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)

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 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.

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.