CLAUDETTE LEEMING Chair

In 2022 it was heart-warming to witness a full return to campus, and in particular to see the Year 12 cohort embrace all rites of passage of their final year of school. Their enthusiasm was capped off by the outstanding results achieved across VCE and IB, leaving them extremely well-placed for a successful transition into their chosen paths of endeavour. Their achievements were a testament to their resilience and strength as a cohort, and the steadfast support of their teachers and families. We could not be prouder, wishing them every success and happiness in their bright futures.

Whilst lockdowns were over, the School faced the very different challenge of operating with higher prevalence of COVID-19 cases and other illnesses. In the absence of a clear ‘rulebook’, Lauriston again navigated unchartered waters. This was particularly challenging at Howqua, with shifting pandemic definitions and requirements. Once more the leadership and agility of Principal Susan Just and the entire Lauriston staff across both campuses enabled Lauriston to deliver as ‘normal’ a year as possible, with a singular focus on the health and well-being of the girls and staff.

Mid way through 2022 saw Lauriston’s inaugural Giving Day. Alumni, students, parents and teachers past and present, and the widereaching Lauriston community, generously supported needs based full scholarships for two Year 7 students. With much enthusiasm, the ever-popular Huntingtower Lunch also threw its weight behind this initiative. In partnership with the Friday Night School, each year these scholarships will enable two students to experience the gift of a Lauriston education, who otherwise would not have had the opportunity.

At the end of Term 2 the School said a fond farewell to Vice Principal, Howqua, Sam Ridley. After 10 years of high impact contribution steering Year 9s through the life changing Howqua program, there were a lot of memories to celebrate and stories to share. Lauriston will always be grateful to Sam and his family for being a ‘second family’ to many cohorts of Howquarians.

The School was very pleased to appoint Dr Alison Manson, who took the helm at Howqua in Term 3. The impact Ali had on the girls and the program through the second half of 2022 was overwhelmingly positive and sees Howqua in a very safe pair of hands, bringing new perspective and leadership to the wider Howqua team.

Mid-year also saw a change-over of members of the Lauriston School Council. After 15 years of service to School Council and other Committees, and 8 as Chair, Rick Ball passed the baton, and I was honoured to step in as the first Old Lauristonian to Chair the School Council. We also welcomed 5 new Council members along with a further 10 joining existing and new Committees. This was in response to an open invitation for expressions of interest that surfaced diverse and valuable experience amongst the Lauriston community, all willing to contribute their time and expertise. There was a universal desire to give back from both alumni and parents, united in their recognition of the importance of the all-rounded education Lauriston provides to our young girls.

In October, the School community came together to celebrate the opening of the Ullmer Sports and Wellbeing Centre, followed by completion of the Adventure Playground and 5 / 6 Centre. These significant elements of the Armadale campus masterplan were the result of years of planning, saving and fund-raising. The generosity of the Lauriston community was on full display at a wonderful opening event, the bleachers in the magnificent new facility filled with supporters. In the coming years we look forward to celebrating the last pieces of the masterplan with the completion of the Early Learning Centre at Blairholme, followed by the last of the Sports precinct, the courts along Malvern Road.

On behalf of the School I would like to thank the Lauriston community for embracing school events and opportunities to come back together face to face. It was great to see numbers continue to grow as we reacclimatised to the benefits of real connection. To see the growing spirit of giving amongst our community was truly heart-warming and a sign of a strong and caring culture.

I would also like to thank the School Council and Committees for their continued commitment, contribution and support.

Your passion for the School and eye to the future creates a climate conducive to growth, innovation, continuing to position Lauriston as a leading educator.

Lastly thank you to Principal Susan Just and her entire team, teaching and non-teaching staff, for their unwavering dedication to providing our girls with what we all know to be life-shaping experiences and education. Under their stewardship, Lauriston lives and breathes its vision as ‘A School for Life’. This continues to see our graduates entering the world as well-rounded and well-principled young adults, ready to contribute and make a difference, wherever their passions lie.