Genazzano FCJ College - GenNarrations June 2017 Edition

Genazzano FCJ College July 2017

GenInstitute of Learning & Brain Sciences

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Unifying a New Generation of Engineers

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We Remember Sisters Margaret Mary & Mary Kennedy, fcJ

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Contents Message from the Principal

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Message from the Chair of College Council

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GenInstitute of Learning & Brain Sciences

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Faith & Mission

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Alumnae & Friends Playgroup

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Generations of Genazzano

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Celebrating Academic Excellence

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Early Learning Centre

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Junior School

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Senior School

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Annual Appeal

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Boarding

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Creative Arts

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Drama

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Music

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Sport

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GenAquatic

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Lara Antonelli-Leorke lara.antonelli-leorke@genazzano.vic.edu.au

Rowing

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Editorial Committee

2017 Genazzano Day Mass & Luncheon

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Gen Welcomes

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Unifying a New Generation of Engineers

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Reflections – In Unity We Serve: WW2 28 Community News

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Community News – Alumnae Stories 30 Community News – The Great Bake for the FCJ Missions

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We Remember Sisters Margaret Mary & Mary Kennedy, fcJ

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Community News – We Remember

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Community News – Births

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Community News – Weddings

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Community News – Reunions

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Genazzano Mothers’ Association

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Genazzano Fathers’ Association

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2017 Upcoming Events

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Editor & Project Manager

Lucy Cohen, Director of Development Amanda Presta, Alumnae Relations Manager Olivia Hallam, Marketing & Comms Officer Genazzano FCJ College 301 Cotham Road Kew, VIC 3101 Telephone: +61 3 8862 1200 Facsimile: +61 3 8862 1133 Email: development@genazzano.vic.edu.au www.genazzano.vic.edu.au

Cover image shot by Tom Coolledge.

Featuring Genazzano Alumnae and Monash University Engineering students, Stephanie Zago, Carla Matthews and Marielle Salom.

GenNarrations is a publication of Genazzano FCJ College, written for, and by, members of the Genazzano and wider community.

Karen Jebb Principal

Message from the Principal Do you remember the rhythm of a school year? The nerves and excitement of your first day and your very first class?

Or, waiting anxiously as your teacher returned your first assessment result?

Do you remember the feeling of anticipation for an upcoming camp, or fondly recall the House Athletics Carnival, where you cheered so loudly that you lost your voice? The hot days of February and March, the freezing days of July and August? Do you recall the feeling when it got to November and you wondered how quickly the year had gone? The anticipation of the summer holidays but the anxiety of leaving your friends for what seemed to be an eternity?

Paradoxically, the rhythm of a school year hasn’t changed; predictability, expectation and tradition remain. Yet, the way we teach has changed significantly in the past 10 years and the variety of learning activities undertaken by students are different. Education is constantly evolving. One of the most notable evolutions is that no one can get through a day without accessing the internet or using an electronic device. Genazzano FCJ College continues to anticipate future trends and remains focused on providing the best contemporary learning programs and environment possible. Always aiming to be a step ahead of the time, we aspire to equip all of our students with the skills and abilities they will need to embrace the challenges of the next few decades; a future that invites so many possibilities, opportunities and challenges.

Inspired by this ideal, we have launched the Genazzano Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences which promotes knowledge and research to support advancement, innovation and improved learning outcomes for our students. We are passionate about moving forward and embracing change, whilst maintaining the spirit that honours the charism of the Faithful Companions of Jesus and the many important traditions of the College.

Inspired by the life of Marie Madeleine d’Houet, we continue to create a caring atmosphere where every Gen student can find a place and feel at home. Ever mindful of our Ignatian intellectual and spiritual heritage, we encourage students to view the world with kindness and curiosity; with a real and meaningful commitment to sharing the importance of social justice. Our students continue to organise significant events that support people in need. Central to the College is the gift of companionship; constantly expressed through faithfulness, gentleness and respect.

This joyful message of hope and love is at the heart of the College as we prepare our students for a life of leadership in the wider community, where our graduates will be seen as women of contemplation, competence, compassion and commitment.

We are passionate about moving forward and embracing change, whilst maintaining the spirit that honours the charism of the Faithful Companions of Jesus and the many important traditions of the College. explore significant aspects of what it means to be an FCJ College. This year our College theme is, ‘In Unity We Serve’. On page 4 of this edition of GenNarrations I provide a context of how this theme will inspire the school community in 2017. The College is indeed united in faith, fidelity, and through this we are called to serve to others, building God's Kingdom here on earth. I hope the theme speaks to you in a special and personal way too.

This edition of GenNarrations also aims to provide a balance of stories that share with you, our extended Genazzano family, the exciting things that are happening at the College this year; reports from key stakeholders at the College, celebrations of historical events, academic achievements and Alumnae news items that I hope you will enjoy!

Each year, the College chooses a theme inspired by Marie Madeleine d'Houet and the charism of the Society of the Faithful Companions of Jesus. The theme provides a lens through which we can gennarr at i o n s

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Kevin Frawley Chair of College Council

Message from the Chair of College Council One of the privileges of leading the College Council is the opportunity to attend and witness first-hand the multitude of events and activities which form part of life at Genazzano. In the first half of the year, these events included the traditional GenWelcomes Mass and open air dinner to celebrate with our parent community the opening of the school year, as well as Genazzano Open Day and various artistic, musical and academic celebrations by our students across all year levels.

On these occasions, what is always apparent is the great strength of our College community, working together to nurture and enhance the talents of our daughters. Their performances across a diverse range of curricular and cocurricular activities are always amazing, and reflecting what can be achieved with the support of a partnership between dedicated and enthusiastic teachers and parents.

The strength and warmth of our College community was also manifest on 3 April when we joined with the FCJ Sisters to celebrate the life of our former College Principal, Sr. Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ. Sr. Margaret Mary’s funeral was attended by a vast number of past and present staff and parents, and included a guard of honour by our Gen girls.

Sr. Margaret Mary’s life was rightly celebrated for her enormous contribution to our College, during a significant period of modernisation in the 1980’s and early 1990’s.

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On these occasions, what is always apparent is the great strength of our College community, working together to nurture and enhance the talents of our daughters.

Amongst many attributes, Sr. Margaret Mary established the Genazzano Fathers’ Association. Having perceived the need for an association dedicated to the support of male parents and guardians, and to provide opportunities for them to participate more actively in the life of the College and their daughters’ school lives.

Sr. Margaret Mary was also responsible for the establishment of the Genazzano Rowing Program, which to this day remains one of our major sporting programs. Her initiatives made significant contributions to our College community, and remain important parts of the fabric of Genazzano.

It is also timely, in the context of current public debate over the Federal Budget, to acknowledge the uncertainty regarding the level of future Federal Government funding for Catholic schools. While first indications suggest that the funding model proposed by the Federal Government may not result in significant funding reductions for Genazzano in the immediate future, there does appear to be considerable uncertainty and concern within the Catholic sector, as to the level of funding which will be provided to Catholic schools in subsequent years.

While these are circumstances not within our control, we are reminded of the need to continue to take a careful approach to management of costs and annual fee increases, while continuing to offer the widest possible curriculum and co-curricular activities. Our intention remains to provide diverse opportunities for all students in our care, to harness and develop their individual talents.

GenInstitute of Learning & Brain Sciences CATHERINE BR ANDON DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH: PROGR AMS & PERFORMANCE

Learning at Genazzano has always been valued as enduring, liberating and transformative. Guiding our students to appreciate and develop a true love for learning is at the heart of a Genazzano education. Learning is not confined to the academic curriculum, but is also about personal growth, character strengths, building skills for leading and working in the future and the development of a compassionate, just and positive approach to others.

In April, the College launched an exciting new initiative: the Genazzano Institute of Learning and Brain Sciences. The launch event showcased the new website (www.geninstitute.vic.edu.au) and featured a presentation on ‘The Learning Brain: Maximising Academic Potential’ by prominent clinical psychologist and speaker, Andrew Fuller.

Learning and Brain Sciences are rapidly advancing fields with critical implications for our students’ learning and futures.

With research providing new evidence about the brain and how people learn, the question burns in the minds of scientists, educator and parents: How can this knowledge be used to advance teaching and learning in our schools?

We aim to realise the full potential of every learner, to prepare our students with 21st Century learning capabilities, and to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

The Science of Learning examines the relationship between student learning outcomes and findings in disciplines such as neurosciences, environmental design, education, psychology, health and information technology. The focus is on improvement and innovation in learning, thinking, curriculum design, instruction and educational environments.

The Genazzano Institute endeavours to embrace discoveries from the learning and brain sciences and to work with leading academics and educators to build evidence-based practice. The initiative will support staff learning and networking, as well as engagement with researchers, industry and the community.

Already this initiative has facilitated some exceptional learning opportunities for staff and students. We aim to realise the full potential of every learner, to prepare our students with 21st Century learning capabilities, and to inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Meaningful student engagement with this initiative is essential to maximise an understanding and self-regulation of the students’ own learning. Learning and Brain Sciences Co-Captains, Emily Harman and Isabelle Zupan of Year 12, have been enthusiastic and innovative with ideas to promote thinking about learning to students of all ages through the use of: learning about different parts of the brain, video clips and creative competitions where students contribute and exchange ideas on learning and study.

The Genazzano Institute is delighted to have the support of leading industry and academic partners to further this work including, Deakin University, The Institute of Social Neurosciences, St Vincent’s Hospital and St Vincent’s Foundation, Education Perfect, the Science of Learning Group and University of Melbourne/Science of Learning Network.

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Faith & Mission K AREN JEBB PRINCIPAL

Within the tradition of the Faithful Companions of Jesus and our Catholic faith, our College theme for 2017 is ‘In Unity We Serve’.

The theme has two aspects that work beautifully together and express our College charism: Unity – companionship Service – Jesus

In Unity…

In the Book of Acts, Peter is called by Christ to be the founder of the church, the rock upon which the church will stand. The Holy Spirit inspires Peter as he preaches the work and message of Jesus Christ. A message that calls us to accept differences among each other as we unite to build God’s Kingdom here on earth. It is our faith that brings us together because God sees no colour or race, just that we are all created by God, and we are God’s children.

Different isn’t good or bad – it’s just different. As Christians, our purpose on this earth is to make disciples for Jesus Christ, not to exclude anyone and not for a particular denomination to grow.

It is to bring everyone into the kingdom of God, regardless of their culture or church affiliation.

The early church had three things in common: they listened to teaching from Peter and the Apostles, they shared meals together (including the Lord’s Supper) and they fellowshipped together.

They pooled all their possessions and gave to others that needed them. Their greatest asset was that they were united.

Two thousand years later, and this message is as important today as it was back then, because, in unity, we are much stronger than alone.

Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live (and work) together in Unity.”

1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

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1 Peter 4:10-11 “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.”

In Unity – we pray, we hope, we love, and we serve… together.

… We Serve We live in a very complex world, and as a College community we are continually called to interpret the times while being both accepting and critical of the new trends, the latest social culture and myriad of changes within this world, both materialistic and social. No matter what these changes are, and no matter where the world is heading, one of the constant messages we need our students to hear, as a member of many different communities, is that in unity we are stronger and in serving others we are richer.

This year’s theme has the breadth and depth to mean something to all members of our community: whether it be how we respect and treat each other; to how

new members are accepted into this community; to lending a helping hand in difficult times; to opening up and learning more about others; to response and action by serving the most needy; to contemplation; and ultimately, to the transformation of self.

Our Lenten Liturgy at the end of Term One provided an opportunity for a reflective experience for all who were present.

Ignation spirituality calls us to embrace silence and contemplation; opening our heart to the voice of God. Our girls entered Centenary Hall in silent prayerfulness. The reflective atmosphere was enhanced by the beautiful singing of the choir chanting, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. The music, the liturgical actions of our College Prefects and the use of symbolism contributed to the meaningful atmosphere as we reflected on the significance of our 2017 College theme. Interspersed through this prayer service were several personal reflections from student representatives from Years 5 to 12 that reminded us all that as Faithful Companions we are called to serve others as modelled by Jesus. There was a heightened sense of unity as we reflected on the special meaning of Lent and Easter together.

Alumnae & Friends Playgroup RITA BRESCIANO PL AYGROUP LEADER

Our playgroup is in its second successful year at Genazzano. We have grown from our faithful ‘foundation members’ to a thriving community of babies, toddlers, mums, dads, grandparents and friends!

What a wonderful and safe place to come, play, learn and socialise with so many engaging and educational planned activities, crafts and toys.

The highlight of the session is the group time which proceeds snack time, where we sing, dance, read, learn and each get a turn to be in the spotlight. The session concludes with everyone’s favourite… bubbles!!!

Here are some testimonials from our attendees…

Fantastic fun! So many activities.

Isabella can’t wait to get there.

Janet & Isabella Great opportunity for the children to mix with other kids. My daughter loves the different activities and toys that are there every week. She has so much fun!

Bridget & Kiera We paint, we draw, we dress up, we sing, we play lots and meet lovely friends.

Sarah loves coming to playgroup.

Diane & Sarah We thoroughly enjoy our Tuesday mornings. They are lots of fun and we always look forward to going.

The grandmas club is good too!

Julia & Ava Lots of activities and the children get to socialise in a happy, safe environment.

Love it!

Ming & Pippa Playgroup has been a great way for us to make new friends in a fun and exciting place for all. It is definitely the highlight of our week. There is always something new and exciting happening in the Grange Hill Hall.

Catherine & Nathan The supported playgroup at Genazzano FCJ College is open for children aged six months to three years. It operates out of the Grange Hill Hall each Tuesday morning from 9.30am – 11.00am during term.

For Term 3 registration inquiries please visit the Genazzano website, under Our Community or email playgroup@genazzano.vic.edu.au We welcome new and existing families, as well as friends of Alumnae.

We look forward to welcoming you soon! gennarr at i o n s

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Generations of Genazzano Of the more than 1,000 students that currently attend Genazzano, half of our pupils have an Alumnae connection; whether it be a mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin or sister that has previously attended the College. This is a wonderful testament to the lifelong connections that are forged between generations of families that constantly add to the history and community of our beloved College.

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With this in mind, we took an opportunity to photograph some of our Alumnae mums who currently have children attending our co-educational Early Learning Centre. These photos highlight the cherished tradition of a shared educational legacy and spiritual journey for our Alumnae and their children.

1 Annaliese Murphy (Savoria, 1996) with Annabella and Liliana

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2 Amanda Presta (Casabene, 2002) and Vienna 3 Caroline O’Sullivan (1995) with Kitty 4 Bridget Barnes (2004) and Grace 5 Jennifer O’Connell (1991) with Max and Zoe 6 Lauren Newton (1996) with Monty, Eva and Lola 7 Nicole Visedo (Galt, 1997) with Xavier 8 Stefanie Moran (1994) and Peter

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Celebrating Academic Excellence ROBERT TASSONI DEPUT Y PRINCIPAL: CURRICULUM,

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STANDARDS AND INNOVATION

Celebrating student achievement across all spheres of College life provides us with an opportunity to commend talent, effort, determination and drive to extend ourselves to be the best we can be. The Academic Awards Ceremony that took place in February in 2017 was yet another wonderful opportunity to celebrate student achievement. Eight students achieved an Australian Tertiary Rank score of 99 and above, placing them in the top one percent of students across the state. These students, along with students who achieved the highest study score per subject, were also recognised at the ceremony.

This year, we were privileged to announce that two students achieved equal highest Australian Tertiary Entrance Rank (ATAR) scores. Amy Catanzariti and Jacinta Ryan both achieved an ATAR of 99.85. Both Jacinta and Amy joined the Genazzano community as Year 7 students in 2011 and during their time at the College, both students embraced the fantastic learning and co-curricular opportunities available to them. Amy and Jacinta’s achievements were celebrated along with other outstanding high achievers including, Samantha Pereira (99.7), Lauren Lambrineas (99.55), Lorena Stents (99.55), Emily Zdilar (99.25), Amelia Costigan (99.1), Sophia Di Mattina (99.), Gabriella Morgan (98.65), Melanie James (98.6), Wen Liu (98.6), Rachael Kay (98.1), Amelia Lewis (98.1), Emily Sheehan (98.05), and Stephanie Zago (98).

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Perfect study scores of 50 were attained by the following students: Angee Liu for Biology; Emily Zdilar and Amelia Costigan for English; Erin A’Hearn, Emma Barham, Cara O’Brien, Lily Pappas, Gemma Steedman and Amelia Lewis for Health and Human Development.

1 Genazzano 2016 Academic Award Recipients 2 Jacinta Ryan and family 3 Samantha Pereira and her mother 4 Debra Everitt, Amy Catanzariti and her mother

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Early Learning Centre ALISON LUCAS DIRECTOR OF ELC

There are many images of childhood.

The image of a child building strong friendships, constructing knowledge, collaborating, sharing ideas and uniting in their learning is the image of a child striving to reach their potential. When one reflects on the image of the ELC3 children commencing their first day in our community in February, it is difficult not to be impressed by the unity they have shown by embracing their learning environment. Uniting together to learn the names of new friends and teachers, learn a new routine and take risks by trying new skills and activities is an achievement in itself.

A new discovery in the edible garden united students’ curiosity, as the ELC3 children uncovered a carrot growing in Mr. McGregor’s garden. This discovery connected many children to share an interest in gardening, harvesting and cooking. As a community of learners, the children discussed what they could do with the big and curly carrots, deciding they would cook carrot cakes to share with their friends. The children also united together to plant beetroot, spinach, kale, strawberries and broccoli, whilst continuing to share the experience of watering the garden and caring for the produce.

Our educators continually provoke the children’s thinking to share their knowledge and interests. The children construct their knowledge during the morning circle meeting by listening to stories, observing images and sharing their ideas with each other.

Discovering a caterpillar climbing on a lemon leaf in the outdoor learning environment captured the interest of our ELC children and sparked many questions. The children then embarked on a learning experience together to discover what caterpillars eat, where they live and how they change in appearance throughout their life cycle. To extend the children’s knowledge we invited ‘Drama Toolbox’ to visit the ELC to broaden the children’s understanding of mini-beast habitats, features, movement and

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It is difficult not to be impressed by the unity they have shown by embracing their learning environment. survival instincts. Each child had the opportunity to identify to a specific mini-beast and dress up in costume and role play – using their imagination to collect nectar, camouflage themselves from a hungry bird, march like ants to collect food, and follow the life cycle of a caterpillar and turn into a butterfly.

Our ELC children are fortunate to unite with many whole school community learning events as well. The ELC4 children were invited to attend a special remembrance service with the Grange Hill students, where the Anzac story was read and each child was presented with a poppy to wear.

The ELC 3&4 students discussed traditional ways of remembering the brave ANZAC soldiers, such as wearing poppies and planting rosemary to represent the Gallipoli landscape. The children planted two rosemary bushes in the ELC garden in remembrance and as a way to reflect on the ANZAC soldier’s bravery. The children participated in cooking delicious ANZAC biscuits and many went home and shared this enjoyable experience (and cookies) with their families.

ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS

$25 M ER

PER T

For children 6 months to 3 years

Tuesdays during term 9.30am - 11.00am Register at playgroup@genazzano.vic.edu.au

Open Morning 9.30am-11.00am Wednesday

26 July 2017 Wednesday 23 August 2017 Wednesday 25 October 2017 Register at thenextgen.com.au

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Junior School MARY JONES HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Our College theme, In Unity We Serve, has given us a wonderful context for our work in the Junior School during Term 1 and 2 this year. The year began with every class exploring what our College theme means for us as a school community, as well as in our everyday lives. There were some fantastic insights from our students and in particular, our Year 2 students were able to identify that service requires both empathy and understanding. Our College liturgies enabled the girls to continually revisit the theme and deepen their understanding of it, particularly through Scripture.

A highlight was when two of our Year 6 students were able to share their own experiences of living out service in unity at our whole school Lenten Prayer Service.

During Term 1, each class was involved in raising awareness of the work done

by Caritas Australia and fundraising for Project Compassion. This practical expression of our College theme was a powerful example of living out who we are called to be as a College in the tradition of the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus. Our Year 5 students also busily knitted squares to be made into blankets and sent overseas while our Year 6 students created their own iMovies about the impact of the work of Caritas.

The Prep to Year 4 students have been keen participants in a variety of College events this year. Grandparent and Special Friends Day was a highlight with a huge attendance of special guests at Grange Hill. The Year 4 students led the community in a powerful prayer to start a fun-filled assembly where each of the students reflected on the qualities, skills, talents and special attributes of their grandparents. The girls were then able to give a tangible expression of ‘In Unity We Serve’ by looking after their guests at morning tea.

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Students continue to be engaged in a rich learning environment where they are supported and challenged to be the best person they can be.

This was followed in Term 2 by a very special morning tea for all our wonderful Mothers. The girls really looked after their Mums, serving them scones, fruit and cups of tea and coffee. It was delightful to watch the tables of Mums and daughters laughing and chatting happily. A video screening of the girls with their Mums following, capturing some sweet and silly moments that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

The students in the Junior School continue to be engaged in a rich learning environment where they are each supported and challenged to be the

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best person they can be. It is wonderful to see so many students embrace the many opportunities available to them at the College and pursue their interest in music, sport or other areas of learning.

The Year 5 and 6 students have been engaged in a wide variety of Co-curricular programs in diverse areas such as cooking like a MasterChef, to learning about altar service. These programs enable the students to not only pursue their interests but to develop new skills and meet new friends.

A special aspect of learning for our Year 3 students has been their preparation for, and receiving of, the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. This began with a parent/daughter evening where conversations began about forgiveness and healing and was followed by an engaging classroom program, supporting the girls to consider reconciliation and its importance within our Catholic tradition. Connections were made between forgiveness and serving one another, embedding our College theme further in the lives of our students and their families. The celebration of the Sacrament, held on May 18, was

prayerful, reflective and joy-filled, with the girls singing their hearts out and embracing the experience.

The Junior School looks forward with eager anticipation to Terms 3 and 4, where we can continue to build relationships with one another, deepen our knowledge and understanding and most importantly, seek to serve one another, our families and our community in simple yet meaningful ways.

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Senior School LIL A MCINERNEY DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: STUDENT LEARNING AND WELLBEING

Learning & Wellbeing in Years 7-12 This semester, our Senior School College staff have worked with a determination to support learning and wellbeing by building a positive learning culture — providing challenging, interactive and engaging learning experiences, and by nurturing relationships with families and the wider community.

It is our hope that the learning community we seek to create here at Genazzano is as supportive, challenging and creative as it can be and that it can prepare our girls to cross important thresholds in their development. In such an environment, we hope our girls will enrich their own sense of well-being by actively embracing all that our College offers them. As contemporary educational research on resilience indicates, a sense of belonging is critical for our young people.

Below are some wonderful achievements from our Senior School students from various year levels.

Celebrate Our Sense of Belonging at Gen If I had to sum up my feelings and thoughts about Genazzano, I would have to say that it is – “a whole new world!” A whole new magnificent world, where every girl is encouraged to share her talents with the College. A whole new world of friends, teachers and opportunities. When you’re a Gen girl, you always feel a sense of belonging.

Now, that’s something pretty special.

Personally, what I love about Genazzano is all the opportunities. It would take me at least half an hour to name all the Co-curricular activities and clubs you can join. There are so many! Netball at Gen is massive and from Year 7 onwards you can either umpire games or coach a team. I am currently doing an online exam and course for umpiring, and I am loving it. There’s GSV – which stands for Girls Sport Victoria – every term, where we get the chance to play sport against other girls schools.

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Music Program is fantastic (I’m learning violin for the first time) and there are wonderful school productions to be involved in. I love Drama and I can’t wait to try out for the next production that comes along. So as you can see, Gen has everything. Whether you’re sporty, a music-lover, artistic, great with technology or a creative writer, at Gen you will find your passion, you will find your people and you will find lots of fun.

At Gen we have something called GenStar. Some of you may or may not have heard about it but I can assure you that it is one of Gen’s best subjects.

Every fortnight, we have GenStar with our Homeroom teachers. It’s all about mental wellness; being happy at home, at school and feeling safe wherever you go. Sometimes we might talk about friendships, other times we talk about bullying and cyberbullying. I have learnt so much in GenStar, like how do deal with stress and anxieties and how to be safe when catching public transport. I know GenStar is really going to help me throughout my secondary school life.

I love Gen – I love everything about it. It’s truly an amazing school. In the six weeks that I have been here, I’ve been on camp to Phillip Island, participated in the Swim Carnival and spoken at Open Day! I have made new friends whom I love and know will become lifelong pals, I’ve tried new things and realised that I’m special and unique in my own way. Here at Gen I can enjoy – no, celebrate – being me!

Grace Brewer Year 7

Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize & Overseas Study Tour The prestigious Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize provides 22 students across Victoria in Years 9 and 10 with the opportunity to participate in a national and overseas study tour to sites where Australians have served in times of war and peacekeeping. Bronte Crettenden (Year 10 Winter) was a winning entrant, her topic was a response to the following quote: ‘… The angel of death had been abroad throughout the land: we had almost heard the beating of his wings. We were the generation whose fathers, uncles, and sometimes elder brothers were either dead, or ‘returned’. – Patsy Adam-Smith: The ANZACS, p. 2.

Bronte chose to write her response from the perspective of a young woman who enlists as a nurse after her brother is killed at Gallipoli, creating a touching and poignant piece. Bronte mentioned her parents and her History teacher, Ms Zoe Bent, as being very important in helping her achieve this award. Below, Bronte has given us some insight into her recent Spirit of Anzac Tour in Darwin and Singapore.

“I was fortunate to be selected to take part in the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Overseas Study Tour; a ten-day experience commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the fall of Singapore and bombing of Darwin. In Darwin, we learnt a lot about the bombing and the effect of WWII on Australia. We visited places like the East Point Military Reserve and Adelaide War Cemetery.

Some of the highlights in Darwin included the Robertson Barracks, a major army base in Australia. We had a special interactive experience there, where we got to talk to our ‘modern Anzacs’, handle their weaponry, try on their day-to-day gear and learn about what it is like in the Australian Army. It was an incredible experience and we all felt very privileged to be able to take part in. Another incredible experience was at the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where we got to try a Virtual Reality experience of the bombing of Darwin and sit in the replica Royal Flying Doctor Service plane.

In Singapore, we focused mainly on the fall of Singapore and Japanese invasion.

Some of the highlights in Singapore were the Changi Museum, The Old Ford Factory, Kranji War Memorial and Kranji War Cemetery. The Changi Museum was incredibly emotional and fascinating.

We learnt about the treatment of Singaporeans once the Japanese took over and the experience of the Prisoners of War. The Old Ford Factory was the location where Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival and two of his men informed the Japanese of their surrender and negotiated the terms of the surrender. These are just a few of the extraordinary experiences we had whilst in Darwin and Singapore.

On this trip, I made some amazing new friendships and memories, learnt more about our past and how it has shaped our present and had an unforgettable experience that will stay with me for a long time.”

Bronte Crettenden Year 10

Champions for Change As a year level, Year 11 have been trying to emulate our college theme of ‘In Unity We Serve’ in many ways, and we are achieving this a little more every day.

On Friday 12 May the students who were selected for the Timor Leste Immersion in 2016 hosted a Movie Night to raise money for schools in Timor and to support the families and children they met. It is an issue close to many of their hearts and it was lovely to see so many other Year 11 students supporting their friends and donating to this very worthy cause. We commend our peers for their efforts in organising such a wonderful event.

Lara Tallarida and Millie Spencer organised a very informative and poignant GenSTAR session for Year 11 in Term 1, which involved students being ‘Champions for Change’ in relation to positive body image. We were each able to write practical strategies on paper hands which now decorate the walls of the Year 11 area, reminding us to spread positivity and acceptance throughout the whole year level.

‘Champions for Change’ reminded us of our need to help others... in doing so together, we uphold and affirm this year’s College theme of serving in unity.

Following from the Year 11 session, Lara and Millie also ran a session tailored to Year 8 girls, which again involved promoting positive body image and self-esteem, which are important issues for girls of all ages. The girls involved in the ‘Champions for Change’ committee have reminded us of our need to help others in our school community, and in doing so together, we uphold and affirm this year’s College theme of serving in unity.

Since the GenSTAR sessions, Millie and Lara have also started ‘Move it Mondays’ which provides opportunities for everyone from a range of year levels to join in fun games like dodgeball or skipping during a Monday lunchtime, without the pressure of competition Another achievement to recognise in Year 11 is Antoinetta Di Cosmo winning the Rotary Public Speaking Contest for 2017. She competed against 10 other students across Melbourne who had to write a speech based on the four rotary questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? We congratulate Antoinetta on her accomplishment and look forward to seeing many speeches at school in the future.

Allegra Mattioli Year 11

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Annual Appeal

Since Genazzano FCJ College opened its doors 128 years ago in 1889, a spirit of service and generosity has flourished.

Many members within the College and in the wider community have benefitted from the support of the College, through many fundraising events and scholarships to attend Genazzano.

Philanthropy is truly ingrained in the Genazzano spirit.

Indeed, our Madeleine Centre for Music and the Performing Arts was realised through a concerted and sustained fundraising effort, providing excellent facilities to enable Gen girls to be their best.

In order for the College to continue to offer programs, scholarships and facilities which prepare our girls for the ‘road that lies before them’, we rely on he generosity of parents, past, present and the future, and Alumnae alike.

This year, I encourage you to join me in making a donation to the 2017 Annual Appeal to help build a better future for all students. Simply log on to www.genazzano-donations.com to make a donation online. Alternatively, please contact me if you would like to talk about other ways you can support the College.

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Philanthropy is truly ingrained in the Genazzano spirit.

I thank you in anticipation for your generosity and your continued support of the College.

LUCY COHEN DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 03 8862 1204

Scholarships Fund Genazzano’s reputation is one of the primary reasons parents enrol their children here. It is also true that many parents and Alumnae would love to educate their children at Genazzano but, for economic reasons, they are unable to do so.

Scholarships allow the College to enrich and diversify the student community, providing a benefit for all students.

A donation to the Scholarships Fund gives opportunities to those students who, ordinarily, would not be able to attend the College.

Building Fund The College Building Fund ensures that our magnificent buildings and expansive garden surrounds can be maintained for future generations. The Building Fund supports the continued maintenance, restoration and future development of our College buildings.

Furthermore, it strengthens our objective to provide facilities that serve to fulfil the College’s vision for its Student Learning and Wellbeing program, for both current and future students. This would not be possible without your continued generous support.

Library Fund The libraries, an important resource for students and staff alike, continue to offer opportunities for members of the College community to nourish their intellectual growth. Gifts to the Library Fund accelerate the renewal and upgrading of our libraries, and offer valuable new resources.

Over recent years, donations have also contributed to significant improvements in our library environment, including furnishings, a meeting space and improved technology and software for students.

This fund supports our objective to ensure the libraries are exciting learning environments, offering a combination of advanced research technologies and study facilities with social spaces.

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Boarding L AUREN KENNEDY DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

Within the Boarding House, Hopetoun Hall, there are many examples of our College theme, ‘In Unity We Serve’.

We have sixteen Year 12 boarders in the Boarding House this year, including a Prefect and Captain. All Year 12 boarders have had leadership training to prepare them for their important senior positions in the House. Together these girls work on, and promote, House initiatives, as well as being fine role models for all boarders.

Our 2017 Boarding Prefect, Tegan Cavallari, has prepared a report on one of the initiatives held this year: “As a current Year 12 student who commenced at Hopetoun Hall in Year 8, I can say that throughout my time at boarding school, I have had countless opportunities to partake in a multitude of new, challenging and exciting experiences. As a Boarding House of up to 40 girls, we all share a close bond with one another and twice a year, enjoy what we call ‘Closed Weekends’. From visiting the Zoo to admiring the sand sculptures in Geelong, Closed Weekends never fail to entertain and involve each and every boarder while providing us with chances to see and experience sites of Melbourne which we wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to.

This year, our Closed Weekend began after an early wake up call, as we all boarded the bus and took off to the Queen Victoria Market. We all loved exploring the market and looking at each of the items for sale, and for some boarders, having previously lived outside of Victoria, this was their first time visiting this iconic place. After a morning of shopping, we again boarded the bus, but this time we were going to St Kilda.

We were all very keen to put our bathers on and go paddle boarding! With an instructor by our side, we got to spend hours paddling through the sea; first sitting down, then up to our knees, and finally we stood up.

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I have had countless opportunities to partake in a multitude of new, challenging and exciting experiences.

This didn’t last long – after about 60 seconds of standing up, more than half of us had already fallen in! Following this, we were all treated to fish and chips on the beach; the perfect end to an all-round wonderful weekend.

As Boarding Prefect, I’ve come to appreciate and be thankful for the opportunities that Closed Weekends at the Boarding House provide for all boarders!”

Walk.

Run. Fly...

Take the first step towards giving your daughter an education that will help her soar.

Join us for an interactive ‘Learning Walk’ at Genazzano FCJ College.

Our Head of Junior School will guide you through our state-of-the-art educational spaces where you will see learning in action. Hear from our Principal about the unique aspects of a Genazzano education.

Book your place today for one of two ‘Learning Walk’ sessions.

Call Kathy Byrne, College Registrar, on 8862 1207.

Monday 24 July 2017, 9.30-11.00am Book by Thursday 20 July Thursday 3 August 2017, 9.30-11.00am Book by Monday 31 July

A Catholic Day & Boarding School All Girls Prep-12; Co-educational ELC 301 Cotham Road, Kew VIC 3101

Promoting a love of learning.

Our ELC opens the door to a lifelong love of learning. It’s a place of wonder, where girls and boys engage in learning that stimulates, challenges and provokes their thinking, curiosity and inquiring minds.

Our flexible programs are designed to suit the needs of all families while supporting each child to gain a greater understanding of themselves and their world.

Limited places are available for our outstanding 3 and 4 year old program in 2018.

To register or find out more, visit www.earlyyears.genazzano.vic.edu.au

A Catholic Day & Boarding School All Girls Prep-12; Co-educational ELC 301 Cotham Road, Kew VIC 3101

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Creative Arts JOANNE SAVILLE CURRICULUM LEADER CREATIVE ARTS

The Creative Arts Department at Genazzano is always a hive of activity and practical projects. Students have developed a variety of art works in a variety of mediums throughout the semester.

We have had a number of students complete works that connect with the community, including the Boroondara Centenarian Project. Two of Genazzano’s young artists, Hannah Macdonald (Year 12) and Anna Frazer (Year 10) participated in the Centenarian Portrait Project in which several of Kew’s residents over 100 years of age were portrayed by young artists from Xavier College, Kew High School and Genazzano FCJ College. This project formed part of the Kew Festival and culminated in an exhibition at Birds Gallery, opened by the Honourable Doctor Kay Patterson. The project was a unique inter-generational experience for all of the student participants. It was the first time the students had ever met and interacted with a centenarian. Hannah and Anna met their subjects during the January holiday break when they visited the nursing homes where they lived. These visits provided Hannah and Anna with an opportunity to meet the two women they were to portray and take photographs, make sketches and listen to their subject’s vastly different perspectives on life. Hannah’s portrait was of Ena Hore, a remarkable, active, well-informed and independent 100 year old who seemed decades younger than her chronological age. Anna’s subject was Constance Crowther, an amazing 105 year-old. Hannah and Anna found the experience memorable and the portraits they produced were of exceptional likeness to their subjects. At the conclusion of the exhibition, the portraits were gifted to Ena and Constance and their families.

Congratulations to Product Design Technology students, Sophie Pinnuck and Olivia Peters (Year 12), who were selected for Top Designs Season of Excellence. Two other students were also short listed for Top Designs: Saacha Neilson for Media, and Natalie Baring-Gould for Visual Communication Design.

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It is an honour and great achievement to be shortlisted and actually make it through to Top Designs, so we are very proud of these girls. Top Designs is part of the VCE Season of Excellence and you can view the folios at Melbourne Museum until July 16, 2017.

We have been fortunate enough to exhibit some student work in the corridor spaces and gallery spaces around the College and will continue to do so throughout the year.

We showcase College art collection pieces, as well as student work which “shines” alongside work from established artists.

Our major exhibitions for the year include: Les Jeunes Artistes – The Young Artists (ELC to Year 4) Art Show Opening Night: Tuesday 5 September The exhibition will run at Grange Hill until the end of Term 3.

Graduate Art Show Showcasing Year 12 folios in Media, Art, Studio Arts, Visual Communication Design and Product Design Technology Opening Night: Thursday 2 October In the Madeleine Centre

Drama GABRIELLE QUIN CURRICULUM LEADER DR AMA

Collaboration and the ability to unite divergent perspectives to reach a performance goal is one of the important life skills taught in Drama at Genazzano.

Students learn to face the challenges of consulting and negotiating creative ideas, communicating effectively and working to timelines to achieve a collective outcome that they feel proud of.

The Drama program was successfully launched for 2017 with large audiences attending two excellent productions in the first semester.

Children of the Black Skirt The Year 9 ‘Page to Stage’ elective group performed the powerful Children of the Black Skirt by Angela Betzein set in an Australian orphanage in the bush. The students were required to research stories of Australia’s attitudes towards Aboriginal people and historical treatment of young people in care which supported their focus on Indigenous perspectives in the Year 9 program. The students became more aware of the many people whose lives were tragically affected by being removed from their families. The performance was beautifully directed by Basia Quill and the focus and skill of the Year 9 students in performance demonstrated a true respect for, and understanding of, some of the more sobering facets of Australia’s past.

The 39 Steps The VCE Theatre Studies 1&2 and 3&4 classes worked together for the first time this year to produce the highly engaging comedy The 39 Steps by Patrick Barlow.

The original play was a parody of the original novel by John Buchan and later film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It was hugely successful on the West End and Broadway due to its ingenious stagecraft and the physical performance skills demanded of the actors. The students took up the challenge to design and develop stagecraft from the initial planning phase right through to performance, along with embodying the characters of the play. Sarah White, student director, writes of the experience:

“As a first time director, challenges arose from all angles; from casting to blocking, trialling was essential, research was required and patience and cooperation were vital qualities needed to travel the odyssey of ‘The 39 Steps’. Teamwork and strength was nurtured through the trust that the 1&2 and 3&4 classes would collaborate effectively to create the most rewarding, entertaining and unpredictable performance imaginable.”

GenProductions Backstage Co-curricular Group Our second semester promises to reward audiences with some very exciting productions. Behind the scenes, the productions are supported by a group of students who attend the Friday lunchtime Co-curricular group, GenProductions.

Students from Years 7-12 collaborate to assist the performers onstage and experience the thrill of ensuring productions will be “all right on the night!” From set design and construction, to specialist lighting and sound design, the students acquire technical and collaborative skills that are invaluable experiences for the future, including creative problem solving and collaboration, effective inter-personal communication and responsibility.

Alumnae Members Unit to Direct Mulan Jr The Year 7 and 8 Co-curricular production, Mulan Jr, will be directed

by Alumnae and member of the Friends of Performing Arts@Gen (FOPA), Claire Warrillow, with musical direction by Caitlin Petereit who joins us for a second year, after the hugely successful debut of this Co-Curricular production offering with Annie Jr in 2016.

The Gen Drama Department welcomes designers, directors and musical directors who wish to collaborate to produce performances.

If you have studies, experience and interest in this area, please contact Gabrielle Quin via gabrielle.quin@ genazzano.vic.edu.au

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Music JAN BL A ZEJCZ AK DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

The Music Program has had a successful semester with many concerts and musical experiences for our students.

The students have been traveling the musical road in great unity and throughout the semester many highlights were achieved. The annual Gen/Xavier Musical, Copacabana was a major hit with audiences and this project showcased the many talents from our students on all levels. Superb dancing, singing and acting were the ingredients of this production.

Concerts always provide an educational platform for students to explore and engage their musical skills with the audience and establish confidence and musical maturity. We have been fortunate to present a range of exciting concerts in Semester One. The following concerts were presented: Piano, Junior and Senior Soloist, Ensembles and Vocal concerts.

Music truly brings people together and creates positive musical friendships.

Other highlights were Generations in Jazz with 34 students from our Big Band and Stage Band who travelled to Mount Gambier. This amazing event is in its 30th year and attracts international artists.

Our students participated in competitions and workshops with nearly 5,000 other students from around Australia.

Music Camp is another highlight of our musical year and with 120 dedicated students the main aim is to work intensively in preparation for our Annual Music Concert. It is lovely to see how students from Years 6-12 work together in unity to ensure that this camp achieves its goal. Music truly brings people together and creates positive musical friendships.

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The Victorian Flute Guild Ensemble Competition was held on Sunday 28 May and again proved to be an extremely successful event for our students.

A total of eight ensembles competed against thirteen other schools, with each receiving outstanding results: six first places and two second places.

We also provided music for the community when we opened the Music Therapy week at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. We were fortunate to play in front of Cr Robert Doyle and the Hon Martin Foley, Minister for Housing, Disability and Aging, Mental Health, Equality and Creative Industries.

Sport MAT THEW WESSON DIRECTOR OF SPORT

Swimming The College had a very successful swimming season winning the Division 2 GSV Championship Carnival, our highest result since 2004. Swimming captain, Hannah Mcdonald, also one of the College Sports Captain, inspired the team to perform better than expected. Led by coaching team, Amon Soerink, Matt Welsh and Caradoc Markey, our swimming team jumped from 2nd in Division 3 to 1st in Division 2; a jump of 9 places within GSV swimming division. This is an outstanding achievement by the entire squad.

Furthermore, the depth of the squad was apparent in that we did not win any of the 3 age-group trophies, yet recorded enough points overall to win the Grand Aggregate trophy!

As a result, we had our highest ever number of qualifiers for the 2017 GSV Finals Evening. Individual medals were won

by Lily Hall (one Silver and one Bronze).

2017 Centenary Swim Meet This annual event was held on Friday 17 February at our College pool, featuring the Genazzano Swim Squad plus 4 visiting schools. After a competitive afternoon of racing, Genazzano finished in first place overall. This was cause for great excitement as it was the first time we have won the trophy since 2005!

The Genazzano Fastest 50m Championship race was won (for the second year in succession) by Megan Grimshaw, with a time of 30.32secs, narrowly holding out Hannah Macdonald, Grace Greenwood, Brianna Mercer, Caitlin Law and Olivia Branagan.

Rowing The HOSG Regatta, the annual finale to the Schoolgirls Rowing Season, was held on the Barwon River at Geelong from Friday 17 March – Sunday 19 March.

Genazzano was represented by a total of 16 crews (plus one single sculler) under the leadership of Co-Captains of Boats, Caroline Straford and Alex Somerville.

A number of crews qualified to race in A

Finals through rigorous heats and semifinals over the course of the weekend.

Genazzano students, Gabrielle Clarke and Brigid McKeagney-Douglas, have both been recently selected into the Victorian Pathways Eight, which is made up of the best eight schoolgirl rowers in Victoria. The girls spent time training with the Victorian Eight and raced in late April against other state crews in a bid to be selected for the Junior World Championship team. We were delighted to be advised that both Gabrielle and Brigid have been selected to represent Australia at the World Junior Championships in Lithuania later this year.

Tennis The 2017 version of the annual Dr Rowan’s Tennis Cup was held on the College courts on Thursday 30 March.

Results Sub-Junior Winner – Anna Stone (back-to-back winner) Runner Up – Simona Crivelli Junior Winner – Alice O’Loughlin Runner Up – Ally Richardson Senior Winner – Leeann Bushnaq (runner up 2016) Runner Up – Madeleine Buttifant

All players are loving their experiences and proudly wearing the Genazzano AFL jumper.

AFL

Netball

The growth in women’s AFL throughout our community has been reflected at the College this year. As well as a large number of students playing for their local teams, this term there are 4 teams representing Genazzano in the Friday afternoon fixtures in the GSV competition.

Two teams from Year 8 are playing in the AFL 9’s format, while two teams of students from Years 9-12 are playing in the Senior competition.

The College’s Saturday Netball program sees 47 teams and more than 480 students from Years 4-12 representing Genazzano each week. Saturday at the Boroondara Netball Centre (MacLeay Park) is a sea of white, navy and maroon netball dresses as the Genazzano teams, led by their student coaches (all 60 of them) take to the courts. The winter season runs for two terms, concluding with finals in September. gennarr at i o n s

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GenAquatic PETER McDONALD GENAQUATIC PRESIDENT

What a first half of the year we have had! The State Championships were held in December 2016 after school had concluded and GenAquatic had five swimmers competing: Hannah Macdonald, Darren Tan, Alan Tang, Wakana Yoshida and Huga Yoshida.

This is the most swimmers the club has produced to compete at this level.

Special mention to Darren Tan who won the Under 14’s 100m Breaststroke and qualified for Nationals in a number of events. Taiga Yoshida represented Victoria in 2016 State Teams Age SC Championships, breaking multiple Victorian records in the process.

As we entered Term One, the busiest time for competitive swimming, we had a shortage of coaching staff. We had little time to source someone, so none other than Genazzano FCJ College Principal, Ms. Karen Jebb, came to the rescue. Through her swimming contacts we were able to source a remarkable young new coach, Dean Jarvis, who has coupled with Jacob Cushing to guide our Bronze Level swimmers. These swimmers have improved remarkably under their guidance.

With Dean joining the coaching team “our awesome foursome” of Amon Soerink, Matt Welsh and Caradoc Markey have seen great progress in our club swimmers, and our GSV team not only won the Centenary meet but won 2nd Division in the GSV! Through this success at GSV we have had a few swimmers from the College join the club.

Two of our swimmers, Vicki and Xavier Tan, were selected to go to Canberra on the Metro East District Annual Trip. Vicki also performed well at Nationals, where she achieved two personal bests!

Other major progress has included: • 10 Swimmers at State Sprints which is a record for us! Five years ago we had a solitary swimmer! Those that competed were: Owen Rice, Xara Anderson,

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Hannah Macdonald, Klara Seidel, Allan Liang, Darren Tan, Huga Yoshida, Wakana Yoshida, Aryaman Bhardwaj and Chris Khuong.

• The implementation of an Honour Board that recognises our Club Captains, the annual winner of the Sister Maryrose Award and those that have achieved National levels.

• The updating of our club logo with ‘Gentoo’ – the fastest swimming penguin in the world.

Our biggest news however, was the swimming program review that was completed by the 2004 Olympic coach, Leigh Nugent. Through this, the College has decided to promote Amon Soerink to Head of Swimming, where he’ll look after both the GSV/SSV swimmers and the club.

There is great synergy here, as to be competitive at a school competition level, swimmers need to be accustomed to swimming competition on a regular basis.

With GenAquatic being a full member club of Swimming Victoria, this therefore gives our swimmers competition experience against the best in the state!

We also wish Andi Smith all the best as she takes on a new role within the College. She has been instrumental to the club’s development over the years.

Finally, the club is always keen to take on new swimmers. Although we take swimmers from the broader community, we are most keen to take swimmers from Genazzano FCJ College. Just pop into the pool office and talk to Mr Amon Soerink our Head of Swimming for more information.

Rowing JANE ROBINSON ROWING COORDINATOR

Genazzano FCJ College has offered a Rowing Program for over 30 years, with students from Year 8 through to Year 12 training and competing in the Gen Rowing team. Strong friendships are forged as the girls negotiate the challenges and triumphs that this sport can bring.

The main competitive focus for the Gen Rowing team is the annual Head of the School Girls Regatta held on the Barwon River in March. It is the largest single gender Rowing Regatta in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting over 1,500 athletes and 10,000 spectators.

Genazzano has a proud history of results at the Head of the School Girls over its 32 year involvement. This year, our Genazzano crew dominated their final to win by a bit over a boat length from Melbourne Girls Grammar, then MLC and St Catherine’s. Over all, Genazzano had 20 race wins throughout the HOSG Regatta as the crews headed through the knockout rounds to the Top 4 Finals.

Ten Genazzano crews made it through to the A finals with one Gold medal and one Silver medal in the Division 3 Senior Eight, and two Bronze medals in the Division 8 Year 9 Quad and the Division 4 Year 9 Quad being achieved.

Selected Gen Rowing crews are also given the opportunity to compete in the National Rowing Championships and to trial for Australian teams. In 2017, our first eight won a Bronze medal in the 500m sprint Championship of Australia and two members of this crew were subsequently selected to row in the Australian Junior Eight, which will compete in Lithuania in August 2017.

The current college theme of ‘In Unity We Serve’ applies quite literally to the sport of Rowing. A Rowing boat will move fastest when all crew members are operating in near perfect synchronisation. Rowing is known as the ultimate team sport - there is no ‘time out’ bench in Rowing. Students who take on the challenge of this sport at Genazzano do so as part of a strong and supportive team.

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2017 Genazzano Day Mass & Luncheon

AMANDA PRESTA (CASABENE , 2002) ALUMNAE REL ATIONS MANAGER

On Sunday 30 April, 100 Alumnae across many gen-narrations came together to celebrate the time old tradition of Genazzano Day. This annual event allows Alumnae to celebrate, and reflect upon, the strong women of courage and faith after whom the Genazzano Houses are named, and the many blessings we share as a College community.

The celebration commenced with a mass in the College Chapel, followed by a luncheon in the Madeleine Centre for Music and the Performing Arts. A group of ladies from the class of 1979, who commenced their education together at Grange Hill enjoyed a trip down memory lane when they toured the corridors and classrooms and reminisced about their days at the College.

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Gen Welcomes

K AREN JEBB PRINCIPAL

A hallmark of Genazzano FCJ College is our vibrant, enthusiastic and committed parent community who are tireless in their support of the College and in its development. One of the first major parent events of the year is GenWelcomes. This event continues to be a wonderful evening where we gather to warmly welcome all those who are new to our College community, particularly our new parents whose daughters (and sons in the ELC) are embarking upon what I hope will be an enriching and exciting journey of learning and of companionship with us over the coming years. We also welcome families from afar whose daughter has joined our College Boarding House.

I learnt very quickly last year, in my first year at the College, that Genazzano’s parent social evenings are always a great success! The presence of the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus, reminds us all of the responsibility we have to ensure the College follows in the footsteps of very strong and marvellous women who have done extraordinary things for education and for people in need.

The charism, values and traditions of this College are vital in the education of our young people, and so this commitment is steadfast in all we do at the Genazzano.

Our theme for 2017, is ‘In Unity We Serve’. In unity, as GenWelcomes demonstrates, we are stronger and our faith calls us to be more by serving others and reaching out to those in need.

It is a rich and meaningful theme. Our GenWelcomes Mass draws us together in celebration of who we are as a faith-filled community, united in the call to be faithful companions.

The work of our parent committees is highly valued and cannot be understated as an important feature of Genazzano FCJ College. I encourage all of our parents to become involved in the life of the College through the Parent Associations’ and other College activities and events. And while daughters may tell their parents that they don’t want them getting involved at school, let me assure you that they are genuinely full of pleasure and pride when their parents do participate in College activities.

GenWelcomes was once again an enjoyable and spectacular evening. gennarr at i o n s

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Unifying a New Generation of Engineers L AR A ANTONELLI-LEORKE (2000) EDITOR

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The landscape of engineering, and those that choose this career path, is shifting.

The confidence young women demonstrate today in terms of their problem solving, unique perspectives and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) abilities mean that this male dominated field is witnessing a slow but steady evolution. A unity of young women are stepping out to embrace a new generation of engineering, conscious of the high demands this important sector has to meet the most pressing environmental, sustainable and technological problems facing the world today.

Unfortunately, Australia’s demand for engineers far exceeds its supply of graduates; our country annually imports more than double the number who graduate from Australian universities, and has done so for more than a decade.

According to Engineers Australia, every year nearly 18,000 engineering positions need to be filled. Almost 6,000 come from engineering students who graduate from universities in Australia. The other 12,000 engineers arrive in Australia to take on jobs, with 25% on temporary work visas to alleviate chronic job shortages.

Add to these statistics the fact that only 13% of engineers in Australia are female (a ratio that has been growing slowly for decades) and you come to realise that it is vital that as educators, parents and peers, we support investment and initiatives to boost the number of women in engineering. This support starts at school, and Genazzano is proud of its Alumnae that have undertaken study in engineering and forged a career in this dynamic discipline.

From three recent Genazzano graduates that have received Engineering Scholarships to Monash University, to Alumnae that are studying and working locally in their chosen field, or overseas at prestigious multi-national engineering firms that are working to better our world, these capable young women are not deterred by the challenges of engineering, but rather motivated to succeed because of them.

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Genazzano graduates of 2016, Carla Matthews, Stephanie Zago and Samantha Pereira, were recipients of the Monash University Engineering Scholarship, alongside Marielle Salom (2015) who is currently undertaking a Civil Engineering/Commerce double degree also at Monash University. All young women agreed that it was the opportunity to rise to the challenge and step outside their comfort zones that attracted them to the exciting, dynamic and world-changing field of engineering.

They were also unanimous that the important value of self-confidence in their academic abilities that they obtained at Genazzano, through their passionate teachers, were driving forces behind their chosen career paths. Dedicated teachers from the Maths and Science Departments of Genazzano were named as being influential in the students’ love of STEM, which taught them most importantly to problem solve. These inspiring teachers gifted our students with the tools of self-confidence to find the answer, no matter how long it took.

Finding that, within themselves, they could discover the solution.

As Stephanie Zago describes, “I was pleased to have passionate teachers.

They made me realise that if I work through the difficulties, I can do anything.

A problem is only too hard if you don’t try. They inspired me to not be afraid of a challenge and to be passionate about something I love, despite the status quo.”

And that ‘status quo’ surrounding young women and their mathematical and scientific abilities is what we need, as a society, to alleviate. Indeed, how we approach the subjects of STEM is of dire importance for young women, especially those wanting a career in engineering.

In terms of the conviction STEM subjects bestow upon female students to feel empowered when entering the workforce with a skill set that is often deemed as more male orientated is not to be overlooked.

Confidence coupled with the ability to apply problem solving skills to life outside the College, and within careers that seek to benefit society, is a truly remarkable concoction. All Alumnae remarked that the instilling of a confidence in their abilities is something they have been able to apply across all units of Engineering.

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1 Genazzano Engineering Alumnae: Stephanie Zago, Carla Matthews & Marielle Salom.

2 Samantha Pereira, Carla Matthews & Stephanie Zago with Mr Michael Kuspira (Curriculum Leader: Science) & Prof George Simon (Dep. Dean Faculty of Engineering Monash).

3 Laura Cantwell (2007).

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When girls are pushed outside their comfort zone, true learning takes place.

As Mrs Carol Patterson (Genazzano Curriculum Leader: Mathematics) concurs, it is important that girls study Maths, as it is an expertise that crosses over into many disciplines and is a very employable skill.

“When girls are pushed outside their comfort zone, true learning takes place.

It is not until we get something wrong and wonder why that is, that we are finally learning a concept. It is important in the learning process that students take ownership of their own understanding”, says Mrs Patterson.

Our Alumnae were also keen to shatter the gender stereotypes surrounding engineering studies and focus on what they can achieve with their own unique proficiencies, without the typecasting associated in this male dominated profession. In relation to Monash University having an Engineering cohort that is made up of 75% male students, Carla Matthews asserted that she believed the gender dynamic of adding integral female perspectives to the mix was beneficial, saying she felt, “a sense of empowerment and confidence being a capable young woman in a course dominated by men.

I believe my abilities and contributions have been invaluable to group projects.”

Marielle Salom agrees. “At Genazzano it was instilled in me that women were just as deserving of successful careers as men. Women have a different outlook and fresh perspective on concepts and ideas. They are able to provide a diverse way of looking at something. Encouraging more women to choose Engineering will

allow them to not only build their own careers, but also to change the face of the industry.”

Genazzano Alumna, Laura Cantwell (2007), is one such women that has applied her love of applied sciences and technology to the world of engineering, working as a Structural Engineer at the prestigious multinational ARUP firm in London (a company founded by Ove Arup, the design engineer of the iconic Sydney Opera House).

“Whilst it is a male dominated profession, I have never approached it as something that would hinder or deter my career.

One of the attractions of working for ARUP is the company diversity, where they encourage female engineers to join. Though there are still more male engineers than female, I really enjoy the environment and culture. I think one of the reasons that engineering is still a ‘male dominated’ profession is that teenage girls do not continue studying STEM through to VCE and in the process eliminate the opportunity to study engineering straight out of school.

I would really encourage the students of Genazzano to continue with STEM subjects and keep their options open.

I didn’t know I wanted to be an engineer whilst I was at school, but now I couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather do!”

Not only is engineering, in all its many and varied forms, a tangible way for students to apply their appreciation and understanding of STEM into solutions for real-world problems, it also gives young women career options, as Laura explains.

“With a career in engineering the opportunities are endless. All of my engineering peers have taken very different paths, despite studying the same course.

In my type of engineering role, every day is different and every project has its challenges and problems to solve. You get to solve these with your fellow engineers,

architects, contractors, developers, building surveyors and other consultants, and at the end you have a tangible product that has a widespread use for the community.”

The realisation that this career path actually turns ‘talking into action’ was a driving force for our engineering Alumnae, with all citing a contribution to produce effective sustainable solutions to global issues to improve lives, make communities safer and have a direct positive impact, as key factors for pursuing engineering.

“I hope to contribute something meaningful and useful to society, whether it be constructing a bridge across the Yarra River or design a water system that helps those in developing countries have access to clean water”, states Stephanie Zago.

“This idea of being able to build, change and improve my physical surroundings excited me, and ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in Engineering.”

Our engineering Alumnae are unified in their passion for young women to pursue a career where they are encouraged to unlock their potential, break free from stereotypes and challenge themselves.

Engineering is constantly evolving; there is continuous research and problem solving into how to improve design, materials and technology which means there will always be a need for engineers to face the problems of the future. So for those brave young women who want to feel empowered in the workforce and part of a more inclusive and sustainable planet, then the horizon towards a career in engineering is looking bright. gennarr at i o n s

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Reflections In Unity We Serve: WW2 JULIANNE BARLOW COLLEGE ARCHIVIST

With the passing of over seven decades since the conclusion of World War Two, an interesting question was raised when thinking about our College theme for 2017. What types of war time work and service were undertaken by past students of Genazzano?

Many country girls helped the war effort by staying at home to manage farms and release men for active service. Mary Winter looked after her brother’s farm in Riverina. Betty Mackay (Kennelly, peer year 1936) recalls the variety of voluntary work that many undertook. The Catholic Welfare Organisation, Lonsdale Street, near St Francis’ church, was the centre of much activity. A canteen and social centre for servicemen was staffed on a regular roster, by many groups, including girls who were friends from their Genazzano days.

Betty was at the University of Melbourne in the first years of the War, and monitored some short-wave programs for the Department of Information from 1940-1941. The Germans he learnt from Mother Philomeena Beeck, fcJ, helped her in her task. After graduating, she worked for the Post Master General’s Department. One of her duties was translating correspondence to the Red Cross dealing with mail for P.O.W’s.

At the beginning of the War, Paula Clements (peer year 1934) was a member of a Red Cross transport group.

Volunteers were trained as emergency ambulance drivers in the event of Melbourne being bombed. In 1942, Paula joined the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service. When the American Navy was based in Melbourne, she was a courier/driver between the fleet radio unit and U.S Naval Headquarters in St Kilda Rd. Bernadette Smith (peer year 1933) worked in the Department of the Navy, Mercantile Movement Section (Victoria Barracks). Her sister, Patricia Nakouz, worked in the same section, responsible for the plotting of allied enemy shipping.

In 1942, Bernadette received her commission in the newly formed Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force.

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She worked as a Cypher Officer, at Laverton, and later at Bowen, Queensland.

Today, you can view Berna’s name on the Crown Girls board in the Wardell Building, down the corridor from the College Chapel.

Peg Appay (Madden, peer year 1935) and her sister Phyllis (peer year 1934) also worked as Cypher Officers for the Department of the Navy. Their tasks included the coding and de-coding of signals to and from ships, coast guards and naval stations in the region. All these women worked at centres of strategic information and carried a heavy responsibility never to breach security by speaking of their actual work.

While the “Madden Sisters”, as they were popularly known, worked together, the Hill sisters were widely separated. Hetty Davey (Hill, peer year 1921) worked as a secretary for the Department of Supply.

Carmen Hill (peer year 1924) joined the W.R.A.N.S and was stationed at Northern Queensland bases.

She rose to the rank of Second Officer and was involved with training and organisation. June Hill was in the first intake of the Australian Women’s Army Service and served in Melbourne in a variety of administrative positions.

Bernadette Smith (peer year 1933)

Gabrielle Cunningham (Hill, peer year 1929) was among the early group of nurses to leave Australia with the Royal Australian Army Nursing Service. While travelling to the U.K her ship suffered damage from mines wile off the coast of South Africa. They were in England at the time of the “Blitz” on London. After serving in the Middle East, Gabrielle returned to Australia in 1942.

Bernadine Pearson (peer year 1928) relates that family reasons prevented her from leaving Australia for Singapore, as an Army Nurse, at the outbreak of the war. She was able to join the R.A.A.N.S and served in Colombo, Borneo and Manila. At the end of the War years, she helped care for returning prisoners of the Japanese, at Bonegilla (Victoria).

I would like to thank these past students who shared their stories and experiences.

It was often remarked that loyalty, selfeffacement, unity in service, and devotion to duty – all qualities instilled by the fcJ Sisters during the girls’ time at Genazzano – stood them in good service during the uncertain years of 1939-1944.

Community News Alumnae Golf Day The Alumnae Golf Day was held at Greenacres Golf Club in Kew on Monday 15 May, 2017. After a delayed start due to heavy fog, the players enjoyed a lovely day of golf, with the course in great condition, followed by a delicious lunch.

We remembered the legacy that Lady Pat Connelly had left the Genazzano golf players, having represented the College on the Interschool Golf Committee for many years. In recognition of her endeavours on our behalf, the silver trophy we play for is named in her memory. We had photos from the last 14 years of golf days displayed, bringing back many memories, and we were pleased to have several past players join us for lunch.

Our winner this year was Jane Gorman, who played with us for the first time, and the runner up and past winner was Liz Cromwell. Longest drive was won

by Angela Lee, and nearest the pin, Leonie Silk.

CATHY GILBERT (1963)

Caritas Australia Women for the World

We would love to welcome new players to join us, and anyone interested can contact the Genazzano Development office via email: alumnae@genazzano.vic.edu.au or phone: 8862 1000.

The date for next year is Monday 14 May at Greenacres Golf Club, Kew.

Genazzano Alumnae from across the years were a strong presence at the third annual Caritas Australia Women for the World Lunch, an event that recognises and celebrates the extraordinary courage and enterprise of women across the globe. Alumnae included Sr Maryrose Dennehy fcJ, Catherine Murphy (staff), Marie Emmit (Outstanding Alumna 2004) and Kerry Stone (Outstanding Alumna 2008), as well as Shirley Gauci, Executive Officer, FCJ Education Board.

Kerry Stone’s daughter, Cate Boyd (mother of Grace, Year 7 and aunt of Anna, Year 6) is one of the organisers of this annual event to raise funds for Caritas Australia. The date the event is held in May is deliberately chosen close to Mothers’ Day, as we reflect on women around the world. This year’s speaker, Len Montiel from Cambodia, was inspirational in her sharing of stories about the Seedling of Hope Project supporting HIV/AIDs affected communities, particularly women and children.

KERRY STONE (1965) OUTSTANDING ALUMNA 2008

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Community News Alumnae Stories

Young Planner of the Year Brighid Sammon (2008) recently received the Victoria and Australian Young Planner of the Year Award for 2017, at the National Awards for Planning Excellence, presented by the Planning Institute of Australia at a ceremony in Sydney on May 3. The Awards recognise people and projects from around Australia for outstanding achievements in planning. The Young Planner of the Year Award recognises outstanding contribution or achievement by a young planner and Brighid was described by the jury of planners as displaying, “an exceptionally strong commitment to planning demonstrated through a proactive approach to advocacy, networking and public speaking. Her communications skills, initiative in the workplace and professionalism in private practice are very impressive, as is her understanding of strategic planning theory and processes together with limitless enthusiasm, intelligence and professional maturity.”

They went on to commend Brighid, stating that she has been involved in a number of high profile developments, and her ongoing voluntary work on these projects is commended.

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They concluded with a display of the strong support and testimonials from employers and client, who describe Brighid as, “bright, measured, determined, diligent and knowledgeable beyond her years, with a clear passion for planning and commitment to the profession is unsurpassed for someone relatively new to the profession”.

World Irish Dancing Champions Two alumnae, Meaghan A’Hearn (2015) and Mary Gilmour (2015), plus current Year 12 student Erin A’Hearn were members of a team that placed 6th at the World Irish Dancing Championships held in Dublin in April 2017. It was the first time the three girls had competed in the championships so it was exceptional to bring home World Medals! The team of eight represented the Cosgriff Irish Dancing School in Melbourne. One of their dancing teachers is current Genazzano mother, Maggie Gaffney. They competed in the World Senior Ladies Ceili competition.

All three girls have been dancing together since kindergarten and have enjoyed many successes at State and National level.

Erin has been four time Victorian Champion. The A’Hearn sisters also qualified to dance solo at the World Championships.

They have performed at numerous events such as The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, Reach Foundation Balls, Premier’s Gala Dinner, AAMI Park Rugby, The FINA World Swimming Championships at Rod Laver Arena, and the ACRATH concert at Genazzano (along with Niamh Gaffney, Year 11). It was wonderful to see the girls achieve their ultimate dancing dream, to win a World Medal!

I too had enjoyed team success at the World Championships in Galway in 1989 and it had always been my dream to take my family to Ireland.

JACINTA A’HEARN (RYAN, 1979)

Community News The Great Bake for the FCJ Missions JULIE CHAMBERLIN COORDINATOR: FRIENDS OF ROMANIA & THE PHILIPPINES

Each year since 1998, a group of women has gathered together to make and sell Christmas Cakes with the proceeds going to support the FCJ Missions in Romania and the Philippines.

Some of you know this and have supported this project in previous years.

Our group, The Friends of Romania, began soon after Sr Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ arrived in Romania with two other Sisters. It was not long before we heard about the poverty and deprivation of the people from nearly fifty years of communism.

We began by making small numbers of cakes of varying sizes and now we make around 4,000. Our profit in 2016 was $45,000 so we have turned in to a cottage industry! About ten years ago we were asked to support the Philippines as well. Both countries use their funds for tertiary scholarships for young people.

At any one time we have about eleven scholarship holders in Romania and thirty-six in the Philippines. Romania is in the EU so university fees are very high but in The Philippines it costs $550 for a student to go to university for a year.

At this stage we have 120 graduates and all are employed. Sr Ruth in Romania and Sr Paola in the Philippines both have rigorous selection procedures, as well as a Mentor Program to help the scholarship recipients stay on track with their course requirements.

Last year, one of our graduates, a social worker, was invited to speak at a Caritas Australia luncheon in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne. She told us her personal goal was to lift her family out of poverty. She has begun by paying the school fees for her younger brothers and sisters. This goes to show that every cake we sell helps others to gain an education!

Many people help with the packaging and gift wrapping, storage and delivery of the cakes. Each year, the women at the FCJ Learning and Development Centre in Manila make 1,000 bows for us to help with the gift wrapping.

Just recently, Sr Paola sent us ten aprons beautifully made by the women – the funds we send for these goods help those women to improve life for their families.

We will be sending out our order form in early September, and the closing date for orders is 15 September each year.

I look forward to hearing from you in support of The Great Bake for our tertiary scholarship program for the young people of Romania and the Philippines. You may contact me via: juliachamberlinmed@hotmail.com

As members of the Genazzano community, we are asking you to consider how you could support this project.

Some suggestions include: • Buy our cakes for family and friends • Introduce our cakes to your colleagues • Suggest our cakes as suitable for corporate gifts • Conduct a cake stall in your local community e.g. kinder, parish, school, sports club.

Our small group of cooks has grown to about sixty and we are supported by students from Genazzano, MLC and Xavier who complete their Community Service requirements with us.

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We Remember Sisters Margaret Mary & Mary Kennedy, fcJ SISTER FR ANCES KENNEDY, fcJ

Sister Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ Sr. Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ led a life that was rich and lived with enthusiasm.

She was baptised Ellen Margaret, was known as Peg to close family and friends, and was given Margaret Mary as her name in religious life. Margaret was born in 1927, one of three children of Irish parents, Thomas Kennedy and Elizabeth Collins, who had migrated to Australia in 1922. Her siblings were her brother Jim (who passed away in 1981) and her sister Mary FCJ (who passed away shortly after Margaret, on Easter Sunday).

In 1945, Margaret entered the FCJ novitiate at Genazzano and made her first Vows in the former Genazzano chapel on August 15, 1947. In the following month she sailed to England, where she spent some time in Broadstairs before going to Paris from January to August, 1948.

From Paris, she returned to Broadstairs, then in October 1948, she moved to Dublin for tertiary studies. She graduated in 1951 with an Honours Arts degree at the National University of Ireland.

Margaret returned to Australia in October 1952 and was missioned to Benalla where, from the commencement of 1953, she took up the responsibility of Boarders’ Mistress. She remained at Benalla for twenty years, in charge of the boarders until 1969, then as Headmistress and local Community leader until the end of 1972.

From 1973 – 1980, Margaret was regional leader for the FCJ Sisters in Australia, residing initially at Vaucluse in Richmond, and then at Langwarrin in 1978-9.

Having concluded her appointment as Regional leader, Margaret was missioned in 1980 to our FCJ community in Paris as local Community leader. From there she returned to Australia in 1982 to be Principal at Genazzano from 1983 to 1992. From Genazzano, Margaret moved to Europe to a project that placed her for almost a decade in Romania. In 2003 she returned to Australia and joined the community at Fairfield where she lived until her move last year to Moonbria Avenue.

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The ministry that Margaret took up in Benalla in 1953 in charge of the boarders was one of considerable responsibility.

Her duties, as well as caring for the boarders, included those of a member of teaching staff and much that she was called upon to do involved new learning and reflective judgement. She was just twenty-five when she began her care of the boarders there. She dedicated her time and attention tirelessly to their welfare and formation, giving extensive hours to supervision, to facilitation of recreational activity, to spiritual guidance and general encouragement.

In 1973, Margaret was missioned from Benalla to Richmond and in the following year was appointed as Regional Superior of our FCJ Sisters in Australia, a role which she carried out until 1980.

During her time as Regional Superior, she played a key role in establishing a Frontier Group at Langwarrin as part of the Archdiocesan education provision.

She was also involved in a number of Catholic Education working groups and represented the major superiors of Religious orders in several spheres.

During this time, St. Raphael’s Nursing Home was built within the school grounds for the care of the older FCJ Sisters.

Margaret’s next appointment as local community leader in Paris, from 19801982, was a new challenge. In a foreign country, in a group made up of several nationalities and languages, her many talents were called upon for the building of community. Since this was the house in which our Foundress, Marie Madeleine D’Houet had died, Margaret learned much about Marie Madeleine and enjoyed all the new aspects of her story which were becoming a greater focus of FCJ attention at that time.

Margaret returned to Australia in 1982 and from 1983 to 1992 was Principal at Genazzano FCJ College. She brought to the task her tireless energy, her faith and humour, her strong belief in the transforming power of education and her vision for an FCJ Catholic School.

The College Board was established and involvement of the wider school

community into numerous facets of College life was made possible through groups such as the Social Awareness Committee, the Parents Association, the Fathers Association, the Father Daughter Masses, the Hopetoun Hall General Council and Committee of Management, the Friends of the Boarders, the Rowing Club, the Saturday morning Sport program. Margaret also worked with energy to re-establish the Boarding School which had closed in 1980.

A particular pleasure for her was to be awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the 1994, listing in acknowledgement of her contribution to education.

Margaret had a great appreciation for all the support she was given by parents, staff, students and Alumnae to carry forward the vision she had for the College.

She was also strongly supported by her much-loved family and valued her contact with them.

At the end of her time as Principal at Genazzano, Margaret was asked to go to Europe where two of our Sisters had explored the possibility of establishing a mission to one of the Eastern European countries. They arrived at a recommendation to the General Superior that Romania be the place to settle.

Margaret took up residence there in 1994, initially alone in Bucharest living at the Archbishop’s house while two other Sisters went to Galatį. Margaret worked as a teacher of English at the Institute of Theology in Bucharest, and with some increase in community numbers she was appointed as local leader of the FCJ community.

On her return to Australia in 2003, and joining the Fairfield community, she was involved in parish activities: giving communion to the sick, assisting the sacristan, attending meetings, visiting the sick and aged. She also supported and delighted in the work being done

by Julie Chamberlin and the Friends of Romania and of the Philippines which raises funds to support the various works of the Society in those countries.

At the time of her sudden death, Margaret was enjoying her holiday with a group of our Sisters at Sorrento. Our Sisters have been very moved and appreciative of the many reflections shared with us of the life and qualities of this remarkable and gifted woman.

Sister Mary Kennedy, fcJ Mary Elizabeth Kennedy, sister of Sr. Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ was born on May 28 in 1931. In 1949 Mary answered God’s invitation to become a Faithful Companion of Jesus and made her first vows on the September 8 in 1951, renewed them in 1954 and made her final vows on the same date in 1957.

Mary did her Teacher Training in 1952 and was sent to Sacred Heart Primary School in Kew the following year. During the next few years Mary taught at St Ignatius Richmond until she was missioned to teach Year 9 at Genazzano, followed by two years with the Sisters in Fitchburg, Massachusetts USA. On her return to Australia and her studies at Melbourne University, Mary was appointed Principal at Stella Maris Convent Frankston until it amalgamated with Marianist Regional College and became John Paul College.

In 1977 Mary had the opportunity to join with some FCJ Sisters from around the world to have a year of Spirituality and Renewal and make a pilgrimage to France where the Foundress of the Society lived and worked. It was in 1980 that Mary had the opportunity to study the History of Spirituality and Adult Education in Faith at Fordham University. On her return to Australia Mary was appointed to the staff of the Assumption Institute which had been established for the Australian Sisters who had worked so hard in the remote areas of our vast land.

Mary treasured the memories of this time.

When the Institute closed Mary joined the staff of the Catholic Education Office.

Monsignor Tom Doyle recounted Mary and her contribution when he was the Director of the Catholic Education Office.

“Sister Mary Kennedy was a warm hearted, big vision woman of the Church.

She was proud to give witness as a competent and committed Sister, Faithful Companion of Jesus, in a group dedicated to the formation of lay men and women teachers and leaders with the Catholic Education Office of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. She saw and formed people to see their roles in catholic schools as a ministry of the Church.

She recognised the need for, and contributed to the development of a spirituality special to those roles as teachers, leaders and staff members in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council.

In this particular aspect of her own ecclesial ministry she was very conscious of the Presence of the Holy Spirit, realistic about the challenges, gentle, strong and with a sense of humour. She was also a very good listener and did not impose her views on other people.

A seeker after new insights and the faith she wished to share with others. She was a team player; she could disagree without being disagreeable and very respectful of other people’s opinions.

The Catholic Education Office was a much better agency of an evangelising Church because of her contribution.’

Mary died on Easter Sunday – what a wonderful day to die, on the day of our Lord’s resurrection. We need to remember that death is not an end in itself but rather a new beginning; a new beginning of life with God. Rest in peace, Sisters Margaret Mary and Mary Kennedy, fcJ.

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Community News We Remember

Margaret Rose Barnes

Margaret Little

William (Bill) Roberts

Grandmother to Olivia Barnes (Yr 9), Liz Barnes (2012) and Jackson Barnes (Xavier, 2015).

Mother of Janet Considine (staff).

Husband of Frances. Father of Anna (2015)

William (Bill) Roberts died peacefully on Thursday 18 May 2017. Wife of Concetta (1961), father of Fiorina Roberts (1986), Leah Smythe (1988) and Joanne Roberts (1991).

Roberta (Hoddle) Naughton

Jack Stanbrook (2014, Whitefriars)

Mary Patricia (Pat) Bunting Wife of William (Bill). Mother of Doe, Annie (1986) and Alexandra Draytron (1990).

Deeb El-Hage Deeb El-Hage passed away peacefully on 13 January at the Olivia Newton-John Wellness & Research Centre. Deeb is survived by his wife Violette and children George, Charles, Lila McInerney (staff), Laurice, Rena and Tina.

Ann Godal (Hayden, 1960) Died tragically on 26 May 2017 whilst on holiday in Mourex, France. Wife of Tore, sister of Mary (dec), Pauline, Margaret and Louise and daughter of Margaret Hayden(dec), all alumnae.

Terence McMeel

Mother of Julie Lawrence (1965) and Robyn Chamberlain (1967). Sister-in-law of Nancy Reis.

Gerard O’Keefe Husband of Joan (O’Loughlin, 1955).

Lila Peters Wife of Victor. Mother of Mark, Paula Maria and Michelle.

Gerard Francis Petrie, OAM

Mother of Susan, Rosemary and Ann. Sister-in-law of Mary Hiscock.

Loved husband of Marie. Brother of Kathleen and Tom (dec). Loved and loving father of Michael and Donna, Bernadette and Phil, Christopher and Jackie, Julian and Anne, Gabrielle and Christopher and Matthew. Fun loving Grandpa to 18 and Great Grandpa to 11.

Sr Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ

Fr Peter SJ Quin

Yvonne Hiscock

Ellen Margaret (Sr Margaret Mary, fcJ).

Much loved and highly respected member of the Moonbria Ave, Kew Community of the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus, died suddenly on March 13 2017 in her 70th year of her religious profession.

Sr Mary Elizabeth Kennedy, fcJ Much loved and loving member of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, died peacefully at the Mary MacKillop Aged Care facility on Easter Sunday, 16 April in the 66th year of religious profession.

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Uncle of Gabrielle Quin (staff).

Kerry Quin (Delahunty, 1966) Wife of David Quin. Mother of Virginia McInerney, Suzanne Keogh, Michaela Ryan and Madeleine Keogh.

Margaret Mary (Peg) Redmond (Page, 1940) Wife of Adrian (dec). Mother of Anne (dec), Catherine (dec), Mary (dec), Mary Elizabeth (dec), Denis, Timothy and Sally.

Andrew Renney Father of Georgia (Yr 12), Emilia (2012) and Kate (2015).

Passed away suddenly on Saturday 27 May 2017. Son to Virginia (Savage, 1979) and Mark. Brother to Millie and Tom. Christopher John Straford Husband of Anna Clancy (staff and Alumnae, 1987), son-in-law of William and Catherine Clancy, brother-in-law of Elizabeth Clancy (1993), Fiona Gledden (1992) and Sarah Wilson (1995).

Sr Peter Wilson, fcJ Died peacefully at St Catherine’s Aged Care Facility in the 63rd year of her religious profession. Sr Peter was a loved member of the Kew FCJ community and previously of the Shepparton FCJ community. She was a woman of great faith, of compassion and of hospitality.

May she rest in peace.

Mildred Patricia Woodward Loved wife of George (dec). Loved Mum of Jayne and Cathie. Mother-in-law of Rob and Steve. Loved Mama of Robert (dec), Celia, Laura, Nicholas, Stephanie, Madeleine, Phillip and Hannah.

Leszek Zembrzuski Grandfather of Natalie (Yr 9) and Katherine (Yr 5) Montagner.

Community News Births 1

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1. Lucas Steven Antolovich born 26 July 2016. Son to Steven and Jessica Antolovich (Tumino, 2002).

2. Madeline Gweneth Bastian born 16 February 2017. Daughter to Eweline and Brett Bastian (Staff).

3. Angus Cameron Doueal born 5 September 2016. Son to Cameron Doueal and Lucy Chisholm (2001).

4. James Brian Kane born 17 February 2017. Son to Russell and Alanna Kane (Constantinou, 2002).

5. Oscar Campbell born 14 February 2017. Son to Ryan Buckingham and Veronica Kirwan (2008).

6. Lucy Sylvia Spear born 31 December 2016. Sister to Grace (ELC4), daughter to Bill Spear and Bridget Barnes (2004 & former Staff).

8. Fletcher Harper Vaughan born 28 March 2017. Son to Simon and Shea Vaughan (Harper, 2001).

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9. Sophie Pauline Milly Visedo born 24 February 2017. Sister to Alexander and Xavier (ELC3), daughter to Arthur and Nicole Visedo (Galt, 1997).

7. Sophie Rita Sturrock born 12 July 2016. Daughter to Joseph and Stephanie Sturrock (Beltrame, 1995), granddaughter to Colleen Sturrock (Delahunty, 1964), great niece to Kerry Quin (Delahunty, 1966, dec) and Lurlene Salmon (Delahunty, 1969). gennarr at i o n s

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Community News Weddings

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1. Laura Agosta (2002) married Alexandre Broque on 10 September 2016 at the Xavier College Chapel. The ceremony was officiated

by Father Franco Cavarra with reception held at The Georgian Room, Brighton.

2. Jessica Lane (staff), married Andrew Pinto on 12 March 2017 at St Ignatius Church, Richmond.

3. Susie MacNamara (2000) married Glenn Ellingworth on 18 March 2017 at the Mercantile Rowing Club on the banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne.

4. Rebecca McNamara (staff) married Justin on 11 March 2017 in the Royal Botancial Gardens, Melbourne.

5. Georgina Rowlands (2005) married Patrick Cain on 5 May 2017 at The Abbotsford Convent. Bridesmaids: Whitney Drough (2005), Kate Barnes (2005), Nina Whaley (Rowlands, 2002), Whitney Cameron (2005) and Marlee Banfield.

6. Angela Ryan (2006) married Brendan Niklason (of Virginia, USA) on 1 January 2017 at Our Lady of Victories in Camberwell. Angela was attended by maid of honour Jacinta Ryan (Genazzano College Co-Dux 2016) and Madeleine Ryan.

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7. Madeleine Simpson (2002) married Nick Holden on 4 March 2017 at Saint Carthage’s Church with reception at Zinc Fed Square, Melbourne. Bridesmaids: Julia Di Santo (2002), Clare Santamaria (2002), Katherine Kidd (2001), Georgina Spring (Simpson, 1997) and Amy Cochrane (MLC 2000).

8. Sarah Tamburrini (2002) married Chris Russell on 16 February 2017 in Koh Samui, Thailand.

9. Edwina Tobin (2007) married Mark Rodgers on 3 October 2015, the same day as her parents 40th wedding anniversary at St Peter’s Church in Daylesford, followed by a reception at Sault. Edwina was attended

by Gen alumnae, Amelia McKie (Tobin, 2000) and Margui-Ros-Paulo (2007).

10. Lauren Wilton (2004) married Mark Baldasso on 22 April 2017 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Deepdene.

Her maid of honour was school friend Amanda Farrell (2004).

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Community News Reunions

The class of 2007 met on a Friday night in April at pizza-pub HOLY MOLY on Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. There were approximately 80 girls from the class in attendance, as well as former Genazzano teacher, Mr Peter Rubira. Most of the girls attending opted for a tour of the school and were amazed at seeing all that had changed and developed since we left the school grounds over 10 years ago.

It was a fantastic evening which allowed our tight-knit class year to catch up. The girls enjoyed watching our official Year 12 video on the screens and laughing about old times.

SOPHIE McGR ATH & NICOL A DANIEL

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Class of 2007 10 Year Reunion

CLASS OF 2007

Class of 1997 20 Year Reunion

CLASS OF 1997

Class of 1987 30 Year Reunion

CLASS OF 1987

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Community News Reunions

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Class of 1957 60 Year Reunion

CLASS OF 1957

Brisbane Reunion

BRISBANE

The Genazzano reunion was held at the Sofitel Brisbane on Wednesday 10 May, 2017. We welcomed Sr. Maryrose Dennehy who reconnected with school friends and women she had taught among our group. There were 18 ladies in attendance. Barbara Tracey travelled from Bundaberg, Pat Summers from Yamba, while three others came up from the Gold Coast.

We were a happy and talkative group and we were delighted to have the daughters of Jenny O’Brien and Jan Menadue present.

Their late mothers always supported the luncheon and it was a joy for us to have them continue the tradition.

Our luncheon is on the second Wednesday of May each year and contact person is Jude Anderson. Details are available through the Development Office.

JUDITH ANDERSON (L ARKING, 1960)

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Genazzano Mothers’ Association JACQUI PIRONE GMA PRESIDENT

The Genazzano Mothers’ Association (GMA) recognises and values the role that parents, carers and families play in the education of their children and aims to strengthen the partnership and unity between family, the College and the wider community in order to serve and benefit each child’s overall development and learning.

The GMA invites all Genazzano parents and carers to be involved in its activities, including year level functions, welcome morning teas, the Ladies Luncheon, the Mother’s Day Mass and Supper, the Mother’s Day Stall, the annual Fundraiser Ball and so much more. Your involvement, big or small, gives parents the opportunity to get to know other parents of all year levels, and with our daughters and sons benefiting.

The GMA hosts morning teas at the start of each school year, which provides a lovely opportunity for new parents to engage with the Genazzano parent community and retuning parents to catch up with friends.

Each year, the GMA together with the Genazzano Fathers’ Association, play an important role in assisting with the annual Genazzano College event, ‘Gen Welcomes’. Individually and in unity, these associations reach out to all associated with Genazzano to build a friendly and welcoming community which seeks to involve all parents.

Both associations also serve to raise funds to provide resources and opportunities for enriching the learning environment of the College. The GMA also assists the FCJ Sisters by providing funds raised from events, such as the GMA Ladies luncheon, to aid the Sisters with their various charity work.

The biggest fundraising event on the GMA calendar is by far the Annual Fundraising Ball. It is always a much anticipated, elegant and fun evening. This year it will be held at the beautiful Park Hyatt with all proceeds to support the building works in accordance with the Genazzano FCJ College’s 10 year Master Plan.

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The GMA has helped numerous families on an anonymous basis through our Care Group. Our wonderful volunteers come together to assist families who find themselves in difficult situations. They can support families over several weeks with meals, transport, cleaning, shopping and financial assistance.

This is a beautiful example of our parent community working together to serve others in need.

I feel blessed and humbled to be the President of such a wonderful and caring parent community in which there is a real sense of inclusivity and community spirit.

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g en az za no f c j col l eg e

Genazzano Fathers’ Association BRUCE MACISA AC GFA PRESIDENT

No one told me how much fun it was going to be heading up the Genazzano Fathers’ Association this year, nor how much work, as we organise many fantastic events for the College, the fathers and the girls. In fact, Genazzano is known for having one of the most active Fathers’ Associations in Melbourne, which is not a surprise as I’ve found Gen Dads have a very special relationship with their daughters. In fact, this is the role of the GFA, to foster this special relationship for the benefit of both the girls and their fathers, to support healthy families and successful individuals. We are fortunate as a group of involved men who pull together to provide a space within the Genazzano community for fathers to meet and socialise so that they can share their experiences, wisdom, stories, tears and laughter.

Our year started with the Welcome BBQ held in February, welcoming everyone back from their summer holidays and to reengage them with the College. We have also held two very successful Father/ Daughter Masses and our first Father/ Daughter Camp of the year was for Years 5 & 6, held in June at Mt Eliza. This will be followed in the second half of the year with camps for Year 7 and another for Year 8.

We also held the ELC Year 4 Pizza Party which was very well attended and included a jumping castle, face painting, music, magic, coffee cart and of course, pizza!

Our Father/Daughter Bowling and Laser Tag event for Years 7 & 8 was held in May and was booked out early because the girls love laser tag, the Dads are partial to bowling and both like party food. In the second half of this year we have the same event to come for Years 5, 6 and 9, so if your daughter is in these year levels, please consider coming along.

We also like to support the College in its events and have participated in Gen Welcomes, Open Day, Timor Leste Film Night and Talking Careers evening. We will complete our duties in the second half of the year by providing a BBQ at the Twilight Carols, which is fun way to end the school year.

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We also raise funds for the College through our Annual Football Lunch, which in turn allows us to organise many free events. These College events provide a focus for parents and children to participate at the College, beyond the final bell, which generates a sense of togetherness and belonging. There is nothing like sharing meal to create a sense of unity and that’s why we love to cook so much!

It is this sense of belonging that is ever present at the College, and a gift that the girls carry forward; something from which they can draw strength to overcome obstacles on their life’s journey. It is a fondness of memory and that’s why we serve the girls and the community by holding events to ensure there is an opportunity for fathers and daughters to share time now, so that they can share memories in the future.

It was at the Alumnae Mass where I observed Sister Maryrose handing out seats to late comers after all the pews were full. She didn’t scold them for being late, but smiled and gave them each a seat from the stack, one after the other.

I thought it was a bit strange that the mentor of the College, the most respected one, the eldest and most loved would be handing out seats to men and women half her age, who were late.

I watched her for a little while before I realised what she was doing – she was serving others. So I got up and started to help her and in that moment I finally understood what Genazzano was all about – serving others – not thinking about it but doing it. Forgetting about ‘me’ and getting involved in a community of service.

All of our events are organised by volunteers working within an event team headed up by an Event Coordinator.

These groups are organised by our three Vice Presidents: Lu Italiano, Peter Grounds and Nick Psyhogios, who sit on the GFA Executive. Together with our Treasurer, Simon Hourigan; Secretary, Paul White; and Immediate Past President, Rob Bischof. They are all amazing guys because without them we couldn’t do all our work, hold these events and develop those fond memories.

Our motto is to love, laugh and make a difference for our children and we would love you to get involved this year.

2017 Upcoming Events Alumnae Events The remaining reunions will be held in 2017; •5 Year Reunion – Class of 2012 Friday 13 October Genazzano FCJ College • 25 Year Reunion – Class of 1992 Saturday 5 August Meave Fox, Richmond • 40 Year Reunion – Class of 1977 Sunday 1 October 2pm-6pm Hotel Brighton, Upstairs Cathryn Broadhurst (Denny) 0409 003 060 or cathryncbroadhurst@gmail.com • One Year Reunion – Class of 2016 Friday 1 December Invitations to the above reunions will be emailed. To ensure you receive an invitation, please update your contact

details by visiting the website www. genazzano.vic.edu.au under Our Community/Genazzano Alumnae Association/Update your details OUTSTANDING ALUMNAE AWARDS EVENING

Wednesday 30 August 6.00pm – refreshments 7.00pm – presentation Madeleine Centre for Music and the Performing Arts MEMORIAL MASS

Sunday 12 November 10.00am – Mass in the College Chapel 11.30am – Light luncheon in the Furlan Hall GLS BREAKFAST

The GLS committee have decided to rest the GLS Breakfast in 2017, with a view

to staging a combined schools event in 2018. We thank the alumnae for their attendance over the past 14 years, and welcome suggestions for the future.

Alumnae Directories Genazzano has set up three Alumnae Directories to help connect our community further. These directories include, Babysitting, Tutoring and Business. If you would like to be featured in any of the Alumnae Directories, please fill out one or more on the website. www.genazzano.vic.edu.au/ourcommunity/genazzano-alumnaeassociation/alumnae-directories If you have any queries relating to the directories, you can contact the College Development Office – 8862 1000.

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Genazzano FCJ College 301 Cotham Road Kew VIC 3101 Telephone +61 3 8862 1000 development@genazzano.vic.edu.au genazzano.vic.edu.au

CRICOS Provider Number: 03298G