Fintona File - Autumn/Winter 2017

The BI-ANNUAL Magazine of Fintona Girls’ School AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

Important Dates for 2017 PAGE 2 Important Dates for 2017

PAGES 12-13 Exchange Programs Exchange students expand their world view

PAGE 3 From the Principal PAGE 4 2016 VCE Results Another year of high achievers PAGE 5 ELC Belonging in the Early Learning Centre PAGE 6 Junior School Students embrace an internationally minded attitude PAGE 7 We introduce our new Head of Junior School PAGE 8 Middle School A stepping stone to the future PAGE 9 Senior School A glimpse of university life at Cambridge PAGE 10-11 Our Young Achievers

Fintona File Autumn/Winter 2017 Number 71

PAGE 14 Worldwide Issues United Nations Global Goals forum helps students find solutions to worldwide problems PAGE 15 Meet our Consuls Sophie Schwerkolt and Paris Sorati PAGES 16-17 Cabaret Night PAGES 18-19 Our Community Out and about at Fintona functions

JUNE

OCTOBER

Thursday 1 and Friday 2 VCE Play

Monday 9 First day of Term 4 for students

Monday 12 Queen’s Birthday holiday Friday 16 Report Writing Day Friday 30 End of Term 2 JULY

Tuesday 10 Valedictory at 7pm in the Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University Wednesday 18 VCE Art and Design Exhibition

Tuesday 18 First day of Term 3 for students

Tuesday 24 Final day for VCE students

Thursday 20 VCE Information Evening

Wednesday 1 VCE Exams start

NOVEMBER

Thursday 27 Years 8 and 9 Subject Information Evening

Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 Mid-term holiday/Melbourne Cup holiday

AUGUST

Thursday 16 ELC and Prep 2018 Information Evening

Tuesday 8 Annual Spring Music Concert Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 Art Show ELC – VCE

Friday 17 Orientation Day for Middle School students

PAGES 20-21 Meet our Teachers Lara Dresser and Lauren Norman

Friday 25 Friends of Rowing Trivia Night

PAGES 22-31 OFA News of Old Fintonians Success Stories Reunions 2017 Reunion Dates 2017 Annual Giving

Thursday 31 Junior School Father’s Day Assembly

Sunday 26 Food & Wine Festival

SEPTEMBER

Wednesday 13 End of Term 4 for students

Editor Vicky Kapourelakos

Contributors We thank all our staff, students, parents and OFA members for their articles, news stories and photos

OFA Editor Published by Kate McPhee Fintona Girls’ School Cover photo 79 Balwyn Road, Lalana Ray in front of Balwyn Photographer Havergal College in Victoria, Australia 3103 Toronto in January James Byron CRICOS Provider 2017 as part of her Design number 00139C exchange to Canada JWB&CO Ph +613 9830 1388 www.jwb.com.au Back cover photo Fax +613 9888 5682 Photography by Print www.fintona.vic.edu.au This document has been produced to international environmental Chris Ting Ellikon management standard ISO14001 by a certified green printing company.

This document has been produced to international environmental management standard ISO14001 by a certified green printing company.

Monday 28 Year 7 2018 Information Evening

Friday 1 Middle School Father’s Day Breakfast Friday 1 to Saturday 2 School Play

Friday 24 Report Writing Day VCE Exams end and Year 12 dinner

DECEMBER

TOUR DATES 9:15am to 11:00am

Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 Junior School Musical

Friday 23 June

Friday 15 End of Term 3

Thursday 19 October

Thursday 24 August For more information on our Tours, contact the Registrar, Julia Rohde on 9830 1388.

From the Principal “No man is an island, entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. “ John Donne

Having

travelled overseas recently I am once again reminded of the necessity to alert ourselves of what the word ‘global’ means especially in the educational context where it has been bandied about a great deal in recent times. It seems in these discussions to be associated with study tours or working in overseas charities, but I think that denigrates the importance of the concept. Recent developments like Brexit, the election of Donald Trump, the rise of nationalism in Europe and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa mean that simplistic interpretations, emotive or bellicose responses and generalisations are inadequate and will not serve the next generation in terms of understanding the underlying issues or contributing to solutions.

It has become a common response in the current climate to suggest that students don’t need to know information any longer as it is all available online and that what students need is ‘21st century skills’, that is, the ability to work in a team, to be flexible and creative and to be able to respond in any situation in a positive way. However, looking at the current global situation, it is hard to understand most of what is

occurring without some fundamental knowledge, be it of geography, history, culture, science, economics or maths. Even if you are just visiting a different country, without some prior knowledge of that country’s history and development, it can be hard to interpret what you see, let alone understand its politics, society or culture.

At Fintona, we audit our content as much as possible to ensure that our students are getting a good balance of ‘the what’ and ‘the how’. Later this year we will audit areas where students are receiving skills of logic and argument which go hand in hand with factual information in terms of making sense of that information. That is also part of having a global understanding given the sheer volume of information our students have access to and the new phenomena of ‘alternative facts’! So whether you are trying to understand global warming, American politics, the history of Russia, you will be better able to not only sort out facts from opinions or facts from alternative facts, but then apply that knowledge in a rational argument.

any number of trips and opportunities for them to be ‘global’. This year for instance, we have 18 students attending the inaugural Latin Tour to Italy, 23 attending the HASSE Junior and Senior Space School in the USA and about 15 who have already attended various language and other exchanges including two students who participated in a Spring program at Cambridge University during the Term 1 holiday break.

So we hope that our students take with them some basic understanding of where or what they are visiting which is then enhanced by their trip. We also hope that the experience is incorporated into their broader understanding to be accessed when they need to consider issues and situations that they meet in their lives. And most of all, we hope they see how beautiful and interesting the world is.

Suzy Chandler Principal

Our girls are encouraged to open their eyes to the rest of the world and there are 3

University 2% La Trobe 8%

2016 VCE Results

RMIT 12%

Another Year of High Achievers

By Tertiary Institution for the Class of 2016

University of Melbourne 49%

Monash Fintona Girls’ School is renowned for consistently achieving outstanding VCE results, placing us among the top girls’ schools in University Australia. The VCE results from the Class of 2016 once again affirm this position.

25%With a median ATAR of 93.9 and two thirds of the class achieving an ATAR of 90+, the School is very proud, once again, of each girl’s tremendous achievements.

Deakin Australian University Catholic University Swinburne 2% 2% University 2% La Trobe 8% RMIT 12%

By Tertiary Institution for the Class of 2016

Law Architecture 2% 2%

Engineering 2% Health and Behavioural Sciences 8% Medicine/ Biomedicine 12%

Science 13%

University of Melbourne 49%

Management /Commerce 31%

By Tertiary Courses for the Class of 2016

Arts 18%

Creative Arts/ Design 13%

Monash University 25% Law Architecture 2016 VCE Engineering 2% 2% 2% highlights at Health and a glance Behavioural Sciences 67% of students achieved an ATAR of 90+ 8% them in the top 10% of the State placing Medicine/44% of students achieved an ATAR of 95+ topTertiary 5% of the State Biomedicineplacing them in theBy 12% Courses 25% of students achieved an ATAR of 97+ fortopthe Class placing them in the 3% of the State

of 2016

Science Our 7 year median ATAR is 95.1 13% There were two perfect study scores of 50 achieved in Geography and Accounting

Median Study Score of 35 with 24.8% of Creative Arts/ Study Scores above 40 Design 13% 4

Principal Suzy Chandler said, “We are very proud of the Class of 2016 and know that they go off to the next stage of their lives with an outstanding education and a set of values that will carry them through life. We look forward to our girls Management maintaining their links with the /Commerce School and also the staff whose 31% dedication and care has fostered these remarkable achievements.

We wish all our girls the best of luck in the future and we hope they enjoy their new endeavours.”

Arts 18% We congratulate most especially Zoe Schwerkolt, Dux of 2016, for achieving an ATAR of 99.90. Zoe, a bronze medallist at last year’s International Physics Olympiad, is currently studying Science at the

University of Melbourne under the prestigious Chancellor’s Scholars Program.

Fintona continues to have a very high placement of students in tertiary education. 100 % of our students received a university offer and of these, 98% received an offer in the first round. More than three quarters of the 2016 cohort (78%) received their first or second preference. The most popular university choice was, by far, the University of Melbourne and both the University of Melbourne and Monash University account for 74 % of the offers received. The most popular areas of study chosen were Commerce, Arts, Creative Arts/ Design, Science and Biomedicine.

Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

ELC

Belonging in the Early Learning Centre

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In the Early Learning Centre, we endeavour to create an environment where members of the children’s families feel welcome, are respected and, not only feel empowered by their child’s experience, but see themselves as belonging to the learning community. Term 1 is a critical time to build opportunities for children and their families to connect with the School and with one another.

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One important event is Grandparents’ and Special Friend’s Day, which occurred in March. The children cooked morning tea, shared their learning within the classroom, and gifted their guest something small to remember the time that they spent together.

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In the Pre-Prep classrooms, grandparents were also asked to participate in an activity which involved them mapping the various places of the world that reflected their cultural backgrounds. This experience allowed for rich discussion to occur between the children and adults as connections and commonalities were identified.

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great things come from a small package

When the maps were completed, it was wonderful to see how many nationalities were represented in our ELC community. The maps remain a common talking point in the classroom and the children have also enjoyed revisiting it and reflecting on their family’s heritage.

Grandparents’ and Special Friend’s Day is the first of many opportunities for our families to be involved in our programs and we look forward to creating many more opportunities for involvement and partnership as the year continues.

Cara Mearns Head of Early Learning Centre

1. Elina Gupta shares the Bengali word for family 2. The Wattle children working with their grandparents to document their cultural backgrounds 3. Sophie Liang is excited to present her guests a gift on Grandparents’ and Special Friend’s Day 4. The Pre-Prep children discovered that their families are very multicultural 5

Junior School

Students embrace an internationally minded attitude 2

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1. Marcella Kedzierski, Year 4, creating a display to encourage people to protect our world

2. Makayla Assimakopoulos, Amelia Lau and Elise Pitts enjoying an incursion about machines in Year 3

3. Year 1 students learning about how the world works

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start of the school year saw the girls in Junior School immerse themselves in their varied learning activities. With their minds focussed on increasing their knowledge and skills in mathematics, literacy, French, Sport and other transdisciplinary areas of the curriculum, they also directed their thinking and discussions on what it means to be ‘internationally minded’. As part of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which is the framework for teaching and learning in the Junior School, the aim is to promote the belief and actions of our girls towards thinking, questioning, being and acting in the manner of a global learner.

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In class, the girls actively engaged with their Units of Inquiry that encouraged their learning about the world around them.

The Central Idea in Prep saw the girls engaged in learning about how their relationships with others influenced their lives. In Year 1, the girls inquired about how the world works and how change occurred in the natural world. The girls in Year 2 focussed on making balanced choices that contribute to a healthy life. In Year 3, the girls used persuasive techniques to inform and influence their decisions through a lens of perspective and reflection. In Year 4, the girls worked collaboratively to learn about the components of the human body and its various systems.

Throughout their learning, the girls revealed their international mindedness by demonstrating the ten characteristics of the PYP Learner Profile. Most impressively was their display of being a ‘principled’ person. Whether in their relationships, their charitable actions, or in the classroom, the girls vocalised their desire to make the world a more compassionate and peaceful place.

Eleni Goulas Head of Junior School

Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

Eleni Goulas began at Fintona as the new Head of Junior School this year impressing students, staff and parents with her warm and positive personality. She has extensive experience working in independent girls’ schools where she has held a number of leadership roles including, Staff Co-ordinator, Enrichment Programs Co-ordinator and Student Co-ordinator. More recently, she held the position of Deputy Director of the ELC and Junior School as well as the Head of Wellbeing and Positive Education at Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak.

What do you hope to bring to your role as the new Head of Junior School?

I am very excited to be the Head of the Junior School at Fintona. I see this role as a wonderful opportunity to make a positive difference to our youngest learners and I bring an optimistic outlook in terms of what our students are capable of achieving. The health and wellbeing of every student is something I am very passionate about as the best learning outcomes can only be achieved when a child is happy to come to school. At my last school, I introduced Positive Education into the Junior School. The best practices and outcomes of the program were informed by positive psychology interventions, such as, expressing gratitude, showing empathy, and practising mindfulness. In the Junior School, we have introduced these practices in various ways, including concluding our Assemblies with expressions of gratitude and practising mindfulness in great things come from a small package

staff meetings, assemblies and in class to activate our minds.

What is your educational philosophy?

My educational philosophy is centred on working as a team and looking out for each other.

Teaching and learning should be purposeful, authentic and rigorous; providing challenges for students to continually enhance their learning so that they can become life-long learners. Teachers are our most valuable asset and I will be encouraging our staff to pursue professional development that enhances their skills and expertise.

What new initiatives do you plan to introduce?

We will build on the many strengths that exist in the Junior School and modify where it is needed. One example is the introduction of mindfulness. We have teachers who have been trained as mindfulness coaches and are now training all the teachers how to activate the girls’ minds before their learning experiences. Another initiative is the introduction of the Spirit Cup. Along with the trophies awarded at various sporting events, the Spirit Cup will be awarded to the team that demonstrates, at various events throughout the year, the qualities of teamwork, encouragement, persistence, enthusiastic cheering, and general co-operation. The girls in the Junior School worked together to set the criteria for this award based on the attitudes they felt were important for team spirit.

Eleni Goulas We introduce our new Head of Junior School

Prep students Emily Semczyszyn and Isabel Bowtell drawing examples of nature with Head of Junior School, Eleni Goulas

What do you hope for every student?

My hope is that the girls are optimistic and curious about the world around them; that their imagination and wonder urge them to seek knowledge and understanding for themselves and for a greater purpose in their lives. I can see that a culture of social responsibility and taking action to make the world a better place is evident at Fintona, and I hope to build on these important values.

What qualities have you noticed about Fintona’s Junior School?

The Junior School has a warm, friendly and intimate feeling with talented teachers who constantly review and reflect on their practices. I was struck by the respectful relationships that exist between students, staff and parents; ensuring that

the girls are at the centre of everything we do. As learners, the students are engaged, reflective thinkers that take responsibility for their actions and words. I was particularly pleased to see random acts of kindness amongst the girls.

Parents too are interested and involved and work well with teachers to support their child’s learning.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I love a good book. I always have two books in my bag depending on my mood. One is related to my work and the other one is for me to relax. I also like to dabble in painting and enjoy visiting art galleries and museums; particularly if there is an exhibition by the Australian Artist, John Brack.

Spending time with my family and friends is always fun and they always keep me busy.

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Middle School

A stepping stone to the future

M

iddle School at Fintona is Years 5 to 8 and the experiences girls have during this critical time greatly influence their future interests and choices. With this in mind we have enlisted the expert assistance of some of our most experienced teachers to develop units of work that are inspiring and give the girls a real taste of what lies ahead of them in their educational journey.

Fairlie Mackinnon is Humanities Co-ordinator and teaches VCE Geography. She has been working with the Middle School team to include skills such as using primary and secondary sources and interpreting data in Units of Study on World Geography and Migration.

Chris Williams is Commerce Co-ordinator and teaches VCE Accounting and Economics. He has been advising on Units such as Clever Consumer involving allocating resources for society’s needs and wants and the influences and methods that can be used to make informed personal consumer and financial choices. These ideas are further developed in Financial Literacy sessions in Years 7 and 8.

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To further prepare the girls for their future in science, the Discovery Room was recently developed for STEM activities found in our work on reactive chemistry and construction. The Science Talent Search competition also allows our girls to develop their skills, preparing them for more complex science work in the Senior School. This year’s theme is Future Earth and Christa Ackermann, Science Co-ordinator, is busy getting the Middle School students involved in their projects.

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Chris Williams, Commerce Co-ordinator, talks to Year 6 students about commerce influencing sustainability of our planet and how the purchasing of plastic bags can have a negative impact on the environment

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Humanities Co-ordinator, Fairlie Mackinnon, teaching Year 5 students (l-r) Arabella Boschetto, Aneesha Garg, Eden Zapris and Saria Ratnam about the history of trade as part of the Unit of Study on Commerce

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Year 7 students participating in a milk and dye science experiment in the Discovery Room

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This is just a sample of the rigorous activities occurring in the Middle School which provide our students with a wide range of experiences in preparation for greater challenges in the senior school years.

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Ruth McKinnon Curriculum Co-ordinator Trish Leigh Head of Middle School

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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

Senior School A glimpse of university life at Cambridge 1

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1. Freya (left) and Kathryn (right) had an incredible experience as part of the Reach Cambridge Spring Break program 2. Kathryn (standing) and Freya sitting down, fourth from left, in the Cambridge Union participating in the debating workshop 3. Kathryn and Freya (centre front row) with the Spring Program group exploring world famous landmarks during a day trip to London 4. The beautiful grounds of the University of Cambridge

4 things come from a small package great

For two weeks during the April holidays, Kathryn Demtschyna and I were given the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich history and academic culture of the University of Cambridge.

Mrs Chandler organised a law student from Cambridge to speak with us last year who inspired us to apply to the Reach Cambridge Academic Program.

We are so glad we did!

During the program we lived in the centre of the picturesque university town of Cambridge, together in a house with secondary school students from all over the world. Experiencing such a wide range of world views, and how different cultures and religions can so easily and harmoniously coexist, was incredible. Despite the conglomeration of accents and bizarre slang from ten different nations, we managed to thrive as a cohesive group. We very quickly made friendships that we know will last forever.

Each day consisted of academic sessions, where we were exposed to a range of activities from participating in mock interviews and creating

fundraising videos for charities, to brewing up a storm in student survival cooking class.

Further enhancing our studies, once a week we split into subject-specific courses, where we were taught in the traditional Cambridge ‘supervision’ style. Each subject group discussed and learnt a myriad of different concepts, from the ways in which religion can influence politics in both a historical and modern context, to how travelling close to the speed of light can distort one’s perception of time and space.

This short yet amazing experience is one we will hold close to our hearts. With our new insight into overseas study and a global network of friends and mentors, we very much look forward to exploring the new world of opportunity that the Reach Cambridge program has opened for us.

Freya Solnordal and Kathryn Demtschyna Year 11 students

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Our Young Achievers

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Mia is the No.1 Cross Country Runner

In May, at the GSV Preliminary Cross Country, Mia Pope (Year 8) won the Junior Year 7 and 8 event. This is a marvellous achievement and ranks Mia as the No.1 runner over 3km across schools including Loreto, PLC, Lowther Hall, Siena, Sacre Coeur, Star of the Sea and OLMC.

AN ENDURING FINTONA TRADITION CONTINUES TO DELIGHT

This year’s Shakespeare Day, in its 79th year, featured students performing from Years 9-12 in scenes from from six plays. It was wonderful to have Fintona’s former Drama Co-ordinator, Mr John Thomson, return to Fintona to act as the independent adjudicator, selecting a best

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‘actress’ from each year level as well as an overall winning scene. We can’t remember the last time we had a tie for best scene, but there were two standouts: Marc Antony’s funeral oration from Julius Caesar, performed by Freya Solnordal, Year 11, and from Macbeth, the moments immediately after the murder of King Duncan, performed by Year 10 students Chee-Rae Loi and Madeleine Roushdy.

Congratulations to the following girls who were awarded best actress by Mr Thomson:

Commerce student of the Year

Best Year 9 actress: Chloe Lewis-Col. Honourable mention: Claire Walters

Our top achievers win Premier’s VCE Awards

Best Year 10 actress: Chee-Rae Loi. Honourable mention: Aahana Dudani and Madeline Roushdy Best Year 11 actress: Freya Solnordal. Honourable mention: Rachel Lang.

Best Year 12 actress: Maddie Burgess. Honourable mention: Pardis Sorati

Zoe runs first in SSV Cross Country

Congratulations to Zoe Johnson, Year 6, for coming first in the SSV Cross Country, North Balwyn Division. We wish Zoe all the best in the next round of the SSV Championships.

Congratulations to Year 12 student Joanna Bleakley for her Commerce Student of the Year award. Joanna received this accolade for her enthusiastic participation in all aspects of the Commerce curriculum. The announcement was made at assembly as part of Commerce week. Joanna received $100 in a Bendigo Bank account and we thank Bendigo Bank for their generous support of this annual award.

Congratulations to Ayla Edwards (Year 12), who received a Premier’s VCE Award, for achieving a perfect study score of 50 in Geography. The Awards acknowledge the outstanding results of individual students and pay tribute to principals, teachers and families who play a valuable role in supporting and encouraging students during their VCE studies. What a magnificent achievement. We wish Ayla all the best for Year 12 .

Lani swims her way to Silver at the GSV Swimming and Diving Finals

Butterfly at the GSV Swimming and Diving Finals evening in March at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Lani has been competing exceptionally well all season and her achievement places her in the top two swimmers in the GSV (of which there are approximately 15,000 girls).

Well done Lani. That is a race Fintona girls will remember for a long time to come.

Rowers win bronze medal at the Head of THE SCHOOLGIRLS Regatta

Congratulations to Claudia Crock and Matisse Montague who won a Bronze medal in a thrilling race in the Open Division 1 Double Scull at the 2017 Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta (HOSG) in Barwon Heads, Geelong in March.

The HOSG is the largest regatta of its kind in the southern hemisphere with over 2,000 competitors and over 15,000 spectators.

The performance of this year’s rowing team produced some of our best results in recent history and we are very proud of all the 26 Fintona rowers who competed, many of whom achieved personal bests. What an exciting end to the summer rowing season!

Lani McKernan, a very talented swimmer, won a silver medal in the Year 8 50m

Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

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We look forward to the 2017/18 season commencing in Term 3 after a well-deserved rest in Term 2.

Young Swimmers finish in top 3 at the SSV Swimming DIVISION Finals

An exciting afternoon of swimming at the Monash Aquatic Centre unfolded for our team of talented (and very quick) Year 6 swimmers as they competed in the School Sport Victoria Swimming Championships in February.

Lauren Pitts, Zoe Johnson, Eleanor Bravin and Shani Zou all finished in the top 3 – an outstanding achievement.

The girls went on to represent Fintona at the State Finals at MSAC and were placed fifth.

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Freya Solnordal performs a soliloquy from Julius Caesar which won best overall scene on Shakespeare Day

Fintona wins Science Talent Search award Fintona Girls’ School was awarded one of The Peter Craig School Awards in the 2016 Science Talent Search competition. We were one of four schools in Victoria to receive this award which recognises the high quality of entries submitted over the breadth of sections in the competition. Congratulations to all students for their high calibre of projects submitted and to the Science faculty, especially the Science Coordinator, Christa Ackermann for inspiring our girls.

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Madeleine Roushdy (left) and Chee-Rae Loi (right) perform a scene from Macbeth which also tied for best overall scene

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Lani McKernan won a Silver medal at the SSV Swimming and Diving finals in the 50m Butterfly

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Zoe Johnson came first at the SSV Cross Country, North Balwyn Division

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L-R: Commerce Co-ordinator Chris Williams, with Joanna Bleakley and Bendigo Bank’s Balwyn Branch Manager Adam Osmani

L-R: Pipa Clarke (coach), Matisee Montague and Claudia Crock with their bronze medals after their thrilling win in the Double Scull at the Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta

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Ayla Edwards receiving her VCE Premier’s

great things come from a small package

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We look forward to continued success in the 2017 STS competition with this year’s theme being ‘Future Earth’.

Award by the Hon. James Merlino, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, at the Awards Ceremony

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Science Co-ordinator, Christa Ackermann (centre front) with The Peter Craig School Award

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In May, at the GSV Preliminary Cross Country, Mia Pope (Year 8) won the Junior Year 7 and 8 event.

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L-R: Lauren Pitts, Zoe Johnson, Eleanor Bravin and Shani Zou qualifying for the SSV Swimming State Finals 11

Exchange Programs

Exchange students expand their world view

During

the 2016/2017 summer holidays, 13 girls travelled to five different countries as part of Fintona’s language and cultural exchange programs. Inez Trambas and Sophie Schwerkolt flew to Japan, and were hosted by girls from our sister school Yokohama Eiwa, while Sarah Jacobs and Ayla Edwards went to Indonesia, and experienced a very different lifestyle at their host school Krida. Five students, Sameena Pavri-Thomas, Elena Boyce, Ruby Keeble, Molly Horan and Pardis Sorati, travelled to France.

Lalana Ray, Zara Kimber and Amy Chilcott travelled to Toronto, Canada visiting their host school, Havergal, College whilst Chelsea Fisher and Laura Daly visited Craigholme School, in Glasgow, Scotland. Not only did the exchanges provide a great opportunity for the girls studying languages to improve their language skills, but for all the girls, they also offered extraordinary cultural experiences, a chance to make new friendships, and create memories that will last forever.

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Japan

During the summer holidays, Sophie Schwerkolt and I had the opportunity to go on exchange for 5 weeks in Yokohama. We were billeted with host families from our sister school, Yokohama Eiwa, and were able to experience Japanese school life, attending school with our host sisters every day for a few weeks.

With my host family, I visited numerous famous and popular tourist attractions including Tokyo Skytree, Mount Fuji, the Yokohama Cup Noodle Museum, Kamakura Daibutsu (Big Buddha), Harajuku district, and Asakusa district.By the end of the 5 weeks I had been adopted into the family, my host parents even calling me their second daughter.

Being immersed in Japanese culture and learning new things everyday was an incredible experience. Sophie and I returned from Japan feeling enriched with a new understanding of language and culture. We could not recommend exchange more.

Inez Trambas, Year 12 12

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France

Elena Bryce and I spent five wonderful weeks in France during the summer holidays. I loved living with my French family, and living a completely different life, with different school hours, different food, a different culture, and most importantly a different language. I cannot believe how much my French improved in just five weeks and how many incredible new friends I made.

My exchange experience was made even more amazing because of the generosity of my French family during the holiday period. They took me to Lyon, Paris and through the south including Saint Tropez, Fréjus and Monaco. They even took me skiing for a week in a ski station called La Rosière, on the border of France and Italy. I honestly could not have asked for a more incredible family nor experience. It is one I will never forget.

Sameena Pavri-Thomas, Year 11

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Indonesia

Over the summer holidays Sarah Jacob and I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime to Indonesia. Our visit was comprised of two sections: our stay at our host school, Krida Nusantara (a co-ed, military, boarding school located in Bandung) followed by our separate homestays.

As I am sure you can imagine, the idea of marching every morning before school, doing mandatory exercise and being punished for having creased uniforms, just to name a few, were very foreign to us, but trivial in the military.

Despite this, we quickly adjusted and treasured everything that we learnt, especially nuances of the language and culture. All in all, it is impossible to express how beneficial our exchange was, for both our language skills and understanding of Indonesia. We have made life-long friends and hope to return in the future.

Ayla Edwards, Year 12 Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

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Inez Trambas (left) and Sophie Schwerkolt (right) in traditional Japanese costume in the tea ceremony room at Yokohama Eiwa, Fintona’s sister school in Japan

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Sameena Pavri Thomas (first from left) and Elena Boyce (second from left) with their host family in Paris

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Ayla Edwards and Sarah Jacob experiencing school life with students from Krida Nusantra school in Indonesia

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Zara Kimber, second from right, was taken on a skiing trip by her Canadian host family

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Chelsea Fisher and Laura Daly with Prep students at Craigholme School, Scotland

FINTONA has inspired many more girls to pursue life experiences overseas whether it be for work, study or volunteering.

Examples include:

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Canada

Scotland

I stayed with a lovely family who took me to many places such as Niagara Falls, Ontario Museum, the CN Tower, and many more sights. Two of my favourite experiences of the entire exchange was a skiing trip that my host family took me on during my final weekend and eating poutine, a Canadian dish consisting of fries, gravy and cheese curds.

I attended classes at Craigholme School, went on excursions and did a presentation about Australia in their assembly. On weekends, I had the opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside and landmarks of Scotland.

In 2017, Amy Chilcott, Lalana Ray and I were given the amazing opportunity to travel to Toronto, Canada for an entire month on an exchange program to Havergal College, an all girls’ school in Toronto that looks very similar to Hogwarts.

At the end of 2016, Laura Daly and I were lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Glasgow in Scotland for four weeks on exchange. My first week took some getting used to, especially because of the freezing negative degree weather and the 11 hour time difference but I soon settled in and was excited to experience what it was like to live on the other side of the world.

Overall the exchange experience gave me more independence and I made so many new friends. I will never forget my first days at a completely foreign school or navigating LAX Airport with Lalana and Amy.

Laura and I had a wonderful time on our trip and would highly recommend going on exchange as we have learnt how to be more responsible and mature whilst having so much fun making new friends overseas.

Zara Kimber, Year 10

Chelsea Fisher, Year 11

great things come from a small package

Georgia Abzatz (’13) chose to study at the University of Warwick in the UK to expand her tertiary experience and to travel the world after being inspired by her positive experience at the Craigholme School in Scotland when she was in Year 10.

After a year based in Canberra as a Judge’s Associate in the High Court, Sarah Spottiswood (’06) is now living in the UK to complete a Master of Law at the University of Cambridge. Sarah has pursued studies overseas, whilst completing her combined Arts/Law Degree at Monash University, she spent two semesters studying abroad at Berkeley, University of California and at the University of Hong Kong. She has also spent time working at law firms an NGOs in Hong Kong and Malaysia.

A desire to travel saw Dr Meryl Dahlitz (’77) heading to Europe after graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Degree in Medicine. Travel then turned into study as she went on to become a neuropsychiatrist and complete a PhD in sleep disorders at the University of London. Meryl then spent over thirty years working in a number of hospitals in London and Oxford. Having only returned to Melbourne a couple of years ago to become a Director of a chemical company, she looks back on her time overseas as one of huge personal growth and professional development.

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Worldwide Issues United Nations Global Goals forum helps students find solutions to worldwide problems

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Each group developed a timeline, focusing on a specific aspect of the problem, discussed the root cause of the issue and established an idea that could promote the solution of the goal to the world by 2030. Each group then developed and presented their ‘Big Idea’ to the forum.

On Thursday 9 March, Year 10 students Amy Cutter, Chee-Rae Loi, Jacqueline Motet, Maddy Pynta, Zoe Seale, and Natasha Sevo went to the University of Melbourne to participate in a forum promoting the United Nations Global Goals. The UN is aiming to achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Natasha’s group discovered that the root cause of poverty is the lack of education. Their big solution was to receive funding from the government to invest in a small building and land. This land would then be used to grow crops.

Volunteers would help teach people in the poverty cycle to grow those crops, and the harvest sold would make

Students from five other schools participated. Each student chose a goal from those that affect teenagers most, including: No Poverty, Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production and Climate Action.

money to go towards charities who are directly targeting these areas so that the money does not get lost in transition.

to begin, and raise awareness and money to help set up an education centre at the refugee camps.

Maddy Pynta and Zoe Seale’s group aimed to promote good health and well-being by establishing a series of governmental groups and programs emphasising the importance of good quality teachers and health care specialists, particularly in isolated and indigenous communities.

Chee-Rae’s group decided to make a program to raise awareness and promote an organisation that specifically deals with reducing inequality.

They called the program ‘Equality for Everyone.’

Amy’s group specifically targeted refugees because one of their team members helps refugees as part of a placement. They would ask for funding from the government

In participating in this day, students learnt about what the UN is currently trying to achieve and how we all have the ability to solve these issues.

Philippa Elder English Teacher

1. Natasha presents her group’s solution to poverty 2. Amy and Jacqueline in their group resolving issues affecting refugees 3. Chee-Rae’s group discussing issues regarding inequality

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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

Consuls

Meet our Consuls for 2017 The School Consuls for 2017 are Sophie Schwerkolt and Paris Sorati. Sophie has been at Fintona her whole educational life, since 2003, when she began at the Early Learning Centre and Paris began in Year 7. In the ‘Meet our Consuls’ segment, we get to know them just a little bit better and find out what drives them.

As a School Consul, what is it that you want to achieve in 2017?

Sophie: As School Consul, I aim to encourage students to have a wide participation in many areas of school life. I want to set an example for the students in every year level to look up to, while I continue to play an active role throughout the School. I also want to enhance the self-esteem and motivation of all the Year 12s.

As a school leader, I wish to promote camaraderie and co-operation, and encourage all students to perform to the best of their abilities.

Paris: As School Consul, I aim to give back to the School for my incredible years of education by being there to support all the girls, provide motivation and spread positivity. I wish to maintain the friendly and warm environment that exists within the School grounds and be an encouraging example for the younger girls about what a true Fintonian is - kind, hardworking and tolerant.

What do you think a Fintona education has given you?

Sophie: A Fintona education has given me the opportunity to great things come from a small package

not only do what I do well and excel in what I do, but to enjoy my time here. Fintona has given me the confidence to believe in myself, and the friendly and small environment has enabled me to have close relationships with the teachers who have encouraged me to work hard and strive to achieve my goals.

Paris: Over the years, a Fintona education has provided me the opportunity to grow as a person by challenging my strengths and weaknesses, demonstrating the power of hard work and showing how important it is to be surrounded by a supportive and caring group of individuals.

Fintona’s philosophy has been to believe in ourselves and as young women, that we are significant, respected and capable members of society who can achieve our aspirations as long as we put our mind to it, and for that I am truly grateful.

Who do you consider to be a great leader and why?

Sophie: I have been involved in sport from a very young age, and one of the sports players that I have looked up to for many years is Serena Williams.

I consider her to be a great

leader because she is not only a good sportsman and a mentor in her sport, but has encouraged and inspired young people all over the world to participate and believe in themselves.

Paris: There are many individuals in my life that I consider to be great leaders.

These involve my parents, my friends, some of my teachers and many fearless women like Malala Yousafzai, Emma Watson and Hilary Clinton whom we have often seen in the media.

All of these people continuously inspire me to be the best that I can be and work towards my passions, which is what I believe every true leader should do.

What are your aspirations for the future?

Sophie: In the future, I aim to study commerce at university, but whatever it is that I involve myself in, I hope to make a difference and have a positive impact. I would like to find myself in a rewarding career that I wholeheartedly enjoy. I am also learning French and Japanese languages in VCE which I hope to incorporate into my future.

Paris: It has always been a dream of mine to work in a field where the amelioration of people’s lives is the main focus. I believe that a career in the health sciences will provide me the prospect to do so and make every day of my working life enjoyable and worthwhile.

What would you consider to be the highlight of your time at Fintona and why?

Sophie: I would consider my final year to be the highlight of my time at Fintona.

Although Year 12 can be challenging at times, I feel like I’ve come to know everyone better in the year level as we all have a common purpose of working hard to finish off our school years.

Paris: I have had many highlights during my time at Fintona. These include House events like House swimming and House drama and the camping events such as our trip to Ayers Rock and Wilsons Promontory. I loved these activities as it provided me the chance to interact with girls in my year level and other year levels and immerse myself in activities based on creativity, independence and teamwork.

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Cabaret Night

A night of sparkling performances

The

roaring 20s was the theme for this year’s Cabaret Night and what an occasion it was. With lots of sparkle, dancing, singing and performances from our multitalented students, together with the help of our Music Staff and Friends of Music, the night was a resounding success.

Well known songs from this era included “When you’re smiling”, “I got Rhythm”, “Puttin’ on the Ritz”, and “Anything Goes” which were all performed by our music instrumental students in Act 1. Inspired by the 20s theme, the girls looked spectacular in their costumes full of sequins, feathers and colour.

Act 2 was a variety showcase involving students in Years 7-12 who confidently tap danced, sang, performed solos, duets and trios.

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Our Live Auction, Silent Auction and Raffle were also very successful thanks to the enthusiastic support and hard work of the Friends of Music team who raised an impressive $7,500. We would like to especially thank Shan Morrison, Dian Lee, Doreen Tang, Louise Hordern, Tatyana Zubenko, Rola Tal, Jodie Gordhandas, Deborah Ogawa, Dimple Garg and to Les Kitchin for being our wonderful auctioneer as well as for sourcing some great Live Auction items. All proceeds will be going towards updating our technology in the Performing Arts department.

Congratulations to everyone involved for a spectacular night of musical entertainment.

Elizabeth Exintaris – Performing Arts Co-ordinator (Music) Rowena McDowell – Performing Arts Co-ordinator (Drama) 3

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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

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Year 7 students L-R: Hannah Ogawa, Jordan Card and Ashley Clausen singing “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”

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Olivia Chan, Year 9, playing a trombone solo

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Paige Thompson, Year 6, out in front performing to “Anything Goes”

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Genevieve Retallick, Year 7, performing a Tap Dance

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Year 6 students singing “Putting on the Ritz”

Grace Hordern, Year 9, playing “Swan Song” on the harp

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Year 6 girls singing “Thoroughly Modern MiIlie”

Year 6 students L-R: Lauren Pitts, Katrina Luu, Madeleine Maxwell and Sarah Watson performing a drama skit

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Matisse Miles with her fellow Year 5 students signing “I Got Rhythm”

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Chloe Spencer, Year 7, singing “The Way We Were” 17

Our Community Out and about at Fintona functions

NEW PARENTS’ WELCOME DRINKS – THURSDAY 9 MARCH

The Fintona Parents’ Association (the ‘Association’) would like to extend a warm welcome to all families new to Fintona. Some of you I had the pleasure of meeting at the recent New Parents’ Welcome Drinks.

As a parent of a child currently enrolled at Fintona you are also warmly welcomed as a member of the Association. The Association exists primarily to assist the School in building strong community spirit amongst its parents and aims to achieve this through social activities which are open to parents from all year levels.

This year, the Fintona Parents’ Association will be hosting the following events: •

The Dads’ Beef and Burgundy Night on Friday 11 August

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The Fintona Trivia Night on Friday 25 August

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The Fintona Food & Wine Festival on Sunday 26 November

Please put the above dates in your diary as each of these events provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to get to know each other better.

I and the Association look forward to seeing you at these events.

Anne-Maree McKernan President Fintona Parents’ Association amwm.bfs@gmail.com

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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

GRANDPARENTS’ AFTERNOON TEA MIDDLE SCHOOL MONDAY 27 FEBRUARY

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY JUNIOR SCHOOL THURSDAY 9 MARCH

ELC FAMILY PICNIC SUNDAY 19 MARCH

MOTHER’S DAY ELC 8-11 MAY

JUNIOR SCHOOL MOTHER’S DAY ASSEMBLY – THURSDAY 18 MAY

FINTONA HIGH TEA SATURDAY 20 MAY

great things come from a small package

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Meet Our Teachers As a new teacher at Fintona, what was the first thing that struck you about teaching here?

Lara Dresser Lara Dresser began teaching Year 6 at Fintona this year. She has 19 students who have welcomed her warmly into the Fintona community. Lara has spent the majority of her teaching career at St Margaret’s School in Berwick. She began as Head of Junior School Sport as a Physical Education teacher and then moved into the classroom to further her experience. She has been a Year Level Co-ordinator and Information Technology Co-ordinator, which developed her leadership skills and knowledge. Last year, Lara taught Year 6 at Berwick Grammar School before moving to Fintona.

Beginning at a new school, the start of the year has been very exciting and intense. One of the first things that struck me about Fintona was the amazing students. They are respectful, engaged and willing to learn.

The dedicated staff at Fintona have helped with my transition, ensuring that I have felt welcomed and comfortable in my new surroundings. The care that the staff provide the students is inspiring.

What do your students teach you?

My students teach me to be patient and to be a good listener, to realise that every student is different and that every student has a story to tell.

These stories influence how each student presents as a learner in my classroom. They teach me that making connections with students is invaluable and that laughing and having fun is important!

They constantly remind me why I chose the life of a teacher.

“My students

immerse themselves in the content and apply their thinking and learning to real life issues and situations over a realistic timeframe. In Term 1, our Unit of Study on Government took us to Canberra where we explored Australian Government and the Electoral Office, discovering how government and preferential voting works. Through the new curriculum, students have access to the Discovery Room for their Science lessons, which enables students to experiment and investigate different branches of science in their own space. The redesigned curriculum is rich and creates a variety of opportunities for students.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

teach me to be patient and to be a good listener. To realise that every student is different and that every student has a story to tell.“

In my spare time I enjoying spending time with my family.

My husband, Simon and my two children Chloe, 8, and Will, 6, keep me entertained and busy. We love to ride bikes and scooters, play at the park and go to the movies. I have a passion for netball and I enjoy coaching Chloe’s team and playing three times a week. I do like to stop and relax with a good book when I can too.

The Years 5 and 6 curriculum has been redesigned this year. What exciting learning opportunities are installed for the students under this new curriculum?

The new curriculum for Years 5 and 6 has seen the move to term long, Units of Study. This enables the students to

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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2016

“I’ve always found something incredibly rewarding in the experience of travelling and being able to communicate effectively with the people you meet, so learning new languages has always been a passion of mine.“ What inspired you to become a French teacher?

Lauren Norman Lauren Norman began at Fintona in mid-2015 as a French teacher and currently teaches French to students in the Middle and Senior Schools.

She has an Arts degree and Diploma of Languages and worked for an accounting firm for a while before eventually following her passion into teaching. She taught French and EAL at a variety of different schools and did a teaching placement at a monastic school in Myanmar while finishing off her Masters of Teaching before starting at Fintona.

great things come from a small package

I’ve always found something incredibly rewarding in the experience of travelling and being able to communicate effectively with the people you meet, so learning new languages has always been a passion of mine. I always felt it was one of the most beneficial things I took away from my own high school education, and I love sharing that enthusiasm with other language learners. I also think that learning another language can be empowering in many ways for young people – it opens a lot of doors.

You have been appointed as the Year 8 Co-ordinator.

What will be your primary responsibility and what would you like to achieve in this new role for the girls under your care?

I see my main responsibility as co-ordinator to be one of managing relationships – between students, teachers, support staff and families. As such, it can be a bit of a juggling act, as of course there are sometimes conflicts and challenges to be resolved, and my primary concern is to ensure that the girls’ best interests are looked after. My main goal for this year has been to get to know the Year 8

girls well, and to ensure that they are given all the support, encouragement and guidance they need to give them every chance of success.

What do you think are the main benefits of learning French ?

First and foremost, French is a global language, spoken in countries all over the world as an official language and studied by students in many more, so it’s effective as a second language in allowing you to communicate with a range of people. Furthermore, studying a language like French with close ties to English gives you a better understanding of your own language and how it has developed – I’ve always felt that reading widely and developing a large English vocabulary is very helpful for learning French, as many words in English have French origins.

More generally, learning another language requires you to immerse yourself in another culture and to try to understand it, which leads to greater open-mindedness and acceptance of differences in the world at large.

What is your favourite word in French and why?

Lots – too many to list! A particular favourite is the word bouleversé. Depending on context, it can mean upset, shocked, moved or overwhelmed. I love this word because it has no direct translation in English, and as such it is a perfect example of the richness of the experience of learning an additional language – the idea that there are some specific thoughts and ideas which can only be named in certain languages. I also like emmitoufler, which means ‘to wrap up warmly’. It’s such a pleasant, warm sounding word for a pleasant concept, and it’s fun to say as well!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Cooking is my number one hobby, and I love looking up and trying interesting new recipes from all over the world and feeding them to my family and friends. I’ve also taken up Astanga yoga in the past year, and although it’s quite challenging and physically demanding, I find it has had great benefits for my mental as well as physical health.

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OFA

Old Fintonians’ Alumni AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

OFA Share

your news We love to hear news from Old Fintonians.

Whether it’s a new career, travel, getting married or starting a family, please get in contact with Kate McPhee, Alumni Officer, kmcphee@ fintona.vic.edu.au so we can include it in the Fintona File.

Marriages A big congratulations to our newly weds:

Deaths

The Fintona community is saddened to learn of the deaths of:

great things come from a small package

Anna Mendonça (’04, current staff) married Will on 7 January, 2017. Anna with husband, Will, and bridesmaids including Katie Bowen (Spain ’04, current staff), second from the right

Louise Bawden (’99) married Casey Thomas Grice on 11 March, 2017 at The Dome, Melbourne.

Kathleen Satchwell (Thomas ’42) 30/5/16

Jillian San Miguel (’54) 5/1/17

Joan Champ (Terry ’44) 14/10/16

Julianne Bell (’57) 27/1/17

Noel Moore (Thomas ’49) 2/1/17

Margaret Ashton (Chambers ’48) 13/4/17

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News of Old Fintonians Success Stories – Fintona Girls’ School Alumnae In February this year, The Weekly Review again featured four of our past students in a careers article. Read their stories right here.

Dr Pearly Khaw Class of 1985 Consultant Radiation Oncologist

Eris Yap (McKinnar) Class of 2002 Management Consultant

After graduating from Fintona, Pearly Khaw completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiations) at RMIT in 1988, where she graduated Dux of the year. Her ultimate ambition was to obtain a medical degree which she completed in 1993 at the University of Melbourne. In 1996, Pearly began working in Radiation Oncology at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and qualified as a Radiation Oncologist in 2001. Married in 1998, Pearly became a mother, five years later, to a daughter, Sarah. As a consultant, Pearly now specialises in GynaeOncology and is a member of a number of research and advisory committees. “Fintona taught me to never give up,” Pearly says. “Where there is a will, there is a way”.

Since leaving Fintona, Eris Yap has obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (International Management) from the University of Melbourne and a Masters of Business Administration (Marketing) from Melbourne Business School. Eris has held positions in international business development, strategic planning and strategic marketing at UK Trade & Investment, the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), Forethought Research and PwC. In these roles, she has designed and led strategy, insights, product lines and transformational change projects. “Fintona gave me the confidence to believe in what can be possible, the courage to tackle the challenges and the rigour to put in the hard work to get there,” she says.

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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

Zoe Meagher Class of 2004 Artist, Experience Developer

Sue Cramer Class of 1977 Curator, Heidi Museum

A scholarship recipient, Zoe attended Fintona from Prep to Year 12. She has fond memories of theatre shows, music rehearsals, and afternoons in the art studios. After completing a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) at the University of Melbourne, she worked as an independent artist working with sound and performance. Making an experimental audio tour at Melbourne Museum sparked a love of museums, and Zoe began working in visitor programs. Today, she helps craft innovative and imaginative exhibitions as an Experience Developer at Museums Victoria, while continuing to create her own artwork as Zoe Mars.

Zoe traces her cross-disciplinary skills back to Fintona. “The wonderful teachers nourished my interests in art, languages and literature, and fostered valuable skills in critical thinking and communication,� she says.

Sue Cramer has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from the University of Melbourne. The curator at Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne, she developed a love of art history during art classes at Fintona. In 1990, Sue was awarded an Australia Council grant enabling her to take up the one-year position as Visiting Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, before subsequently joining the MCA as a Curator. Sue was an Art Critic for The Age, has written numerous exhibition catalogues and contributed articles to international and Australian journals. Sue co-wrote the book Cubism and Australian Art with Lesley Harding, which was awarded equal Best Book for 2009 by the Art Association of Australia and New Zealand.

great things come from a small package

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OAM awarded to Dr Meredith Doig

Congratulations to Dr Meredith Doig OAM (’68) who received a Medal of the Order of Australia in this year’s Australia Day Honours for service to the community, higher education and business.

Meredith was Co-Dux of Fintona in 1968 and is also a past Fintona Board member.

After school Meredith studied pure mathematics, linguistics and classical civilisation at Monash University.

With a career spanning over education and research, manufacturing (Ford Australia), mining (Rio Tinto) and banking (ANZ) followed by nearly 20 years in consulting and governance, Meredith is now a professional company director and governance consultant.

Directorships have included the Port of Melbourne Corporation and its predecessor the Victorian Channels Authority, V/Line

Passenger Pty Ltd, Bakers Delight Holdings, Federation University, Federation Training TAFE, Melbourne University, its subsidiary MUSUL and its affiliate the Graduate Union, Fintona Girls’ School and the Driver Education Centre of Australia. She is President of the Rationalist Society of Australia, Chair of Pathways for Diversity Education, and on the boards of Dying with Dignity Victoria, Taradale Music Inc and Ardoch Owners Corporation.

Her consulting work has focused on governance and organisation effectiveness. For five years she was a facilitator of the Company Directors Course for the Australian Institute of Company Directors and for ten years, a moderator with the Cranlana Programme on Ethics and the Good Society. She served on the Federal Government’s Higher Education Council for four years, and has been a member of numerous university advisory committees.

In 2004, she completed a PhD on ‘The Nature of Organisational Sustainability’, focusing on corporate responsibility and ‘triple bottom line’ accountability.

Apart from her professional career, Meredith has been a long-time community activist, lobbying on topics ranging from tax and industry development to social equity and corporate governance. In the 2016 Federal election, she was the lead Victorian Senate candidate for the Australian Sex Party.

Meredith is also a passionate motorcyclist, advising the Federal Government on motorcycle safety and becoming the first Chief Motorcycle Instructor in Australia.

She still rides a BMW 650GS and has completed five overseas motorcycle trips. In July 2017 she is heading off to Nepal to ride the highest navigable road in the world.

Premier’s VCE Award Congratulations to Old Fintonian, Joanne So (‘16) who was recently presented with a Premier’s VCE Award for her outstanding academic result in Accounting. Joanne achieved a perfect study score of 50.

Joanne was offered a prestigious Sir John Monash Scholarship and is now studying Medicine at Monash University.

Joanne So receiving her VCE Premier’s Award by the Hon. James Merlino, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, at the Awards Ceremony 26

Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

Fintona Board welcomes Old Fintonians Two new faces to Fintona’s Board this year are Alison Rodriquez (O’Grady ’03) and Claire Levi (Buckner ’83). It’s always good to welcome Old Fintonians back to the school whether it be at reunions, school events, joining the Fintona Company or as board members.

L – R: Alison Rodriquez (O’Grady ’03), Claire Levi (Buckner ’83)

OFA Golfers take out the Inter-school Golf Challenge Congratulations to the members of the OFA Golf Team, Jay Bethell (’77), Sally Syme (Shaw ’74), Sally Kelaher (Day ’75), Marg Picken (Mill ’67), OFA Golf Representative, and Cindy Orchard (Nason ’68) who won the Women’s Inter-school Golf Challenge Cup earlier this month at Kew Golf Club. A fantastic achievement given the last cup won by Old Fintonians was 34 years ago.

This year’s OFA Golf Day will be held at Green Acres Golf Club in Kew East on Monday 18 September. This popular event which includes a lunch is for Old Fintonian golfers with a golfing handicap. If you are interested in attending, please contact Marg Picken the OFA Golf Representative at m.picken@bigpond.net.au.

L – R: Jay Bethell (’77), Sally Syme (Shaw ’74), Sally Kelaher (Day ’75), Marg Picken (Mill ’67), OFA Golf Representative, and Cindy Orchard (Nason ’68)

Excelling in the fitness industry Michelle Fenton (’10) studied a degree in management and marketing at Monash University, whilst fitness modelling part time. She has since been published in magazines in the USA, China and Australia.

She has appeared on the cover of China’s Fitness and Beauty magazine twice and has been featured in magazines including Iron Man, Oxygen, Men’s Fitness and Muscular Development.

She is also a professional ‘Pro’ bikini competitor, competing in the Kahma Classic and the Asia Pacific Championships in 2016 taking home the first place trophy in both competitions. This qualified Michelle to represent Australia in the International WFF (World Fitness great things come from a small package

Federation) championship in Dublin, Ireland where she came third in the world.

Michelle has since graduated and is passionate about health and fitness and mentors many people of all ages in fitness training, nutrition and wellbeing. Her time as Murdoch House Captain at Fintona taught her valuable skills such as selfmotivation, dedication, diligence and confidence that she has carried into her life.

Wherever she goes in life, Michelle remembers the Fintona motto, ‘Age Quo Agis’.

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Reunions

Class of 2012 5 Year Reunion Friday 24 MARCH, 2017

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1. L – R: Maddy Ashbolt, Isabella Ninis, Madison Seymour 2. L – R: Sarah Nowland, Selby Holland, Julia Streames, Brooke Pedley 3. L – R: Zoe Murray, Erika Nunes, Rawanne Auda 4. L – R: Veronica Lee, Selina Huang, Cherry Cai

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SA Reunion

saturday 20 NOVEMBER, 2016 Back L – R: Diana Hodge, Prue Jay (Love) and Louisa Rose

On Sunday 20 November, Diana Hodge, Diana and Graham Pinkney, Prue and Sandy Jay, Kirri and Peter Radcliffe and Louisa Rose and her partner Warren Roseler gathered for lunch at Sue and Peter Vandeleur’s house in Adelaide. As usual, time flew as we caught up with one another.

It was good to see Louisa and Warren after a couple of years of absentia and Louisa kindly offered to host our 2017 reunion on 12 November.

Front L – R: Kirri Radcliffe (Hicks), Sue Vandeleur (Leaver), Diana Pinkney (Goodson)

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Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

Class of 1977 40 Year Reunion SATURDAY 29 APRIL, 2017

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1. Class of 1977 2. L – R: Jay Bethell, Kerryn Rae, Wendy Wood (Williams), Jennifer Mathews 3. L – R: Robyn Taft, Miss Butt, Tracie Wilson 4. L – R: Mandy Rethus, Anne Ahearn (Camier), Alice Rouse (Morrison), Elizabeth Parkin

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This year we gathered at the home of Kate Collin. A beautiful apartment in a converted flour mill. It was lovely to catch up albeit a small group. We received apologies from Alison Smith (Pyper ‘47), Lynette Clayton (Handley ‘53), Suzanne Fairlie (‘47), Sue Harcourt-Smith (Magrath ‘57) and Robin Kilburn (Lambert ‘58).

WA Reunion

saturday 13 MAY, 2017

Back L - R: Sarah O’Sullivan (Harold ‘83), Julie Dickinson (Adams ‘54), Judy Williams (Gray ‘64), Rebecca Vercoe (Johnson ‘82) Front L - R: Marg Bruns (Loughnan ‘44) Kate Collin (McIlwraith-Smith ‘53)

great things come from a small package

We always meet on the Saturday of Mothers’ Day weekend so next year’s reunion will be held on Saturday 12 May, 2018. Please contact Rebecca Vercoe for further information rebvercoe@yahoo.com.

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UPCOMING EVENTS Reunion Dates 2017 Class of 2007 10 Year Reunion Friday 16 June 6.30pm – 8.30pm

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

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Class of 1987 30 Year Reunion Friday 4 August 6.30pm – 8.30pm Class of 1967 50 Year Reunion Saturday 26 August 12 noon

1958 & 1959 Luncheon Monday 13 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 18 September Greenacres Golf Club

Interstate/Country Reunions NSW/ACT Thursday 14 September North East Victoria (Benalla) Wednesday 11 October QLD Saturday 28 October SA Sunday 12 November Fintona File | autumn/winter 2017

2017 Annual Giving Appeal Celebrating Women in Science This year our Annual Giving is focussed on raising funds to purchase new science equipment that will be utilised by students throughout the School now and in any future laboratories.

The equipment consists of: •

High powered binocular microscopes.

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A digital UV-Vis spectrophotometer - a versatile machine used to measure the intensity of light absorbed by a sample and thus determine its identity or concentration.

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New electronic balances for precision weighing.

• A laminar flow cupboard a carefully enclosed sterile bench designed to prevent contamination of semiconductor wafers, biological samples, or any particle sensitive materials.

Donations can also be made to the Library, Building and Scholarship Funds.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Donate Now Donate online at www.fintona.vic.edu.au/community/giving

great things come from a small package

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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