The BI-ANNUAL Magazine of Fintona Girls’ School Spring/summer 2017
Important Dates for 2018 PAGE 2 Important Dates for 2018
PAGE 14 STEM Week
PAGE 3 From the Principal
PAGE 15 Our Amazing Art Show
PAGE 4 ELC Mount Banksia Volcano Project
PAGEs 16-17 Farewell Suzy
PAGE 5 Junior School Students charm audiences in lively production of Annie Jr PAGE 6 Middle School Developing critical thinking skills through debating PAGE 7 Senior School Age Quod Agis in Italia PAGEs 8-9 Our Community Out and about at Fintona functions PAGEs 10-11 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory PAGES 12-13 Our Young Achievers
PAGE 18 Farewell and Good Luck PAGEs 19-20 Meet our Teachers Philippa Elder and Kym Dancey PAGES 21-22 Building Fund donations and Annual Giving PAGES 23-31 OFA Deaths, Obituaries News of Old Fintonians Reunions Old Fintonians who have been awarded Honours 2018 Reunion Dates Back PAGE Food & Wine Festival 2017
TERM 1 (9 WEEKS)
TERM 4 (10 WEEKS)
Thursday 25 January Staff Day
Monday 8 October Staff and Students back
Friday 26 January Australia Day
Mon 5 & Tues 6 November Mid-term break /Melbourne Cup
Monday 29 January Staff Day
Wednesday 12 December Students finish
Tuesday 30 January Students back
Friday 14 December End of Term 4 - Staff finish
Monday 12 March Labour Day Thursday 29 March End of Term 1
Morning Tours 9.15am to 11.00am
Friday 30 March Good Friday
Tuesday 24 April
TERM 2 (11 WEEKS) Monday 16 April Staff Day
Monday 21 May Tuesday 26 June Wednesday 22 August
Tuesday 17 April Students back
Thursday 18 October
Wednesday 25 April ANZAC Day
Twilight Tour
Monday 11 June Queen’s Birthday Friday 29 June End of Term 2
Thursday 1 March 5.45pm ELC & Prep – Year 4 6.30pm to 8.30pm Years 5-12
TERM 3 (9 WEEKS)
Closing Date for Applications Friday 16 February
Scholarships
Monday 16 July Staff Day
Scholarship Testing Day Saturday 24 February
Tuesday 17 July Students back Friday 14 September End of Term 3
Fintona File Spring/Summer 2017 Number 72 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
For more information on our Tours, contact the Registrar, Julia Rohde on 9830 1388 or visit our website.
Editor Vicky Kapourelakos OFA Editor Kate McPhee Cover photo L-R: Mia Lewin, Venus Yu, Hillary Holland, Louise Pearce, Madeleine Roushdy and Eliska Mitchell at the Capitoline Museum in Rome
Contributors We thank all our staff, students, parents and OFA members for their articles, news stories and photos Photographer James Byron Design JWB&CO www.jwb.com.au Print Ellikon
This document has been produced to international environmental 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.
From the Principal The absolute clincher for me, was a line in the job advertisement that said that Fintona was looking for someone who ‘would find joy in the life of the School’ which has turned out to be something I have experienced on a daily basis.
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am not sure anyone necessarily sets out to fulfil a certain role and I certainly never set out to be Principal of Fintona, but my previous Headmaster had encouraged me to apply for jobs as the head of a school. The partner of the recruitment firm who was searching for Fintona’s next Principal was someone who had interviewed me for another position and she encouraged me to apply, as she thought I would be a good match. The absolute clincher for me, was a line in the job advertisement that said that Fintona was looking for someone who ‘would find joy in the life of the School’ which has turned out to be something I have experienced on a daily basis. Before I started in Term 1, 2006, I came in for a tour with one of the then Vice Principals and I remember thinking that Fintona was green and had some lovely old buildings. Prior to coming here, I was at a school in the western suburbs that had been built on a flat dusty plain in the 1970s and was very unattractive. I love old architecture and gardens, so Fintona seemed like a paradise in comparison. I had spent a lot of time, as Vice Principal at my previous school, planting trees and I realised on my first day at Fintona that wouldn’t have to be a part of my routine. At my first assembly, I sat on a large chair up on the stage and gazed out at the expectant faces of the students. The then
male Vice Principal leaned across and said sotto voce, ‘And they’re all yours!’ which, at the time, I found very funny and I had to struggle to keep a straight face. The aspect of Fintona I have most enjoyed is the students and being able to put into action the things I think will help their progress, provide diverse opportunities or improve their time at school. I have enjoyed watching students grow and develop and I love it when they come back as young women and seem very happy with their choices and are using their education to carve a path in life for themselves. I have also enjoyed my interactions with staff, especially working with them on projects or acting in plays and singing in choirs where we have often been consumed with laughter. The parents are also a group whose company I have enjoyed. People often say to me, how can you bear to go to so many school events, but I have wanted to attend as many as I could because the parents are always willing to chat and be positive about the School and each activity has ended up being great fun. As I reflect on my time as Principal, I realise that I have accumulated many wonderful memories; my favourites being the Willow Whacking weekends in the High Country; having Andy Lee and Megan Gale at our recycled fashion parade to raise money for
Danila Dilba and the endless humorous moments in the VCE History Revolutions classroom. One year, a student found a huge black rabbit, which she brought to school with her each day and it used to stretch out on the desk in Revolutions and appear to listen attentively. The girls even made him a Phrygian bonnet out of newspaper when we were studying the Sans Culottes in the French Revolution, which he wore at a jaunty angle. I have learnt a lot from being the Principal; that students are the same no matter where they live or what school they go to; that they are genuinely interested in learning; like to have fun; respect teachers who treat them as though they are capable; are generous to people less fortunate and love being with their friends. I have also learnt that a smaller scale institution often produces better outcomes, because it allows you to concentrate on relationships and people as opposed to operational details only. I know that Fintona will continue to thrive and develop. I thank the entire school community for their contribution during my time as Principal and for helping to make it such a pleasurable place to work. I wish everyone the very best for the future. Suzy Chandler Principal 3
ELC
Mount Banksia Volcano Project
1. Jared Di Giovine and Isabelle Mifsud using papier mache to build the frame of the Mount Banksia volcano 2. The Banksia children working together to paint their finished volcano 3. Oliver Paynter capturing Mount Banksia’s eruption through the medium of drawing
When
working with an inquiry curriculum you never know where the teaching and learning is going to take you, as we discovered this year in the Banksia Room. A project about volcanoes began when a child brought a book about volcanoes to school, along with an “obsidian rock”. Banksia Room Teacher, Mrs Jackie Dimattina, had also just returned from a trip to Stromboli, a volcanic island in the Aoelian Islands, Italy. She shared some photos of the volcano with the children and told them about how she had climbed the volcano at night. The Banksia children were intrigued and immediately wanted to know more about volcanoes as well as how to make a volcano of their own. To make the volcano, the children sought the help of our community. Fintona Gardener, Helen Kinross, provided the chicken wire for the structure, the Fintona Maintenance Department provided a wooden base to build upon, and the families were asked to bring newspapers in from home to make the papier mache. The children worked collaboratively 4
to build the volcano, with each child contributing throughout the process. Once Mount Banksia was complete, the Banksia Room ‘Volcanologists’ informed us an eruption was imminent! On the day of the eruption, the Banksia Room families were invited to join us in the Tranquil Garden for the momentous event. The volcanic eruption was very successful and was cheered on by the excited audience. The Mount Banksia project brought together an entire class as children researched, created and experimented in collaboration with one another. The inquiry process allows for children to make strong connections within their own learning, and scaffold each other’s learning, as a project develops. Project work such as this is also fun-filled and joyful as it allows teachers to work with subjects that the children are truly interested in and passionate to learn more about. Ms Cara Mearns Head of Early Learning Centre
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Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
Junior School
Students charm audiences in lively production of Annie Jr
Audiences
were delighted with the charm and flair of our very talented Year 3 and 4 students who performed their exciting rendition of one of the world’s best loved musicals, Annie Jr. From Broadway to Buick Hall, the story of Annie, the famous, streetwise orphan, charmed its way into our hearts. When the lights came on, revealing the set of an orphanage, the audience was immediately captivated by Annie’s hilarious and moving adventures of
1. Victoria Gonsalves and Alexandra Petre, Year 4, as Bundles and Miss Hannigan
3. L-R: Emily Salimi, Year 3, as Annie and Sienna Tang, Year 4, as Oliver Warbucks
5. Celina Wang, Year 3, as the servant, Nutmeg, performing ‘Tomorrow’
2. Isabella Weedon, Year 4, as Drake the Butler, performing ‘I Think I’m Going to Like it Here’
4. L-R: Angelica Yiappos, Annie Holland and Stephanie Jenkins, all Year 4, as orphans performing ‘You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile’
6. L-R:Tiffany Spencer, Year 3, and Zoe Brown, Year 4, as Lily and Rooster
finding her real parents. Annie may have had a ‘Hard Knock Life’ but she never lost sight of believing in ‘Tomorrow.’ Congratulations to all the Year 3 and 4 students who were amazing on stage and a big thank you to the parents, Junior School Staff and Maintenance Department for staging such a successful and lively production. Ms Eleni Goulas Head of Junior School 2
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great things come from a small package
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Middle School
Developing critical thinking skills through debating
Year 7 and 8 students participating in a debate about the value of space exploration. L- R: Bridget Bolton, Sarah Stephen, Emma Puglia, Eileen Liang, Helena Thijs and Shivaani Sivarajan.
‘Space exploration is not worth the cost.’
This
statement is one of the many issues facing our young people today and they need to be equipped with skills to see both sides of contentious issues and respect opinions that differ from their own. These are only some of the reasons why debating at Fintona is so highly regarded, with interest and participation in this area rapidly growing. This year for the first time, all the girls in Middle School had the opportunity of participating in the House Debating Competition. With support from the older girls, the younger house members developed skills in affirmative and negative reasoning, rebutting and speaking with clarity, confidence and conviction. Being able to present within 6
strict timeframes encourages the girls to speak succinctly whilst logically sequencing their team’s arguments. In a society where gender inequality still plagues career opportunities, it is imperative that we teach out girls to speak up for their beliefs whilst listening to alterative opinions in a respectful and mindful manner. The girls at Fintona are taught the protocols of debating and the etiquette of responding forcefully, yet with deference. The Junior DAV Debating competition attracted a wide range of Year 7 and 8 girls who eagerly prepared and presented over four consecutive Wednesday nights. After the initial night where the girls were
introduced to the basic concepts of debating, they were able to listen to an exhibition debate presented by the adjudicators and participate themselves in three separate debates. Each team presented their opinions with rigorous attention to engaging their audience and speaking with persuasion regardless of whether they personally believed in the arguments they were presenting or not. It augurs well for our society’s future that we have young women who are so committed to refining these valuable skills that they will use in all aspects of their lives. Ms Trish Leigh Head of Middle School Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
Senior School
2017
saw the inauguration of the Fintona Girls’ School Classical Tour of Italy. 16 students from Years 9 and 10 spent two weeks in Italy during the September holidays accompanied by Madames Dent and Norman. Our first stop was Rome, the eternal city, for the key sites of Imperial Rome: the Pantheon, the Forum, the Palatine Hill and of course, the Colosseum. We braved surging crowds in the Vatican museums to get a glimpse of the remarkable Sistine Chapel ceilings and sampled gelato in the vicinity of the Trevi fountain. From Rome, we headed south to Tivoli, home to the sprawling garden villa of the emperor Hadrian and spent a day at Ostia, the port of ancient Rome. Then further south to Sorrento, a charming sea-side village nestled high up on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. This was our base to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum, two towns remarkably preserved due to the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. We were fortunate enough to visit Herculaneum on a day when the ship museum was open, which houses the remains of a wooden vessel moored on the beach on the day of the fateful eruption. At Pompeii, we marvelled at pristinely preserved villas, shops and streets, and of course made a visit to the house of Lucius Caecilius Iucundus, Pompeian banker and resident, around whose life Cambridge Latin Course Book 1 centres. After a visit to the National Archaeological Museum at Naples home to many famous mosaics and frescoes (including many replicated in great things come from a small package
Age Quod Agis in Italia
Room 17!) recovered at the destroyed towns, we boarded a very large ferry. Our itinerary permitted us to sample the diverse beauty and rich culture of Sicily. Highlights included a visit to the quaint cliff top town Erice where Aeneas founded a temple to Venus; seeing the vividly white pyramids of salt near Marsala; reading Phoenician script housed in the Whitaker island on Mosia; the magnificent vista of the valley of the temples in Agrigento; an authentic seafood lunch at Sciacca; strolling the streets of Syracuse with its eclectic history of Greek, Roman and Arabic occupation and finally, sitting in the theatre of Taormina with its breathtaking sea views out towards Mt Etna.
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1. Group shot in front of the Arch of Titus at the Roman Forum 2. L-R: Louise Pearce and Mia Lewin at Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli 3. L-R: Chloe Bridgeman, Rachel Flynn, Lizzie Lai, Hillary Holland and Anna Mei in the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, Sicily
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Notwithstanding some flight connection drama (necessitating a high velocity passage through the airport at Rome!) we made it home safely with a week of holidays to digest the rich history and culture we had encountered. Ms Alice Kemp Latin Teacher
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Our Community Trivia Night
Father’s Day ELC
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Junior School
middle School
Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
Out and about at Fintona functions Annual Music Concert
great things come from a small package
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And The
Chocolate Factory
This
year’s School Play, an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was presented before two sold out audiences on Friday 1 September and Saturday 2 September in the Margaret Cunningham Hall. Over one hundred girls from Years 5 to Year 12 participated on-stage and behind-thescenes to bring this very magical
production to life. A number of inspired performances coupled with creative and inventive set and costume designs ensured a most memorable and special event. My heartfelt thanks to the many students and staff involved in the production. Mr Jason Forrest Drama Teacher/Director
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Drama Captain Imogen Allchin as Roald Dahl
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‘Daddy! I want an Oompa Loompa!’ Sameena Pavri as Veruca Salt surprises her mother and father played by Chee-Rae Loi and Anushri Kumar while Augustus (Emma Puglia) and Mrs Gloop (Mia Pope) look on
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Colourful hoop dreams as the Oompa Loompas farewell Ms Violet Beauregarde
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The journey begins through the tunnel and along the magical chocolate river
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Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
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‘Just think of it, Grandpa Joe! It’s going to be our chocolate factory’ Anne Walters as Charlie and Eva Lewis-Col as Grandpa Joe
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‘Violet! You’re turning Violet, Violet!’ Gayatri Chaturvedi as Mr Willy Wonka with Claire Walters as Mrs Beauregarde and Amy Chilcott as Violet
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Hannah Ogawa as Charlie
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‘Charlie’s found the fifth Golden Ticket!’ Freya Solnordal as Mrs Bucket and Antoinetta Di Censo as Grandma Georgina
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great things come from a small package
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Our Young Achievers
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Every student, from Years 6 to 11, is required to participate in the program. The program is staged in three tiers, from an informative speech in Years 6 and 7, to a persuasive speech in Years 8 and 9, then an interpretive speech in Years 10 and 11. In class, each girl researches her topic and presents her speech. 1
Georgia’s design is the cream of the crop
Congratulations to Year 11 Visual Communication and Design student Georgia Lord whose concept for promoting this year’s Food & Wine Festival was selected amongst her peers. Mrs Suzy Chandler chose Georgia’s design for its sophistication and professional interpretation of the design brief. You will see Georgia’s work in abundance in the weeks leading up to the Food & Wine Festival.
Elizabeth M Butt Public Speaking Award winners
Congratulations on the outstanding oratory performed by Rose Khurana Year 7, Mietta Morris, Year 9, and Amy Chilcott, Year 10, who won their stages of the Elizabeth M Butt Public Speaking Award, now in its 25th year. 12
Ayla wins prestigious Indonesian Independence Day Scholarship Program to Canberra
In August, Year 12 student Ayla Edwards was one of six Victorian students who were awarded an Indonesian Independence Day Scholarship. The three day program, held at the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, included an immersion program in language and cultural activities, as well as an opportunity to meet with the ambassador and embassy staff. Each applicant was required to submit a 300 word persuasive piece of writing and attend a formal interview at the Indonesian Consulate in Melbourne.
Year 8s win Netball final
In September, our Year 8 Netball team won their Grand Final. The Saturday Netball season began at the beginning of Term 2 and the team played
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16 matches to advance to the Grand Final. After a slow start to the match (they were three goals down after the first quarter) the girls picked up their pace and skilfully outplayed the team from Mont Albert Netball Club. Congratulations to their coaches Mikaela Stanaway and Olivia Payne.
Monique in ABC ME production
Year 9 student, Monique Heath, has been acting in a new ABC production called Mustangs FC. Monique plays Lara in this series which has been brought to life by an impressive team of creative women. More than 60% of the cast and crew are female. Described as a comedy drama, Mustangs FC follows a group of girls who abandon the sidelines to start their football club’s first all-girl team. We congratulate Monique on her television success.
Fintona ‘does what they do very well’ at the Latin Reading Competition
Fintona has been privileged to host the state-wide Latin Reading Competition since 2015. At this annual event, Latin students from around the state come together to share afternoon tea, conversation and deliver a pre-prepared reading of a selected text. The theme for this year was Monsters and
Men, where each reading narrated a tale of human versus monstrous might. Fintona received a lion-share of the accolades this year: Mia Pope and Amy Chilcott took second place (Year 8 and Year 10), and Livia Tropea and Georgia Georgarakis should be very proud to be awarded with Best in the State for Year 7 and Year 9 respectively.
Our young historians Congratulations to Aleen Dahliwal, Yasmin Gordandhas and Charlotte Fels for reaching the State finals in the National History Challenge.
The National History Challenge is an annual competition open to all school students, Prep to Year 12 where students use their research skills to investigate the past and present their research to a team of judges. The prompt topic for this year’s competition was “Making a better world?” Charlotte Fels, Year 6, created an interactive website that allows the user to access a variety of resources and Yasmin Gordhandas, Year 6, explored the motive behinds Hitler’s leadership in Nazi Germany. Meanwhile, Aleen Dahliwal, Year 8, created an impressive short film ‘The Land Girt by Sea’ which progressed to the national level of the competition. Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
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Lauren is numéro 1 in the State The Berthe Mouchette poetry competition conducted by the Alliance Française of Victoria, provides students with the opportunity to practice the French language by reciting a poem in French. Lauren Pitts won best Year 6 student in the State while Sudiksha Dand won best Year 5 student in the State. Shani Zou won the best drawing for a Year 5 student.
Science Talent Search Success
Science Talent Search is an annual science based competition open to all primary and secondary students in Victoria. The theme for 2017 was ‘Future Earth and 48 projects were entered from Years 5 to 8 across six categories. Thirty four girls were invited to attend the STS presentation day at La Trobe University in October 2017 where they collected their medals and individual bursaries totalling $1,450. A special word of congratulations to the twelve Year 8 prizewinners whose research projects have been selected by STS judges for entry into the prestigious BHP Billiton Science and Engineering 2018 Awards. great things come from a small package
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This competition rewards young people who have used technological innovation to design a new invention or who have undertaken practical research projects that demonstrate innovative approaches and thorough scientific procedures. Well done and good luck to the following Year 8 science achievers: Emma Puglia, Hannah Smit, Kara Whitbourn, Aliki Souliotis, Olivia Johnson, Jenny Feng, Yoria Shi, Aleen Dhaliwal, Mia Pope, Monique Solnordal, Ava Orrico and Sarah Stephen.
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Dickensian Double Congratulations to Year 11 students Anastasia Patralis and Jess Kioussis who both won the 2017 Melbourne Dickens Prize Competition. Jessica won the creative response section with her imagining of an episode in Great Expectations, written as though part of the original novel. Anastasia entered the essay section, where she responded to the topic: Despite the hardship and grim settings present in Dickens’s writing, hope is always to be found. The Year 11 students have studied Great Expectations in English this year. It is lovely to have the winners of both sections both from Fintona.
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1. L-R: Art Teacher Clare Sanders with Georgia Lord 2. L-R: Mietta Morris, Amy Chilcott and Rose Khurana 3. Ayla Edwards, far left, at the Embassy of Indonesia wearing traditional Indonesian costume 4. Front row l-r: Natalie Xavier, Lani McKernan, Jessica Le Back row l-r: Coach Mikaela Stanaway, Clara Pelusi, Izzy Kirkham, Lauren Smith, Bridget Bolton, Sarah Stephen and coach Olivia Payne 5. Monique, far left, with her Mustangs FC team
6. Participants in this year’s Latin Reading Competition l-r: Amy Chilcott (Second place), Mia Pope (Second place), Philippa Rehe, Livia Tropea (Best in the State), Olivia Johnson, Maya Martin, Chloe Bridgman and Georgia Georgarakis (Best in the State) 7. L-R: Aleen Dahliwal, Yasmin Gordandhas and Charlotte Fels 8. L-R : Lauren Pitts, Sudiksha Dand and Shani Zou 9. L-R: Jess Kioussis and Anastasia Patralis
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Stem Week 2017
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with maths challenges the Year 9 girls had prepared. Robogals, an engineering-based group of female programmers from Monash University, entertained and motivated the Year 6 girls.
The Engineering Link Group joined the Year 9 and 10 girls to showcase the many areas of engineering. Among many tasks, students got to escape from a toxic oil spill and purify polluted water to feed people in developing countries, while being mentored by skilled engineers for the day.
The Year 8s were enthralled by the depth, scale and beauty of the universe during their excursion to Swinburne’s Astro Physics unit. An informative and interactive 3D presentation saw the students marvel at the prospect of life on other planets. The theme of wonder continued as the students travelled to Federation Square to begin the CBD maths trail. Intermittently along Swanston St, the student group stopped to critically evaluate the geometry of the architecture.
cold, dreary days of August were in strong contrast to the fun and inspiring week of STEM, the second biannual event for Fintona.
The Year 9 students developed a cross-age IT/Maths trail for the girls in Years 5 and 6 using Aurasma. By hovering an iPad over an image the primary students were presented
The commanding city streetscape, and subsequent geometrical analysis, saw students develop a deep appreciation of mathematics in the built environment. Plant pathologist Dr Kim Plummer ran a masterclass for our senior biology girls. Along with other guest speakers at assembly, these presentations showed that there are numerous ways students can combine their love of maths, IT and science. A fundraiser activity of constructing mosaic tiles of coins raised $420 to assist the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. Ms Cathy Devlyn Mathematics Co-ordinator
1. L-R: Abbey Jacobs, Alexia Karagiannis and Micol Zhang, all Year 7, combined their knowledge of geometry and fine motor construction skills to help create a pattern of tessellating tiles 2. Year 9 students, under the watchful eye of an ADFA engineer, testing their ability to land an egg safely after releasing it from the first floor 3. L-R: Micol Zhang, Ella Ye and Lily Cao assisting with the constrction of the coin mosaic
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4. Year 9 girls, Mia Lewin and Estella Black, helping Year 5 girls, Irena Kyriakos, Mia McGavigan and Saria Ratnam navigate their way through the IT/Maths Trail
Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
Our Amazing Art Show
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1. Danielle Ziccardi, K3 Jacaranda, Observational drawing of flowers, black marker and paint
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great things come from a small package
8. Alessia Bennardo, Year 6, weaving with wool and yarn
2. Holly Pace, Prep, Collage
9. Elise Pitts, Year 3, Textile flower, Hand dyed fabric, thread
3. Isabelle Dubois, Year 1, Expressive sculpture, Paper mache
10. Year 8 calico bags, printing ink, thread, cord, yard and dye
4. Year 2, abstract sculptures in clay
11. Claire Walters, Year 9 Textiles
5. Alexia Karagiannis, Year 7, Gouache on mixed media paper
12. Amira Muhtaseb, Year 12, Oil on Canvas
6. Marcella Kedzierski, Year 4, Self portrait in pencil
13. Melane Chi, Year 11, Self portrait, Oil on canvas
7. Bernice Carr, Year 5, Digital tablet drawing
14. Laura Daly, Year 10, Tea cup and saucer in ceramic 15
FAREWELL Suzy and thank you for everything you have done for Fintona
2006 - 2017
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Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
A TRIBUTE TO SUZY
From the moment Suzy Chandler stepped through the door of Tourmont, as Fintona’s new Principal in 2006, she embraced the role with enthusiasm, grace and intelligence. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in the implementation of many positive and transformative changes elevating Fintona to one of the highest performing girls’ schools in Victoria. Suzy has been a staunch advocate of girls only education and embodied Fintona’s values with much integrity, often leading by example. She has overseen three major building works: the purpose-built ELC (2006), the Margaret Ross Centre (2010) and the Art Precinct (2015) and has been integral in the development of the future Building Masterplan. Less obvious is her achievement of the extensive refurbishment of the entire school including the majority of the learning and recreational spaces in the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. Apart from the strategic aspects of school management, Suzy stayed connected with the girls and their families. She insisted on maintaining a teaching load which included VCE History (Revolutions) and Year 5 and 6 Philosophy, despite the rigorous demands of her Principal duties.
great things come from a small package
Always present at events, whether joining the students of French on their France Study Tour, running the Vintage Bizarre for the Food & Wine Festival, attending reunions or competing in House cross country, Suzy was a constant presence. This connectedness to the life of the School led to many new academic initiatives and personal development programs for the girls. I was often delighted when in the middle of a meeting in her office, one of the girls would pop their head around the door to ask if they could meet with Suzy. Her accessibility embodied her strength as Principal. In saying thank you and farewell it would be remiss not to mention Suzy’s husband, John Chandler, who has supported Suzy in all her endeavours. The list of her achievements is long, but probably her greatest achievement has been nurturing and encouraging Fintonians to live their lives to the fullest. AGE QUOD AGIS Amanda McMahon (Wood ‘80) Amanda was the Chair of the Fintona Board from 2008 - 2014
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Celebrating 12 years of Suzy chandler
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2006
2017
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JOURNEY BEGINS HERE
2006
Suzy Chandler becomes the sixth Principal of Fintona in the year that marks Fintona’s 110 year anniversary. Suzy oversees Fintona’s inaugural Food & Wine Festival.
2007
Suzy establishes a relationship between Fintona and the Danila Dilba Aboriginal Health Service based in Darwin and the first group of teachers and students participate in the program.
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In addition to her Principal duties, Suzy begins teaching Year 5 and 6 Philosophy. In 2008, she also begins teaching VCE History (Revolutions).
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The new Early Learning Centre (ELC) building is officially opened at 82 Balwyn Road. The ELC and Junior School garden gets a makeover by landscape designer Andrew Laidlaw, responsible for the Ian Potter Children’s Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
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2008
2017
2008
Suzy rejuvenates the Leadership Program
for students in Years 9 to 11 to recognise students’ commitment to the School and its ethos. The Explorations Program in the Middle School is introduced to encourage the development of independent thinking and problem solving skills.
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Suzy establishes an environmental partnership with Parks Victoria to help with their willow eradication program. Fifteen girls participate in the World Challenge expedition to India which is offered for the first time to Fintona students. Suzy is instrumental in expanding the international schools’ exchange program which includes Havergal College in Canada and Craigholme in Scotland.
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Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
2010
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nk amazing learning entures
2010
of the best lessons are learned outside the om. At Fintona, we provide our girls with a The Margaret Centre is officially of inspiring experiences. In YearRoss 7, students o Central Australia to explore first-hand, opened by the Governor of Victoria, a’s Aboriginal cultural heritage. These Kretser AO and Mrs ting programsProfessor ensure that David Fintona de students Jan de Kretser. It is named after Margaret e confident and engaged learners.
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Ross (’51), an Old Fintonian, former out more about howAM our innovative um leads to amazing outcomes,Board take and active Chair learning of the Fintona with us by booking on-line at www.fintona.vic. philanthropist who has made a significant Or call the Registrar on 9830 1388. contribution to the School.
2011
Suzy, together with the Fintona Board, introduce a 20% discount on school fees for the daughters and granddaughters of Old Fintonians.
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www.fintona.vic.edu.au
Suzy introduces a trip to Central Australia for Year 7 students which supports studies in Geography, Science, Art, English and Indigenous History. Moss House, the new Middle School facility, opens and is named after Sue Moss, a long serving teacher and former Head of the Middle School.
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Fintona is Australia’s highest ranking nonselective primary and secondary school for NAPLAN results.
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FINTONA
2014
FINTONA
STATE
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Throughout Suzy’s leadership, Fintona achieves outstanding VCE results. The Class of 2014 achieves a median ATAR of 96, one of the highest on record.
2014 ATAR scores comparison chart
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The following table is a comparison between Fintona’s 2014 ATARs and those of Victoria as a whole.
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18% 10%
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1% ABOVE 99
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1% 3% ABOVE ABOVE ABOVE 97 95 99 ABOVE ABOVE ABOVE 97 95 90
2015
2017
2015
A new Art Precinct, designed by past parent Corbett Lyon, is officially opened by the Director of the Bendigo Art Gallery, Ms Karen Quinlan.
2016
Fintona celebrates 120 years of educating girls at the highest standard with a number of events including the launch of a new History book, For the honour of our school, by Claire Levi (’86), at an Old Fintonians’ High Tea. The Beatrice Chilvers Library and Resource Centre undergoes a major refurbishment.
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The Science Discovery Room for Years 5 and 6 students is opened.
REUNIONS
Suzy has attended over 100 reunions and other OFA events throughout her tenure and enjoyed catching up with Old Fintonians of all ages.
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1. Past and Present Principals at the School’s 110 year anniversary. L-R: Miss Elizabeth Butt OAM, Dr Karen Starr, Suzy Chandler and Dr Deborah Seifert AM 2. Suzy and Ann Hawker selling flowers at the inaugural Food & Wine Festival 3. Suzy in Darwin for the Danila Dilba Health Service 4. Suzy in her History (Revolutions) class 5. L-R: Board member Sally Syme, Chair of the Board Merran Schoeffel, ELC Director Lili-Ann Kriegler and Suzy Chandler at the opening of the new ELC building in 2008
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6. Interior of the ELC in 2008
8. Year 7 students on Explorations Day in 2011
13. L-R: Mrs Jan de Kretser, Professor David de Kretser AO, Margaret Ross, Chair of the Board Amanda McMahon, Suzy Chandler and Board member Sally Syme at the opening of the Margaret Ross Centre in 2010
9. Senior girls participating in the Willows Weekend in Victoria’s high country
14. Old Fintonian Louise Le Couteur (‘80) with Suzy Chandler and Louise’s daughter Esther Le Couteur (’13)
10. The first Fintona World Challenge expedition in 2008 took students to India and since then students have visited Ecuador, Tanzania, Madagascar and Peru
15. Year 7 students at Ayers Rock on the inaugural Central Australia trip in 2011
7. Suzy and Merran Schoeffel with the 2008 Consuls
11. Current student, Lalana Ray, outside Havergal College, Canada 12. Exterior of the Margaret Ross Centre
great things come from a small package
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16. L-R: Sue Moss and Head of Middle School, Julie Goldsworthy, at the opening of Moss House in 2011 17. Suzy is interviewed by The Australian as a result of Fintona’s outstanding achievement in NAPLAN
18. 2014 ATAR comparison chart 19. Suzy and Corbett Lyon at the opening of the Art Precinct 20. Exterior of the Art Precinct 21. The Beatrice Chilvers Library and Resource Centre is refurbished 22. Suzy at the Old Fintonians’ High Tea with 120 year branded balloons 23. Suzy with Middle School students at the opening of the Science Discovery Room 24. Suzy at a London reunion in 2014
Farewell and Good Luck
Fairlie Mackinnon
Fairlie has been at Fintona for sixteen years and has been one of our most respected and talented members of staff. In an organised, calm and approachable manner, Fairlie has taught Geography, History, Social Studies and English and, in particular, she has taught VCE Geography for her entire time at the School. More recently, she has been the Humanities Co-ordinator which has involved working with the wonderful team of Humanities teachers to develop and deliver an engaging and stimulating curriculum. Fairlie has also been House teacher for Maxwell and for the last eight years, editor of the annual magazine, The Fintonian. You would often see Fairlie with a camera in hand as an informal school photographer. Fairlie’s fondest memories are of activities outside the classroom. House events such as Athletics and Drama have consistently been highlights over the years. Although she is not a particularly competitive person, she was delighted when Maxwell won the House cup in 2015. Acting in staff performances on Shakespeare Day, performing karaoke to Kate Bush’s hit ‘Wuthering Heights’ on stage during a Year 12 final day and every year seeing students she has known from as young as Year 5 walk across the stage at Valedictory will forever be etched in her mind. We wish Fairlie every success for the next phase in her life.
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Sue Woolley
Sue has exciting plans for her retirement. She intends to pursue her interest in History with volunteer work in organisations such the National Trust and plans to travel as much as she can, capturing her memories on Instagram. But sometimes, the idea of not doing very much at all and catching up on her reading, gardening and spending time with her family has a lot of appeal. We wish Sue a very happy and fulfilling retirement.
Sue began at Fintona as an English and History teacher and over the years undertook various roles including Humanities Co-ordinator, Debating Co-ordinator, Boyne House Teacher, Registrar, Tutor and probably others. Her daughter Victoria was also a student here although Sue never taught her but occasionally there would be a knock on the staff room door when she needed some money for the tuckshop.
Judy Collins
Sue Woolley is leaving Fintona after 32 years to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. She is known for her extraordinary passion for teaching which has had a significant impact on the lives of many generations of Old Fintonians. Sue will be fondly remembered for her outstanding knowledge of history, English grammar, varied interests including travelling, gardening and cooking, and her collegiality.
Sue has many cherished and happy memories of her time at Fintona including Miss Butt who Sue believed demonstrated great integrity and was always so supportive of her staff and the students. She has made some wonderful friends throughout her time at Fintona. What Sue will cherish and miss most of all are the wonderful students who have been a constant source of surprise, laughter and inspiration; it has been a great privilege to watch so many of them find their feet and blossom at Fintona.
Judy Collins has been a well-loved member of the ELC teaching team for more than a decade. In her time at Fintona, Judy has worked in the role of Co-Teacher across both the three-year-old and four-year-old programs. Many hundreds of children and their families have benefitted from her gentle manner and caring disposition. Her creative contributions to the program, including her love of cooking, have enhanced the experience of the children lucky enough to have been part of one of her classes. We wish Judy all the best in her retirement, and thank her for her work and collegiality throughout the years.
Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
Philippa Elder
Meet Our Teachers
Bunty’s aunts that they could not let Bunty remain uneducated and that they should send her to board at Fintona, which they then did. My own aunts, Kari and Anne Elder, also attended Fintona when Miss Butt was principal and one of my very good friends, Sylvie Gaston, is also an old girl. So you could say I was destined to end up here! Philippa joined Fintona at the beginning of this year and is currently teaching English in Years 7-10. Although not a past student, she has strong ties with Fintona with her grandmother and aunts all Old Fintonians. Philippa’s varied professional experience has had some unexpected twists and turns enabling her to work overseas and in a variety of industries ultimately leading her to education… and to Fintona which she believes is her destiny. You have a strong connection to Fintona in your family. Can you tell us about that? My grandmother, Cicely Minapre (known as Bunty) Elder (nee Steuart), attended Fintona in the early 1940s, in the year ahead of Miss Butt. The story goes, that having contracted pneumonia in 1941, she spent a year off school, living with her aunts at Lorne. Margaret Cunningham, then principal of Fintona, was a regular visitor to her holiday home, “Ravenswood’, at Lorne and was a friend of Bunty’s aunts. Margaret was a keen fisherwoman and Bunty often accompanied and spent hours talking to Miss Cunningham when she was fishing. After some time, Margaret told great things come from a small package
You are relatively new to teaching having worked in a variety of different roles and industries far removed from education. Can you tell us more about your professional background and what led you to choose teaching? If you had told me at school I was going to become a teacher, I most likely would have laughed at you! I was heavily involved in the UN Youth Association, running conferences and was going to be a diplomat – I managed to do work experience at the Australian High Commission in Canada and attended the THIMUN Youth Assembly Conference in The Hague. However I decided that living far away from my friends and family wasn’t for me, so I took a different turn and ended up working in Public Relations, for many different organisations, the most notable being Penguin Books and Bakers Delight. However, again life likes to throw things at you. My elder sister, Sam, passed away in 2007, which made me re-evaluate what I was doing. I sat myself down and conducted a very simple analysis of my skills and what I enjoyed doing - teaching appeared to fit the bill as I wanted to do something that allowed me to be face to face with people and have a
greater personal impact. After being accepted into the Masters program at Melbourne University, it didn’t take long for me to realise that this was where I needed to be. One foot in the classroom and I didn’t want to leave! Prior to Fintona, I spent two years at Lauriston Howqua, where amongst teaching English and Humanities, I also participated in the full outdoor program: hiking, running and snow-camping. With all that diverse experience behind you, what do you think you bring to the classroom that your students of English appreciate? My experience helps me to show the students that they don’t have to have their life planned at age 15, but to give everything a shot, because they might surprise themselves with what they enjoy. I’m able to show them the practical application of some of our work, so that even the most hardened anti-English student can see the benefit! I also like to point out to students that it’s normal to not be good at something the first time you try it, but to have the confidence to try – many students could tell you of my tales of failing hilariously, but managing to get through it and succeed later on. I like to tell the girls: you need to be as confident in yourself as the person who stood up in a planning meeting in Hollywood to suggest a film about sharks and tornadoes. What is your favourite book and what book has been your favourite to teach and why? So many books, so little time. I, of course, love the boy Wizard, Harry Potter and any
of those novels are wonderful to re-read. Australian writer Matthew Reilly’s novels are a fantastic ride of action adventure, in particular the Jack West Jnr series, along with Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon series, about an Israeli spy, who is also a renaissance art restorer. If I’m going high-brow, To Kill a Mockingbird is one I find difficult to go past. As for teaching – Merchant of Venice with the Year 9s this year was lots of fun. I love seeing students discover that the Bard was actually a very naughty boy and filled his plays with hilarious wordplay that demonstrate his bawdy sense of humour. What do you like to do in your spare time? Although I’m not a great skier, I did enjoy learning it at Howqua and keen to improve my skills. My lack of skiing ability is a bit of a joke amongst the family, particularly since my cousin Mitchell (son of Anne Elder) is a Winter Paralympian (in 2018 he is the co-captain of the Australian Paralympic Team!). I’m training for Tough Mudder and another run this year, although I’m not sure I can say I ‘like’ to do that, it’s more penance for my other love cooking. I love pulling out one of my cookbooks and experimenting in the kitchen, or just trying to make something as delicious as possible (my sausage rolls and triple chocolate brownies WITH mini twix are a particularly popular). However, I’m terrible at cleaning up. I really need one of those people on Masterchef who follows me around the kitchen, cleaning as I go! 19
Kym Dancey Young children are naturally curious. They love to ask questions and have an innate love of learning. Being able to guide them in their school learning journey is an incredibly rewarding experience. Kym Dancey has a long and proud association with Fintona. A past student (Class of 1987), she has been a teacher in the Junior School for the last seven years. Kym currently teaches Year 1 and is also the English Co-ordinator (P-4). Deepening the connection is her teenage daughter who is in Year 8 at Fintona. After studying Accounting and Econometrics in the UK, she worked as an Insurance Broker, but Kym finally found her true calling in life and has realised her dream of teaching at Fintona which continues to provide her with enormous vocational satisfaction.
our children started school that I decided to fulfil my dream of being a teacher. So I headed to Melbourne University to do my Masters degree in teaching. After my studies, I started my teaching career at Balwyn Primary School as one of the Prep teachers which was a fantastic experience. My real dream, however, was to teach at Fintona and be part of the IB’s Primary Years Programme. I had discovered the joy of inquiry learning and returned to study at university part-time while teaching to complete my Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies (International Baccalaureate).
After a stint as an Insurance Broker, you dreamed of obtaining a teaching degree and working at Fintona. How did you achieve your dream? Following school, I headed to the UK and completed my Bachelor of Economics and Social Studies (majoring in Accounting and Econometrics) at the University of Manchester. Although this was a wonderful experience, I wanted to be home in Melbourne after four years. Upon my return, I quickly found myself working as an insurance broker for various international broking firms over a period of ten years. I specialised in Professional Indemnity insurance and loved developing relationships with my clients, other brokers and underwriters. It was only when
What does being an Old Fintonian mean to you? I recently attended my 30 year school reunion held in Cherry Road House. It was amazing to look around the room and still see the school’s motto in action, Age Quod Agis – Do what you do well, even after all of this time; women who were believed in while they were at school, the firm friendships they made, the confidence to do whatever they set out to do. I wanted my daughter to have a similar school experience. I am very proud to be an Old Fintonian being part of a long line of women who have passed through these doors and been part of such well-loved traditions. I have met Old
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Fintonians all over the world and they all have such fond memories of their time here. What is it about teaching primary school children that gives you the most satisfaction?
Young children are naturally curious. They love to ask questions and have an innate love of learning. Being able to guide them in their school learning journey is an incredibly rewarding experience. I love seeing a puzzled look on their face as they approach a challenge and the absolute joy they show as they make sense of what they have discovered. They are so proud of what they have achieved. I love to help give them the tools to be lifelong learners, to seek answers to their questions, to learn from others and also to share their own knowledge. What do your students teach you? My students teach me to live in the moment and enjoy what is happening around me. Young children don’t worry about what needs to be cooked for dinner tonight or what’s planned for next week. They concentrate on what they are doing at that particular point in time, something that, as adults, we tend to lose as we rush from one thing to another. My students take the time to explore nature, fascinated by ants on the path, searching for
leaf bugs hiding in the plants in the playground or finding animal shapes in the clouds at lunchtime. They teach me to be enthusiastic and passionate about everything I do. Most of all, however, they teach me that a smile can really make someone’s day. When you’re not juggling your career and motherhood, what do you like to do in your spare time? Whenever our family’s school, sporting and social commitments allow, we love to head up to our farm, not far from Yarra Glen. My husband, Michael, and our two teenage children, William and Neroli, just love it! We bought the farm almost two years ago and we are certainly learning a lot about farming life. There is the traditional farmhouse with various new and old farm buildings alongside and plenty of open space over 140 acres. We love going to the farm for the fresh air and getting close to nature, such as seeing wombats and echidnas wandering in the paddocks, not to mention spending time with our six gorgeous Dexter cows! They are an Irish breed who are smaller than the average cow and they have the most wonderful personalities! We love them! We treasure the quality family time we have together at the farm and love to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
Building Fund Donations
The Board and Management acknowledge with great appreciation the philanthropic gifts made by members of our community: parents, grandparents, alumni, staff and friends. Please accept our thanks for your support. In 2016/17, the following families have kindly given to the Building Fund through their voluntary contribution on their fee statement. Note: Building Fund donations from 1/7/16 – 30/6/17. A Mrs F Abbasi & Mr S Zamani Mr K & Mrs A Agaoglu Mr J & Mrs S Alcouffe Mr D & Mrs T Antonios Mr R Argentino & Mrs S R DiSisto Mr Y Au & Ms L Chan B Dr R & Mrs T Barua Mr B & Ms M Bello Mr D & Mrs S Bennardo Mr J R Bennett & Ms C L Rogers Mr S Biondo & Ms W S Sengotta Mr S & Mrs S Black Mr A Bolandian & Mrs J Tahani Mr J F & Mrs T Bolton Mr C & Mrs P Boschetto Mr M J & Mrs S E Bowtell Mr C Boyce & Ms E Lee Boyce Mr D & Mrs C E Bravin Mr A Bridgeman & Ms A Lo Mr S & Mrs R Brown Mr S J Burgess & Ms A E Burke Mr S A Burke & Ms P L West C Mr Z Cao & Mrs H Zhu Mr A D & Mrs K H Chamberlain Mr N & Mrs T Chapman Mr J Chen & Mrs M Zhou Dr M Chen & Ms I Tilley Mr L Chen & Mrs L Tang Mr M Chilcott & Ms M Conyngham Mr C Chun & Ms S H H Teo Mr P & Mrs S Clausen Mr M Clemenger & Ms J Harris Ms C Connors Dr A C & Mrs S S Coster Mr B T Crawford Mr D & Ms E Curry Mr P & Ms S Cutter D Mr M C & Mrs K M Dancey Mr A & Ms R Di Censo Dr P Di Giovine & Dr G Gopalsamy Mr Z Ding & Mrs D Han Dr J C Dowling & Dr J M L Brotherton Mr D T Draper & Ms F A Waddell Ms H Dubow Mr G D & Mrs G M Duncan
great things come from a small package
E Mr M J Eleftheriadis & Ms T L Falzon Mr S & Mrs T Ercan Mr M & Mrs L Eryurek F Mr X Fan & Mrs R Liang Mr I Fang & Ms B Wu Mr A Farmer & Ms C E Cumming Mr F Fei & Mrs L Lu Mr A Fitsioris & Ms O Tsara Mr B P & Mrs J L Flynn Mr A A Foroodi & Mrs S Zafar Emili G Mr G & Mrs S P Ganeson Mr H Gao & Mrs Y Tang Mr A Gazos & Mrs L Georgiou Gazos Mr J Georgarakis & Ms L Teti Mr G & Mrs E Georgiou Mr B Gill & Mrs M E Baker Gill Mr S & Mrs S Gillies Mr J L & Mrs M G Gonsalves Mr K A & Mrs J Gordhandas Mr W Grinter & Ms L Brown Mr J Guo & Mrs H Peng Mr Y Guo & Ms Y Mu H Dr R & Dr B Hamilton Mr L Han & Ms L Huang Mr J Hanney & Ms N Reiter Mr D J Hartnett & Ms A Tennakoon Mr P J Herbert & Ms S M Meaney Mr T Hinh & Ms E Lee Mr B E & Mrs K J Horan Mr N & Mrs L Hordern Mr C I & Mrs S B Houguet Dr C & Mrs J How Mr Y Hsieh & Mrs H Huang Mr W Hu & Mrs L Lin Mr J Huang & Mrs T Hao I Mr PD & Mrs K Irving J Mr T O & Mrs R F Jacobs Mr K Jayasinghe & Ms D Seneviratne Mr A G & Mrs R M Jenkins Mr S M & Mrs L Johnson Mr R & Mrs R Johnston Mr C & Mrs K Jordan
K Dr A B & Dr A Kapoor Mr K & Mrs T Kapur Mr C Karagiannis & Ms P Proimos Karagiannis Mr J & Mrs D Karametos Mr P & Mrs S Keeble Mr A G & Mrs V E Kemp Dr J Kioussis & Dr E Gray Mr H & Mrs S Kirkwood Mrs C Klein & Mr M J Klein Mr B Knowles & Mrs J W Kilner Mr K Kontaxis & Ms Y Wadsworth Mrs S & Mr R Kumar Mr W Kurban & Mrs N Kotowska Kurban Mr P K & Mrs M Kwee Dr A & Mrs S Kyoong L Dr Y Lai & Ms S Choi Mr D & Mrs L Lau Mr E S N Lau & Ms H H Hii Mr C & Mrs N Lauder Mr K Le & Mrs M Phan Mr T I Leong & Mrs H Yang Mr A & Mrs T Lewin Mr G Li & Ms W Wang Mr J Liang & Mrs J He Mr J Liang & Mrs H Zhu Mr P & Mrs S Lord Mr R & Mrs S Lorenzi Mr K Low & Ms S Wong Mr R & Mrs A Lui M Mr J P W Ma & Ms C X Zheng Mr S Manolaros & Ms E Argyrou Mrs X Mao & Mr C Zhao Mr D A & Mrs C M Martin Mr N & Mrs B Masalkovski Mr B L Masters & Ms D P Fleming Mr D K Maxwell & Mrs P Brasch Maxwell Mr D J & Mrs H M McCarthy Mr M D McGavigan & Ms M A Bailey Mr A & Mrs A McKernan Mr Z Mei & Mrs M Shao Mr D & Mrs K Miles Dr C Mok & Dr L Teoh Mr Y Mok & Ms M Fung Mr K & Mrs C Monos Dr M Mukhlif & Dr S Abdullah Mr N Muniratna & Ms C Green
N Mr S & Mrs L Nania Mr M M Nihalsingha & Mrs A R De Silva Mr V Nikfar & Ms N Shams O Mrs D M O’Brien Mr K Ong & Mrs M Ting Dr A Opat & Ms F Symons Mr P R & Mrs L M Orrico P Mr X Pan & Mrs Z Zhou Mr A Pandi & Mrs Y MaPandi Mr B Pang & Mrs Z Wang Mr J & Mrs R Parker Mr S H & Ms E K Parmenter Dr T & Mrs J Pastore Miss J Pearce Mr A & Mrs S Pelusi Mr J Peng & Mrs C Zhou Mr C Perera & Dr S Muthumuni Mr M & Dr I Petre Mr R F Plant & Ms S Pak Mr H Poon & Ms S Tang Dr H & Mrs J Popat Dr D A & Mrs K Prentice Mr D L & Mrs T M Preston R Dr D T & Dr I Ratnam Mr G Rayson Hill Mr M & Mrs C J Roche S Dr S Salimi & Dr M Horriat Mr S D & Mrs N Santharajah Mr P T & Mrs D J Schroeder Dr P & Mrs D Selber Mr M & Mrs C A Sevo Mr E Shen & Mrs C Jin Mr C & Mrs D Shi Mr D Shires & Ms J C Crawford Dr A Singh & Dr P Bordbar Mr G Singh & Mrs S Kaur Mr S Sivayoganathan & Ms S Rao Dr C Solnordal & Dr A Dennis Mr S D & Mrs I C Spindler Mr G & Mrs J Stanley Dr G & Mrs A Stefanou Mr D & Mrs R Sticca Mr J Story & Ms L Lo
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Annual Giving Appeal 2017
T Mr V K Talpe Guruge & Ms D Jayasinghe Mr D Tang & Mrs S Li Mr C Tay & Ms A Siew Dr A S Thavarasah Dr V Thijs & Mrs E Nivelle Mr G W & Mrs J Pavri Thomas Mr M M Thompson & Ms K M Parker Mr R Trainor Mr M J & Ms K Y Tropea Mr H & Mrs C Truong Mr T & Mrs G S Tsui Mr J Tu & Ms R Yang
We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Fintona Community, and thank you for your support of the 2017 Annual Giving Appeal towards the Building, Library, Scholarship and Science Equipment Funds.
V Dr O D & Dr F Valianatos Mr S Venkatachalam & Dr L Arunachalam Mr N Vouziotis & Ms A Fedele
B Mrs Y & Mr E Bailey Mrs N Barnes Mr P Smart Dr P Bordbar & Dr A Singh
W Mr R & Mrs J Wainer Mr D S & Mrs V A Waldron Ms E Wang & Mr J Luo Mr H H T Wang & Ms A Chui Mr J Wang & Ms L Liu Mr J Wang & Ms D Qiu Mr L Wang & Ms C Liu Mr W Wang & Mrs X Yang Mr T J & Mrs C L Wells Mr T & Dr C Whelan Mr G D & Mrs S Williams Mr H Williams & Dr L P Pellegrini Mr R & Mrs I Willis Mr A & Mrs B Wimalasuriya Dr A S K & Mrs S L A Wong Mr R S Wotherspoon & Dr T S Penovic X Ms S Xiang Mr P & Mrs J Xiao Mr J Xu & Ms L Ji Dr K Xu & Ms Y Ding Mr Q & Mrs J Xu Y Mr A Yang & Ms J Wang Mr B Yang & Ms Y Wang Mr Z Yang & Mrs H Shan Mr B Yao & Mrs Y Liu Mr C Ye & Ms D Mou Mr R M M Yong & Ms R P A Suit Mr R Yu & Mrs Q Gu Ms S Yu Mr Q Yuan & Ms J Zheng
C Mrs P Carder Mrs S Chandler Ms A Coote Mr S J Cronin & Ms R N Vitarelli Mrs A B Curtis Bryan & Rosemary Cutter Foundation D Mrs C A Dennis Miss M R M Du E Evans & Partners Pty Ltd F Mrs P Farmer Ms D P Fleming & Mr B L Masters Mrs H K Francis G Dr D M & Mr Gerstman Mrs A M Gordon H Mrs J T Hadges Mrs A Harcourt Dr Margaret Harper Mrs M Hogg Mrs K J & M B E Horan K Mrs T & Mr K Kapur Dr H M Korchak
L Ms H Leach Ms J Lee Miss O J L Lee Miss R J X Lee Mrs L Lin & Mr W Hu Miss L J Lloyd M Mrs M MacDonald Mrs J E Marshman Mrs L McAlister Mrs M McIntyre Mrs E A Mitchell Mrs J Mitchell Vera Moore Foundation N Ms V na Ranong O OFA Western Australian Branch P Mrs H Peng & Mr J Guo Mrs C E Prendergast Mrs C E Price Ms I A Pronobis Miss E Pyper
T Mrs L Tang & Mr L Chen Dr L Teoh & Dr C Mok V Mrs C A Vickers Willis W Ms Y Wadsworth & Mr K Kontaxis Mrs N A & Mr A Watson Ms T H Weng & Dr L Huang Mrs J R Wilcox Mr R S Wotherspoon & Dr T S Penovic Y Mrs H Yang & Mr T I Leong Ms R Yang Miss C Yeoh Z Mrs N Zhou & Mr K Shu Mrs Y Zhu & Mr H Zhang
R Dr E Roberts Mrs M Rodgerson Mrs A C Rodriquez S Schapper Family Foundation Mrs M Schoeffel Dr C Solnordal & Dr A Dennis Mrs A & Dr G Stefanou Mrs L A Steven
Z Mr C P & Mrs G Zapris Mr S Zeng & Mrs T Fang Mr W Zhang & Mrs H Deng Mr H X Zheng & Ms L Lin Mr C Zhou & Ms Y Shen Mr G Zhou & Ms H Yi Mr G Zhou & Mrs J Chen Mr Z Zhu & Mrs Y Liu Mr M & Mrs K D Ziccardi Mr V Zubenko & Mrs T Derevyanko
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Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
OFA
Old Fintonians’ Alumni SPRING/SUMMER 2017
great things come from a small package
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OFA Share
your news Whether its career, travel, retirement or marriage, we love to share news of Old Fintonians in the Fintona File. Please send your news to Kate McPhee, Alumni Co-ordinator at kmcphee@fintona.vic. edu.au.
Helen celebrating her 80th Birthday with Ernest and their youngest and oldest sons
News of Old Fintonians Distinguished career in science
Deaths The Fintona community is saddened to learn of the deaths of: Jessie Lawlor (Ling ’49) 11/9/16
Margaret Tope (Robertson ’46) 15/9/16
Mary McDonell (Dickinson ’44) 31/1/17
Sally Verbeek (Munckton ’54) 7/8/17
Marcia Rodgerson (Hyde ’48) 10/9/17
Suzanne Davidson (‘41) 17/9/17 24
Helen Korchak-Walker (Walker ’53) is very pleased to see the emphasis that Fintona places on science as she has had a long and distinguished career in this field. Since leaving Fintona some 60 plus years ago, Helen studied biochemistry at Melbourne University, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science (Hons). After marrying Ernest Korchak, who was also studying at Melbourne University, the couple left Australia for graduate studies in Boston, USA, where Helen received a PhD in physiology from Tufts Medical School. Helen then completed her Postdoctoral at Harvard Medical School, followed by some time off to raise their three boys. After a stint at New York University, the family moved to Philadelphia, where Helen became Professor in the University of Pennsylvania’s Medical School/ Children’s Hospital. Retiring ten years ago, Helen and her husband, who is still working, have remained in the USA, living close to two of their sons and families whilst the third lives in France.
News from Canada
Sue Ditchburn (Taylor ’59) graduated from Fintona in 1959. With 21 in her class, she was in the inaugural group of Senators replacing the Prefect system. Sue and her husband moved to Canada in 1968 and have since lived in Calgary and Toronto. She was Principal of Havergal College from 1997 to 2008. Havergal College is a private girls’ school in Canada which is exchange partners with Fintona. Prior to her principalship, Sue was a superintendent with the Calgary Board of Education and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education. Sue’s family has a strong connection with Fintona. Her mother, Nan Taylor, was a member of the Fintona Board during Sue’s time at the School from Year 7 on. Sue’s daughter also spent 3 months at Fintona in Year 5 when Sue’s husband was on sabbatical. Sue is now retired and sits on a number of boards including the Senate at the University of Calgary and Crofton House School in Vancouver. The family has a place in Canmore near Banff and enjoys leisurely weekends in the mountains, an escape from city life in Calgary. Sue sends her good wishes to former classmates and to the School. Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
News of Old Fintonians World success for athletic champion
Congratulations to Old Fintonian, Georgia Griffith (‘14) who competed in the 800m and 1500m events at the Athletics World Championships in London in August. Georgia was the first Australian ever to complete the 800m/1500m double at this international competition. Aside from the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, these Championships draw the best Athletes from around the world. Georgia raced against the Olympic Gold medallist from Rio, Kenyan Faith Kipyegon. The Championships in London were also notable this year for being Usain Bolt’s and Mo Farah’s final championships.
Old Fintonian a published author
Juliet Flesch (’59) attended Fintona from 1954 to 1959 and was among the first Senators in her final year. She took her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in 1963 and from 1965 to 1978 worked in various positions at the National Library of Australia in Canberra. Returning to Melbourne in 1978 she headed the Collection Development Division until the end of 1997 when she moved to the History Department. In 2002 she was awarded her PhD for a thesis which became her second published book. ‘From Australia with Love: a history of modern Australian popular romance novels’ was published in 2004. The following year she published the first of her commissioned histories of various parts of the University of Melbourne. ‘Minding the Shop: people and places that shaped the Department of Property and Buildings 1853-2002 at the University of Melbourne’ tells the story of the people who kept the University running; the plumbers, painters, bricklayers, stonemasons, porters and cleaners – sometimes with whole families
great things come from a small package
Following the World Championships, Georgia travelled to Taipei to compete at the World University Games where she came 4th in the Finals of the 800m. Georgia has now qualified for selection in the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast for both the 800m and 1500m events. employed in various capacities over several generations. ‘Life’s Logic: 150 years of Physiology at the University of Melbourne’ was published in 2012 and ‘Transforming Biology: a history of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Melbourne’ in 2015.
Georgia remains very involved in Fintona’s running programme and coaches a weekly morning session, when time allows. She is a fantastic inspiration and support to the students. In addition to her running, she is currently undertaking a double-degree in Business and Communication Design at Monash University.
In addition to these books, Juliet has published a number of biographical works. ‘160 Years/160 Stories: Brief biographies of 160 remarkable people associated with the University of Melbourne’ with Peter McPhee, which updated and expanded their 150 Years/150 Stories published ten years earlier. In 2015, ‘40 Years/40 Women: Biographies of University of Melbourne women’ was published to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the International Year of Women. Since then, Juliet has been working on a history of the first 110 years of the Faculty of Education/Melbourne Graduate School of Education of the University of Melbourne. It will be published by early 2018. 25
Esteemed musical career
Congratulations to Eve Duncan (’73) who was recently awarded a PhD in Creative Arts at Western Sydney University and her Masters in Music at the University of Melbourne. Eve’s music has been performed in Europe, Asia and the U.S and her musical talents have been well recognised over the years. She has been awarded the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) Composition Prize in 2012 and 2017, the International Music Prize for Excellence in Composition (Greece), Recital Music Double Bass Composition Competition (Great Britain) and the International Modern Music Award for Composition (Vienna). Her orchestral music has also been performed by the National Symphony of Thailand and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
Playwright’s musical produced
Writer and producer, Geraldine Paterson (Murray ’88) recently had her feature length musical, ‘In Like Flynn’, produced at the MC Showroom in Prahran. ‘In Like Flynn’ tells the story of John Flynn, who founded the Flying Doctor Service in Australia in 1927. Geraldine wrote her first musical whilst teaching at an all boys’ school. Geraldine was so encouraged by the success of this musical that she wrote another one with Craig Bryant of Paxus Productions titled, ‘Uprising’ about the Eureka Rebellion on the Victorian Goldfields. Geraldine sold this musical to a couple of high schools in Victoria and was delighted when one of them presented it at the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Eureka Stockade Centre in Ballarat in 2004. Following her success as a playwright, Geraldine has focussed on a number of other writing projects including a couple of non-fiction books.
Eve’s career has also included composing for the National Gallery of Victoria’s exhibition Imagination, Inspiration and Intuition, the Blackboard Drawings of Joseph Beuys and Rudolf Steiner. She was also commissioned to compose music exploring issues arising from the environmental impact of dredging of Westernport and Port Phillip Bays in collaboration with photographer Siri Hayes. Eve has also collaborated with indigenous poet Lisa Bellear and didgeridoo performers Tom E. Lewis and Amos Roach. Eve has had two stints as executive committee member of the Asian Composers League. She founded the Melbourne Composers League in 1997 and in 2001 she directed Federation Music Week, an Asia-Pacific contemporary music festival, as a part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations.
Eve was delighted to see a photo of her late mother, Old Fintonian, Nan Duncan (Bedggood ’47) on the cover photo of Fintona’s new history book ‘For the Honour of our school’ with other prefects from 1947.
Happy Birthday Miss Butt
In May, students from Prep to Year 12 filled the Margaret Cunningham Hall for a special assembly to celebrate Miss Butt’s 89th Birthday. Miss Butt was the Principal of Fintona from 1963 to 1991 so is well known to many Old Fintonians and has been a regular attendee at reunions. On behalf of the OFA we wish Miss Butt a very Happy Birthday.
Last year, a concert version of the opera she composed with a libretto written by David Malouf, ‘The Aspern Papers’, based on a short story by Henry James, a famous nineteenth century novelist and set in Venice was performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
L – R: Margarat Ross AM (Reid ‘51), Miss Butt OAM (Past Principal ’63 - ’91, Past Student ’45), Principal, Suzy Chandler 26
Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
Reunions
Class of 1997 20 Year Reunion Friday 26 May, 2017
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1. Class of 1997 2. L –R: Cara Bawden, Melinda Downey (Jackson), Abi Yathavan (Senthooran), Harunya Sivanathan 3. L – R: Virginia Loftus, Elizabeth Alabaster (Beedle), Sherrie Chambers 3
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4. L - R: Faun Crabtree, Erika Bartak
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Class of 2007 10 Year Reunion Friday 16 June, 2017
1. L – R: Claire Scarlett, Rachel Donald, Krysten Laletas 2. L – R: ViAnh Huynh, Bronwyn Lowden, Samantha Ang, Michelle Pickering, Julie Cato, Jillian Connor (Pleunik) 3. Class of 2007
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great things come from a small package
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Class of 1987 30 Year Reunion Friday 4 August, 2017
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1. Class of 1987 2. L – R: Ro Kew, Penny MachinMerrett (Machin), Nicole McConville (Rankin), Belinda Barton (Cheeseman), Danielle Permezel 2
Class of 1967 50 Year Reunion Saturday 26 August, 2017
3. L – R: Tara Edgley, Georgina Heydon
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1. Class of 1967 2. L – R: Mary Currie (McLennan), Elizabeth Brennan (McLennan), Barbara Shaw (Thompson), Karen Cavell (Broberg), Rosalind Jonas (Syme) 2
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3. L – R: Alison Curry (Parker), Rosemary O’Shea (Campbell), Catherine Uri Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
NSW/ACT Reunion
Thursday 14 September, 2017
QLD Reunion
Saturday 28 October, 2017
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1. NSW/ACT reunion 2. L-R: Jenny Della Torre (‘62 McKendrick), Barbara Brady (‘51 Cooper)
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1. L – R: Marg Picken (Mill ’67), OFA Golf Rep, Jay Bethell (’77) - Longest Drive, Cindy Orchard (Mason ’68) Winner, Sue Giles (’70) - Runner up, Lyn Macvean (Wilson ’62) - Nearest to the Pin. 2. OFA Golf Day competitors
OFA Golf Day 1
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Monday 18 September, 2017
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1. L – R: Suzy Chander, Principal, Michelle Harris (’62 Lucovich) 2. L – R: Sue Edwards, Shirley Coxon (’42 Wright), Shirley’s daughter Helen 2
great things come from a small package
3. L - R Joan Claringbold (’43 Alder), Jessica O’Bryan (’87), Mary Cameron (’58 Hayward), Shirley’s daughter Alice 29
From the Archives
OLD FINTONIANS WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED HONOURS
Fintona has always encouraged individual achievement balanced with the cultivation of a sense of social justice and social responsibility. The School is proud of the women who have realised their potential as individuals and within the wider community. The following list recognises Old Fintonians who have been especially honoured by the Australian government. This is a remarkable list and public recognition is well due. It is intended to place an Honour Board for these Old Fintonians in the Margaret Cunningham Hall. If anyone knows of an Old Fintonian who should be included please contact Ann Hawker, Archivist at ahawker@fintona.vic.edu.au
NAME AWARD Dame Pattie Menzies (Leckie,1917) Dame Beryl Beaurepaire (Beddgood,1940)
DBE AC DBE
Recipients of Government Honours L-R: Margaret Ross AM, Dame Pattie Menzies DBE (dec.), Dame Beryl Beaurepaire AC DBE
In addition to the Honours list, three of the past principals of Fintona have also been acknowledged for their contribution to education: Margaret Cunningham
MBE OAM
Wilma Batchelor (Ratz,1935)
MBE
Elizabeth Butt
Thelma Jarrett (1922)
MBE
Deborah Seifert
Catherine King (Crosby,1946)
MBE
Lady Judith Court (Butt, 1946)
MBE AM
Margaret Ross (Reid,1951)
AM
Heather Schnagl (Syme,1971)
AM
Prue Gillies (Purton,1959)
AM
Enid Bowman (1934)
OAM
Elizabeth Butt (1945)
OAM
Priscilla Clarke (1960)
OAM
Margaret Colson (Hughes,1955)
OAM
Susan Daw (Chambers,1963)
OAM
Meredith Doig (1968)
OAM
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AM
Mrs Ann Hawker Development Manager and Archivist
Fintona File | spring/summer 2017
UPCOMING EVENTS
Reunion Dates 2018 Class of 1978 40 Year Reunion Friday 2 March 6.30pm Class of 2013 5 Year Reunion Friday 23 March 6.30pm – 8.30pm Class of 1968 50 Year Reunion Saturday 28 April 12 noon Class of 1998 20 Year Reunion Friday 25 May 6.30pm – 8.30pm Class of 2008 10 Year Reunion Friday 15 June 6.30pm – 8.30pm Class of 1988 30 Year Reunion Friday 3 August 6.30pm – 8.30pm Classes of 1958 & 1963 55/60 Year Reunion Thursday 18 October 10am
1958 & 1959 Luncheons The Baths Restaurant, Sorrento Monday 12 February Glenferrie Hotel, Hawthorn Monday 14 May Monday 12 November Contact: Mel Marsh (Merilyn Seward ’58) M: 0407 855 538
INTERSTATE/ COUNTRY REUNIONS North East Victoria (Benalla) April and October WA Saturday 12 May
2017 Annual Giving Appeal
NSW/ACT Thursday 13 September QLD Saturday 27 October SA October/November TBC
Art Show Tour & Afternoon Tea Thursday 31 August 1.30pm
Celebrating Women in Science Thank you to all the Fintona Community who have supported this year’s Annual Giving Appeal. It’s not too late to donate to the Appeal. Donations can be made to the Science Fund to purchase equipment to be utilised by students throughout the School or to the Library, Building and Scholarship Funds.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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. great things come from a small package
Donate Now Donate online at www.fintona.vic.edu.au/ commmunity/giving or ring the School on 9830 1388 for an Appeal form. Donate online at www.fintona.vic.edu.au/community/giving
L Concept designed by Georgia Lord, Year 11
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