The Star - December 2021

star of the sea college ◆ december 2021

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HOW YOU CAN HELP STAR FAMILIES IN NEED - BURSARY

THE STAR

december 2021 From the Principal

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Year 12 Valedictory Dinner and Special Awards

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Presentation Awards

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Heritage Building Update – An Insight into Educational Architecture

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Profiling our Board – Lisa Dwyer, Star of the Sea College Board Chair

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Year of Wonder Reflection

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Appreciative Inquiry Session

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Vale Cameron Sayers

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Reunions 9 Farewell Retiring Staff

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Star’s Got Talent!

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An Olympic Dream Comes True for Tess

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Parents’ Association

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Past Students’ Association

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Sacred Heart Mission – Make a House a Home

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Family News

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You can help a current student by donating to the Star of the Sea College Bursary Fund.

As many families struggle with losing their jobs or pay reductions, this is an opportunity for our community to provide ‘real’ help to our own families in need. Donations to the Bursary Fund are tax deductible and have Deductible Gift Recipient status. Whether your donation is large or small, it provides an opportunity for us to help more students and families in need through our Bursary Fund. The link to online donations is https:// starmelb.catholic.edu.au/community/giving-at-star/donations-toward-star-of-the-seacollege-bursary-and-star-building-funds/

CHIARA BAILEY – FLYING HIGH We are proud of the truly amazing Chiara Bailey (Year 12) who has achieved her Private Pilot Licence.

She navigated a grueling three-hour flight test in strong winds, including the intimidation of two police helicopters 1000 feet overhead as she did the city orbit over the protests.

She can now fly anywhere in Australia in a single engine aircraft, but at 17 years old, still cannot drive a car unsupervised.

This completes Chiara’s Year 12 VCAL subject (Diploma in Aviation) and she hopes to gain entry in to the Bachelor in Aviation where she will focus on obtaining a Commercial Pilot Licence.

Only 5% of pilots worldwide are female and we are so proud of Chiara pushing through into an industry that has severe female underrepresentation. Another strong Star Woman!

THE STAR Published by Star of the Sea College Martin Street, Brighton Editor Erica Brady Phone 03 9595 9595 Email ebrady@starmelb.catholic.edu.au Design Damon Carr damon.com.au Print Hornet Press hornetpress.com.au

FRONT COVER TESS LLOYD (2013) AND 49ER FX TEAMMATE JAMIE RYAN PHOTO: SAILING ENERGY

PUBLISHED BIANNUALLY NEXT ISSUE: JUNE 2022

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From the Principal

After the year that was 2020, we commenced with high hopes of normality in 2021. Little did we know what would unfold! Despite the challenges, there are many good news stories.

Navigating Lockdown 6 and the ‘Roadmap to Recovery’ out of remote learning was challenging, which prompted an increased focus on staff and student wellbeing for the College. Despite so many events being virtual again this year, we have been fortunate to have some great in-person events: Swimming and Diving and Athletics carnivals, Year 7 Camp, Music Fest at school for the students, streaming to parents and family worldwide; the Year 12 Formal in April, the Music Camp in

May. Our virtual events, including the Piano Concert, Stacella’s ‘Star of Wonder’ show and Presentation Evening, along with others, have enabled busy parents an opportunity to tune in at their leisure, re-watch a significant event, or become involved in meetings and feedback because of time efficiencies. I would again like to thank our wonderful staff, who have supported the students in their studies, identifying students who were struggling and offering practical support and keeping them engaged and motivated. A special thank you as well to the student leaders, ably led by College Captains Lucy and Charlotte who had the unenviable task of trying to connect with students who were off-site for most of the year. Their collaboration, leadership and good humour provided a lift to the students when it was most needed.

Concurrent with the management of the risks posed by COVID-19, the Leadership Team and Board, and committee members have continued to oversee the Heritage

Project. The impact of Lockdown 6 on the construction industry, causing a statewide closure of building sites, has had a flow on effect on our timeline. While we are still uncertain of the date for the handover of the completed building work, we continue to be amazed at the scope of the project and the transformation that is occurring in this magnificent building.

As we approach Christmas, I would like to thank all members of our community for their support during this difficult year. Planning events and navigating changes along the way will still be a matter of course for 2022, as we anticipate audience members and visitors on-site once again. I especially look forward to welcoming our parents and Past Students back on-site in 2022 for the opening of our Heritage Building. Have a happy and safe festive season.

Ms Mary O’Connor Principal

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Year 12 Valedictory Dinner and Special Awards Congratulations to the recipients of the Year 12 Awards, announced at the 2021 Virtual Graduation Night on Tuesday 19 October 2021.

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1. Mother Paul Fay ‘Striving for Justice’ Award

Leala Uytenbogaardt This award goes to a student who has demonstrated a passion for Social Justice through her involvement in a range of activities offered by the College.

2. Mother John Byrne ‘Nurturing Compassion and Community’ Award

Belle McCubbery This award goes to a student who is recognised by her peers and teachers as someone who demonstrates compassion towards those around her.

3. Mother Sebastian Lardi ‘Independence, Initiative and Leadership’ Award

Therese Hetherington This award is presented to a student who shows initiative and independence in the way they have approached their academic studies and co-curricular pursuits.

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4. The Sr Leonard Gartlan ‘Celebrating the Presentation Mission’ Award

Mia Caspersz Awarded to a student who has promoted the spirit of the Presentation Sisters through her participation in a range of ministries, which are encompassed by the academic, liturgical and social justice life of the College.

5. The Joanne Rodis Christian Awareness ‘Fostering Faith’ Award

Eliza Jordan Awarded to a student who has promoted the values of the Gospel through their participation in a range of ministries and a strong commitment to the College and the wider community.

CONGRATULATIONS KARIN GILBERT ON WINNING THE PRESTIGIOUS JOHN WARD AWARD Library Services Leader Karin Gilbert has been part of the Star of the Sea College community since January 2018, and her dedication and work ethic has been recognised with her receiving The John Ward Award.

The John Ward Award is bestowed upon a person who demonstrates an outstanding contribution to learning and teaching at their school and who raises the profile of their profession through their role as teacher-librarian, an award well deserved by Karin.

John Ward was a founding member of SLAV, a founding member of the Australian School Library Association, and a founding member of the International Association of School Librarianship.

Karin joins a highly regarded group of teachers who have won the award across a wide variety of Victorian schools.

Award winner Karin Gilbert (Centre) with Monica Williams (Left) and Rosalie Austin (Right)

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Presentation Awards Providing an opportunity for the College community to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students this year, our annual Presentation Evening was held as a virtual event on Thursday 18 November 2021 and was once again enjoyed from the comfort of homes.

The following students were recognised for their contribution to the College community throughout 2021:

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1. Ruby Higgins Sr Josepha Dunlop School Spirit Award Year 7 2. Isabel Good Sr Josepha Dunlop School Spirit Award Year 8 3. Chilli Rivalland Sr Josepha Dunlop School Spirit Award Year 9 4. Katie Hardy Sr Josepha Dunlop School Spirit Award Year 10 5. Adriana Galanopoulos Sr Josepha Dunlop School Spirit Award Year 11 6. Sabrina Ellis Mother Eymard Temby Award Year 11

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7. Erin Webster Mother Magdalen Keogh Award Year 10 8. Charli Rymer Sr Philomena Consedine Award – Year 11 9. Emma Hogarth Nano Nagle Award For Social Justice – Year 11 10. Charlotte Whiteside Kildare Ministries Award – Year 11 11. Genevie Perruzza Goldstein Medal Award – Year 11

15. Tess Dsouza Monash Young Scholars Award

19. Lucy Silk ADF Leadership And Future Innovators Award

12. Isla Mottram Ellia Green Sportswoman Award – Year 10

16. Charlotte Verberne Monash Young Scholars Award

20. Jessica Paul Almeida Russell Poetry Award

13. Chiara Gosling Teresa Mulullay Prize For Academic Excellence

17. Domini Yole Monash Young Scholars Award

21. Chiara Forti Corvett Award – Year 9

14. Lily Donohue Deakin Young Influencer Award

18. Rose Pearson ADF Long Tan Leadership Award

22. Lucy Silk Kwong Lee Dow

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Heritage Building Update – An Insight into Educational Architecture

Contract winning and Head Architect John Lee, Co-Director McGlashan Everist Pty Ltd Architects, answers questions relating to the importance of carefully developed architectural decisions in the education space, and how these choices will benefit the Star of the Sea College community with the soon to be completed first stage of the Masterplan, The Heritage Project.

Why is architecture so important in an educational setting?

New learning environments should be flexible, to offer multiple possibilities of arrangements supported by sophisticated time management.

They should be clustered, as opposed to a juxtaposition of classrooms, to allow for informal spaces, intermediate territories that induce group work and broaden the student-teacher relationship with the studentstudent relationship for more casual conversations and they should include reflective places. Dividing up the school space into a hierarchy of smaller clusters, introducing an intermediate level between the classroom and the whole school, and supporting teamteaching can achieve this.

New learning environments should have a common-core, an ‘informal meeting place’ where the whole

or parts of the school can gather in various ways and groups like a ‘melting-pot’. And they should promote connectivity; the school should be part of a wider network, virtually and physically.

The learning setting is intrinsically linked to student comfort and motivation as it involves fundamental characteristics such as fresh air, acoustic quality, thermal and lighting levels, as well as decorative aspects such as colour and material finishes that are integral to the occupants’ well-being and capability and will determine the student’s experience.

That is why good architecture is so important.

Tell us what you like most about your work in education?

The opportunity to improve the lives and learning opportunities of those who are the future of our world.

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What is your favourite space that you have created in The Heritage Project?

It will probably be the creation of ‘no space’.

That is the portico space that has been carved out of the base of one of the parts of the Heritage Wing. This new space enables the visual and physical connection of the eastern and western halves of the campus through the architectural gesture of creative demolition.

What is your favourite part of the architecture process?

What are the challenges of working on a Heritage building?

As much as I enjoy all parts of the process, and they are all important, in respect of our work in education the master plan and the subsequent occupancy by the students are the most exciting and fulfilling.

Historical context allows engagement with the best of the past while looking towards tomorrow.

The aim of a master plan is to establish a clear direction for future planning, development and management of a school’s buildings and landscape. The aspirations in a master plan should represent a transformation of a school into a learning community to support the skills development of global citizens.

F I N D O U T MO R E

Heritage buildings can bring deep understanding and cohesiveness to a campus.

Adaptive re-use can bring unexpected and exciting architectural solutions and offer new learning opportunities. The challenge is to identify and retain the elements that are essential to the essence of the Heritage building, to enable it to still be read when significant change is made so that the story of the building and its history remain alive, whilst providing modern amenity and purpose.

For the first time since the 1930s, everyone will be able to see from one side of the campus to the other and to access the whole campus at ground level without having to pass through a building and to climb and descend steps. The portico leads to a new vertical circulation hub with rationalised floor levels within the Heritage Wing. It will be truly liberating for all.

Do you have any words of advice for Star students who are considering a career in architecture?

Do it. The world needs you. Women have become powerful agents of change in a profession that used to be dominated by males. Even if you don’t continue with a career in architecture, an architectural education will change the way you see and understand and might change the world. It should be compulsory.

If you have any questions or comments about The Heritage Project, please contact us on the dedicated project email heritageproject@starmelb.catholic.edu.au or visit our website www.starmelb.catholic.edu.au.

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Profiling our Board – Lisa Dwyer, Star of the Sea College Board Chair Why did you join the Star of the Sea College Board?

After graduating in 1986, I lived overseas for many years and lost formal contact with Star, although my best friend from Year 7, Lisa Murie (McKernan 1986) kept me up to date with stories of teachers, students and the community.

Being so far away, I loved hearing about the changes and growth at Star over the years, but also loved hearing that many things stayed the same – social justice involvement, music and sport festivals, masses in the Chapel, and the famous ‘Facta non Verba’. I joined the Board to help protect the diversity of thought and opportunity that Star gave to me and to so many other students; to ensure that a balanced and vibrant Star education could open doors for future generations to become whomever they wanted to be, and to give back to the place that gave me so much in my time there.

What do you feel that you contribute to the College?

Our Board is focused on future strategy, current financial security, and providing leadership to the Star community.

Our Board and Committee members are volunteers from our broader community – past students, current and past parents, and experts in a range of fields including marketing, strategy, finance, education, theology, architecture and risk management. This group of people care deeply about the Star community and I love being able to join them and contribute to the future sustainability and growth of the College.

What is your vision for the future of Star?

A community, not just buildings or an institution, that continues to celebrate its heritage and the Presentation legacy, as well as embracing the future of learning. I hope that generations of students will take the opportunities Star readies them for, and go out to do great things in the world!

What is your greatest moment as the Board Chair?

COVID-19 has heavily impacted every aspect of our daily life for the last 18 months. Students, teachers and families have faced immense challenges and been forced to adapt and change, repeatedly it feels. Witnessing the resilience of Star students, and the ability of teachers and staff to adapt and grow, has filled me with amazement and pride at what can be achieved when a community is strong and supports one another through tough times.

What unique quality does Star offer compared to other schools?

Star encourages a ‘blinkers off’ approach to life. We are asked to look for injustice, look for unfairness, look for those who need our help, and step up to solve problems.

Star enables students to seek out new experiences and embrace what life throws at them, and what they can create for their community. Star gave me the tools and confidence to create my future, and I hope it continues to do so for all students for many many years.

Lisa Dwyer (Left) and Lisa Murie at Star of the Sea College Graduation Class of 1986

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Year of Wonder Reflection Article for Kildare Ministries September Newsletter by Donna Neander, Head of Mission and Identity Our inspirational logo for 2021: ‘Embrace wonder, inspire change’, developed by our current student Liturgy and Social Justice Leaders, has given a clear focus for how we live and give expression to the theme of wonder at Star of the Sea College this year. Our student leaders, students and staff have found many ways to bring the theme of wonder to life through our annual theme launch, prayer, liturgies, justice initiatives, Music Fest and community events.

During retreat and reflection days, students have enjoyed quiet time and space to explore the theme of wonder in a variety of ways including Wonder and Wisdom (Year 12), Wonder and Justice (Year 11), Wonder of Creation (Year 9), with many opportunities for reflecting on the wonder of God’s loving presence in the world.

As a community, we have acknowledged and celebrated Apology Day, Refugee Week, Reconciliation Week and Homelessness Week. Both the walls of our busy library corridor and the Trasna stairs have become focal points for expressions of our solidarity with and commitment to those made poor in our world. Mentor groups and Religious Education classes have put their faith into action in many activities to raise awareness and funds for organisations including Wellsprings for Women, Presentation Family Centre, Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project, St Kilda Mums, St Kilda Gatehouse, Big Group Hug and the Presentation Wilderness Project.

Our annual Nano’s Walk on Foundation Day in Term 1 was a celebration of walking in the footsteps of Nano Nagle to support Project Compassion and other justice programs. The sense of wonder and anticipation was palpable at the drawing of our annual Nano’s Walk Raffle, which was made possible by the generosity of so many community members who donated prizes and bought tickets. Another highlight of Term 1 was Music Fest where the many talents of our students combined for a truly awe-inspiring evening of song, dance, music and a joyous celebration of Star spirit.

The 2021 Sacred Heart Mission Appeal, launched at our Sacred Heart Liturgy in Term 2, focused on the experience of vulnerable people being assisted by Sacred Heart Mission to move into independent accommodation. The appeal theme, ‘Make a House a Home’, invited us to reflect with gratitude on all that we have, to develop empathy for the experience of those made poor in our world and to think deeply about the small things that make home life comfortable. The generous donation of hampers of household goods by Star of the Sea College Mentor groups and staff showed that Nano’s spirit of loving service continues to inspire us today.

The spirit of wonder and awe at God’s loving presence in our lives continues to inspire the Star of the Sea College community to live justly and act for peace in our world.

Ms Donna Neander Head of Mission and Identity

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Appreciative Inquiry Session Past Student Sarah Nally (2000) facilitated an Appreciative Inquiry with the goal of generating epic ideas from our students in June 2021.

What is Appreciative Inquiry?

Appreciative Inquiry is both a model and a mindset to discover and empower self-determined change. Anyone can find problems, many people can think up solutions, however when we engage the tools of appreciative inquiry, we seek to discover the best of what was, what is and what could be. In discovering the positive core of the existing topic, we unlock collective wisdom and ideas start to flow. The energy that we uncover through appreciative design is both respectful and full of wonder. Instead of seeking what isn’t working, instead of uncovering the worst bits, when we seek to understand and hear stories of positive possibility, we become inspired to create optimistic and sustainable solutions for today and tomorrow.

Appreciative inquiry usually follows four steps around a topic (source - www. betterevaluation.org/en/plan/approach/ appreciative_inquiry) 1. DISCOVER: What gives life? What is the best? Appreciating and identifying processes that work well.

2. DREAM: What might be? What is the world calling for? Envisioning results, and how things might work well in the future.

3. DESIGN: What should be the ideal?

Co-constructing - planning and prioritizing processes that would work well.

4. DESTINY (or DELIVER): How to empower, learn and adjust/improvise?

Sustaining the change.

When it comes to delivery, following a design thinking approach for developing MVP (minimum viable products) or prototypes to test is a great way to maintain momentum and create excitement during the implementation phase of a project/idea development.

Student Wellbeing The topic of Student Wellbeing for the Appreciative Inquiry was very relevant to the recent challenges of remote learning and COVID-19. Thank you to the students who shared inspirational ideas including ‘how might we make school a second home’ and ‘how might we create a common area for all year levels where our students can connect’.

We were extremely lucky that students were at school for the Appreciative Inquiry, providing the optimal brainstorming session.

Sarah facilitated the session via Zoom from New Zealand and students were supported on site by teachers and leadership staff. We look forward to developing these ideas and implementing positive change by listening to our most important people, our students.

‘Students learned important ideas that they can apply to collaborative working. For example,

students found by “appreciating what is already working rather than starting with a problem and being critical” means that there is a more open and positive focus. Another take-away was that their first idea might not always be the best, but a start is better than nothing, and it’s okay to change ideas. Finally, language is important.

Student leaders were intrigued by the idea of the “radical inclusion” offered by questions like “how might we” and the encouragement offered by answering ideas with “yes and” rather than “yes, but”. These strategies are valuable in any context.’ Michele Parkinson, Student Leadership Coordinator ‘The Appreciative Inquiry helped students to think about the holistic goals of Star and work towards supporting students in the best way possible. I feel tackling these goals with a different thinking approach achieved more discussion between students at school and allowed for a better outcome.’ Julia Loffel, SRC Captain

MEET SARAH Sarah Is on energetic Mumpreneur on a mission to help us all learn to harness the power of our minds and unleash our wonder mindset.

Co-founder of Australia's most innovative event series 'Wired for Wonder' for CommBank, Tropical Biz Retreat 'Nurture Her', online shoe business 'Sienna Baby', creative consultancy 'The Wonder Tribe' and more recently 'Wonder and Wonder' and Head of Change and Communications at NAB, Sarah is passionate about helping people unlock their Wonder Mindset to experiment with ways of working and reach their full potential so that they can be more productive, efficient, happy, conscious, engaged and creative In all aspects of life.

From Innovative lntrepreneur and Design Thinking Coach at CommBank to Entrepreneur and serial business owner and Microsoft Ambassador, Sarah has experimented with process improvement, productivity, innovation, Design Thinking and of course old fashioned grit and determination to create an eco-system of successful businesses.

Sarah completed high school or Star of the Sea in Melbourne, a Bbus HR and Psychology at Monash Universily, she's a qualified Hypnotherapist, Design Thinking Coach, NLP Master and is currently studying a diploma of neuropsychology and cognitive behavioural therapy.

She currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her blended family of five kids under nine and is GM of Design for ASB Bank.

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Vale Cameron Sayers On 17 March, St Patrick’s Day this year, we lost our esteemed colleague and teacher, Mr Cameron Sayers.

Cameron is remembered for his deep commitment to and passion for teaching.

Having only been a member of the Star of the Sea Community for just over 12 months, Cameron had made a significant impact on the lives of his students and their parents. He brought with him an exemplary pedigree of teaching excellence having dedicated most of his career to the classroom as teacher, Head of English, and Head of House at St Leonard’s College.

Throughout his teaching career of more than 25 years, Cameron also taught students of different backgrounds and circumstances

in London, Pakenham and Braybrook.

That past students from all these schools contributed to his memorial is testament to the extraordinary skill, talent and character of both the man and the teacher.

Cameron exuded an enthusiasm for learning which quickly became infectious amongst his students and colleagues. Most of all, Cameron was fun. He had the innate ability to walk the line of maintaining the status quo while injecting the right amount of humour and lived experience through his anecdotes. Cameron respected his students, and saw their potential. He prided himself on helping them achieve outstanding results.

He wanted every one of them to be the best they could be and to be happy.

Always thoughtful, but equally and simply, both funny and fun, we remember Cameron as a remarkable member of the Star community and thank him for teaching us so much.

Reunions 2022 SCHOOL REUNIONS We are very happy to be able to resume our reunion program next year and are looking forward to the Class of 1981 Reunion scheduled on Saturday 19 March 2022.

We are planning additional reunions next year to cater for 2020 and 2021 reunions that were missed and 2022 reunions. If your year level celebrated 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 years since graduation during this time please contact us to discuss organising your reunion. The College will contact recent graduates next year to organise 1, 2 and 3-year reunions for these groups to cater for the missed 1 year reunions.

REUNION COLLEGE TOURS If you would like to organise a College tour for your reunion and tour our refurbished Heritage Building, we have scheduled the following reunion tour dates* in 2022.

• Saturday May 14, 2022 (5pm) • Saturday June 18, 2022 (5pm) • Saturday August 20, 2022 (5pm) • Saturday October 15, 2022 (5pm)

* Please ensure that you schedule your reunion date on these dates if a tour is required as we are unable to offer alternate dates due to the volume of reunions expected next year.

Please contact Jenni Tucker jtucker@starmelb.catholic.edu.au for further information about reunions and to book your reunion school tour.

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Farewell Retiring Staff The very best wishes go to our retiring peers who are congratulated on their contributions to Star, and who will be greatly missed.

Gail Clayford – Humanities/Religious Education, 37 Years When you reflect on what it is to be a strong Star woman, there is no better example than what we find in Gail Clayford.

Whether on stage dancing to the beat of an African drum, climbing a steep hill or on the Flying Fox in Myrtleford, to riding a bike in the middle of the Mekong Delta, Gail is a fine example for all who have the privilege of working alongside her.

Gail has been an exemplary leader for both staff and students alike. Gail commenced at Star following a recommendation from the Principal at Avila College, 37 years ago, and only 18 months after she and her husband, Eustace, and their son Grantham, arrived in Australia from South Africa. After one day of teaching, Sister Josepha Dunlop called her and informed her that she had the job. This was the beginning of her journey where she has carried out many different roles including years of Pastoral leadership for Years 7, 8, 9 and 11, as well as teaching Humanities, Religion and Business Studies.

Gail introduced the BOA Course at Star of the Sea College (Business, Office and Administration) and initiated Star’s connection with Moorabbin TAFE to support the students with their studies in this course. After completing her Certificate 4 Training, she taught this course for 15 years at the College.

Charmaine remained well informed about changes in disability funding and available support services. She was a leader in her role and was often asked to consult with Catholic Education Melbourne to assist with the development of policy and strategies needed to support students.

Her guidance and genuine goodwill have been appreciated by so many of her colleagues and she regularly receives correspondence from students and parents who have been the recipients of her care, understanding and her vast knowledge.

Charmaine has a cheeky wit and a wonderful sense of humour. She also has a great ability to stand firm when students need a champion for their cause.

She leaves Star having left her mark on several generations of young people. We wish Charmaine well in her retirement where she will undoubtedly have great fun and joy catching up with her friends.

Bernadette Dorning – Technology/Science, 24.5 Years The first word springing to mind about Bernadette Dorning is ‘hospitable’. She was responsible for introducing VET Hospitality to Star, inspiring many to follow successful career paths into the industry. A generous and social person, she raised the profile of the Food and Health Faculty as the Leader for 10 years, bringing innovative ideas to teaching and learning.

Her renowned organisational skills were a signature of sorts, reflected in her advanced photocopying and neatly labelled folders, keeping order and calm in an otherwise demanding school environment, something her students and staff appreciated.

Charmaine McKee – Learning Support, 30 Years

A specialist in her field and as an experienced VCE teacher, she presented at HEV conferences and was a writer of support material for Health and Human Development study and an examination assessor for the VCAA. Over the years she has assisted in the design of kitchens over various parts of the College and more recently, the state-of-the-art facility, the Trasna Food Technology Centre.

Charmaine has always been a strong advocate for Star students. She provided sage advice to both colleagues and parents, facilitating a positive and rewarding school experience for the students in her care.

Her generosity was especially highlighted on the 125-year celebration of the school’s foundation, when cupcakes and lollies with the College Crest were made for every member of the College. Along with Bernadette’s

There are many highlights throughout her teaching career at Star and she will be missed for her wisdom, her kindness and her ability to see the beauty in all that she experiences.

We wish Gail every success in her retirement and know that her sense of adventure will continue to shine through her future pursuits.

Hospitality students catering for many Art & Design exhibitions, she has traveled with school trips to Italy and Vietnam. Bernadette was able to contribute her cultural knowledge of food, enhancing the students’ experience of different cultures. Sharing her passion was a joy.

In retiring, Bernadette will be looking for more adventures with her husband Tim, including travel when it is safe, gardens to redesign, crafts to master, books to read, yoga and long walks, and of course friends to entertain.

Julie Christiansen – Learning Support, 24 Years Julie has been an integral member of the Learning Diversity team for more than two decades. Julie was an advocate for the students she supported at Star every single day. She is one of the kindest and most empathic people we have ever worked with in Learning Diversity.

Julie has always been devoted to achieving the best for her students, tireless in her patience and gentle in her approach, to gain their trust and to build their confidence. She had an ability to make everyone feel valued.

Her work to support the Mathematics Faculty in designing appropriate programs for students with special needs was much appreciated by teachers. Julie’s ability to make Mathematics a relevant life skill kept her students coming back for more. There have been many young women who have blossomed because of the magic of Julie, who nurtured and encouraged them to become all that they could be. Many of her teaching strategies and tools have become the status quo for teachers working with students who have special needs, and this is the greatest compliment to her of all.

Julie served on various committees during her years at Star. For the past three years, Julie was a member of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) team.

We thank Julie for her dedication and wish her happiness in the next phase of her life.

Ciara Mortale – Languages (Italian), 23.5 Years Chiara started at Star in 1998. She was initially employed to teach Italian on a part-time basis, but soon after took the full time role of Year 8 Mentor Teacher, teaching Religious Education and Italian.

During her teaching at Star, Chiara has instilled a love for Italian in her students, and she has developed strong relationships with them as well. She has been a wonderful role model and

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Mentor for both students and staff. Chiara is generous with her time and has attended many camps and retreats over her years at the College.

Highlights for Chiara include 23 years teaching Italian (Year 7 to 11) and three wonderful School Cultural Study Trips to Italy in 2002, 2010 and 2016. Another highlight for Chiara is that her daughter, Monique (2006) was educated at Star.

Chiara is looking forward to travelling and spending more time with her family and grandchildren in her retirement.

We thank Chiara for her wonderful service, dedication and contribution to Star of the Sea College. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues and the Star students.

Brendan Phyland – Mathematics, 21.5 Years Brendan started at Star in 2000 as a teacher of Mathematics. At that time, Brendan was a part-time teacher and at the same time, ‘Mr Mom’ to three gorgeous daughters Siohban (2012), Breanne (2013) and Jaime (2015).

Before long Brendan was lured to teach full time in both the Mathematics and Health & PE faculties, and became a vital part of the Star Sport program. Brendan took on his GSV and SCSA coaching roles with great knowledge and planning to enable each team to achieve success.

Brendan was responsible for introducing Star staff to Dragon Boat racing competition, and the Star staff trained and competed under the watchful eye of Brendan in the Moomba Dragon Boat races.

Brendan was also responsible for the set-up the Star Social Club and he created the MICE Association (Men in Catholic Education) for social wellbeing of the male staff teaching in girls catholic schools.

Brendan was a part of the amazing Year 8 Mentor team under the leadership of Gail Clayford. Brendan's expertise in Outdoor Education was not a secret for long, as he became the vital link in planning Star’s Camps Program Year 8 through to Year 10.

He was instrumental in the planning and organisation of the Year 10 camp for 15 years. Brendan’s planning and configuration was admired by all staff, as every camp ran like poetry in motion.

As an experienced teacher of Star students, Brendan flourished in the role of Stella House Pastoral Leader. Through his understanding of girls’ education, Brendan demonstrated an amazing ability to work with students with many varied needs. His friendly and welcoming personality, excellent teaching skills and knowledge, will be missed by his colleagues and his students.

Nada Ellis – English, 17 Years During her much deserved long service leave break this year, Nada has decided to turn the page on her rich and rewarding teaching career.

Nada’s passion for English and Literature, together with her dedication to her students, is legendary in the Star community.

Before joining us at Brighton in 2004, Nada enjoyed a distinguished career teaching in New South Wales, followed by extended maternity leave as she raised her children, Daniel and Sarah.

For the past 17 years, Nada has illuminated novels, plays, films and poetry for her classes, imparting her love of literature and inspiring students to achieve beyond their expectations.

Whether teaching the skills of close passage analysis to Year 12 Literature students or delivering lines from Romeo and Juliet by heart to her Year 8 English class, Nada has always embraced the opportunity to extend her students and ignite their love of language.

1. Gail Clayford 2. Charmaine McKee 3. Bernadette Dorning 4. Julie Christiansen 5. Ciara Mortale 6. Brendan Phyland 7. Nada Ellis 8. Maria Morandini

As a friend and colleague, Nada will be dearly missed in the English faculty and lunchroom.

Over the course of her career at Star, Nada has been Debating Coordinator, Lantern Magazine Editor and, more recently, a passionate supporter of the Star Writers’ Collective.

Here, Nada’s keen proofreading and editing skills have been greatly appreciated by the Write-a-Book-in-a-Day teams. In particular, her friends will miss Nada’s film and Netflix recommendations, often shared over cake (Nada is a cake connoisseur).

We wish Nada a rich and rewarding retirement, knowing that a world of reading, cinema and travel awaits.

Maria Morandini – Mathematics, 9.5 Years Maria has been a very dedicated and passionate member of the Mathematics department at Star over the past 10 years. She has taught Year 7 to Year 11 Mathematics and has spent many years teaching at the Year 9 Campus (previously known as Anzac).

Maria’s knowledge and expertise in the best ways to educate girls in the area of Mathematics has certainly been of benefit to her students. She was one of the first staff in the department to use PowerPoint to present and teach her classes. Her Year 7 classes have had many fun lessons in which concepts here reinforced and taught through games and hands-on activities.

During lockdown, Maria used her love of cooking to teach the concept of Pi as the connection between the circumference of a cake, time and the diameter. These are just some examples of the commitment that Maria has shown to make sure her students understand the concepts.

Maria is a very kind, caring and generous person to both her students and colleagues, and will certainly be missed by all.

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Star’s Got Talent!

TANYA GEORGE AND HER METEORIC RISE AS A STAR All four spellbound judges spun their chairs and hit their big red button as Tanya George’s distinctive beat and 4.5 octave vocal range boomed out across the brightly lit Seven Network television studio, her rendition of The Source’s ‘You’ve Got the Love’ beginning her journey on The Voice 2021.

A woman of immense talent, past student Tanya George (Class of 2011), performs an array of styles and genres, including busking, performing a cappella with a vocal-looper, or dazzling a diverse audience with her evolutionary electro-pop.

How have you managed through COVID-19 and the impact that the pandemic has had on the entertainment industry?

I always have a plan and I'm not afraid to fail! COVID-19 has completely decimated the live music scene, but I was able to release my EP Normality last year and singles like ‘Welcome’ and ‘Can't Do Anything Right’. In addition to this, I received a City of Melbourne grant and won the Alex Legg Foundation Memorial Award for innovation. Along with a sold-out headline show at Howler, my music has also been played on over 120 Australian radio stations including Triple J and has received press coverage in Europe, UK and the US. I was one of seven artists chosen for Melbourne Music Week and the Metro Tunnel ‘Home Made Sound 2021’ project.

I miss playing live music so much, from festivals to headline shows, to my busking performances. Playing live is my jam!

What made you decide to go on The Voice?

I just knew we would be in lockdown so, when I was scouted, and after many long conversations with my team, I made a strategic move and agreed to go on the show. I predicted ratings would be higher because of lockdown and because the show was

being advertised throughout the Olympics. It just seemed like a good idea for 2021 to stay relevant, gain exposure and have something to look forward to. It was awesome working with Rita Ora and being in her Top 5!

What’s a favourite memory from your time at Star of the Sea College?

Receiving Dux for Music in Year 12!

(2011) What does a ‘day in the life of Tanya’ entail?

A coffee, exercise, consistent meals, lots of emails, 2 hour Zoom meeting planning and nutting out ideas with the TG team, content creating, merchandise orders, practice/ rehearsals, writing, recording, occasional video shoots then photoshoot, press interviews, social media, a show (in person/ online), dinner, bed!

We are grateful to Tanya, through her team at ‘SoundBox Management’, for sharing her experiences with us.

LILYSOPHIA DASHWOOD (YEAR 9) Late 2020, Year 9 student LilySophia competed in the virtual Youth America Grand Prix Asia-Pacific classical ballet semi-finals where she was awarded the Youth Grand Prix Award (the top prize in the 12-14 year old category). Due to this amazing achievement, she was invited to participate in the Youth America Grand Prix International Virtual finals, which were held in July 2021.

LilySophia was placed in the top 12 of the Junior Women category.

Congratulations LilySophia – an incredible achievement in an international competition!

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An Olympic Dream Comes True for Tess Competitive, determined and truly inspirational, past student Tess Lloyd (2013), Australian Sailing Victorian Female Sailor of the Year 2021, made her Olympic debut at this year’s Tokyo Games in the Sailing 49er FX team. Here she reveals some highlights of her experience representing Australia on the world stage, during a pandemic.

What did you enjoy about competing at the Tokyo Olympic Games?

I loved being there, representing my country, Australia! It has been a dream for a very long time and a tough, long journey, so I was so happy to finally be there on the start line!

After everything that was going on in the world, I felt extremely grateful to be there and doing what I love.

I also loved the experience because it was the pinnacle of sport, lining up against only the best in the world!

What were the challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions in the Olympic Village?

I was actually not staying at the Olympic Village with all the other athletes. My sailing was based in Enoshima, which was about two hours away from Tokyo, so I was staying at a sailing village with just sailors and had to stay in my ‘bubble’. It was a bit of a shame that I was not able to meet other amazing athletes and experience the Olympic vibe but again, all the athletes and I were just so happy to be able to compete.

What was your most memorable experience and why?

First day of racing was the most memorable. It was a windy day on the water and it was just such a nice feeling of excitement and relief that the Games had officially started for me. We also had our best results on day 1 of our regatta.

I also really loved seeing all the Japanese volunteers each day as I got off the bus. They were just so excited to have all the athletes in their country and they were so welcoming! They always put a smile on my face, and the Japanese culture is just amazing!

Was it strange travelling during the pandemic?

Yes, very strange! I am so used to flying all the time for training and competition but the flight to the Games was a first in a while.

We just had to be super careful and follow all the Olympic team protocols.

What advice would you give to Star students about making their Olympic dream come true?

Believe in yourself! There will be many challenges along the way like there are for most athletes, but you just need to keep believing in yourself. If it were easy, everyone would do it! Goal setting is also super important. Short and long-term goals are necessary, as it is a long voyage, but an amazing and rewarding journey!

Top: Tess Lloyd (Left) with 49er FX teammate Jamie Ryan.

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Parents’ Association FROM THE PRESIDENT

As we wind up 2021, the PA says goodbye to Mick Wilhelm and Monique Bellew as their ‘babies’ are graduating. We say a huge thank you to Mick and Monique for their incredible contribution to our PA and the Star community.

Oh my stars! Welcome to the end of 2021.

I’m not sure whether we call it déjà vu or Groundhog Day, but I am sure something is particularly familiar!

The PA have become Zoom aficionados continuing to meet, catch up and plan for events.

We are going to need some new parents on the PA for 2022 to continue in our endeavour to support our community. We hope that meeting in person becomes a reality next year, but we know we can do ‘our thing’ no matter the circumstance.

This second half of the year has not been as ‘social’ as we had hoped. We planned many events that could not take place, and we waited until the very last second to cancel a couple of them. We do know that our Star parent community are really looking forward to catching up in person and, as I’m sure we have said before, we really look forward to seeing you all.

Our Star With Heart raffle is a new introduction, which was to run in conjunction with the annual Mums lunch in helping to support wellness actions for our ‘Strong Star Women’ in the making. We adopted The Resilience Project strategies to implement these endeavours. Our Star community were amazingly supportive of our raffle, with many incredible donations, and so decided to go ahead with it online. The Raffle raised over $11,000.

Two events (of sorts) happened to finish the year. Our 2021 ‘Wish upon a Star’ commemorative wine sale and the Star With Heart raffle.

Twenty Twenty Two will start with a bang.

The Annual Fees Raffle will again kick off as the new school year begins, as will the preparation for our Star 2022 Fiesta.

We also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the never-ending support Mary O’Connor and Bernadette Turner show the PA, and to thank all the incredible staff at Star. They have endured the same challenges as everyone over this past year, and have done it with a smile and unwavering support to the whole College community - students, parents and PA. We wish all our Year 12 students the very best as they await their results. Be proud of the way you have handled these last two years and know we are incredibly proud of you. We cannot wait to see what amazing adventures life takes you on from here.

Stay safe everyone. Enjoy the Christmas season with those you love. With luck, we will be able to do that in person.

See you when the calendar ticks over to 2022.

Kellie Perkins

YEAR 7 COFFEE MORNING – HELLO AGAIN NEW STAR PARENTS! After a successful gathering at the beginning of the year at Fiesta, the Year 7 Mothers and eager staff members made a break for freedom and met at Sons of Mary for reacquainting and much needed coffee.

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Past Students' Association FROM THE PRESIDENT This year has been another difficult period for so many past students in our community, but there were still many highlights to enjoy. It was incredible to see Past Student Tess Lloyd (2013) compete in Sailing 49ers FX at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Well done Tess on achieving this lifelong dream! You overcame many obstacles to get there and you are such an inspiration. Natural ability played a part, however sheer hard work and

determination were critical in reaching your goal. You are indeed a role model for our students.

It was also fabulous to be entertained by the talented Past Student Tanya George (2011) competing on The Voice this year and placing 4th overall. Your voice is captivating and your performances were outstanding, congratulations.

There have been many struggles but there is also so much to look forward to in 2022.

We are excited that the Heritage Project will be completed next year and the Chapel will open again. We are also looking forward to resuming our 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 year reunion program to make up for those

reunions missed during 2020 and 2021.

If you are interested in helping organise your reunion, please contact Jenni Tucker jtucker@starmelb.catholic.edu.au. We are also planning the next Star Women Speak that we will schedule as soon as we are able to have past students back onsite.

Make sure you visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/starpaststudents to keep in touch with what is happening in our community. This is where we also post photos from our archives for you to enjoy.

We trust you are all keeping safe during this challenging time and hope to engage with you more in the year ahead.

Frances Tobin (1980)

REGULA BLACK OAM (NEE SPANDEL, CLASS OF 1970) The Order of Australia Medal was presented to Regula due to her hard work with the community of Veterans and their families.

CONGRATULATIONS LOUISA ANDERSON, VICTORIAN SCHOOL TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR Congratulations to past student and College staff member Louisa Anderson (nee Puzsar, 1977) on winning the 2021 RACI (Royal Australian Chemical Institute) Victorian School Technician of the Year award. The awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the Victorian Chemistry community. Well done Louisa on this incredible achievement.

Louisa has been a laboratory technician at Star for 20 years and is a valuable member of the Science faculty. Louisa is a true support to all VCE teachers, particularly first year VCE teachers and her knowledge of subject material across VCE and junior Science is unparalleled. She is a collaborative team player who embraces new technologies including 3D Printing, and supports initiatives such as the New Inventors (STEM) Club, raising the profile of Science to our students.

Louisa is committed to the Star Community and has been a member of the Past Student Committee for six years. Louisa is also a past parent of Jessica (2006) and Jacinda (2009).

Louisa was a valuable member of the team during remote learning, producing high quality videos of science experiments. These videos were used during COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 providing invaluable support to our VCE science students during an incredibly challenging time. This award is well deserved and reflects Louisa’s commitment and contribution to Science at Star.

Regula Spandel has devoted her retirement to supporting Veterans, their families and the community in Beaumaris. She is a life member of the National RSL Women’s Auxiliary and is heavily involved in the Thunderbird Owners Club of Australia and the Beaumaris Returned Services League of Australia (RSL) Sub-Branch.

Her compassion, impact and community spirit was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia.

Regula’s husband Terry Black was awarded an OAM last year.

Regula is the daughter of Mrs Spandel, a French and German teacher at Star from 1963 to 1979.

Regula’s two sisters Barbara Spandel (Class of 1968, dec. 2020) and Ursula Spandel (Class of 1986) also attended Star.

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Sacred Heart Mission – Make a House a Home Demonstrating our motto ‘Deeds not Words’, the Star community came together, once again, to enthusiastically support this year’s Sacred Heart Mission appeal.

The appeal theme, ‘Make a House a Home’, invited us to collect critical household items to donate to people from hotel/motel accommodation into their own homes, to adjust fully into their new home and make it a space they’ll always want to return to.

Star’s goal was to have each Mentor class provide a ‘welcome hamper’ containing the following items: • 3 x Pack of Tea Towels • Spray & Wipe • Clothes Detergent • Fabric Softener • Toilet Brush • 6 Pack Toilet Paper • 1 x Bottle of Shampoo • 1 x Bottle of Conditioner • Sponge/Scourer • 1 x Pack of Razors • Dustpan & Brush • Dust Buster (small hand-held vacuum) • Dishwashing Liquid • Body Wash (full sized) Extras that the Star community provided were cushions, kettles, toasters and rugs, which were considered ‘luxury’ items.

With a target of 48 hampers, Star provided 57. A wonderful contribution to a fantastic initiative.

A huge thank you goes to all those in the Star community involved. Deeds not Words indeed.

A NEW WEBSITE BY PRESENTATION SISTER MARY COLOE PBVM Presentation Sister Mary Coloe has adapted to the changing times and created a website www.marycoloe.org.au to share important messages and provide information about services available to the community. Mary has many years of teaching experience in secondary schools, Australian Catholic University and the University of Divinity. Mary offers in-services for teachers in schools, workshops for Parishes and talks for Spirituality in the Pub. Mary is a Professor at the University of Divinity and has published two books on the Gospel of John. Mary is also a past student, graduating with happy memories in 1966.

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Family News 1

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1. Eliza Isabelle Schilg 2. Michael Arthur Gallivan 3. Hugo John Christos Palanci 4. Anne Tripaydonis and Patrick Dyer

BIRTHS Nadine Schlig (Staff) and Andrew welcomed Eliza Isabelle Schilg on 15 April 2021. Her big brother Benjamin absolutely adores her!

Denis Palanci (Staff), partner Vanessa and daughter Evaliah welcomed Hugo John Christos Palanci on 13 May 2021.

Kelly Gallivan (Staff) welcomed Michael Arthur on 24 August 2021.

WEDDINGS Anne Tripaydonis (2010) and Patrick Dyer were married at St Catherine's Greek Orthodox Church in East Malvern on Sunday 28 November. An enduring Star connection was prevalent with the Bridesmaids Kate Tripaydonis (2015), Alana Dang (2010) and Talia Raso (2010) also past students, and her mother Toula Tripaydonis (Staff) among those in attendance.

DEATHS We remember in our prayers these members of the Star community who have recently passed away…

Mary Carmel Fisher (Class of 1957) passed away on 2 November 2020. Mary will be missed by her five sisters, Patsy Hanson (1962), Gerardine O'Donohoe (1969), Leonie Hinton (1975), Clare Fisher (1978) and Annemarie Fisher.

Elizabeth (Betty) Mary Dorward (nee O’Connor, Class of 1958) passed away Thursday 20 May 2021.

Marie Holland (nee McCabe, Class of 1942) died peacefully on 23 May 2021.

Marie was the wife of Jack (dec) and mother of Veronica (1968), Peter (Gr 2 1956), Christopher and Tony. She was a cousin of Maria Caffrey (1944) and aunt of Catherine, Geraldine, Michael, Tessa (dec) Leonie and Maree Keaney, as well as Christine and Anne Sweeney – all of whom were Star students between 1950 and 1970.

Marie was an active member of the Mothers’ Association and a loyal past student who attended PSA activities until recently.

Patricia Daly (Class of 1939) passed away 10 July 2021. Patricia attended Star of the Sea College together with her younger sister Maureen Lady Barnewell (nee Daly, Class of 1940 dec. see below).

Lady Barnewall, Maureen Ellen ‘Maurnie’ (nee Daly, Class of 1940) passed away 19 September 2021. Beloved wife of Sir Reginald ‘Reggie’ Barnewall Bt (dec.), adored mother of Joe Barnewall, beloved stepmother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother to all her extended family. Sister of Patricia Daly (1939, dec.).

Dearly loved by her friends.

Karla Muirhead (nee Bastomsky, Class of 1988) passed away on Wednesday 8 September 2021. She was the only child of Saul and Beatrice Bastomsky, the wife of Dr David Muirhead and mother of Erika and Raphael.

Karla did her H.S.C. in 1988 and studied Arts and Law at Monash, and in 1992 both Literature and Constitutional Law in Berlin with a German Academic Exchange Scholarship. After graduation, she joined the Victorian Public Service and became a Senior Parliamentary Counsel.

Several Star of the Sea College colleagues of her mother, especially Frances Brumpton and Moira Curtain, supported Karla during her long illness and Singapore based Jennifer Kiing, who was Karla’s best friend in Years 11 and 12, Zoomed every Sunday to pray with Karla.

Karla fondly remembered her time at Star, where her mother taught for 22 years.

Joan O’Dwyer (nee Lawless, Class of 1943) passed away 26 July 2021. Joan was a boarder at Star from 1938 when she was 13 and continued until she went on to do her nursing training at the Mercy Hospital. She enjoyed reading her copy of The Star in later days when her mobility was severely restricted.

Sr Eileen Jones pbvm passed away 22 October 2021. She was a much-loved teacher and a woman of deep faith and devotion.

Eileen will be missed by her family and her many friends, and the Presentation Sisters give thanks for her life amongst them.

STAR OF THE SEA COLLEGE A Kildare Ministries School in the Presentation Tradition Martin Street, Brighton Phone 03 9595 9595 Email star@starmelb.catholic.edu.au Fax 03 9596 6821 Website starmelb.catholic.edu.au

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