Korovian August 2020

AUGUST 2020 | ISSUE 74

g n i t a r b e l Ce rowa Ko

s t n e t Con Editorial Committee Jane Grlj, Director of Marketing and Communications Sharyn Hanly, Director of Community Engagement Mandy Andrews, Director of Enrolments Ian Robertson, Alumni Manager Kylah Francis, Marketing and Communications Officer Alumni and Korowa Foundation T +61 3 8808 8833 E IRobertson@korowa.vic.edu.au Enrolments T +61 3 8808 8888 E admissions@korowa.vic.edu.au Korowa Anglican Girls’ School 10-16 Ranfurlie Crescent Glen Iris VIC 3146 T+61 3 8808 8888 E reception@korowa.vic.edu.au ABN 53 007 133 646 CRICOS Provider 01022G 1

From the Principal

2

Taking on the Challenge of Distance Learning

3

A Different Start

4

Our Families - In this together

5

Visual Reflections

7

The Influenza Pandemic 1919-1920

9

Celebrating the Class of 2020

11

Wellbeing at Korowa

12

Korowa’s Sports and Wellbeing Centre

13

People of Korowa

15

Celebrating 130 years of Korowa

17

A Chance Encounter

18

Community Engagement

19

Our Friends

20

Foundation News

21

Korovian Club News

22

Alumni Profiles

23

Community News

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Cover During Distance Learning in Term 2, Olivia Georgakis in Year 11 completed the artwork on the front cover as part of her Visual Communication Design class. Students were asked to look at design in the historical and social contexts. They researched the illustrated Vogue covers of the 1930’s and then had to use the Art Deco style to design a Vogue cover with a contemporary social theme, in this case COVID-19 was their social theme. This artwork was selected for the cover because it is visually strong, echoing art deco design covers, the image references resilience and inclusion through its multiculturalism.

Turn to page 7 for other examples of some of the outstanding work students completed across the School while learning from home.

l a p i rP inc

From the

This edition of the Korovian comes at a time when the whole world has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve moved to distance learning while we continue to navigate the challenges of life in lockdown. Of course, this is not the first time that Korowa has closed. There are striking parallels with the similarly devastating pandemic of a century ago: the misnamed Spanish flu. Masks were also worn at that time in a bid to halt the spread of the virus. The simple act of wearing a mask is a small sacrifice to protect another person. We have quickly come to realise that to get through COVID-19, we must think of others. Our School Captains, Sophie Carne and Kelly Chen are right when they say that friendship, kindness and care of each other have been core to the way in which we have emerged stronger through this experience. We’ve learnt that kindness and compassion drives action and that by working as a team, not as individuals, we will fare better through the tough times.

COVID-19 has created hard times for our families and young people alike, but beyond COVID-19 and 2020, there will be a new future. It might be tempting to think that we can go back to our old lives, but disaster demands a new dawn. There is something that coronavirus has left in its wake and that is something we desperately need, a new sense of unity. In 2020 we’ve become a far stronger community, connecting with those who need us, coming together, masking up and galvanised as a community to get through this together.

There will be days to celebrate ahead and all of us look forward to the time when we can socialise and enjoy the contact with friends we’ve missed for many months. We had thought that 2020 would give us the opportunity to celebrate our 130 years of Korowa, but there will be even more to look forward to next year.

Helen Carmody Principal

Whilst we haven’t been able to come together at School, classes have continued at a distance, aided by technology. We’ve been able to swiftly move to lessons delivered by video, live class interaction through Microsoft Teams and even live streaming of Assemblies and other School events. We’ve played games, created dance and music performances, competed with each other and continued to have fun even though we haven’t been able to physically be together. In fact, we’ve achieved so much online that, until recently, we wouldn’t have thought possible.

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e h t n o g n i Tahkallenge of c

Distance Learning

By Liana Gooch Deputy Principal

At the end of Term 2, keen to obtain our community’s perspective about the Distance Learning experience, we surveyed staff, students and parents. I also interviewed a group of Year 7 and VCE students. Feedback revealed a range of important benefits. In the lead up to Distance Learning, staff undertook training related to teaching online and the associated tools and resources, as well as what constitutes an effective structure for an online lesson.

These aspects have been reflected in overall positive feedback about the engaging nature of online lessons.

Head of Science, Pramana Tedjosiswoyo embraces Distance Learning.

Agility and flexibility have characterised 2020 in terms of how staff and students have quickly adapted to Distance Learning amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.

Out of adversity has arisen an array of highly valuable changes to teaching, learning and communication, many of which will continue well into the future.

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If we consider the benefits from the student perspective, overall, they particularly enjoyed the acquisition of ICT tools associated with the online activities as well as working in the platform of Microsoft Teams. This mode of learning and communication has really altered the ways that staff and classes are able to communicate. While not physically together, students relished the opportunity to collaborate together in channels while sharing working documents and posting related communications and resources. Many students really enjoyed the flexibility of the learning day as well as self-paced learning where they could return to resources later. Furthermore, they had access to the teacher for feedback individually or in group work.

Several of the VCE students commented on the sense of independence they acquired in directing the learning themselves which will continue to be an asset as they prepare for tertiary learning and industry. One popular benefit for all groups was the introduction of online parent teacher interviews. Gone are the days of navigating traffic and then arriving at School to rush around to find the location of each teacher. In the comfort of home, parents can now look forward to the familiar tone of the Microsoft Teams’ ring tone as a teacher invites them to discuss their child’s learning.

We continue to consider the benefits and what aspects we could continue to use for the future.

The first day of school is nerve-racking for any nineyear-old, but when it takes place on a screen in a virtual classroom, you never know what will happen.

Armed with an iPad, a list of classmates’ names and a whole lot of courage, Jessica jumped in feet first.

Year 4 student Jessica is ready to start at Korowa.

t n e r e f f i d A

Start

By Mandy Andrews Director of Enrolments

When Jessica Williams and her parents decided to enrol at Korowa, she never imagined she would be starting at a new school during a global pandemic.

Jessica is the newest member of Year 4.

What brought the Williams family to Korowa was in fact their older daughter, Chantelle, who joins us in 2021 in Year 7. After a visit to Korowa to watch House Chorals, Chantelle convinced Mum, Michelle, and Dad, Shaun, that Korowa was for her. Little did she know that younger sister Jess would get there first!

When learning that the School would be switching to Distance Learning mode, the Williams family had no hesitation. They knew that Jess’s resilience would hold her in good stead; she had participated in the Try Us for a Day Program where she met the other girls in the class, and was ready for any challenge.

Jess says Mrs Leahy, her class teacher, is her favourite ever. In true Korowa style, there has been support from all parts of the community, with parents in Year 4 reaching out to the Williams family, Mrs Huntington calling to offer reassurance regarding French class, and our Lead Librarian, Mrs Elliott delivering a book to her home.

Jess says working on the iPad was a new experience and “a little weird – and typing was a challenge”. Jess’s favourite classes during Distance Learning were the craft and Lego challenges.

Anything to do with STEAM had her full attention.

Shaun was impressed with the Distance Learning Program and enjoyed seeing the teachers at work.

It was also heartening to see that the teachers were in their own homes with their own families too.

Chantelle shares how much she is looking forward to joining Korowa next year. Robotics, Debating and of course, House Chorals are all on her list!

So how did Jess go with finally getting into the classroom, with no parents onsite on her first day at school? “Well, for the first two days I just followed people into the school and on the third day I went by myself. I actually like school here. It’s fun and I feel happy and joyful.”

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s e i l i m a f r Ou In this together

Janine Coombs (Skyes, Class of 1983) working as a Case and Contact Management Officer.

We talk to two parents from our Community about what it is like on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Janine Coombs (Sykes, Class of 1983) current parent and Korovian, is working as a Case and Contact Management Officer with the Department of Health and Human Services.

On secondment from her work as a nurse at Cabrini Hospital in Malvern, she is helping trace coronavirus outbreaks as they occur – a role the DHHS says is “an essential public health tool for controlling infectious disease outbreaks”.

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Janine says that once a case has been confirmed, the person is called for an interview.

“At this point, I have so many questions trying to pinpoint where the virus was contracted. These can be intrusive and personal. We need to determine the date of transmission, first symptoms, people they met, period of time together, transport used… and any other close contacts such as family,” Janine explains.

From here, Janine and the team of contact tracing detectives put the pieces together and provide ongoing support and information; she says each case may have a hundred or more close contacts. If transmission has occurred at a workplace, Janine must speak to the employer. “We are very conscious of the impact of any closure,” she says.

“Each person affects the train of transmission,” she says.

“Only by educating the community can we help stop the spread of this virus.”

For the past 15 years, Thananda Hau, a current parent, has worked as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in the microbiology department at Monash Health Pathology.

She has experienced many changes in the world of infectious diseases, but none with the disruptive global impact of COVID-19.

While doctors and nurses are visible at the forefront of the pandemic, laboratory scientists are tirelessly working behind the scenes.

Thananda explains “the importance of testing in the battle against COVID-19 cannot be overstated. Although the swabbing process may seem more than a little unpleasant, getting tested helps keep track of the virus to keep our families and community safe.�

Once the sample reaches the laboratory, medical scientists perform molecular assays utilising Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology to detect the novel coronavirus. In response to the enormous increase in workload, they now provide around-the-clock diagnostic testing.

Life as a microbiology medical scientist is ever changing.

Daily life consists of investigating a variety of infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses, using advanced technology. The COVID-19 pandemic has in some ways been a chance to come out from behind the scenes and show the world how important this work is!

We applaud and appreciate the work of our amazing health workers on the frontline, as they continue the fight against this deadly disease.

Thananda Hau working in the Microbiology Department.

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l a iV su

Reflections

By Rowena Hannan, Head of Visual Arts

Artists throughout history reflect the world around them and make commentary on society in their art practice. The work that has been produced this year by our Visual Arts students is no exception.

Our Year 8 students started the year by looking out beyond the art rooms to the Australian landscape that was devastated by the bushfires, as they depicted our beloved Australian bush in graphite.

As we all became enveloped by the pandemic and were forced to live our lives indoors, students’ perspectives became more personal as they continued to use the visual arts as a vehicle to convey their world.

In Distance Learning, Year 9 Photography students conveyed their feelings and what was important to them in the form of flat lay ‘confinement survival kits’, while Year 11 VCD students cleverly adopted a more historical response by appropriating 1930’s Vogue covers to make commentary on our current world.

The study of the Visual Arts at Korowa has allowed our students to reflect on their times in a manner that is both cathartic and poignant.

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VOGUE

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c i m e d n a P a z n e u l f n I The1 9-1 920 19 and the creation of Wilkinson House!

By Ian Robertson, Alumni Manager

The current COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time, to say the least. However, it should also give us cause for reflection on a similarly devastating pandemic of a century ago: the misnamed Spanish flu, which emerged in Europe in April 1918 and was spread around the world by soldiers returning from World War One.

Wanda McCallum (Wilkinson, Class of 1911).

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Senior Class 1908, Wanda Wilkinson is third from the right in the middle row.

The pandemic affected all sections of society, and Australia’s governments were quick to react. Some state borders were closed and regulations that we now call lockdown were introduced. Cotton masks were worn in a bid to halt the spread. In looking at the school history, And, As We Journey and the Palm Leaf, Christmas edition 1919, it is interesting to see the effect on Korowa and its community and the similarities to the new normal of 2020.

The government closed all public places and banned large gatherings, with the result that the summer holiday of 1919 was extended until March 1920 (no online learning!). A second wave later in the year forced school closures yet again. It is estimated that 15,000 Australians died.

Unlike COVID-19, the pandemic of 1919 was particularly deadly to the young. While no current Korowa student died, some lost family members, and the School community was shocked to hear of the death of a former student, Wanda McCallum (Wilkinson, Class of 1911) on 8 June 1919.

death sent shockwaves through the small School community. As the Palm Leaf of Christmas 1919 stated, her death “left a deep sense of loss among us. Those who knew her will always be proud to remember her as a scholar and as a teacher... Mrs McCallum always found time and thought to spare for her old School.”

Wanda’s brother Lisle married a Korowa teacher, Miss Edith Maxwell, and their daughters (and Wanda’s nieces) Lisla Wilkinson (Class of 1936, Dux of the School and House Captain of Wilkinson) and Aline Wilkinson (Class of 1940) attended Korowa.

Such was the esteem in which the Korowa community held Wanda, that in 1924 the newly created Wilkinson House was named in her honour. It is appropriate that we remember Wanda’s contribution to the early years of Korowa just over one hundred years after her death.

Wanda enrolled at Korowa as a five-year-old in 1900, making her the youngest student in the School, and was Head Prefect and Dux in her final year in 1911. She returned in 1912 as a teacher and remained on staff until her marriage in 1914.

She was a much-loved teacher and her untimely

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Celebrating the Class of

0 2 20

The Year 12 cohort should be commended for the way they have responded to the continual adjustments to school life. So too, should the families and guardians of students, who have provided emotional support throughout an emotional rollercoaster of a year.

By Sophie Carne and Kelly Chen, School Captains

This year has been a year like no other. As the Class of 2020, we have been plunged in and out of Distance Learning and had many much-anticipated events cancelled. But what we haven’t lost is the sense of camaraderie that characterises Year 12 at Korowa. If anything, this adversity has engendered a stronger awareness of the importance of connection and inspired gratitude for our friendships. Instigated by Year 12 student Alicia Liang-Morgan, Motivational Monday provided a weekly boost and point of connection for the year level. We experimented with Zoom calls, developed study groups over Microsoft Teams and adopted a ‘Support Sisters’ group as a point of regular contact. Individually, we’ve relearned the importance of prioritising mental health, rediscovered old hobbies and developed new ones and ultimately discovered more about who we are.

11 School Captains Kelly Chen and Sophie Carne.

That being said, we were relieved to be back in the VCE Centre at the end of Term 2! It was with a renewed sense of motivation that the Year 12 Leadership Team met for the first time face to face. Equipped with personal experience of the challenges of Distance Learning, the team now has an increased determination to bring our community together by maximising involvement and visibility in the increasingly familiar online space.

This is a year level that we are very proud to be a part of and that has done much to be proud of.

Regardless of what our end of year celebrations look like, we are very much looking forward to celebrating this extraordinary journey at the end of the year, with an extraordinary cohort.

t a g n i e b ll e W Korowa We form a Circle… we create a Community… we are Crew!

By Kellie Lyneham Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Year 7 students Amani Omarjee (left) and Emily Nguyen during Community.

In every Korowa girl’s 2020 School Diary are the words: “At Korowa we believe in the power of kindness and the values of courage, respect, integrity and service.

We expect our girls to be brave, respectful, honest, generous and above all, kind.”

As we have refined our wellbeing programs in recent years, we have remained steadfast in the view that to succeed, our students require a School culture that will help equip them with the character and values to meet the challenges of the future. In 2020 we introduced a Prep-Year 9 Program with 3 distinct phases: Circle in our Junior Years; Community in the Cripps Years; and, Crew at Year 9.

Each phase reflects the developmental needs of that group, underpinned by the belief that while every girl can understand and display our School values, she requires a framework that allows her to develop the understanding and skills to do so.

I have absolutely loved doing Community this year! I love all the exercises we do like Just Dance, 2 Truths and a Lie and lots more. I feel like Community is a time for students to get to know each other better especially the girls who are new this year. I have learnt so much about my peers and continue to look forward to each lesson.

Year 7 student

The Program allows for relationship building, academic progress monitoring, and character development. The structured lessons, part of the weekly timetable, enable our girls to build positive connections with peers and their staff leader. Our staff leaders strategically plan their programs and lessons to address and assess these multiple goals.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that in difficult times, we must prioritise kindness, care and respect for others. Circle, Community and Crew experiences have allowed our girls to not only build connections that have withstood the test of distance learning, but given them skills to begin to make sense of the changing world in which we live.

Circle, Community and Crew time has become a valued part of the Korowa experience for girls and staff leaders alike.

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d n a s t r o Spellbeing W

Centre

After many years of planning, preparation and consultation, we are excited to announce that the construction of our new Sports and Wellbeing Centre is well under way. This will be a significant addition to Korowa, providing benefits in areas ranging from sport and leisure to drama and music.

The building, designed by award winning firm Sally Draper Architects, will feature an indoor pool and changerooms, multi-use indoor sports courts, fully equipped gym, studio spaces for dance, pilates and yoga, perceptual motor program (PMP) studio, consulting rooms for our health services, counsellor, psychologist, careers counsellor and learning support staff, multipurpose room for drama performances and events, a rooftop netball court and a commercial kitchen and cafeteria as well as extensive external landscaping.

At Korowa, we recognise that sport is an integral part of young women’s lives; it promotes a healthy lifestyle, provides skills in leadership, teamwork and goal setting, and has been shown to increase girls’ confidence levels and self-esteem. Studies also show that physical activity reduces the rate of depression and anxiety, and boosts productivity and focus.

Natalie Lath, Director of Sport at Korowa, said: “This Centre will support our mission to engage every girl in physical activity opportunities as an important commitment to fitness, general wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle at Korowa and beyond.”

This is the most important and significant project in the history of Korowa. At the recent Ground Breaking Ceremony, Helen Carmody, Principal said “This will be a beautiful building combining aesthetic form and function to create what will be the living heart of Korowa. A place where people will meet, connect, create, perform, compete, train, relax, work and learn together. A space that’s inviting, welcoming, sustainable and connected to the natural environment.” There are indeed exciting times ahead.

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Reconciliation Garden

Our Reconciliation Garden unfortunately needs to be relocated, as it is within the building zone for the new Sports and Wellbeing Centre. A decommissioning ceremony was conducted by Rev Glenn Loughrey, Vicar at St Oswald’s Anglican Church Glen Iris. Glenn identifies as a First Nations Person and is proud to be a Wiradjuri man; he is also a member of the National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Anglican Commission. COVID-19 restrictions meant we could only hold a very small gathering, but we were delighted that Glenn and a small number of staff and student leaders could come together to recognise the importance of this garden.

As part of the ceremony, Glenn took soil from the current garden, to be placed in the new garden when it is completed in 2022.

As Glenn held the soil he shared these words. “This dirt holds the memories of this place, This dirt holds the wisdom of the past, This dirt holds the possibility for the future, A dreaming as ordinary as our breath, Breathing the past, present and future now.�

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e l p eP o

of Korowa

Rowena Hannan, Head of Visual Arts

Rowena joined Korowa this year as the Head of Visual Arts teaching students from Year 8 through to Year 12 in Art, Sculpture and VCE Studio Arts.

“I love working with young people. I want to be able to inspire students to engage and be passionate about the visual arts.”

As a practising ceramic artist, Rowena exhibits regularly in both solo and group exhibitions around Australia and occasionally internationally. She finds that her own art practice informs her teaching and keeps her knowledge and skills current. Rowena also co-authored the VCE textbook, ‘Artisan’, which is used by our VCE Studio Arts students.

“I am passionate about creating an educational environment where students feel both valued and challenged. That way they will be prepared to be brave and take risks in their engagement with the visual arts, stretching and extending their skills and knowledge. I want students to be excited about being in our Art rooms, seeing them as vibrant spaces where they want to be.”

As a new staff member, Rowena is enjoying her new role. “Korowa has a strong sense of community, where everyone is keen to assist you.

The students are very engaged, friendly and caring. I feel that Korowa is a place where I will be given opportunities to continue to extend myself and thrive as an educator.”

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Kate Tanner, Head of Cripps

Joining Korowa in 2018, Kate commenced as the Head of Cripps (Years 7 and 8) in 2019, where she plays a key role in supporting students as they navigate the change to secondary school. It is a time of transition, making new friends and developing new skills. Passionate about education and the wellbeing of young people, “I really enjoy the daily interaction with students.”

Kate also teaches Years 7 to 9 students in Dance, Drama and Media. Inspired by great music and creative ideas she really enjoys teasing out a small idea with students and turning it into a phrase of movement or a larger dance piece.

“Korowa is one of very few independent schools to offer Dance as part of the curriculum. I am keen to explore future opportunities with how to integrate dance and technology further. Using Motion Lab technology for creating choreography is something that I hope we can incorporate into dance classes in the future”.

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Celebrating 130 years at Korowa

From our earliest days we have been recognised as a school of excellence and achievement. From a small house in Malvern, our school has grown in numbers and our building environment has changed many times but we have remained true to the vision of our founders.

? . w o n k u o Did y

1916

1890

1900

Malvern Ladies College established, the school subsequently absorbed

by Korowa thus giving us our foundation date.

Mrs Akehurst changed Corowa as first named to Korowa with a K because the mail often went to Corowa in NSW!

1924 House system introduced with three houses Clarke, Jamieson, Wilkinson.

1912 First Prefects appointed.

1937

1946

Dr Pat Wellington (Class of 1931) becomes Korowa’s first graduate in Medicine from the University of Melbourne.

1967

1968

The first House Chorals was won by Wilkinson.

First overseas school trip to Noumea.

1994

2005

The iconic Trek program introduced, by 2019 a staggering 883 students having completed this program.

Betty Johnson celebrates 70 years of service to Korowa having joined the staff in 1935 – a record unlikely ever to be broken!

1952

Dorothy Gibson (Alexander, Class of 1917) a noted pacifist and social activist, becomes Chair of the Malvern Branch of the Communist Party.

The oval was covered in snow, an event that has never occurred since.

1973

1979

New uniform with zip dress and hostess style hat –now considered retro chic!

Rowing commences with 5 students and a borrowed boat!

2017

2019

Inaugural Service Learning journey to Cambodia.

Since 1890, there have been a total of 11,047 alumni.

2020 As of June, 22 Korovians have received Australian Honours, many for service to the community.

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Loris Rosenblum (Coleman, Class of 1912) becomes Korowa’s first university graduate with a BA Hons from the University of Melbourne.

2021 A great future awaits us in the continuing journey of our School.

1922 Little Women was a very popular book in the new School Library.

1964 Penny Spring (Permezel, Class of 1968) met the Beatles at the Lord Mayor’s Reception before returning to Korowa in the afternoon for French!

1980 Hockey matches played wearing garbage bags as it was so wet – what stoicism!

2020 Korowa community are great supporters of the School, with 5082 donors listed on our database!

r e t n u nE co

A Chance

By Kerri-Anne Hall (Russell, Class of 1979)

In my role as Quality & Customer Experience Coordinator at Corowa Court, I recently visited one of our residents, Marion Hawker (Ormsby, Class of 1945). I noticed a number of black and white photographs and a sketch of a familiar-looking building mounted on her bedroom wall and enquired as to the significance of them. Marion replied “They are photos of the school I went to.. I went to Korowa”. I told Marion “That’s where I went to school!”.

Then we started sharing our school memories.

Marion was born in 1929 and she and her sister Joan Stiansen (Ormsby, Class of 1948) were some of the first students to commence at “Little Korowa”. Marion commenced in 1934 at a Kindergarten located in a house down the road from the current school site. She obtained her ‘Leaving Certificate’ in 1945 at age 16 years and was a School Probationer in 1945.

Her love of children contributed to Marion commencing work as a Childcare Assistant for disabled students at a Kindergarten in East Burwood for four years, followed by a few years working in the office of “Patons & Baldwins Woollen Mills”.. Marion then commenced study at “Burnley School of Horticulture” and was subsequently employed in various nurseries. In 1954 she married Robin (Bob) Hawker and had two children – John and Janet, they lived in Glen Iris.

Her favourite teachers included Miss Cerutty (Geography), Miss Orton (Commercial Studies), Miss Bassett (English) and Miss Dickson (Headmistress).

I was able to share with Marion my own connections to Korowa. My great-aunt, Irene Lavinia Widdicombe born in 1875 become a Governess who taught English, Art and Music to the children of the Hon William Knox, MHR who owned the home ‘Ranfurlie’ (subsequently Knox House), which is now the site in which the school is located.

Many of my cousins and their children as well as my own family, all attended Korowa over the years: myself (Class of 1979), my three sisters - Melinda Russell (Class of 1981), Lisa Gregor (Russell, Class of 1985) and Jodi Russell (Class of 1989). Jodi’s daughters – Chloe-Madeleine Jessop (Year 5) and Amelie-Rose Jessop (Year 7) are currently studying at Korowa – so the tradition of Korowa continues!

Marion and I both shared our memories of the straw hats in summer (uncomfortable) and the felt hats in winter (cosy) and gloves we had to wear and the fact that we were never permitted to brush our hair or eat in public. Marion donated her blazer pocket to the Korowa Archives and our memories of Korowa have provided us with a wonderful opportunity to reminisce about our school years.

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y t i n u m oC m

Engagement

By Sharyn Hanly Director of Community Engagement

2020 began with so much promise.

Korowa’s 130th Anniversary year, the calendar was full of exciting events for students, current and past parents, staff and Korovians.

Sadly, COVID-19 brought the festivities to a halt, and like everyone we have had to find new ways to engage and connect.

Korowa is all about community, and we were grateful that our first whole School event for the year was celebrated in style by more than 400 current parents and staff. The Cocktail Party was the first event of our milestone year, and the first opportunity for families new to Korowa to meet in a social setting. New friendships were made and conversations continued into the night, with much anticipation for the year ahead. Little did we know.

We were delighted also to welcome more than 250 guests to the International Women’s Day Breakfast in March. The theme this year was Sports and Wellbeing, coinciding with the construction of the new Sports and Wellbeing Centre.

The facilitator was Karrie Long (Class of 1989), Director, Nursing Research Hub, Royal Melbourne Hospital and North Western Mental Health. The panel comprised: Wendy Millar (Malfroy, Class of 1964), former Director of Sport at Korowa; Shannah Kennedy (Van Eerden, Class of 1988), strategic life coach, best-selling author, motivational speaker and wellbeing specialist; Anna Shedrina (Class of 1999), 2016 World Champion in clay target shooting; and Zaita Anderson (Class of 2009) Strategist, Australian Football League. Our students took away many valuable messages from these four generations of Korovians!

Since then, COVID-19 restrictions have stopped us connecting face-toface with our wider community. We have maintained our presence online, however, and members of the Community Engagement team have been redeployed across the School, reverting to careers before Korowa or finding new skills.

Connection and community is Korowa, and it has never been more appreciated.

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Our

” s d r“F ien

We value our connections and the sense of belonging that our community provides.

It’s in our DNA. It is Korowa!

It’s still Korowa, and we are still connected, but now it’s done online! It’s virtual coffee mornings, Zoom meetings, and speakers and webinars that unite us on the small screen.

Our community is extended through our many Friends groups, where we enjoy the social interaction and common interests that unite us. While many events have been postponed or cancelled, there is still a sense of optimism and enthusiasm, and we continually look for new ways to be together.

Our annual Mother’s Day stall was run via “Click and Collect”, ensuring students were still able to select something and a big thank you to the Friends of Junior School for making this happen.

Our Rowing Presentation night was postponed; however, we celebrated a stellar season cut short with an online get-together.

Our parents play a vital role in supporting the School’s vision, and are actively encouraged to get involved in one of our many groups. They include: • Class Representatives – providing a social link across all year levels.

• Parent Ambassadors – offering support as needed at public events.

• Korowa Friendship group – held each Tuesday morning for parents wanting to connect and learn more about the School.

• Korowa Dad’s group – in partnership with The Fathering Project, providing an environment for dads to feel welcome, share experiences and gather practical parenting advice.

• Korowa Parents’ Association – fostering community engagement across the School, through a variety of friendraising and fundraising initiatives.

• Friends of Rowing – our rowing parents who cheer their girls on from the riverbank and support the School and the rowing program.

• Friends of Snowsports – this group look forward to their annual trek to Mt Buller.

• Friends of the Arts – parents from Prep-Year 12 supporting their daughters’ passion for the arts.

The Korowa community enjoying the Welcome to the Year Cocktail Party in February.

• Friends of Junior School – building community through events and activities.

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s w e N n o i t a d n oF u Jessie Patrick Bequest Society JESSIE PATRICK BEQUEST SOCIETY

Jennifer Carra Bequest

Jennifer on the right with fellow Korovians at the 2010 Korovian Dinner for the School’s 120th birthday.

The School has received a bequest from the estate of the late Jennifer Carra (Bell, Class of 1953). Jennifer had a lifetime connection with Korowa and her three granddaughters attended the School – Hayley (Class of 2010), Laura (Class of 2013) and Georgia (Class of 2017). Jennifer was a foundation member of the Jessie Patrick Bequest Society. The Korowa Foundation gratefully acknowledges Jennifer’s generous gift. The bequest has been paid into the Scholarship Fund.

Named after Korowa’s first student, the Jessie Patrick Bequest Society provides an opportunity for the School to honour and thank those Korovians and other members of the Korowa community who name the School as a beneficiary in their Will.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a member of the Society, please contact our Alumni Manager, Ian Robertson on 03 8808 8833 or irobertson@korowa.vic.edu.au

Korowa Foundation I have been thinking often of our great supporters of Korowa during these challenging times, and wish to convey my best wishes to you and your family.

As you are aware, the Korowa Foundation is committed to supporting the School through the establishment of the Building Fund, Library Fund and Scholarship Fund. We have made great progress over the last decade and have been pleased to support the School in a number of ways, none more so than the Scholarship Fund that has enabled girls to enjoy the benefits of all that a Korowa education has to offer. In addition, the Foundation has been pleased to award bursaries to families when their financial circumstances have changed and would have resulted in the withdrawal of the student from the School.

As a result of the economic effects caused by the pandemic, the Foundation Directors decided to suspend our normal Annual Giving program for 2020.

We made this decision in recognition of the level of economic hardship in the community and the feeling that it would be insensitive to ask for additional financial support at this time.

However, I do wish to acknowledge with gratitude, those Korovians, and past parents who decided to continue their giving, with this support being predominantly directed towards the Scholarship Fund.

As Chair of the Korowa Foundation I, and my fellow Foundation Directors, have been so grateful for your loyalty and support, which is so much a characteristic of our alumni and other members of the Korowa community.

Sandra Ivory (Clark, Class of 1967) Chair, Korowa Foundation 21

b u l C n a i v oK ro

the Alumni Association of Korowa

By Ian Robertson Alumni Manager

Strategic Review Under the great leadership of our President, Dr Helen Tope (Class of 1980), the Korovian Club Committee along with the Alumni Manager have been engaged in a strategic review. It started with a brainstorming session in February that posed questions such as: • What makes us proud to be a Korovian?

• What roles should an alumni association fulfill?

• How should the Club facilitate connections beyond reunions?

• How should the Club support the School?

In subsequent online meetings, a new vision statement has been drafted and strategic goals set for the next two years. The Committee plans to gain stakeholder feedback via a survey of sections of the Korovian community representing different eras. We feel it is timely to consider our role in the vastly different world of the 21st Century.

Reunions and 130th Anniversary Celebrations The reunion program planned as part of the School’s 130th anniversary celebrations has been severely impacted by COVID-19. In addition to the five-year cycle of class reunions, both interstate and overseas reunions had been planned, along with special events. We now hope to hold these in 2021.

It has been pleasing to hear that Korovians have been connecting in the virtual world, such as via Zoom or the amazing Class of 1985 who formed the 85’ers on Facebook that now has 90 members!

Melanie Dow (Class of 1998) celebrating her ‘virtual’ birthday with her Korowa friends.

Connecting with our Alumni Many Korovians have contacted me seeking to reconnect with former classmates or asking about past teachers.

This perhaps is due to the desire to seek reassurance from happier and more certain times, and to an element of nostalgia. It has been very gratifying to be able to facilitate these connections.

Some other ways in which we have connected with our alumni have included: • Sending EDMs to the respective reunion groups when reunions would have been held, including a message from the School/Korovian Club and photographs of their time at school.

• Many phone calls to our older and more isolated Korovians. These have revealed amazing positivity and resilience.

• Led by the current School Captains, students have written to some older Korovians and received some delightful responses.

• On behalf of the School and the Korovian Club, personalised emails were sent to Korovians in the UK and USA to say that we were thinking of them, with many great responses received.

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s e l i f o r P i n lA um

Congratulations to Cathy Rogers OAM (Favaloro, Class of 1962) A passion for encouraging young musicians.

Cathy graduated from Korowa in 1962 and was one of five Favaloro sisters to attend the School! In 1963, Cathy was awarded an American Field Scholarship to spend a year in the USA and upon her return completed an Arts/ Social Work degree at the University of Melbourne.

Cathy worked in Australia and the UK as a social worker across many fields. Her experience working with families led to her establishing a cross-cultural consultancy with her husband, Peter, in 1990, which they jointly ran until 2015 when the business was transferred to the staff.

From an early age, Cathy had piano lessons and after her marriage, she became organist at her local church, subsequently taking lessons at St Paul’s Cathedral.

There she gave several recitals and in time completed her A Mus A in organ.

Throughout her adult life, Cathy has devoted herself to supporting talented young musicians. She regularly opens her home for musicians to stay and perform, many of whom would have otherwise struggled to maintain their careers. She has hosted regular fundraising events and volunteered countless hours to the Melbourne International Chamber Music competition, as board member, Director and subsequently Deputy Chair. Her work has helped enhance Australia’s cultural reputation and elevated chamber music internationally.

Cathy’s passion for music extends beyond chamber music or indeed professional musicians – she regularly hosts community concerts, where children of varying abilities receive her enthusiastic support and the opportunity to play on a wonderful piano.

All Cathy’s roles in music have been voluntary. Her joy in helping young musicians is obvious. It is Cathy’s tireless work in this area over almost two decades that in 2020 earned her an OAM in the June Queen’s Birthday Honours for service to Chamber Music.

The School motto has always been a guiding principle for Cathy, though she claims the reward (the palm), far outweighed the effort (the dust).

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Andrea O’Connor (Class of 1985) The dynamic world of Biomedical Engineering and the difference it can make.

Andrea studied engineering at the University of Melbourne after completing Year 12 at Korowa in 1985, where she was Vice Captain of the School. She became a chemical engineer and worked in Australia, the US and Japan before returning to the University of Melbourne to do a PhD in engineering.

In 1995, she was awarded a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship to undertake research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. On her return to Australia in 1997, Andrea was appointed lecturer in engineering at the University of Melbourne and has worked there since. She and her husband, Andrew, have two sons.

She is now a Professor of Engineering, Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and leads the Tissue Engineering Group at the University of Melbourne. Her research uses engineering analysis and design to address challenges in human health. It is focussed on the design, synthesis and fabrication of biomaterials used in medical devices and implants, and in designing the next generation of antimicrobial nanomaterial to fight drug-resistant infection. Andrea led the engineering team on the world-first Neopec clinical trial of breast reconstruction for women after surgery for breast cancer.

She has published 100 journal articles, is an inventor on a patent, and is frequently invited to speak on her work at international conferences.

Sage Lamont (Greenwood, Class of 2007) Entrepreneur Extraordinaire!

Sage started modelling while at school and continued through university, where she gained a Bachelor of Law (Hons) and a Bachelor of Business.

Her career took her to London, Paris and Milan, and upon completing her studies, she decided to apply her learnings to the industry she knew so much about. Upon returning to Australia in 2013, Sage was appointed to launch the Melbourne office of Wink Models, one of Australia’s leading talent agencies.

In 2016, she was appointed Managing Director, growing the company to a multi-million-dollar revenue stream whilst improving diversity and inclusion within the industry. She was the driving force behind the first disabled models on an Australian runway.

Sage has always had a great interest in natural health and in 2016 she co-founded, with her sister and brother-in-law, Golden Grind, a company promoting the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. Their company now manufactures eight products and has partnerships in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and USA. Sage left Wink Models in 2019, but retains an interest as part owner.

Sage recently took up a position at SBE Australia, which specialises in helping women build and scale global, sustainable businesses – a role to which she brings considerable experience and expertise!

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s w e N y t i n u oC mm

Marriages, Births, In Memory, Tributes Births

Marriages

The School congratulates the following Korovians on the birth of their children: Laura Carra (Class of 2013) Laura and her fiancé, Ben, welcomed a little boy, Billy David Turner, on 1 July 2020. Billy also has Korovian aunts, Hayley Carra (Class of 2010) and Georgia Carra (Class of 2017).

Andrea O’Connor (Class of 2003) Andrea had a baby boy Leo Wilder SealO’Connor, born on 7 November 2019.

Andrea with baby Leo.

Lisa Tan (Class of 2002) Lisa and her husband, Michael, welcomed a baby boy in late January, James Li. A brother for Emma aged two.

Laura with son Billy.

Freya with her fellow Korovians.

Freya Coker (Class of 2008) married Ryan French on1 December 2019 at Nathania Springs in the Dandenong Ranges.

From left to right: Nicola Bennett (Class of 2012), Meagan Lowe (Class of 2008), Anique Muttiah (Class of 2011), Elspeth De Fanti (Coker, Class of 2002), Freya Coker (Class of 2008), Rachel Painter (Class of 2008), Lakshmi Sammohinivis (Class of 2008), Ellen Hogan (Class of 2008), Stephanie Yap (Class of 2008) and Emma Stephens (Class of 2008).

In memory The School extends its sincere sympathy to family and friends of the following Korovians who have passed away: Anna Lawrence (Westlake, Class of 1973) died on 30 April 2020. Anna’s two sisters also attended Korowa, Jenny Davies (Westlake, Class of 1971) and Lisa Westlake (Class of 1979).

Pamela Hendrickson (Brown, Class of 1948) passed away on 18 June 2020. Pamela’s daughter also attended Korowa, Jane Needham (Hendrickson, Class of 1970).

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Melanie Horton (Jewell, Class of 2000) Melanie and Andrew Horton welcomed a son, James William born on 20 February 2020.

Grandson to Margaret Jewell (Jamieson House Coordinator/ English teacher at Korowa from 2000-2010) and Rodney.

Melanie Katz (Class of 2003) Melanie welcomed her second child, a daughter called Gigi Fleur Katz, born on 17 April 2020, during the first Melbourne lockdown. Sister to Eva Rose Katz who is now three.

Emily Purcell (Class of 2007) Emily writes, I “would like to share the birth of my daughter with my fellow Korovians: Lillian Marie Wilkinson, born 5 June 2020”.

Joan West (Turner, Class of 1955) passed away in late Nov 2019. Joan’s three sisters, Ann Hollingworth (Turner, Class of 1953), Wendy Ault (Turner, Class of 1958) and Sue Hollingworth (Turner, Class of 1959), were all educated at Korowa. Joan was Vice Captain of the School and also Vice Captain of Akehurst House. She went on to become an Orthoptist.

Joan is remembered for her dedication to helping other people in need.

Pamela Davidson (Millar, Class of 1942) passed away on 24 June 2020. Pamela’s daughter Bronwyn Lamb (Donaldson, Class of 1968) also attended Korowa.

Barbara Longmuir (Hamilton, Class of 1950) passed away on 24 May 2020. Barbara was

Alison Turnbull (Class of 2006) Alison writes, “I thought I would share our happy news with my fellow Korovians (anything to make this dreary time better!).

After a surprise wedding at our engagement party on 25 May 2019 (attended by a few Korovians and my sister Lucy as my bridesmaid), my husband Alister Boyd and I welcomed little Harry on 4 May 2020. His Aunty Lucy (Class of 2011) is absolutely besotted and my mum and dad are pretty taken with him too”!

Alison welcomed baby Harry into the world.

a keen sportswoman and a Prefect in her final year. She was preceded at the School by her mother Jean Hamilton (Entwisle, Class of 1926) and her aunt, Mavis Cruikshank (Hamilton, Class of 1927). She was a longtime supporter of the Korovian Club and actively supported many organisations including for many years, being a volunteer guide at the Melbourne Zoo. Barbara’s sisters also attended Korowa – Jillian Fist (Hamilton, Class of 1952) and Kay Estey (Hamilton, Class of 1961).

Ruth Loder (Archer, Class of 1944) passed away 7 June 2020. Ruth’s daughters also attended Korowa – Susie Rodgers-Wilson (Loder, Class of 1969) and Jan Marshall (Loder, Class of 1971).

Sue Langeder (Colquhoun, Class of 1991) Sue writes, “Since moving down to the Mornington Peninsula in 2018, I have acquired a mini-zoo, a vegetable garden, a writing office and a recording studio.

Somehow, I have added to my repertoire of copywriting and writing novels, and now produce a real estate educational podcast called Real Estate Right. I am grateful for the education I received at Korowa, that allowed me to diversify my creativity, and give me an income that enabled me to raise my two boys on my own. Life is always busy, happy, and full of madness... that is half the fun”!

In memory continued...

Janice Haynes (Foster, Class of 1953) Janice won school academic scholarships in 1948 and 1950, was editor of the Palm Leaf and a prefect in 1953. In 1966, Janice met Leslie Haynes, a Professor at the University of NSW and worked with Leslie as his research assistant and as a Research Associate of the Smithsonian Institute. They subsequently married and their work took them to Central and Northern Australia where they worked with Aboriginal communities.

Margaret Oates (Birch, Class of 1947) died on 7 June 2020 after a full and active life.

Margaret was a teacher, tutor and chorister and was an avid lover of music, gardening, reading and chatting on the telephone. Margaret’s sister, Nancy Rudd (Birch, Class of 1950) and her daughter Jennifer Oates (Class of 1971), also attended Korowa, as did her nieces, Kathy Lia (Rudd, Class of 1980) and Janet Hicks (Rudd, Class of 1984). Margaret was a lifelong friend of Kay Kirkwood (Harkness, Class of 1947) and Marjorie Sinclair (Woodfull, Class of 1947).

Mary Bethune (Scales, Class of 1943) passed away on 11 November 2019. Mary was a boarder at Korowa. Mary’s three daughters attended Korowa - Barbara Bethune (Class of 1973), Wendy Richards (Bethune, Class of 1975) and Helen Hirst (Bethune, Class of 1981). Mary’s granddaughter also attended Korowa, Kate Bethune (Class of 2006).

Thelma Luxford (Wall, Class of 1939) passed away on 29 December 2019. Thelma was one of our oldest Korovians. Her daughter is Jennifer Jaeger (Class of 1978); immediate past President of the Korovian Club, and her granddaughter is Laura Jaeger (Class of 2017).

General News

Jennifer Jaeger (Class of 1978) Jennifer is currently completing an online Yacht Master Course during lockdown 2.0. Jennifer has a keen interest in sailing and is a former Commodore of the Albert Park Yacht Club. Jennifer writes, “Any broadening of the mind in these times I feel is a good thing. I think many Korovians would be doing online courses and taking up things they have always wanted to do, but never had the time”.

Leah Jing McIntosh (Class of 2009) Pantera Press has acquired world rights to Liminal magazine anthology Collisions: Fictions of the Future (edited by Leah Jing McIntosh et.al).

The anthology features emerging and established Indigenous writers and writers of colour.

Leah said, ‘I am so thrilled to be publishing Collisions. It feels strange to be making anything in 2020, but as we contemplate our shared future, it feels necessary to listen to and engage with new perspectives. This book is by turns a reprieve, an imagining, and an examination of our times.’

Leah has also been included in Forbes Asia: 30 under 30 Class of 2020.

Meagan Lowe (Class of 2008) Meagan is currently in her final year of her PhD entitled The Vulnerability of Reef islands in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands.

Fiona Beauchamp (Class of 1998) Fiona is an Occupational Therapist working with children with physical disabilities in Australia and overseas.

Thelma in her grand-daughter's blazer.

Dianne Hansberry (Stone, Class of 1964) Dianne is enjoying living on the Mornington Peninsula and exhibiting her paintings through the Peninsula Art Society.

Barbara Family (Caldecott, Class of 1972) Barb has retired from nursing and is enjoying living by the sea on the Mornington Peninsula.

Dr Samantha Worboys (Clarke, Class of 1985) Samantha is currently living with her husband on a hobby farm alongside the Barwon River. She works part-time as an Endocrinologist at Geelong Hospital.

Ai-Lin Lee (Class of 1994) Ai-Lin has relocated to Sydney to work as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Consumer Outcomes Policy team at the Insurance Council of Australia.

Helen Middleton (Mills, Class of 1968) Helen is now a psychologist in Hobart.

She works for a Telehealth organisation providing counselling for clients all over Australia. She has many Victorian clients currently struggling with the myriad of difficulties brought about by COVID-19 and she is well aware of issues that would be affecting the Korowa community.

During lockdown, Helen encourages everyone to put structure in their days, to create a sense of fun and laughter whenever possible and to appreciate our opportunities for connection through social media.

Judy Dowling (Porter, Class of 1958) Judy has written a book entitled ‘Yours Mine Ours’ which is a set of short stories about child bereavement. She has garnered the experiences of families she has encountered during her involvement with the charity The Compassionate Friends. This organisation supports grieving parents through their troubles.

Jennifer Potts (Boyall, Class of 1974) After leaving Korowa, Jennifer did a Secretarial Diploma Course and upon her marriage moved to a dairy farm in NSW. In 2000, she enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing and then completed a Graduate Certificate in Maternity. She has worked in a variety of hospital and aged care settings and in 2013 completed the course to become a Nurse Immuniser. In 2017 she completed a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education and Management which led her to fulfil her ambition to become a Credentialled Diabetes Educator. Jennifer would be pleased to hear from any of her fellow classmates.

Please contact the School for her details.

Pauline Dunne (Wright, Class of 1955) Pauline kindly supplied a range of photographs to the Archives from the early 1950s. This one is of the Senior Tennis Team 1952.

1952 Senior Tennis Team.

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TRY US FOR A DAY Discover what Korowa has to offer by participating in our Try Us for a Day Program. Girls can attend a full day at Korowa, joining their peers to see what Korowa is like, make new friends, explore the School and meet the teachers.

Please contact our Enrolments Office for more information Mandy Andrews Director of Enrolments P: 03 8808 8888 E: admissions@korowa.vic.edu.au 10-16 Ranfurlie Crescent, Glen Iris, Victoria, Australia 3146