Myalla - May 2021

Myalla OFFICI A L JOUR N A L

MAY 2021 Issue #287

PE R T H COLLEGE OLD GIR L S ' A S S OCI AT I ON

Our Leading Lady Anne (Hepworth) Hairsine (1956) reflects on her fabulous career at Perth College WITH FEATURES FROM

Pamela (Grieve) Angell (2002) Dr Debbie Anne (Clapin) Smith (1982) Kathleen Gregory AM (1977) REMARK ABLE STORIES

Elise (Knott) Stratford (1967) Stephanie (Jennings) Fullarton (1979) Frances (Russell) Nicholls (1936)

FROM THE EDITOR

Living Under Lock and Key I’ve just had my third COVID-19 test to see if I can be released into the wild... well, from my quarantine prison cell. I’m certainly hoping, and assuming, I’ll test negative as I did for my last two tests in the past fortnight. Since then, I’ve been under lock and key in a Sydney hotel.

Who would have thought this would be the way of the world?

Of course, I’m more than happy to endure 14 days in a beige box with a blue-sky view to help protect Australia from COVID-19. While initially I thought I’d be bored stupid, I’ve been rather busy.

Oddly, I haven’t opened a book, I’ve hardly watched TV, I haven’t really even had the urge to call family and friends. I’ve just bunkered down, largely with my 11-year-old son as my husband is working from this austere high-rise 'home'.

Tobias and I have played dress-ups with the food delivery bags, practiced silly dance routines, and had epic tickle fights. I’m getting those in while I still can.

Speaking of adorable, our 'Bush Telegraph' girl for this edition is Frances (Russell) Nicholls (1936). It truly was a privilege to interview this precious Old Girl who turned 100 last November. She is now my official inspiration... sprightly, smart, happy and healthy. Oh, to be that lucky to hit THAT milestone with such vigour.

I’m very sad to report three Old Girls lost their family homes in the Hills bushfires earlier this year. I’m sure we can’t fathom such a loss. We look at the heart-wrenching story of Elise (Knott) Stratford (1967). Her family lost almost everything they owned, but this Old Girl is stoic, strong and is only looking forward.

TOBIAS PLAYS DRESS UPS WITH QUARANTINE FOOD DELIVERY BAGS.

However, this is the calm before the storm as we will soon be crazy busy trying to re-establish our lives in Melbourne after four fab years living in Washington D.C. I’ve focused on the Myalla though in my enforced downtime, which has been fun and a terrific diversion. It’s a bumper edition, with lots of inspiring Old Girls sharing their truths.

Can I start by lauding our cover girl?

Anne (Hepworth) Hairsine (1956), is an impressive woman and a PC triple treat – a former teacher, student and parent.

Surely there can’t be many of those in our mix! We take a lovely trip down memory lane with the Perth College Drama teacher of 21 years.

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There’s the second instalment of the 'Kangaroo Route', where we take a look as an Old Girl living overseas bounds along with Pamela (Grieve) Angell (2002). She took the ‘London leap’ many do after university... minor detail, she stayed!

Oh, and you should see her little London ladies – adorable times two.

Still relatively new to this role as Editor, I’m pumped to introduce another segment called ‘Sweet 16’. It’s a quick and quirky Q&A with an Old Girl – 16 questions that, albeit short, paint the picture of a person and who better to kick it off than the Old Girls’ Association President, Stephanie (Jennings) Fullarton (1979). She’s one positive chick and I’m sure you will all love this fun little riff.

Of course, there are many other beaut bits in here... Old Girls do so much don’t they? Plus, we showcase two ladies who have joined the WA Women’s Hall of Fame, Dr Debbie Anne (Clapin) Smith (1982) and Kathleen Gregory AM (1977).

We also hope you love the new look of the Myalla.

We’ve joined forces with the Heritage magazine, which we think is fabulous as we get to highlight all of our incredible Old Girls to a much wider audience.

But for now, I have to run... I really need to get that Viking costume sorted!

MIGNON (HENNE) STEWART (1988) mignonstewart@icloud.com

Old Girls' Association 2021 Commitee PRESIDENT STEPHANIE (JENNINGS) FULLARTON (1979) VICE PRESIDENT LINDA (MEYERS) HYLAND (1968) SECRETARY KATRINA (PORT) HARRISON (1988) TREASURER JEN (STEWART-WYNNE) SARRE (1988) BURSARY TRUSTEES PRESIDENT, TREASURER AND FOUNDATION REPRESENTATIVE

Young Old Girls' Advisory (YOGA) Sub Committee CO-ORDINATOR JADE GUERRINI (2016)

COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE JANE SCOTT (1975) FOUNDATION REPRESENTATIVE ANGEL CHEN (2008) MYALLA EDITOR MIGNON (HENNE) STEWART (1988) COMMITTEE MALINDA BLAIR (1996) DENISE (JONES) HALL (1979) YVETTE (WIKLUND) JONES (1996) LESLEY (DUNSTAN) KEEN (1958) TOBY (ROSENTHAL) WHYTE (1992)

COMMITTEE ANGEL CHEN (2008) HEATHER GROTH (2012) TANYA MOON (2011) STEPH MUNRO (2012) JASGEET SINGH (2013) CHLOE SMOLENSKI (2016) ELLY ZOUNIS (2016) MARGO ZOUNIS (2016)

COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT 2021 has seen the return of OGA events and reunions, however we must still proceed with caution according to State Government regulations at the time, and potentially run a little differently to ensure the safety of our Old Girls.

To enable more effective communications, we would love all Old Girls to please provide us with a phone and email contact to enable us to update you regularly. Please update your details via phone +61 (8) 9471 2100 or via email myalla@pc.wa.edu.au.

3

REFLECTIONS OF AN OLD GIRL

ANNE HAIRSINE TAKES TO THE JUDITH COTTIER THEATRE STAGE AGAIN. PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARCOS PRADO.

Anne Hairsine's Trip Down Memory Lane Anne (Hepworth) Hairsine (1956) can’t sit still. She simply has too much energy coursing through her creative veins!

However, for our spectacular cover shoot, she says: “It was lovely, except that I was totally out of my comfort zone. I’m so used to being on the other side of the camera”.

Surely photos don’t lie… to me it looks like Anne was in her element! After all, this leading lady was the Perth College Drama teacher for 21 years – a job she truly loved.

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Anne began teaching at Perth College in 1982 and directed dozens of plays from My Fair Lady, Dracula and The Importance of Being Ernest to the controversial Lysistrata production.

They were busy years. Anne directed the major productions in collaboration with other schools, Class Soirees and Rock Eisteddfods. ‘Mrs H’, as she was affectionately called, also had lessons to prepare, helped with the much-loved House Drama competitions and so much more.

I ask Anne how she managed to navigate all those adolescent girls and she says it was simply about including everyone.

“What I loved about my time at PC was creating a team of students, staff and parents. It was also crucial to find and concentrate on students’ strengths and be realistic... and have an open mind.”

“ I have so many memories of my heart just bursting with pride and joy seeing the work of so many students come to fruition.”

Anne says her most memorable production was her very first, and the inspiration for our cover shoot, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

She first directed it at Perth College in 1983 and, incredibly, the original coat has survived. Might I say it looks rather fabulous on our cover girl!

“Oh, it wasn’t a job, it was a delight. I really was so lucky. It was fabulous.”

This dynamic woman says it was that production where she earned the trust of the School.

“I did encounter some teething problems and obstacles. However, at the staff briefing the morning after opening night, everyone rose and gave me a standing ovation,” Anne recalls.

“From then on, I had total support.”

Anne was initially a Physical Education teacher and cut her teaching teeth in the Pilbara. As an aside, she even picked up ‘Red Dog’ one day, but that’s another story!

She says she had a lovely childhood and was born with an inquisitive nature and love for animals.

“I had the best of both worlds, spending time with my grandparents on their dairy farm in Pinjarra and living in Doubleview,” Anne fondly remembers.

She would roam the bush with her dog looking for wild brumbies and wildflowers. Perhaps Anne is the original ‘Anne of Green Gables’ I ponder.

Anne is not only a former teacher at Perth College of course. She sent her daughter Kate to PC and is an Old Girl herself, having started Year 8 in 1952.

She made lifelong friends, “loved everything about it” and has fond memories of an unlikely place – the ‘sick bay’ with juvenile arthritis. While it was painful, it meant she could spend time with Sister Rosalie.

“I consider myself so lucky to have had the opportunity to have known this funny, compassionate lady. She was quite an inspiration, proving girls could do anything.”

It would appear Anne took the baton from the revered Sister.

Like Sister Rosalie, Anne instilled in her girls that they could indeed do anything. She also left an indelible mark on them. She left it on me. I can still feel the warmth and encouragement she gave me 38 years ago in the PC Drama Studio.

I can’t help but ask my favourite teacher if she had favourite students...

I won't lie, I want her to say me! Of course, Anne is diplomatic and, with a little grin, says all students are special.

“Funnily enough, someone asked me recently if any of my students had become successful and I answered, ‘All of them!’ I love reunions and hearing what paths everyone’s lives have taken,” Anne reveals.

Anne still teaches. For the past 16 years she has taught English as a Second Language at TAFE. She has also shared the love... literally. Anne was a marriage celebrant for many years and proudly officiated more than 100 weddings, with most of the brides being PC Old Girls.

Perhaps her greatest legacy though is the famous Drama Studio at Perth College. It now bears her name, a gesture she was humbled by.

“Oh, I was overcome and surprised.

You’re only as good as your team, and I was just surprised to be singled out.

I was very honoured.”

So, what advice did Anne give all those starry-eyed girls, I ask. In typical fashion, she gives a no-nonsense answer.

“Follow your dreams but be realistic.”

Sage advice Anne.

Sage advice.

Calling our Old Girl All Stars!

We are on the look-out for talented Old Girls to bring to life some exciting projects we have planned for the OGA’s 110-year celebrations in 2023.

Are you a former Anne Hairsine student and want to work with her again? Can you sing, dance or play a musical instrument? Please get in contact as we need 110 voices to make this project come alive!

Please email the Perth College OGA on oga@pc.wa.edu.au and tell us your passion!

5

THE KANGAROO ROUTE

It’s a scary time to be in the UK with COVID-19 devastating the lives of so many, however, Pam is counting her blessings.

Pamela Angell

Perth College very much runs in the veins of boarder Pamela (Grieve) Angell (2002).

Her mum went to PC and was also a very active Council member for the School in the 90s. Her two older sisters were boarders too, as were two of her cousins. So, by the time it was young Pam’s turn, this farm girl was well primed for PC and busting to board!

But also like her sisters, Pam was curious to see the world and followed in their footsteps, taking the leap to London after her university days. All these years later, Pam is still there... with a successful career and the sweetest little family.

Oh, and this Old Girl may just win the prize for most consecutive Presentation Nights attended by a student!

Where did you grow up and what connection did you have to Perth College?

I grew up on a small farm just outside the Wheatbelt town of Pingelly, two hours south-east of Perth. Just before I started boarding school at Perth College, my parents moved to Albany on the south coast where I went on to spend my school holidays. My mum, Jennifer (Colombo) Grieve (1967) was a PC Old Girl and boarder. My sisters Jane (Grieve) Munday (1995) and Susan (Grieve) Lopez (1997) attended PC, as well as my cousins Kirsty (Grieve) Green (1995) and Ailsa Grieve (1997). I started in Year 8 in 1998.

What are your first memories of Perth College?

My earliest memories are visiting my sister, Jane, when she started boarding school. She started in the old Boarding House, which was on the School site, not across Lawley Crescent where it is today. Once the new Boarding House was built, Jane, Susan and I were in Emily House. With two older sisters boarding at PC and Mum’s position on the Council, there were lots of visits to PC before I started. I attended 12 consecutive Presentation Nights from the age of six. I loved them!

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Do you have a particular memory of school days?

Why did you want to move overseas?

I have many happy memories of school days. I loved boarding school and all the fun we had after school and on the weekends. I really enjoyed Drama and being in the school productions, debating, netball and other sports, and being part of the Student Representative Council. The close friendships I made and the fun times we had doing all of the above comprise my happiest memories of school.

So, my sisters had lived in London before me and a few friends were living there already, so it felt like a bit of a ‘rite of passage’ for me. I was keen to travel around the northern hemisphere and living and working in London was a good base from which to do that. I didn’t have a job lined up before I left – it proved much easier to search for work ‘on the ground’ rather than secure anything from Perth. I had some contacts in London, so that was a helpful starting point.

You then studied law at UWA. Was that always your goal?

I, like many lawyers I think, decided to study law as a gateway for various careers as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and it was a good base degree for further opportunities. Once I reached the end of my law degree though, I was keen to pursue a career in law. I was already working as a filing clerk at Steinepreis Paganin and the firm accepted me for articles.

Steinepreis Paganin specialises in corporate and commercial work, so although in some ways I fell into it, I actually really enjoyed it!

You have been with the same law firm, CMS, for almost 10 years now, with eight years as Senior Associate. What does that involve?

Initially I was focused on the energy sector M&A, mainly in oil and gas. It had been my focus in Perth, so it was a natural fit, and exciting to be part of further large cross-border transactions.

I wanted to broaden my skills and was offered a move into the corporate department of the firm, specialising in the hotels and leisure sector. I advise clients on their hotel investments, and operational agreements for hotels and restaurants.

ABOVE: PAM AND HER FAMILY IN THEIR UK HOME. RIGHT: PAM AT HER WEDDING WITH HER TWO SISTERS, JANE AND SUSAN, AND MOTHER, JENNIFER.

Are you able to briefly describe a typical day, or perhaps a case you are most proud of handling?

A typical workday would involve managing various ongoing matters – spending most of my time in meetings negotiating contracts or drafting and reviewing contracts. I work in teams of lawyers and have multiple clients at any one time. As most deals tend to take months to complete, I feel most proud when they have finalised, or when we see press coverage of a deal we have advised on. I work for hotels and restaurants based all over the world, which makes my job really interesting to me.

How do you find being an Australian in the office? Do some of the Brits in the office have a lend of you at times or is it all very serious?

There are many Australian employees at CMS, and the camaraderie between us is really nice – particularly in the past year when we have all been a little more homesick. There is always Brit vs Aussie banter around sport, whether it’s The Ashes, rugby etc.

You’re married to a Brit.

Where did you meet and what was your courtship like?

Alan and I were both working at CMS when we met. We went on lots of fun dates around London and spent weekends away around the UK and Europe! Very much missing being able to travel as much these days!

We were married in a village in Oxfordshire near to where we got engaged and the reception was held at the restaurant we went to on our engagement. Lots of friends and family made the trip across from Australia, and it was so special to have all of those people in the one place! We had a ‘family moon’ the week after the wedding with my parents, sisters and our families.

It’s a holiday I will always treasure!

It wasn’t long before you were pregnant… and with two!

What was your reaction when you found out you had twins?

Absolutely shocked! I was 13 weeks pregnant when we found out and had no idea! Of course, we felt very lucky.

For many people in Perth, they won’t quite understand how bad it is to live with COVID-19.

How has it affected your life?

The UK’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic is, and continues to be devastating. Our families have been very fortunate to be largely unaffected in many ways. We have stayed healthy, have been able to do our jobs completely from home, and have had childcare support throughout most of the lockdown. We miss our families and friends very much, however we are extremely grateful for our experience given the huge challenges so many people are facing, and the extensive suffering caused by the pandemic. Whilst having small children in lockdown has its challenges, their oblivion to what is happening and

energy for life is refreshing and leaves little time to be bored at home! We are just glad everyone is safe and heathy, and we absolutely cannot wait until the day we are reunited with my parents, my sister Jane and her family, and our other family and friends in Australia.

You chose to have the girls, Alice and Emelia, baptised in the PC Chapel. It must be special to you?

It was a very special occasion for us.

We were joined by my immediate family and some close friends, including my own godparents and my grandmother, who sadly passed away last year. It meant so much to be surrounded by those people – even more so as we don’t get to spend as much time with them as I would love to. Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy, who is a family friend and was the PC Chaplain for many years, kindly did the service making it even more special.

What would you say to younger women thinking about setting up overseas and taking that courageous leap?

It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about new places and cultures, and gain new friends, family and memories.

Go for it with an open mind, appreciate that there are going to be hard days but also amazing, life-changing experiences. Give yourself time to settle in, embrace the new, and it will all come together in time.

7

HALL OF FAME

ABOVE: GOVERNOR KIM BEAZLEY WITH THE 2020 WA WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES INCLUDING DR DEBBIE ANNE SMITH (FRONT ROW, 4TH FROM LEFT) AND KATHLEEN GREGORY AM (BACK ROW, 2ND FROM RIGHT).

Dr Debbie Anne Smith

Inducted into the Western Australian Women's Hall of Fame

The field of medicine that Dr Debbie Anne (Clapin) Smith (1982) specialises in is not for the faint-hearted. She’s a Medical and Forensic Doctor at the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) in Perth. SARC provides medical care, including forensics, for those who have been sexually assaulted.

But Dr Smith’s key achievement has been a study on non-fatal strangulation (NFS) in sexual assault.

Why was that particular area of study needed and what did you find?

We couldn’t be prouder of the fact that two Perth College Old Girls were inducted into the Western Australian Women’s Hall of Fame in 2020.

I carried out the study with two of my medical colleagues from SARC, in conjunction with researchers from Curtin University. The study highlighted that, in almost a quarter of sexual assaults by a current or ex-partner, the victim was also strangled during the sexual assault. The results surprised us and led to greater awareness of NFS and changes to practice within SARC.

The accolade was part of International Women’s Day, celebrating women for incredible achievements in their fields of work.

Your research ultimately helped introduce WA’s non-fatal strangulation Bill in 2019. What does that mean for those victims?

Kathleen Gregory AM (1977) and Dr Debbie Anne (Clapin) Smith (1982) are both very passionate about what they do and find it incredibly rewarding to help those in need.

There is broad, international consensus that non-fatal strangulation is a serious act of violence which is inherently dangerous. Aside from the immediate risk of unconsciousness and death, NFS can cause significant physical and psychological harm and is a significant risk factor for homicide.

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As part of the Family Violence Legislation Reform Bill 2019, a specific new offence for “Suffocation and Strangulation” was added to the Criminal Code of WA and the new offence came into effect on 1 October 2020. Ninety charges were made by WA Police in the first 10 weeks of the offence. The new NFS legislation will hopefully improve the safety of victims through homicide prevention and by holding perpetrators to account.

You must have seen and heard about some harrowing things?

Harrowing is the right word. Working at SARC means I am confronted with accounts and the effects of physical and sexual violence daily, which can be very challenging.

I am fortunate to work with a wonderful team who are very supportive of each other. I am also lucky to have a very understanding and supportive husband and family. It is important to take time to do things in your life that are positive, happy and good. Spending time with family and old friends, regular beach walks, listening to music and just being outside in nature helps me switch off from the work.

It must be incredibly hard but rewarding.

To support, give back control and make things a little bit better for someone after a traumatic event is very positive and rewarding. I feel very privileged to be part of what hopefully are the first steps toward recovery.

“There have been some wonderfully inspiring outcomes for the young people who have lived there.”

How important is it to see and acknowledge those in the community who are vulnerable?

ABOVE: KATHLEEN GREGORY AM.

Kathleen Gregory AM You know the old saying ‘home is where the heart is’? Well, Kathleen Gregory AM (1977) believes in that passionately and has helped thousands of people find the stability a house provides.

Studying Urban and Regional Planning at Curtin University, Kathleen says she has always believed housing to be a fundamental part of what makes families and individuals thrive and participate fully in education, work and community.

Why did you choose a career in the housing sector?

My interests and passions were always focused on social justice and how everyone should have equal access to resources and opportunities to be able to live a life in which they can thrive.

Very early on in my career, my work became focused around housing as an essential aspect contributing to wellbeing. Without a safe, secure, affordable home, it is not possible to participate in education and employment or maintain physical or mental wellbeing. Access to housing is a basic human right and, in a society like ours, we should be able to provide a home for everyone.

You were the CEO of Foundation Housing for 13 years, and on the Shelter WA Board. In those roles, you have helped countless people find a secure home. Is there a particular story that has stayed with you?

There have been so many it is difficult to single out one of our tenants. I was particularly pleased though that when I left Foundation Housing in 2019, they established a scholarship in my name. It provides financial support to one of our tenants each year to undertake study.

The first scholarship was awarded to a young mother with two children to support her to study nursing.

She had been a tenant for about three years after escaping domestic violence.

I’m so proud to see the great life she is building for herself and her children.

You also helped set up Foyer Oxford – a housing service to help with youth homelessness.

I am especially proud of the Foyer, which we developed with Anglicare to provide safe and supported homes for up to 100 young people who are or are at risk of being homeless. They usually stay for about two years while they’re finding their way into trades, employment or tertiary education.

For those of us who have had the benefits of a great education and all the opportunities that brings, I think it is particularly important to understand that the playing field is not a level one. Our community cannot truly thrive unless we all have access to the resources and opportunities we need to maintain our wellbeing and participate fully in the community we live in.

It is so important to care, seek to understand and be kind whenever we can be. As someone much wiser than me once said, it is always possible to be kind.

In 2016 you were recognised for significant work in the community housing sector with an Order of Australia.

Now, after a career of more than 30 years, you’re in semiretirement.

Yes, I’m practising retirement, but I have had an extraordinarily fulfilling career.

I’ve been very lucky to work so long in something I’m passionate about.

Congratulations to Old Girl Joan (Lovegrove) Lefroy (1959) and her husband, Dr George Lefroy, who were both appointed a Member (AM) of the General Division of the Orderof Australia at the recent Australia Day Honours for significant service to the community through philanthropic support initiatives. A wonderful and welldeserved acknowledgment.

9

BUSHFIRE TRAGEDY

LEFT: ELISE AND HER HUSBAND, LESLIE, ENJOYING THEIR 'PARADISE' GIDGEGANNUP PROPERTY. ABOVE: THE AFTERMATH OF THEIR HOME AFTER THE SMOKE HAD SETTLED.

Elise Stratford's Firestorm Nightmare It’s a loss very few of us could ever imagine. Our home, full of memories, treasures and familiarities, burning to the ground.

Tragically, 86 families faced that reality during fires in the Perth Hills in February.

Among them, three Perth College families, including Elise (Knott) Stratford (1967) who lost almost everything.

But, as Elise shared her devastating story with me, the overriding outlook for this Old Girl was to be grateful and positive.

“Of course, I am devastated and gutted, of course. Our lives have been turned upside down,” she says.

“But I am trying very hard not to feel sorry for myself. I’m just looking forward. That’s the way I’m coping.”

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Elise and her husband Leslie built their home in the north east township of Gidgegannup 18 years ago. The retired Music teacher says it was paradise.

But, on the morning of 1 February, as a precaution, she hosed down the garden and moved items away from the house. Then at midday, she saw smoke nearby. Despite the alarming sight however and the howling winds and heat, they never thought the fire would reach them. They were wrong.

By evening, the couple and their daughter Claire, who also lived on the property, had gathered up a menagerie of animals, except their two horses Gismo and Micky. Without a horse float, they were forced to leave them behind.

The family then fled with virtually nothing.

“The sky was a brown/yellow colour.

It was very hard to find anything and there was no power. The smoke had obliterated the sun. It was so dark. I took very little, some jewellery, but I really didn’t take anything.”

A wind change and a giant firewall meant the house had no chance.

Tragically, the fire also took aim at their other daughter’s home down the road. Despite valiant efforts by her son-in-law, it too was left a smouldering wreck. Her daughter Sarah, her husband and their three children, including four-month-old Hamish, have also been left homeless.

“It was just very bad luck for us.

This firestorm just came through in a very narrow way and took us out completely,” she says.

“The property is charred from one end of the 50 acres to the other. There’s nothing left.”

But Elise doesn’t want to focus on the tragedy itself, simply replying “Yep” when I query that returning to her property must have been devastating.

Instead, she deflects, looking at the positives and the kindness of family, friends and strangers who have donated so much, including clothing, dog beds, pet food, crock pots and grocery vouchers. Even a random zucchini slice was greatly appreciated.

“It doesn’t help to look back.

You have to look forward.”

“We were so blown away by the generosity of people right from the beginning. We have had so much support. It’s been mind-blowing.”

This stoic PC Old Girl was also deeply touched by the love and generosity shown by her friends from school. They have all remained close since graduation and Elise says they did so many wonderful, thoughtful things to help.

“They all got together and made so much food, soups and casseroles. We didn’t cook for two weeks,” she says.

“They also arrived with all these clothes for Leslie and I and sheets and towels. One PC friend even arrived with a box. Inside were all these things you don’t even realise you’ve lost. It had a sewing kit with a tape measure, scissors, a stationary set... even things like sticky tape, a note pad, and pens. So lovely.

They’ve all been so incredibly supportive.”

And in her words, Elise says there is light at the end of the tunnel. They’ve managed to purchase another property in Gidgegannup, complete with a flat for Claire and plenty of land for all those very lucky animals... including the two horses, Gismo and Micky, who were rescued by kind neighbours.

“I’m just very grateful we live in Western Australia in a beautiful community with such lovely people in the world.”

We wish Elise and her family, and all those affected by the fires, the very best as they rebuild their lives.

11

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING

Bringing 'The Nightingale' to Life through Dance Congratulations to Old Girl and former Dance Captain, Zoe Wozniak (2009), who was the only dancer in the 2020 West Australian Opera production of The Nightingale. Zoe, who is a dancer with Co3 Contemporary Dance, represented the soul of The Nightingale in the performance at His Majesty's Theatre last October. The show was a first for WA companies Co3 Australia, West Australian Young Voices and the WA Youth Orchestra, who came together to blend opera, music and movement in a show made for young people, by young people.

RINA’S ARTWORK AND THE C&M T-SHIRT

IMOGEN CONTROLLING HER DRONE TO CAPTURE SOME OF WA'S BEST LANDSCAPES.

Impressive Photography on Display at Special Exhibition

TOP LEFT: SARAH RUNNING THE 5000 METRES AT THE 2006 COMMONWEALTH GAMES IN MELBOURNE. ABOVE: SARAH WITH HER FOUR CHILDREN.

Earlier this year, the Perth College community was invited to celebrate the special gallery exhibition of photographer, Imogen Blow (2013). Through Ginger Imagery, Imogen showcased her abstract aerial photography, revealing the rawness of the Western Australian landscape. Her exhibition in January featured some of her best fine art prints highlighting our state’s unique textures and colours. We look forward to seeing what Imogen achieves next with her mesmerising images.

Former Olympian Teaches PC Athletes to ‘Love the Run’ She has been running laps of Olympic tracks all around the world since graduating, but now Sarah Jamieson (1992) is coaching students as they run their own laps of the PC Oval as part of the PC Running Club. “Jamo” as she is affectionately called, brings a wealth of knowledge to the coaching role as a triple Olympian of the 1500 metre event and a Commonwealth Games silver medallist. She is also the current Head Coach of the Perth Running Club, teaching people of all abilities to ‘love the run’.

Senior School students and some staff have been joining Jamo in rain, hail or shine every Monday and Wednesday morning to improve their fitness and learn new skills.

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IMOGEN ON THE OPENING NIGHT OF HER GALLERY EXHIBITION IN JANUARY.

KAREN WAS NAMED THE WINNER OF THE VOSE MEMORIAL PRIZE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD IN 2020.

Another Accolade for Violinist Former Perth College Music Scholarship student, Karen Matoba (2018), added another impressive accolade to her collection last year after winning the Vose Memorial Prize People’s Choice Award.

Awarded in memory of George Vose, the Vose Memorial Prize is one of The UWA Conservatorium of Music’s most prestigious prizes.

Karen was one of three young Vose soloists to take to the stage at the Perth Concert Hall last October during a performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, alongside The UWA Orchestra and Symphonic Chorus, The UWA Choral Society and many impressive soloists and maestros.

With the voting described as “closer than it’s ever been”, Karen narrowly missed out on the 2020 Vose Memorial Prize but was recognised with the People’s Choice Award.

Since graduating from Perth College in 2018 as Music Vice Captain, Karen has gone on to receive the Delano Scholarship and Flora Bunnings Prize for Chamber Music and is currently in her second year studying a double major in Specialist Music at The UWA Conservatorium of Music.

She has also performed with the WA Youth Orchestra, West Australian Youth Strings Orchestra and the Australian Youth Orchestra, including on an international tour around Europe and China in 2019.

Congratulations on a stellar career already, Karen.

Art Gallery Tour Guided by PC Old Girl Evie Perry (2012) was selected last year to lead guided tours through the 2019 Pulse Perspectives gallery. It was the first time Art Gallery WA introduced guided tours of the Year 12 Visual Arts Exhibition and Evie was one of just a few youth guides picked to pilot the program. She gave visitors a welcomed youth perspective on the work of the 44 young artists whose pieces were on display throughout Spring last year.

13

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING

EMILY PUT ON AN IMPRESSIVE SHOW FOR PERTH AUDIENCES EARLIER THIS YEAR.

Special Perth Performance by Former Music Captain

SUE WAS DELIGHTED TO RECEIVE A SPECIAL ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD RECENTLY.

Taking to the Skies Once Again

Talented violinist Emily Gelineau (2016) put on a show for local Perth audiences with an incredible night of fusion jazz in February. The former Music Captain has spent the last three years studying on a full-tuition scholarship at the Berklee College of Music in Boston but was unable to return for her final semester. The Perth performance, which included original compositions and arrangements, served as her Senior Recital for her course in Violin Performance and Film Scoring. The session and freelance violinist was joined by her friends and played alongside some of Perth’s best musicians.

Living in Melbourne, Sue (Adams) Litchfield (1960) admits 2020 was a challenging year with the city in COVID-19 lockdown for about nine months. So, last December she was thrilled to win the First Females Above Australia (FFAA) Encouragement Award, generously given by Rosemary Arnold – Australia's first commercial helicopter pilot in 1967.

Growing up in the West, Sue was fascinated by the heavens and would gaze at the stars in amazement. That interest turned to aeroplanes, and she became an air hostess. It wasn’t until she was almost 50 that she piloted a plane. Sue got her private pilot’s license in 1994 and flew almost 600 hours in total, flying a Cessna and a Piper PA-28 Cherokee solo to many places around Australia including Perth, Birdsville and Hobart.

While Sue had to hang up her headset more than a decade ago, her recent flight over Melbourne rekindled her love of flying and she says it was wonderful to take to the skies once again.

“I was naturally somewhat rusty as it had been 13 years since my last solo flight. The fundamentals, of course, had not changed but a few other requirements had. I was in command under instruction,” Sue says.

“I had pushed aside the pure magic of flying, believing I wouldn’t be at the controls again, but I managed to get back on the ground in an orderly fashion! That incredible unique feeling of freedom came flooding back.”

We’re thrilled for you Sue, and hope you fly again soon.

MAY 2021

SOME OF THE FUN FROM THIS YEAR'S PCLC, WHICH COULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT THE HELP OF OLD GIRLS.

2021 Perth College Leadership Camp We had plenty of young Old Girls return to Perth College in January for the Perth College Leadership Camp (PCLC).

The former students, including many from the Class of 2020, jumped head-first into their roles as mentors for current Year 11 and 12 students. They volunteered four days of their time to guide their ‘tribes’ through leadership training and skills to improve their grit, service, values and vision. The theme of this year’s fourth annual camp in conjunction with Burn Bright was The Hive: You are part of something bigger.

TERRI-ANN WROTE A BOOK ABOUT THE NEW WA MUSEUM.

A Trip Down Memory Lane Author and publisher, Professor Terri-ann White (1975), was commissioned to write a book about the new WA Museum Boola Bardip in 2020. The focus of the book is on the collections of the Museum, its history and its future.

“Amazingly, it is the first book written about the WA Museum in its 130-year life,” Terri-ann says. In a race against the clock, what would usually be a two-year process to research, write and design was done in just five months!

“I was working against time… through the COVID-19 lockdown and beyond with 18-hour days at my desk. It must have been the most intense experience of my working life,” Terri-ann says.

Terri-ann is launching her own publishing company this year, Upswell Publishing, with her first three books due out later this year written by authors from Sydney and New York.

CLAIRE HAS HAD A LONG HISTORY OF ROWING AND COACHING AT PERTH COLLEGE.

Rowing Champion Recognised with Scholarship She is a PC Rowing champion whose dedication to the sport was recognised this year with a University of Queensland scholarship. Claire Jansen (2006) recently received the 2021 scholarship through Rowing Australia. Throughout her successful rowing career, Claire has coached PC students, represented WA and been the lead coach of Rowing Australia’s 'Making Waves' program. We wish Claire all the best as she continues to follow her passion and make a difference in people’s lives through rowing.

RHONDA (HAYWARD) BROWN (1991) HANDS HER DAUGHTERS, CHRISTINA AND ISABELLA, THEIR PINS.

JANA PRATICO (2001) WITH DAUGHTER, ALLEGRA.

Old Girl Parent and Staff Breakfast The School and OGA recognised the loyalty of Perth College parents and staff at the second annual Old Girl Parent and Staff Breakfast in February. The event began in 2020 to acknowledge their continued involvement and love for the School. Students joined their mothers and the staff for the breakfast and received a Camelia pin to symbolise their special connection to the Perth College community.

HONOURARY OLD GIRL, CANON TERRY CURTIS, AND HIS WIFE ANNETTE PRESENT THEIR GRANDDAUGHTER, ABIGAIL, WITH A PIN. ABIGAIL'S MOTHER, VERITY (CURTIS) GINGER (1990) SADLY PASSED AWAY IN 2017.

15

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING

RECIPIENTS OF THE OLD GIRL OF THE YEAR AWARDS, BEV BUTTERS, BEV IRELAND, DOT STEWART AND ANNETTA ROBOTHAM. STEPHANIE (JENNINGS) FULLARTON (1979), PRINCIPAL HELEN AGUIAR, JANE SCOTT (1975), LINDA (MEYERS) HYLAND (1968) AND JADE GUERRINI (2016).

Year 12 Leavers’ Breakfast From school girl to Old Girl! The Class of 2020 enjoyed a special breakfast with the Old Girls’ Association as part of the celebrations for their last week at school last year. Students were formally welcomed into the OGA at the Leavers’ Breakfast and had the chance to secure special, lifelong connections with new networks.

Old Girl of the Year Awards The Old Girls’ Association held a special lunch in October last year to recognise the recipients of the Old Girl of the Year Awards for both 2019 and 2020. The Award has been recognising outstanding service to the OGA since 1913.

Congratulations to Bev (Roche) Butters (1958), Bev (Gordon) Ireland (1960), Dot (Sommerville) Stewart (1968) and Annetta Robotham (1962) who were much deserving of the accolade.

OGA SISTERS' MEMORIAL BURSARY 2020 RECIPIENTS MIA, KALICIA, AMELIA, EMILY AND STELLA. AISHA RISAH (2020), SOPHIA TREASURE (2020) AND STELLA WILKINSON (2020).

OGA Sisters’ Memorial Bursary Recipients Lunch 2020 We celebrated the recipients of the Old Girls’ Association Bursary at the annual lunch in August last year. The Sisters’ Memorial Bursary is awarded to a daughter or granddaughter of members of the OGA. Year 7 to 11 students, and 2020 recipients, Amelia, Emily, Stella, Kalicia and Mia, met with Old Girls to chat about everything from adjusting to off-campus learning, to thoughts about life after high school. It was wonderful to hear students and OGA Committee members share their PC experiences and great to hear how our recipients are contributing positively to the Perth College community. Congratulations also to this year’s 2021 recipient of the Bursary, Year 7 student, Emma.

SIENNA HAMERSLEY (2020) AND MIKAYLA BUCHANAN (2020).

MAY 2021

JUSTINE (BEASLEY) LEGGE (1986) WITH DAUGHTER IMOGENE LEGGE (2020).

2020 Following in their Footsteps Assembly We welcomed back a number of Old Girls in October last year for the OGA Following in their Footsteps Assembly.

The Class of 2021 was joined by Old Girls of all ages to receive their Seniors badges. Guest speaker and 1977 Leaver, Kathleen Gregory AM, gave an inspiring address and, together, we celebrated the history and strength of the OGA with current PC students.

DEB (CORT) LANGLOIS (1971), KAYE (MURPHY) VERBOON (1971), LIZ CAMPBELL (1971) AND ANNETTE (STANLEY) WALKER (1971).

LIZ (JOHNSON) GIBSON (1936) AND GRANDDAUGHTER, ANNELISE.

MARGO (STINTON) SALMON (1960) AND HER GRANDDAUGHTERS, BETH (LEFT) AND ANNA (RIGHT).

17

REUNIONS AND EVENTS

MADELAINE (WHITE) SCOBLE, GRACE HUXTABLE AND BETHEN MCMANUS.

After restrictions eased last year, we were able to host some of our Reunions and events again, including the 18 Month, 5 Year, 10 Year, 20 Year, 30 Year and 40 Year Reunions. The 50 Year and 60 Year Reunions had to be postponed last year, but we are looking forward to celebrating them later this year.

EBONY (REED) GARD, MARLENE JOHNSON, AMANDA (BLECHYNDEN) CUTTS, KACEY DAVIDSON, NICOLA ROSZAK AND LYDIA PADGETT.

SAMANTHA (UHE) COOPES, DOMINIC (SANDERSON) ALFONSO AND CAITLIN (WAIN) HARTL.

30th

20th

10th

COVID-19 restrictions have changed the way we host large gatherings, but they haven’t stopped us from coming together to celebrate each other’s company.

SHARON MCCARTHY, DEANNA WRIGHT AND FIONA GRGICH.

DR HELEN MILNE, HELEN (PENNINGTON) DEACON, BARBARA (HOUSE) BLAYNEY, JULIE (MCDONALD) KLEMM, MYRA (COLLINS) QUARTERMAINE, ASTRID (OSTBERG) DRAKES (1963) AND CHRISTINE BETTRIDGE.

MAY 2021

40th

LEFT TO RIGHT ABOVE: MARGARET (CROSS) TOMPKIN (1958), CAROLINE (JOHNSON) PEMBROKE (1958), WENDY (GROAT) SCUDDER (1958), LESLEY (DUNSTAN) KEEN (1958) AND BEV (ROCHE) BUTTERS (1958).

2021 Vintage Reunion We welcomed back our 1960 Leavers and earlier for the 2021 Vintage Reunion at Perth College in February.

STEPHANIE (JENNINGS) FULLARTON (1979) AND JOAN (POCKLINGTON) HOWARD (1939).

Old Girls took part in a Chapel service before sitting down to enjoy a special lunch on the lawn in front of Main Reception.

It was a wonderful day spent with friends and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine together.

19

SWEET SIXTEEN

OGA President, Stephanie (Jennings) Fullarton (1979), answers 16 questions in the first 'Sweet Sixteen' feature 1. What was your first car?

A brand-new white Toyota Corolla bought by my parents, but I was lucky to have priority on usage. The first car I owned was a red Oldsmobile Omega purchased on moving to the US in 1985.

Of course, the steering wheel was on the ‘wrong’ side and I had to learn to drive on the other side of the road.

When a burly Texas State Trooper sat beside for my driving test and asked me to parallel park first up, I was more than a little concerned. I think my ‘cute accent’ got me through!

2. What is your earliest childhood memory?

I was 6 and obsessed with dancing so would often cause my wardrobe mirrors to shake by tap dancing in my room. When the Meckering earthquake struck, my mum somehow thought the whole house was shaking because I was dancing. When she realised it wasn’t my dancing, we huddled in a doorway because that was what she said would save us if the house fell down!

3. What was your first taste of independence?

My first paid job at nine years old performing two shows a day in a holiday pantomime at The Playhouse Theatre. It was called I Love You Humphrey B Bear and I was in the chorus with my dancing friends.

Receiving the little yellow envelope containing our cash wages every week was amazing!

MAY 2021

4. What is your most treasured possession?

Our holiday house at Dunsborough.

We have spent many happy times with family and friends there – on the beach, boating, fishing, exploring and enjoying each other’s company. Many wonderful memories have been created there.

5. Best holiday you've had?

Probably the most memorable was our family holiday at the end of 2017 into early 2018: Christmas in New York City and New Year in New Orleans, as well as other memorable stops including staying with American friends along the way. We had no idea that it would be our last big trip prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. What moment would you want to relive and why?

To avoid potentially getting into trouble with my kids, I will say my wedding day. I was very young and it’s such a busy day as a bride that it’s all a bit of a blur 37 years on. Now I know what a wonderful life that day was the catalyst for, I’d love to relive it.

7. Aside from people in your life, what is the most important thing to you?

My health. Working as a physiotherapist has made me realise how lucky I am to be healthy, especially now as I am creeping closer to 60.

8. What's the most luxurious thing you've done for yourself?

A girl’s trip to Thailand in 2019 with three friends: cocktails, massages, shopping, and lots of good chats!

9. What was the best piece of advice your parents ever gave you?

To have a go at anything. They had an unwavering belief in me and encouraged me to try new things and step outside of my comfort zone.

10. What's your best memory of your time at Perth College?

Our Indonesian trip in Year 10 with our Indonesian language teacher, Miss Brack. We travelled by land across Java and ended up in Bali and it was such a great time. We had quite a lot of freedom on the trip and my language skills improved!

A close second was performing a dance routine to I Will Survive in a PC team at the State Gymnastic Championships in 1979 as a Year 12 student. Our daily lunchtime rehearsals paid off as we won the State title!

11. What's something you cannot live without?

My husband and children. They are supportive and loving, but they also keep me on the straight and narrow. I am happiest in their company!

12. What's one thing you wish you could change?

My mother’s death from pancreatic cancer in 2017. She was our greatest supporter and such a huge part of our lives. I wish she had longer to see how her grandchildren have turned out.

13. What's been your greatest accomplishment in your life?

Mothering two beautiful children – a son and a daughter – who have grown up to become amazing young adults.

S tep ha ni e wi th he r fi rst ca r, a To yo ta C oro lla.

14. What's one thing you wish you could perfect?

How to type. My decision to study languages at PC, instead of Typing and Home Economics, has come back to bite me. Typing is such an important skill today and I just can’t do it!

15. What's your absolute passion in life?

People and relationships. I love my family and friends and value our catchups. I get a lot of satisfaction from bringing people together. Being a part of the PC OGA has reinforced this passion, as I get to work with and meet lots of amazing PC Old Girls, staff and students.

Steph anie get ting marrie d in the Perth Colleg e Chap el in 1983.

16. What would you tell your 16 year old self?

Believe wholeheartedly in yourself and don’t be afraid to take chances as they present themselves. Surround yourself with good people.

Ste phan ie at the 'Do n' t Bri ng Me Dow n' Per th Col lege Fete.

S tep ha ni e at Pert h C oll ege.

S te ph a ni e to da y.

Stephanie at the Perth College 150th Ball.

21

BOARDERS’ BUSH TELEGRAPH

Frances Nicholls' Remarkable Life Frances (Russell) Nicholls (1936) doesn’t agree with me, but she’s had a remarkable life.

I don’t know anyone else who attended the coronation of King George VI, went to a Swiss finishing school or saw Adolf Hitler with Benito Mussolini in Rome in 1938.

See, I told you! Remarkable.

Oh, another thing – she’s 100 years young and as sharp as a tack.

Frances was born in Melbourne in 1920, but at the age of 10, the family returned to her mother’s property on the Irwin River near Dongara in WA’s mid-west.

She was then quickly sent off to school for a good education.

"Well, I just slotted into boarding school at Perth College. I loved it,” Frances says fondly. “I made lifelong friends.”

Frances reminisces about those friends... Virginia Barret-Leonard, Alice Fry and Patricia Burges (also her first cousin). She laments that the hardest part of becoming a centenarian is losing so many along the way. But she brightens up with her razor-sharp memories of the girls, and her favourite teacher.

MAY 2021

“I always had the fondest love for Sister Rosalie. She was very forward thinking. She was also able to reprimand you without ever raising her voice.” Frances smiles and adds “She was a disciplinarian in the nicest possible way.’

This prompts me to ask if Frances and her friends often got in to trouble.

Giggling like a school girl, she confesses to taking part in the boarding school staple of midnight feasts.

“We thought the Sisters didn’t know about them, but in retrospect I’m sure Sister Rosalie knew about it. Oh, it was marvellous,” she says.

Frances attended PC from 1931 to 1936 and recalls the darkness of the Great Depression with little money around and the need to be resourceful.

“We saved everything,” she says.

“Brown paper, string, everything.

You ate up all your food. But we were very lucky. It’s a pity people don’t save more today.” Indeed.

FUN FACT! An avid traveller, Frances has ventured to almost 50 countries including India, Bhutan and Russia, and is the oldest Frequent Flyer member with QANTAS.

JOINED BY HER DAUGHTERS TO CELEBRATE HER BIRTHDAY.

FRANCES WITH HER TELEGRAM FROM QUEEN ELIZABETH II.

This Old Girl even recalls the tedious task of ‘mending sessions’ every Saturday. “I always had holes in my black stockings,” she says ”but we were all in it together.”

It was a bright autumn day when I visited Frances in Melbourne, where she still lives independently in her home of 32 years.

Frances married the love of her life in 1947 and, after a year in England, they settled in Bernie in Tasmania where Nick was the General Manager of Tioxide. Before they knew it, they had a son and four daughters.

But tragedy struck when Nick was killed in a car accident in 1967.

“They were difficult times. My youngest girl was only five. It was so hard,” Frances recalls.

“How did you cope?” I ask.

“Well, you cope. I had very supportive friends but, like anybody, you just have to cope. You just have to get on with it.”

10 years later, another tragedy befell the family when her son Patrick died at the age of 27 in a mountain climbing accident in New Zealand.

“You can’t have a life without downs.

I’ve had a very fortunate life, but I’ve had three great downs. The loss of my husband, my son and also my brother.

He drowned when he was 21,” Frances solemnly says.

Her family is never far from her mind with dozens of photos surrounding her home... and she has welcomed her first great grandson and great granddaughter into the fold.

So, what’s the trick to longevity I ask?

“It’s just the luck of the draw, but I will add three things. One is good plain food – a grilled chop and three veggies suits me. Two is exercise. Three is communication with both your family and the community.”

Frances is passionate about community and on Australia Day this year, was humbled to receive an OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) for her involvement in voluntary work, adding to her MBE that she was given 1982.

Prior to marriage, Frances was a Physical Education teacher and even a drill instructor with the Women’s Australian Auxiliary Airforce (WAAAF) during World War II.

However, at 100 she says it’s her voluntary work that’s enriched her life most of all.

“It widens your horizons and you make a lot of friends from all walks of life.

For me, it’s been a lifesaver,” she says.

Our conversation naturally circles back to PC and again, I see Frances light up.

“I loved my years at Perth College. I had lifelong friends from school. I really enjoyed it, I really did.”

“Are you happy now?” I ponder aloud as I leave her home.

“Yes, why wouldn’t I be?” she passionately replies. “I count my blessings. I have a loving family and I’m a bit slow now but otherwise, I have had a very, very fortunate life.”

You truly are a gem, Frances. What a blessing for Perth College to have you as a much-treasured Old Girl. Thank you for warmly welcoming me into your home.

23

CELEBRATIONS

A Wedding in the Midst of the Pandemic With such uncertainty last year due to COVID-19, many weddings were postponed.

However, Rachel Hudman (2009) thought such a celebration was just the tonic needed to brighten the end of 2020.

Rachel met Guildford Grammar School Old Boy Nathan Blakeley at the Perth College Ball in 2009, but the pair didn’t date until 2012. I’m sure you will agree, the former Drama Captain of 2009 made a spectacular bride.

“We married last October on a warm spring afternoon at the Stables in Perth CBD, surrounded by our closest friends and family. After the mess of early 2020, we felt really lucky to be able to get married and to live in Western Australia.

Unfortunately, two of my bridesmaids Vynka Topham (2009) and Genevieve Hastwell (2009), weren’t able to come because of the border restrictions, but they were there in spirit and technology,” Rachel says.

“I was lucky enough to still have three of my other bridesmaids in Perth, including two other PC Old Girls, Sophie Bates (2009) and Annalies Lockhart (2009). Our day was full of joy, eating, drinking and lots of dancing. I was very lucky to have an amazing collection of people around me, including the bridal party and vendors.

RACHEL HUDMAN AND HER HUSBAND NATHAN BLAKELY.

Eliza Samineeni’s Wedding in the City Congratulations to former OGA Treasurer Eliza (Jamieson) Samineeni (2008) who got married at the St Michael’s Archangel Chapel on 17 October 2020, followed by a beautiful reception at the Perth Town Hall.

“My advice to any brides-to-be is don't sweat the small stuff, and soak up every moment of the day because it is over in a flash. And if you can have a costume change, do it! It's all about the drama baby.”

Celebrating 60 Wonderful Years Michelle (Yeomans) Watts (1952) and her husband Don celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July 2020 surrounded by friends and family. The Claremont couple say taking the good with the bad and a commitment to staying in love is the secret to a successful marriage. Old Haleian Don and Michelle met when they were just 12 and 10 years old, when their families regularly holidayed in Toodyay.

MAY 2021

LEFT TO RIGHT ABOVE: BRIANNA TURNER, JADE LLOYD (2008), ELIZA, KATHRYN JAMIESON (2010) AND KELLY MIRABILE.

Over 90's Birthday Club Happy Birthday to our Old Girls who are celebrating a 90+ birthday from November 2020 to April 2021!

Pamela (Maxwell) Beasley (1948) Elizabeth (Battye) Fletcher (1948) Anne (Hawson) Fraser (1947) Elizabeth (Coleman-Doscas) Frith (1948) Crystal (Wagner) Humphry (1949) Irene (Small) MacRobert (1948) Michael Moore (1948) Alice (Nicholas) Oberg (1948) Margaret (Scott) Philipp (1949) Pamela (Bowler) Riessen (1948) EVELYN JOY WAS BORN IN AUGUST 2020.

PC’s Own Bundle of Joy Congratulations to Alumni and Foundation Co-ordinator, Natalie Swannell and her husband Mathew, who welcomed their first child in August 2020. Evelyn Joy was born at 10.15 am on 8 August, weighing 3,620 grams (7.9 pounds) and 50 centimetres long. Natalie has been enjoying quality time with her baby girl while on parental leave. We look forward to her returning in the near future.

ALUMNI AND FOUNDATION CO-ORDINATOR, NATALIE SWANNELL, AND HER BABY DAUGHTER EVELYN.

Diane (Holmes) Stafford (1948) Margaret (Kellow) Summers (1948) A special congratulations also to our Old Girls who recently turned 100!

Frances (Russell) Nicholls (1936) Sheila (Wilding) Curlewis (1937) Colin (Crowther) Edwards (1938) Bobbie (Flight-Smith) Hardie (1938)

SHEILA CURLEWIS CELEBRATES HER 100TH BIRTHDAY.

25

CONDOLENCES

Fondly Remembering Judith (Laurent) Bauch

Nancy (Meagher) Grey

Anne (King) Maloney

Judith (Laurent) Bauch (1960) was a day student at Perth College and will be sadly missed, “A lovely lady indeed”.

Date of death unknown.

Nancy (Meagher) Grey (1938) attended Perth College between 1936 and 1937 and died 26 November 2020.

She was the youngest of six children from a sheep station in Carnarvon and was married in the Perth College Chapel in 1946. She had a son and daughter, Diana Moore (dec) (1964).

Her family connection to PC includes her nieces Jan Parker (1953) and Nancy Shaw (1951) and grand-niece Susanne Crossland (1973).

Anne (King) Maloney (1958) died 16 September 2020. Loving wife to John Maloney OAM and sister to Jane (King) Boaler (1963) and Vanessa (King) English (1968). She was a generous donor, an active Old Girl and will be sadly missed by family and loved ones.

Lesley (Scott) Blight Lesley (Scott) Blight (1945) “Graduated to God 23 November 2020, aged 92. Her Myallas took priority reading every time she received it in the mail in the nursing home where she passed. She had two children, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Very blessed.”

Condolences to Lesley’s daughter Marilyn and cousin, Betty Spooner (1948).

Crystal (Wagner) Humphry

Barbara (Paterson) Broun (1948) was a boarding student from Beverley and was at Perth College from 1944 to 1946. Condolences to the Broun Family on her passing.

Crystal (Wagner) Humphry (1949) devoted her life to the family and life on the farm. She strongly believed in seizing an opportunity to try something new. She was a strong supporter of the Pony Club Association and the Royal Life Saving Society, involved with both organisations for many years. Crystal’s niece Jane (Stafford) Bowen (1978) also attended PC.

Minna (Terry) Craven

Olga ‘Pat’ (Winning) Keech

Minna (Terry) Craven (1946) died 19 August 2020. Minna was Head Prefect, Past President of the OGA 1972 from 1974 and Old Girl of the Year in 1993.

She was a loving mother to Roslyn Brennan (1977) and Susan Snell (1975).

Minna lived her life with grace and dignity and will be greatly missed by all her family.

Olga ‘Pat’ (Winning) Keech (1942) Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Pat who died February 2021.

Barbara (Paterson) Broun

Rev John Cottier Our thoughts and prayers are with Past Principal, Past Foundation Director and Honorary Old Girl, Judith Cottier AM, on the passing of her husband Rev John Cottier on 7 July 2020. John was a long-standing member of the Perth College community and leaves a legacy of a shining example of great faith, the love of God and a generous and willing heart for God’s work.

MAY 2021

Geraldine (Brownell) Kemp Geraldine (Brownell) Kemp (1943) died July 2020. Geraldine was a boarder from 1938 to 1941 and had a sister, Patsy (Brownell) Sandover (dec) (1947). Our thoughts are extended to Geraldine’s loved ones.

Lynette (Wood) Lynch Lynette (Wood) Lynch (1954) died 13 October 2020, aged 83.

Condolences to those closest to her.

Pamela (Salter) Melrose Pamela (Salter) Melrose (1958) passed away in March 2021 and was the beloved sister of Anne (Salter) Wells (dec) (1951). May she rest in peace

Judith (Brine) Morris Judith (Brine) Morris (1947) passed away on 15 June 2020. Judith was a day student and attended Perth College from 1936 to 1944. Judith loved receiving her Myalla while living in England. “I love having your news as an Old Girl. Do keep it coming,” she said.

Condolences to the friends and family of Judith, including her cousin Betty Groeneveld (1946).

Judy (Stenberg) Nielsen Judy (Stenberg) Nielsen (1945) died July 2020. Condolences to Judy’s family and those closest to her.

Denise Riley Denise Riley (1979) was a day student at Perth College and spent the last 10 years living in Portugal renovating a ruin before returning to Australia in 2018. Denise died on 1 January 2021.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.

Professor Jennifer Searcy AM Professor Jennifer Searcy AM (1950) died in March 2021 after marrying the love of her life in her 80th year at St Georges Cathedral.

In 2015, she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to education in the disciplines of science and mathematics. Our sincere condolences.

CONNECT

Do you know a 'lost' Old Girl?

Jenny ‘Jen’ Stoneham Jenny ‘Jen’ Stoneham (1968) passed away on 17 December 2020. Daughter of Phyllis Stoneham (dec) (1935), she leaves behind her loving partner, James. Condolences to family and peers of Jen.

Peta Townsing Peta Townsing (1961) passed away on 5 October 2020. Our condolences go to Peta’s brother Clyde Townsing (1962) on the passing of his sister. Peta was DUX of her year and a Science teacher at Perth College, a great activist and advocate for so many things. Peta was a scientific researcher and would lobby politicians and use social media, print and radio media to get her message across. She was a fighter all her life and advocated for so many projects. We send our sympathies to her peers and loved ones.

If you know someone who has lost touch with the Old Girls’ Association or has changed their contact details, please encourage them to get in touch with the OGA via oga@pc.wa.edu.au or call 9471 2196 as we would love to reconnect with them.

The OGA is Online!

Connect with the Old Girls’ Association and Perth College through your favourite social media.

Send information and updates, keep up-to-date with events and news and share photos and articles.

Myalla is now available digitally Myalla is now available to be received electronically via email. Those without an email or who prefer to receive their magazine in the post can still receive a printed edition.

Manage how you would like to receive your Myalla magazine via www.perthcollege.wa.edu.au/community/old-girls-association/ stay-up-to-date/

Leslie (Greagg) Wall Leslie (Greagg) Wall (1943) passed away in July 2020. She was a former Bedford House Captain at Perth College. Condolences to her family and peers.

Elizabeth (Coombs) Walmsley Elizabeth (Coombs) Walmsley (1953) passed away in September 2020. She was one of five sisters who attended Perth College between 1949 and 1950.

Condolences to her sisters Elizabeth Burns (1958) and Patricia Cash (dec) (1962). The family connection to Perth College includes Elizabeth’s nieces Vanessa Cash (1990), Melinda Ditchburn (1984) and nephew Mark Ditchburn and grandnieces Carrie Ditchburn (2010) and Annabelle Ditchburn (2016).

Perth College Foundation The Perth College Foundation conducts appeals throughout the year to raise much-needed funds for facilities, programs and scholarships.

Your support is greatly appreciated in order for us to facilitate ongoing delivery of a world-class educational experience at Perth College.

If you would like to make a donation of any kind, please visit the Perth College website at www.perthcollege.wa.edu.au. Alternatively, please contact the Perth College Foundation Office (Caroline Risah, Alumni and Foundation Assistant) on 9471 2196 or email foundation@pc.wa.edu.au.

Thank you for your generous donations We sincerely thank those that have supported the Perth College Old Girls' Association through significant and generous donations.

All contributions large or small are greatly appreciated.

27

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION

myalla@pc.wa.edu.au

PERTH COLLEGE ANGLICAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

31 Lawley Crescent, Mount Lawley WA 6050 PO Box 25, Mount Lawley WA 6050 Phone. (08) 9471 2100 Email. info@pc.wa.edu.au perthcollege.wa.edu.au ABN 16 204 058 121 / CRICOS Code 00445D

MAY 2021