Korovian | February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022

ISSUE 77

s t n e oC nt

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 Sandra Turner, Archivist Alumni and Korowa Foundation T +61 3 8808 8833 E irobertson@korowa.vic.edu.au

Principal’s Farewell

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Congratulations to the Class of 2021

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Welcome to Narelle Umbers

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Meet the 2022 School Captains

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Sport at Korowa

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Our Talented VCE Students

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Looking After Each Other

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STEAM Learning

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Wizard of Oz

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Farewell to Helen

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A Lasting Tribute

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From the Archives

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Valedictory

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People of Korowa

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Community Engagement

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Foundation News

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Staff Farewells

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Korovian Club News

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Dear Korovians

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Korovian Dates

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Alumni Profiles

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Community News

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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 2

Cover Artwork ‘The Figure’ by Bethany Jamieson, Class of 2021.

The winner of the Robyn Price Art Acquisition Award. This pen drawing is a focus on the entwinement of flora with the human form as a metaphor for the futility and vulnerability of human identity.

Principal’s

ll e w aF re

New subjects have been introduced at all levels, notably Dance in Years 5–8, and also new VCE courses. Professional Learning for teachers has focused on an evidence-based approach to continuous school improvement, ensuring the detailed tracking of students learning for growth.

As I farewell Korowa, it is an opportunity to reflect on my time as the School’s ninth Principal. With the support of School Council, and the energy of a hardworking and driven Leadership Team, staff and students, we have been able to achieve so much.

Over the past six years, the School has not only grown in numbers, but also in the range of subjects, programs and co-curricular offering available.

The Sports and Wellbeing Centre is nearing completion and will open in Term 2 this year. This outstanding facility provides integrated facilities for leisure, fitness, sport, dance and performing arts, along with beautiful social spaces and counselling and health centre support services to ensure our students can thrive. This project is the culmination of several years of hard work and brings to life our vision for an education that offers so much more for girls.

The past six years has seen a whole Junior School transformation, with the Learning Commons, new art room, repurposed Prep classroom and new enlarged spaces for Years 5 and 6. The versatile and purpose-built ELC and Junior School playground have become a favourite space for the whole school. Over the summer break, work commenced on the Junior School Science Room.

Korowa will provide specialist teaching for Science in Years 5 and 6, and further develop our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programs. The Science Room will also allow all classes P–6 to engage in cooking and food studies as part of our Kitchen Garden program.

New frameworks for teaching have prioritised character education at all levels through the Circle, Community and Crew programs, providing skills for emotional and social education in a structured format that encourages student voice, goal setting, positive engagement in social issues and an active approach to team work. We have taken a rigorous approach to curriculum development and high-impact teaching strategies to result in positive academic achievement for all students. The Korowa Expedition Learning Programs are a culmination of a student-centred focus on authentic learning.

Most importantly the Korowa spirit has remained strong throughout all the recent challenges of living through a pandemic. While we adapted to life lived online and learning through screen interactions, we came to appreciate the small everyday interactions that brought real joy in tough times. Sometimes just seeing a friend in the park was enough to turn an ordinary day into the best. But the most joy was on the days when we could finally return to school.

Who ever thought we could be so happy!

All of this contributes to the measure of the character that we will develop and no doubt this will contribute to future success and a life lived well. These factors also define the Korowa spirit; one of courage, service and a genuine care for others.

Over my last few weeks at Korowa, I was acknowledged and thanked, but everything is only possible because of the staff, students and Korowa community working together. We were a great team and this has been a wonderful community.

I will forever remain grateful for the confidence the School Council placed in me to serve Korowa as its ninth Principal. It has been a privilege and a joy to have been part of this outstanding School.

Helen Carmody Principal

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s n o i t a l u t a r oC ng

to the Class of 2021

By Jane Grlj Director of Marketing and Communications

This group of students will be remembered not by the number of lockdowns, months spent in distance learning, or as the year level that spent their entire VCE years impacted by a global pandemic, but rather by who they have become and who they are – young people who genuinely care for each other, are not afraid to stand up for what is right and who challenge the status quo.

Despite these extraordinary times, our students got on with it. They were brave, respectful, honest, generous and kind. They are truly an amazing cohort, and we could not be more proud of each and every one of them.

Summary of Results: • 11.7% of students achieved an ATAR of 99 or above • 40.3% of students achieved an ATAR of 95 or above • 61% of students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above • 3 perfect study scores of 50 • Median ATAR: 91.85 • Median study score: 36 In addition to their commitment to their academic studies, the Class of 2021 also found opportunities to get involved in the creative and performing arts, music, sport, service, debating and more.

Last year our 2021 VCE Dux was Charlotte Li who achieved an ATAR of 99.7.

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Post-School destinations In January, the Class of 2021 students received their tertiary offers. Our students have continued to follow their passions, selecting courses across a wide variety of areas including direct-entry Medicine, Commerce, Arts, Science, Biomedicine, Law, Engineering, and Design.

Field of Education

•Commerce, Business and Global Studies Field Education and Teaching •Arts,ofLaw Commerce, Business and Global Studies Science and Engineering •Science, Computer Arts, Law and Teaching •Medicine, Biomedicine, Biomedical Science Computer Science and Engineering and Pharmacy related •Science, Medicine, Biomedicine, Biomedical Science Allied Health, Health Science, Nursing, •

24% 21% 24% 18% 21% 18% 10%

and Pharmacyand related Paramedicine Exercise and Sport Science

10% 15%

Paramedicine and Cookerys Sport Science and Patisserie and and Exercise Commercial

15% 13%

and Patisserie and Commercial Cookerys

13%

AlliedArt, Health, Health Science, Nursing, Design, Media and Communications •Fine

Korowa achieved three perfect study scores, Emily Cox (Class of 2021) in Media, Madeleine Cleeve (Class of 2021) in Health and Human Development and Eloise Auwardt (Class of 2022) in Biology.

•Fine Art, Design, Media and Communications

These results have again placed Korowa as one of the top performing schools in the state.

Tertiary offers based on First Round: 36% •Monash Uni Tertiary offers based on First Round: Uni of Melbourne 27% • MonashUni Uni 36% •Deakin 12% Uni of Melbourne 27% •RMIT 7% Deakin Uni Uni 12% •Swinburne 7% RMIT 7% •Other 12% 7% •Swinburne Uni 12% •Other

o t e m o c l e W

Narelle Umbers Interim Principal Following a comprehensive search for an Interim Principal, we are delighted to welcome Narelle Umbers to Korowa.

Narelle has returned to Australia from New Zealand where she was the Principal of Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, a high-performing Kindergarten to Year 12 independent Anglican school for girls in Wellington.

Prior to her move to New Zealand, Narelle was the Deputy Principal at Peninsula Grammar where she led the learning and staff development across Kindergarten to Year 12.

Narelle spent 13 years in a number of teaching and leadership roles including 10 years at Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School teaching Mathematics at all levels in the Senior School. Narelle also complements her impressive teaching and leadership background with corporate experience in the information technology and financial services industries.

Like so many Australians impacted by the global pandemic, after working abroad for four years Narelle and her husband made the decision to move back to Melbourne to be reunited with family and friends.

Narelle said, “I am thrilled to be joining the Korowa community. I know it has been a difficult two years with the disruption of COVID and I look forward to working with students, staff and families as we commence the new school year together.”

Narelle’s leadership actively reflects a philosophy that is aligned with Korowa’s – respecting our student-centred approach, academic excellence, offering a broad and diverse co-curricular program and nurturing a culture focused on student wellbeing and community.

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t e e M

the 2022 School Captains Madeline Miao

Jemima Carne

In my pursuit of questioning how to best use my position to support the students, staff and friendly faces of the Korowa community, I realised I hoped first and foremost to achieve a harmonious unity, in which everyone can be confident their voices will be heard and acknowledged in the ever-continuous process of changing our School for the better.

Korowa is a place where lifelong skills and friendships are formed. After such a tough year last year, spent predominantly off School grounds, my focus for 2022 is on bringing joy and enthusiasm back to the Korowa community.

How to make these visions come to life though? I’d like to describe myself as a person who stands up for her moral code and has infinitely as many ideals and passions as she has unfinished book series. As such, I believe inspiring student-led compassion and innovation will be our way to conquering the exciting year ahead.

Especially in light of the past two years, encouraging my cohort to lead progressive lifestyles in which they constantly seek to understand the needs of others around them has become a main focus of mine. In my role as a 2022 School Captain, I will strive to invigorate the endless passions of our School’s students, continuously learn from any mistakes I might make and lead by diligent example.

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I believe it’s important for us as a School to celebrate and empower our students and I am hoping to facilitate this in my role. I will throw myself into creating a vibrant School culture that’s full of energy and fun, with a focus on connection within and between year levels.

With my passion for activities and energetic involvement in the Sport and Music departments, I am hoping I can be a friendly face who everyone feels comfortable approaching and chatting to about any concerns or ideas they may have. Ultimately, my goal as a School Captain is to inspire optimism and hope, and make 2022 a year to remember.

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t r o p S

at Korowa

By Chris Jones Director of Sport

The countdown is on with the new Sports and Wellbeing Centre due to be completed soon.

This Centre will provide a range of outstanding facilities that will not only enhance our current programs, but allow us to expand our sports offering.

Our netballers will have access to state-of-the-art facilities including an indoor and rooftop netball court, and the gym facilities will allow us to add strength and conditioning programs. Our rowers will not only have access to the River Campus, but also the Sports and Wellbeing Centre facilities for land training.

This year we also launch the Korowa Basketball Club, which will provide students of all abilities with the opportunity to participate in a Saturday basketball competition. With a full indoor basketball court onsite, students will be able to attend training sessions before and after school.

Korowafit, a new group training program is an additional offering with students and staff able to participate in group classes before school to complement yoga and pilates.

Of course, our full Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) offering will continue and students have the chance to get involved in a range of sports across the year from football, softball and diving to soccer, track and field, triathlon, volleyball and much more.

It is going to be an exciting year for Sport at Korowa.

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d e t n e l a T r Ou

VCE Students

By Rowena Hannan Head of Visual Arts

By Rowena Hannan Head of Visual Arts

2021 Virtual VCE Art and Design Exhibition.

In November 2021, we celebrated the work of our students in VCE Art, Studio Arts and Visual Communication Design with our annual VCE Art and Design Exhibition. Due to lockdowns and restrictions, our exhibition went virtual using a platform that provided an innovative and engaging way to view artworks in a simulated gallery environment.

We congratulate all the students involved for what they achieved in a challenging year.

The following awards were presented in this exhibition: Robyn Price Art Acquisition Award In 2018, the Korovian Club inaugurated this award honouring the outstanding contribution by Robyn in her 27 years of teaching Visual Arts at Korowa. Robyn was loved and respected by generations of Korowa students and is passionate about the importance of creative expression in education.

‘Air’. Emma Talbot, VCE, Year 11.

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The 2021 award was judged by artist, Deborah Williams, and the recipient was Bethany Jamieson (Class of 2021) for her pen drawing, ‘The Figure’ (featured on the cover).

Deborah felt that this drawing demonstrated a powerful sensibility that explored a high level of consideration in visual language and aesthetic deliberation.

(Top Left) 2021 Award Winners, Bethany Jamieson (Class of 2021) and Olivia Georgakis (Class of 2021) (Top Right) Miko Fan (Class of 2021), VCD (Middle Right) Lucy Guo, Year 11, Art (Bottom Left) Olivia Georgakis (Class of 2021), VCD (Bottom Right) Reika Yoshikawa (Class of 2021), Studio Arts.

Jan Miller Design Acquisition Award In 2021, the Korovian Club inaugurated this award honouring the outstanding contribution of Jan Miller (Kostos, Class of 1960), a much-loved former Art teacher at Korowa from 1960 to 1972, Treasurer of the Korovian Club for many years and volunteer in our Archives and Alumni Office for the past 23 years.

This award was judged by designer and Korovian, Alison Turnbull, (Class of 2006) and was awarded to Olivia Georgakis (Class of 2021) for her extensive design folio that demonstrated a broad range of design skills resulting in a beautiful presentation.

Both prizes are awarded annually for exemplary art and design work. Over time, this will enable the School to build up a representative collection of student art and design work that will not only aesthetically enhance the School environment, but also inspire students in their own pursuit of creative excellence.

Thank you to the people at the Monash Museum of Modern Art who supported us on our virtual journey and enabled this exhibition to occur in their virtual space, and to the Korovian Club for its ongoing generosity.

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r e t f A g n i oL ok

Each Other

By Sharyn Hanly Director of Community Engagement

Sadly, we were unable to be together for much of 2021, however in true Korowa spirit the community united and supported each other as challenges were presented.

We were without the buzz and movement of students around the School in Term 3 as they continued distance learning from home, and to let them know how much they were missed and to brighten their day each student was sent a small gift from the Principal and staff during this time. Packages included cookies for Year 7, friendship bracelet kits for Year 8, chocolates for Years 9 and 10 and seedlings to our Junior School students. All Year 11 and Year 12 students were suitably spoilt with pamper packs!

Craig Whalen and his daughter Sarah, enjoying their Year 12 Father Daughter breakfast together at home.

Our Year 12 Father Daughter Breakfast tradition continued from home, with hampers delivered to share and enjoy together. Unable to socialise during their daughters’ final year, Year 12 parents gathered online for a “virtual” cocktail evening in association with Left Bank Melbourne, which everyone loved amid lots of chatter.

Upon their return to School (finally!), our VCE students tackled the GAT exam and on leaving were presented with a sweet treat for their journey home. Junior School celebrated Halloween with creepy costumes, ghastly goodies and magical music.

Whilst 2021 was full of surprises, some good and others less-so, the Korowa community remained compassionate, connected and above all, kind.

Year 12 Parents, Virtual Cocktail evening.

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Pamper Packs for Year 11 and Year 12 students.

Natasjia Voulanas receiving her hamper to share with dad Nick at the Year 12 Father Daughter breakfast.

A sweet treat at the completion of the GAT exam.

“Missing You” biscuits sent to all Year 7 students.

Stuart Major and daughter Jamie sharing the hamper delivered for the Year 12 Father Daughter breakfast.

Chocolates reflecting the date of their return to school were sent to all Year 9 and Year 10 students.

Year 8s received friendship bracelets to make together online during the holidays.

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STEAM

By Liana Gooch Deputy Principal

g n i n r a Le

In 2021 our STEAM focus continued to grow, evidenced by our awards and collaborative links to tertiary and industry sectors, as we forged strong skillsets, knowledge and application to prepare students for future career pathways.

In Year 7, 15 students participated in the GirlGeek Academy online program ‘Microsoft Mondays’ involving coding, video game development, Artificial Intelligence, 3D modelling with Tinkercad, and website development.

In Year 8, three students entered the Science Talent Search and all were awarded major bursary prizes for their work. Adya Pandy and Alice Liberman conducted research into resurrection plants. Tessa Plant designed an original board game which promoted understanding of superfoods and digestion.

Our Year 9 Innovation Generation students were immersed in the BrainSTEM Challenge which involved design thinking to solve big world problems with technological solutions. One group focused on developing an algae-based biofuel to replace portions of other fuel as a way of reducing the wasteful matter damaging the earth. Other groups were involved in developing a more efficient pet feeder and providing a solution for accommodation for neurodivergent students via a handheld device, powered by a Raspberry Pi, that uses sensors to provide sensory stimulation while teaching basic mathematics and reading skills.

Training also commenced for the first LEGO League Challenge around research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering. A team of seven students from Years 7–9 was involved in building the first LEGO League course and designing a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a Robot Game. As part of the Challenge, teams also participated in an Innovation Project to identify and solve a relevant real-world problem.

We were excited to announce the development of our new Junior School Science room. Flexible in its design, students will undertake experiential and investigative learning via the use of specialised equipment and maker-space facilities.

We look forward to continuing to develop links with external organisations to tap into expertise and provide more real-world experiences in STEAM for our students.

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Tessa Plant’s award winning submission to the Science Talent Search.

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d r a z i W

of Oz

By Anna Pilcher Junior School Performing Arts Coordinator

After months of no productions or performances last year, it was an incredible journey bringing The Wizard of Oz Young Performers’ Edition to life!

With a grand total of 17 musical numbers, a few extra than those seen on the big screen, our cast worked tirelessly in rehearsals and everyone maintained their high-level of excitement and enthusiasm throughout the entire process.

The entire cast of 124 performers demonstrated great resilience, flexibility and maturity in dealing with rehearsals for the musical and all the challenges last year dealt us.

A big round of applause to our lead performers, who put in extra miles. The cast of The Wizard of Oz Young Performers’ Edition did a great job bringing their characters to life and it was a wonderful to watch them perform in both a matinee and evening performance, to an audience, late last year.

Much of our rehearsal time was spent online and performance dates moved multiple times, but the cast did not let this hold them back. The show must go on!

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n e l e H o t ll e w aF re

On behalf of the Board, it is with sadness but deep gratitude, that we farewell and thank Helen for her service and achievements in her time at Korowa.

In my role as Chair of the Board and as a past parent, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Helen and I would personally like to thank her for the outstanding contribution she has made to Korowa. Commencing in 2016, Helen has led the Korowa community with vision, integrity, empathy and energy.

Over this time, Korowa has flourished and grown to be one of Melbourne’s top performing independent schools, culminating in being acknowledged as the Non-Government Secondary School of the Year at The Educator Awards in 2018 and in 2021 making the Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Places to Work list and The Educator’s Employer of Choice list. She has also overseen significant developments in the campus with the near completion of the Sports and Wellbeing Centre and the development of the River Campus. I wish her all the very best for the future.

Stuart Major Chair of Council For the past six years, Helen has been a Director of the Foundation. As Chair, I have always appreciated her visionary and strategic leadership of the School and her indefatigable energy and drive. During her tenure, she has totally transformed the campus, always advocating for the best possible facilities for students and staff.

On behalf of the Korovian Club, I wish to express our gratitude for the support that Helen has given the Club during her term as Principal. Helen has demonstrated exemplary leadership of the School, particularly during a very challenging period in its history, and has done so with compassion, warmth, and care.

On behalf of the Korowa staff, I write to farewell Helen, Korowa’s ninth Principal. Over the past six years, Helen has been a dedicated and empathetic leader whose passion for educating young people has been so evident.

She has provided the students of Korowa with the foundations to enable them to be successful, resilient, globally minded and people of good character. Not only has she been a visionary leader, but also a mentor and friend, providing staff with appropriate care and support.

Her clear vision for the School coupled with her amazing work ethic has ensured that Korowa is the place it is today, where staff, students and families feel connected and that they are part of something special.

One of the hallmarks of Helen’s leadership has been the emphasis she placed on the benefits of an inclusive community, the importance of the alumni to Korowa, and staying connected. She has forged her own legacy at Korowa as its Principal, creating new directions and vibrancy for the School while strengthening and honouring its traditions. She will be greatly missed.

Helen Tope (Class of 1980) President, Korovian Club

I have had the pleasure of working with Helen both at Korowa and previously at Toorak College and it is with great sadness that I, and so many others, say a professional farewell. I know I speak for all staff when I say thank you for all that you have done in caring and encouraging us in our endeavours. We wish her all the best for the future.

Liana Gooch Deputy Principal

The Foundation is proud that we have been able to support her educational vision. Her empathy and knowledge of our families have been invaluable in guiding the Foundation when awarding Foundation bursaries.

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

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When we first met Mrs Carmody in Year 7, we learnt that she ran marathons and we thought that was the coolest thing for a Principal to do! Since then, Mrs Carmody ensured that student voice was the catalyst for change in the School and she definitely created a school where students can feel safe and have a sense of belonging.

Matilda and Annai 2021 School Captains Mrs Carmody is an inspiration to all Korowa students.

Through her calm, supportive aura and welcoming nature she has taught us the qualities of a successful leader.

It warmed our hearts seeing her enthusiastically running with the Preps, offering encouragement on House Cross Country Day. Her zestful nature is astonishing and motivating. We wish Mrs Carmody all the best in her future endeavours.

Mackenzie and Natalia 2021 Year 6 Junior School Captains

Principal’s Portrait In keeping with tradition, the School Council has commissioned artist, Marcus Wills, to paint Helen Carmody’s portrait. Marcus’ work is represented in a range of public and private collections and he is a past winner of the Archibald Prize, Australia’s foremost prize for portraiture.

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e t u b i r T g n i t s a L A

By Ian Robertson Alumni Manager

These beautiful stained glass windows would be a familiar sight to generations of Korovians from the 1940s to today, but what do they represent?

The windows were given to the School as a memorial to Helen Felicity Anne Elder by her parents and sister, Marigold (Woodfield, Class of 1952). Felicity (as she was known), died when she was in Remove (Year 7) in August, 1944 following a serious illness. Her father, who was serving in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), was able to come home from northern Australia to be with her in her final days.

Felicity began at Korowa in Kindergarten in 1937. Her friend and fellow Korovian, Helen Hill (Blain, Class of 1950) remembers one lunchtime sitting on the oval with Felicity who exclaimed with great disdain, ‘Oh gosh I’ve got Marigold’s sandwiches’! She also remembers her porcelain complexion, blue eyes and golden red hair.

In the 1944 Palm Leaf she was described as a girl with a ‘sweet smile and a confidingly trustful personality’ and being ‘of a gentle disposition’. Just prior to her death, she had been selected to play the part of the Mock Turtle in Alice in Wonderland and her mother had made her costume. Alas, it was never worn by Felicity as she was unable to appear due to her illness.

In 1946, the windows were presented as a memorial to the School and were temporarily installed in the Assembly Hall (later known as Knox Hall) until they could be placed in a proposed new Memorial Assembly Hall that subsequently was never built. Therefore, the windows remained in their ‘temporary’ home until the demolition of Knox House in 1974.

Following years in storage, the windows were reinstated in the Music Studio in the new Margaret McPherson Centre in 1990 where, as the School history, And, As We Journey states, ‘the light they throw continues to bring tender wonder to all who pass’ – such a fitting tribute to a life that was so tragically cut short.

Felicity Elder (left in the front row) photographed in Kindergarten 1938.

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s e v i h c r A e h t rF om

By Sandra Turner Archivist

Thank you for your donations of Korowa memorabilia over the past 12 months:

Barbara Lynch (Henderson, Class of 1950) Jill Anderson (Cullimore, Class of 1961) Jan Miller (Kostos, Class of 1960) Margaret Tingate (Long, Class of 1956) Dr Roslyn Otzen (Principal 1991–2003) Fiona Adams (Class of 1990) Karen Chittenden (Class of 1980) Rod Fraser (relative of early student Nelly Merson, Class of 1916) Ian Gray (relative of early students Beth Gray (Hale, Class of 1933) and Nellie Hale (Class of 1921) and also Penny Tomblin (Class of 1956) and Sonia Tomblin (Class of 1957)) Michael Jansen (relative of Margaret Jansen (Smith, Class of 1951) Lesley Burgess (Gilbert, Class of 1971)

Korowa Heritage Walk: Telling the story of our Campus Recent visitors to the School may have noticed a series of new silver and cherry crested plaques with QR codes at key locations around the Campus. Our new Heritage Walk was finally able to be completed during lockdowns last year.

We invite you to gain an appreciation of our School’s ongoing story and learn about how Korowa has developed over the years since the School moved to Ranfurlie Crescent in 1914.

An understanding of our past history and heritage informs us of the values and traditions which have shaped our School experience today. There are 16 locations to explore via our QR codes. A brochure with a map can be obtained from Reception or via our website.

Korowa gratefully acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government and the Public Record Office of Victoria for making this project possible.

The Cuthbertson Cup The Cuthbertson Cup for Scholarship, Sport and Character (U14) was the gift of Mr M. R. Cuthbertson, a Korowa parent from 1928–1945. His three daughters June Beaurepaire (Cuthbertson, Class of 1939), Peggy Archer (Cuthbertson, Class of 1941) and Helen Littlejohn (Cutherbertson, Class of 1945) played a very active part in the life of the School. It was awarded from 1945–1957.

In 1947, it was awarded to Barbara Lynch (Henderson, Class of 1950) who recently donated it to our Archives.

Barbara was a Junior House Captain in 1947, a Probationer, House Captain and Basketball Captain in 1949 and in 1950 studied Matriculation and was a Prefect, Akehurst House Captain and Basketball Captain.

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y r o t c i d Vale

The Class of 2021 spent most of their VCE days apart, so to be able to come together and celebrate the end of the School year with our traditional services and events was a miracle and a delight!

The students’ final day began with a fabulous breakfast together, followed by the heartwarming Tulip Assembly featuring presentations from our youngest Prep students, and finishing with a Valedictory Dinner at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne.

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By Sharyn Hanly Director of Community Engagement

The evening was attended by Year 12 students, parents and teaching staff – the first time since early in the year that this group has been together. While it was a wonderful night of celebration and reconnection, for many families it was the end of a long association with Korowa, with some graduates having commenced at Korowa in ELC. It included a special presentation to Helen Carmody from the students.

Everyone took the opportunity to follow the ‘Glamorous and Fun’ dress code, dancing the night away in celebration of the completion of exams and the possibilities of life beyond the School gates.

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e l p eP o

of Korowa

Louise Blennerhassett, Student Futures Specialist

Meet Louise Blennerhassett, Korowa’s Student Futures Specialist who joined us mid last year. Louise’s role is to support students across Years 7–12 in careers counselling and preparing them for their future world of work.

Having previously worked in Careers at Swinburne Senior Secondary College and Caulfield Grammar School and prior to that, in corporate marketing, Louise brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. When asked why she chose to work in this space, Louise explained, “I wanted to help young people in a way that I felt mattered and I have always valued education.”

When discussing her vision for careers, Louise said, “I am driven to empower students to confidently and curiously explore and manage their own pathways that are aligned with their values and strengths in order to thrive in the future world of work. I am committed to a future where career education is integrated into the K-12 curriculum, students are regularly immersed in industry, understand how to apply transferable employment skills, have access to mentors, know how to network and feel confident to promote their authentic self.”

Passionate about closing the loop between schools and industry, Louise believes the only way someone can determine whether they are suited to and interested in a job or an industry is to experience it through exposure to work experience, industry visits, informational interviews or even listening to a careers-related podcast.

Having grown up opposite Korowa, Louise remembers hearing the music coming from the school – she loved it! Louise’s family has a long association with Korowa as her mother, mother-in-law and two aunts attended Korowa and her sister, Kate Wipfli worked as a teacher in the Junior School for six years.

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George Chilianis, Head of Mathematics

George joined Korowa this year as the Head of Mathematics. It was the positive word of mouth from previous colleagues and friends who work at Korowa that attracted him to the role, together with the holistic education the School provides students.

George has a clear vision for Mathematics at Korowa. He wants to deliver a balanced curriculum that will prepare students for their future – one which exposes students meaningfully to all proficiencies that underpin the learning of mathematics, using tasks and activities that are mathematically worthwhile, relevant and challenging, yet accessible for all students. George said, “We want students to see they are capable of learning mathematics and then leave Korowa with the numeracy, mathematics, and data skills to function proficiently in society and have the foundational skills to pursue the career of their choice.”

Prior to becoming a teacher, George was an industrial engineer and it was during this time he learnt that a lot of what we do in our careers is to connect and work with people. He has carried that forward into education and bases his leadership and teaching on connection and relationships. It is people that inspire him, being the best version of themselves and contributing to making our world a better place.

Outside of work George enjoys reading, and watching and supporting sport, including being the assistant coach of his son’s cricket team. He also loves takeaway/movie night at home with his family.

Please join us in welcoming George to the Korowa community.

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y t i n u m Com

Engagement

By Sharyn Hanly Director of Community Engagement

While again faced with the challenges brought about by the pandemic in 2021, our community remained connected online and enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to meet socially when they could.

Although we could not travel to the slopes during the ski season, and without a Presentation Night, we bid farewell to our Senior Squad with a celebration at School, presenting them with a memento of their time in the Snowsports team.

After our Year 9 Trek group was unable to venture to the High Country in 2020, we were delighted that both Year 9 and Year 10 students were able to head off on their adventure of a lifetime in 2021. Meanwhile, we gathered the parents on a sunny afternoon to discuss life at home without their daughters!

Once restrictions lifted, we warmly welcomed Year 7 2022 parents to a cocktail evening at The Smith in Prahran, and our Year 5 2022 parents to a social evening at School. It was wonderful to meet new families and reconnect with current parents.

The 2021 Snowsports team gathered for the final time at the Presentation evening, farewelling Year 12 students Lucy, Rose, Emily and Charlotte.

Our many ‘Friends’ groups are again reconnecting in person. Following the KPA’s decision to voluntarily wind up in 2021, the School is taking this opportunity to meet with each group to determine their agreed purpose and objectives for the future, and encourage all parents to get involved.

The disappointment of two interrupted rowing seasons is evident and parents have missed not being able to meet on the river banks to cheer on their daughters. The River Campus is an exciting new base for our rowing fraternity and the season will conclude with the Head of School Girls Regatta in Geelong in March, a great weekend for the whole family.

In addition to other ‘Friends’ groups who support the Arts, Snowsports, Junior School, Korowa Dads, Class Reps and international families, we have two new groups supporting Netball and Basketball in 2022.

If you would like more information about these parent groups or the Korowa community, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email shanly@korowa.vic.edu.au or telephone 8808 8893.

We can’t wait to welcome you throughout the year.

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3 1

5

4

2

6

1. Year 12 Snowsports Captain Emily receiving her gift from Principal Helen Carmody.

2. Outgoing Snowsports Committee member Andrew Papp and President Greg Gilmour.

3. Year 7 2022 Parent Welcome Cocktail evening at The Smith Prahran.

4. 5. 6. Year 5 2022 Parent Welcome Cocktail evening in the Junior School grounds.

7

7. Year 9 and Year 10 Trek parents gather while their daughters are away.

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s w e N n o i t a d n u Fo

Korowa Foundation The start of a new year brings renewed optimism that we can put the challenges of the past two years behind us. One constant has been the support of the Korowa community for the School and the Foundation. As a result of Annual Giving 2021, where our focus was on the creation of a dedicated Ceramics Studio, I am pleased to report to our donors that the brief for this has been submitted and the necessary works will take place in the Semester 1 holidays. This will add an extra dimension to our Visual Arts program. Thank you to those parents, staff and my fellow Korovians for their support.

Following a request from the School, the Foundation was delighted to approve the funding of a dedicated Science/ STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) room for the Junior School. This will considerably enhance this important aspect of the curriculum in the Junior School from Prep to Year 6 and is a key differentiator for Korowa in comparison to other primary schools. This has been made possible by the generosity of our donors in the voluntary contributions to the Building Fund and the prudent investment strategy of the Foundation.

I, and my fellow Directors, feel privileged to be able to assist the School in providing opportunities for the students of Korowa to extend their educational horizons.

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

Jessie Patrick Bequest Society 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.

Junior School Science room.

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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

u o y k n a Th

24%

Staff / Friends

50%

Korovians

26%

to our Donors Parents

The Foundation wishes to acknowledge and thank all of our donors in 2021.

Annual Giving 2021 Analysis of Donors

Annual Giving 2021 Analysis of Donor Giving

5%

24%

Library Fund

Staff / Friends

50%

Korovians

26%

51%

Building Fund

44%

Scholarship Fund

Parents

iD d a w oK ro 5%

Library Fund

you know?

Thanks to the generosity of our51% parents and guardians there was a dramatic increase Building Fund in giving in the voluntary contributions:

44%

Scholarship Fund Voluntary contributions to the Building Fund compared with 2020

Voluntary Contributions to the Scholarship Fund compared with 2020

82%

93%

increase in Giving

increase in Giving

Foundation Membership

There are different categories of membership based on the level of cumulative giving:

Patron Companion Benefactor Trustee Senior Fellow Fellow Associate Fellow

$500,000+ $250,000+ $100,000+ $50,000+ $25,000+ $10,000+ $5,000+

2 members 2 members 2 members 6 members 9 members 48 members 113 members 27

s ll e w e r a F f f Sta Sandra Turner – A lifetime association

Gwelda Weghorn – A lifelong learner

By Ian Robertson, Alumni Manager

By Kathy Guagas, Shelby Versa and Shannon Whithouse

Sandra Turner (Burton, Class of 1970) celebrated her 60th year of connection with the School in 2021. Sandra joined Korowa in Prep 3 (Year 3) in 1961. She loved her time as a student at the School particularly enjoying languages, history and music. In 1988, after some years teaching in the Education Department, Sandra initially returned to Korowa as a part-time German teacher. In the following years, she loved being a Year 7 Form teacher, German and History teacher (Years 7–11), and helping to shape Dr Ros Otzen’s ideas for an alternative program to her visionary and challenging Year 9 Trek proposal. She then became the inaugural Urban Adventure Coordinator.

Gwelda started at Korowa in 2002 as a Senior School Mathematics teacher. Over the years she has performed many roles across the Senior and Junior schools. Shortly after joining, she asked if she could fill an opening in the Learning Support Department. She has not stopped since.

She has mostly taught Mathematics and Learning Support, to the delight of her students.

Sandra left in the 1990s when the family moved to the Mornington Peninsula. However, in 2000, having completed a Masters of Information Management, the opportunity arose to become Korowa’s Archivist, a role that she has performed with distinction over the past 22 years.

Sandra’s role as Archivist has not only involved her expertly looking after our extensive archival collection, but also telling 131 years of the ‘Korowa story’. It is a story of people, places, events and items of interest that Sandra has brought to life and that she has enjoyed imparting her knowledge of to generations of Korowa students.

Thanks to Sandra’s dedication and skill, Korowa now has an enviable collection that is easily accessible to the Korowa community. She is one of the great ‘keepers’ of our corporate knowledge and has been an invaluable asset not only to the School, but also its alumni. Her thoughtful displays and attendance at Korovian reunions have been very much appreciated, as have her insightful tours of the School prior to each reunion.

We wish Sandra all the best in her well-earned retirement.

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It is no surprise that Gwelda was rarely seen in the staffroom. She provided extra support to students above and beyond the call of duty. She has been a mentor and advocate for the Learning Support Department, an effort for which all staff are very grateful. Throughout her career, Gwelda furthered her own learning, particularly around dyslexia and dyscalculia. This commitment propelled Gwelda as a leader in this field, sharing her expertise professionally with fellow educators.

Gwelda’s impact on staff culture at Korowa includes her role as a previous President of the Staff Association, and she should be commended for the leadership she demonstrated during transition between principals. Gwelda has been a dedicated member of the Staff Consultative Committee and integral in staff EBA negotiations. She has also been Head of Year 9, involved in the pioneering of the Urban Program and taught several Korowa staff when they were students at Korowa, a real full-circle moment.

Passionate about travel, Gwelda was instrumental in establishing European Cultural Tours in the mid-2000s, pitching the idea to Principal, Christine Jenkins. Gwelda also attended several of the Central Australia Trips, Christian Living Camps and many other experiential learning programs, including instigating the Year 8 city excursions. After a brief moment of downtime, Gwelda plans to continue her pursuit for knowledge with further study. Luckily, this will not be the last we see of her. We are thrilled to welcome her as an Honorary Korovian.

b u l C n a i v oK ro News

By Helen Tope President

2022 brings renewed optimism for the 106th year of the Korovian Club, the alumni association of Korowa. We hope Korovians take advantage of the new opportunities to reconnect with each other and with their School, with our hope of running a full program of reunions and other alumni activities this year.

As a result of the recent strategic review and the survey of Korovians, the Korovian Club has refined and approved its action plan for 2022–2023, focusing on what most interests Korovians and suits a range of demographics and preferences. Some of the highlights include: • the November 2021 launch by Korowa of a Korovian Club Instagram page (@korowakorovians) to complement the existing Facebook page, as places to share Korovian updates, School news and connect with each other • hosting two Korovian speaker events, Korowa Connections, open to Korovians and the broader School community • a snowsports race for Korovians alongside the School’s existing snowsports program • launching a sailing training program for Korovians, starting in March • organising a reunion for Honorary Korovians and an Art or Winery Tour for Korovians.

The Korovian Club is supporting the School with three new Honour Boards, one for Korovians with Australian Honours, another for Korovians who served in armed conflict for Australia, and another for Korovians who have served on School Council.

We have expanded our support for student awards and prizes with a new Margot Gibson Memorial Prize for Service and the Jan Miller Design Acquisition Award, open to Year 12 Design students.

The Korovian Club were delighted to welcome the following members of staff as Honorary Korovians: Helen Carmody, Kim Harris, Nina Harrison, Grace Kinch, and Gwelda Weghorn.

At the AGM in November 2021, the following Korovians were elected to the Korovian Club Committee of Management for 2022: President – Helen Tope (Class of 1980) Vice President – Shelby Versa (Class of 2010) Treasurer – Jan Miller (Kostos, Class of 1960) Secretary – Virginia Mitchell (Jackson, Class of 1977)

Committee Fiona Adams (Class of 1990) Annaliese Allen (Akehurst, Class of 1996) Freya French (Coker, Class of 2008) Danielle Hartridge (Class of 1983) Margaret Hill (Class of 1968) Jennifer Jaeger (Class of 1978) Diana Murray (Cox, Class 1964) Alina Sinclair (Fialides, Class of 2002) We look forward to the year ahead and putting our plans into action. If you are interested in being involved, please contact the Secretary at korovian.club@gmail.com

These are a sample of our recent activities and plans for 2022, designed to deliver on our Korovian Club goals of connection, celebration of Korovians, and appreciation of Korowa and its community.

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s n a i v o r o K eD ar

Due to the disruptions of 2020 and 2021, we are looking forward to welcoming Korovians back to the School in what promises to be an exciting year.

The opening of the Sports and Wellbeing Centre, the anticipation of the appointment of Korowa’s 10th Principal and the unveiling of the statue representing our first Korovian, Jessie Patrick, kindly commissioned by the Korovian Club in celebration of our 130th anniversary in 2020, are just a few.

Our alumni are a vital part of the Korowa community as it is the people who make an institution and give it its culture, reputation and sense of purpose. One of my favourite aspects of reunions is hearing the stories of Korovians from their school days and their recollections of events, each other and their teachers. It often makes for interesting listening!

As you will see from the page of calendar dates opposite, 2022 promises to be a year of connections for Korovians!

One of the dominant characteristics that I have noticed in the continuing story of Korowa and its alumni is that of service to others. Following research, I am pleased that this year we will commemorate the service of Korovians in a very tangible way.

As most independent boys’ schools of a certain age have done, Korowa will honour the 31 Korovians who served in World War 2 and in subsequent conflicts, in an honour board that is to be placed in the School Chapel. War was not just the preserve of men and these Korovians deserve the recognition for the sacrifices they made.

We will also honour the service of the 18 Korovians who have served on the School Council, the first being Loris Rosenblum (Coleman, Class of 1912) in 1922. These women have given of their time and expertise to advance the School. An honour board will be placed in the Board Room in Ranfurlie House. There are currently three Korovians serving on the School Council.

Finally, we will recognise in an honour board the 24 Korovians who have been awarded an honour in the Order of Australia.

Their achievements make for impressive reading, but their point of commonality is their altruism – service is still one of Korowa’s key values.

Here’s to 2022 and the celebration of our talented and diverse alumni.

Ian Robertson Alumni Manager

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s e t a D n a i v o Kor 2022

Reunions 2022

Events

Thursday 5 May 6pm Class of 2012 10 Year Reunion Drinks Class of 2017 5 Year Reunion Drinks

Tuesday 8 March 7am International Women’s Day Breakfast

Saturday 21 May 12pm Class of 1965 55+2 Year Reunion Luncheon Class of 1966 55+1 Year Reunion Luncheon Class of 1967 55 Year Reunion Luncheon Wednesday 1 June 9.30am Pre 1967 Reunion Matinee Performance followed by Luncheon at 12.20pm Saturday 18 June 12pm Class of 1975 45+2 Year Reunion Luncheon Class of 1976 45+1 Year Reunion Luncheon Class of 1977 45 Year Reunion Luncheon Saturday 3 September 12pm Class of 1970 50+2 Year Golden Jubilee Reunion Luncheon Class of 1971 50+1 Year Golden Jubilee Reunion Luncheon Class of 1972 50 Year Golden Jubilee Reunion Luncheon

Wednesday 4 May 1.30pm Founders’ Day Service St Paul’s Cathedral Saturday 28 May 9am Open Day Tuesday 7 June 7pm Korovian Connections Speakers Event Thursday 13 October 7pm Korovian Connections Speakers Event Monday 7 November Korovian Club Golf Day, Frankston Golf Club Monday 21 November 7pm Korovian Club AGM Friday 25 November 6.30pm Korovian Club Christmas Drinks

Thursday 8 September 6pm Class of 2019 1+1+1 Year Reunion Drinks Class of 2020 1+1 Year Reunion Drinks Class of 2021 1 Year Reunion Drinks Saturday 10 September 5pm Class of 2002 20 Year Reunion Drinks Class of 2007 15 Year Reunion Drinks Saturday 8 October 5pm Class of 1992 30 Year Reunion Drinks Class of 1997 25 Year Reunion Drinks Saturday 22 October 12pm Class of 1987 35 Year Reunion Luncheon Class of 1982 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

Help us complete our War Service Honour Board This year the Korovian Club will be unveiling an Honour Board that commemorates the war service of those Korovians who served in the Second World War 1939 – 1945. We also want to honour Korovians who have served in subsequent armed conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War or Afghanistan. If you can assist by providing details of Korovians who have served, please contact, Alumni Manager, Ian Robertson – irobertson@korowa.vic.edu.au

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

By Ian Robertson Alumni Manager

Dinah Rowe-Roberts (Class of 1991) Mia Northrop (Class of 1991) Friends, Podcasters, Authors The podcast came about from their shared experience juggling life admin and carrying the burden of the mental load for their households, a common challenge experienced when managing family life alongside demanding careers. Dinah is currently the Director of Business Services at Philanthropy Australia and Mia is the Research Lead at the tech startup, Float. Together, it became their mission to minimise, automate and share life admin to help others free up time, save money and achieve peace of mind.

In a friendship forged at Korowa and continued through respective university studies, careers overseas, marriages, children and beyond, Dinah Rowe-Roberts (Jowett, Class of 1991 and Mia Northrop (Lyons, Class of 1991) launched the podcast Life Admin Life Hacks.

Since 2018, they have recorded six seasons, including an episode that featured fellow Korovians and professional organisers Jodie Lister (Cavanagh, Class of 1991) and Kristen Adnams (Faure, Class of 1991) on the subject of decluttering.

In January 2022, their book Life Admin Hacks was published by Harper Collins. It is described as a super-practical guide to cleaning up your admin load and freeing up head space. As the media release that accompanied the launch of their book states, ‘working parents Mia and Dinah have marshalled their professional expertise in innovation and finance, design thinking and operations to research best practices, trial the tech and craft the most efficient processes to optimise their own life admin.’

The book has met with critical acclaim with noted author and broadcaster Tracey Spicer stating “this book is life-changing. Mia and Dinah’s practical, wise and clever advice will help you to start important conversations with your partner or children around the day-to-day tasks that have shackled women for centuries.”

Life Admin Hacks is available at Amazon, Audible, BigW, Kmart, Target and all good bookstores.

Get a 10 per cent discount by using promo code LIFE at checkout when you buy from Booktopia.

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Kate Halfpenny (Class of 1984) A career in journalism – bad mother be damned!

Kate recalls 5am shifts where she monitored radio news and “bashed out” headlines for editors on a typewriter. It was a challenging, misogynistic workplace and she loved navigating its reality. “Trousers were banned for women in the office and I was sent home for writing ‘menstruation’ in a story,” she says. Hard news was not her forte but writing features clicked. By the age of 20, she was a columnist and sections editor.

One of her first interviews was with Sammy Davis Jr and she eventually sat down with almost every big star who hit town.

A week after receiving her HSC results in 1984, Kate was offered a journalism cadetship

by Melbourne broadsheet The Herald. Lured by the weekly after-tax salary of $110, she turned down an offer from the Law Faculty at the University of Melbourne. Her life as a journalist had started.

Restless in 1990, she left The Herald and wangled a sub-editor’s job on Rupert Murdoch’s The Sun in London. Piers Morgan sat a couple of desks over.

A year of tabloids was enough, and back home in Melbourne Kate worked as a feature writer on The Sunday Age then was offered a writer’s job on newlylaunched Who magazine, six days before she had her first of three children. As a new mother, she worked remotely in a home office — unheard of in 1993.

Kate’s work style was revolutionised by the rigorous US reporting and fact checking systems of Who, which was then owned by Time. Between cover stories on royal weddings and Hollywood divorces, she won a national magazine editor’s award for a cover story on the Port Arthur massacre. Kate stayed at Who for 24 years, the last 10 as executive editor.

In 2021, she and her husband had a sea-change and she founded Bad Mother Media. The name is a nod to what Kate was sometimes called as a mother who did paid work. She is a weekly columnist for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, talks current affairs on ABC Radio Sydney and works with businesswomen on their personal brands including biographies for social media and sites.

Kate can be contacted at badmothermedia.com

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s w e N y t i n u m m Co

Marriages

In memory

Elisabeth Leska (Steckner, Class of 2008) was an exchange student from Cologne in Germany in 2007/2008. She went on to study engineering and now works in Stuttgart at Bosch. In September 2021, she married Robert Leska, who is also an engineer.

Sandra Cockburn (Class of 1978) on 28 April 2019. After a career at the NGV, Sandra established Sandra Cockburn Art Services where she specialised in conservation framing, and frame restoration and conservation for artists, private collectors, art galleries and public collections.

Judith Blogg (Hollinshed, Class of 1945) on 27 February 2020. She married Barry Blogg in 1960 and went to live in the PNG highlands for 25 years. Barry grew coffee and Judith taught and then worked as the Highland’s correspondent for the Nation’s Daily. She published a book – Innocence to Independence under her maiden name in 2004.

Births Elspeth De Fanti (Coker, Class of 2002) and her husband, Adrian, welcomed a daughter Fenella Elsie Fern De Fanti on 10 September 2021. A sister for Isla and Raffi.

Margaret Jansen (Smith, Class of 1951) on 5 September 2021. Margaret’s sister, Patricia Sinammon (Smith, Class of 1945) also attended Korowa. This photograph shows Margaret with her sister on her first day at Korowa.

Naomi Aldous (Prowd, Class of 1946) on 5 March 2021.

Sandra (Sandy) Richards (Hattam, Class of 1955) on 24 April 2021. Sandra’s sister, Leonie (Lee) Carmichael (Hattam, Class of 1957) also attended the School. Sandy’s grandfather founded a store in Walhalla during the gold rush days then moved to Malvern where he had a store in Glenferrie Rd. Different members of the family had a number of stores around suburban Melbourne.

Robyn Lipscombe (Skippage, Class of 1967) on 20 May 2021. Robyn’s twin sister Jennifer Scholz (Skippage, Class of 1967) and Elizabeth Cawsey (Skippage, Class of 1964) also attended the School. Robyn was tragically killed in a traffic incident in Alfredton, a suburb of Ballarat. Robyn had lived in Alfredton for over 20 years and leaves behind her husband of 48 years, Stephen, two children and five grandchildren. As Elizabeth writes, ‘Robyn was a caring, kind, gentle and friendly person who lived for her family. She will be sadly missed by us all.’

Jennifer Houston (Leng, Class of 1959) on 25 May 2021.

Judith Bickford (Hardy, Class of 1948) on 3 June 2021. She taught Oboe in the Music School at Korowa in the late 1960s.

Her daughters, Sue Reavley (Bickford, Class of 1971) and Jenny Walsh (Bickford, Class of 1973) also attended the School.

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Susan Ploog (Ludbrook, Class of 1962) on 17 August 2021. Susan’s daughter, Sophie Barrett (Ploog, Class of 1991) also attended Korowa.

Anne Marrie (McKinley, Class of 1950) on 17 January 2021. Anne went on to Invergowrie and then trained as a mothercraft nurse.

Helen Coles (Wilkinson, Class of 1961) on 5 May 2021. Helen resided in Sydney.

She did her entire schooling at Korowa.

Meaghan Bruce (Class of 2000) and her husband Mark Turner welcomed their daughter Sophie Margaret on 21 August 2021.

A sister for James.

Roslyn Holmes (Doherty, Class of 1967) on 6 August 2021. Roslyn’s sisters Marcia Fielder (Doherty, Class of 1964) and Leisa Reynolds (Doherty, Class of 1974) also attended the School.

Pamela Seligmann (Vial, Class of 1960) on 6 September 2021 in Perth. Pamela’s sisters Elaine Hall (Vial, Class of 1955) and Ruth Stewart (Vial, Class of 1966) also attended the School.

Janet Henderson (Bilsborrow, Class of 1952) on the 15 September 2021. Jan was Clarke House Captain in her final year. Jan came to Korowa in 1951. She went on to become a nurse and then retrained to become a Librarian.

Jan was so proud when her granddaughter, Anna Larsen (Class of 2010) was enrolled at Korowa and Anna’s mother Libby Larsen, is a former member of the ELC staff.

Valerie McCausland (Crosby, Class of 1950) on 19 November 2021. Val did her entire schooling at Korowa. Her daughters Pamela Allan (Heath, Class of 1973) and Robyn Heath (Class of 1977), and sister-in-law Mary Crosby (Atkinson, Class of 1950) also attended the School.

Val was Vice-Head Prefect and Captain of Wilkinson in 1950. She had fond memories of her school days and regularly kept in contact with her school friends. Val represented the School in sport, in particular the tennis team.

She continued to play tennis into her 80s and won two medals in World Masters Games.

Jennifer Elliott (Class of 1974) after finishing HSC in 1974, Jennifer completed a Bachelor of Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics at Deakin University. Her areas of interest have been Type 2 diabetes/insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. She published a book, Baby Boomers, Bellies and Blood Sugars in 2011. Jennifer has an online program for managing Type 2 diabetes with a low-carb approach. It can be found at eattobeatdiabetes.com.au Valerie Miles on 19 October 2021.

Val was a highly respected and dedicated member of the Korowa staff from 1970 until her retirement in 1997. She was a much-loved Geography teacher. From 1981, Val was Vice Principal and served under three Principals: Miss Beatrice Guyett, Miss Margaret McPherson and Dr Roslyn Otzen. She was Acting Principal in 1990 due to the illness and subsequent death of Miss McPherson.

Val loved Korowa and upon her retirement donated the Valerie Miles Medal that has been awarded since 1997 to the best all-rounder in Year 12. In recent years, Val resided in a nursing home where she lovingly kept two mementos of her time at Korowa – a quilt made for her by the staff upon her retirement and a ‘Korowa Cat’ that had been signed by the Year 12s of the Class of 1997.

She looked forward to receiving the Korovian magazine and took a lively interest in the School. Past and current members of staff attended the Memorial Service for Val including Korowa’s Principal, Mrs Helen Carmody and former Principal, Dr Ros Otzen.

News Bonita Gardiner (Class of 1963) retired from teaching after a career that started in 1965 and finished with 17 years as a casual relief teacher. She has lived on the Mornington Peninsula since 1981 and has three adult children, five grandchildren and one great grandson. As Bonita says, ‘life has been wonderful, much travel overseas, a boatshed on the Dromana foreshore and a very special 60 year friendship with Jill Shelton (Howard) (Class of 1963). I am one fortunate person.’

Rhonda Wilkinson (Wood, Class of 1971) retired in 2021 after 43 years as a lawyer and having run her own legal business since 1982. She is now enjoying mentoring young female lawyers.

Leah Jing McIntosh (Class of 2009) had the great honour of interviewing Pulitzer Prize winner, Viet Thanh Nguyen at the Melbourne Writers Festival in September 2021.

Congratulations to Miriam Stanborough (Lyons, Class of 1991) who has been appointed to Pilbara Minerals Ltd Board as a non-executive Director. Miriam has had 20 years’ experience in the mineral processing industry. Her other current Board roles include Chair of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), Deputy Chair of the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC), and Deputy Chair of Scouts WA. She also sits on the Independent Assessment Committee for the Federal Government’s Boosting Female Founders Initiative.

Kristen Mellett (Gay, Class of 1988) is currently working as a paediatric dietician with another Korovian caring for children with renal failure. Dr Lilian Johnstone (Class of 1979) is the Head of the Nephrology Department at Monash Children’s Hospital and the two have worked together for the past 20 years.

Kay Steer (Lynch, Class of 1964) is a retired primary teacher. She has three sons and seven grandchildren and has been very happily married for 50 years.

Jan Weir (Horwood, Class of 1960) attended Korowa from 1948 to 1959 and loved her time spent at the School. A student from the Canberra Art School, she has exhibited in galleries around Australia and has had exhibitions in London and Shanghai. Although she lives inland, Jan’s great love is to paint the sea – from Rosedale on the South Coast of NSW to the dramatic beaches of Eastern Sydney and the Mornington Peninsula beaches of her childhood.

Sue Alcock (Clark, Class of 1962) retired as a Behaviour Consultant in 2006 and sold her Kayaking Eco Tour company in 2007. However, she is still involved in kayak activities, mainly in skills training and organising kayaking camps in Australia and overseas. In 2021, she worked with the Sunshine Coast Council designing a playground area on Kawana Island. Sue writes, ‘I am fit and well and enjoying life.

All the best to my classmates.’

Jan Brown (Kennedy, Class of 1956) really enjoyed her time at Korowa and sent both of her daughters to the School – Sally Allardice (Brown Class of 1983) and Larissa Langley (Brown, Class of 1985). Jan worked as a bookkeeper and in her spare time studied singing as a mezzo soprano and made the semi-final of the Sun Aria in 1964, the year Dame Kiri Te Kanawa won it, so Jan feels the judges made the right choice! Jan joined the Savoy Opera Company and now sings with the Melbourne Singers. Jan is a great friend of Sue Hollingworth (Turner, Class of 1959) and, for some years, they ran the Bass Coast branch of the Korovian Club.

Congratulations to Elisabeth Lenders (Ford, Class of 1979) on receiving an Order of Australia Medal in the Australia Day Honours for her service to education.

Elisabeth was Head Prefect in her final year and always wanted to be a teacher. She has had a distinguished career in education in some of Melbourne’s leading private schools and leadership roles in organisations including the Women Educators’ Network and as President of Centre for Strategic Education, an organisation that leads educational thinking and practice through professional learning and publications. She has been Principal of Kingswood College since 2011.

Elisabeth attributes her love of learning coming from her family, but also as she states in her Korowa years, ‘there were many remarkable role models at Korowa who shaped my thinking, philosophy and perspective….’

She feels enormously grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to a better future for young people through the power of education to transform lives.

Leonie Kaiser (Soutar, Class of 1957) wrote a heartfelt message to her classmates, ‘The copies of the Korovian are eagerly scanned for familiar names that are forever etched on my mind. I think of my school friends very often and with great fondness and even more now with the passing of the years.’

Genevieve Hansford (Down, Class of 1951) trained as a Home Economics teacher. She taught for 34 years and was an Acting Deputy Principal for some time. In 1984, she returned to study and gained a degree in education.

Although she is retired, she still maintains an interest in education.

Tamara Schindler-Hands (Schindler, Class of 1983) is married, living bayside with her four children. She is currently the gardener at MGSC and the family vineyard.

Thea Harker (Class of 2010) graduated from the Police Academy in September 2021 and was awarded the Angela Rose Taylor Award, which is presented to the graduate from each squad who receives the highest scores in academic attainment.

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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