Sports and CentreWellbeing AUGUST 2022 ISSUE 78
3 Contents Cover Our honourees outside The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre at the official opening on Friday 17 June (L-R) Amy Tennent (Class of 1995), Sandra Ivory (Clark, Class of 1967), Hannah Macdougall (Class of 2005), Roslyn Otzen (Principal of Korowa, 1991-2003) and Wendy Millar (Malfroy, Class of 1964). From the Chair 3 The Grand Opening 4 The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre - Take a Look! 6 A Space to Try Your Best 8 A Magical Performance - Matilda JR 10 A World of Opportunity Awaits 12 Experiential Learning through the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award 13 Support Sisters 14 Excellence in Teaching 15 Welcome and Farewell: Korowa School Council 16 People of Korowa 18 Farewell to our staff 20 Alumni Profiles 22 Community Engagement 24 Foundation News 28 Unveiling the Jessie Patrick Statue 29 Korovian Club News 30 The Inaugural Korovian Fellowship Grant 31 Reunions 32 Community News 34 Editorial Committee Jane Grlj, Director of Marketing and Communications Sharyn Hanly, Director of Community Engagement Mandy Andrews, Director of Enrolments Ian Robertson, Alumni Manager Casey Dean, Marketing and Social Media Specialist Phoebe Maher, Graphic Design 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 CRICOSABNreception@korowa.vic.edu.au53007133646Provider01022G
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We are delighted to announce the appointment of our 10th Principal, Frances Booth who will join Korowa in Term 4 this year.
It has been wonderful to observe a myriad of events that have reconnected the community this year, despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. At the end of Term 2 we celebrated the opening of The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre, which will play an integral role in facilitating many of the programs associated with our Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This Centre is the culmination of many years of work by an array of people in our community. I would like to thank the Cripps Foundation for their immense generosity, past Principal, Helen Carmody for her vision, passion and energy, which were instrumental in driving the project forward, and our previous Director of Business, Robert Konoroth, who worked closely with Helen in ensuring both the financing and the completion of the project. The Building Committee must be acknowledged for their support. We are also grateful for the support of our parents as reflected by the generous donations from the Korowa Parents’ Association and Friends of Netball. I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work in maintaining the high standard of excellence by our Interim Principal, Narelle Umbers who has led Korowa since January 2022. We will farewell Narelle at the conclusion of Term 3 and wish her well as she commences as Principal of Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar in 2023. We look forward to welcoming Korowa’s new Principal, Frances Booth, who will commence in her role at the beginning of Term 4. Stuart MajorChair of the Council
Currently, the Deputy Principal of MLC School in Burwood, Sydney and prior to that the Deputy Principal at Ascham School in Edgecliff, Sydney, Frances brings to Korowa over 25 years of experience in both day and boarding schools for girls in Australia and the United PassionateKingdom. about education, Frances is a strong leader who has an ability to build and foster a connected community with an innovative spirit. Her leadership actively reflects a philosophy that aligns with Korowa’s own – respecting an individual’s unique identity, excellence, and nurturing a culture focused on courage, respect, integrity and service.
From theChair
We look forward to welcoming Frances into our community.
Frances said, “It is a privilege to have been appointed to the role of Principal at Korowa and to lead a school that has a strong commitment to excellence for all, and such strong values embedded in its culture. I am looking forward to getting to know the students, parents, staff and Korovians”.
On Friday 17 June members of the Korowa community came together to officially open the new Sports and Wellbeing Centre – named The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre, the most significant works project in our 132 year history. It was an exciting occasion for Korowa and if the events over the last few years have highlighted anything in particular, it is just how important community and a sense of belonging is to our wellbeing.
The building was officially opened by Betty Crozier (Lawrence, Class of 1938), our oldest Korovian. Followed by a blessing of the building by The Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Philip Freier. We heard stories of the lives of our honourees, Roslyn Otzen, Wendy Millar, Sandra Ivory, Amy Tennent and Hannah Macdougall. You can read more about these inspiring Korovians in our Alumni Profiles, they are indicative of the rich fabric that makes up the Korowa community. By Jane Grlj Director of Marketing and Communications
TheGrandOpening
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By Ian AlumniRobertsonManager
Mrs Betty Crozier (Lawrence, Class of 1938) who started at Korowa as a 5 year old in 1926, officially opened The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre. Betty is our oldest Korovian having turned 100 in September last year. Her husband, Rex Crozier lived in Dorrington Avenue and his three sisters all attended Korowa as did two of his cousins.
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The Croziers, like so many other families in our School’s long history, have had a multi-generational connection with the School. Rex and Betty sent their four daughters to Korowa, all of whom were present at the opening - Elizabeth (Class of 1968), Pamela (Class of 1970), Jennifer (Class of 1972) and Robyn (Class of 1975). Elizabeth subsequently sent her daughter, Katherine Kirkby (Class of 1994) to Korowa. They all completed their entire schooling at Korowa.
Physical activity has always been important to Betty, and her long life is a testament to a life lived with physical activity at its core. Betty was assisted in unveiling the commemorative plaque by one of our youngest Preps, Priscilla, whose mother, Penny Chen is a Korovian from the Class of 2006.
OurKorovianOldest
6 The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre -takea look!
Rhiannon Slatter Photographer
Supplied by Ireland Brown Constructions.
7 CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FILM
Students of all ages and our staff are thrilled to be using The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre. You can feel the sense of excitement as they utilise the spaces. Our dancers are enjoying the purpose built Dance Studio with its sprung floor, our youngest students in the ELC can’t wait for PMP each week, our drama students are displaying their creative talents in The Amy Tennent Theatre, while our netballers and basketballers are loving the courts. The Sandra Ivory Café and Piazza has been abuzz with students catching up with one another at recess and lunchtime. It is fabulous to see our community enjoying The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre.
8 8 A space to
By Angus Hawkes Head of Programs
tryyourbest
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After two years of being in and out of isolation, having the opportunity to connect through the Performing Arts has been a special experience for all involved. The journey from auditions to closing night has been one that will be cherished by cast and crew alike. To watch the growth of each student as they learnt, challenged and encouraged each other was so special. They emphasised the importance of these co-curricular experiences, not just to develop skills in the Performing Arts, but to build lifelong friends and memories, that will remain with us all long after the final curtain has closed.
By Natalie Ward Head of Performing Arts
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A PerformanceMagical -Matilda JR
It was an absolute pleasure to bring this amazing show involving over 100 students, who have worked so hard over many months, to live audiences. The audience at the sell-out performances were transported by the mesmerising story of a little girl, Matilda, who against all odds, saw the power and magic of education, friendship and kindness.
Preparations for Matilda Jr began amidst lockdown in 2021, where it truly felt like we needed a miracle to see the light at the end of the tunnel. That wonderful light was lit in the first week of June, where against many odds, the creative team, cast and crew brought to life this magnificent piece of theatre.
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By Louise Blennerhassett Student Futures Specialistopportunityawaits!
A world of
Another aspect of our program that is unique to Korowa, is students in Years 7-9 participate in the BECOME.ME Career Education Program, which teaches them the skills to explore, design and navigate their future through awareness, aspiration and agency. They discovered the world of work without any pressure or judgement which is important in helping them make informed decisions in the senior years. In Year 8, our students also undertake VIA Character Strengths Profiling. The Year 10 Student Futures Program prepares students for key decision making in preparation for their VCE years. Students complete the Morrisby Profiling Assessment and participate in one-on-one Student Futures meetings. They undertake two weeks of learning related to exploring their individual strengths relevant to their future world of work; interpersonal skills and job seeking skills to ensure cut-through in the competitive recruitment landscape. Students learn about the application of school subjects in workplace skills, how to write an effective cover letter and resume, and participate in virtual work experience and mock interviews. This very practical application of skills is deliberate, as it engages students in a meaningful way as opposed to more esoteric concepts. In Years 11 and 12, we focus on meeting students individually to discuss future pathway options and complete VTAC applications to ensure they feel confident, secure and well informed with their life beyond the Korowa gates.
Korowa’s inaugural Student Futures Expo was a great opportunity for students and their families to meet with representatives from many organisations, including universities and TAFEs who showcased their offerings, enabling the students and their parents to understand the diversity of possible pathways.
12 At Korowa, our primary aim is to empower students to become self-aware, curious and courageous individuals so that when they finish school, they feel confident to make informed decisions regarding their pathways. Therefore, our Student Futures’ tailored and integrated programs run from Years 7–12 and enable us to deliver an outstanding sequential experience for our students.
By Sharon Cox, Head of Outdoor Education
Korowa introduced the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to staff and students earlier this year, and the news was met with great excitement.
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Participation in the Award is voluntary, student driven, involves commitment over an extended period, and requires involvement in a range of community serving endeavours. Participants are encouraged to undertake activities which stretch them in new areas whilst also consolidating their strengths. Using opportunities available as part of Korowa life we envisage a student can complete the Bronze Award over the two years of Years 9 and 10. Students can complete the Award in six to 12 months if they also include outof-school commitments. Students have until they are 24 years of age to progress through the Silver and Gold Korowalevels. values of Courage, Respect, Integrity and Service are brought to life through this Award as students take on new challenges, learn new skills, undertake adventurous journeys and volunteer in their community. We look forward to seeing this culture grow at Korowa as participants share their achievements. Award
DukeofEdinburgh
Korowa students live full, active and diverse lives. Introducing The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at Korowa is an opportunity for students to have these many endeavours recognised under one internationally renowned award.
Many staff shared their childhood memories of the Award. Common themes emerged of surprise at their own capacity, enjoying the challenge, tales of adventure, and long term connection with sections of their local Studentscommunities.were very keen to become involved and learn more, with a number already having begun the Award of their own volition in the past six months.
Experiential Learning through the International
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The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award was founded by the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in the UK in 1956, as a voluntary self-development program for adolescents. Today, more than 130 countries have adopted the program.
• Problem solving steps; what is the problem, what are my options, select the best option for me, if that has not worked try again with the next option.
• Effective communication and working together in pairs
SupportSisters
Interested students then completed an application to be a Support Sister. Those selected participated in additional training where they role played scenarios they may encounter in the playground and practised their problem-solving skills. The students will now work in pairs as Support Sisters, with regular opportunities to get together as a group to reflect and build on their skills.
In 2021, staff in Years 3-6 and the wellbeing team worked together to develop a peer support system that would operate at lunchtime in the Junior School playground. The result of this work was the creation of the Support Sisters, a program where our Year 6 students support our younger students.
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All Year 6 students participated in a series of training sessions to develop the skills needed to support their peers. In these sessions they participated in activities that focused on:
• Building empathy for the experience of an early years student
By Liz SchoolSpurling,Counsellor
• Understanding the responsibilities of a Support Sister, and when to ask for help
This program connects the students across the Junior School. It is a leadership opportunity for our Year 6 students and our younger students love having an older student around that they can talk to.
• Active listening
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Excellence in Teaching
Korowa was privileged to have Nicola Devlin (Humanities) and Candice Egan (Dance and Drama) selected for the Teaching Excellence Program (TEP), a flagship program of the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. The program’s 250 successful applicants are regarded as some of Victoria’s most highly skilled and exceptional classroom teachers.
Fostering excellence and collegiality across the teaching types and sectors, participants over a year will learn from master teachers and international experts, and work collaboratively while focusing on building classroom teaching practice within their discipline areas. This supportive professional environment facilitates rich conversation from a variety of viewpoints and reflection, enabling each individual to deeply consider their own personal teaching philosophy. Upon graduation, the participants will become Academy Fellows who will retain connection with the Academy and mentor other teachers in the Nicolaprogram.Devlin,Head of Learning, has previously participated in the University of Melbourne Network of Schools in which she developed the Korowa Critical Thinking Framework; a framework designed to assist students and teachers build their critical thinking, creative and problem-solving capacity. Her interest in this field is reflected in her present TEP project which revolves around how to facilitate critical, empathetic and open-minded dialogue in relation to challenging and controversial topics through the lenses of Humanities, particularly History. TEP also enables Nicola to collaborate with other Humanities teachers to develop high quality Humanities curriculum, and create resources which foster diversity, inclusion and social justice.
Candice Egan, co-author of the paper ‘Dancing Earthquake Science Assists Recovery from the Christchurch Earthquakes’ (Egan, Quigley 2014), which she wrote after her lived experiences throughout the earthquakes as both a resident and Director of Dance in a secondary school, has a professional and personal interest in the use of Arts for recovery from disaster contexts. Her TEP individual and group inquiry project focuses upon how the Arts curriculum and learning can assist students in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic; a focus on the studied benefits of embodied learning (Dance and Drama) and applied learning programs within school environments. With the recent opening of the new Dance Studio in Korowa’s Sports and Wellbeing Centre, she is looking forward to activating and celebrating newly developed 21st century Arts learning programs. By Liana Gooch Deputy Principal
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Farewell
Welcomeand Farewell
Kathy has always been deeply committed to all facets of education, but specifically girls' education. In her time as a Director, she ensured that Korowa remained at the forefront in providing a holistic education for young women. She is a compassionate, witty and humble person with a brilliant mind and, as such, always provided wise counsel.
At our Annual General Meeting held in May, we formally said farewell to Judge Kathy Kings and thanked her for her long and distinguished service as a Director of the School Council, most recently serving as its Deputy Chair. Kathy has also been a member of the Leadership Committee and has been Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee.
Kathy Kings
KOROWA SCHOOL COUNCIL
Kathy was a true independent voice on the School Council, having had no previous connection with Korowa. She provided invaluable knowledge and advice in support of the Principal and her fellow Directors, developed from her many years of service in the legal industry. Prior to her Korowa School Council appointment in 2015, she served on the boards of Wesley College and MLC, the latter of which she was a past student.
In 2022, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the School, the Korovian Club had great pleasure in making Kathy an honorary Korovian, thus ensuring she will remain connected to the Korowa community that she has served so well. By Stuart Major, Chair of the Council
It has been really exciting to reconnect with the Korowa community as a parent and now as a School Council member, and I look forward to working with Council and the brilliant staff to ensure Korowa remains a leader in girls' school education”.
Welcome
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Following Kathy’s resignation from the School Council we are delighted to announce that Joanne Chin, a Korovian (Class of 1993, Deputy School Captain) and Council member since 2020, has been appointed as Deputy Chair. Jo is a qualified lawyer and an experienced senior HR executive, with over 20 years’ experience in law and HR across multiple industries and geographies. She started her career as a corporate lawyer at Allens before making a career change into people and culture. She spent much of her career in London and San Francisco at Google, and later as Head of People at Waymo where she helped commercialise and scale the business of autonomous vehicles. Recently she was Chief People Officer at Kraft Heinz and co-owner/director of a large ski hostel in Niseko Japan. She is mother to eight year old twins, Maddie and Jude. Jo is passionate about female education and leadership, and diversity and inclusion. She attributes her time at the school as a core part of forming her into the leader she is today. "Korowa gave me the courage and confidence to be an independent thinker. The values of respect and integrity have guided me throughout my career. I am excited about the opportunities for Korowa to build upon its strong history, and also to lead into the future.”
Derek Youdale B.Acc, CA Father to Zoe in Year 6, Derek has over 25 years of digital, data and analytics experience in large global finance, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals organisations. He spent 15 years at JPMorgan in New York and London before returning to Australia to take roles at ANZ, Telstra, and work remotely for HSBC and AstraZeneca in the UK. More recently he has returned to an Australian role as the interim Chief Data Officer at NAB. Derek is experienced in delivering high quality services and compelling change agendas with skills in leading data management techniques, strategic thinking and risk management.
“My family and I are new to Melbourne and the Korowa community but have been really impressed with the school in the short time we have been here. Given we are new, I bring an outsider’s view to the Council to add to its mix. Through my career, I have been lucky to see an enormous evolution in the impact data and technology has had on our everyday lives.
There remain huge challenges for companies yet significant opportunities for schools like Korowa. I’m keen to add that mix into the thinking at the School Council”.
Lisa is a Korovian (Class of 2002) and current Korowa parent, with Emma in ELC 4 and her son James commencing in ELC 3 in 2023. She is currently an Executive Director within the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs, where she is the Chief Operating Officer of the Mergers & Acquisitions Group and Head of Education Coverage in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to her role at Goldman Sachs, Lisa worked in Nomura’s Investment Banking Division and in Ernst & Young’s Transaction Advisory Division.
Lisa Tan BComm (U Melb), LLB (Hons) (U Melb)
Joanne Chin BComm (Hons) (Monash), LLB (Hons) (Monash)
“I look back at my time at Korowa fondly and have no doubt the nine years I spent at the School gave me the confidence to tackle all the opportunities I have had since leaving – the Korowa motto “no reward without effort” and the tagline “dare to try” guiding my day-to-day.
Coordinator3-6ofKorowa People
Kate is committed to helping her students develop the skills necessary to be problem-solvers and change makers with the ability to make a positive contribution to the world. It is for this reason, that she feels very passionate about Korowa’s signature KXP program. The project-based learning approach is highly engaging and motivating for students and allows them to make connections across curriculum outcomes, leading to a deeper understanding of Kate’sconcepts.special interests in education include inquiry teaching, STEM and Mastery; she recently presented her action research into Mastery Learning at Korowa at the Global Forum on Girls’ Education.
Kate joined Korowa four years ago and when asked what she loves about Korowa she said “I love the community feel that Korowa provides for not only the students but all the families and staff. There is a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Korowa is also very encouraging of professional development and supports lifelong learning for staff”.
Before embarking on her teaching career Kate was involved in the Arts industry – acting, theatre and film. She then went on to study Drama teaching and engaged in research around the benefits of using drama as a pedagogical approach to learning. She believes that dramatic play is an essential part of children’s lives and the way they learn as it integrates elements of physical, emotional and cognitive development.
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When asked what inspires you, Kate responded, “To be honest, I am most inspired by the students I work with. Each day they amaze me with what they are capable of and all that they can achieve. I am inspired by their creativity, way of thinking and humour”.
Mrs Kate Banks, Year 5 teacher and Year
After initially dabbling in engineering, David says he felt “the pull toward both intellectual pursuits and working with people”, resulting in his career in teaching, education management and research. As a student he loved studying physics, mathematics and music, and competing as an athlete.
Having joined the Korowa staff six years ago, David comments warmly of the school where “students experience encouragement and opportunity to be true to themselves, to embrace honourable values, to socialise well, and to be persistent and ambitious in regard to their growth and achievements”.
David is a critical thinker, with a practical bent. This year, The University of Melbourne conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Education for his research on “Improving teacher effectiveness: how effective teachers are conceptualised by education practitioners in different school contexts”. His study illuminates the contextualised, nuanced, and potent nature of what enables and what impedes effective teachers in their work, and how increased teacher effectiveness is achievable through informed policy development and improved management in schools.
Outside of the classroom, David enjoys snowboarding around the globe. His snowboard has taken him to different states in Australia, British Columbia, Colorado and the Swiss Alps. He also enjoys time in nature, music and Davidtheatre.says he seeks inspiration from “capable people with a good sense of proportion, humour and a ‘can-do’ attitude”. He has been an integral part of the Mathematics and, more recently, Science departments, teaching the VCE Studies of Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and Physics, and Mathematics across Years 8-10.
Dr David PhysicsMathematicsWilkie,andTeacher
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By Ian AlumniRobertsonManager
Peta has always been passionate about developing young women’s physical education skills and encouraging them to participate in sport and outdoor activities. Over the years, she has had a great impact on generations of Korovians, providing them with many co-curricular opportunities by encouraging them to participate in Physical Education and Outdoor Programs.
At the end of Term 2, we farewelled Peta Yeo, Head of Physical Education who retired after more than 19 years of dedicated service to Korowa. Peta joined Korowa in February 2003 as Head of Physical Education and Head of Outdoor Education and has been an inspiring leader of the PE team in developing curriculum and promoting sport and physical activity for all students.
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Farewell to our staff
Peta Yeo
A true leader who always led by example, Peta was loved and respected by her colleagues and always patient and generous with her time to ensure that her team members were well informed and supported. During her time as Head of Outdoor Education, she participated in many School camps including the Year 9 Trek and Urban Adventure programs. Peta loved the outdoors and always encouraged her students to embrace the opportunities that outdoor education provided in terms of developing teamwork, resilience and an appreciation of both the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Throughout her time at Korowa, Peta was a strong advocate for the health benefits to be gained by participation in physical activity and used her considerable organisational skills to ensure the smooth running of House Sport and other Carnivals. Events like House Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming bore the hallmark of Peta’s organisational capabilities and were events that not only brought together students from Years 7 to 12, but also developed House spirit. In recognition of her years of dedicated service to the School, the Korovian Club made Peta an Honorary Korovian in 2021. We wish Peta all the very best in her well-earned retirement that will give her the opportunity to spend more time with her family and friends and enjoying the things she particularly loves – cooking, reading and the great outdoors.
Xenia joined the staff of Korowa in 1999, and since that time has endeared herself to generations of Korovians, particularly for her teaching of Biology and her other passion, the work of David Attenborough! She is a highly experienced educator having begun her teaching career in 1982 and is well-recognised in the wider educational community in her field of endeavour being a contributing author of the VCE Biology texts for Nelson from the first edition, published in 1999. In the fourth edition, she was lead author for the VICscience VCE Biology Units 1 & 2, and contributing author to VICscience VCE Biology Units 3 & 4 publications. She was always willing to share her knowledge of Biology teaching and has presented at numerous webinars on the changes to the Biology Study Design. In addition to her teaching responsibilities in the Science Faculty, Xenia spent ten years as Head of Clarke House where she developed and implemented a range of personal development programs for secondary students. She led the change from a year level pastoral system to a vertical system, building connections with students and their families, following them through until the end of their secondary schooling resulting in a continuity of care and enhanced wellbeing. For some years, Xenia was a highly effective Head of Year 11 and the Gifted Education Co-ordinator, where she was able to introduce whole school activities that benefited all students, but also provided scope for acceleration for those who were more able, but often preferred to go
The School’s sound finances are testament to his financial Robert’sacumen.
Robert’s business acumen and strategic thinking combined with his passion for advancing Korowa, resulted in the most significant building developments in Korowa’s history. Amongst Robert’s many achievements were his oversight of the new Food Studies learning area, the complete redevelopment of the Junior School playground, the creation of numerous new teaching spaces in the Junior and Senior Schools and more recently, the completion of the Margaret Brumby Junior Science Laboratory and the new Ceramics Studio in the Senior School. He, along with Helen, realised how important the creation of such spaces are in the attraction and retention of both students and staff to the School. However, his most significant and long lasting contribution to Korowa was the pivotal role he played in the purchase of the property in Malvern Road as a future site for development, the first time the School has moved off the Dorrington estate since we arrived in Ranfurlie Crescent in 1914. In addition, Robert’s foresight and negotiation skills were also evident in securing Korowa’s stunning River Campus on the Yarra River that has considerably enhanced not only Korowa’s rowing program, but also offers students greater curriculum opportunities in environmental studies. The recently opened Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre was the culmination of many hours of dedicated work that saw Robert work closely with Helen Carmody, the Building Committee and the Cripps Foundation, and ultimately saw the successful completion of this amazing project offering so many opportunities to the students and staff of Korowa now and into the future.
Xenia’sunnoticed.daughter, Merelina, graduated from Korowa in 2002 and in recognition of her long and distinguished service to Korowa, Xenia was made an Honorary Korovian in 2018 by the Korovian Club. We wish Xenia all the best in her new role at the Royal Children’s Hospital as an Education Consultant, working with young people transitioning back to school after extended absences. Xenia Pappas Robert Konoroth joined Korowa as Director of Business at the beginning of 2016, the same time as Korowa's ninth Principal, Helen Carmody. How fortuitous this partnership proved to be as together they transformed the operations of the School, and had a shared vision for the School in terms of the physical resources required to deliver an outstanding contemporary education.
Robert Konoroth
colleagues will miss his positive and happy demeanour, his sense of humour and the care and concern that he has shown to so many over the years. We wish him every success in the future and we are grateful for his very meaningful contribution to our School.
Robert’s role as Company Secretary to the School Council and the Korowa Foundation was largely unseen by the wider community, but Directors both past and present appreciated Robert’s integrity, advice learnt from his many years of experience and the compassionate way in which he approached sensitive issues. Robert always placed the benefits for students at the centre of his decision making.
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The Hannah Macdougall Swimming Pool
By Ian AlumniRobertsonManager
Named in honour of Paralympian Dr Hannah Macdougall (Class of 2005) a World Record Holder in 50 metres backstroke, Captain of the Australian Swimming Team at both World Championships and Paralympic Games and a Bronze medallist at the Paralympics, Athens 2004.
Hannah did her entire schooling at Korowa. Her life has personified the Korowa School motto of ‘no reward without effort’ and she has lived the School values of courage, respect, integrity and service.
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The naming of our new building in her honour not only acknowledges her contribution, but also the important place she occupies in the history of our School.
AlumniProfiles
Ros has always been a passionate advocate for girls’ education. In 1991, along with the Principal of Tintern, she established the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia, which is still the foremost voice for the advancement of girls’ Duringeducation.hertime as Principal, she continuously emphasised the importance of physical activity to a students’ sense of wellbeing. Subsequently, in 2001, Ros was a driving force behind the establishment of Girls’ Sport Victoria (GSV), that saw the formation of one of the largest sporting associations for girls in Victoria, when the 24 independent girls’ schools combined into one sporting association that considerably expanded and enhanced sporting opportunities for girls. This is a legacy we enjoy today with Korowa involved in 16 sports.
Dr Roslyn Otzen served as Principal of Korowa from 1991 until 2003. During this time, she introduced many innovative programs and cemented Korowa’s reputation as one of the leading independent girls’ schools in Australia.
Combined with her impressive sporting career at the elite level, she enrolled at Deakin University in 2007 and completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Sport Management in 2011. She also completed a PhD in Sport Management (focussing on athlete wellbeing) at La Trobe University in 2017.
Hannah ‘christened’ the pool by having the first swim on the morning of 17 June and was then joined by members of Korowa’s swimming squad.
Amongst her many achievements at Korowa were the establishment of the Cripps Centre Middle School and the Korowa Foundation of which she is a former Director and Fellow. Ros also introduced the now iconic Trek program that teaches students teamwork, resilience and an appreciation of the natural world. Since its commencement in 1994, more than 1000 Korowa students have completed this program.
The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre
The Sandra Ivory Café and Piazza Sandra Ivory's (Clark, Class of 1967) enduring memory of Korowa is friendship. Sitting with her friends in the school grounds at recess and lunchtime where they were affectionately known as the ‘Brooks Gang’, were the personal highlights of her day. In 1980, Sandra joined her family’s industrial investment firm, the Sinclaire Group. The business has grown considerably under her leadership and currently operates in four states.
Sandra’s ongoing commitment to our School, and her continued stewardship of the Korowa Foundation, have been recognised in the naming of The Sandra Ivory Café and Piazza. On the commemorative plaque is a quotation from Proverbs: "A sweet friendship refreshes the soul."
Wendy was a Prefect, Jamieson House Captain and Sports Captain. In 1978, she was appointed by Principal, Miss Margaret McPherson as Head of Physical Education and Sport and in 2001, the inaugural Chair of Girls’ Sport Victoria (GSV) Heads of Sport Committee. She was instrumental in helping to create the breadth of sporting opportunities that now exist for Korowa students. Wendy retired in 2009 as Chief of Staff. For generations of Korovians, her name is synonymous with sport and it was clear on the day of the opening of the building, the high regard in which she is held by all sections of the Korowa community.
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The Amy Tennent Theatre Amy Tennent (Cripps) entered Korowa in 1985 and graduated in the Class of 1995. In her senior years, she was very involved in the School’s drama and music programs (particularly in choirs) as well as displaying a strong sense of service to others. She is a director of the Cripps Foundation, a philanthropic foundation established by her grandfather. Amy’s father Mr Robert Cripps AM and his family believe people who have been so fortunate as to amass great wealth should channel it toward the greater good. As a result, the Cripps Foundation, established in 1956, has made substantial gifts to educational institutions, hospitals, churches, charitable organisations and museums around the world.
As a tribute to Amy’s distinguished career in the philanthropic sector, combined with her interest in the performing arts and service to Korowa, we officially named The Amy Tennent Theatre – a truly remarkable space for the Performing Arts.
Sandra has always believed in the power of education to make a difference and has been a Director of the Korowa Foundation since 2014 and Chair of the Korowa Foundation since 2015. Due to her philanthropic support of the School, she is one of only two Benefactors of the Korowa Foundation.
As a result of their generosity to Korowa since the 1990s, Amy and her parents Mr Robert Cripps AM and Mrs Jan Cripps are all Patrons of the Korowa Foundation.
The Wendy Millar Sports Hall Named in honour of the loyal and outstanding service given by Wendy Millar (Malfroy, Class of 1964) in her 32 years as a member of staff.
A warm and wonderful celebration recognising the special women in our lives.
A Night of Jazz
Class of 2021 Homecoming We were delighted to welcome back the Class of 2021 and their parents at the beginning of the year. There was much excitement, as this was the first time the group had come together since receiving their results and tertiary study offers, and provided an opportunity to recognise the amazing results achieved by the group.
Mother’s Day
24 Engagement
A highlight on the Junior School calendar is Mother’s Day. The week-long celebrations commence with the Mother’s Day stall and selecting a special gift for mum or grandma, followed in the coming days by classroom activities and Morning or Afternoon Tea, and a special High Tea for Year 5 and Year 6 Mothers and Daughters in the Hall.
More than 120 parents, staff and guests were treated to a night of jazz excellence, thanks to our talented music students and teachers, supported by the talented Steve Sedergreen Trio. Ensembles, bands, choirs and soloists entertained guests with an array of outstanding musical performances.
By Sharyn Hanly Director of Community Engagement International Women’s Day Breakfast 2022 8 March is recognised globally as International Women’s Day, and the theme this year was #BreakTheBias. The early morning event was well attended by parents, students, staff and Korovians. We were engaged and entertained by a diverse panel comprising Dr Katie Allen, then Member for Higgins and Dr Susan Carland, well known Australian academic, author and television presenter. Moderator was Michelle Hughes, Korowa parent and highly sought after strategist within the health Topicssector. discussed included gender bias and discrimination, subconscious behaviours and resulting bias, gender parity and sexism, and this was followed by questions from the students in the audience. A truly enlightening morning with our panel of remarkable women.
Community
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The first of a number of planned father/daughter events was held recently with the Year 7 and Year 8 Father/Daughter Bowling Night. This proved to be great fun and more activities are planned throughout the year as part of The Fathering Project and the Korowa Dad’s Group. Parent Events
In the days following the official opening of Korowa’s new Sports and Wellbeing Centre, we were delighted to welcome parents to an evening of discovery. More than 450 guests were able to wander through this beautiful venue at leisure or stop for refreshments along the way, all the time guided by our informative Years 9 and 10 Student Ambassadors who provided detailed insights about the various facilities on offer.
The Korowa Friendship Group continues to meet every second Tuesday morning at 8.30am over tea and coffee with a guest speaker in attendance. Anyone is welcome to attend, particularly those new to the School. If you would like to know more please contact the Community Engagement office Ph. 8808 8893.
Class Reps have been busy organising get-togethers across various year levels, organising Sunday afternoon drinks, separate parent dinners for mums and dads, parent evenings, morning tea and a bowling afternoon. If you would like to organise a social event, the Community Engagement office is on hand to assist with Trybookings, prepayments, suggested venues, name tags, etc. Please call 8808 8893 for further information.
26 Sports and Wellbeing Centre Parent Evening
Our many parent groups reconnected in the early part of the year, with the launch of the new Korowa Netball Club and inaugural Korowa Basketball Club. The Korowa Rowing Club supported our crews from the banks, enjoying the final regatta for the season at the Head of the Schoolgirls in Geelong and a parent dinner at the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club. The Presentation Dinner was held at the end of term with staff, parents and rowers in attendance.
K BALL Friday 18 November, 2022 at 6.30pm More details to follow. SAVE THE DATE
Korowa Parent Groups
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Thank you to all those who have donated to the Foundation’s Annual Giving program for 2022. The support of current parents, staff and my fellow Korovians is very much appreciated by my other Directors and myself. As part of 2022 Annual Giving, the Foundation is pleased to be able to offer a means-tested memorial scholarship that honours the remarkable contribution of Jean Barnfather.
As a result of the donations received in Annual Giving in 2021, the Foundation was delighted to be able to fund the creation of a dedicated Ceramics Studio in the Visual Arts Department. This allows students to work in three-dimensional form and their creative output is evidenced in the marvellous pieces of work that are emerging from the kiln.
Foundation
In recognition of her many years of dedicated work, in 2004 Margaret was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia, her citation reading ‘for her outstanding work in medical administration and management of biomedical research facilities, particularly the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical MargaretResearch’.wasalways grateful for the education she received at Korowa. She is a former Director of the Foundation and President of the Jessie Patrick Bequest Society. As a result of her philanthropic support of the School, Margaret was made an Associate Fellow of the Korowa Foundation.
Margaret Brumby with Sandra Ivory, Margaret Hill and Bobby Deng, Directors of the Korowa Foundation.
Year 10 Student Ceramic teapots 2022
News
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The Korowa Foundation’s principal aim is to support the educational opportunities available to our students, but we cannot achieve this aim without the on-going support of the Korowa community for which I am most grateful.
Sandra Ivory(Clark, Class of 1967) Chair, Korowa Foundation Korowa Foundation
We were also very pleased to be able to fund the creation of a dedicated Junior Science Laboratory, opened in March 2022. The creation of this teaching and learning space enables students from Prep to Year 6 to conduct experiential and investigative learning, via the use of specialised equipment and maker space facilities of the highest standards. The creation of this laboratory enabled us to honour the distinguished scientific career of Dr Margaret Brumby (Wiadrowski, Class of 1958) who was appointed in 1986 as the first ever General Manager at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, a position she held with distinction until her retirement in 1998.
By Ian AlumniRobertsonManager
the Jessie Patrick StatueUnveiling
Jessie BequestPatrickSociety
Named for Korowa’s first student, the Jessie Patrick Bequest Society acknowledges Korovians and friends who name the School as a beneficiary in their Will. To find out more about becoming a member of the Society by leaving a bequest to Korowa, please contact Alumni Manager, Ian Robertson on 03 8808 8833 or irobertson@korowa.vic.edu.au
Korovian Club President, Dr Helen Tope (Class of 1980) with members of the Patrick family after the unveiling.
The School in 1900 at Wattletree Road. Jessie Patrick is the first on the left in the back row.
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Jessie Patrick will always occupy a unique place in Korowa’s history, as she was the first student to enrol in founding Principal, Mrs Henrietta Akehurst’s new school. This symbolic statue was commissioned by the Korovian Club and was to be presented to the School to mark its 130th anniversary in 2020. Alas, the pandemic intervened. To coincide with the official opening of The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre on 17 June 2022, the President of the Korovian Club, Dr Helen Tope, unveiled Jessie in the presence of members of the Patrick and Akehurst families, and the wider School community. The statue will symbolise the more than 11,000 Korovians who have entered the School and those that will in the future. The School gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the Korovian Club.
The Korovian Club, that represents all of our alumni, generously donated the War Service Honour Board to Korowa that was unveiled at the annual Anzac Day Service and is now installed in the Chapel. This Honour Board acknowledges the collective service of 32 Korovians in the Second World War. Alas, none of the Korovians being honoured are still alive, but they would be thrilled to know that their school has acknowledged their service and that all of us, and those that come after us at Korowa, will remember them.
Thedevelopment.portraitwas unveiled in the presence of students, staff, Korovians and members of the Akehurst family, by Henrietta’s great-great granddaughters and fellow Korovians, Annaliese Allen (Akehurst, Class of 1996) and Alexandra Flex (Akehurst, Class of 2000) at our annual Founder’s Day service held on 4 May 2022.
Commemorating a remarkable woman
Korovian Club AGM 2022
To all Korovians and Honorary Korovians, You are warmly invited to attend the Korovian Club Annual General Meeting to be held on: Monday 21 November 2022 at 7pm in The Roslyn Otzen Sports and Wellbeing Centre Ranfurlie Crescent, Glen Iris. Starting at 7pm, and immediately prior to the Annual General Meeting, the Korovian Club will hold a Special General Meeting to consider a resolution to change our association’s rules. A vote will be taken by Korovians on these proposed changes to the Club’s rules, which are intended to make the rules more contemporary and to suit the current operational needs. These proposed changes include updates to the association’s statement of purpose, refined during the recent strategic review; alignment of the rules with the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012.
Recognition Korowa is pleased to announce that we received the Educate Plus Highly Commended Award in the Alumni/Community Event category for our Celebration of 40 Years of Rowing held in 2019. The Award was presented to Alumni Manager, Ian Robertson at the Educate Plus International Conference held in Adelaide in June. The Celebration of 40 Years of Rowing engaged past parents, staff and most importantly, Korovian rowers from 1979 to 2019.
All Korovian members (excluding Honorary Korovians) are entitled to vote by attending the Special General Meeting or by appointing an attending member as their proxy, by notice given to the Secretary no later than 24 hours before the time of the meeting. Please contact Ian Robertson, Alumni Manager - irobertson@korowa.vic.edu.au for a copy of the proxy form and send the completed form to the Secretary at korovian.club@gmail.com.
KorovianNewsClub
By Ian AlumniRobertsonManager
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The Akehurst family’s connection with Korowa is unique and continuous with three of Mrs Henrietta Akehurst’s great-great-great grandchildren currently attending the School. In 2021 the Korovian Club, the alumni association of Korowa, commissioned a portrait of Henrietta Akehurst to replace the photographic portrait that existed. This is now hanging next to the portraits of Korowa’s past principals – other outstanding women who have given visionary leadership and fine service to Korowa and its
War Service Honour Board
If you are interested in contributing to this project Jess can be contacted via: jesscarson05@gmail.com
Jess has received $5000 from the Korovian Club to fund the pilot program and we look forward to hearing of the progress of this great initiative that directly relates to the welfare of women.
The Korovian Fellowship Grant for 2023 will open in March 2023. Further information is available on our website.
On behalf of IVI, Jess and her partner are wanting to start a period poverty initiative that involves sourcing period products in the form of period underwear or sustainable sanitary pads to support 95 women within the HART communities of Fiji.
By Helen President,TopeKorovian Club
The KorovianFellowship Grant
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An Annual award supporting Korovians in a not-for-profit venture that promotes philanthropy and/or supports society.
During the months of April and May this year, Jess and her partner Alex, volunteered in Fiji through a Non-Government Organisation called 'Involvement Volunteers International' (IVI). Through this organisation they conducted health and medical checks within a community referred to as Lovu 'HART' (Housing Assistance and Relief Trust). This community predominantly supports women and children fleeing domestic violence. Through this experience, it came to their attention that there was a lack of basic necessities available for these women and children due to their low socioeconomic status which meant that access to sanitary products was non-existent, as food and rent took priority. Their observations aligned with the definition of period poverty which is: ‘A lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, waste management, and/or education, which affects many women globally causing physical, mental and emotional challenges.’
To ensure the effectiveness of this program they hope to start with the one community as a pilot initiative. Their program has a strong environmental message at its Furthercore.tothis, they also hope to provide these women with the means to change the culture ensuring that no woman or child has to feel ashamed of the natural process that is menstruation.
Inaugural
Congratulations to Jess Carson (Class of 2018) The Korovian Club Committee was impressed with the calibre of the applications they received for this award. There are certainly many Korovians demonstrating altruism in the community in a variety of interesting ways. Following the recommendation of the Selection Committee, President, Helen Tope was delighted to announce that the winner of the inaugural Korovian Club Fellowship Grant for 2022 was Jess Carson from the Class of 2018.
Staying Connected It has been wonderful to be able to welcome back many Korovians to their School in the reunion program. Due to the pandemic, we have had to combine reunions so that no year levels have missed out due to the events of the last few years. If there is one positive, there has been something nice in that those attending have known one another from the close proximity of their respective year levels whilst at school. Our last reunion for the semester was the first to be held in the new Sandra Ivory Café and Piazza, a wonderful function space for the Korowa community. As these photographs will attest, Korovians enjoyed catching up with one another and reminiscing their days at Ranfurlie Crescent.
Reunions 2022 Saturday 3 September 12pm Class of 1970 50+2 Year Golden ReunionJubilee Luncheon Class of 1971 50+1 Year Golden ReunionJubilee Luncheon Class of 1972 50 Year Golden Jubilee Reunion Luncheon Thursday 8 September 6pm Class of 2019 1+2 Year Reunion ClassDrinksof 2020 1+1 Year Reunion ClassDrinksof 2021 1 Year Reunion Drinks Saturday 10 September 5pm Class of 2002 20 Year Reunion ClassDrinksof 2007 15 Year Reunion Drinks Saturday 8 October 5pm Class of 1992 30 Year Reunion ClassDrinksof 1997 25 Year Reunion Drinks Saturday 22 October 12pm Class of 1987 35 Year Reunion ClassLuncheonof1982 40 Year Reunion Luncheon Friday 11 November 12.30pm Class of 1960 60+2 Diamond Jubilee Luncheon Class of 1961 60+1 Year Diamond Jubilee Luncheon Class of 1962 60 Year Diamond Jubilee Luncheon Saturday 12 November, 12pm Class of 1965 55+2 Year Reunion ClassLuncheonof1966 55+1 Year Reunion ClassLuncheonof1967 55 Year Reunion Luncheon Events Monday 7 November Korovian Club Golf Day, Frankston Golf Club Monday 21 November 7pm Korovian Club Special General Meeting followed by the Annual General Meeting Friday 25 November 6.30pm Korovian Club Christmas Drinks
32 Reunions
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Lorraine Scheele (Kent, Class of 1951) on 2 May 2022. Dorothy Fraser (Roach, Class of 1956) on 4 May 2022. Dorothy’s daughter Sue Fraser (Class of 1982) also attended the School. Kay Bennett (Wallis, Class of 1950) on 10 June 2022. Kay was a boarder and one of the stories she told her family about her time at Korowa was how she would skip class and hide in the air raid trenches (dug around the school during the war) so she could read her books! After Kay left School, she trained as a nurse.
34 In Memory
News
L to R - Larissa Webster, Amy Collie, Amanda Derham, Rebecca Elliott, Anna Cook , Georgie Geyer (Hill), Sarah Raso (Don), Eliza Strapp (Duggan), Alice Macfarlane, Renee Switzer (Carl) and Kathy Meier (not a Korovian).
Congratulations to Bella Heathcote (Class of 2005) for her starring role opposite Toni Colette in the series, Pieces of Her that is based on the Karen Slaughter novel of the same name. The series is currently streaming on Netflix and rocketed to Number 1 in Australia, when it was released in March. Bella took speech and drama lessons whilst at school and in her final year appeared in Korowa’s memorable production of 42nd Street. She went on to study at the National Theatre Drama School and like so many other Australian acting luminaries, began her acting career in 2008 in the iconic series, Neighbours.
In 2011, Bella won the prestigious Heath Ledger Scholarship that enabled her to move to Hollywood to further her craft and the rest is history. Over the course of her career, she has been fortunate to work with actors of the calibre of Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter and directors such as Tim Burton. She has certainly come a long way from treading the boards in Beatrice K. Guyett Hall!
Deanne Neal (Hazen, Class of 1958) on 31 July 2021. Deanne was Vice Captain of Akehurst House. Anne Batchelor (Webb, Class of 1963) on 16 August 2021 after bravely battling Motor Neurone Disease. Anne was the godmother of Andrea Byrne (Morris, Class of 1990) and mother-in-law of Nicole Batchelor (Wells, Class of 1993). Anne was a Chartered Accountant and ran her own practice for many years. Away from work, she built and enjoyed her beautiful residence on the Mornington Peninsula, and spent time with her grandchildren.
Derisley Barthold (Morris, Class of 1952) on 24 March 2022. Her four sisters all attended Korowa – Joan (Class of 1940), Audrey (Class of 1942), Ruth (Class of 1943) and Jennifer (Class of 1947). Margot Parton (Nelson, Class of 1958) on 25 March 2022. Margot was House Captain of Jamieson. Margot’s sister, Jenny Willcox (Nelson, Class of 1963) also attended Korowa as did her daughter Jackie Stott (Parton, Class of 1984). Marjorie Sinclair (Woodfall, Class of 1947) on 10 April 2022. Marjorie spent her entire schooling at Korowa. She was joint Head Prefect with her lifetime friend Kay Kirkwood (Harkness, Class of 1947). They met in Year 3 in 1938 and therefore were friends for an incredible 84 years. Marjorie’s sister Rosemary Woodfall (Class of 1952) also attended the School. Marjorie’s son married Alina Fialides (Class of 2002) and Marjorie was delighted when their daughter, Eva began in the Junior School in 2018. Marjorie maintained a keen interest in the School and the School Hymn was sung at her funeral.
Kay’s daughters attended Korowa – Sally Clarke (Bennett, Class of 1988) and Jessica Bennett (Class of 1991). Roseanne Loutit (Orr, Class of 1968) on 22 May 2022. Her good friend Bronwyn Lamb (Donaldson, Class of 1968) who met her when they were both in Prep in 1956, collected affectionate memories of Roseanne from her fellow 68’ers who variously described her ‘as a sparky little thing, full of personality, forthright and so much energy’ as ‘solid and steadfast and cheerful’, and ‘a mischief maker’ who used her considerable charm in order to evade detentions! She will always be remembered as courageous as she had valiantly fought MS over a number of years being devotedly cared for by her husband. Marriages Anna Cook (Pilcher, Class of 2000) was married on 16 January 2022. Her wedding was attended by many fellow Korovians from the Class of 2000 – testament to the enduring friendships of Korovians. Anna is the Performing Arts Co-ordinator in the Junior School.
Jacqueline Bloodworth (Barlow, Class of 1964) on 16 October 2021 after a long illness. Jacqueline’s sister Barbara Biggs (Barlow, Class of 1961) also attended the School. Leueen Di Benedetto (Parker, Class of 1974) on 4 January 2022. Leueen’s mother, Maidie Parker (Slade, Class of 1940) also attended the School as did her sister, Keriwyn Acklom (Parker, Class of 1964) and her nieces, Suzann Wallbridge (Acklom, Class of 1990) and Dimity McLachlan (Acklom, Class of 1993). Leueen had a lifetime friendship with Susan Hooper (Class of 1974). She is survived by her husband and four children. Jocelyn Lyall (Harvey, Class of 1957) on 7 January 2022. Jo had lived for many years in England. Margaret Grimshaw (Corris, Class of 1950) on 17 January 2022. Judith Bamford (Jamieson, Class of 1944) on 17 March in Perth. Judith was a much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Dr Grace Davies (Class of 2007) is halfway through specialising to be a paediatrician, and whilst working at the Royal Children’s Hospital Cardiology ward, wrote her first children’s book to transport the children and their families to a tropical, island wonderland. It is called Kassie
The Koala: A Surf Island Adventure, and it is an uplifting, rhyming adventure that inspires young ones about courage, kindness, and how working together can help us to face our fears. One reviewer wrote recently, ‘thank you for producing a beautifully illustrated, rhythmical, rhyming children’s book. I adore the message of courage, positivity, collaboration and the value of kindness you give our young ones.’ The book is available on Grace’s website graceisobelbooks.com.au and at Jeffrey’s Bookshop on Glenferrie Road.
Community News
Fiona Annett (Campbell, Class of 1987) and her fellow classmates Sally-Ann Hughes, Carolyn Oliver, and Janoel Liddy enjoyed catching up with Sarah Stevenson (Allen) who was visiting from London. They also caught up during the dinner, via FaceTime, with Alicia McCulloch (Gregory).
Frances Stovold (Kirby, Class of 1948) spent most of her school years at Korowa. Her mother, Enid Kirby (Dunn, Class of 1915) also attended the School and she remembered the School moving from Wattletree Road to Ranfurlie Crescent in 1914. Frances worked for many years as a pre-school teacher. Jen Geddes-Davies (Hawkins, Class of 1962) has recently moved from Kilsyth to a small property in Maindample in rural Victoria. She and her husband are loving the tree change and Jen has just completed the building of a small studio where she is looking forward to many happy hours of painting, writing and sorting through photographs.
Congratulations to Leah Jing McIntosh (Class of 2009) who was awarded an OAM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for service to the arts as a writer and publisher. Leah is the founder and editor of Liminal Magazine and the Liminal Fiction Prize for Writers of Colour. She gives voice to the Asian Australian experience. As she states, Korowa taught me that we do not have to settle into unjust realities—that equality can exist if we chase it hard enough. The School is very proud of her pioneering work.
Korovian Club Golf Day When: Monday 7 November 2022
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Congratulations to Tania De Jong AM (Class of 1982) on the recent world premiere of Driftwood – The Musical at Chapel off Chapel. It is based on the memoir of Eva De Jong (Duldig, Class of 1954). Tania was both the concept creator and lyricist. It tells the story of Eva’s parents, noted artists Karl and Slawa Duldig and their escape from Jewish persecution in Nazi occupied Vienna in 1938. It tells a story of love and loss, of resilience and dislocation, of the importance of the creative process and the eventual triumph of the human spirit. Tanya played her grandmother Slawa, with a poignancy that highlighted the inevitable toll the Holocaust brought to those who survived. It is hoped that the play will be staged in New York.
Email: Mobile:gjdance@bigpond.net.au0411101008
Jillian Durance (Class of 1964) has, since she retired from teaching, taken up writing focusing on community and military history. She has also written poetry and a memoir. She has had four books published.
Kate Eastlake (Class of 1988) completed her nursing immunisation course in 2019 and is part of the COVID response team. She has been working alongside her fellow Korovians, Kristin Mellett (Gay, Class of 1988) and Tara Carrafa (Shepherd, Class of 1988). Jane Kitchen (Class of 1974) recently retired and moved from Penola to Robe. Jane completed a medical degree and then went on to specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology. She is married with two children. She and her husband are hoping to spend time in Europe over the next few years.
Elizabeth Phillips (Redman, Class of 1984) studied Diploma of Teaching at Burwood and taught Physical Education at Tintern Grammar Junior School for 9 years before going in to the family Business, Camp Australia where she has worked for the last 30 years. She is married with three children, has travelled to seven continents and still loves swimming and tennis.
Congratulations to Dr Helen Tope (Class of 1980) who was selected by the United Nations Environment Programme to be profiled as part of the of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, created in 2015 and celebrated annually on the 11 February. Helen has been given this honour due to her significant work for the Montreal Protocol, the international treaty for protection of Earth’s ozone layer, and as a woman scientist working to safeguard the environment.
Beyond the Gates Podcast Our podcast series provides the opportunity for Korowa’s students to design and deliver a podcast interview with a focus on Korovians.
The intention behind this student led initiative is not only to highlight and value the diversity of our alumni in their career journey beyond school, but to create a tangible connection between current students and our alumni whose story can be of benefit to the broader Fourcommunity.episodes are now available. Hear their incredible journeys: Anna Mackenzie and Caitlin Judd (Class of 2006) co-founders of Lady-Brains, a digital and IRL club for ambitious and entrepreneurial women in Australia. Dr Cassandra McKeown (Class of 1980) whose impressive international career as a journalist in some of the most war torn places on earth that has now led her to dedicate her time to the clearing of ordnance, a potentially deadly biproduct of armed conflict. Dr Natasha Anstee (Class of 2006), whose passion for Biology, has led her to pursue an interesting scientific career. She has worked in Melbourne and internationally within the field of bio-medicine where she is making a huge impact with her research on fighting leukemia. Dr Hannah Macdougall (Class of 2005), a former world record holder, medal winning Paralympian with 20 years of experience at the elite athlete level. You can listen to episodes of Beyond the Gates on Wooshka or Apple Podcasts.
Dianna Edwards (Mason, Class of 1958) recently published a memoir entitled, 63 Years, a Memoir. In the first part of the book, she wrote about her happy schooldays spent at Korowa. Dr Julie McClean (Class of 1976) is a Research Oceanographer and Educator in the Climate, Atmospheric Science, and Physical Oceanography Division at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California in San Diego. Her research interests focus on the development and testing of next generation fully coupled Earth System Models for use in the prediction of environmental conditions on scales from several years to decades. More recently, she has expanded her studies into seaice modelling. She is now using her simulations to study ocean/sea-ice interactions in both the Arctic and the Southern Ocean. Julie’s work is invaluable in contributing to scientific research regarding the effects of climate change. We are Sailing!
The Korovian Club officially launched its Learn to Sail program in partnership with the Albert Park Yacht Club on the 23 April 2022. It was a beautiful autumn day with ideal weather conditions for those Korovians beginning their sailing journey. The Korovian Club President, Helen Tope, took to the waters to test her sailing skills. We were pleased to hear that all of our intrepid sailors safely returned to shore. They have subsequently gone on to complete the course in July. This program will be offered again next year.
Email: JayneMobile:wmillar@netspace.net.au0425857312Dance(Appleton,Classof 1980)
Where: Frankston Golf Club If you are interested, for further details please contact: Wendy Millar (Malfroy, Class of 1964)
Please contact our Enrolments Office for more information Mandy Glen10–16E:P:DirectorAndrewsofEnrolments0388088888admissions@korowa.vic.edu.auRanfurlieCrescent,Iris,Victoria,Australia3146 Discover what Korowa has to offer by participating in our Try Us for a Day Program. Students 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. AUSTRYFORDAY
