The Ullmer Sports & Wellbeing Centre inspires every girl to be her best for generations to come Sport has been integral to life at Lauriston since its beginnings. In 1903 Lauriston introduced the first girls’ inter-school hockey match. Lauriston was the first Melbourne all girls’ school to provide gym facilities in 1969, and in 1989 built a swimming pool that was the first of its kind. Now, thanks to the generosity of our parents and alumnae, the world-class facilities of the new Ullmer Sports & Wellbeing Centre will continue to ensure we provide all girls a truly holistic education that prepares them, not only for academic rigour, but also for the challenges of life.
www.lauriston.vic.edu.au
Arriving at School each morning gives me the opportunity to witness so many of our Junior and Senior School students playing sport, training or generally being active. Our Rowing students can be found on the ergs if they are not doing water-based training and there is generally loud music accompanying the instructions of our various coaches. Our students participate in the Girls Sport Victoria (GSV) and School Sport Victoria (SSV) programs, as well as many various carnivals and competitions.
I see evidence that our students are demonstrating physical literacy (defined as developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours that give children and young people the confidence and motivation to lead active and healthy lifestyles) and I know that this will make a positive impact on their physical and mental health, as well as their cognitive functioning, memory, concentration and academic performance.
There is a good deal of research which points to the benefits of physical activity for children and young people and the Australian Guidelines for children and young people aged 5 to 17 years recommends 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. Physical Education & Health curriculum and Sport programs provided at School help enable this.
Research from the OECD in 2019 indicated that academic performance has been improved in Australia, Chile, China, Japan, Portugal and Switzerland as an outcome of participation in Physical Education and Health curriculum. Further to this,
The World Health Organization in their Umbrella Review of Physical Activity and Academic Achievement noted that physical activity was beneficial for the development of cognitive, motor and social skills, as well as good metabolic and musculoskeletal health. Sport England in 2019 reported a positive association between engagement in sport and physical activity and levels of wellbeing for young people, while Australian Institute of Sport reports that students who have physical literacy supports the development of self-esteem and self-confidence, resilience, improved social skills, and behaviours for lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.
An important aspect of the history of Lauriston has been the attention given to participation in physical activity and sport. Since the early years of our School, sport and physical activity were encouraged. Today, we are on our way to implementing our second Sport Strategic Plan and our vision for this plan is to enhance the physical and mental health of our students by developing lifelong habits of physical activity and wellness. We believe that through enhancing the physical activity and wellness of our students, we can foster competence, confidence and capability to pursue sport and recreational activities throughout their lives, including the development of transferable ‘soft skills’ which are highly valued as an indicator of potential to employers.
Our pillars for the Sport Strategic Plan are participation, affiliations, excellence and participation.
Intelligence and skills can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.”
John F. Kennedy
We choose to make participation in GSV or a recreational activity compulsory from years 7 to 10, and have enhanced our Junior School team sport participation to ensure that the youngest members of our Junior School have physical activity each day.
Our Running Clubs in both the Junior and Senior Schools have grown in popularity and our Cross Country and Athletics performances have improved as a result. In 2022 the Lauriston Netball Club continued to grow and this year we we will be trialling a Basketball Club in the Junior School with a view to expanding into the Senior School over time.
There is certainly a breadth and depth of sporting and recreational offerings for our students and everyone is encouraged to participate, regardless of skill level.
Across the School we have a well-planned Physical Education & Health curriculum which all students participate in until Year 10. We enhance this curriculum with elective subjects in the Senior School as we are committed to ensuring that our students have both encouragement and content understanding about the importance of life-long physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Our Howqua program enables our students to build their physical activity through Physical Education lessons and the Fitness and Outdoor Program components of the Howqua year provide an array of physical challenges for our students. Trail running is not something students can easily participate in when they reside in Melbourne, but at Howqua each student
can sequentially build her running skills and reach her own PBs. Outdoor Program activities are physically and mentally challenging, but there is considerable personal satisfaction when a hike is completed or cross-country skiing skills are developed.
The recent opening of the Ullmer Sports & Wellbeing Centre is a continuation of the value Lauriston places on sport and physical activity as part of the education we provide to our students. Our students will benefit from facilities which enhance our current curriculum, sport and recreational offerings.
In the future, we would like to open the Ullmer Sports & Wellbeing Centre for alumnae sporting initiatives and broader community-based initiatives for girls and women.
In many ways, the Ullmer Sports & Wellbeing Centre is our ‘blue beacon’. It sends a message to our students that involvement in physical activity and sport are part of a wellrounded education and support a healthy lifestyle for now and the future years. The message for our School and broader community is one of growing healthy and strong children and young people who will see the benefit of physical activity in all aspects of their education and life.
Susan Just, Principal
As students returned to School for the start of Term 4, the new Ullmer Sports & Wellbeing Centre was ready to enjoy, marking a milestone moment in our School’s history. This first-class facility includes: the Yang Family and Walker Family multi-purpose courts, the Fathers of Lauriston Weights and Conditioning Studio, the Bridget Ball, Kate Mackenzie and Claire Mackenzie Cardio Space with ergs and exercise bikes, and ample showers and changerooms. These new sports and learning facilities will benefit Lauriston girls and the wider community for generations to come.
There have been many members of the School community that have supported or been a part of this project for many years and their generosity and hard work was celebrated at our grand opening on Friday 14 October. We especially thank the Ullmer family for their intergenerational commitment to Lauriston, to girls’ education, and for their incredible support.
The It’s Her Turn campaign was established in 2017 to support Lauriston’s 10-year Masterplan and has been the most successful capital campaign in Lauriston’s history, recognised by independent schools across Australia as a pivotal change in philanthropy among independent girls’ schools. To date, It’s Her Turn has raised just shy of $4 million.
We are thrilled to have celebrated the opening of these new facilities across three days to celebrate this significant milestone in Lauriston’s history.
Nestled between the new Ullmer Sports & Wellbeing Centre and the new 5/6 Centre is the new Adventure Tower, complete with giant slide. The Adventure Tower sits alongside the new Agility Trail and Mini Games Space, reflecting the start of our students’ journey to Howqua.
We invited all students in years 3-6 for a sneak peek of the new Adventure Playground and held a raffle giving students the chance to be the first down the slide on Monday 10 October. More than 378 raffle tickets were sold with all funds going towards the It’s Her Turn campaign, further enabling the development of our new indoor and outdoor spaces. Congratulations to Lucy (5D) for being drawn in the raffle. She was awarded with the honour of being the first Lauriston student down the new Adventure Tower slide and was joined by her classmates and Mr Toms.
We thank Kelvin Huang & Sylvia Mo and their family for supporting the development of the Adventure Tower, and their commitment to innovative outdoor play for our Junior School students.
More than 300 supporters of the It’s Her Turn campaign attended the Grand Opening of the Ullmer Sports & Wellbeing Centre on Friday 14 October. The rain could not dampen the spirits of choristers, musicians and special guests eager to visit the completed building for the first time. For many, it was also the first opportunity to see their family name on the leaves of the Fig Tree sculpture, adorning the wall of the Ullmer Centre.
Murrundindi welcomed all guests to country and played the didgeridoo before the building was officially opened by Rick Ball, Chair of School Council (2014–2022), Claudette Leeming (OL 1991) current Chair of School Council, the Ullmer family, Australian Olympic Team representatives Kate Blamey (OL 2007), Jeni Lidgett-Danks (OL 1981) and Stephanie Moorhouse (OL 2005), and our 2022 and 2023 Sports Captains Isabel Bulach, Sasha Thompson, Sophie Moore, and Audrey Walker.
Three hundred and fifty parents and students attended the Family Opening on the afternoon of Monday 17 October. Students and parents enjoyed an afternoon tea before playing on the Adventure Tower, watching our rowers train on the ergs, and cheering Lauriston’s Senior GSV Basketball teams from the new supporter seat area.
Penny Richards Fowler Director of Advancement
The Class of 2022 have demonstrated adaptability, optimism and resilience that has enabled them to embrace their final year of secondary studies, reconnecting to their peers and engaging in campus activity. With 68% of our students achieving an ATAR over 90, 21% achieving an ATAR over 98, and 10% achieving an ATAR over 99, our results highlight the strength and breadth of our academic program, our unwavering support for each student’s journey, and the dedication of our girls.
Our median ATAR of 94.9 places Lauriston as one of the highest ranked schools in Victoria.
I would like to acknowledge everyone for the part they have played in the achievements of our students. In particular, our teachers, who have strongly supported and nurtured the strengths of every individual, and our students, who have challenged themselves, encouraging and supporting each other every step of the way.
Our girls have also consistently demonstrated excellence and commitment in sport, the Arts, debating, public speaking and community service. The School is grateful for the contribution these girls have made during their time at Lauriston - their legacy will go well beyond their academic results.
Susan Just Principal
We congratulate Jessica for her outstanding commitment to her studies and broader pursuits and celebrate that she was one of only eight female VCE students across Victoria to receive an ATAR of 99.95!
At the 2022 Valedictory Awards, Jessica was awarded VCE General Excellence Award, the English as a Second Language Award, the Knight Family Award for Chemistry, the Victorian Music Society Award and the Evelyn Munro Award for Biology.
Her pursuit for excellence expanded well beyond the VCE curriculum – as Music Captain, as a valued member of many ensembles and choirs, and as SHINE Captain, supporting her peers and other year levels to also reach their potential.
We congratulate our IB Duces – Abigale and Jasmine - who have each received an IB score of 45 and an equivalent ATAR of 99.95!
Abigale was awarded the Lauriston Arts’ Association Acquisition Award in 2022 for her magnificent work. She also received an IB Excellence Award at the 2022 Valedictory. Abigale has been involved in our debating and music program during her time at Lauriston and held the position of Orchestra Captain.
Jasmine has been involved in our music program over a number of years and was also the Orchestra Captain. She has participated in our sport program during her time at Lauriston and received an IB Excellence Award at the 2022 Valedictory.
MS ELIZABETH TINDALL, HEAD OF MUSICThroughout her final year, Jess continued to be a strong advocate and leader for music at Lauriston, both in her capacity as Music Captain and through her considerable commitment to a broad range of ensembles. Her skills as a percussionist were evident in multiple performances across the year, especially in our Annual Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre, where Jess featured in six items ranging from Lauriston Orchestra to our Senior Jazz Ensemble.”
Culture is central to a child’s individuality, identity and sense of belonging, and success in lifelong learning. To support the identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we as early childhood educators need to pay attention to the cultural identity of the Aboriginal community in which we are situated. The first of the Child Safe Standards centres around ‘the establishment of a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued’.
The Early Years Learning Framework also asks educators to build upon children’s understandings of diversity, specifically Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, but allows us the freedom to build this in a way that is meaningful and that is linked to our local community and families.
At Lauriston, we have found ways to embed Indigenous culture into our curriculum in an authentic way which benefits future children and reconciliation. The inclusive environment we provide is implemented using resources thoughtfully so that a sense of belonging for children and families is created. Our aim is to build on children’s individual strengths, confidence in who they are and where they come from, giving them a strong sense of self, identity and a strong connection to their culture and country.
Each year, we are fortunate and privileged to welcome Murrundindi, an Elder of the Wurundjeri clan from the Healesville area. The Wurundjeri people lived on the land we now occupy and he visits us so he can immerse the children in the rich culture of his heritage. Each group has the opportunity to listen and engage with Murrundindi and prepare a number of questions to ask him. He is able to give us a deeper understanding of the Aboriginal culture
and knowledge. Showing Aboriginal artefacts from his family, he asks the children to imagine what life was like for his ancestors long, long, ago and shares stories and songs as well as playing the digeridoo. He teaches us some words from the Wurundjeri language as well as new ways to wish each other “good morning”, “enjoy our meal” and to say, “See you later”. The children have the opportunity to participate in activities relating to Indigenous culture and recently our 3-year-old children made damper. Murrundindi played games, danced and shared stories and made lemon myrtle chocolates (which were very popular!) and he was particularly thrilled with the respect the children showed. Murrundindi delighted in the understandings the children already had and was excited by their interest, their questions and answers they gave. Our time with Murrundindi concluded with him performing a Smoking Ceremony, a significant moment where he burned sacred fungus and cleansed us all.
By embedding learning in the early years, we can impart the wonder of Indigenous knowledge, and support the Aboriginal Australian sense of identity and belonging, as well as promote a culture of understanding and respect towards cultural diversity. We will continue to immerse Indigenous understandings into our Early Years Program as we all develop greater insights and knowledge of this ancient living culture.
Fiona Ireland Director of Kindergarten
In 2022, Lauriston established a Reconciliation Action Plan working party involving students, staff, parents and the wider community. We are pleased to have had our plan published by Reconciliation Australia which included our vision for reconciliation.
Lauriston Girls’ School strives to incorporate the values for reconciliation and the School’s values. These include building strong relationships with local First Nations community groups and having the courage to build connections with the wider community and stand against racism.
We aim to foster intellectual inquiry into the First Nations peoples’ cultures, histories, perspectives, and contributions to society. The School will take action to increase understanding and awareness of current social issues facing First Nations peoples while acknowledging the strength and resilience of First Nations peoples and communities.
Student wellbeing underpins every aspect of a student’s schooling, including their learning, engagement and social relationships. At Lauriston, we maintain a strong focus on wellbeing as research indicates that a strong sense of wellbeing enhances a student’s intrinsic motivation, decreases disciplinary problems, increases academic achievement and improves school satisfaction.
From the time a student commences in the Junior School, they participate in a formal Wellbeing Program which is underpinned by eight key elements: Self-Awareness, Heathy Holistic Habits, Emotional Awareness, Positive Direction, Positive Relationships, Role Modelling, Looking Outward and Mindsets.
In the classroom, teachers will educate the girls on these topics and promote group discussion. One recent example is how our girls have learned about the importance of developing positive mindsets. Mindsets are beliefs about our qualities such as talent and intelligence and while some people believe that these traits are fixed, at Lauriston we know that qualities can be developed through effort and dedication. Through a focus on the growth mindset, the girls learn to develop perseverance and understand the benefit of making mistakes.
Classroom teachers also incorporate resilience into their Wellbeing Program, helping students learn how to effectively cope with adversity or ‘bounce back’ from difficulties. Lauriston aims to build a ‘layer of strength‘ in all the skills we teach so our students have the tools at hand when they need to cope with difficulties now and into their adolescence. Resilience skills, when nurtured within a supportive and emotionally responsive environment, help students thrive into the future and our teachers assist the girls in developing healthy thinking habits that help them manage their emotions,
such as positive self-talk, developing a sense of optimism, and gratitude. Mindfulness is also incorporated into our curriculum as research indicates that students with higher mindfulness have greater resilience.
Our Junior School Wellbeing Program is adaptable and shifts depending upon the needs of the students. With students spending so much time in 2020 and 2021 in lockdown, we wanted to ensure that additional focus was placed on the development of social skills as we all reconnected with each other in 2022 and had to ‘relearn’ how to cohabitate and collaborate with others.
For years 5 and 6 we introduced Social Stencil, an evidence-based program which assists students in developing social skills that will be relevant throughout their lives. Our students explored concepts and strategies for developing and maintaining positive relationships, understanding friendships and managing conflict with peers. The program facilitated student-led discussions, experimental learning opportunities, and art-based education (Drama and Theatre) which were engaging, meaningful and helped create a safe space for students to try new skills.
In addition to the formal curriculum, our classroom teachers in the Junior School provide wonderful pastoral care to the girls, supporting the girls through the challenges they are experiencing. I am proud that our Junior School motto of ‘Care, Share and Respect’ is enacted by our teachers and our students every day, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Chris Toms Vice Principal, Head of Junior School
The best way we can equip our students to be successful in whatever directions they take is to provide an education which helps them discover who they are and what they are capable of, and underpin this with a sound set of shared and implicit values. Lauriston provides students with a range of experiences to put this into practice at every age and every stage of their development. We instil a sense of excitement and curiosity about our world and its people, and a confidence that our students can take their place in that world and make a positive difference.
I began my working life in sales and marketing within a large multinational technology company. Even then, in the 1980s, it was becoming clear that the future was changing and the people who would be successful in that future would be those who recognised the skills and attributes they possessed and were able to take those skills and attributes and apply them effectively to a range of different settings. Back then, the term ‘generic workplace competencies’ was beginning to gain traction. Today we use terms such as ‘21st century skills’, ‘general capabilities’ and ‘work smarts’. This list of attributes has expanded and adapted to innovations in technology, communications, and the shift away from ‘jobs for life’ towards the ‘gig economy’. Our understanding of ‘flexible work’ accelerated through the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and we continue to see
shifts in people’s understanding of work and how they want to engage in work at different stages of their lives.
Lauriston’s approach to preparing our students for the future workplace is multi-faceted and permeates everything we do in the classroom, in our Co-Curricular Program, in our commitment to community service, and in our core values. We focus on ‘human skills’, that is, teaching necessary technical skills while maintaining a focus on developing human character. For example, our students learn to be clear communicators within the English classroom and apply this knowledge through debating, public speaking, leadership roles and the performing arts.
Our students develop hands-on experience in being the ‘value creators of the future’ through adding value now. In 2022, a team of keen Year 11 STEM students were awarded second place in the University of Sydney’s ‘Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize’ competition for their music video Changing Corona. This is a brilliant example of many future work skills already at work: impactful communicators, team players and collaborative influencers and negotiators, purpose driven, value driven and ethical, digitally literate and creative. And all imbued with a great sense of fun.
We begin the exposure to careers as early as Kindergarten and continue the conversation all the way through to Year 12 and beyond with our ongoing connection with Old Lauristonians’ Association. Young children find out what work people do and start to ask questions and form ideas about work. Career education in the Junior School is not to dissuade children from fantastical aspirations or from using their imagination to dream big; rather it is about demonstrating new and exciting possibilities and preventing children from closing off possibilities.
Our Student Futures Program intensifies through years 7–12, with career development tasks and the introduction of subject electives to allow students to pursue specific fields of interest and to explore new possibilities. By providing both the IB and VCE pathways, students can choose subjects and assessment modes that play to their strengths and ensure a solid foundation for tertiary study. Throughout years 10, 11 and 12, and with our year 10 Career Readiness Program, careers information evenings, the Student Futures and Pathways Expo and assistance with tertiary applications for study in Australia or overseas, we ensure our Year 12 students graduate ready for whatever opportunities they wish to create for themselves in the world of work.
Anne Wallington Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School
From the moment a Howqua student steps off the bus at the beginning of the year, they are enveloped in a sustainable lifestyle. Howqua students and staff have established this way of life over the past 30 years by working with determination to create an environment and build a mindset that helps protect the environment and encourages the adoption of more sustainable practices.
Everyone who lives on our Howqua campus cannot help but be more conscious and more action-oriented about their impact on the world around them. Reducing waste, composting food, building sustainable energy sources, monitoring water usage and ensuring that our human actions do not negatively impact on biodiversity are some of the practices at Howqua. These systems and routines led to the Howqua campus being recognised as a leading sustainable school, receiving 5 Stars from the Victorian Government’s ResourceSmart Schools Program in 2016. Howqua is one of only 47 schools in Victoria to earn this rating. Today’s students are heavily involved in continuing our everyday sustainability practices and each year we implement new initiatives.
Greenies is a club led by a teacher and two student captains who offer hands on learning activities every week that educate and engage students in sustainability practices. Typically, this includes educating the campus about the principles of sustainability in fun and interactive ways such as growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing vegetables grown in the greenhouse. A symbol of how sustainability is passed down from one Howqua cohort to the next is through the small but significant action of our Greenies planting seedlings in the greenhouse for next year’s students to harvest and consume.
Each year, our Howqua students, led by the Greenies captains, plant native plants in specific areas around campus. Another activity that Greenies have been involved in is the Regent Honeyeater Project where students have assisted local property owners in planting tree species to create new habitats for the regent honeyeater and improve our local biodiversity. Students this year took part in a Platypus Conservation Project in Jamieson where they learned about platypus habitats and took actions in Jamieson and on campus to help promote the local platypus population. Students saw first-hand what a huge
impact a small sticker on a piece of fruit can make to our natural environment when they sorted composted soil onto the vegetable garden beds. They picked out hundreds of stickers to put into landfill and diverted the journey of the Howqua fruit stickers. Not content with mitigating the damage of plastic in the environment, the Greenies captains came up with a way to stop the stickers from getting into the Howqua compost in the first place by creating a ‘fruit sticker competition’. Each House peeled off and stuck their fruit stickers on their House chart next to fruit boxes in the Dining Hall with the winning House to receive a prize at the end of the year.
From an academic standpoint, Howqua Projects is an elective class where students carry out a range of activities around the campus that include working in the greenhouse and maintaining the composting system. The experiential nature of the Howqua program and its proximity to the bush enables us to model the cultural and behavioural changes that are required to fulfil local, national and global sustainability targets. Students see and study the negative impact of human activities on the environment and undertake a biodiversity audit to investigate the flora and fauna around campus and monitor for any changes that may be due to climate change. These rich learning opportunities not only take advantage of the unique learning environment at Howqua, but also empowers them with the knowledge that they can be agents of change.
Over three decades, Howqua staff and students have built a community that values our connection to place through targeted actions and a commitment to sustainability. There is an undeniable pride that our girls have for their home away from home, and nowhere is this more prominent than on the local radio where students have discussed the principles of sustainability and what they do at Howqua to ensure that they are passing on this special place in a better state than they leave it.
Vanessa Hewson Assistant Principal (Student Experience and Wellbeing), Howqua Campus
Year 9 is a crucial period of change in a girl’s life and one where they need to feel supported and actively challenged, so that they can develop the resilience to be an effective agent of their own destiny.
Over the years, Howqua’s unique program and environment challenge our girls to step outside their comfort zones and nurture the skills, attitudes and attributes that are essential for success at School and in the years beyond.
Howqua is truly a once in a lifetime experience and we are thrilled to share a collection of messages written to future Howqua students by those in their final days of their Howqua experience.
“Howqua has taught me how much my family mean to me and the entire year has given me a different perspective on life. I have realised how lucky I am to have them and how lucky I am to have Howqua. Howqua has taught me so many important lessons and although there are moments of sadness and joy, I will remember the good times spent with friends the most.”
~Sarah Parkinson (Gillespie, 1999)“It is so hard to describe our wonderful year at Howqua in just a few short words! It has been a year of opportunities, beginnings and of course, changes. I have learned so much and gained so much knowledge and was able to build new and stronger friendships. Make sure to take advantage of every opportunity. Howqua truly is the best!”
“After spending a whole year here at Howqua, I finally realised what an experience it is for all of us. It’s always hard to be away from your parents and start a new life! Remember that everyone has good and bad times but to never give up. At the end of the year, you will be so proud of what you have achieved. Howqua has given us the chance to become more independent and make lots of friends and I will always remember the fun memories I’ve had and I’ll cherish them forever!”
~Karen Zhang (Thompson, 1998)
~Bianca Wachtel (Arthur Robinson, 2001)
“I never thought I would make it until the end but here I am writing my final reflections and a message to you. I am so grateful for all the incredible opportunities we are given here and never thoughts I would have hiked mountains, climbed cliff faces or made so many friends. I have learned so much about myself! Make sure you leave Howqua with no regrets and live in the moment. Throw yourself into everything because time flies by.”
~ Zoe Morley (Wirringga, 2020)“Although my amazing world of magic, memories and exciting new beginnings is over, I will always look back on the moments I’ve had and remember how much fun I had. Howqua will be in my heart forever; it’s a place like no other filled with challenges to overcome, friends to make and a new place that you can call come! Howqua has taught me to take things as they come and to make the most out of every opportunity you get. Live without regrets while you’re up here and don’t watch from the sidelines as the year goes by so quickly.”
~ Flick Lawrence (Gillespie, 2003)“To future Howqua girls, wow, you are all so lucky to have the opportunity to come to Howqua. For me, Howqua has gone from a dream to a reality and soon it will be a memory that will be with me forever. A few pieces of advice… when two paths open before you (metaphorically or literally), always choose the harder path and challenge yourself. Be sure to live each day to the max. Have fun and focus on the positives because there are plenty! I wish I could be in your shoes and do it all again.”
~ Danielle Gescheit (Fitz-Gibbon, 2004)“Now that the year is coming to an end, I understand the emotions every girl before me has experienced. There are SO MANY important lessons to be learnt at Howqua and every challenge this place gives you is worth it. Take advantage of EVERY opportunity and always pick the hardest option as you will be amazed by what you can achieve. Look after this place, cherish every moment, don’t give up, stay positive and you will make it! Have the best year of your life. I know I have!”
~ Bronte Payne (Thompson 2008)“Howqua is like a rollercoaster but I will always look back and remember how amazing the year was. Here you will learn to trust people as they get to know you at your best and at your worst. I never thought I would be running more than 100m or climbing mountains so please know that you CAN DO ANYTHING if you give it your best shot. Good luck!”
~ Malvika Tolat (Hollyer, 2011)
“At first Howqua can seem scary and it is totally normal to feel nervous. Finding out who is in your House is terrifying but by the end of the year, no matter who is in your House, you will be like sisters! Howqua challenges you in so many ways but every challenge helps you grow. Give everything you have to OP and fitness and remember three things:
1. When you get to the top of the mountains, take time to appreciate the view
2. Always remember how lucky you are to be here, even in the sad times
3. Laugh and enjoy each day because the year really does go by so quickly!”
~ Bianca Roberts (Arthur Robinson, 2014)
“Dear future Howqua girl,
Hearing about Howqua, you often think that you know what it is about but until you come you never have a full understanding of what it is! This year has been the best year of my life and I have learned to love things, places and people in a different way. At times, you may wish away the days but please don’t because by the end of the year you will be wishing for more. Shoot for the stars and go for everything you can. Good luck and have fun!”
~ Bianca Rose (Thompson, 2018)
We recently caught up with Stephanie Parsons, our 2022 Old Lauristonians’ Association Fellowship recipient. After leaving Lauriston in 2011, Steph completed a Bachelor of Film & Television at the Victorian College of the Arts and later, a Juris Doctor at Monash University.
Steph has a keen interest in not-for-profit work, and through her work as a commercial lawyer and in the film industry, she has recently joined the board of Channel 31, Melbourne’s long-running community television broadcaster.
Congratulations on being awarded the 2022 Old Lauristonians’ Association Fellowship. Can you tell us a little bit about why you applied and how the Fellowship will help you achieve your goals and contribute to the wider community?
Thank you. I am incredibly excited to receive the Fellowship. I recently joined the board of directors of Channel 31, Melbourne’s long-running not-for-profit community television channel. I became aware immediately that despite my legal background, the reality of working on a board (especially a charitable board) is very different. I am planning to undertake directorship training using the Fellowship funds, to ensure I can be an effective board member and contributor to Channel 31.
We often tell our students that their career pathways may not be straight or predictable and that every experience helps lead to the next. What has been your journey since leaving Lauriston and how have you have integrated your passions and talents into your career?
After graduating high school, I studied a Bachelor of Film & Television at the Victorian College of the Arts. I had a wonderful time and worked in the film industry (predominantly in the camera team, but in many roles) for the following few years. I eventually decided that I would like some more stability and job security, and I went to postgraduate law school. I now work as a commercial lawyer.
The essential filmmaking skills – teamwork, emotional intelligence, focused creativity – help me every day as a lawyer. But my legal skills are also assisting me in my film career, which is running parallel to my legal career. The only reason I was accepted to join the board of Channel 31 was because of the combination of legal and filmmaking skills, and my legal skills assist me to project manage film productions and communicate my ideas effectively.
I am surprised every day by how the two skillsets interact. I am also incredibly grateful to have two, mostly distinct, areas of interest.
It’s clear you are passionate about encouraging women to put their hand up for leadership roles. How did your time at Lauriston help lay the foundation for you to seek these opportunities?
At Lauriston, I was given an environment of frequent opportunity and much encouragement. I was encouraged to engage with my specific interests (media, the arts, humanities) without the sense that other subjects were more worthy. The teachers, equally, were incredibly interested in their work. Growing up in an environment where you are allowed to experiment, make mistakes, and interrogate your ideas instilled a sense of self-belief and curiosity that I think has stayed with many people I went to school with, including me. I think curiosity, and being unafraid to admit you are still learning, are traits which are inherent in many people who seek leadership positions.
On reflecting upon your time at Lauriston, what other skills or influences from your time at school have you drawn upon in your life and in your career?
I think the safety and intimacy of small classrooms has left me with a good ability to make friends, speak to people, back my views and maintain a sense of self between groups. I also think Howqua contributed to my pervasive feeling that ‘everybody people’; Howqua broke down any preconception or bias I held against the other friendship groups in my year, and since that time I have never lost the sense that everyone is redeemable. I also suspect it contributed to the ability to deal with other people crying.
You recently spoke to our graduating Class of 2022. Can you share with us the advice your gave them as they embark on the next stage of their lives?
I would hardly call it advice – more a litany of errors and humiliations – but I tried to summarise some of the things I have learned in the 10 years since I graduated high school. In short, I encouraged them to value their personal skills and strengths, no matter how unimpressive those may seem now; it is their idiosyncrasies which will become their advantages.
I also encouraged them not to fall into the trap of believing that just because you are good at something (or that you enjoy it), it should be your career. Often, making a career of the thing you love will commodify it and sap you of the creative energy you had for it. This was an experience I had in the film industry; as much as I love being on set, being on set full time is draining and has poor job security. I am enjoying my film career significantly more since I realised I do not have to do it full time.
Finally, I encouraged them to seek out people who think differently to them. Without venturing into the paranoid, today, it is very easy to get trapped in algorithm echo chambers which feed your own opinions back to you. I am also firmly of the (very lawyerly) belief that to properly interrogate one’s own beliefs, it is important to understand the criticisms of them. The easiest way to achieve this is by listening to people who hold different views and see the world differently.
I encouraged them to seek out people who think differently to them. Without venturing into the paranoid, today, it is very easy to get trapped in algorithm echo chambers which feed your own opinions back to you. I am also firmly of the (very lawyerly) belief that to properly interrogate one’s own beliefs, it is important to understand the criticisms of them.”
One cannot underestimate the human connection which is sparked when we are gifted with the privilege of making music with others, whether this be in the rehearsal room or on the concert stage.
According to leading researcher in music education, Professor Susan Hallam, a breadth of research affirms that participation in group music activities affords numerous social benefits for children; supporting the development of empathy, communication skills, cooperation and teamwork, while contributing to feelings of belonging. The sense of pride which is achieved when each member of an ensemble actively contributes to a shared group outcome, is a significant component of a musician’s experience.
At the beginning of 2022, Lauriston’s musicians were hopeful for a return to live music performance, without restriction and, more importantly, the freedom to engage musically with each other. With restrictions still in place throughout Term 1, which prevented many ensembles from rehearsing in the same room at the same time, our full Music Program was reintroduced steadily and with great caution. As the weeks passed and restrictions began to ease, our Music staff and students enjoyed the gradual springing to life of our program, with the sound of full choral singing, bands and orchestras filling our hallways once again.
Throughout 2022, Lauriston’s musicians returned to the stage time and time again, triumphantly delivering every planned concert in our performance calendar; a feat which has brought joy and celebration to our community.
The Annual Jazz Cabaret marked our first major music celebration for the year, followed shortly afterwards with the
Autumn Concert, for which Irving Hall was filled with a live audience for the first time since early 2020.
The Winter Concert saw a stunning showcase of the work from our Prep to Year 4 students, ranging from ensemble performances through to a showcase of our comprehensive Junior School Music curriculum. Watching our Prep students perform on mallet percussion in perfect unison with one another was a true highlight, and an example of how making music with others encourages teamwork and collaboration from the youngest age, while reinforcing our belief that all children are musicians!
In 2022 we also witnessed the realisation of our revised Recital Series, providing a breadth of both formal and informal performance opportunities for solo instrumentalists and vocalists. Instrumental family Recitals were introduced into the Lauriston performance calendar, with new concerts dedicated to celebrating the beauty of Strings, Keyboard, Voice, Brass, Woodwind and Percussion.
No greater celebration was shared with our community, however, than our spectacular Annual Concert, held at the Melbourne Recital Centre. The excitement, enthusiasm and joy in the backstage hallways was matched only by our musicians’ exuberance on stage and the palpable energy from our audience.
In this concert, our musicians were tasked with presenting a range of sophisticated musical repertoire and met this challenge without hesitation. Our Anthem Choir joined forces with the Xavier College Senior Singers to share three movements from Carl Orff’s epic masterpiece, Carmina Burana and the Trebelles premiered a choral work composed by Class of 2023 student Susannah Giddy.
HOW WONDERFUL TO BE PERFORMING AGAIN!
At Lauriston, all students embrace musical learning and no better example of this can be illustrated than the Annual House Music Competition. Led by Instrumental and Choral Captains from years 10 and 12, each House presented two choral performances and an instrumental work. Guest Adjudicator, Mark Puddy, was challenged to find winners among each section with the quality of singing and ensemble playing consistently beautiful across all Houses; an enviable job! We congratulate Andrews House for their victorious win.
After a year of wonderful performances, we are further reminded that the shared experience of making music together is one which is treasured in our community and that will continue to bring great benefit and joy to our students.
Elizabeth Tindall Head of Music
The Lauriston community recognises the immense personal learning that students experience through our Community Service or G.I.V.E. (Girls in Values Education) Program. Each year, the program is involving more and more students, underpinning our values of Relationships and Engagement in Life.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job as Coordinator of the G.I.V.E. Program is when students come to me with an idea of how to raise funds and awareness for a cause they feel passionate about. Their own initiative.
Claire in Year 1 was concerned for the children of Ukraine and decided she wanted to have a movie night and sausage sizzle at School on a Friday night to raise much needed funds. Fast forward to Term 3 and we sold over 170 tickets and cooked 225 sausages with our Junior School gathering to enjoy a screening of Encanto.
“I can’t believe we are doing this – a movie and dinner with all my friends – at School!”
Eleanor in Year 5 wanted to support people in our community who are sleeping on the street. She held a ‘guess the number of jellybeans in the jar’ competition with all funds assisting the production of backpack beds for the homeless. These beds provide shelter, dignity, warmth, health, sleep, comfort, and safety for street sleepers and Eleanor raised enough money to fund two backpack beds which will no doubt make an enormous difference in the lives of others.
Piper in Year 2 organised for EatUp to come into our School so the whole year level could make sandwiches for children who go to school without food. Missing out on lunch has a big impact on children with hunger, causing fatigue and poor concentration. This commonly leads to learning difficulties and behavioural problems in school, with disadvantaged children falling further behind their peers. Piper decided that this seemed unfair so wanted to get involved. After an incredibly successful sandwich-making day, the Year 2 classes decided to sell Zooper Doopers every Tuesday for a month to continue to raise funds for EatUp.
Other initiatives in 2022 included:
• Year 10 students holding a bake sale to raise funds for the Lismore Library so new books could be bought following the New South Wales floods.
• Year 3 girls – Stephanie, Amanda and Edie - made bookmarks and origami and sold them to support The Red Cross.
• Hana and Helen in Year 4 sold books to raise funds for World Wildlife Fund.
The care shown by our girls and their desire to contribute to our wider community is so wonderful and helping them bring their ideas to life is why I have the best job in the School!
Sarah Jessup Community Service Coordinator
Each year, the program is involving more and more students, underpinning our values of Relationships and Engagement in Life.”
As we begin a new year, we hear from Holly and Sophie, Lauriston’s 2023 Co-Captains. They reflect on their time at Lauriston thus far, their goals and how they wish to make a positive impact on the entire community.
Congratulations on your appointment as Co-Captains. Can you share with us what your hopes are for your year of leadership?
Sophie: This year, I am hoping that Holly and I can make a huge positive impact on the School. When I was in Year 10, I often went to talk to my sister’s Year 12 friends and consult with them on things like whether or not I should do VCE or IB or what subjects to choose. Having older girls to guide me was really important so I’d like to like to help create an even greater sense of unity between year levels and make sure that younger girls feel comfortable talking to older students, siblings or not.
Holly: After such an uncertain few years, students have missed out on many opportunities to build relationships and try new things. So we also want to encourage girls to get involved in all that Lauriston has to offer and take advantage of the
opportunities that we are given. With so many exciting activities and opportunities to connect with one another, we want to create a culture of fun and camaraderie, where girls are there to support each other.
Holly, your family has many connections with Lauriston and you first walked through the gates in Prep. What are some of your favourite Lauriston memories to date?
Holly: Yes, my Lauriston journey began on the first day of Prep! A lot of the women in my family have gone to Lauriston, too. My mum graduated in 1985 and my aunt in 1986. My sister graduated in 2018, and my cousins have also graduated recently in 2017 and 2021.
Blairholme has so many wonderful memories for me, from the Teddy Bear Picnics to the letter walk which I know still happen today. I remember doing music in the music shed, playing in the fairy garden and climbing up the big tree. My favourite memory from my first year at Lauriston would have to be the Blairholme Picnic Races, where I proudly wore Andrews House colours for the very first time.
Sophie, you also have family connections and you joined in Year 7. What have been some of your highlights and what do you think makes Lauriston such a special place?
Sophie: My mum and aunt both went to Lauriston. They are identical twins who graduated together in 1988. I joined in Year 7 and a standout memory was camp at the beginning of that year. As a new student, I was struggling to make new friends – camp in Term 1 gave me the opportunity to change this, as I got to know the girls in my cabin really well. A specific memory is the night that a kangaroo jumped past someone’s cabin and the whole year level spiralled into believing that an axe-murderer was on the loose. Although everyone was pretty terrified at the time, it became an impetus towards creating long-lasting school friendships that I maintain today!
At Lauriston, the relationships students have with one another are unlike any of the relationships I have observed at other schools, or in my primary school. And I think this can be attributed to Howqua. Girls at Lauriston are outgoing and not afraid to challenge expectations or flaunt their achievements. This is something that I value greatly. Within my year level, and many others, girls do not shy away from experiencing all the opportunities Lauriston has to offer; from choirs, to Debating, Model UN and Drama performances. These activities are not considered ‘nerdy’ or ‘try-hard’, but rather there is a competitive nature to them. Girls attempt as much as they can and this is something that my friends from other schools confirm as unique about our community. There can often be a stigma around being judged by others when trying new things, and this is something that I feel doesn’t exist at Lauriston.
Holly: I agree and my year at Howqua wasn’t smooth sailing. There were so many challenges and disruptions, and at times I thought that I couldn’t do it. But it was these hard times that made it such a rewarding experience. I gained so much confidence in myself and my own abilities and at the same time developed a sense of achievement and pride in myself. During the Howqua year, you rely so much on your support network of friends and teachers. I knew that if I was cold and wet and tired, so were the girls I was hiking with. Similarly, if I was in awe of a mountain view, so were my peers. We laughed together and supported each other, and it made me realise how strong friendship can be.
As you head into your final year, can you tell us a little about your studies and why you chose VCE or IB?
Holly: I am currently studying VCE and loving it! I chose VCE because I find that my learning style is more suited to a more structured syllabus. There was a lot of thought that went into that decision, but I really like that you can choose any subjects for VCE. This year, I am doing Business Management, Psychology, Chemistry, Maths Methods, Studio Arts and English.
Sophie: I chose IB and study Chemistry, Maths AA SL, English Literature, Economics, Visual Arts, Theory of Knowledge and French. One of the main reasons for choosing IB was simply having the opportunity to do so. There are so few schools in Victoria that offer the International Baccalaureate, and I figured that as so many students would jump at the chance to do so if they could, it would be a waste of an opportunity for me to turn it down. Studying Theory of Knowledge allows me to pursue philosophical and political interests that I wouldn’t be able to experience in VCE. The course is incredible, and as I have a broad range of interests, IB was the perfect choice for me.
Finally, what do you think will stay with you when you leave Lauriston at the end of 2023 and does your year level have a legacy it would like to leave for future Lauriston students?
Holly: I have always loved coming to School and I hope every girl sees School a really fun place to be, and that they enjoy coming to School. The relationships I have built and the memories I have made will stay with me most when I leave Lauriston. All the people who have been a part of my life, both peers and teachers, will definitely have a lasting influence on me. My teachers have been such wonderful role models, and have encouraged me to be curious, and to constantly ask questions. I’m sure a love of learning that started through my teachers will follow me beyond graduation.
Sophie: If anything, I want to leave the School in the best position for future students to thrive in. I hope to inspire girls towards pursuing their goals and studying hard for themselves, not others. And for girls to genuinely feel as though they can do anything they put their minds to.
With great anticipation, the Scotch and Lauriston Senior production of West Side Story opened to capacity audiences.
We congratulate the performers, staff and behind-the-scenes crew for their breathtaking production.
West Side Story will be a show fondly remembered.
Ms Saradha Koirala, one of our English teachers, was not only asked to judge the poetry category of the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards this year, but her own book – Learning to love Blue won the Young Adult Fiction Award at the NZ Book Awards.
The Lauriston students are very fortunate to have someone with her level of expertise in the English Department.
Congratulations to our Junior School Hockey Team for winning the State Hockey Championships. The Lauriston team are now holding the title of best primary school girls’ hockey team in Victoria!
Our youngest students celebrated 100 days of Prep by wearing their amazing party hat creations and designing commemorative ‘100 Days of Prep’ wooden medals, which were fabricated in our FabLearn Lab. Both the hats and the medals were admired by special guests Principal Susan Just and Head of Junior School Chris Toms.
The Blairholme garden fairies made a magical appearance in the Year 1 classroom, visiting in response to a special letter from the class about “How might they design a sustainable fairy house?”
The students worked hard to design the perfect sustainable houses for the fairies.
Congratulations to the Lauriston team for taking one of the runners-up awards, ‘Green Machine’, for the most sustainably built (recycled parts) Rube Goldberg style machine at this year’s Amazing Spaghetti Machine Engineering Competition.
The competition, hosted by The University of Melbourne, is aimed at testing knowledge and skills in Maths, Science, Engineering and Project Management through the creation of a complex ‘spaghetti machine.’
Over 400 members of our community met at the beautiful Glasshouse for the incredible Huntingtower Lunch. Together, we raised over $35,000 in support of our Foundation Scholarships.
The guests in attendance were fortunate to hear from keynote speaker and Old Lauristonian Kit Willow as well as our wonderful Principal Susan Just who spoke so passionately about the new Foundation Scholarships.
Thank you to the Lauriston community for participating and showing their support at the 2022 Connor’s Run.
Howqua students also showed their support and helped raise awareness of this fantastic initiative by wearing a touch of BLUE during a memorable run around the campus’ perimeter.
We celebrated the return back to the mountain and congratulate all the girls who participated in Lauriston’s SnowSports for 2022. All students displayed a tremendous amount of resilience, courage, determination, and support for each other during the season! We thank the on-mountain volunteers, parents and team managers and we look forward to continuing to build the SnowSports community in 2023.
We were fortunate to take 11 students from the Class of 2022 back to Blairholme for a final time. These students have completed their full education from Prep to Year 12 at Lauriston Girls’ School, with many not visiting the Blairholme campus in several years.
It was a walk down memory lane with the students visiting their Prep classroom from 13 years ago, bumping into Ms Caroline Long in the hallway (who fondly remembers all of the students), and finding their year-level artwork still proudly hanging in the main area.
During the Term 3 school holidays, 16 year 7 and 8 students travelled to New Caledonia for an inspiring French Immersion experience.
The New Caledonia Study Tour allowed the students to fully immerse in the French language and culture. With participation in a series of unique activities, a fascinating cultural fusion and amazing native flora and fauna, the students were so excited to experience the unique culture.
For many, the trip’s highlight was the boat ride to Amédée Island –a beautiful spot with white sand beaches and aqua-blue water.
Congratulations to the Year 7 and 8 cast of Alice who put on a wonderful performance in Term 4. This imaginative piece of theatre took the audience down a rabbit hole and into Lewis Carrol’s imagination. Our girls worked collaboratively as an ensemble to bring this script to life in a very clever and entertaining style.
Students got into the AFL finals spirit in September by supporting their footy teams on Footy Colours Day.
Blairholme and Kindergarten students had the pleasure of hearing from AFLW stars Eliza McNamara (Melbourne) and Olivia Vesely (St Kilda) who spoke about the importance of a balanced lifestyle, supporting friends and engaging with support staff.
Our Howqua students also got into the spirit and dressed up, completed the Spur Challenge and played a friendly football game on the Flat.
Lauriston has a proud history in Chess, and 2022 has proven to be no exception. Early in Term 4, 14 girls from years 4–6 competed at the Victorian State Primary Chess Finals at Glen Eira Secondary College.
The atmosphere was one of fierce and friendly competition. All girls used excellent chess strategy and played with care, consideration and exemplary sportsmanship. After seven rounds, the Lauriston 1 team placed a very admirable 4th, and Lauriston 2 team placed 6th.
Since 1963, Kirkhope, Andrews, Irving and Mitchell have pitted their musical talents against each other in the great battle that is House Music. This year’s much-anticipated event was no different. Congratulations to Mitchell for being announced as the winners of the 2022 House Music Competition!
We are proud and excited to announce that two of our educators were recently named on the The Educator’s 2022 Hot List
They joined 73 others from around Australia who were recognised for their expertise in linking theory and practice, how they have advanced innovation in the education industry and how they provide students with high-quality educational experiences.
Elspeth Maddocks is Lauriston’s Head of English whose passion is to create learning environments that help ensure girls achieve their full potential. Having completed her Master of Education (Gifted and Talented) at UNSW in 2022, her research has, and will continue to, inform gifted and talented initiatives at Lauriston.
To date these include the introduction of Latin in 2022 for Year 7 students, the introduction of a new Year 10 Literature elective ‘From Page to Screen’, developing a suite of academic resources on the School’s intranet for students in Years 7–12 to access, encouraging student participation in competitions such as the ICAS English competition, and introducing a Year 10 research essay project which helps girls prepare for their IB courses.
Elspeth is currently the Assistant Chief Assessor for Literature, appointed by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and was invited to be a panel member of various VCAA Literature panels in 2021–2 including panels for Literature Review, Study Design development, Expert Reference group, Sample Exam development. Elspeth is also employed by the IBO as Examiner of English A: Literature Paper 1 and Higher Level essay 2021–2022
Giuliana D’Angelo is Lauriston’s VCE Studio Arts and years 7–10 Visual Arts teacher. She was recently appointed our new Head of Visual Arts.
Giuliana is a renowned and well-respected educational leader whose passion is to inspire critical and creative thinking, intellectual curiosity and develop courageous lifelong learners who work with others to shape their world.
Her expertise in Visual Arts sees her continually contribute to the professional development of her peers and to help the Visual Arts curriculum innovate and evolve. Giuliana is currently the State Reviewer for Studio Arts, appointed by VCAA. She was also appointed on the VCAA review panel for the development and implementation of two new Visual Arts study designs for 2023 Art Making and Exhibiting and Art Creative Practice.
David Morrison began his teaching career at Lauriston in 1988 and at the end of 2022 he retired as our Head of Arts. David leaves a significant legacy in that we have a flourishing and well-respected Visual Arts Faculty and a reputation for supporting excellence in our Visual Arts, Visual Communication and Design, and Media students.
David has been the editor of 23 editions of The Lauristonian This is an important archival document for our School and each year David, with the wonderful support of student editors, endeavours to provide an overview of the many opportunities available to our students, along with capturing their own voices and their creative works. It has been a pleasure for me to offer my support to David as he undertakes this massive job each year, and I know how much he enjoys capturing the year which begins with the front cover design.
In his role as Head of Faculty and teacher, David has played an integral role in developing the VCE and IB Diploma Visual Arts curriculums and participating in Theory of Knowledge camps each year. David is well known for his professional expertise in the IB Diploma Visual Arts course, as an Extended Essay marker and workshop presenter. His work in various organisations in forwarding the professional learning of VCE Visual Arts teachers has also been prominent. Whenever we have appointed a new teacher in the Visual Arts Faculty over the years, applicants inevitably speak with us about David and his enviable reputation within the community of Visual Arts teachers. David is very much a lifelong learner, and along with his participation in various professional organisations, he was also the recipient of the Sun Bursary which enabled him to travel to China.
As a teacher, David is proud each year when he is able to showcase the work of our students in the VCE and IB Arts Exhibition. His sense of satisfaction continues when our Lauriston students receive such excellent Year 12 results in Visual Arts, Visual Communication and Design, and Media. These results speak to the commitment of David and all teachers in the Faculty and the inspiration which is offered to our students to challenge themselves to explore and research and do more in their work that they may have thought was possible. The dedication and professionalism of the Visual Arts Faculty staff is something which David acknowledges at all times and he has done a wonderful job of encouraging a strong sense of colleagueship and desire to continue to learn as professionals.
David’s biannual school trips to Italy and the Venice Biennale have always been a highlight for our students. Having had the pleasure of travelling with David, staff and students to Italy, I was somewhat in awe of his art history knowledge and often found myself running to catch up with him as we made our way through winding streets looking for accommodation, restaurants or out of the way sights.
David has very much been part of the Lauriston Arts’ Association Arts Festivals, our own recitals and drama performances and attendance at every School Formal, Valedictory and Graduation Dinner as official photographer. His co-curricular involvement has seen David undertake the responsibility of looking after our Diving Team for many years and he had the pleasure of diving himself at the opening of our Lauriston Swimming Pool which was opened by Dawn Fraser.
Over the years we have been fortunate to have a number of Artists in Residence work with our students and staff. One of the most memorable for David is the mural of the Nine Muses by Pamela Irving as David was able to contribute some of his grandmother’s ceramics to be embedded in parts of the mural. From my own perspective, the mural will continue to be a memory of David’s time at Lauriston and the contribution he made.
From David’s initial suggestion in the 1990s, we have an Acquisition Program which has been championed by our Lauriston Arts’ Association, and resulting from this we have a collection of works from students who studied one of our Visual Arts courses in VCE or IB.
The Lauriston community has been part of David’s professional and personal life for more than 30 years and he has been an important part of our community. He has been able to share with me a significant part of the narrative of our School and this has enabled me to better understand who we are and what makes Lauriston unique. His advocacy for the Arts has been significant and Lauriston is very much a School where we encourage our girls to explore their interests and have a well-rounded education. The Arts Precinct in our School is alive with teachers and young people challenging their thinking and their skills to produce work that is meaningful for them.
We would all like to say thank you, David, for your contribution to the education of our students and advocating for the Arts as an important life skill.
Susan Just PrincipalAn engaging and charismatic public speaker, David has the ability to speak on demand with confidence and humour. David has always placed the highest of faith and trust in our abilities, encouraging us to engage in professional development and network with others within our fields.”
“David has an unorthodox approach in behaviour management and teaching style. When enrolled in Morrie’s class, students are always bemused by his famous class roll. When meeting his class for the first time, Morrie asks each student their star sign, recording this next to their names and then proceeds to give them a rundown of their personality, characteristics, and traits . As a true Virgo, Morrie’s fashion attire is calculated; each colour deliberate like a Piet Mondrian painting. Like a walking colour wheel, David’s shirts, jumpers, socks and ties vary from complementary colour schemes (a blue shirt with an orange tie) to jumpers in every tint, shade and hue imaginable .”
Giuliana D’Angelo
Claudette Leeming (1991) is an Old Lauristonian, current Lauriston parent, and in mid-2022 commenced her role as the Chair of the Lauriston School Council – the very first Old Lauristonian to be appointed to this role.
At School, Claudette enjoyed a broad range of activities both academic and extra-curricular. She enjoyed an academic challenge and undertook a diverse range of subjects. She also loved Drama, playing Tennis, Cricket and being part of the SnowSports Team. Claudette was part of Kirkhope House, and she enjoyed being involved in House competitions and events.
Claudette believes that Lauriston provided her with the foundations that have contributed to the person that she is today, and left School with no questions about her ability to take her life in whatever direction she chose.
Together with her husband Mark and daughters Eleanor and Maddie, she lives in South Melbourne. Eleanor graduated in 2022 and Maddie is currently in Year 10. She loves seeing her daughters enjoying their own Lauriston experience, with some traditions that haven’t changed, as well as learning about the School’s evolution.
Claudette’s career has taken a path that she didn’t know existed when she left School. She studied Interior Design at RMIT and spent the next 20 years working in the design industry. She very quickly gravitated towards workplace design and strategy, as she loves understanding different businesses and the way people work, and translating that into workplaces that enhance culture and performance. She is currently the Head of Workplace at Australia Post and is responsible for its corporate workplace portfolio nationally. She is passionate about the future of work,
and in a post-pandemic world where people are working anywhere, anytime, realising the new role the physical workplace will play in bringing people together.
On her appointment as Chair of School Council, Claudette says, “It is an enormous honour and I am excited by the passion and commitment of my fellow council and sub-committee members, and to be working with a very talented and dedicated School Executive, led by Principal Susan Just. There is a lot of love for the school and the values that is stands for. We have such a strong community at Lauriston, with a genuine desire to see Lauriston continue to lead the way in delivering education that really does prepare the girls for life. My hope is to contribute to celebrating and growing the School community and culture, working with the School Executive to maintain Lauriston’s position as a leader and innovator in truly holistic and inclusive education.”
One of strengths that Claudette will bring to the role is an inclusive leadership style that focuses on bringing together the skills and experience of a wider group to achieve the best possible outcomes for students, parents, teachers and the wider community.
Claudette also plans to spend her time balancing focus on the School’s long-term future, while maintaining an eye on the here and now.
“COVID has taught us all the importance of being able to rapidly adapt and change, which Lauriston has done very successfully over the last two and a half years. This inherent agility puts the School in such a great position to set its sights on the next evolution of girls’ education,” she says.
Our inaugural Giving Day on 9 June was a one-day online fundraising movement where the Lauriston community came together to help fund two new Foundation Scholarships, with the first recipient to commence at Lauriston in Year 7, 2023.
With the generosity of our entire community, including our Giving Day leaders, we surpassed our philanthropic goal and raised $208,554 with an incredible 23% of our donors giving for the first time.
The Foundation Scholarships not only provide an opportunity for an individual to receive a high-quality education but through partnering with the family through the provision of a world-class education, they will radically change the lives of families and their communities too. This is consistent with Lauriston’s desire to be an inclusive, all-round School that embraces a wide variety of students from varied backgrounds, who can add to the vibrancy and strength of our community.
The Foundation Scholarships provide full remission for tuition fees and will cover the following additional expenses:
• purchase of textbooks and online programs used by the School
• a new laptop in Year 7 and Year 10
• residential fee for the Year 9 Howqua year
• provision of gear and equipment required for the Year 9 Howqua year
• camps at Year 7 and Year 8
• local excursions
• financial support to the applicant’s family for the purchase of School uniform items.
Congratulations to Andrews House who finished on the top of our House leaderboard. Our first Foundation Scholarship recipient will join Andrews House as a celebration of your support.
“In just 24 hours our Lauriston community has come together in such a wonderful way. Your donations will now change the lives of students from diverse backgrounds who would not otherwise have the chance to experience a Lauriston education.”
Alice Robinson (OL 1991), Chair, Lauriston Foundation
I am so proud of our Lauriston community, and I’d like to thank you all for believing in providing an education for our girls. Scholarships mean so much to the young girls who come here and they help us to enhance and develop our core values. We celebrate the contribution that everyone makes to our School and to our wider community.”
Susan Just, Principal
If you would like more information about the It’s Her Turn campaign or the Foundation Scholarships, please contact Ms Penny Richards Fowler, Director of Advancement. Email: giving@lauriston.vic.edu.au Phone: 03 9864 7555
Hockey Team and Baseball Team photographs, 1941.
Copies of her photographs from the 1964 Lauriston school tour to New Guinea.
Lauriston memorabilia and school uniform 1980s to 1990s.
Silver Cup trophy, badges, school reports, certificates, editions of The Lauristonian, and other memorabilia, 1930s to 1940s.
Lauriston summer dress, blazer, jumper, skirt and hats the 1980s.
Prefect’s blazer pocket and hatband, The Lauristonian 1949 - 1955 and other memorabilia.
Winter felt beret 1970s and hat with brim (Wendy Mead style), 1980s.
Examples of book binding in craft class 1953 and Lauriston saucer and bread plate.
Lauriston book prize 1948.
The Lauristonian 1969 and Lauriston Sketch Book, 1989.
Examples of student work, Valedictory programs 2005, photographs, The Lauristonian 2000 - 2004, Lauriston uniform 2000s and other memorabilia.
Amanda Stewart for her aunt Noel Young (Tunbridge, 1942)
Anne Abbink (Beckingsale, 1965)
Denise Sarah, former Lauriston parent of Philippa Sarah (1993) and Nicola Sarah (1996)
Gitte Bachmann for her mother Honor Bachmann (Furze-Morrish, 1946)
Joanne Fader (1991)
John Bolton for his wife Libby Bolton (Trumble, 1951)
Lisa Dowd (1982)
Elizabeth Howcroft (Bradley, 1954)
Jenny Ullmer (Chu, 1999)
Robyn Ashley for Barbara Buck (Barker, 1940)
Prashanti Manchikanti (2005)
We would like to acknowledge the following people for donating items to the Archives collection.
This year I had the pleasure of meeting and working with our alumna Mary Newsome (née Reynolds, 1953), when curating the retrospective of her artworks, From Still Life to Digital Artbooks: A Retrospective of Mary Newsome’s works 1953 to 2009.
It was wonderful to talk to Mary and her husband Bernard, who in recent years has assisted his wife with the technology behind her digitally produced art books. This exhibition showcases Mary Newsome’s Matriculation (Year 12) school art and a selection of her mature pieces as an exhibiting artist.
Mary attended Lauriston from 1940 to 1953 and was involved in many school clubs and committees. During her final year Mary was School Captain, Prefect (1952–1953), Hockey Captain and Swimming Vice-Captain. She was involved in the German Club, Library and Senior Music Club Committees. Mary won Lauriston’s Angus Mitchell Prize and was awarded a scholarship to the University of Melbourne, where she achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree.
The exhibition presents a selection of Mary’s school paintings from Matric Art in 1953. This subject was introduced to Lauriston’s curriculum in 1951 and taught by Mrs McCartney. Mary’s still life sketches, using the traditional English method of pen and ink and watercolour, represents the focus of Matric Art in an era when students mainly drew objects on display in the art room (still life), classical motifs, or scenes from their immediate environment.
Mary’s Matriculation paintings reveal domestic interiors and her interest in representing the joys of everyday life that she continued to depict throughout her professional career. In Mary’s School artwork the viewer can already see her bold colour palette
and the distinctive use of lines to define structure that are prominent in her mature works.
The selection of Mary’s mature works from both solo and group exhibitions, show her skill and versatility as an artist using a variety of mediums to produce her art, including silk screen prints, etchings, reverse glass painting with acrylic paint and sweet foil papers, mixed media collages and digital technology for her series of artbooks.
Her solo exhibitions such as worldwidewindows and The Art of the Cake both borne out of her trips abroad, are testament to her taking the time to observe and record those everyday moments that bring joy, such as capturing the vistas out of her hotel windows and the cakes she ate in Parisienne pâtisseries. Mary has not been afraid to use her art as a critical lens. This is seen in her screen print Victoria 150 that juxtaposes the depiction of Queen Victoria with the 150th banner and the Australian pie.
In September 2022, we held an afternoon tea to thank Mary for the opportunity to exhibit her artworks. In her speech, Mary Newsome provided many humorous anecdotes about her time at Lauriston and studying Matriculation Art in the early 1950s. A large group of Mary’s family and friends attended the afternoon tea and were able to see the exhibition. Mary’s husband Bernard along with her daughters Polly and Sarah, enjoyed seeing her school art on display for the first time in nearly 70 years.
Mary’s artwork reflects her joy of living. I admire her ability to be able to observe, embrace the beauty in her surroundings and in the little pleasures in life.
Lisl Bladin Archivist
The three generations of Lauriston girls, Jenny Gaylard, her mother Jean, aunt Mildred and her two daughters Claire and Julia, experienced Lauriston through World War I and II. The cultural revolution of the sixties, and the expansion of technology and the World Wide Web in the nineties.
It all started on a hot February day 105 years ago…
Mildred, the older sister of Jean Hutchings, started at Lauriston in February 1917, together with many boys who, at that time, were accepted into kindergarten, preparatory and first class. Among others, she shared her first year with Edward Marks, Colin Meares, Harry Sargood, Henry Williams and John Wilson.
At the end of Form IV, she moved from Lauriston to complete her schooling as a boarder at the Hermitage Church of England Girls’ Grammar School in Geelong.
Mildred came from a family of professionals, with her mother, father and grandfather being doctors, so it was not surprising that she followed in their footsteps into the medical profession. Graduating in Medicine and Surgery from Melbourne University in 1934, she was first a junior resident at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and then resident and registrar at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
She learned to fly at Essendon and Wagga Wagga airfields, gaining her Advanced A pilot’s licence for passenger craft, and was the first woman doctor to enlist in the RAAF at the commencement of World War II as a Flight Lieutenant in the medical branch, in charge of medical examination and wellbeing of the WAAF.
In 1941, The Argus newspaper boasted about Mildred’s achievements:
‘First woman doctor to join RAAF Australia’s first woman doctor to enlist in the Royal Australian Air Force is Dr. Mildred Hutchings, of Melbourne. She began duties as a flight lieutenant at No 4 RAAF recruiting centre Russell St Melbourne, on Monday. She is also a qualified pilot.’
In later life she worked for SPELD Victoria, an organisation to assist people with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, and in 1987 she was awarded the prestigious Mona Tobias Award in recognition of her significant contribution to special education.
She was the first woman doctor to enlist in the RAAF at the commencement of World War II as a Flight Lieutenant in the medical branch, in charge of medical examination and wellbeing of the WAAF.
“
When Jean entered Lauriston in 1923, the School already had a strong commitment to girls’ sport.
The new tennis courts were built, and two years later a full-sized playing field was created, where Lauriston had many victories in hockey and baseball.
Jean was very sporty, with a reputation as a terror on the hockey field, and for her fierce and deadly accurate throwing arm in baseball, where she played at short stop, with Gladys Davis on first base! She also played tennis, and with Joan Ramsay as first pair, led their team to victory on many occasions.
Jean enjoyed School, developing leadership skills through her roles as Captain of Hockey, and then, in 1931, Captain of the School and the Prefect of her ‘Gold House’, later named Irving House.
In the thirties, an increasing number of Lauriston girls were choosing tertiary courses leading to professional careers such as commerce, engineering, physiotherapy and medicine. Jean was one of those ambitious girls, taking up medicine at Melbourne University, and excelling in her studies. She shared the Baldwin Spencer Prize for Biology in her first year.
She was the third Lauriston medical graduate; ground-breaking at that time!
After graduating, Jean became a medical resident at the Royal Women’s Hospital, and then worked at the Queen Victoria Hospital, where she was later appointed Medical Superintendent during World War II. She witnessed the introduction of penicillin and had to perform frequent blood cultures to monitor patients on this new life-saving treatment!
Immediately after the war, Jean married and became a farmer’s wife and mother to three children, first in the Wagga district, where she found time to help establish the Wagga Blood Bank, as well as being very involved in soil and crop improvement and animal husbandry on their sheep property.
In the early fifties the family moved to a cattle property in the Kiewa Valley, and then to the township of Mount Beauty, where Jean took over the busy general medical practice. Here, her expertise in obstetrics was a great asset, with many safe deliveries of babies in the local hospital attributed to Doctor Jean! She also became expert in setting broken legs and ankles during the ski seasons at Falls Creek and had an excellent reputation with the orthopaedic surgeons in Melbourne.
Upon retirement, Jean and her husband Ken returned to live in Melbourne, where she enjoyed golf, bridge and bowls at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
Her fondness for Lauriston was unwavering. She was a regular donor and was a frequent visitor to the School with her Senior Old Girls group, during a decade when her two granddaughters Claire and Julia were enjoying Lauriston’s education. Jean left a lasting legacy at the School through her generous bequest.
She was the third Lauriston medical graduate; ground-breaking at that time!
“
‘I spent my younger years enjoying country life in NSW and north-east Victoria before joining Lauriston in Year 10, for my final three years of school.
‘I have fond memories of school life and made many new friends, many of whom I see today, particularly at Royal Melbourne Golf Club and at School reunions.
‘While at School, I loved baseball in summer and netball during the winter months, and my favourite subjects were biology and geography and English Literature with Mrs de Fossard, who was an inspirational teacher!
‘The Lauriston School dance, held in the old Assembly Hall, is another stand-out memory.
‘We decorated the hall, wore beehive hairdos and long dresses, wrote formal invitations to our partners (who had to reply in writing to Miss Davis!), and dance cards were the order of the day!
‘I gained a Commonwealth scholarship to university, but instead chose to study nursing at the Royal Children’s Hospital, and midwifery at the Queen Victoria Hospital, which I loved. After marrying and raising our children, James, Claire and Julia, I worked in private home nursing, and later with the Red Cross Blood Service.
‘Enrolling Claire and Julia at Lauriston was a natural continuation of the family tradition, and Michael and I enjoyed those years of being part of the School community, helping run the School fair, and cheering our rowers on the riverbank. During those years, I joined the OLA Committee, and, as President, was privileged to be a member of the Lauriston Council.
‘I believe Lauriston continues to deliver high-quality education and produces smart, down to earth, well-grounded girls. The Howqua experience further develops independence and an ability to take on new and challenging experiences.’
Jenny’s trust in the value of a Lauriston education was expressed through hers and Michael’s financial support for the School, with 37 years of regular donations to scholarships, building and educational programs.
Claire Gaylard, OL 1995‘I started at Lauriston in Grade 6 and have so many happy memories of my school life. I particularly loved the sports offered at Lauriston, especially the rowing. The early mornings all paid off when I was called up into the 1st IV and we went on to win the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta.
When I became School Captain, I still remember telling Granny (she cried) and it made me very proud to follow in her footsteps. She even gave me her Captain’s pin from her time as School Captain.
After Lauriston, I went on to study osteopathy at Victoria University. As an Osteopath I became interested in the treatment of children and babies. I undertook postgraduate training in both Australia and overseas, as well as running a natural health clinic for many years.
My partner Tim and I, have two beautiful girls and have recently moved down to Mount Eliza, where we are really enjoying the space for a vegetable garden and a new beehive!
I think Lauriston gave me the confidence to follow my interests and believe in myself.’
When I became School Captain, I still remember telling Granny (she cried) and it made me very proud to follow in her footsteps. She even gave me her Captain’s pin from her time as School Captain.”
“JULIA MORLEY (NÉE GAYLARD), OL 1985
One of the things I loved most about Lauriston was that it felt like a safe space to try new things. And so I loved all sport, especially hockey - which was no doubt a passion passed on to me from Granny – and I also loved Drama and performed in every play that I could.
I was in the first group of girls that went to Howqua for a full 12 months. Year 9 at Howqua was the best school year of my life and gave me a lifelong passion for hiking and being in nature.
I was lucky enough to be House Captain of Irving (we were the Irving Tigers!) with one of my really good friends.
But my greatest memories of Lauriston were of the people and the school community. We had an incredible year level, and I made lots of lifelong friends.
After school, I studied a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations at RMIT and worked in both small businesses and corporate. These days I live on the Mornington Peninsula and own two businesses in the wastewater industry.
2011,
Throughout its history, our School has been sustained and developed from generation to generation by wonderful, inspiring acts of generosity, large and small. Gifts left in Wills have had, and will continue to have, a major impact on the School’s ability to provide contemporary teaching and learning facilities, and to offer young women the opportunity to experience an outstanding education.
If you are considering leaving a gift to Lauriston in your Will, please contact Bo Rutecki, Advancement Associate on ruteckibo@lauriston.vic.edu.au
Bo Rutecki Advancement
I was in the first group of girls that went to Howqua for a full 12 months. Year 9 at Howqua was the best school year of my life and gave me a lifelong passion for hiking and being in nature.”The Intergenerational Families series is presented by the Elizabeth Kirkhope Circle (EKC), Lauriston’s bequest society. Established in the EKC honors benefactors, who have chosen to support the School directly through a gift in their Will. Associate
We love hearing from our alumnae community and we invite you to contact Catherine McVean, Alumnae Relations Manager, via mcveanca@lauriston.vic.edu.au to share your news and stories.
We were very pleased to recently connect with Cassie Murrell. Cassie is now living in Oxford, and matriculated to the university on Saturday 15 October 2022. Cassie is studying a Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Change and Management – looking into the future planning considerations of climate extremes. Cassie was fortunate enough to receive the Andrew Goudie Scholarship along with another academic scholarship from the Environmental Change Institute to help cover some of the fees. The Andrew Goudie Scholarship is open to students at Oxford University from all countries who have been accepted into the course.
So far, Cassie says she’s having an absolute blast! Her course has had several field trips around the UK and the lectures are all fascinating. She has joined her college rowing team, and is rowing for the first time since leaving Lauriston. She is also playing Australian Rules Football for the university.
FIONA
Fiona Simon is the CEO of the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC), the peak body for the Australian hydrogen industry.
AHC connects the hydrogen industry and its stakeholders in building a secure, clean, and resilient energy future based on hydrogen. AHC’s members are from a range of sectors, including energy, transport, consulting, banking, and technology.
Prior to joining the Australian Hydrogen Council, Fiona worked for close to 20 years in energy policy and regulation, specialising in energy retail competition and consumer protection matters.
Fiona holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Melbourne. She has published a well-regarded academic book on retail energy regulation in Australia, titled Meta-Regulation in Practice: Beyond Normative Views of Morality and Rationality.
Fiona was at Lauriston from Year 2 and was a member of Irving House. Lauriston is so very proud of our alumnae and the most incredible impact they can have throughout the world!
I still regularly astound people when I explain that my School sent us into the bush for a year! I don’t think I truly appreciated at the time how unique Howqua was. I was trying to explain the year to my university classmates recently and they were fascinated by it all.”DR DANIELLE GESCHEIT
Danielle always knew that she wanted to be involved in elite sport once she finished school. She believes the adventures of Howqua and the mentorship of Lauriston teacher Kate Gilchrist inspired her to embark on a career doing what she loved.
After completing year 12 at Lauriston, Danielle commenced a double degree at Deakin University of Sport and Exercise Science and Commerce (majoring in Sports Management). In the last year of her undergraduate degrees, Danielle undertook a student placement in the performance team at Tennis Australia (TA) doing data entry, analysis, and project work. What she didn’t realise was that this placement would radically shape her professional career because at the end of her degree, she was offered a full-time role at TA. Danielle’s manager at the time had an academic background and encouraged her to undertake an Honours year while she worked at TA. It was a research year that she loved, and the experience enabled her to speak at international conferences.
After completing her Honours year, she committed to undertaking a PhD, again in conjunction with her role at TA. Her PhD explored the risk factors for injuries in elite tennis players.
In 2017, whilst still completing her PhD, she was fortunate to gain the role as the Australian Billie Jean King Cup Team Manager. A highly regarded role managing the team logistics for Australia’s national women’s tennis team and a role that has taken Danielle all over the world including Ukraine, Serbia, Czech Republic, USA and most recently, Scotland.
Upon completing her PhD in 2018, Danielle was offered a role to manage the TA Performance Analysis team, responsible for analysing opponent data. 12 months later, she moved into another role as the Head of Professional Tennis Operations, focused on managing TA’s Senior Professional tennis players. Whilst a demanding role, it provided wonderful opportunities including being the Team Manager for the Australian Tennis team at the Tokyo Olympics.
Recently Danielle has embarked on a new adventure as the Head of Players with Disability at TA and is responsible for managing four disability pathways, and the talented team who make it all possible. The role involves identifying talented players and supporting them on their professional journey across wheelchair tennis, players with an
intellectual impairment, deaf and hard of hearing players, and blind low vision tennis. It is truly rewarding work.
Danielle truly believes that her education and life at Lauriston paved the way. Inspiring her to widen and chase her dreams with the confidence to achieve anything she sets her mind to.
CLAIRE ROBERTSONClaire Robertson is an Australian artist and designer currently doing brilliant things in Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Claire incorporates her island life into her creative work, using the local flora and fauna in her characteristic style and works with her illustration and graphic design clients to realise their project requirements and visual identities - both digital and in print.
Claire was a producer on the 2018 short film Cascadia, a fantasy adventure that premiered at the Lucid Dream Film Festival in Italy and is currently in consideration for film festivals worldwide. Claire is also co-creator and producer of Snug, currently in post-production. In May 2019 her screenplay Lucid was short-listed in Cinevic’s CineSpark screenplay competition, and after a fierce live pitch-battle, won first place and a prize package to produce the film.
Claire is well known for her much-loved blog loobylu.com for which she has won many awards and accolades. She is also known for her iconic illustrations for the Truly Tan series, written by Jen Storer for Harper Collins Australia.
Danielle truly believes that her education and life at Lauriston paved the way. Inspiring her to widen and chase her dreams with the confidence to achieve anything she sets her mind to.
We recently caught up with Emma at her 20 Year Reunion. Emma is living in Melbourne with her husband Nick and two children, Ivy, and Jack. Emma is very excited Ivy will be commencing kindergarten at Lauriston and Jack will be starting at Sutherland House next year. Another intergenerational connection to the school!
12 months ago, Emma founded her education business ‘Reading Roos.’ After terrific growth, she has teamed up with a new business partner and they are in the process of relaunching and expanding under the new name ‘Leap Street.’ Leap Street specialises in a science-based approach to literacy and numeracy for early learners. They deliver programs to develop skills in reading, writing, spelling, and numeracy as well as setting the groundwork for a love of learning.
Before commencing the business, Emma was a Primary School Teacher. She always had the desire to be a teacher and her mum was an inspiration to her – Emma’s mum Barbara taught at Lauriston many years ago. Emma finds working with children so rewarding – seeing them learn and grow, and most importantly seeing them proud of themselves and what they can achieve.
In her spare time, Emma loves spending time catching up with friends, many who graduated from Lauriston with her 20 years ago.
We are proud to celebrate Emma, her connection with her friends, her family’s reconnection with her school, and her growing business and we look forward to welcoming Ivy and Jack to Lauriston next year.
DR SOPHIE TISSOT (RIDDELL, 2006)
I cannot believe a year has gone by since being awarded the inaugural OLA Fellowship. I remain very nostalgic about the whole experience.
Being the Fellow awoke in me an enthusiasm, reconnection, and gratitude for this incredible School. Through the Fellowship, I was able to meet so many fabulous people including Anna Wilson (Murray, 1990), the OLA committee members, principal Susan Just, and her leadership team when I spoke at the Valedictory Ceremony in 2021. The passion all these people have for Lauriston and its values of empowering and educating young women, was simply contagious.
Beyond reawakening my own fond memories of my time at Lauriston, I remain grateful for the opportunities that the OLA Fellowship has allowed me in my professional career.
I have since completed multiple Prostatectomy hydrogel models under the proctorship of Professor Tony Costello and Dr Justin Peters at the International Medical Robotics Academy. The opportunity has allowed me to progress safely and confidently to live operating.
I am forever grateful for the opportunity, and in validating the hydrogel models as a safe and effective surgical training technique, we will inevitably improve patient safety.
Thank you again to the Old Lauristonians’ Association for this special opportunity.
CLARE SCOTT AM (WELLS, 1982) – QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY
Professor Clare Scott (Wells, 1982) has been awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division for significant service to gynaecological oncology, as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Professor Clare Scott holds the Chair in Gynaecological Cancer at the University of Melbourne and is Joint Division Head of Clinical Translation and a Laboratory Head at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Medical Oncologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Women’s and Royal Melbourne hospitals. She has 25 years’ experience in clinical cancer genetics, including working in Familial Cancer Clinics. Her clinical expertise is in gynaecological cancers and coordinating care for patients with rare cancers. Her laboratory focuses on drug resistance in ovarian cancer and other rare cancer types, generating patient-specific models to understand and avert resistance to targeted therapeutics. In particular, she has been a leader in developing PARP inhibitor therapy for ovarian cancer, which has resulted in unprecedented efficacy.
Professor Scott chairs the COSA Rare Cancer group and the Board of the International Rare Cancer Initiative (IRCI) and has been awarded Clinical Fellowships from the Victorian Cancer Agency (2011, 2017), the Sir Edward Dunlop Cancer Research Fellowship from the Cancer Council Victoria (2012) and in 2018, the Jeannie Ferris Recognition Award in Gynaecological Cancer from Cancer Australia. In 2021, she was awarded the MOGA Novartis Oncology Cancer Achievement Award. She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
Congratulations to Zoe who finished her biomedicine degree at Monash University at the end of 2019 and is currently in Cyprus studying medicine. She will be there for the next three years and is planning to return to Melbourne in her final year. She looks forward to going to London/UK to complete her intern years in 2026-27.
Lauriston Girls’ School is proud to announce to our community that Jo Porter (1982) has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Board of Regional Arts Victoria (RAV). Congratulations Jo!
“I am delighted to be entrusted with one of the best roles in Australia. I look forward to working with Regional Arts Victoria and the artists and audiences across the State, as RAV leads, resources and inspires participation in arts activity in an era of escalating change and opportunity in regional Victoria,” said Jo.
Congratulations to Sarah Martin, who has just released her latest novel, that is currently available to our students in the School library!
When Sarah started to write about the second most endangered butterfly in the world, she didn’t expect it to turn into a novel. But that’s what happened! Azita and Me became the story of the friendship between 12 year-old Holly, daughter of same sex parents, and Azita, an Iranian refugee, who meet just after the start of Year 7.
Narrated by Holly, it’s a captivating and insightful account of Holly’s journey towards independence and self-belief that resonates for the age group as well as for adults.
Sarah’s own journey towards novel writing has progressed from writing a biography, two histories and a children’s picture book, and she plans to continue writing novels, because it’s “such an exciting and totally unpredictable adventure where anything can happen because the characters ‘take over.’”
The novel is set in an imaginary town in Queensland but features Lauriston’s Moreton Bay fig tree (‘the whistle tree’ for Sarah and her contemporaries). It is now available at Booktopia, Amazon and local bookstores.
In 2022, the OLA received several applications and were delighted to short-list applications from four candidates:
Steph Parsons (2011), Eleanor Clifford (2016), Trinity Ross (2017) and Lauren Swann (Wilson, 2009).
All four applicants are outstanding examples to the current student body and Old Lauristonians across the world, of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, perseverance, a strong sense of community spirit, and connection.
A selection panel, consisting of members of the OLA Committee and representatives from the School Executive, reviewed all applications in line with Fellowship selection criteria and then interviewed selected candidates before awarding the OLA Fellowship 2022 to Steph Parsons (2011).
After leaving Lauriston in 2011, Steph completed a Bachelor of Film and Television at the VCA and a Juris Doctor at Monash University. Through her work as a lawyer and in the film industry, she has been given the opportunity to join the board of Channel 31, Melbourne’s long-running community television broadcaster. Channel 31 is a registered charity.
Though Steph has experience with corporate governance through her work as a commercial lawyer, she does not have any practical experience working as a company director. Steph will be using the funds provided by the OLA Fellowship to further her understanding and education in the field of corporate governance, with a focus on the governance of not-for-profits.
Steph keenly feels the responsibility she has as Board Director to manage Channel 31 in accordance with its principles, as well as the responsibility Channel 31 has to the broader community of creators and viewers. Assistance from the OLA Fellowship will be invaluable in helping Steph to fully understand her role and how to maximise her effectiveness in the charities space.
In 2021 Lauren opened her own osteopathic Wellness Clinic: Appy Movement. As an Osteopath and qualified Pilates instructor, Lauren’s goal was to create a calm, inviting and inspiring environment for the community to receive holistic healthcare.
At Appy, clients can switch off from daily stresses and relax while receiving the highest quality osteopathic clinical care and Pilates experience. Appy offers that care in an inspiring space where clients are supported to achieve their health, fitness and rehabilitation goals. Appy’s services are needed more than ever in our changing environment.
Through Lauren’s practice she has seen the significant impacts that pregnancy has on women’s physical and mental wellbeing. Expanding Appy’s holistic care model to meet women’s pre- and post-natal care needs would represent a significant growth to their current treatment offerings.
We congratulate Lauren for all she is doing to impact the health and wellbeing of her clients.
Eleanor founded Cancel Culture Consulting (CCC) to help businesses and brands be authentically inclusive and equitable. While businesses and brands strive to avoid offence, Eleanor recognised many lack the skill, experience, and technical knowledge to achieve that outcome.
As someone who is passionate about equity and inclusion, her drive to assist corporates in this space inspired the establishment of Cancel Culture Consulting.
For more information, go to www.cancelcultureconsulting.com.au or @cancelcultureconsulting
We look forward to watching Eleanor’s success going forward.
Trinity was recently featured in Vogue Australia as one of Australia’s Top 5 Future Innovators of 2022, recognising impressive young talent who, with their bold new ideas, are using tech to solve challenges in disability care, conservation, sustainability, and inclusion.
Trinity is founder of Superthink and the creator of A Good Sign, a project which would have sign language gestures and emojis included in Google Translate. This project has already won an honourable mention in Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards for 2022 and Trinity has recently pitched her idea to Google’s US product team.
Trinity is working on a number of projects based on helping achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is collaborating with a mix of scientists and coders with the ultimate intention of helping a lot of people.
We congratulate Trinity and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Image credit: Vogue
On a very wet and windy spring day, many Old Lauristonians who left Lauriston over 50 years ago, braved the chilly conditions to reunite for a wonderful lunch at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
Over lunch, everyone paid tribute to the Class of 1972 who celebrated their 50 Year Reunion. We also celebrated milestone reunions for the Classes of 1967, 1962, 1957 and 1952. We were thrilled that many year groups were represented by large groups on tables.
All guests thoroughly enjoyed hearing from the 2023 Co-Captains Sophie Smith and Holly Rice, and several students entertained our guests on the piano and guitar along with a few vocal pieces.
A highlight was the rowdy rendition of the “old School song”!
It was a beautiful luncheon for Old Lauristonians spanning over 20 years and it was particularly special for some ladies from the same family – in particular, three O’Connor sisters attended – all from different year groups – Ann Chisholm (1964), Ros Turnley (1962) and Merrin Davis (1966).
The Annual Lauriston Luncheon is a wonderful, warm, and lovely occasion for Old Lauristonians to gather in their year groups, in celebration of their connection with each other that stems from their education at Lauriston. We look forward to hosting the 2023 Lauriston Luncheon on Thursday 26 October. We do hope to see many Old Lauristonians from 1973 right back to as far as we can go, at the next one.
To view more photos please scan the QR code:
On Friday 18 November we welcomed back the Class of 2002 to reunite in celebration of their 20-Year Anniversary! It’s always fantastic when groups reunite and return to the school. It’s magical to witness them revisiting old haunts and looking around in amazement at how the school has changed.
But what doesn’t change, is the deep friendships and connections they make with their cohort. It’s lovely to see. Lots of laughter and catching up on what they’ve been doing since graduation – careers, relationships, babies, modified pathways – all making an impact wherever they venture.
Twenty-five years since graduation is significant and it’s during these years that our Old Lauristonians have travelled, partnered, studied, worked, swapped careers, raised families, and are generally making the most of living fulfilling lives, with a few crossroads to navigate along the way. On their return to Lauriston to reunite, where their connection most probably first began, it’s profound to watch them reconnect and celebration their friendships and to catch up with each other again.
This cohort enjoyed a beautiful dinner in the private dining room at The Malvern Hotel – a lovely intimate occasion to remember their cohort and the years they spent together. At Lauriston, the alumnae network is strong and deep, and through the many opportunities that the school provides for you to return and reconnect, only deepens that bond. Congratulations Class of 1997 on your 25 Year Anniversary!
“Last night was so special! The enthusiasm and hard work to coordinate our 30 Year Reunion was so appreciated. Alex was a hoot and was such an enthusiastic and warm host!”
A wonderful note to receive the morning after a sensational reunion to celebrate the 30 Year Anniversary for the Class of 1992, held on Friday 19 August. Live streamed and enjoyed by many, including one alumna who dialled in from Heathrow Airport!
On Friday 26 August we were so thrilled to welcome back the Class of 1982 to celebrate their 40 Year Reunion. One of our most talkative cohorts, they enjoyed reminiscing of their time at Lauriston and especially enjoyed viewing the photo slideshow which brought back many a memory! A fabulous opportunity for this tight-knit cohort to reconnect in person and to celebrate such a milestone.
The Class of 1972 celebrated their 50 Year Reunion as part of the annual Lauriston Luncheon. A beautiful lunch at Kooyong, this cohort was honoured and celebrated by Old Lauristonians from 1971 right back to members from 1951! It was a lovely luncheon for this cohort, with a terrific turnout, as they were officially inducted into the Lauriston Lunch Club!
They also raised their glasses to their friends who were unable to attend. We hope to see them at the Lauriston Luncheon 2023, where we will be honouring Class of 2023 for their 50 Year Celebration.
On Monday 5 December, the grass was glistening over the green of the Sorrento Golf Course when a group of 40 Old Lauristonians descended upon the club with golf bags in hand! After the 18 holes were filled and the clinic for the novice golfers was completed, everyone headed to the clubrooms for a beautiful lunch and were entertained by the spirited and effervescent 1995 OLs – Tory West, Amelia Kennedy, and Kate Wilson.
Congratulations to Sarah Bernard (Aberdeen, 1973) who won the day with the highest score of 38 points. Sarah took home a perpetual trophy that has been introduced this year. Congratulations to Sarah, Jane Stephens (Burman, 1973) and Barb Inglis (1973) who as a group achieved the highest score for the day with a combined average stableford score of 33 points.
Gillian Jago passed away after battling dementia. We know that her friends from the Class of 1951 will miss her dearly.
Gill was a loving wife to Lloyd (dec) and was deeply adored by her children Gary, Katherine Varkevisser (1977) and Cindy Simon (1979). She was a wonderful grandmother of eight and great grandmother of five. She was proud that her granddaughter Hannah Simon (2011) was also a Lauriston girl.
We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all who loved her, her family, and her friends.
A fundraising page has been set up in Gill’s honour. Donations can be made directly to Dementia Australia at https://fundraising.dementia.org.au/fundraisers/garyjago
ELIZABETH ‘LIBBIE’ CRAWFORD KENNEDY (WALLACE, 1948)Libbie Wallace from the Class of 1948 passed away on 7 August 2021. Libbie attended Lauriston with her sister Margaret Tucker (Wallace, 1945) who was School Captain in 1945. Early in her life Libbie had dreams of being an actress. She worked for TAA as part of the grounds crew and had a wonderful career working at Leonda on the Yarra in Hawthorn. Her life was filled with family, friends, travelling and many adventures throughout her 90 years.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Libbie’s family and friends.
NAOMI TIPPETT
(JACOBI, 1947)
Prominent artist and Old Lauristonian Naomi Tippett AM (Jacobi, 1947), passed away on 3 October 2022. She will be missed by her extended family and especially by her sister Carmel Benjamin AM (Jacobi, 1949).
After graduating from Lauriston in 1947, Naomi completed a Diploma of Graphic Art at RMIT and a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Melbourne. She then worked as a graphic artist, both in industry and freelance. In 1954 Naomi married, and went on to raise four children, including Carin (Cebon, 1983) and to teach art at Carey Grammar School. In 1976 she became the General Manager of the Creative School Holiday Club, a school holiday ‘kids’ skills’ program.
In 1978, in response to changes in Australian demography and with the aim to build primary school aged children’s multicultural awareness, Naomi established the Polyglot Puppet Theatre. Naomi led Polyglot for almost twenty years and received the Kenneth Myer Medallion for the Performing Arts, which is presented each year to one Victorian, for outstanding and distinguished services to the Performing Arts.
Naomi supported her husband, Dr George Tippett, in his work introducing Day Hospitals to Australia, and improve healthcare among Tibetan refugees in India and other communities in South-East Asia.
From 1998 to 2011 Naomi was president of ForChildren (Australia), an organisation focused on ‘enhancing the welfare of children and families irrespective of race, colour, sex, religion, disability, or birth status’.
Naomi has published two books – Planning for Play (1984) (co-authored with Dorothy Rickards) and A Family Haggadah (2002) (interpreted by Rabbi John Levi and illustrated by children from the King David School).
In June 2012, Naomi was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday 2012 Honours List and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) “for service to children and their families through the development of health and welfare programs, as a contributor to multicultural education, and to the promotion of social harmony”
ANNE
AM
Her life was filled with family, friends, travelling and many adventures throughout her 90 years.”
“PRU KEMPSON (DUNCAN, WARD, 1964)
Pru Kempson passed away on 25 April 2022. Pru’s loving friend Fran Kohnert was honoured when she was asked by Pru’s family, to speak at Pru’s memorial on 29 May 2022.
Fran has shared an extract of her address and we encourage you to go to https://ola.org.au/vale to read a wonderful reflection about Pru. Fran spoke warmly about Pru as a girl and the connection Pru maintained with her friends at Lauriston. Fran also spoke fondly about how excited Pru was when her granddaughter Sophie started at Lauriston. Most heart-warming was Fran’s recollection of an extraordinary friendship group of nine girls “The Girls Night Girls” from the Class of 1964 who have met regularly for five decades. We extend our condolences to the Class of 1964 on the loss of their dear friend Pru.
JILL SCOTT (PAST STAFF)Much-loved teacher and friend Jill Scott, passed away peacefully on 3 November in the comfort of her home.
Jill worked at Lauriston for many years and played a significant part in the development of many Lauriston students. She will be remembered with much fondness by many.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Jill’s family at this sad time.
DIANA RENARD (PATERSON, 1968)Diana Renard passed away in October 2022 after a battle with dementia. At School, Diana was a passionate hockey player, received House Colours in her final year and was the Vice Captain of Mitchell House.
Diana also played the flute in the orchestra. Diana is survived by her loving husband Ian and she will be missed by her family, especially her daughters Katrina Renard (1992), Amanda Renard (1994), Victoria Renard (1996) and Lou Renard (1997). Diana was a wonderful and passionate Old Lauristonian.
Margaret Penfold (1963) passed away on 14 July 2022.
At School Margaret loved her sport, particularly her tennis, and she continued her deep connection with Lauriston throughout her life, attending lunches and occasions where she could fondly reconnect with her friends.
Margaret will be missed by her niece Caz Laughton (Penfold, 1990), her great nieces Abbey and Cleo Laughton, both of whom are current Lauriston students, and Margaret’s loving extended family.
A funeral service was held at St Mark’s Uniting Church, 50 Barkly Street, Mornington on Friday 29 July 2022.
SARA WILLIAMS (BRADFIELD, 1952)
Sara Williams (Bradfield) from the Class of 1952, passed away on 6 June 2022.
Sara was a passionate Old Lauristonian and was proud of her life-long connection to Lauriston. She enjoyed attending events and especially the lunches held at the School where she could catch up with her friends.
Sara is described by her family as funny, caring and loved by so many. She will be remembered always with a smile.
Mary Newsome (Reynolds, 1953) and Brenda Upjohn (Doggett, 1952) attended Sara’s memorial service, in honour of their life-long friendship since they were little girls aged 8.
Lauriston. For Life.
ANN BROWN (WATSON, 1948)Ann Brown (Watson), passed away on 15 January 2022. Ann’s son Ian wrote to the School that Ann had very good memories of her time at Lauriston in the 1930s and 1940s and was particularly pleased to have represented the School in hockey and to have been a Prefect in her final year, in 1948.
Ann spent the last few years in aged care with advancing dementia but enjoyed receiving copies of Lauriston Life. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ann’s family.
MARGARET FORD (BROWN, 1955)
At School, Margaret was a keen artist, a Probationer and was a member of the orchestra having played the violin beautifully. During her final year at Lauriston, Margaret was a School Prefect.
Margaret was married to her husband Stan for 57 years and she will be deeply missed by Stan, her four children and her four grandchildren including her granddaughter Laura Perry (2017).
[Margaret] continued her deep connection with Lauriston throughout her life, attending lunches and occasions where she could fondly reconnect with her friends.”
“
A focus on unstructured nature play enables children to creatively explore their environment, develop their language skills, regulate their emotions, develop core strength and take calculated risks. It is key to developing skills in problem solving, collaboration and creativity Research shows that it also increases girls’ engagement in STEM.
Program and is one of the quality learning opportunities your child will experience at Lauriston Kindergarten.
www.lauriston.vic.edu.au
