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MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As I read the annual report in preparation for writing this message, I reflected on what a great year it has been at Korowa in my first full year here as Principal. I have had the opportunity to experience the full cycle of everything that is wonderful about Korowa, to meet so many families, get to know our students, hear stories from Korovians at reunions and work closely with our hardworking and dedicated staff in providing an outstanding educational experience.

Much of this year was spent reviewing current operations and together with staff and the School Council, we developed Korowa’s Strategic Direction for 2024 and beyond. This process included a great deal of consultation to ensure that we not only honour our 134 years of history but also deliver an education that meets the needs of young people today and into the future.

It was interesting that during these discussions around the past, and our future plans, that we all agreed that Korowa’s motto, Palma Non Sine Pulvere - no reward without effort, is still as relevant today as it was in 1908 when it was first introduced. It is not about perfection but about effort and perseverance.

The Class of 2023 was yet another extraordinary cohort in Korowa’s history, achieving outstanding academic results in their VCE. Well prepared for their futures, our students have moved into more varied fields of study than previous years which is always wonderful to hear. I look forward to following their journeys in the months and years to come.

A highlight of the year was the introduction of the F1 in Schools Program. A global competition that offers students an engaging and exciting way to get involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths). The challenge requires teams to design, test and create miniature F1 cars capable of reaching speeds of up to 80km/hr. By working together, students learn to deploy CAD/CAM software to design, analyse, manufacture, test and ultimately race their compressed air powered F1 model block cars. It is the world’s most competitive STEM competition, involving over 17,000 schools in 44 countries worldwide.

In our first year we achieved incredible success with our Year 10 team, Hypernova, taking out the Victorian State Championship in the Senior Professional Class and competing in Nationals in March 2024. Our Year 9 team, Undescpacito, received the ‘Best Managed Enterprise’ award in their category, and subsequently received a Wild Card entry into Nationals in March 2024. We also congratulate our Year 8 team, Astronomica, for their entry into the State competition.

It was a wonderful year for our Performing Arts with the Senior School production of Mamma Mia! and Junior School production of Annie JR! Both were truly sensational. The Gala Concert, Autumn Jazz and an array of musical soirees, were all wonderful performance opportunities for our students to showcase their musicality. Our Senior School Art Show was as impressive as always and for the first time we held a Junior School Art Exhibition showcasing work from ELC to Year 6. The work was so imaginative and I was so impressed by the talents of our students.

There was also much success in Sport. However, it is not always about winning or losing but about participating. Being part of a team, whether it is a sporting team or a choir, band, House event or club, provides the opportunity to build connections and friendships across the school, and it is this that makes our community so special.

Leading this school is an honour, and I express my gratitude to the Korowa community for their unwavering support. Our dedication remains steadfast in providing a vibrant, stimulating, and forward-thinking learning curriculum. We encourage our students to push beyond their boundaries, to strive for excellence, not perfection.

Frances Booth

PRINCIPAL

OUR COMMUNITY

Korowa is not just a school; it is a community that includes students, current parents, dedicated staff, valued alumni (Korovians), former parents, School Council members, Foundation supporters, Friends of Korowa, volunteers, and generous donors—all contributing to the unique spirit that defines us.

We welcome families from all walks of life, embracing cultural, socioeconomic and religious diversity. We encourage our community to get involved in a variety of events; reunions, concerts and information sessions, while actively supporting students’ interests. We work hard to ensure people feel a sense of belonging, that they are connected and understand that they play a valuable part in our community.

Leading our community is the School Council, composed of passionate volunteers who oversee the School's operations and ensure it stays true to its objectives, as outlined in our Constitution. While focused on governance, the Council leaves operational matters to the capable hands of our staff.

Total Numbers in our Community

1347 STUDENTS

768

CURRENT PARENTS

Our Staff

146

11,585 STAFF (FULL AND PART TIME)

ALUMNI

A total of 110 staff (67 teaching staff and 43 general staff) participated in the Staff Satisfaction Survey in 2023 from an estimated population of 138. The response to the question - I am happy to recommend the school to people scored 7.95.

Total Staff 146

OUR STUDENTS

At Korowa, we understand and celebrate the individuality of each student, recognising their distinct identities, strengths, passions and needs. Our commitment is to provide them with a holistic education, encompassing the ideal learning environment, ensuring a safe and engaging school atmosphere, and offering a dynamic co-curricular program that fosters exploration and community involvement. We empower every student to discover their voice, forge their path in the world and realise their fullest potential as individuals.

Embracing diversity is at the heart of our community ethos. We celebrate and support the unique attributes of our students, valuing the richness contributed by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our students come from over 15 countries and speak more than 19 languages at home, reinforcing the multicultural nature of our school. Adding to this diversity is the fact that our students journey to Korowa from 60 different Melbourne postcodes, demonstrating the widespread reach and influence of our educational community.

Moreover, it is interesting to note that 26.52% of our current students have a prior connection to Korowa, demonstrating the enduring impact and legacy of our school on generations of learners.

Student Attendance

With 768 students attending Korowa from ELC to Year 12, the task of accurately tracking attendance is the responsibility of our teaching staff in the school attendance management system, Synergetic.

In the Junior School, attendance is marked at the start of each day and again after lunchtime. Should a student be absent without prior notification, measures are taken; parents or guardians are promptly contacted to ascertain the reason for the student's absence.

In the Senior School, attendance is recorded for every lesson throughout the day. If a student misses their first two periods without explanation, parents/guardians are contacted.

Subsequent absences are handled on an individual basis, considering unique circumstances.

For late arrivals or early departures, Junior School students sign in or out at the Junior School Reception, while Senior School students do so at Student Services. Prior notification from parents/guardians is required for early departures, or alternatively, parents/guardians can accompany their child during the sign-out process. In cases of illness, the School Nurse evaluates the student's health to determine whether they need to be collected from school by a parent or guardian.

Persistent absenteeism or tardiness is addressed with supportive interventions outlined in the Korowa Student Behaviour Management Policy, ensuring students and families receive the necessary guidance and support.

2023 Attendance Rates

COMMUNITY SATISFACTION

This year Korowa participated in the LEAD School Effectiveness Surveys through Independent Schools Victoria. It is the first time we have surveyed our community - students, parents and staff extensively since 2019. It is important to note that this survey follows several years of change and disruption with Covid and three Principals since 2021.

Survey respondents were asked to evaluate the extent to which they believe effective school practices are apparent across the school. Questions follow an 11-point satisfaction scale where 0 = complete disagreement and 10 = complete agreement with the statement. Data was measured against independent Schools Victoria (ISV) benchmark mean and against schools statistically similar to Korowa.

The purpose of the survey was to better understand our school community and identify strengths and areas of opportunity. This data is valuable as it provides clear feedback from our community which will guide us as we make decisions and plan for the future.

Parent Satisfaction

A total of 281 parents completed the Parent Satisfaction Survey in 2023 from an estimated population of 758. The response to the question - Overall, I am satisfied with my decision to send my child to this school was 7.98, which was above 2014 and marginally below the 2017 survey results. As illustrated in the graph below, Korowa has continued to perform consistently and when looking across the various areas of the School, all areas score equal or above the 2014 results. There are no significant drops in performance, and we have improvement in academic program and resources.

Parent Satisfaction by Domain

Student Satisfaction

A total of 332 students participated in the Student Satisfaction Survey in 2023 from an estimated population of 528. The response to the question - I am happy to be at this school was 8.18, which was significantly higher than the ISV Mean of 6.91. The graph below shows student satisfaction by domain and in comparison to the ISV Mean. Overall students are satisfied, in particular with the academic program, resources, and school ethos/values.

Student Satisfaction by

Academic RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Senior School

Year 7 and 8 da Vinci Decathlons

• Year 7 came 3rd in the English paper, Year 8 came 2nd in the English paper and 3rd overall in the State Competition.

• The Year 8 team was the top girls’ school team. Year 9 and 10 da Vinci Decathlons

Results for Year 9:

• Art & Poetry: 6th

• Cartography: 7th

• Creative Producers: 2nd

• Engineering: 18th

• English: 5th

• Science: 13th

• Mathematics: 8th

• Ideation: 8th

• Legacy: 3rd

• Code Breaking: 16th

• Overall: 5th (out of 23 teams – only boys’ schools in the top 3)

Inter-School EAL Speech Competition

• Six schools (14 speakers) participated in the third annual competition held in the Amy Tennent Theatre. This was the largest number of schools to date. Korowa had three students deliver speeches. Lilian in Year 10 was placed 3rd and Samantha in Year 10 received a special commendation.

Debating

• Chantelle (Year 8), Zara (Year 7), Elsa (Year 8), Audrey (Year 9) and Alice (Year 9) represented Korowa in the DAV Women's Competition.

• C Grade (Year 10) debaters finished their DAV (Debaters' Association of Victoria) season undefeated. They competed against Tintern in the first round of the DAV State Finals. Adya, Audrey, Emily, Nevani and Sayuni won their debate convincingly, with Audrey awarded Best Speaker.

• Audrey and Alice made the Victorian state squad for National Debating earlier this year. Alice has been selected for the Victorian team which is an incredible achievement.

• Year 11 students competed in a DAV State Final at Northcote High School in a challenging hidden topic playoff against Preston High School. They won by three points and two of our students (Jacqueline and Debra) received Best Speaker awards.

STEM

• Four students in Years 10 and 11 applied to connect with female Changemakers in Science through the Bionics Institute. Empowering our students to pursue a career in STEM will bring Korowa to the forefront of combatting gender inequality in this field.

Monash Scholars Program

• Three Year 10 students; Sophia, Nevani and Emily were offered a place in the Monash Scholars 2023-2025 program.

ANU Tuckwell Scholarship

• Molly Lassen, Co-School Captain 2023, was a recipient of the ANU Tuckwell Scholarship.

German

• Zara, Vyshi and Shiqi competed in the 30th Annual Association of German Teachers of Victoria Goethe Poetry Competition.

The prize winners were:

• Year 8 Deutsch als Fremdsprache: Zara (1st Prize)

• Year 9 Deutsch als Fremdsprache: Vyshi (5th Prize)

• Shiqi also participated in Year 7 Deutsch als Fremdsprache

Speech and Drama

• Milly, Amyra, Shi Shi, Sara, Adya and Sayuni competed in the SDTAV Performance Festival at Loreto.

Media

• Year 12 student, Yan Zi (Rosey) Feng, won the Year 12 Award in Arts Learning Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) Student Film Festival, for her film, The Banana In Me.

Write a book in a day

• Year 10 Team, theSaurus, received the Commended Award for Best Book in the Upper School VIC/SA/ TAS division in the Write a Book in a Day competition. Congratulations to team members Starla, Sayuni, Eliza, Miyuna, Alice, Apple, Nevani, Adya and Natalie for their outstanding efforts.

Kwong Lee Dow Scholar

• Alice, Year 10, earned a spot in the prestigious University of Melbourne Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program.

French

• Annabel and Sophie received State awards for their French poetry competition ‘Berthe Mouchette’. Annabel, Year 10 received an honourable award ‘mention speciale du jury’ and Sophie, Year 8 received 3rd prize in her year level.

Junior School

Year 5 and 6 da Vinci Decathlons

• Year 5 placed 4th

• 1st place in Art and Poetry

• 3rd place Science

• 2nd place Mathematics

• 2nd place Legacy

• Year 6 Overall 3rd place (awarded medals)

• 3rd place in Art and Poetry

• 2nd place Cartography

• 1st place Engineering

• 3rd place English

• 2nd place Ideation

• 3rd place Legacy

French Poetry competition

• Our Year 5 students achieved impressive results in the French Poetry competition – 1st Sophie (Year 4), 2nd Annabelle (Year 5) and Emily (Year 5) 3rd place. Our Year 6 students also placed in the top three with Evelyn 1st, Mahya 2nd and 3rd Coco.

Spelling Bee competition

• Korowa achieved excellent results in the Spelling Bee Competition with Hannah Year 3 scoring 27/30 in a time of 3:49 in the Year 3-4 Division. In the Year 5-6 Division, Evelyn advanced to the State finals and scored 29/30 in a time of 2:33.

Chess Victorian Schools Primary Open

• Year 5 Rita placed 54th in the State out of 100 competitors.

Debating

• Six students participated in Interschool Debating with Solway Primary School. Korowa drew with Solway in this competition.

• 187 private lesson enrolments

• 253 students enrolled in co-curricular ensembles (not including classroom programs such as Years 3-6 singing, Mini Singers, Year 6 Band or Year 7 and 8 Classroom Ensembles).

AMEB 2023

• Seven students received an A+ (High Distinction) from Grade 8 and lower

• 11 students received an A (Honours)

• Hannah, Year 10 – Associate in Music, Australia (AMusA) – Clarinet

• Natalie, Year 10 - Associate in Music, Australia (AMusA) –Violin

• Chloe, Year 9 - Associate in Music, Australia (AMusA) –Violin

• Mandy, Year 10 - Associate in Music, Australia (AMusA) –Piano

• Emily, Year 10 - Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) - Distinction – (highest award) for Level 4

• There were 81 solos or small group performances as part of the Korowa Performs Concert Series and Music Soirees throughout the year.

• Major events included House Chorals, the Principal’s Commissioning, Autumn Jazz, Winter Showcase, the Senior Musical – Mamma Mia!, the Junior School Musical – Annie JR., Gala Concert, Concerto Concert, House Arts, Music Celebration Evening and Speech Nights.

Service

Students participated in the following competitions and interschool events:

• Generations in Jazz, Mount Gambier: Stage Band, Vocal Ensemble

• 2023 Combined Schools Orchestra: six Korowa students participated

• Victorian School Music Festival (Awards are only presented for Senior School divisions):

• Chamber Strings (Senior String Orchestra) – Gold Award

• Years 7-8 Koristers (Junior Secondary Choir) – Gold Award

• Years 7 and 8 Classroom Choir (Junior Secondary Choir) – Platinum Award

• Vocal Ensemble (Open Secondary Choir) – Gold Award

• Stage Band (Intermediate Jazz Ensemble) – Silver Award

• Wind Symphony (Advanced Concert Band) – Silver Award

• Junior School Concert Band (Novice Concert Band)

• Year 6 Band (Beginner Concert Band)

Service played a significant role in the life of the School in 2023. Collaborating closely with the Social Service Captains from both the Senior and Junior Schools, numerous events were organised. Korowa continued its commitment to sponsoring four Australian children through The Smith Family, extending its support to the Malvern Emergency Food Bank Program, Anglicare and fundraising for our sister school in Bangladesh via the Fred Hyde organisation.

The Senior School students upheld a cherished tradition by exchanging letters and crafting friendship bands for our pen pals in a school in Timor Liste. Among these initiatives were also familiar favourites and fresh endeavours, including collaborations with organisations like Pinchapoo and Share the Dignity, which cater to young women and families seeking refuge from domestic violence, often lacking access to essential items such as sanitary products and basic hygiene essentials like shampoo.

Providing avenues for our community to engage in fundraising serves a dual purpose – not only do we gain insights into areas that may not typically be on our radar, but we are also reminded of our interconnectedness and our capacity to offer tangible support to those in need. It fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose within our community. We are particularly proud of how our community, including students and families, wholeheartedly embraces the ethos of service to others.

Sport

• Samantha, Year 11 was selected in the Australian Under 17 Indoor Cricket Team winning the World Cup.

• Natalia and Molly won Head of the Schoolgirls and State Championship Gold in the Year 9 Division 1 Double Scull.

• Three teams qualified for GSV Finals: Junior Tennis (Term 1), Intermediate Hockey (Term 2) and Senior Volleyball (Term 3).

• 19 students were selected for the GSV Swimming and Diving Finals evening with three students receiving medals.

• 21 students were selected for GSV Track and Field Finals evening with four students receiving medals.

• Division 2 Junior Age Group Cross Country Team Champions.

• Andie, Year 11 was selected for the GSV Rep Swimming Team.

• Abbey, Year 11 was selected in the GSV Netball Representative Team.

• A Junior School student was the Australian Open Karate Kata Champion in her division.

Senior School Weekly and Carnival Sport

• 36 teams entered the weekly competitions across 10 different sporting codes.

• Swimming Division 2 Championship Carnival 54 Participants, 35 top 3s.

• Diving Division 2 Championship Carnival: 10 Participants, four top 3s.

• Cross Country Division 2 Championship Carnival: 26 Participants, four top 3s.

• Track & Field Division 2 Championship Carnival: 64 Participants, 49 top 3s.

Junior School Carnival Sport

• SSV District Swimming, 26 students participated, Korowa ranked 6th.

• SSV Division Cross Country, two students went through to Regionals (top 15).

• One student placed 1st in the SSV Division Swimming.

• SSV District Athletics, 40 students participated and Korowa was ranked 7th.

• Korowa Netball Club

• Autumn Season: 203 participants in 24 teams, seven teams made it to the finals.

• Winners: 8B Flames. Runners Up: 6A Storm, 8A Waves, 9A Hurricanes, 12 Meteors.

• Spring Season: 213 participants in 23 teams, eight teams made finals.

• Winners: Runners Up: 6A Storm, 8A Waves.

Korowa Snowsports Club

• 31 students were involved in the Korowa Race Weekend held at Mt Buller in July 2023.

• 18 skiers and four snowboarders entered 22 events at the Victorian Interschool Snowsport Championships in August at Mt Buller.

• Eight Students qualified for the cancelled National Interschool Snowsport Championships due to be held at Mt Buller.

• Four students claimed various gold medals at the Victorian Interschool Snowsport Championships.

• Seven students claimed podium finishes in the Victorian Interschool Snowsport Championships.

Korowa Rowing Club

• 63 participants entered in to 17 boats at 2023 Head of the Schoolgirls.

• Attended 14 regattas to complete 230 races winning 30 times.

• Division 1 Year 9 Double Scull won the Head of the Schoolgirls and State Championship titles.

• Division 1 Year 10 Single Scull second place at Head of the Schoolgirls.

Korowa Basketball Club

• Winter Season: 46 Participants in five teams (two teams made Semi-Finals).

• Summer season: 49 participants in six teams (Finals in March 2024).

• ‘Learn to Ball’ basketball development program launched for Prep students in Semester 2.

NAPLAN RESULTS

Literacy and numeracy skills are fundamental to a quality education. Every year, students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 participate in the national literacy and numeracy (NAPLAN) tests, which serve as a gauge of student proficiency in these domains. While these tests offer insight into student performance relative to state standards, they represent just one assessment tool and do not offer a comprehensive view of individual achievement. Nonetheless, they do provide teachers and schools with valuable data on student progress, aiding in tailoring support to meet students' learning requirements. Korowa consistently demonstrates robust NAPLAN results across all subject areas.

Three-year trends (scaled scores):

Year 3

Year 5

Year 7

Year 9

Class of 2023 Results

VCE RESULTS

Korowa consistently achieves impressive VCE results, a testament to the dedication of our staff, the excellence of our programs, the quality of our learning facilities and the engagement of our students. Being an open-entry school, these results demonstrate that all students can thrive at Korowa. With a remarkable median ATAR of 94.10, Korowa is ranked as one of the top open-entry schools in Victoria. Beyond academics, our students finish school with essential life skills, equipping them for whatever lies ahead.

Korowa consistently achieves impressive VCE results, a testament to the dedication of our staff, the excellence of our programs, and the quality of our learning facilities. Being an open-entry school, these results demonstrate that all students can thrive at Korowa. With a remarkable median ATAR of 94.10, Korowa ranked as one of the top open-entry schools in Victoria. Beyond academics, our students finish school with essential life skills, equipping them for whatever lies ahead.

Upon graduation, the students pursue their passions in diverse fields at tertiary institutions across Australia and abroad. Their time at Korowa serves as a springboard to a successful future, fostering courage, curiosity and integrity. We empower them to embrace new challenges and venture beyond their comfort zones. The future belongs to them, and we look forward to their continued success.

Upon graduation, our students pursue their passions in diverse fields at tertiary institutions across Australia and abroad. Their time at Korowa serves as a springboard to a successful future, fostering courage, curiosity and integrity. We empower them to embrace new challenges and venture beyond their comfort zones. The future belongs to them, and we look forward to their continued success.

78% of students achieved an ATAR of 85 or above

82% of students achieved an ATAR of 80 or above

92% of students achieved an ATAR of 70 or above

POST-SCHOOL DESTINATIONS

100% of students received a tertiary offer.

Tertiary Offers by Institution

OFFERS BY INSTITUTION

Molly, 2023 School Co-captain, is studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of International Relations after receiving the Tuckwell Scholarship to ANU. With an interest in global affairs, she aspires to leverage her education to enact positive change on an international scale. Encouraging her peers to get involved and venture beyond their comfort zones, Molly embodies the spirit of curiosity. Her journey at Korowa has equipped her with the confidence and skills necessary for the years ahead as she anticipates the opportunities at university and beyond.

FIELDS OF STUDY POST-SCHOOL

Genevieve Sterling

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 students. We are incredibly proud that our students continue to follow their passion. This cohort of students have selected more varied fields of study than in previous years with an increase in the number of students going on to study Allied Health (19%) while 18% have gone into Business / Commerce and a further 15% into Law/Global Studies/ Politics, Philosophy and Economics. *Please note: Totals

Genevieve, who achieved a perfect study score of 50 in Media, has commenced a Law/Arts degree at Monash University, with a major in Politics and a minor in History. Genevieve meets challenges head-on, with resilience and gratitude. Genevieve looks forward to both academic pursuits and travels abroad. Her advice to current students is that, “it’s important to know that goals and interests evolve and it’s likely that you’ll end up somewhere that you never would have expected”.

Fields of Study

Phoebe Valiotis

Phoebe, Jamieson Co-captain of 2023, has commenced a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Media and Communications, at The University of Melbourne, with the intention of completing a Master of Journalism. Phoebe aims to pursue a career in broadcasting to further explore her interest in world issues as well as her love for public speaking. She believes Korowa, especially her time as The Beyond the Gates podcast host, prepared her well. She encourages current students to embrace every opportunity for growth and seek support from teachers.

TERTIARY OFFERS BY INSTITUTION

OUR FINANCES

Korowa Anglican Girls’ School operates as a not-for-profit entity, aiming to generate an annual surplus to continually invest in the enhancement and development of programs and facilities.

REVENUE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ASSETS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

KOROWA ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL 10-16 RANFURLIE CRESCENT, GLEN IRIS VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA 3146

ABN: 53 007 133 646 CRICOS PROVIDER 01022G

P: 03 8808 8888 E: RECEPTION@KOROWA.VIC.EDU.AU

KOROWA.VIC.EDU.AU