Strive Issue 10 by MLC Claremont

Issue 10 | Semester 2 | 2015

STRIVE

Language duo reaches the heights | Musical start to Pre-Kindergarten | Colour pencils take the stress out of exams Diary of a lesson in service | Three decades and still going strong on the Swan | Collegian set for stardom

Prin ci pa l’ s pers pe c tive

Dates for your diary

WELCOME 4 A message from the Chair of Council

Term 4

LE ARNING ADVENTURE

MLC’s Learning adventures start at three Nín hăo - Kon’nichiwa Girls engineering answers Life is better when you add colour Young designers weave common threads Speaking Japanese A long march from Claremont to China

A R TI S TI C PU R S U IT S

Hurricane Charlotte WAYO beckons Beauty and her beast reign Behind the curtain Developing skills in the dark

S PO R T 15

Sammy makes the powder fly Head of the River 30 years and still going strong Cricketers enticed by the MCG Docking for some inspiration Diminutive figure scales the heights

OU TD OO R E D UCATI O N

Standing up for health

S E RV I CE 21

We serve Vietnam diary Malaysia | Diary of Bethany

F ROM TH E A R CH I V E S

S TAFF I N FOCU S

Oaken anniversay from MLC Theatre A woman of principle

Fo u ndati o n 28

A message from the Chair of Foundation Family donation ties up another project The Circle of Success celebrates 2015 MLC Foundation donors

PA R E NT S OF MLC

F R I E N D S OF MU S I C

Per Ard ua

President’s message

Co llegi a ns 35

IGSSA Old girls Long table luncheon 2016 Reconnect in Sydney Alumni achievments 2015 reunions Collegians’ Long Table Luncheon Where are they now?

A N N OU N CE M E NT S 41 Edited by Heather Paterson for the Office of Development and Community Relations.

356 Stirling Highway Claremont WA 6010 PO Box 222 Claremont WA 6910 T +618 9384 4000 F +618 9385 1509 E mlc@mlc.wa.edu.au W mlc.wa.edu.au CRICOS Provider Code 00441G

12 o c to b er

Term 4 Commences.

14 OC TO b er

Circle of Success.

16 -17 o c to b er

Esperance Field Days.

22 O c to b er

Creative Arts Exhibition.

22 O c to b er

Semester 2 Music Concert.

27 O c to b er

Advantage Morning.

27 O c to b er

Years 6-11 Vocal Recital.

29 O c to b er

Years 8-12 Media Screening night.

30 O c to b er

Middle Years’ Production.

14 N ove m b er

Summer Market.

20 N ove m b er

Years 4-6 Barclay Concert.

23 N ove m b er

Year 8 Orientation Day and Parent Information Morning.

24 N ove m b er

Junior Years’ Orientation Day.

27 N ove m b er

Kindergarten to Year 2 Concert.

1 D e ce m b er

Junior Years’ Picnic.

2 D e ce m b er

Middle Years’ Picnic.

2 D e ce m b er

Term 4 concludes for Junior and Middle Years’ students.

3 D e ce m b er

Term 4 concludes for Senior Years’ students.

24 D e ce m b er

College Reception closes.

Term 1 2016 6 Ja n ua ry

College Reception opens.

28 Ja n ua ry

Senior Years’ Head Start.

29 Ja n ua ry

New Students’ Welcome.

29 Ja n ua ry

Junior and Middle Years’ Head Start.

31 Ja n ua ry

Boarders’ Welcome.

1 Fe b r ua ry

Term 1 Commences:

Years 7-12 at 8.30am.

Years 3-6 at 9.30am.

12 Fe b r ua ry 4-7 M a r ch 24 M a r ch

Kindergarten to Year 2 at 10am. Sunset on the Green. Mid-term Exeat. Early close for the Easter break:

Kindergarten to Year 2 at 12.15pm

Years 3-6 at 12.30pm

8 A pri l

Middle and Senior Years at 12.55pm. Term 1 concludes at 3.30pm.

PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE

Our Origins and Philosophical Underpinnings: an aspirational framework for Towards 2025. As a College of the Uniting Church, our School defines education as being “the purposeful activity of love whereby people are raised up to the unique fullness of their being: emotional, intellectual, social, physical and spiritual. All who participate in education embrace that love to enhance the completeness and peace of the world” (MLC Constitution, 2013). As such, MLC is a fully inclusive community and highly respectful of its diversity. Through an academically focused curriculum, enriched by challenge and choice, our School recognises and enables the potential of girls to be agents of change, both for themselves and others. In preparing our new strategic direction - Towards 2025 was launched in February this year - we affirmed such commitments expressed above, as well as our steadfast engagement with educating the whole child and supporting every aspect of her development. This approach should be understood as the art of cultivating the moral, cognitive, emotional, cultural, social, physical and spiritual dimensions of the developing learner. Accordingly, a holistic education is responsive to diverse learning styles and the evolving needs of human beings. The learning theory of constructivism (Piaget) aligns with this. Essentially, the theory suggests that humans construct knowledge and meaning from a range of experiences. Holistic education began to emerge as a coherent philosophy in the mid 1980s. Integrating effective

L-R: Olivia Carrer (Year 9), Lisa Cunningham (Year 10), Sasha Dodd (Year 10), Principal Rebecca Cody and Tyler Cooke (Year 9) with the 2015 Arts Week Project - a papier mâché Wyvern. Lisa and Sasha were on an exchange programme from the Prague British Schoool and returned home in Term 3.

theory and practices from diverse educational alternatives, “a holistic perspective asserts that education must start by nourishing the unique potentials of every child, within overlapping contexts of family, community, society, humanity, and the natural world. Holistic education is not a fixed ideology but an open-ended attempt to embrace the complexity and wholeness of human life” (Dr Ron Miller, 2014). Miller’s writings synthesise the work of pioneers influencing holistic learning, including humanitarians (Pestalozzi); transcendentalists (Alcott, Emerson and Thoreau); founders of progressive education (Dewey); and trailblazers (Montessori and Steiner). Aspects of these thinkers’ views resonate strongly with current positive psychology theories (Seligman et al.) that are embedded in MLC’s Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 Thrival Curriculum; in particular, the notion that people find identity, meaning and purpose in life through connections with one another, the natural world and spiritual values, such as compassion and service. The

foundations of the latter tenets are expressed in the following guide that has been attributed to the eminent initiator of Methodism, John Wesley (1703-1791):

Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.

The aforementioned diversity of endeavour, and, in particular, the breadth and depth of learning opportunities available at MLC are clearly evident in this vital and motivating edition of Strive. Of equal prominence is the principled wholeheartedness that girls and staff bring to their pursuits. Indeed, while our ethos has evolved for literally centuries, its manifestations in 2015 remain true to the origins of the Methodist traditions, the Uniting Church and holistic education. We are most certainly striving to lead purposeful lives.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF COUNCIL Every Council meeting begins with a brief reflection from one of the Council members. This year the theme has been ‘Creating potential for leadership in women’.

work in medicine and dedication to making the world a better place through the provision of services for Aboriginal communities and for the homeless; an accomplished role model indeed.

There has been a range of perspectives – the necessity

This edition of Strive magazine once again celebrates the wonderful talent, success and leadership of our girls at MLC. It celebrates Rowing 2015, the wonderful talent displayed at the College Production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and the camaraderie among our wonderful community.

for our girls to be encouraged to be courageous, the need to acknowledge and influence the breakdown of workplace structures of exclusion that discriminate against women, as well as the need to nurture girls, build their confidence and capabilities. The reflections have been insightful and thoughtful, acknowledging there is still some distance to travel for true women’s equality. I reflect that girls at MLC are indeed provided with opportunities and mentoring so that they are as well prepared as they can be, to take their place in life as confident, capable and respected young women. They are connected with many of our Collegians who are leaders in their field or striving towards this, leading purposeful careers. This year’s MLC Foundation Amazing Women Breakfast series has showcased some of this talent. Dr Diane Davies gave an enlightening presentation. She is an inductee to the WA Women’s Hall of Fame for her

Strive also captures the personal growth opportunities experienced by students who participated in the Service Learning Programme, with trips to Vietnam and Malaysia over the July holidays. Lastly, I warmly extend thanks for the giving spirit of the College community. So many people give their time, talent and treasure for the benefit of girls, which makes MLC as great as it is. I want to specifically give thanks to all members of the Circle of Success; your generosity will significantly enhance the learning opportunities for girls with the upgrade of the Biological Sciences Laboratory.

Dr Penny Flett, AO Chair of MLC Council

LEARNING ADVENTURES

MLC’s LEARNING ADVENTURES START AT THREE Music + fun + play + discovery = the start of a child’s learning adventure at MLC. This is the formula for MLC’s new Pre-Kindergarten, which opened its doors at the beginning of 2015. Girls who have turned three and are ready for school are able to join the Pre-Kindy programme. One of the major highlights of Pre-Kindy is the Friday morning music programme, designed by internationally-acclaimed music educator, MLC’s Director of Music, Dr Robert Faulkner. As a former Associate Professor of Music and Early Childhood at The University of Western Australia, Dr Faulkner is passionate about the importance of music education in the early years. “There is evidence for the impact music has on so many areas of development across a wide range of learning areas: executive function and memory; mathematical and logical reasoning; well-being; socialisation and empathy; movement, co-ordination and temporal processing; creativity and individual expression.” “Last, but not least, it has the potential for very significant impact on language development in the building of listening skills, vocabulary through song, phonemic and phonological awareness, and representational awareness where signs and symbols stand for sounds.” Every Friday the girls and their mums, dads or carers join Dr Faulkner and Pre-Kindergarten teacher Cheryl Parker for the hour-long session of music making, dance and song. The adults have as much fun as their charges. “I think it is a wonderful programme,” said Amy Nguyen, mum of Dior, who

started in Pre-Kindy at the beginning of the year. “Dior has never missed a day. Even when she has been feeling unwell she still has to come.” Emily Tsuji, began her MLC adventure at the beginning of Term 3. The feisty 3-year-old loves to dance and play the xylophone. “This has exceeded my expectations,” says Emily’s mother, Aigul. “Emily loves being here. I tried several other options but she didn’t like them.” Each Pre-Kindy girl has her own personalised bag of instruments, which she uses during the session. On any given Friday the girls sing songs in various languages; they dance to music including Vivaldi, Björk, Haydn and the Blues; they improvise on xylophones, practice walking, hopping, skipping and balancing. They are also introduced to the violin and cello, and can choose to take lessons.

“Music-making - singing, playing instruments like pots and pans, dancing - these things are beautiful and critical technologies of ‘family’, like sharing a meal, watching a favourite movie together or going to the beach or the park,” Dr Faulkner said. “To be human is to be musical, and to fail to educate young people musically is to fail to educate them fully as human beings.”

LEARNING ADVENTURE

Nín hĂo - Kon’nichiwa As a four-year-old girl living on a farm in rural Western Australia, Anne Ashby asked her mother to teach her Japanese. It was the first sign of a love affair with the language and culture that would take her to the top of her profession.

exemplary teaching practices in the Japanese language classroom”.

“She (mum) was puzzled how I had even heard of the country Japan, far less had such an interest in learning the language,” Mrs Ashby said.

“In particular my Year 12 students are the beneficiaries of innumerable hours of oneon-one tuition with volunteer Japanese native-speakers, who nurture the girls with their conversational skills.

“Of course, my mum could not oblige, so the matter dropped.” But not for long. When Mrs Ashby was in Year 6 she finally started to learn Japanese and began on her life adventure that would take her to Japan more than a dozen times. Mrs Ashby’s infectious fascination for all things Japanese, which is shared daily in MLC’s classrooms, was recently celebrated by the Japanese Language Teachers’ Association of Western Australia when it named her WA’s top teacher of Japanese. In its summation, the association said Mrs Ashby was a “truly committed and professional educator, who demonstrates

“It is lovely to be recognised for a long career of devotion to my subject and my students. I really do try to provide as many opportunities to my students as possible,” she said.

“It is through such care and devotion that the girls are able to reach such high levels and I must sincerely thank them all.” At the same time, MLC also has the top teacher of Mandarin in Western Australia. Bonnie Woo became the inaugural winner of the Chinese Language Association of WA’s Exemplary Teacher award. She teaches in the Junior Years, from PrePrimary to Year 6. “Some have been learning it since PrePrimary; some are native speakers,” said Mrs Woo, who is affectionately known to the girls as Empress Woo.

“The secret is to make it fun and enjoyable.” Mrs Woo was born in Hong Kong but moved to WA when she was seven. She says she started speaking English to fit in, and lost all of her childhood Chinese. After graduating from the University of WA with a degree in Psychology, she gained a Graduate Diploma in Education and began her career as a Year 3 teacher. Soon after she started working, the State Government announced its policy to make it compulsory for all schools to teach a language other then English (LOTE), starting in Year 3. Although she didn’t have a second language, Mrs Woo was asked to head her school’s efforts to achieve the 2000 deadline for the implementation of the policy. Sponsored by the government and encouraged by her Headmaster, Mrs Woo gained her Graduate Diploma in Modern Languages (Chinese) and started the LOTE programme. She brought her invaluable experience to MLC in 2009.

Girls engineering answers What does nature and engineering have in common? A whole lot, according to the University of Western Australia Girls in Engineering programme. Girls in Years 8 and 9 spent a morning looking at structures and reactions in nature, and learnt how they are used as part of the many engineering pathways available to them. UWA’s Girls in Engineering Coordinator, Samantha Bicknell, says these experiments show girls what engineering is all about.

many adventures, leading to her current position as the Chief Executive Officer of the WA Water Corporation. As the only girl in a class of 300 boys in 1976, Ms Murphy was a true trailblazer in her field. The numbers have improved since Ms Murphy’s day, but not by much. “Twelve per cent of engineers are female – that’s why programmes like Girls in Engineering are so important,” Ms Bicknell said.

“Engineering is all about solving problems, and the best way to solve a problem is to tackle it from many angles,” Ms Bicknell said.

“We aim to try and increase this percentage by letting girls know what engineers actually do, and trying to break the stereotypical image of an engineer being a man in a hard-hat, working on buildings and bridges.”

“Having more females in engineering means there is more diversity of minds, which ultimately means problems are being looked at and solved from many more angles.”

MLC’s Acting Head of Academic Services – Students Years 5–12, Rosemarie Dunn, brought Girls in Engineering to the College as part of a Maths and Science enrichment programme.

MLC has been promoting engineering as a career option for its students for decades. Among its alumni are Emma Thomas (’97), who gained a Masters of Aeronautical Engineering, and Sue Murphy (’75), whose Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) has taken her on

“It provides an opportunity for the girls to think and develop ideas for career pathways, and shows them the options that are available to them,” Ms Dunn said. One of Ms Dunn’s former students, Jodie Koh, who graduated from MLC just

four years ago, is currently undertaking a Masters of Engineering. She returned to her alma mater to promote her field of study to the girls. “My career aspirations varied a lot when I was growing up. It ranged from architect to psychologist, and even a Disney princess at some point. Not ruling anything out really helped me discover my passion,” said Ms Koh, who is the Chairperson if the UWA Young Engineers, and is the University Engineers’ Club Equity and Diversity Officer. It was while she was in Year 10 that Ms Koh was first introduced to the idea of engineering. She says she attended a variety of university open days where she learned about the variety of pathways within engineering. “With this in mind, I was able to select my (WACE) units based on the course requirements. Thankfully, these prerequisites were also aligned with my interests,” Ms Koh said. Ms Koh hopes to work within the resources sector on the completion of the Masters. In the meantime, she continues to inspire girls to explore engineering.

Emma Wellman and Brittany Dalziell colour their worries away.

life is better when you add colour The last time most girls in their teens voluntarily opened a colouring-in book was probably when they were eight-years-old. However, new research shows that colouring in is exactly what they should be doing to combat stress. A few weeks before Senior and Middle Years’ girls buckled down to study for their Semester 1 exams, the Deans of Middle and Senior Years decided to apply research by Melbourne Neuroscientist, Dr Stan Rodski, and produce MLC colouring books in a bid to combat the high stress levels associated with exams. An initial test run of 140 books was offered to Year 9 students, who were about to do their NAPLAN tests, and 130 to Year 12s. The response was so positive that the books had to be reprinted so that each girl in Senior and Middle Years could have one. The books came to life after Jannine Webb, the Dean of Middle Years’ Education, caught a late night interview on the radio. “I heard it at two o’clock in the

morning because I don’t sleep well,” Ms Webb said. “I researched Dr Rodski and I was really surprised to discover that companies were giving colouring books to their high-performing leaders and managers.” Dr Rodski found that people rarely allow their brains to relax anymore due to constant stimulation from social media and other electronic forms of messaging. His laboratory tests, published on his website, www.colourtation.com, have shown that colouring in could reduce stress in a similar way to meditation or yoga, two activities that, he says, most people do not have time to do. The research also shows that the human brain reacts positively to things that are patterned, repetitious and detailed. When the brain responds positively it moves from fast-paced beta mode, which is associated with stress, into relaxed alpha mode. Relaxation is important to learning as the brain consolidates information while a person is at rest.

Year 11 student Brittany Dalziell is an advocate for the colouring books, which she used while studying for her Semester 1 exams. “I used my colouring book just as a way to calm down after studying. I found that if I was relaxed going into the exam, I’d be relaxed during the exam,” Brittany said. “I’ve had the experience of going into an exam stressed and during the exam I knew the content but my heart was racing a million miles an hour. With colouring I found that going into the exam I was more relaxed; it made me put it into perspective.” Although the evidence of the success of the colouring books is anecdotal, Dean of Senior Years’ Education Kate Padman says the College will definitely produce another book for the end of the year exams. “It is worth it because it focuses the girls on thinking about what their state of mind should be like when they are about to start something important, like studying for exams or sitting for an exam, or like getting to bed on time and getting enough sleep,” she said.

LEARNING ADVENTURE

SPEAKING JAPANESE While in her final year at MLC, Jodie Loi (’14) made it to the finals of the Japanese Speech Contest. The Singaporean native, whose national languages are Mandarin and English, says she loves her third language. Jodie was one of the MLC girls who went on an exchange to the College’s sister school, Kobe College in Japan when she was in Year 10. While there she quickly made friends and fell in love with the Japanese culture. Three years later, Jodie travelled back to Kobe for her cohort’s graduation.

Young designers weave common threads Four Year 10 Materials, Design and Technology students shone at a showcase of wearable art. The Common Threads Wearable Art Showcase featured creations from around Australia, as well as New Zealand and the United States. Libby Madden and Sarah Norton were both finalists, while Kiana Mews and Arabella Gunning made it to the grand final of the Gillian Peebles Youth Award. Their stunning creations included a dress, reminiscent of a butterfly net, skilfully covered with 166 hand-cut paper butterflies, and a sunrise dress, which brought together opposing colours in nature.

“They were really surprised because they didn’t know I was coming,” Jodie said. Jodie credits her Japanese teacher, Anne Ashby, for inspiring her and introducing her to Japanese culture. In her final year of school, Jodie won the State Final of the Japanese Speech Contest (High School Division) and went on to represent the state at National Finals in Sydney, where she gained third place against finalists from each Australian state, and New Zealand. Mrs Ashby said Jodie spoke most fluently and eloquently on her selected theme, “The Joys and Woes of a Jukensei”. In Japanese, “jukensei” refers to any student about to sit important exams. “Jodie dedicated a phenomenal amount of time to preparing her speech, over many, many months, and worked very hard to achieve so successfully at this high level,” Mrs Ashby said. “She was an outstanding representative for MLC at this national competition.” Jodie is now in her first year of studying Chemical Engineering at the National University of Singapore.

A LONG MARCH FROM CLAREMONT TO CHINA

It took just over half a day for nine Year 10 and 11 girls to reach their destination, however, the real journey began when they arrived as Brianna Afiat (Year 11) writes. On Monday 30 March, nine MLC girls from Years 10 and 11 joined 12 boys from Christ Church Grammar School at Perth Airport to depart on the inaugural combined CCGS and MLC China Culture and Language Tour. Led by four fantastic teachers, including MLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own Bonnie Woo and Ping Li, the excited group headed to China for two weeks, ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime, and to experience the life of a Chinese student as we immersed ourselves in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s language and rich culture. Lijiang City was our first destination. We wandered through the vibrant markets of the UNESCO heritage-listed Old Town of Lijiang, which has a history going back more than 800 years. It was once a thriving junction for trade along the old Tea Horse Caravan Trail. We marvelled at the beautiful scenery surrounding the Tiger Leaping Gorge, and took a chairlift 4,500 metres to the top of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

It was also our first chance to taste the local food and to tackle the difficult task of using chopsticks. After a short flight to Guilin we found ourselves on the Li River, boarding a ferry to view some of the 300,000 spectacular mountains in the area. We even climbed several of the mountains, including Moon Hill, named for the wide, semicircular hole through it,and visited the Reed Flute Cave. A high point of our brief stay in Yangshuo was an evening fishing show on the river. Finally we flew to Beijing where highlights included climbing the Great Wall of China, visiting the Peking Opera School, and, of course, shopping at the Silk Road Market where we practised our bargaining skills. We stayed at the Huijia Private School for some cultural lessons in kung fu and paper cutting, and went on the muchanticipated home stay programme. Our Chinese hosts were very welcoming and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. All of us were sad to leave at the end of the trip.

We were all able to experience and appreciate just how wonderfully different their culture was from Australian culture, and returned home as masters in using chopsticks and with perfected skills of bargaining in Chinese.

The China tour was a great learning experience for me, as my Chinese improved substantially, and I learnt so much about the local culture in China.

I sincerely recommend this tour to all students taking Chinese as a subject as it was a truly memorable and worthwhile experience. - Brianna Afiat (Year 11)

ARTISTIC PURSUITS

HURRICANE CHARLOTTE Just one year after picking up a guitar for the for the first time and toying with the idea of writing music, Charlotte Viney has become a force in song writing. The Year 10 student blew away the critics at the West Australian Music Awards with her song, Hurricane. She said that she couldn’t believe she had actually taken out the Schools 14 and Under category when the winner was announced. “At first I wasn’t sure if I had heard them but then mum started hitting me,” Charlotte said. Despite having two songs in the final five, Charlotte did not have a speech prepared. Charlotte’s relationship with music started with learning the piano, clarinet and the koto, or Japanese harp. She says she picked up the guitar because she “really liked it and I just wanted to try writing stuff of my own.” Charlotte credits her MLC music tutor, Craig Pinkney, for helping her find her sound. “Mr Pinkney’s really good. He helps me with getting the right sound and recording. He also helps me broaden my technique, gives me a wider influence and introduces me to different artists,” she said. Despite her early success at the WAM Awards, Charlotte is maintaining her focus on her studies. “I want to do something in medicine because my uncles are both doctors and my mum’s a nurse,” she said. “I feel like it’s the right way to go. The whole idea of helping people appeals to me.”

WAYO BECKONS Sitting in the brass section on stage at the Perth Concert Hall, surrounded by older musicians was an awe-inspiring experience for Ema Watanabe. The Year 10 trumpet player found herself in that situation as she performed Peter Sculthorpe’s Kakadu as a member of the WA Youth Orchestra (WAYO). She also had to tackle Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2. “It’s so much bigger than Hadley Hall,” Ema said. Ema said she had to learn to adjust her playing for the venue, as the larger venue absorbed her notes. Through watching the older musicians, mainly university students, Ema learned how her trumpet should and could sound. “I was very honoured to be rehearsing with them. They’re very talented,” she said. “They didn’t just show me; they played and I rehearsed with them and learned what they do to make the trumpet sound so good. “That inspired me to develop and grow.” To become part of WAYO, Ema had to audition and compete for her place against trumpet players from around the state. She will have to audition again at the end of this year to remain part of the prestigious ensemble. Ema’s plan was to be a professional musician, but now she says she would like to use music to inspire kindergarten children. “Children love to sing and dance, and I would love to show them how to connect to the world through music,” she said. 11

ARTISTIC PURSUITS

BEAUTY AND HER BEAST REIGN After months of planning and rehearsing the girls, and a few select boys, pulled off an extraordinary College Production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Belle’s father, Maurice, played by

Cass Mattes (Wardrobe) and Lucy

Laura Bonner, was a fun loving

Iffla (Mrs Potts) gave a marvellous

character, whose portrayal should not

performance and demonstrated their

Both David Woods and Euan

Charlotte Ferguson and Savannah

The lights dimmed and the overture from the orchestra began, perfectly setting the mood for the Disney classic. I could hear the mutters of the excited audience as the curtains opened revealing an amazing set.

MacMillan should be congratulated on

Rogers are not to go without mention

their performances as they portrayed

for their tremendous efforts of

Belle, played by both Mercy Cornwell and Claudia Simich on alternate nights, falls in love with the Prince (Horacio Bacarreza). However, the Prince is transformed into a terrible Beast (Harry Broun) right at the start of Act 1, by an enchantress who is determined to prove to the selfish prince that beauty comes from within. Our hearts were warmed as the Belle’s engaging performances drew the audience into the story, and we saw Belle swept off her feet by the transformed prince. Claudia, Mercy and Harry were perfect as the Belles and the Beast, and should be commended for their execution of their roles.

go without a mention.

the over confident Gaston and the ditsy Lefou characters with perfection.

beautiful voices throughout the show.

sharing the role of Chip the Cup.

The duo, combined with the three silly

The orchestra, under the direction

girls (Clara Lipscome, Freya Power and

of Dr Peter Hadley and Dr Robert

Madi Bodycoat) brought humour and

Faulkner, was magnificent. The

levity to the stage.

costumes, made by the MLC

Rachael Thomas (Lumiere), Indiana

Wardrobe Department headed by

Powell (Cogsworth) and Sophie

Linda Hackett and Nicola Morrison,

Atkinson (Babette) were definite

ably helped by parents, were

crowd pleasers, with their quirky and

outstanding.

comedic characters. They took to the stage with confidence and their magnificent performances will be remembered for many years to come. Special congratulations for the performance of the song, Be Our

Last but not least, congratulations to Jodee Lambert for directing yet another amazing production. The entire cast, backstage crew and orchestra should be very proud of

Guest, are deserved, as it was one of

their efforts.

the highlights of the show, featuring

- Rebecca Love, Arts Prefect.

a large proportion of the cast and displaying the talents of the MLC Dance Theatre Company.

BEHIND THE CURTAIN After countless hours of rehearsing songs, dances and various scenes, the opening night was suddenly upon us. It brought a wave of excitement across the cast. Each night the air was filled with a waft of hairspray and the constant call through the dressing room, “does anyone know how to apply false eyelashes?” Shortly, every lock of hair was curled and the cast was transformed into a wonderful mix of villagers, castle implements, clocks, candlesticks, feather dusters and wardrobes. The costumes were truly eye catching, embellished in gold and brightly coloured ribbons. Downstairs the boys, too, were being preened, painted and getting their wigs combed. Together, we slowly came to look like a cast out of a real Disney movie. As 7pm rolled closer, microphones were tested and Mrs Lambert led an energetic warm-up to prepare us for what was to be one of the longest productions performed at MLC. Those waiting in the wings experienced nervous and excited jitters and exchanged last minute ‘good luck’ hugs. As the curtain opened, the nerves faded away and we began to show the audience the magical musical we had created. It really was a whole cast effort; whether it was assisting with quick costume changes or singing backstage to the famous Be Our Guest, which certainly went down as a crowd favourite. As the curtains closed on the final night and the last autographs were signed, there were mixed emotions among the cast. Some were excited and ready for next year, whereas some felt a little sad, coming to the realisation that this may have been their last production. The College production had astounding feedback and it really was a privilege to have been part of such an amazing event. - Madi Bodycoat, Arts Prefect (Silly Girl)

DEVELOPING SKILLS IN THE DARK Tucked in a corner of Sumner House is one of the few surviving darkrooms in a school in Western Australia. This relic, in technological terms, has found new life.

negative was difficult for them to

Media teacher Sharleen Olsen has

historical contexts for the technology.

been using MLC’s darkroom to teach her students about the finer points of exposure, and how to manipulate settings and light.

memory cards and digital technology, most had never heard of a negative or roll of film, let alone seen one,” Ms Olsen said. The task also involved learning the At times, they found it confronting as each picture varied with the slightest change in exposure or technique,

affect photos but white light does.” Year 9’s Charlotte Owens plans to continue to study Media to keep her career options open. “I think that it’s a very good subject to do because it can help you with a lot of job options. If you know how to use programmes on the computer, then all of a sudden that has opened up a range of choices,” Charlotte said.

unlike digital pictures which all come

At MLC girls do Media Arts in Middle

By the time her students were born,

out the same.

Years and can choose to go on to take

darkrooms were being phased out

“As soon as they witnessed the

as more and more people turned to digital cameras, shunning traditional film cameras. Creativity became less apparent as people set their cameras on automatic. The era of point and click had begun.

Media Production and Analysis in

images appearing during the chemical

Senior Years, which is a WACE subject.

development I could hear the gasps of

Throughout their Media adventure,

amazement and their drive to create in

girls learn about the capabilities of

the space only grew in momentum and

cameras and technology. They also

enthusiasm,” Ms Olsen said.

learn video shooting and editing, and

Media student Eliza Smith (Year 9) says

how to mix soundtracks.

Ms Olsen said her students were

working in a darkroom was like taking a

challenged by the darkroom

technological step back in time.

“The courses, at every year level,

environment as they took their digital images, turned them into a negative and finally a photograph.

grasp. Having grown up in the world of

aim to provide the girls with the

“I found that a great experience - to

opportunity to build both practical and

see how you take a photo and print

analytical skills. They are structured

it, and how you can use chemicals to

to cover three key pillars; media

“Up until the inverting of their image

make it come out,” she said.” It was

language, audiences and production,”

in Photoshop, the whole idea of a

amazing to learn how red light doesn’t

Ms Olsen said.

SPORT

SAMMY MAKES THE POWDER FLY Sammy Marwood’s enthusiasm for skiing is contagious. Despite living in hot and sunny Perth, the Year 9 MLC student has been hitting the slopes for as long as she can remember. “I started skiing between my mum’s knees. I love it so much,” she said. That love, and the work she puts into her chosen sport, has earned Sammy a place on the Australian Children’s Squad; quite a feat for a girl from one of the hottest and driest capital cities in Australia. Luckily, her parents also share her love of the sport, and own a lodge in Falls Creek, Victoria’s biggest ski field. “My parents went to Falls Creek for a holiday a year before I was born and they absolutely loved it,” Sammy said. Sammy first joined a race club when she was six years old. By the time she was nine, she had decided to follow her dreams to one day represent Australia at a Winter

While there, Sammy studies at the Falls Creek Alpine Academy four afternoons a week. MLC liaises closely with the academy so that Sammy can keep up with her schoolwork while following her passion. She admits that it’s a balancing act, as her rigorous training schedule keeps her very busy. “From Tuesday through Thursday I train mornings from 8.45am to about noon,” she said. “On Friday, Saturday and Sunday I do full days of skiing, which is between 8.45am to 12pm, then 1.30pm to 3.30pm. “Monday morning is my one sleep in and sometimes I have a free ski.” Sammy has been competing in the National Children’s Series in Thredbo, in New South Wales, and Mt Buller in Victoria during Term 3. Earlier in the year she competed in Italy, Austria and Slovakia. Sammy hopes to go back to Austria to compete in January.

Olympics. During her summer holidays, Sammy competes in Europe. She spends all of Term 3, the Australian winter ski season, training in Falls Creek. 15

SPORT

HEAD OF THE RIVER

An 11th hour change of venue didn’t deter MLC’s rowers who headed to Canning Bridge on a chilly June morning to take part in the final rowing regatta for the year, the Head of the River. The determined First Eight set out to defend the title and hold on to the cup, only to be beaten by last year’s runners-up and this year’s favourites, Presbyterian Ladies’ College by eight seconds. The MLC crew held on to take second from Perth College, which was only one second behind them at the finish. A crosswind added extra challenge to the regatta as crews drew on every gram of strength to make the finish line. The day finished with a celebratory dinner at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club to acknowledge the efforts of the girls throughout the season, and to present trophies and pennants.

30 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG. ROWING MARKS ITS AGE OF STRENGTH

Rowers and their parents were joined by past rowers, their families and staff. They enjoyed a lunch of paella and reminisced about the origins of rowing at MLC and its development to the present day programme.

MLC’s fleet. The Stevenson family were on hand to witness the blessing of the boat named to honour their commitment to rowing at MLC. Alan Stevenson is a former president of the Rowing Club; his wife, Kay, served as club secretary, and their daughters, Chloe (’08) and Amy (’12), were both rowers for the College. Past College rowers were encouraged to get back in the boat and relive their teenage sport, while parents learned just how taxing rowing can be and why their girls train so hard.

Principal Rebecca Cody led the proceedings and Reverend Hollis Wilson blessed the latest acquisition to

The Stevenson Family made its debut in the first regatta of the season on the Swan River.

At age 30, one receives strength. - Talmud (Pirkei Avot 5:26) MLC rowing enthusiasts broke a bottle of champagne on the bow of MLC’s newest boat, the Stevenson Family, to celebrate 30 years of rowing at the College.

SPORT

CRICKETERS ENTICED BY THE MCG Cricket coach, Jonathan Weekes, says the girls have had a helping hand from some of the state’s top women cricketers. “During the season, three Western Fury players came out to train the girls in the morning,” Mr Weekes said. “It’s not every day that the girls get the chance to learn from the best.” Cricket has gained popularity among MLC girls, some of whom would like to follow in the padded footsteps of Collegian Nicole Bolton (’06). The left-hander became the first Australian woman to score a one-day international century on debut in 2014 and has continued her winning form.

With a trip to the holy grail of

The team of Years 7 and 8

Australian cricket hanging in the

sportswomen will head out on to the

balance, MLC cricketers have every intention of hitting a few sixes when they compete in the State final of the IGSSA Cricket Carnival.

WA Cricket Association (WACA) pitch

Mr Weekes says that a new, invigorated IGSSA competition has led

schools to vie for a spot in the national

to double the number of girls in Years

final being played at the historic MCG

7-9 taking up the sport. Cricket clinics

(Melbourne Cricket Ground).

are also being held in Junior Years.

“By mentally doing the race

Interschool Cross Country

beforehand you know it’s going to

inspiration. Fremantle Dockers midfielder Matt de Boer told the running team that they had to do the three kilometre race in their heads before taking one stride.

women’s Ashes in 2015.

opposition teams from WA’s top girls’

On the eve of a major

Australian Rules footballer for

the Southern Stars, reclaimed the

in December, hoping to demolish

DOCKING FOR SOME INSPIRATION competition, MLC turned to an

The Australian women’s team,

come. Once you do feel that pain come on, you know you’ve dealt with it mentally and you’ll be able to push on.” Mr de Boer and his fellow Dockers players have to run a three kilometre time trial at the start of each AFL season. He says he trains regularly to

“Running and football is going to hurt

keep his fitness up as football is “more

you physically; you’re going to feel it,”

of a running game than it has ever

Mr de Boer said.

been.”

DIMINUTIVE FIGURE SCALES THE HEIGHTS At only 151cm, Teju Williamson is taking on the giants of diving from way up high.

“You just do it when you’re little – you

The MLC Symphony Orchestra violinist

With more and more international

is fast becoming a powerhouse of platform diving, climbing 10 metres to what she hopes will one day become Olympic glory. Technically, Teju already has gold medal winning dives. She says she trains for at least 25 hours a week to perfect her moves. “You can’t see anything. You have to go by muscle memory and by feeling it,” Teju said.

don’t think of any consequences. I don’t know why I keep doing it.” competitions on her agenda, Teju has her sights firmly set on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She is competing in the 2015 Grand Prix series which will culminate on the Gold Coast where the Australian team for the 2016 Rio Olympics will be chosen. Under the guidance of her coach Shannon Roy, Teju aims to perfect her favourite platform dive, the inward 3½. It’s the dive that won her the 2015 Junior Elite title in Sydney, but also

Throughout 2015 Teju has competed

cost her a podium place at the Grand

in national and international events

Prix in Spain.

while continuing her Year 11 studies. At the end of the year she will sit the Year 12 Music exam which will go

“The nerves got the better of me in Spain,” she said.

towards her ATAR score in 2016.

“I’m usually more nervous about

Teju says she can’t remember why

height.”

she ever made the climb to the 10m

the actual dive itself rather than the

platform, but puts it down to the bravado of an 11-year-old.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

STANDING UP FOR HEALTH It originated in Hawaii, is fast

“Some mornings were quite cool,

becoming one of the world’s

however, the skills sessions were quite

most popular water sports, and it has found a home at MLC. Stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP as enthusiasts know it, is a cross between surfing and kayaking; you simply stand upright on a board and use a paddle to propel yourself forward. It may sound easy enough, but the sport requires stamina, strong core muscles and brilliant balance, as a group of MLC students discovered. For five weeks before school, the girls went out on their boards on the Swan River under the watchful eyes and instruction of the Outdoor Education team of Gary Howlett and Katie Boon, and instructors from the North Fremantle Stand Up Surf Shop.

high energy and required balance,” Ms Boon said. “The girls had lots of fun, learned new skills and developed an appreciation of a glassy river sunrise.” To test their new-found skills, the girls ended their course by playing a game of SUP polo. The Outdoor Education team decided to offer the lessons due to the rising popularity of the sport. “The College has six boards at the moment and is looking to extend the programme,” Ms Boon said.

SERVICE

WE SERVE It’s not compulsory but hundreds of girls take part in it every year by giving of themselves, and by raising money and goods for local, national and international charities.

Most girls achieve this over a threeyear period.

2014 Fundraising 40 Hour Famine

$1,263.95

of service is not fully realised until

Zero 2 Hero

$659.75

they go on an International Service

Yayasan Anak Anak Bali

$466.20

who is chosen for a trip has to pitch in

Uniting Care West

$12,101.55

The MLC Service Learning Programme

and share the load.

RSPCA

$214.55

starts in the Junior Years where

“I think we have to keep underscoring

activities are organised in each year

that it’s not a reward for having done

PEAS UK

$1,200.13

group. Once the girls reach Middle

community service because when

Nulsen Haven Association

$3,042.43

Years it’s up to them to volunteer.

you get there, I don’t care how much community service you have done, it

Yipirinya school

$329.45

School chaplain, the Reverend Hollis

Love Angels Foundation

$466.20

resilient young people out of the

Indigenous Literacy Foundation

$207.64

“We do it at MLC because it is part

whole thing.

Fair Game

$1,158.00

of our tradition as a School of the

“The biggest outcome is that the girls

Compassion Australia

$300.00

Cancer Council WA

$3,340.07

that they are part of a much more

100 Cameras

$527.08

complex system where they have

Vietnam Service Tour

$14,749.00

Children’s Leukemia Cancer Research Foundation

$170.00

World Vision

$12,259.59

TOTAL

$52,455.59

For many of the students, the impact

Trip. Rev. Wilson says that every girl

Wilson, is at the helm of Service

recycles to zero,” he said.

Learning. He says MLC has a long

“The College gets some incredibly

tradition of giving.

Uniting Church and a School that comes out of a Christian tradition,” Rev. Wilson said. “It’s putting our words into action.” Girls may choose to strive to attain a Values Half Colour (40 hours of recorded service) or Full Colour

don’t see themselves as the centre of the universe. They actually realise

a lot of privilege, but they have the opportunity to take that privilege and put it to good use.”

(80 hours of recorded service)

In 2015 the students went to Malaysia

in recognition of their service.

and Vietnam where they were thrust

This coveted Colour is the most

outside of their comfort zones. Read

prestigious award given at MLC.

their stories on the following pages.

service

VIETNAM DIARY Thursday 2 July | Hanoi

Sunday 5 July | Hanoi

After passing through customs and exiting the doors, bam; we found ourselves in what felt like an oven (37 degrees and 60 per cent humidity). Two minutes later, jackets and trackies were flying and sweat was breaking, but the hustle and bustle of the scooters and honking cars kept our enthusiasm going.

We all split into small groups, were transported off to look at homes of some of the local kids who attend the school. We were shocked to see these large families living in as small as one room houses with very ill parents. After asking questions and getting a feel for what their daily life consists of, we gave these families some noodles and other essentials. The families were so kind, it was so hard to see how these people were so happy, yet had so little. – Sofi and Annabel

– Sophie and Hanna (Year 11)

Saturday 4 July | Hanoi Today we went back to the school and we split into three groups: one group taught the kids English, one group did gardening, and the last group painted and restored the dining hall. Although the heat and humidity had us sweating, the hard work paid off when we saw the finished product, the beautiful dining hall for the kids to eat in. – Georgia and Molly

Monday 6 July | Sapa We were split into two groups and travelled to different villages to build toilets for the locals. As much as we wanted to help with the digging, we were kicked from our posts many times by the Vietnamese workers who didn’t trust us to build the foundations. As a result, we mixed up concrete, taught the children English and some of us even witnessed chickens being ‘prepared’ for lunch. – Maddy and Alex

Friday 10 July | Ho Chi Minh City We headed to the orphanage to do some gardening and to renovate their wall. We went to their new building which has its grand opening on Sunday. We were given the task of making the front area presentable. We began by clearing out the rocks, rubbish and dirt from the garden area, which had become a sort of tip for the orphanage. This involved hauling large stones and even a whole tree to another tip. Next, some people began scraping the old paint and plaster off the wall behind the garden while others were given snippers and were told to trim and shape the trees. The phrase “scraping off paint” doesn’t give justice because it was more akin to chipping and hacking the wall. – Ciara and Eury

Saturday 11 July | Ho Chi Minh City Waking up on our second last day, knowing it’s our last day of hard labour, was bitter sweet. We headed off at 8am sharp to the orphanage, stopping to get the last of our painting supplies for the day’s work. Work started straight away. We painted the wall a bright blue which later showed off our inner artistic skills with lots of pastel butterflies painted on it. Today was lots of hard work but we are all super proud of the work we achieved. – Liv and Amberlee

Sunday 12 July | Ho Chi Minh City Sadly our last day came around and before we knew it we were saying goodbye to the children of the orphanage with whom we had completely fallen in love in the past few days. After a lot of crying from the children (and some of us), we got on the bus and sadly departed. A night filled with laughter and happiness was a great way to end our amazing experience in Vietnam. After an exhausting yet fulfilling and rewarding trip we are coming home tomorrow with eye opening stories to share. – Zuri and Eliza

MALAYSIA | DIARY OF BETHANY There is a cathartic moment when the girls who volunteer to serve at Bethany Home, a school for children and young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities in Malaysia, finally understand just how lucky they are. Rev. Hollis Wilson says that over the first few days the girls go from wondering what they have signed up for, to understanding disability and, finally, never wanting to leave. While in Malaysia, the students and teachers kept a blog of their mental and emotional journey.

Monday 29 June We made it to Bethany Home today at midday, and it’s definitely hot and humid. We’ve already been shopping for watermelon, pineapple, banana, papaya, lemon, lime, oranges and aqua (water). Tomorrow we start and we run our first morning devotion service where the girls will hand over the mini iPads they fundraised for. The swimming pool was a welcome break in the afternoon. – Katie Boon (Teacher)

Wednesday 1 July

SERVICE

Thursday 9 July We are proud to say that the Clinic Room is now all clear and ready to be made into a clinic. There were many boxes to be sorted through and sweat rolled off our brows. The School Coordinator, Suseela, was very thankful of our help in organising this space. We dusted off pictures and sorted through mountains of ‘stuff’. Abbey, Charlotte and Emma gave Suseela an orientation of her new iPad that the girls had bought. – Katie Boon (Teacher)

Friday 10 July The mood was excitable but sombre as the realisation of our journey coming to an end was upon us. The final Daily Devotion was run by Mimi and Charlotte, on the theme, Gratitude, to reflect our gratefulness to the staff, students, school and volunteers for providing us with such an incredible opportunity. During our two weeks at Bethany we’ve all had the opportunity to build relationships with the students; ones that we will not soon forget and will continue to bring the memory of this journey and the lessons we have learnt. Work on the mural continued and after much debate and many changed colours, the final design was completed late into the afternoon. – Nicola Rose (teacher)

We went to the physiotherapists’ room to help the wheelchair bound students. We split into two specialised classrooms, with Mimi going to work with the younger students and I worked with the older group. Mimi was teaching months of the year in Malay, while I was helping students with fine motor skills, such as sewing and puzzles. After morning tea we assisted with some painting by guiding their hands to paint inside shapes that we had drawn. We then used the iPad to help isolate finger movements with a painting and colouring programme. – Tannith (Year 11)

Sunday 5 July We [led and] enjoyed a Sunday Worship with the community of students, parents and staff, followed by a beautiful meal cooked by some of the ladies. Some brave students got up to sing in the microphone and we shared the College Values of Enterprise, Mastery, Integrity and Justice, and how these values link with what we have observed and participated in at Bethany Home. – Nicola Rose (teacher)

Wednesday 8 July Today we planned two Movement and Music classes and they were so much fun. I guess if we can make the teachers at Bethany giggle and smile, as well as the students, we are doing a good job. While this was happening some of us rotated through physiotherapy classes, pool lessons, the special needs unit and cleaning out the store room. – Katie Boon (Teacher)

FROM THE ARCHIVES

1950 | To know Mrs Lear 1951 | Magic in a mirror, Campbell of Kilmohr, The Maker of Dreams

OAKEN ANNIVERSARY FOR MLC THEATRE The producer of the first College Theatre Production, as part of the newly-formed Dramatic Club, was Principal Gertrude Walton in 1935.

As the decade entered the era of

Pride and Prejudice made its August

in 1966 when MLC was the first

debut at the Myola Club in Claremont, starring senior girls including Cynthia McMillan, Jean Thompson and Betty Pearson. Verna Steele as Mr Collins would make special mention in The West Australian in an ‘outstanding performance earning the applause she received’. By the late 1930s, plays and concerts were performed in the school hall (now the Chapel) and produced by individual Houses and year groups. Concerts also included talks on ‘interesting’ topics such as Mr

space exploration and minimalism, an entirely new type of play, consisting of very little or no scenery, was performed in 1961. Our Town had a cast of 23 girls. Another first occurred

dramatic group in Australia to perform

1965 | Pygmalion

August Strindberg’s Swanwhite.

1966 | Swanwhite.

By 1971 MLC and Christ Church Grammar School were combining their dramatic strengths. The First Born by Christopher Fry at Christ Church Chapel included three MLC girls in the

cast. Another co-production in 1974

1973 | School for Scandal

won The Crucible cast an opportunity

1974 | The Crucible/ The Good Woman of Setzuan

to represent Western Australia at a

1975 | The Marble Guest

drama festival in Canberra.

1976 | Murder Without Men

More than 40 years later, theatre at MLC continues to thrive. The new

1977 | Toad of Toad Hall 1978 | Oklahoma 1979 | A Home for Stray Cats

Assembly Hall (now Hadley Hall), which

1980 | Cabaret

opened in 1991, was the largest school

1981 | Sweeney Todd

It wasn’t until 1949 that the school

auditorium in Western Australia at the

1982 | Mother ’s Soldier Boy

play was listed as part of the school

time. It has been host to a variety of

1983 | Vignettes

calendar as a separate event. Ambrose

comedy, musical and dramatic College

1984 | Pride and Prejudice

Applejohn’s Adventure was performed

productions. Where once 20 girls may

in the school hall that year to the

have performed, productions now can

community at an admission price of

include a cast of hundreds including

three pence.

students, staff, invited guests and

A spate of comedies followed until the

crew. For some, theatre continues to

Whelan’s 1939 hike around the world.

performance of Richard of Bordeaux in 1959. It was the first social event to be held in the newly-built gym (later named Bosisto Hall) in 1964.

be an important influence well after

their time at Methodist Ladies’ College

1992 | Annie

has ended.

of Florence Nightingale

2015 | Disney ’s Beaut y and the Beast

STAFF IN FOCUS

A WOMAN OF PRINCIPLE underpinning a commitment to service, and the opportunity to work with highlymotivated, confident and articulate girls.

MEMORY ALBUM

It was, and still is, every teacher’s dream

Hundreds of memorable individual students I have taught and worked alongside. So many special shared classroom moments of awe and wonder at the world of science; the absolute gift of working with girls who are committed to being the best they can be.

scenario.” Ms Palmer has served under six Principals during her career at MLC. Current Principal, Rebecca Cody, says she will miss working with

When Yvonne Palmer first walked through the doors of MLC, most of the students were dancing to the number one on the Countdown charts, The Way That You Do It by Pussyfoot, wearing flares and lots of satin. Sir Charles Court was the Premier of WA, Malcolm Fraser was the Prime Minister, and the

the woman who welcomed her to MLC six years ago. “Unquestionably, Ms Yvonne Palmer has selflessly led our College with distinction in various roles: as a classroom teacher, Coordinator of Biological Sciences, Head of House, Head of Academic Department Principal,” Ms Cody said.

tour of Australia. Milk cost 23 cents a pint.

“She has embodied wisdom, professionalism,

Ms Palmer was the College’s new Biology and

and benevolence. Indeed, she is an insightful

Human Biology teacher. It was her first job in

and discerning woman of courage and

education.

conviction, and the finest educator I have ever worked alongside.”

was determined by the selection of courses

Ms Palmer’s biggest challenge on leaving MLC

that were the prep year for entry to Veterinary

will be to “embrace a relatively unregulated

Science. At the time, there was no Vet course

day/week.”

in WA and I detoured to complete a Science degree instead,” Ms Palmer said. “I also considered transferring to studying medicine part way through my degree. I worked as a biochemist for a couple of years after graduating and then entered into education via a post graduate Diploma in Education.” The College immediately welcomed the girl from the country, who had taken on male-dominated Science. “MLC was the right fit. A boarding house filled with country girls was a special connection,” she

She doesn’t plan to rest on her laurels, and reels off a list of things that she’d like to do. “To continue to learn, to read more, to use my skills and expertise in serving others, to reconnect with my years of teaching biology

House Singing Drama and Mime Festival Day at the end of Term 1 each year – close to 800 performers on stage in one day. As Head of Troy having the Troy Choir, Play or Mime win was special for the shared sense of excitement among around 130 Trojans. Junior Years’ Talent Quests and Assemblies. In fact, all Assemblies are very special as they provide evidence of the sequential development in our girls’ achievements, confidence and leadership skills generally.

through exploring the natural world within and beyond Australia.” Importantly, Ms Palmer intends to spend more time with her family and to keep a close eye on how education evolves as her four granddaughters navigate their schooling.

said,

She says her career has been “perfect”.

“I felt very much at home from day one:

“No two years are the same, no two classes

the commitment to academic excellence,

are the same and no two girls are the same.

exceptionally high standards across the co-

Working alongside young people has helped

curricular domain, strong Christian values

Speech Nights, now Celebrations, each December always caused/ created an upwelling of pride in what our girls had achieved.

- Science, Deputy Principal and Acting

Queen visited WA as part of her Silver Jubilee

“My journey into teaching biological sciences

YVONNE’S

Colleagues, outstanding intellects, awesome combinations of dedication to their craft and a fabulous sense of fun. Renewing connections with Collegians I taught who are now parents of current students. MLC’s remarkable community.

me remain young… at least in my thinking.”

Foundation

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF FOUNDATION I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. - G.K. Chesterton  As the final term of 2015 commences I am in the happy position of being responsible for thanking our MLC community for its generosity this year. Your support has resulted in substantial growth to our Endowment, Scholarship and Building Funds, and the completion of projects around the campus. There are also many who give of their time and expertise in seemingly inexhaustible quantities, and for this we are extremely grateful. One of the highlights of 2015 so far has been the Circle of Success, which came to a conclusion on Tuesday 2 June at the Pinnacle of Success vote night. During this wonderful evening, we saw five members of the MLC staff try to persuade the voters to support a project to benefit our students. In the end the Dean of Senior Years’ Education, Kate Padman’s poetic plea for the Biological Science Laboratory Transformation carried the night and was the recipient of the $86,000 raised by the 80 members. We anticipate that the end of 2015 will complete this substantial project. The awareness of the areas of need at the College created by Circle of Success had another extraordinary outcome. One of our exceptional MLC families came forward to match the funds already raised to complete an additional project, the upgrade of the Hadley Hall audio visual system. Both of the projects selected will benefit all of our current, and many generations of future, MLC students. My heartfelt thanks to the Circle of Success members, and all those who have supported the Foundation so far this year.A special thank you to all our generous donors and contributors is published with this edition of Strive. On behalf of the Foundation Board and the Office of Development please accept our gratitude, and we wish you a successful conclusion to 2015.

Mr James McClements, Chair of Foundation

FAMILY DONATION TIES UP ANOTHER PROJECT Inspired by the Circle of Success,

College production of Disney’s Beauty

the Kopejtka family stepped

and the Beast, including the installation

forward to fulfill another of the nominated projects. “We wanted to support a project that would have wide reaching impact for MLC students and the community,” Mrs Kopejtka said. “Upgrading the Hadley Hall AV system suited that criterion and we are thrilled that the project can be completed in a short time frame.” MLC’s Venue Manager Doug Hounslow says the upgrade will better showcase

of one kilometer of high-definition digital cabling throughout Hadley Hall, two giant screens, two HD projectors

deserve when their creative content

high, two Video Distribution Hubs,

is shared.

an eight channel, touchscreen Digital Video Switcher, and a dual channel, HD recorder and streaming device.

to showcase key elements of student performances, such as solo

Mr Hounslow says Hadley Hall now

instrumental performances and

has a very reliable, flexible and future-

activities that can be difficult to see

proof system.

further away from the stage.”

“I am personally incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Kopejtka family. Their contribution to the College

students creative media content,

has transformed how I am able to

videos of camps and tours, and

use video content in Hadley Hall,” Mr

activities that are shared with their

Hounslow said.

peers and the community.

I’m looking forward to being able

“The image quality and brightness is

The principal work was completed in

stunning, and gives the proper level

the July school holidays in time for the

of quality that our staff and students

Foundation

THE CIRCLE OF SUCCESS CELEBRATES The sense of occasion was apparent as Circle of Success members celebrated their significant collaborative gift of $86,000 to the College. New friends were made on the night as member votes were fought for and won by MLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passionate staff championing their projects. Master of Ceremonies Tim Gossage ensured the excitement built in anticipation of the announcement of the winning project. MLC students were always going to be the winners, but for 2015, the Biological Science Laboratory Transformation took victory. It was a wonderful night and a great example of the fun and collaboration that makes the MLC community exceptional.

2015 MLC FOUNDATION DONORS The MLC Foundation would like to sincerely thank the following people for their generous support in 2015.

Patrons

Mr T Alcock, Ms Y Low and the LAYF Foundation Mr D Bovell The Brasington Family Hon R and Mrs J Court Mr M and Mrs J Hills Mr P and Mrs K Kopejtka The McClements Foundation Ms J Mostrom Mr G and Mrs J Purich Salim Nominees Pty Ltd The Seed Family Mr M and Mrs D Throsby Mr D Snellgrove and Ms T Trevisan Mr R and Mrs K Staniforth Mr A and Mrs L Van Merwyk The Ward Family Mr P Watson and Mrs R Watson 2 Anonymous Donations

Partners

Mr J Afiat and Mrs I Djajaseputra Mr B and Mrs L Carnley Mr A and Mrs C Carver Mr C and Dr L Colvin Mrs Lorraine Court Creative Fruition Dr L and Mrs P Crostella Mr Sandy Dunn Dr D Forte and Mrs S El-Fil Mr P Garner Dr D Hua Ms A Leguier Ms A McGurk INMAC Engineering Pty Ltd Mr P and Mrs E Ma Mr I and Mrs C McDonald Mr J and Mrs G McMath Mr B and Mrs L McVeigh Dr P and Dr E Moore Mr N and Mrs J Potier Mr D and Mrs F Rakich Mr G and Mrs L Robinson Mr D and Mrs M Rose Ms M Saunders The Thomas Family Mr J Timms Dr C Viiala and Dr G Dogra The Watson Family Mr C and Mrs C Wilkinson 1 Anonymous Donation

Donors

Mrs D Bowyer Dr M Chan Ms E Del Borello Mrs J Elliott-Lockhart Prof. G and Mrs G Hardisty Prof. P Johnson and Dr Susannah Morris Mrs N and Mr J Lake Dr B and Dr J Lee Mr X Li Miss G Malone Miss M O’Leary Mr and Mrs O’Sullivan Mrs S Primeau Mrs E Riley Mrs W Robinson Miss D Timermanis Mrs J Twine Miss J Young 1 Anonymous Donation

2015 Circle of Success A collaborative gift of $86,000. Mr J Afiat and Mrs I Djajaseputra Dr G Cull and Mrs T Armson-Cull Mr G and Mrs S Bamford Mr L and Mrs C Bartlett Dr D and Mrs K Calder Mr R and Mrs M Campion Mr M and Mrs G Cardaci Mr A and Mrs C Carver Mr C and Mrs J Chan Mr S Herczykowski and Ms R Cody Mr C and Dr L Colvin Dr P Cooke and Ms M Connolly The Cox Family Dr L and Mrs P Crostella Mrs C Cust Dr P and Dr A Dhillon The Dickins Family Dr P and Mrs C Dolan Sandy Dunn Mr S and Mrs J Edis Mr L and Mrs J Ferguson Mr K and Mrs V Flynn The Lefroy Family Sanna El Fil and Danne Forte The Friars Family Nicole Gallin Mr G and Mrs L Gordon Mr G Heath David and Elaine Horlock Ary and Peter Johnson Mr G and Mrs N Kerr Mr J and Mrs E Klepec Mr K and Mrs A Korte Mr P and Mrs K Kopejtka The Latchem Family Mr T Alcock, Ms Y Low and the LAYF Foundation Ms V Leigh The Lewis Family Mr J Lewis and Dr S Cherian The Lisle Family The Lubich Family David and Jenni Mackie Mr P and Mrs E Ma The Major Family Mr B and Mrs G Marriott Meredith McClements Quentin and Andree Megson Dr D and Mrs T Minns Dr Flemming and Mrs Tracey Nielsen The Oakey Family Mr P Owens amd Mrs F Kermode Byron and Lana Palmer Mr D and Mrs C Panzich Jacinta Pickford The Piggott Family Mr J and Mrs R Potalivo The Pritchard Family Mr G and Mrs B Rasmussen Mr C and Mrs E Riley Mrs Kathy Seed David and Cassandra Simpson Mr B Smith and Mrs K McKinnon-Smith Ms D Smith-Gander Brett and Annette Suann Robin and Mei Teo Dr J Terry and Dr A Nowak Mr P Thomas Mr T Ward The Warner Family The Watson Family Mr P and Mrs R Watson Mr B Wylynko and Ms S Grainger Mr C and Mrs F Zempilas Mrs Ling Zhang

Grand Legacy The proceeds of this appeal contributed $11,300 towards the recent purchase of the Shigeru Kawai Piano. Mr R and Mrs S Bentley Mr S and Mrs F Bodycoat Mr S and Mrs R Boog Mr R and Mrs C Butler Mr C Chan Mrs C Choong Ms G Cleary Mr C and Dr L Colvin Mr A Cribb and Ms L Quince Mr D Crosby and Mrs C Rousch Mr G and Mrs J Cullingford Mr B and Mrs A Di Girolami Mr R and Mrs A Dring Mr C and Mrs V Dutton Mr P Hartree and Ms M Humphreys Mr M and Mrs N Hurworth Mr H Ibrahim Mr K and Mrs S Ingram Dr B and Mrs C Jeffcote Mr P Owens and Ms F Kermode Mr S and Mrs A Kerr Mr B and Mrs A Lavin Mr C Lawlor and Ms M Tarulli Mr P Leedman Ms V Leigh Mr Q and Mrs Y Li Mr K and Mrs H Lim Mr I and Mrs A Love Mr C and Mrs C Luca Prof. S Maloney and Mrs C Sargent-Maloney Mr C and Mrs L Marshall Mr R McAndrew and Ms C Reitzenstein Dr W and Mrs A McAuliffe Mr J and Mrs C Muir Mr I and Mrs T Murie Dr H and Mrs I Nazir Mr N and Mrs C Nocciolino Dr J Terry and Dr A Nowak Mr E and Mrs M Ostler Mr A and Mrs J Parsons The Grand Legacy Contiinued Mr K Png and Dr R Phang Mr H Puncher and Ms L Day Dr D Latchem and Ms N Sabatini Mr R and Mrs K Saw Prof. J Carapetis and Prof S Skull Dr G and Mrs A Sharma Dr S and Mrs E Swanson Mr T and Mrs B Tan Mr P and Mrs L Van Wyk Mr T Vasudavan and Ms W Khor Mr S and Mrs S Volk Mr S Vidler and Dr C Joll Dr J He and Ms Q Wan Mr V and Mrs C Wang Mr M Whetaley and Ms L Thompson Mr D Whittle and Dr C Jones Mr B Wylynko and Mrs S Grainger Mr Y Yang and Ms Y Chen Mr C Yaxley and Ms E O’Sullivan Ms J Young Ms E Zandi We also sincerely acknowledge the support of: Shell Australia Pty Ltd SAS Resources Fund Parents of MLC Friends of Music MLC All those who bought tickets in the MLC Foundation Raffle.

PARENTS OF MLC

ONE BIG CUPPA FOR CANCER The MLC community came together again in support of the Cancer Council of WA to raise funds for research into a disease that affects so many people. Our generous families supplied trays upon trays of home baked goodies. An enticing selection of cup cakes, slices, sandwiches and biscuits met the girls as they came out for morning tea. Amazing hair-dos and wigs signified support for people who have lost their hair due to treatments. It was lovely to see parents and grandparents come along to enjoy the morning as well. The community collected and donated $3,200 to cancer research.

FRIENDS OF MUSIC

THE FRIENDS OF MUSIC CABARET NIGHT The Friends of Music Cabaret Night moved to a new home in 2015 - the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club. The new venue heralded a wonderful evening of entertainment from the Middle and Senior Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; girls involved with the MLC music programme. When parents and friends arrived, they were given a taste of the excellent evening to follow by guest artist Lukasz Slawomirski, and jazz vocalists Holli Hatherly and Rachel Lavin. Once guests were seated they were then entertained throughout the night by the MLC Big Band, MLC/CCGS Combined Choir, Barbershop and the MLC Jazz Orchestra. A highlight of the evening was the special guest appearance of renowned jazz vocalist Ali Bodycoat, who was accompanied by Lukasz Slawomirski on piano, and joined by students Madison Bodycoat and Lucy Iffla. The Grand Legacy, an initiative supported by the Friends of Music to raise funds towards the purchase of the Shigeru Grand piano, which now resides in Hadley Hall, was launched. The piano is an amazing acquisition and will enhance the music skills of students for years to come.

PER ARDUA

Per Ardua President 's Message

What is the Per Ardua Association?

with and support the School and its

The MLC Per Ardua Association forms part of the College community. It is made up of many groups of individuals connected by their multiple links to the College, and includes former students, staff members, parents, grandparents, Council members and friends of all generations.

Our Association hosts a number

The links and relationships that members maintain with the community and each other are priceless and invaluable.

the history of the cello and Collegian

MLC played a very significant role in many of our lives. Being a former staff member and parent of a Collegian myself, I and all of our members cherish the opportunity to reconnect

Information Learning Technologies

community. of annual events for members and friends to reconnect, including a Welcome Brunch, Musicale and Christmas Luncheon. Members and grandparents of current MLC students enjoyed a beautiful brunch together in April. Dr Ian Abbott joined us to speak about Jessica Young (â&#x20AC;&#x2122;13) graced us with a skilled performance. We also heard from MLC Director of Ben Beaton in June and were blown away by the technological advancements that have taken place over recent years. In keeping with

our common interest in the continual changes in education today, most of our recent speakers centre on an educational theme. Our next event is our Christmas Luncheon on Thursday 19 November when we will hear from some senior MLC students that have participated in Service Learning Tours to Malaysia and Vietnam. New members are always warmly welcomed. If you would like to find out more about Per Ardua and how you can join us in the future, please contact Alumni Coordinator Tamara Kilian on 08 9383 8851 or at collegian@mlc.wa.edu.au. We would love to reconnect with you.

Fay Woods, Per Ardua Association President

Collegians

Collegians’ Association President’s Message Alumni Mentoring at MLC

The women of our Alumni network

Guiding and encouraging Collegians

If I have seen further it is by standing on

are hardworking and talented with

and providing opportunities for them

experience in a wide range of fields

to grow and thrive is at the forefront

of endeavour. Many have already

of the Association’s vision; Isaac

registered to become a part of Alumni

Newton’s contemplation articulates

Mentoring at MLC where they will

this beautifully.

support a Collegian as they begin

To join us on this wonderful venture

the shoulders of giants.

- Isaac Newton

As MLC students come to the end of their college journeys, they begin to consider what their futures are going to look like. What am I going to study? What are my passions? What type of career

their career, explore leadership opportunities, or navigate tertiary

as a mentor or mentee, contact collegian@mlc.wa.edu.au. Further

education.

information about Alumni Mentoring

Alumni Mentoring at MLC was

at MLC is available on the College

launched earlier this year, and allows

website.

mentors and mentees to be matched

In the meantime I wish you all a

and connected with one another. The

wonderful remainder of the year and

aim of the programme is to deliver

the best of luck to our graduating girls.

As a Collegian, I am certainly

valuable knowledge and advice to

passionate about supporting these

Collegians that are taking their next

girls as they transition to become

steps in life, and to develop the

Margaret McLeod (’86), Collegians’ Association President

Collegians themselves, and embark on

leadership skills of both mentors and

their next adventures.

mentees.

path do I want to take? These are questions all graduating students ask themselves; we’ve all been there.

LONG TABLE LUNCHEON 2016 IGSSA OLD GIRLS This year’s tournament was held on Thursday 26 March at the Reabold Tennis Club in Floreat, hosted by St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School.

Everyone enjoyed fine weather and the hospitality of our hosts, which added to the happy, annual gettogether.

Presbyterian Ladies’ College won the trophy, St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls came second and MLC third.

Each team hosts the event every seven years. In 2016, it will be MLC’s turn. Barbara Partington (Jones ‘54) MLC Collegians’ Tennis Coordinator

Following the success of the Collegians’ Long Table Luncheon in March, the Collegians’ Association will be hosting this highly anticipated event again in 2016. Booking information will be released later in the year through The Collegian Connection email newsletter and the Collegians’ Facebook group. If you would like to be placed on a list to receive the booking information immediately after its release to ensure your seat at the luncheon, please email collegian@mlc.wa.edu.au.

Collegians

RECONNECT IN SYDNEY As a reflection of MLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truly global connectedness, Collegians living in Sydney gathered for a special reunion. Principal Rebecca Cody, Deputy Chair of Foundation Cathryn Carver, and Council Member Diane Smith-Gander joined the 30 women who spent a fantastic evening reconnecting with each other and their alma mater. Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ANZ Tower provided the perfect setting and guests appreciated the opportunity to reminisce as the sun set.

ALUMNI ACHIEVMENTS Stephanie Jones ‘10 Stephanie won the 2014 National Fine Music Network Young Virtuoso Award for her classical guitar proficiency. She studies Classical Guitar performance at the Australian National University School of Music. She was also awarded the 2014 ArtSound FM Fine Music Network Young Virtuoso Award (ACT) in November.

Susan Hadley ‘84 Susan was recently presented with a Slippery Rock University Women of Distinction Award for her role as Professor and Chair of Music at the University of Western Australia. She was described by the University as “an accomplished scholar who challenges and supports students simultaneously.” Susan is a music therapy clinician and professor who passionately works in critical race studies, disability studies and feminist studies.

Libby Matthews ‘12 Libby, along with some of her friends, has launched a not-for-profit project called SOAR that supports needy children in South Africa. The project aims to collect items of clothing that can be transported internationally, focusing initially on townships near Johannesburg in South Africa. Some of those who receive the items are photographed wearing them, and the photos are sent to the person who donated it. SOAR has so far orchestrated the delivery of more than 3,000 items of clothing by encouraging frequent travellers to transport an extra suitcase full of clothes.

Renee Garner ‘99 Renee was awarded the Young Executive of the Year in 2014 by the Australian Financial Review Boss’ magazine. Renee is the General Manager of Retail, Regulations and Compliance at EnergyAustralia and leads a team of professionals in the complex regulation, policy, risk and compliance function. 37

Collegians

ALUMNI ACHIEVMENTS Heather Bonney ‘75 Heather is currently co-writing a book that will feature information about her illustrious waterskiing career. The book, The Frank Bonney Legend - A Lifetime Dedication to Water Skiing, is dedicated to Heather’s late father, Frank Bonney (1928-2012), a waterski pioneer, and her mother, Marion Bonney (1932-1995), also a state champion waterskier. Heather has won 12 national waterski titles and hopes that the publication will inspire young women to chase their dreams.

Lynne Boladeras (Davies) ‘71 Artist Lynne held an exhibition of her watercolour, acrylic and mixed media paintings at the Kidogo Art House, Bathers Beach Fremantle, in February. Pieces showcased in her exhibition, entitled ‘Way to Walcott’, were inspired by landscapes in the Kimberley.

Lanna Hill (Winstanley) ‘00 Lanna has recently launched her own mobile and personal training business, Lanna Hill Fitness, Nutrition, Wellbeing (www.lannahillfnw. com.au). She specialises in pre and postnatal fitness and trains in various locations in the western suburbs.

Leonie Walker OAM (McCormick) ‘62 Leonie received an Order of Australia Medal for service to people with a disability, and to the community as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2015.

Amy Yarham ‘08 Following her recent graduation from the WA Academy of Performing Arts, Amy has been accepted into the Masters of Music in Classical Voice at the Manhattan School of Music in New York.

2015 Reunion Dates Please ensure your contact details are up to date with the College in order to receive important reunion information. Please contact Alumni and Web Coordinator Tamara Kilian on 08 9383 8851 or at collegian@mlc.wa.edu.au to update your details.

Class of 1955 | Sunday 25 October Reunion Coordinator: Jenny Twine (Peet) Contact: bjtwine@westnet.net.au and 9386 1635

Class of 1965 | Saturday 10 October Reunion Coordinator: Wilma McBain (Lawson) Contact: williemac241@gmail.com

Gemma Upson (Edwards) ‘96 Gemma was awarded a Young Business Women’s Award in the 2014 Telstra Business Women’s Awards for her work as the Manager of the Ear Science Institute of Australia’s Hearing Implant Centre and Balance Centre.

and 0412 754 579

Class of 1975 | Sunday 27 September Reunion Coordinators: Amanda Mincherton (Kelly), Sally Arnold and Marian Rudeforth

Rebecca Johnston ‘06

Contact: amincher@bigpond.net.au

Rebecca, along with a colleague, has recently opened an international aviation and aerospace law firm called HodgkinsonJohnston.

and 0450 909 747

This is the only dedicated aviation law firm in Australia and one of few in

Reunion Coordinator:

the Asia Pacific region.

Class of 1985 | Saturday 7 November Sara Ritchie (Beaumont)

Rebecca is also an adjunct lecturer in aviation law at the University of Notre Dame Australia, School of Law, and, having passed the New York Bar Exam, will soon be admitted to practice law in New York.

Contact: sara@iconag.com.au and 0428 361 307

Class of 1990 | Date to be confirmed Reunion Coordinator:

Min Jee Lee ‘11 Golfer Min Jee Lee took her first US LPGA victory with a two-shot win at the Kingsmill Championship in May. The former amateur world number one turned professional in 2014.

Lisa Scott-Harmer Contact: lisa_scottharmer@hotmail.com and 0424 208 102

Class of 1995 | Saturday 24 October Reunion Coordinator: Renee Whitcher (Barron) Contact: renee_barron@hotmail.com

Cindy Shu ‘07

and 0424 924 875

Cindy is completing her Masters of Philosophy in Civil Engineering - Mining Economics at Curtin University.

Class of 2005 | Saturday 31 October Reunion Coordinator: Lauren Evans Contact: lauren.evans@dlapiper.com and 0403 883 966

2016 Reunions If you would like to assist the College in the coordination of your year group reunion in 2016, please contact Alumni Coordinator Tamara Kilian on (08) 9383 8851 or at collegian@mlc.wa.edu.au. 39

“It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. My high school friends came to the airport to say goodbye and I remember crying uncontrollably the entire way to Melbourne,” she said.

where are they now? Working alongside Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe is just a day at the office for Collegian Chloe Hurst ‘06. Chloe plays the role of Amazon in feature film The Nice Guys, which stars the two Hollywood icons. Despite admitting to being petrified from the film’s audition onwards, the young actor says she wasn’t overawed when meeting her cast mates. “I thought I would have been star struck working with Ryan but I was too distracted by the work that I barely even realised who I met when I met him,” she said. The movie, which will be released in 2016, adds to a growing list of accomplishments as Chloe navigates her way through Hollywood. After moving to Los Angeles a year ago, Chloe has starred in a number of lead and supporting roles in feature films, her favourite being the lead role of ‘Scarlett’ in the film of the same name.

“Scarlett was my first feature film ever and I still cannot believe I was cast as the title lead role opposite Stephen Baldwin. ‘Scarlett’ is diagnosed with an aggressive form of NonHodgkin lymphoma, and the research surrounding this role was extremely challenging. Many of the scenes tested my strength and emotional vulnerability,” said Chloe. Chloe’s journey as a performer began at a young age. Her parents claim she was singing before she could talk, and dancing before she could walk. At MLC she played the role of Grandpa George in a College Production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which, she recalls, was not a notable performance. “I didn’t leave my bed the entire time because I was too old to go and visit the factory with Charlie. Not my finest acting moment, but I did learn how to knit,” she said. Following her graduation, Chloe left her friends and family behind and made the move to Melbourne to pursue her dreams.

After completing a Diploma in Performance at Dance World Studios Australia and starring in a number of commercials, and TV and stage shows, Chloe moved to New York and was accepted into the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Her stay in New York added a number of roles to her theatrical credentials, though a highlight of Chloe’s time at the institute was being cast as ‘Cinderella’ in the New York University Production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods. Chloe’s successes have been mirrored by a series of rejections, which have by no means dampened her spirits; she claims it’s what acting is all about. “I bet if there was a film about Chloe Hurst, I’d probably get rejected for that role too, even though I’d assume I’d be the best person for the job. “Finding the fun and motivation in being rejected can often be the hardest part about being an actor, but you realise you’re not alone in that because every other actor experiences the same thing. It just means that when you do land a role, it’s much more rewarding,” she said. When asked about her future plans Chloe said: “I don’t even know what I’m doing tomorrow yet, let alone in five years. I’m just trying to take each day as it comes and to make the most of every opportunity that is presented to me.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ENGAGEMENTS ROMANCE BLOSSOMS AT MLC German language teacher Patrick Guggisberg and School Psychologist Madeleine Morey have announced their engagement. Romantic-at-heart Patrick took Madeleine to meet his family in Switzerland, which had been enlisted to help prepare the scene in the town of Guggisberg. After a short walk through the town Madeleine was confronted by a sign on a wall which read: “Maddie will you become a…” and an arrow pointing to the Guggisberg town sign. Patrick ended the proposal with a song he had composed for the occasion. “Patrick put so much effort into the proposal. He had even made us shirts that said “I said yes” and “she said yes” and brought Champagne with us to drink up on the mountain. When we got home, the house was decorated and he had organised an engagement party with family and friends that night,” Maddie said.

WEDDINGS AND BIRTHS Julie Uden (Palm ‘01)

Christine Williamson ‘86

Julie was married to Neil Uden of Castlemaine, Victoria in the

Christine Williamson ’86 gave birth to her first child, Finn James Williamson, on 10 April 2015.

Swan Valley on 5 April 2014. Her bridesmaids included Collegians Jane Pratt (West ‘01) and Leonie Smith (Hill ‘01).

Rebecca Fiorentino MLC’s Publications and Events Coordinator Rebecca Fiorentino and her husband, Adrian Mulé, became the doting parents of Oscar Edison Mulé on Tuesday 9 June 2015. The “cheeky monkey” weighed in at 3.47kg.

Rebecca Bell (Johnson ‘96) Rebecca and Shannon Bell welcomed Addison into the world in May 2015. Addison was baptised by Reverend Hollis Wilson at the MLC Chapel in August. 41

ANNOUNCEMENTS

VALES

Sophie Smith (‘04) 16 March 1987 – 22 April 2014 Sophie Smith sadly passed away in April 2014 aged 27 years after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in September 2012.

Margaret Whittle (Jenner ‘57)

At that time Sophie was loving living in Sydney, working part time and pursuing a return to studies with an Honours Degree in Human Geography at Sydney University.

Margaret was born in Subiaco on Sunday 7 January 1940, which according to the nursery rhyme, “the child who is born on the Sabbath day is fair and wise and good in every way”. This pretty much sums up our dear Mother.

Upon leaving MLC, Sophie graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Arts (Social Science), the final semester of which was undertaken as an international exchange student in the UK. A two-year working holiday followed during which Europe/UK travels were frequent, friendships were fabulous and personal growth was significant.

Marg was the older of two children born to Walter and Dorothea Jenner; she had a younger brother John.

Sophie’s lifelong passions for reading, music, family and friends, and her wisdom beyond her years for comprehending equality and diversity were ignited early, fanned at school (especially at MLC), extensively practised abroad and lived daily until she died. Sophie’s parents, her sister Melanie Koch (Smith ‘00) and boyfriend Martin are honoured and grateful to have shared Sophie’s short and precious life.

7 January 1940 – 7 January 2015

She attended Nedlands Primary School, and furthered her education at Methodist Ladies’ College where she attained her Junior Certificate, and then went on to complete a business course at Underwoods. Margaret enjoyed playing hockey. She and her brother both played for the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) hockey club. Her other interests were singing in the Junior Youth Choir at Nedlands Methodist Church and stamp collecting. Margaret Jenner married John Whittle on 23 July 1960. They had three children, Valerie, Phillip and Beverly, and between the two eldest children, she had eight grandchildren, Michael, Jessica, Ryan, Terry, Alicia, Sophie, Jonathon and Kate. Margaret and John were avid churchgoers and active members of Scarborough Uniting Church for more than 40 years. Mum became ill around October 2014 and was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer. Unfortunately her cancer was rather aggressive and spread to other organs. As much as she bravely fought it, we lost Mum on 7 January 2015 on her 75th Birthday. As hard as it was, we decided to celebrate her life that day; it was a beautiful way to say goodbye to the heart and soul of our family. By Bev, Phil and Val Whittle

Sandy Corboy (McGlew ‘85)

Lynnette Wyborn Fortune (Parker ‘73)

16 March 1968 - 30 March 2015

15 December 1956 – 4 June 2015

Sandy (pictured with three of her nieces) started her high school years at MLC in Year 8, 1981 and was part of a fabulous year group of girls who graduated in 1985.

Lynnette was the daughter of Shirley Jean Parker (Brede ‘44), an old girl of MLC and the mother of Jeannette, Lynnette, Amanda and Deidre. Their father Bryan died in a motor accidentwhen the girls were still at school (all but Deidre went to MLC while Deirdre went to Perth Modern School on a music scholarship). Mayfair Street Mount Claremont was their home and the base of so many memories for all.

A proud Corinthian and friend to many in her year with her kind and caring nature, Sandy always believed she was fortunate to have attended such a beautiful school where so many opportunities were available to her. After leaving school and working for Westpac and Commonwealth banks, Sandy and her husband, Steve, moved to Adelaide to set up a small aeronautical engineering and design technology business which they ran together successfully over the next 17 years. Sandy poured her love out to Steve, her fourteen nieces and nephews, her three Sheltie dogs and her family and friends. She fought major health issues relating to kidney failure for the past 17 years yet always faced each day with humour, dignity and courage. She would have loved to have lived to see another sun rise, hear more stories of her nieces and nephews, and spend another day with family and friends. Sandy passed away very peacefully in Royal Adelaide Hospital on 30 March 2015, just a couple of weeks after turning 47 years. She impacted our lives significantly and we will all miss her greatly. By Holly Coopes (McGlew)

After a short spell of working with Jean, Lynnette trained in nursing at Sir Charles Gairdiner Hospital. As a nursing sister, charge nurse and clinical instructor, she continued her career at Sir Charles Gairdiner Hospital, Palmerston North in New Zealand, Shepparton Victoria, Northam WA, and back in Perth at St John of God Hospital. Later in her life she also returned to nursing in home care for people with disabilities and home-bound illness. Lynnette and James married in 1979. After time in New Zealand (1979-1985) and the eastern states, Lynnette and James returned to WA in 1986. Their children, Jamie (1989) and Nicola (1992), were born in Perth before the family left for Adelaide (94-98), Canberra (99-2002) and back to Adelaide (2003 – current). Throughout her life and travels Lynnette engaged easily with people and always managed to reach way beyond the daily matters to real matters of the heart. She extended this reach to many international friends in New Zealand and to many who were part of James’ work, especially those from the Middle East and North Africa, and postgraduate students from many countries. Her funeral was held in Adelaide with a family and friends memorial in Perth. By Jim Fortune 43

Methodist Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; College

SUMMER Market Over 60 Market Stalls Games Craft Activities Delicious Food and Drink Live Music and Entertainment

Saturday 14 November 10.30am-3.30pm

Eco and Second-hand Stalls Rides and Amusements for all ages