Fintona Prospectus

DO WHAT YOU DO WELL AGE QUOD AGIS

​​ t Fintona, we see the A extraordinary in every individual.

Welcome to our school.

Fintona provides a powerful opportunity for every student to develop a love of learning, expand their areas of interest, be challenged in their thinking and understanding, know themselves better, and unearth their own unique version of extraordinary.

I believe a Fintona student is someone who faces their life with the simple belief that to live is to learn, and that in every endeavour, they aspire to do the very best they can.

Every day I see young people who are supported and encouraged to develop their talents and interests, and who are growing in their confidence and ability to become fearless, adaptable leaders of the future.

For us, education is an exciting adventure full of exploration, challenge and achievement. We work to unlock each individual’s potential, inspire them to aim higher and cultivate their strengths through greater access to expert teachers and co-curricular programs. Fintonians are driven to make a difference and support each other’s success — bound together by a sense of belonging and a drive for positive change.

I hope this prospectus provides you with a window into our school and the diverse experiences waiting to be explored.

Thank you for your interest in Fintona.

Rachael Falloon Principal

Where every student is enabled to thrive.

At Fintona, each individual is empowered to move beyond their comfort zone to unlock their natural potential.

Students can pursue a passion for rowing, debating, advanced mathematics ­— or anything else to which they put their minds.

Every Fintona student is able to explore every opportunity.

Curiosity and a love of learning at every level.

Here, learning programs are both immersive and practical. We offer an inspiring approach to academic excellence across a wealth of disciplines by encouraging a sense of curiosity from day one.

Our class sizes support students with more one-on-one time with their teachers and more personalised learning. Staff bring contemporary industry expertise to ensure every class is engaging and relevant.

Beyond consistently outstanding results, the benefit of a Fintona education is seen in its independent, confident and articulate graduates.

A school that feels like home.

More than a place to gain an education, Fintona is a warm and welcoming community of students, their families and dedicated teachers. Often students and staff refer to the school as their second home.

Fintona is where your child will be inspired, supported and cared for. Fintonians are bound by a sense of belonging, a drive for change and an opportunity to lead.

OUR ALUMNI

A tradition of excellence.

Our alumni can be found at the top of their fields across diverse industries. They pave the way for all our girls to see what’s possible, and to imagine how they might one day contribute to the world.

Fintona graduates belong to a wide network of successful women. The Old Fintonians’ Alumni (OFA) was established in 1916, and today includes generations of past students.

Louise Bawden Board Director of Volleyball Australia

OUR ALUMNI

RACHAEL BEESLEY CLASS OF 1986 Rachael has a long and proud association with Fintona as her mother, aunts and sister also attended the School. Throughout Rachael’s 12-year journey at Fintona, she valued the School’s engaging and passionate approach to education fostering creative thinking, collaborative learning, and tailored study pathways. Opportunities to take on leadership roles instilled confidence in her abilities and a trust in others, shaping her belief that everyone could excel when supported.

Attending a smaller school, Rachael says, afforded her personalised attention with dedicated teachers knowing each student well and fostered a supportive and cohesive community. She admired Fintona’s strong female leadership, which defied gender stereotypes and inspired Rachael to seek possibilities in every challenge throughout her career. Participation in cocurricular activities including Shakespeare Day, debating, and music ensembles enriched Rachael’s co-curricular education, emphasising the joy of learning and camaraderie.

The lessons learnt at Fintona became foundational in Rachael’s international music career as a highly regarded musician, conductor and educator. After graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Graduate Diploma of Arts in Music, Rachael studied a Master of Music at The Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. A strong sense of self-belief, independence, and perseverance have been crucial for directing orchestras and leading masterclasses as well as performing internationally as a director and concertmaster with distinguished ensembles and orchestras.

Rachael credits Fintona for instilling a lifelong love of learning, clarity of purpose, and empathy for others. These qualities she says continue to guide her, ensuring she approaches leadership with motivation, inspiration, and a commitment to excellence, echoing the values instilled during her formative years at the School.

DR NOORINA SEEDAT CLASS OF 2003 Noorina’s experience at Fintona was much more than just a school where academic knowledge was imparted. Fintona provided a nurturing environment that profoundly shaped her career trajectory. Reflecting on her journey, what Noorina valued most about her education was the enthusiastic support of teachers who sparked her passion for science. In fact, it was in her inspiring VCE biology class, that Noorina realised her calling for a career in science, which set the stage for her academic pursuits and professional endeavours.

Carrying forward lessons learnt at Fintona, Noorina embraced the importance of seeking guidance and collaboration. This principle, instilled through interactions with supportive friends, teachers, and classmates, has proved invaluable in her career. From navigating complex scientific challenges, to supporting

patients and clinicians in the pharmaceutical industry, she has continued to rely on the wisdom of her team. Today this collaborative approach allows her to provide vital scientific and clinical support, enhancing patient outcomes and contributing to advancements in pharmaceutical treatments.

Her role as a Medical Affairs Associate underscores her dedication to improving quality of life through innovative treatments, reflecting Fintona’s culture of fostering leadership and driving positive change. Rooted in a sense of community and shared purpose, Noorina’s journey from academia to the pharmaceutical industry exemplifies how Fintona’s teachings continue to resonate in her professional life, shaping her commitment to lifelong learning and patient care.

OUR ALUMNI

PROF AMANDA LEACH AM CLASS OF 1972 Starting in Year 5 at Fintona, Amanda embarked on her learning journey, inspired by teachers in mathematics and science, who ignited a passion that would define her educational path.

Reflecting on her time at Fintona, Amanda emphasises the enduring lessons learnt. The School’s ethos of diligence and enjoyment taught her the invaluable principle that hard work yields tangible rewards and this accompanied her through undergraduate studies, a PhD, and into a successful research career.

Today, Amanda is leader of the Ear Health Research Program in the Child Health Division at the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin. In 2019, Amanda was awarded the Telstra Business Woman of the Year and in

2021 was awarded a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for her significant service to ear disease research to Indigenous child health. In 2024, Amanda won a prestigious ‘10 of the Best’ award from National Health and Medical Research Council for driving better ear health and hearing outcome for First Nations children through her vaccine research.

At Fintona, Amanda not only acquired academic skills but also developed a profound appreciation for community and camaraderie.

These experiences continue to resonate in her career, where dedication, collaboration, and the value of enduring relationships remain central to her professional ethos.

MACKAYLA HANNEY CLASS OF 2010 For Mackayla, Fintona was a place for personal growth and empowerment where she was drawn to the vibrant energy of its closely connected community.

Mackayla was an enthusiastic participant in numerous sporting activities, including diving, athletics, netball, and rowing but her true passions lay in the co-curricular pursuits of debating, public speaking, and Model UN (United Nations).

Both during her time at Fintona and in subsequent endeavours, Mackayla says she remained deeply inspired by the School’s motto, Age Quod Agis, striving to do well in everything she undertook.

Mackayla’s education at Fintona nurtured a love of diverse disciplines and after working in corporate law, following her tertiary studies a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor at The University of Melbourne. She soon transitioned into a generalist commercial role at Kinetic, a global transport company. Today, Mackayla serves as the Chief Commercial Officer.

A passionate advocate for gender equity, Mackayla credits Fintona for instilling in her a commitment to encouraging female participation in male-dominated industries.

As a senior leader in transport, she remains resolute in her mission to advance equal opportunities for women in the field, working tirelessly to create a more inclusive future.

OUR ALUMNI

DR GAEL JENNINGS AM CLASS OF 1969 Gael’s time at Fintona played an important role in shaping her career and values. She recalls the School’s unique position as an institution owned by women for women, offering opportunities to write and perform plays, participate in Shakespeare Day and be inspired by exceptional teachers in Art, Biology, and English.

a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours, followed by a PhD in Immunology from The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. However, Gael’s aspirations extended beyond the confines of the lab, and she opted to pursue a different path, driven by a desire to bring scientific research to a broader audience.

At school, Gael learnt to seek out teachers who nurtured her mind and spirit and to persevere in the face of opposition. A powerful message from Miss Cunningham, the School’s Headmistress at the time, was that ‘girls can do anything’ and it resonated deeply. This belief, coupled with the encouragement to question and forge her own path, became central to Gael’s professional ethos. Her love of science was fostered by her biology teacher, who taught her to see beyond the textbook, and her enduring passion for the power of words and stories was nurtured by her English teacher.

With a carefully crafted five-year plan that saw her engaged in controversial research areas whilst honing her radio skills, Gael emerged as the ABC’s first national science and medical reporter for TV News. Over the next three decades, her career flourished as she contributed to The 7.30 Report, Quantum, and Catalyst, and took on the role of presenter for ABC radio’s 774 Mid-morning and Afternoon shows.

Beginning her academic journey at The University of Melbourne, Gael achieved

Gael’s contributions to science and media have been recognised with numerous awards, her latest in 2020 when she was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for her significant contributions to science and broadcast media.

LOUISE BAWDEN CLASS OF 1999 Reflecting on her time at Fintona, what resonates for Louise was a sense of empowerment fostered by dedicated teachers and a close-knit community. Based on the principles of hard work and striving for personal excellence, Louise recalls how this shaped her self-belief and courage, laying the foundation for her ambitious pursuit to compete at the Olympic Games firstly in volleyball then beach volleyball (Louise competed in the Sydney 2000 Olympics, London 2012 and Rio 2016).

Being part of a school community Louise says meant that there was a culture of celebrating effort and promoting a ‘have a go mentality’.

There were numerous times that Lousie took part in cocurricular activities that taught her new skills and ignited new interests.

Among the pivotal lessons learnt at Fintona that continue to guide Louise’s career, was the

importance of integrity both within and beyond the classroom. This principle has consistently informed her approach to professional endeavours, emphasising ethical consistency and reliability.

The supportive environment and enriching experiences at Fintona continue to resonate throughout her career shaping her leadership style and commitment to personal and professional growth including as assistant coach of beach volleyball at Stanford University and as an ambassador of the ‘Believe in Sport’ campaign for the Paris Olympics.

Louise is currently a member of the senior leadership team at the South Australian Sports Institute, an elected member of the global volleyball FIVB Athletes’ Commission and a board director of Volleyball Australia.

OUR ALUMNI

STELLA QUE CLASS OF 2014, DUX In Stella’s experience, Fintona fostered a sense of community and personal growth that profoundly influenced her career path. Reflecting on her education, Stella valued the intimate environment of small cohorts, which facilitated close relationships with peers and teachers. This nurturing atmosphere, characterised by respect and trust, provided a foundation of support crucial for Stella’s development.

The lessons learnt at Fintona continue to shape Stella’s approach in her career. Stella emphasises the pursuit of excellence instilled at Fintona, which remains a guiding principle in her academic endeavours and professional goals. This commitment to doing her best

has been a driving force in her journey from a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Melbourne to a dynamic career in humancentred design.

After exploring various roles, Stella discovered a passion for human-centred design during her time in management consulting at KPMG. Inspired by concepts like empathy and creativity, which resonated deeply from Stella’s studies at Fintona, she transitioned into a career as a designer. Currently working at a design studio, Stella collaborates with purpose-led organisations in disability, child safety, aged care and government, employing user research to design impactful digital solutions.

LINDEN CHAPMAN CLASS OF 2013 At Fintona, education extended far beyond academics, for Linden. The School’s emphasis on diligence, teamwork, and holistic development were integral to her personal and professional growth and continue to guide her today.

After Year 12, Linden pursued a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash University, graduating with second-class honours. Linden now has a successful career as a Civil Engineer and has worked on several high-profile projects including the upgrading of taxiways at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport and the Level Crossing Removal Project.

Reflecting on her time at Fintona, Linden says that several key aspects stand out as having a lasting impact on her life. Small class sizes meant the learning environment allowed for deep engagement and meaningful discussions; a strong work ethic amongst her peers provided a drive and determination to meet challenges head-on and achieve goals; and the numerous opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities required Linden to balance these commitments with academic responsibilities honing her time management skills and teaching her to prioritise effectively.

OUR ALUMNI

A Fintona student can be recognised as one who faces their life with the simple belief that to live is to learn.

In every endeavour, they aspire to do their best.

WELLBEING & LEADERSHIP

‘Learning and happiness are just two sides of the same thing.’

These are the words of a former Fintona principal, Miss Margaret Cunningham (1936 to 1962) that still guide our school today.

We believe academic success and emotional wellbeing go hand in hand.

We take a whole-person and whole-school approach to the support of our students’ wellbeing as we foster a balance of academic skills and emotional intelligence. In addition to smaller class sizes where stronger relationships can be forged between students and teachers, students have the care and support of Tutors, House teachers, Heads of School and the School Counsellor.

We want to develop strong leaders who go out into the world and lead in their chosen fields. Fintona is a safe environment in which every student is encouraged to adopt strong leadership roles and develop confidence in their personal abilities.

Throughout their education, students develop the skills that make a good leader through immersive situations that support personal growth, collaborative teamwork and public speaking skills. They explore a range of co-curricular activities, develop positive relationships with peers and donate their time to charitable causes.

In Year 12, all students are given the position of School Senator, taking a pledge to uphold the ethos of the school and to act as role models for our community.

CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

Stepping beyond your comfort zone is its own reward.

Fintona offers a world of co-curricular opportunities, where every student can challenge themselves, discover hidden talents, and build diverse skills. It’s not always easy, but we know that’s how we grow.

A wide variety of activities allows students to pursue a range of interests from debating and public speaking to clubs for art, cooking, economics and politics, the environment and much more.

Through our music program, students learn to express themselves through singing, playing and composing. As well as private music tuition, students perform in a range of orchestras, bands, ensembles and choirs.

Students can also reach goals on the sporting field. All students have the chance to represent Fintona in AFL, swimming, soccer, softball and many other sports, building strong friendships and team spirit.

Performing arts opportunities also include school plays and House Drama, where students develop creativity and confidence.

From community service to international study tours, our students can also broaden their horizons far beyond the school, make a difference and make memories to last a lifetime.

At Fintona, there is always room to dive in at the deep end, pursue a new interest and make your mark.

DEDICATED PEOPLE

Be inspired through more time with expert teachers.

The School’s curriculum is delivered by a team of passionate and motivated teachers who are experts in their subject area and who know their students and support their holistic development.

They work tirelessly to produce outstanding learning outcomes for their students.

Fintona teachers are genuinely interested in their students. They are willing to spend the extra time it takes to nurture their talents, and to help them to achieve their best. Many teachers are also active practitioners in their industries. As real-world experts, this allows them to create powerful learning experiences, bringing together current knowledge and expertise.

The successful results of Fintona students are a tribute to the commitment of our staff and the community we call the ‘Fintona Family’.

Fintona is where your child will be inspired and supported to reach their potential.

We look forward to welcoming you.

FINTONA GIRLS’ SCHOOL Wurundjeri, Woi Wurrung Country 79 Balwyn Road Balwyn VIC 3103 Australia +61 3 9830 1388 fgs@fintona.vic.edu.au fintona.vic.edu.au