will be able to come to future lunches. A few of our usual group were unable to be to be with us and we missed their good company. It was very special to welcome Principal, Suzy Chandler and to hear what is happening at Fintona and of some of the school’s plans. It is always fun to spend time together and to catch up on what has been happening in all our lives. We very much look forward to meeting again next year. Joey Duncan 1
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Lifelong friendships made at Fintona 1. L - R: Andree Peter with her bridesmaids, Biffy Robertson, Anne Hawkins and Anne Joubert (deceased)
Nina and Fiona
A common theme at OFA reunions is friendship and as the School celebrates its 120 year anniversary this year it is also a time to celebrate the many friendships that continue well beyond the school gates. Old Fintonians, Nina Kelly (Gyrn ‘92) and Fiona Evans (Parker ’92) friendship began over 30 years ago when they started at Fintona in Prep. Although Fiona lived in the UK for over 10 years, they have remained great friends. They were bridesmaids at each other’s weddings and Nina is godmother to Fiona’s daughter. “When I reflect on my time at Fintona, pretty much all of my memories involve Fiona and now more than 20 years after finishing school she is still my L - R: Nina and Fiona as they were in their school days and as they are today
2. L – R: Gillian Johnson (Hickman), Biffy Robertson (Bedggood), Ann Randal (Montgomery - dec), Anne Hawkins (Williams), Joselyn Davies. Front: Andree Peter (Joubert), Libby Chisholm (Box deceased)
closest friend. I used to like going to Fiona’s house after school because her Mum would always have made hedgehog slice for us (she still makes it for me now when I go to her house). Fiona and her family continue to be a big part of my life and our kids, who are the same age, are already friends.” Nina “Nina and I quickly became friends as we both lived along Balwyn Road and walked the same route to school. We used to leave messages for each other poked into a fence. We spent many hours after school in Nina’s pool and went on holidays together over the years. Nina has been a huge support to my family and continues to be a wonderful friend.” Fiona
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Andree and her travel loving friends
In 1950 at the age of 15, Andree Peter (Joubert ’52), Libby Chisholm (Box ’52), Biffy (Elizabeth) Robertson (Bedggood ’52), Ann Randal (Montgomery ’51), Anne Hawkins (Williams ’52), Gillian Johnson (Hickman ’52) and Jocelyn Davies (Camm ’52) went on their first holiday together marking the beginning of regular girls’ weekends away. The first holidays involved their parents putting them on the train or bus where they travelled to Mt Martha, Cowes or Noogee. Whilst the holidays stopped in 2013, following the passing of Ann Randal then Libby Chisholm, these Old Fintonians continue to meet regularly for lunch and help organise Old Fintonian Card Parties twice a year. “I have always valued the friendship of the group as they are always there in times of adversity.” Gillian
deaths, especially Libby and Annie. We once asked each other what kept us so close and we agreed on the word honesty and using what wisdom we acquired in our long lives.” Anne “I have always been grateful to my parents for choosing Fintona for me. I was only there for three years but was immediately part of a group of special friends.” Jocelyn Our girls’ weekends away have certainly been a highlight of our friendship and we managed to work them around our careers and having children.” Biffy “I remember us all being down at Biffy’s family beach home at Phillip Island, we were playing a rowdy game of cards when we turned on the wireless at news time and to our horror the King of England had died.” Andree
“We have shared memories of our marriages, births, and 30
Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016
Join the OFA Facebook Group Please join the Old Fintonians’ Alumni Facebook Group to keep up to date with Alumni news including reunion dates and photos, past students’ achievements, and School community events and news. Old Fintonians’ Alumni (Official) www.facebook.com/ groups/ofafintona
UPCOMING EVENTS Reunion Dates 2016 Class of 1986, 30 Year Reunion Friday 22 July, 6.30pm – 8.30pm Class of 1966, 50 Year Reunion Saturday 20 August, 12 noon 1958 & 1959 Luncheons Monday 8 August, Monday 14 November Contact: Mel Marsh (Merilyn Seward ’58) Tel: 5984 4436/0407 855 538 Art Show Tour & Afternoon Tea Thursday 11 August, 2pm – 4pm OFA Golf Day Monday 19 September, Royal Melbourne Golf Club Interstate/Country Reunions NSW/ACT Thursday 8 September North East Victoria (Benalla) Wednesday 12 October QLD Saturday 29 October SA Sunday 20 November
Below L-R: Two generations of Old Fintonians - Merran Schoefell (’71), Susannh Schoeffel (’05), Eliza Truscott (‘15) and Emilia Hexter (’87)
As
part of the celebration of 120 years of Fintona, four fabulous Fintonians were invited to speak at assembly to reminisce about their schooldays. Susannah Schoeffel (‘05) interviewed her mother, Merran (Higgs ‘71) and Eliza Truscott (‘15) interviewed her mother, Emillia Hexter (‘87), enabling many delightful memories to be recounted to the present day students. Some highlights included Emillia’s account of Year 6 in Junior School perpetuating the myth of a swimming pool on the Year 6 balcony. Students threw cups of water over the edge in order to convince the other Junior School students that there was actually a pool situated there! This was followed by a recollection of the three Junior School houses singing, “We love our colours blue and gold” when the girls in Brown house would add “and brown”. Emillia also recounted the practice of designated areas for the students to sit in for lunch until the rising bell was rung. It was interesting to hear Emillia discuss the alternative uniform which consisted of brown corduroy trousers, a fawn skivvy or shirt without a tie, a blue windcheater and a duffle coat with desert boots. This option was relatively short lived! Merran recalled the whole school being squashed into the Meeting Room for assembly with the consequence of many students fainting – herself included! Assemblies were remembered as far more formal. She recalled House as an important aspect of the pastoral care program, as it allowed for vertical integration of the girls.
Fabulous Fintonians Unsurprisingly, both Emillia and Merran were not enamoured of the brown uniform. Merran commented that the best thing about the brown uniform was that everyone looked bad: brown socks, flannel brown bloomers, brown shorts and a brown beret which perched on your head like a mushroom. Today, the girls travel the world. In Merran’s time it was a trip to Shepparton to visit the SPC factory; the highlight was wearing a hard hat and receiving a souvenir can of two fruits. Emillia and Merran discussed the opportunities they were given to participate in all activities and emphasised the inclusiveness of Fintona. The encouragement to diversify and take risks and the special care offered by the staff of Fintona , who loved their subjects and knew their students so well, were recognised by both Merran and Emillia. The flexibility of curriculum to adjust to a constantly changing, challenging environment was also acknowledged. Finally, a strong similarity amongst all the participants was the acknowledgement of loyal friendships which have endured until this day. Indeed, it is all of the above qualities which were recognised and continue today which are distinctive features of Fintona. Thank you to Susannah, Merran, Eliza and Emillia for reminding us of these special attributes which make Fintona such a remarkable school. Ann Hawker English Teacher and Archivist
Save the Date OFA 120 Year Anniversary High Tea Sunday 23 October, 2016 Leonda By The Yarra, Hawthorn
120 YEARS 1896 2016
School tours will operate for Old Fintonians during the morning of 23 October
great things come from a small package
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Important Dates for 2016 june Monday 13 Queen’s Birthday holiday Friday 24 End of Term 2 july Tuesday 12 First day of Term 3 for students august Tuesday 16 to Friday 18
Art Show ELC – Year 10
Friday 26 August Friends of Rowing Trivia Night september Thursday 1
Junior School Fathers’ Day Assembly
Friday 2 to Saturday 3
School play - Game of Tiaras
Wednesday 7 Spring Music Concert Friday 9 End of Term 3 October Monday 3 First day of Term 4 for students Thursday 6 VCE Art and Design Exhibition Wednesday 12
Valedictory at 7.15pm in the Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University
Friday 21 120 Year Anniversary Cocktail Party Sunday 23 120 Year Anniversary High Tea at Leonda Wednesday 26
VCE Exams start
Monday 31 Mid-term holiday/ and Tuesday 1 Melbourne Cup holiday november Friday 18
VCE Exams end and Year 12 Dinner
december Wednesday 7 End of Term 4 for students TOUR DATES 9.15am to 11.00am Friday 17 June Thursday 18 August Thursday 6 October For more information on our Tours, contact the Registrar, Kathy Byrne on 9830 1388 or visit our website to book.
Middle & Senior School 79 Balwyn Road Balwyn Vic 3103 Australia
ELC & JUNIOR SCHOOL 80 Balwyn Road Balwyn VIC 3103 Australia
P. (03) 9830 1388 F. (03) 9888 5682 E. fgs@fintona.vic.edu.au www.fintona.vic.edu.au