Extraordinary Women - Summer 2018

Extraordinary Women

Alumni Memorial Garden Opening service allows for moments of contemplation and celebration

Megan Hurley (1995) Striving for the highest with Megan Hurley

From the President of the Alumni Committee Amanda Yaksich Alumni President

T

he Penrhos Alumni Committee had a busy but rewarding end to 2018 with opening of the Alumni Memorial Garden on Sunday 9 December.

The Memorial Garden was a fulfilling endeavour that we have been involved in and certainly a highlight to finish off this busy year. We are delighted we were given the opportunity to establish this meaningful garden and would like to thank Chaplain Claire and Head Groundsman Rob Murray for all their help and invaluable guidance in creating this very special place for all the school community to reflect and pay their respect.

Biannual magazine for the Penrhos Alumni community

Extraordinary Women… and a few good men In recognition of the members of our Alumni who studied with us as boys (1952– early 1980s)

Contents

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Opening of the Alumni Memorial Garden

This year, Penrhos College also hosted the annual Pleiades meeting, which is attended by representatives from Perth’s independent girls’ schools. The meeting is always a lot of fun and very informative with various topics discussed throughout the evening.

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Alumni profile: Megan Hurley

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Vale: Colleen Costello (1930-2018)

September saw the launch of a new innovative event — a long table lunch for Alumni at Galafrey Wines in Mount Barker. Principal Meg Melville and Alumni members attended this enjoyable afternoon. Thank you to Alumni Kim Tyrer (1995) and Sally Pullin (1987) for their generous support in making this event so successful.

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Vale: Zoe Buckingham (1998-2018)

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Penrhos Alumni Endeavour Award

Finally, I would like to thank the Alumni Committee, Principal Meg Melville and the Penrhos College community for their help and support throughout the year. We look forward to an exciting 2019 and invite our Alumni to continue to stay in touch.

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Out and about

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Photo gallery: Alumni events

COVER PHOTO Megan Hurley (1995)

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Opening of the Alumni Memorial Garden The Alumni Memorial Garden was officially opened with a service and dedication at the Chapel on Sunday, 9 December.

The Penrhos Alumni Committee collaborated with Chaplaincy and Grounds to create the Memorial Garden, a peaceful and purposeful space to honour Alumni who have passed away, and to “provide an opportunity for family and friends of our members to reflect and remember a loved one” said Amanda Yaksich (Watson 1976), Alumni President.

The cornerstone of the Garden is the Memorial Wall, which is surrounded by a beautiful landscaped garden, with two water

features, pathways and seating, and a variety of specially selected flora that will bloom throughout the year.

This legacy project was generously backed by two Penrhos Foundation families – the Strapp family and the McPherson family. As a result, the water features have been respectively dedicated, to recognise the support and benevolence of these families.

“We, members of the Penrhos College community, dedicate this Alumni Memorial Garden. May this garden be a sanctuary for those who find their way here … a place for reflection, remembrance and peace,” said Rev Claire Pickering (1996), Penrhos College Chaplain.

Alumni and members of the College community attended the service, which allowed for moments of contemplation and celebration. At the end of the service, attendees walked through the Garden and placed a stone in the base of a water feature as an act of commemoration and to mark the dedication. The stones will remain in the water features.

The Alumni Memorial Garden can be found behind the Chapel Vestry.

For enquiries about the Garden, and the placement of plaques, please contact the Chaplaincy Department at chaplaincyassistant@penrhos. wa.edu.au or (08) 9360 9533.

1 The Strapp family, who generously sponsored one of the water features, in honour of Susan Strapp (Fuller 1965) 2 Plaques will be installed onto the limestone Memorial Wall 3 Guests were invited to place stones in the base of the water features 4 Family of the McPherson sisters, Philippa Strong (McPherson 1963) and Fiona Mitchell (McPherson 1972)

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Striving sky-high with Megan Hurley Penrhos graduate Class of 1995 If you think being female and having a successful career in aviation don’t go together, think again.

Squadron Leader may be a title that brings to mind a scene from Star Wars – the force was certainly with Penrhos Old Girl Megan Hurley as she embarked on her journey to become a pilot for the Royal Australian Air Force.

Megan loved aviation as a child. She remembers always asking to go up to the cockpit (back in the days when that was allowed) when flying with her family.

When Megan finished her schooling at Penrhos in 1995, she took a course of introductory flying lessons at Jandakot Airport which ignited her passion for learning to fly herself.

Realising that pursuing her ambitions through civilian channels would be lengthy and costly, Megan explored possibilities with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which pays for pilot training and university studies.

Having been a keen sportswoman at school, Megan was further attracted to the significant emphasis on physical activity in the military culture and lifestyle.

“The Defence Force has more exciting planes to fly and I liked the variety of roles that the aircraft in the RAAF offered ­— such as fighters, maritime surveillance and air lift,” says Megan.

Megan joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1997 as an Officer Cadet and spent three years at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) studying for a Bachelor of Technology degree in Aeronautical Engineering in Canberra. This intake year at the Defence Academy involved 50 pilots and Megan was the only female.

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In 2000, Megan began flying training at the Basic Flying Training School in Tamworth, then at No. 2 Flying Training School in Perth to develop her skills and confidence as a pilot. On completion of her training, Megan was awarded her ‘wings’ as a RAAF Pilot and her high-flying career began to literally take her around the world.

Still on the look-out for new challenges, Megan ‘jumped ship’ to embark on a five-year exchange with the Royal Australian Navy, flying helicopters. As a junior Aircraft Captain on the Sea Hawk helicopter, she was deployed to sea — landing on the back of Australian Navy and coalition ships and traveling through Asia Pacific visiting places like Japan, China, South Korea, Guam and Singapore.

Megan’s helicopter missions included submarine hunting, anti-surface warfare, load lifting, winching operations, search and rescue, and tactical insertion and passenger transfer operations. Megan recalls the most challenging part was often landing back on the ship’s deck after a mission, when the vessel was pitching and rolling in heavy seas, often in poor weather or at night.

Megan was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for her service on HMAS Parramatta in the Northern Arabian Gulf during Operation Catalyst in 2005/2006 for sustained outstanding service in warlike operations.

Megan and her team were recognised for successfully conducting maritime security operations in support of the government’s contribution to the rehabilitation and rebuilding of Iraq. “Receiving this award while flying the RAN Sea Hawk helicopter in the Middle East for six months is one of my greatest professional achievements,” Megan says.

In 2007, Megan returned to the Air Force to train in Australia as a fighter pilot – this time, her training involved low flying, formation flying and air-to-air combat manoeuvres.

Megan then moved to Canberra to become a pilot with a Royal Australian Air Force VIP transport squadron with the responsibility for flying the Governor General, Prime Minister, Ministers and Defence Chiefs from 2008–2010. This involved training in Montreal, Canada and flying VIPs throughout regional Australia and the Asia Pacific.

electrical systems, hydraulics systems, engines and flight aerodynamics).”

Megan loved studying Maths with Mr Norbert Fandry and Computing with Mr Lee Lego, during her time at Penrhos.

She was also particularly interested in Physics and Science.

However, becoming a pilot was never presented as a career option to Megan in the 90s. “I love that the Penrhos educational approach is STEM-focused and I would strongly recommend students pursue STEM subjects as you can end up in the most unexpected of places. The best start you can give yourself is to choose subjects you enjoy and work hard so that you have options later in life.”

In 2010 Megan married Mark, a fellow Air Force pilot and they moved to NSW to start a family. Over the next few years, she took a break from flying and had three beautiful boys — now aged 2, 5 and 6.

Megan thoroughly enjoys being a mum. The RAAF was very supportive of her time out and Megan continued working part-time in non-flying jobs in Aviation Safety and Capability Development. “The Military aims to create family-friendly work place policies to make it possible for women to become mothers and to re-enter the Forces when needed,” Megan says.

It was during this stage in Megan’s career that she witnessed a shift of female empowerment in the Defence Force, a movement she is proud to be part of. The RAAF adopted a progressive approach to the targeted recruitment of women — with success being evidenced in a pilot intake of around 20% women over the last few years. “Traditionally 2-3% of RAAF pilots were female, but recently the Airforce announced it had achieved 5% of female pilots and I feel certain it’s a positive future ahead for females in the RAAF,” explains Megan.

Megan Hurley is currently a pilot flying with No. 2 Squadron — a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) squadron that operates the E7-A Wedgetail AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle NSW. Try to say that fast three times!

Megan says that having a sound base in both Mathematics and Science helped her throughout her pilot training and career. “Pilots are constantly making calculations whilst in the air and using things like geometry for spatial awareness with the flight profile. Megan’s strong background in Mathematics, Computing and Physics helped her greatly when learning about the aircraft technical systems (such as

1 Megan Hurley on a Hornet flight 2 In front of a Sea Hawk on deck 3 Pre-flight on a Challenger 4 Sea Hawk flying

With an ever-evolving career, Megan looks forward to whatever the future holds. She is currently progressing further pilot qualifications which will qualify her for the position of Squadron Flight Commander in January 2020. Megan will likely be in this role for 2-3 years before looking at further promotion to Wing Commander in the RAAF. Megan is very proud to be a Penrhosian and has no doubt that many of the skills (both in the classroom and on the sports field) that she learnt at Penrhos contributed to her career success as a RAAF pilot.

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Vale: Colleen Costello 1930–2018 English Teacher at Penrhos College: 1972–1996 BA (English Lit) Colleen Costello is fondly remembered by the Penrhos community as a strong, independent woman who knew her own mind and was always true to herself.

Very knowledgeable, Colleen had the natural ability to talk eloquently on any subject and enjoyed engaging in stimulating conversation on anything from current affairs and politics to sport and literature. Colleen is remembered as always being appreciative of multiple perspectives and respectful of others’ points of view.

Colleen lived in Midland — she caught the train to the city and a bus along Canning Highway each day to get to Penrhos. Colleen led a full and rewarding life; she was extremely close to her brother’s family and tremendously proud of her nephew who was an Olympic athlete. A fervent Royalist, Colleen is popularly reported to have ‘had the hots for Prince Phillip’.

Some would describe her as different, others say she was eccentric or non-conformist – whatever the word of choice, Colleen left her mark as an extraordinary woman who was known for her unique style, her gregarious approach, her rigorous moral code and her unwavering ethics. Most of all, we cherish and return the love which Colleen gave to Penrhos and to her students in such abundance.

In fond memory of Colleen Costello 1930–2018.

For ever in our hearts.

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I have the fondest memories of Colleen! She was such a happy and positive member of staff. She held passionate views on a whole range of topics and loved talking about football.I will always remember her very distinctive style of dress — coats and berets, irrespective of the season.

She also had a wicked sense of humour! I remember a conversation just after my appointment in 1979 when Colleen shared with me that, whilst I wasn’t the best from the pool of applicants, I was the cheapest because I was a new graduate. Meg Melville, Principal The girls had a great fondness for Colleen - when they returned to Penrhos after they had left, the first person they always asked about was ‘Miss Costello’ – they would then recall some kindness of hers or something memorable that she had said or done.

The staff had great respect for Colleen both as a teacher and as a valued colleague. I will remember her fondly, as an extraordinary lady who played an important role in my life at Penrhos. Val Mayger, Former Vice-Principal and President of the Penrhosian Association

Vale: Zoe Buckingham 1998–2018 Veteran and graduate of Penrhos College: 2002–2015 Zoe Buckingham is warmly remembered by the Penrhos community as an extremely engaging young woman, who possessed many wonderful and endearing qualities.

Zoe had a great strength in her convictions and would give herself 100% to any cause that she took up - be that in her sporting pursuits, community service, fundraising or in leadership.

As both day girl and boarder for a short time, Zoe related extremely well to both her peers and the Penrhos staff, enjoying a broad friendship group and many interests.

Zoe will be remembered with much love and affection by all at Penrhos.

In fond memory of Zoe Buckingham 1998–2018.

For ever in our hearts. For ever young.

Zoe came to the Middle School (as it was known then) from Junior School, full of enthusiasm and very keen to do well in all aspects of her daily school life. She was extremely capable academically and also in sports, especially athletics and swimming.

It is with great sadness that I write this message in memory of Zoe, a happy and vibrant member of the graduating cohort of 2015.

Zoe was a delight to coach, as she was a fierce competitor and always keen to improve. She soon excelled in her athletics and, over the six years of high school, Zoe became a very fine runner, competing at the highest level in WA and interstate at the National Schools Knockout Competitions. Zoe had an extremely positive approach to running and training and set a great example for younger team members - punctual, enthusiastic and always keen to train hard, role models like Zoe ensured the amazing success of the Penrhos teams.

Zoe was always full of energy and demonstrated her competitive nature through her sporting pursuits – she was at her happiest when representing the College as part of the athletics team and in hockey.

My memories of Zoe are filled with recollections of many wonderful times, not just running and team successes, but also those hundreds of training sessions in which Zoe enjoyed her gift as an athlete, the running environment and running with her team mates.

A highlight of Zoe’s school years was the 2013 Canada Cross Country Tour, which she enjoyed with sister Amy and mother Gill. Whilst in Banff, I recall Zoe also had a great opportunity to demonstrate her excellent skiing skills.

Zoe will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Norbert Fandry, staff member 1989 to 2015, Dean of Co-Curricular 2011 to 2015

Zoe was a well-liked individual, who would always greet you with a smile. She was very approachable and naturally made friends with all her peers across the cohort.

When we lose a student, when we lose a friend, when we lose a family member, it breaks our hearts. I wish you peace, Zoe. Max Leech, Teacher

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LEFT Emma John with President of the Alumni Committee, Amanda Yaksich

Penrhos Alumni Endeavour Award The 2018 Alumni Endeavour Award was presented to Year 12 student Emma John, by Alumni Committee President Amanda Yaksich, at our annual Flower Day Assembly on 18 October. Deserving recipient Emma John has been heavily involved in community service activities for many years, helping the Penrhos and wider community in any way she can.

The Endeavour Award provides financial support to a Year 12 student who would like the opportunity to achieve something extraordinary for others. The longstanding and prestigious award sits at the heart of our College values and stems from the ‘For Others Club’ which was established in 1957 at the MLC South Perth Angelo St School.

Emma’s passion is in helping teens with mental health issues and is closely involved with Perth-based mental health organisation zero2hero. Through her work with this not-for-profit, Emma attended ‘Camp Hero’ —

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a week-long program which helped her appreciate ‘it’s okay not to be okay’ and which provided her with the tools she needs to recognise and support peers who may be struggling.

This inspiring and extraordinary young woman will use the funds from the Endeavour Award to provide a series of workshops for Secondary School students in support of good mental health practices. Emma’s vision is to remove the stigma associated with mental health; she will work with students to help them feel comfortable talking about their issues with their peers. Emma hopes the program will grow virally online as participating students become mental health advocates. She would like to extend the reach of the Alumni Endeavour Award by coordinating further initiatives with not-for-profit zero2hero.

We look forward to hearing about Emma’s inspiring work next year when she presents at the Alumni Committee’s Annual High Tea on 5 April.

Out and about Michelle Randell (1970) states that she enjoyed the August Founder’s Day celebrations very much, and that she is looking forward to the 50th anniversary of her class’s graduation in 2020. Michelle was a member of the West Australian Ballet, and played the roles of Alice in Wonderland and Snow White in the Disney on Parade productions of the 1970’s.

She currently lives in Perth and is married to Dr Joe Romanoski of Chicago, Illinois.

After leaving Penrhos, Michelle Stewart (Proudlove 1987) travelled around the US with Narelle Nyeholt (1987). They did summer camp together in Massachusetts then bought a combi van and travelled the countryside for a couple of months, which was heaps of fun. When Michelle returned, she studied Commerce at UWA and landed her first job as a researcher for the royal commission into Rothwells and WA Inc. This was followed by a job with Market Equity which she absolutely loved and has spent the last 30 years working in the research and strategy industry. She still works part-time when good projects come along, but mostly spends her time raising four gorgeous daughters.

Simone Collins (1993) has been selected to be the Greens candidate for Burt in the upcoming federal election. She has been actively involved with many community organisations over the past 20 years, including Rotary/ Rotaract, her children’s school P&C and a founding member of the new Armadale Climate Action Network having launched on 17 November, so it’s been a natural progression to get involved with bringing about change through politics.

Alumni members are invited to contribute to The Penrhosian magazine by emailing news items to alumni@penrhos.wa.edu.au. We publish Alumni submissions in good faith, with a view to sharing and celebrating good news.

Annie Hsiao-Wen Wang (1997) went on to study at UWA and graduated with a double degree in Science and Engineering. She worked in the mining industry for a number of years before returning to school and studying Contemporary Art at ECU. She has been practising as a visual artist for the last 14 years now, exhibiting around the world including New York, LA, Hong Kong, Taipei and Sydney. Recently Annie has also published a book, her debut novel titled The Imperial Alchemist. The book is inspired by her travels around Asia and the rich cultural history of the continent. It is an adventure thriller and the narrative is a complex interweaving of fiction with historical fact.

Kirsty Mansfield (1998) and husband Chris welcomed their first child on 13 June 2018 — a beautiful baby girl named Ayla Bett Mansfield.

Jessica Gilmore (Meins 2001) and her husband Daniel Gilmore welcomed their first child earlier this year.

Tatum Jessica Gilmore, born on 23 April 2018 weighing 3.31kg and 52cm. Daniel and Jessica met in Perth nine years ago and moved to Sydney together in 2012. Marrying in 2015 in Sydney, they have now been living in Bondi, Sydney for six years.

Ashleigh Owens (2001) is now living in New York with her family, having moved from Tokyo in February this year. Her son Mavi is three-year-old and her daughter Elâ was born 9 June 2018.

Aimee Baker (Marshall 2002), remembers attending Penrhos College as a boarder and living away from her family’s wheat and sheep farm in the country. She has many fond memories of her school years including having loved rowing, fashion, modelling, netball, art

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and French. After graduating, she studied at Edith Cowan University in Science and Health Studies which she later used to gain a successful career in Nursing. She has worked at St John of God Hospital in Murdoch, Narrogin Hospital and St John of God and Bunbury Regional Hospital.

Now as a mother to two beautiful daughters, Tess (aged six) and Kaeley (aged three), and their recent addition of baby son Dylan Lewis (born in May), her growing family is as busy as ever. Aimee and her husband Darren now focus on educating their daughters at Treendale Primary School near Australind.

Maggie Marshall (Elliot 2005) married Daniel Marshall in a beautiful garden ceremony on Sydney harbour in March with her two fellow Penrhosians, Courtney Hoad (2005) and Chelsea Goodwin (2005) by her side as bridesmaids.

Chelsea Goodwin (2005) gave birth to her beautiful baby girl Avery Gandy, who was born on 2 October weighing 3.8kg.

On 30 December 2017, Georgia Brown (Baker 2005) married Gerard Brown (Aquinas 2001) at Lamont’s Bishops House. The wedding was attended by many former Penrhosians including Georgia’s four bridesmaids; Maddie Russell (2005), Conor Ward (McCombe 2004), Sinead Reidy (Hartnett 2004) and Prue Mercer (2005). On 23 October 2018, Georgia and Gerard welcomed a baby girl, Abigail Fae Brown. Georgia is loving her role as a mum and has adjusted to her new life living on Gerard’s family farm in the Wheatbelt town of Burracoppin.

Congratulations to Sharni Dickenson (Perry 2006) on her first wedding anniversary on 3 November 2018.

Sarah Hazell (McRae 2008) got married in September last year at AQWA. Both Sarah and her husband are truck drivers and are currently saving up for their own house.

Emma Itzstein (2008) recently had her first solo exhibition at Brunswick Street Gallery (August- September) in

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Fitzroy, Melbourne. It was a painting series named YIN which was a great success and nearly sold out.

Rebekah Ballingall (Godfrey 2009) welcomed her baby girl Hailey Jane Ballingall into the world on Monday, 8 October 2018, weighing 1.79kg. She has completed their family along with her husband and Brendan (aged four).

Paris James (2009) married Nathan Smiler on 23 November 2017 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Dianella and has their reception at Ambrose Estate, Wembley Downs.

Jessica Williams (Cameron 2011) got married to Paul Williams on 2 June 2018 at South of Perth Yacht Club. Both bridesmaids, Mikaela Kurtes (Andrew) and Allysha Sprunt, are also graduates of 2011. Their florist for the wedding was Jenny Fleming (1976), also a fellow Penrhos alumni.

Tayla Shillingford (Clatworthy 2011) and her husband welcomed their second daughter, Miley Anne Shillingford, to the world on the 30 October 2018 at 6 lb 13 oz and 49.5cm long. They are in a complete love bubble with their two beautiful little girls and can’t wait to send them to Penrhos. The couple are still living up north in Exmouth WA. Tayla couldn’t be happier, she definitely feels in her element being a mum!

Sarah Acomb (2012) graduated in July 2018 with her Masters in Professional Engineering (Civil) with a Distinction. She then began full-time work with Multiplex where she previously worked part-time as a Cadet. She is currently a Graduate Site Engineer on the prestigious New Museum Project working mainly on the construction and restoration of the Heritage-listed buildings.

Megan Hood (2014) is a Bachelor of Science (Financial Mathematics) student from Curtin University, who has been selected for the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Colombo Plan Scholarship for Hong Kong in 2019. The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region. In the

world of Senator the Hon. Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs, “These young Australians represent the best of our nation. A diverse group of emerging leaders from all corners of this land, from our cities to rural and regional communities. Creative and resilient high achievers, they embody the dynamism of modern Australia.” The New Colombo Plan was launched in 2014, and since has resulted in invaluable connections to universities, organisations and governments that are fundamental to the future of Australia’s relations to the Indo-Pacific region. Megan will study Chinese Language, Finance and Mathematics at the City University of Hong Kong, and she plans to undertake an internship at the World Health Organisation in the Health Policy and Financing Division for the Western Pacific Region. Her aspiration is to understand how critical health objectives are being financed throughout the region, as well as being an Australian Ambassador throughout her program to promote bilateral relations between Australia and Hong Kong.

decided to do an honours research year focused on the development of blood clots in pregnancy. After applying for Medicine again, she found out that she has been offered a place at Notre Dame in Fremantle, so she is now making the move back to Perth.

Josephine Adams (2014) and her fiancé welcomed their first daughter, Matilda Rose Brooker, into the world on 19 June 2018. She is doing very well and was definitely worth the wait.

Outside of university, Alisha has co-founded a young female empowerment group called Girls for Girls with her sister Dana McMullen (2014) and Maddie Hughes (2016). With this group, she has spoken at International Women’s Day events, been interviewed for various mediums and have hosted fundraising events.

The group has just recently started, and she can’t wait for it to grow bigger and better each month.

Charleen Tiwari (2014) has been offered a tennis scholarship at the University of Texas in San Antonio to pay for her studies in Economics.

She is captain of the tennis team and have been able to travel all around the U.S. playing tennis against different universities. She is now in her final year of university, having started an on-campus organisation called “OneGoal” where athletic gear is collected from the other athletes and donated to children and sports teams all around the world to encourage them to continue playing sport and stay active.

Since graduating in 2016 as head girl, Alisha McMullen (2016) went to study Education at Curtin University under a full John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship (JCUS). She is loving her studies so far and has tried to take every opportunity she can to network and gain valuable experiences. She finished her first practicum at the end of Semester 1, 2018 and is still in contact with her mentor teacher today. JCUS has really broadened her horizons — not only has it funded her tertiary education, but it also provides a motivating and positive space to extend herself as a young leader. She says, “It’s like a little family of people who love to develop themselves as much as they can and in any way possible!”

She is also required to partake in a certain amount of volunteer work each week, which encourages a servicedriven mindset and allows her to try new things.

In January this year, Alisha was selected to mentor at yLead’s Australasian Student Leadership Conference at Bond University. She said it was truly an incredible experience and was great to be on the facilitating side rather than being a participant as she was in 2016.

Teagan Craig (2014) has recently been employed as the Events Executive at Pan Pacific Perth. She will take care of any events held at Pan Pacific and will assist clients in the planning of these events.

Since 1 July, Alisha has embarked on a six month adventure around the USA and Canada. She was accepted to study at Brock University in Ontario, and travelled America before the semester began. She also received a full scholarship to attend the international LEAP leadership conference at UCLA which took part at the end of July.

Oyinda Orundami (2014) finished up the bachelor’s component of her Science degree and graduated from Melbourne University. She applied to study medicine but did not get an offer, and although it was super disappointing to not be successful last year, she

Bridget Brown (2017) went on to study a diploma of Events and was offered a job with the Perth Convention Bureau as a Business Development Manager Terrace in the city. This is her first proper job beside nannying, swimming teaching and rowing coaching.

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Photo gallery: Alumni events

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Class of 1968 Reunion

Class of 1978 Reunion

Class of 2008 Reunion

1 Back Row: Suzette Landels (Hill), Sue Holmes (Grant), Shona Smith (Grant), Stephanie Fryer-Smith (Burgess), Sue Williamson (King), Elaine Birk, Karen Goddard (King), Kay Wilcox (Marris), Debra Coombs (Connell), Patrica Turner (Fritz), Gail Spiers, Deborah McGrade (Bourne) Front Row: Heather Malacari (Smith), Nada Bond (Middleton), Diana Boden (Rydzewski), Helen Butcher (Ward), Helen Swift (Wilkinson), Jenny Grant (Davies), Karen DiMarco (Parker), Roslyn Hayes (Lambe)

2 Old Girls in the front of Penrhos College main administration

7 Class of 2008

Class of 1988 Reunion

Great Southern Luncheon

3 Class of 1998

8 Kim Tyrer (1995), Frances Giles (Smith 1961), Amanda Noack (1974) 9 Maddi Saker (2015), Shannon Brunalli (2015), Abbie Lane (2015) 10 Heather Malacari (Smith 1968), Betty Quinlan (Smith 1953), Kaye Smith (1964)

10 August 2018

13 October 2018

11 August 2018

Class of 1998 Reunion 3 November 2018

4-6 Old Girls attending their reunion at Raffles Hotel

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12 October 2018

15 September 2018

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Old Girls reuniting in 2018 Throughout 2018 we have enjoyed the wonderful company of many Alumni who have attended their milestone reunions both here at the College and off campus.

We kicked off “reunion season” with the Class of 1968, 50 Year Reunion on 11 August. The ladies enjoyed a lovely tour of the College, which is vastly different to the MLC South Perth Campus where they completed their education.

At the end of the College tour the ladies indulged in a fabulous sit-down dinner in the Colwyn Centre. This was certainly a night full of stories and reminiscing which was enjoyed by all who attended.

On the following day, 12 August, we held the Class of 1988, 30 Year Reunion in the Llew Woodford Function Centre.

This cohort embraced the 80s which became the theme of the evening. With photo props to set the mood these lovely women enjoyed a tour of the College before a wonderful cocktail styled evening. The night went off fantastically with all enjoying the bubbly, canapés, and especially the company of old friends.

In September we took a trip down to Albany for the Great Southern Long Table Luncheon. Privileged to be hosted by Old Girls Sally Pullin (Hillam 1987) owner of The Beach at Bayside, Boutique Hotel and Kim Tyrer (1995) owner of Galafrey Wines. On Saturday, 15 September, 20 Old Girls joined our Principal Meg Melville at Galafrey Wines for a delectable three course luncheon. This lovely afternoon was

made exceptionally special as we had graduates from the Class of 1953 to the Class of 2015. We would like to thank Sally and Kim for their generosity and help with making this event such a success and joyful occasion.

On 12 October we hosted the Class of 2008, 10 Year Reunion. What a night! The girls embraced their first milestone reunion and enjoyed every minute. The evening started with the College tour, with most of the campus still being very familiar. The girls then enjoyed ample food and drink in the Colwyn Centre; the night was made that bit more special as the girls were presented with their time capsule letters that they wrote to themselves back in Year 12. Very interesting stories, happy and funny memories were shared along with a lot of catching up on the past decade.

The night was a great success with 70 graduates attending.

The following night the Colwyn Centre was occupied by the Class of 1978; with 40 women attending their 40th reunion, the night was tasteful and enjoyed by all. There was plenty of happiness and laughter as the women reflected on their school days.

Before the final reunion for the year, the Class of 1998 took a trip down memory lane with a College tour before attending the Raffles Hotel in Applecross for their 20 Year Reunion. Lovely canapés along with flowing champagne was enjoyed by over 50 Old Girls; a magnificent time for the women and one we know will be remembered.

Save the date — Upcoming reunions in 2019 Class of 2017 – 18 Month Leavers Reunion Friday, 15 March 2019 Colwyn Centre, Penrhos College

Class of 1989 – 30 Year Reunion Friday, 9 August 2019 Function Centre, Penrhos College

Class of 1969 – 50 Year Reunion Friday, 24 May 2019 Colwyn Centre, Penrhos College

Class of 1999 – 20 Year Reunion Friday, 6 September 2019 Rixon Theatre Foyer, Penrhos College

Class of 1979 – 40 Year Reunion Friday, 21 June 2019 Creative Arts and Design Centre, Penrhos College

Class of 2009 – 10 Year Reunion Friday, 1 November 2019 Colwyn Centre, Penrhos College

Please send any reunion queries to Shannon Brunalli at alumni@penrhos.wa.edu.au or (08) 9368 9508.

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