2022 Foundation Annual Report

Perth College Foundation Inc.

2022 Annual Report

Reflections from the Principal

As many of you will be aware, Perth College celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2022. Since our establishment we have forged a reputation for facilitating academic and personal accomplishment as well as providing our young people with the necessary tools to emerge confidently, curious and prepared to face the world with courage and compassion. The year provided us with a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon all that we have collectively achieved as well as look towards what we aim to realise in the future.

There were countless highlights at our School during 2022. We started the year with the introduction of our Sports Development and Performance Program, led by Mr Adam Selwood, aimed to encourage broader female participation within community sporting programs. We embedded a School-wide Wellbeing program, with over 60 students from Years 4 to 12 participating in a Student Wellbeing Forum to identify a range of ideas and opportunities to implement in 2023.

Construction of our new Junior School began in 2022; this is an incredibly exciting initiative. The new three-story purpose-built construction will ensure spaces work harder for our students. Not only providing state-of-the-art learning and teaching facilities but also guaranteeing that classroom and recreational spaces can evolve and adapt over time, supporting the needs of our students and the School as we develop and grow. The new Junior School will not only be utilised by our Junior School students but

will also provide multipurpose spaces that will benefit our entire student community. Our hope is to have the building open for use in 2024. I look forward to keeping you all updated about the progress of this exciting project.

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect upon the positivity and resilience of our student community this past year. The year began with a sense of caution as we were unsure of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic would continue to have on our community. Our students remained upbeat as we reconfigured our campus and rescheduled events; they rebounded from initial challenges with enthusiasm and focussed their energy on supporting and caring for each other. I am so proud of how our students rose to the challenges faced and know they will continue to learn from setbacks, take risks and grow into brave innovative problem solvers.

A sincere and heartfelt thank you to all those in our community who have supported the work of the Foundation in 2022. Whether you are a first-time donor or a longer-term supporter, your generosity has helped ensure that the young people in our care are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the wider community and live generously. Thank you for being part of something truly special.

Helen Aguiar PRINCIPAL

Message from Old Girls Association Foundation Board Representative

When I reflect on the past five years that I have served on the Foundation Board, I am often in awe of the generosity and giving nature of our community in building our School’s future together. The journey has not always been easy, especially given the volatility and uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic has cast upon us over the past few years. Still, it has also been one where the strength and support of our donor community has kept us pushing on towards our initial goal of reaching $30 million in corpus by 2028. This has always been to ensure we can build our funds from a position of strength and increase our ability to support initiatives that will continue to ensure our School is one of excellence for the generations to come. The year 2022 also marked the tenth year since the Foundation was reinvigorated and to see the significant progress it has made has been truly special.

In many ways, the seeds of opportunity that we sow for our students today can yield endless possibilities that may even be beyond our imagination. That’s how I feel when I think about my relationship with Perth College. Being raised by a single mum and being the first person in my family to attend high school, Perth College essentially opened up my world when it provided me with lifelong friends, a supportive learning environment and a whole array of extra-curricular opportunities that I would not have otherwise been exposed to. It has also helped mould us into capable, courageous and caring members of our community. However, in our world, gender equality has been and is still an issue that we are battling with, and I feel that even though many Schools have aimed to equip their students until their schooling has finished, this is a journey that Perth College continues to walk with its students long after their schooling. This was shown to me when I was invited to be part of the governing body for Perth College Foundation only 10 years after graduating from the School, an opportunity that has allowed me to oversee and steward our funds for the past 5 years. Perth College really represents a place that not only talks the talk but also walks the walk. During this

time, I have also witnessed so many life-changing stories amongst our students and for that, I am truly grateful to our community of donors and supporters that enables this to continue.

My thanks do not only go towards our donors and supporters but also to the incredible Board that I have had the privilege of serving amongst for the past several years and who have since left the Board. I wanted to give special thanks to our past Chair, Karen Field, who resigned in March 2023. As we all know, Karen has been a core pillar in driving our Foundation from its humble beginnings to where it is today. Karen - your commitment, integrity and dedication towards the School have been second to none, and the gravitas you brought to all components of your role as Chair has been evident time and time again by our standard of governance and confidence that our donor community has often voiced back to us. It’s been an honour to have served with you.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank our other non-executive directors, Tracey Dembo and Andrew Harrison, and our Council representative, Jane Scott, the latter of whom I have had the privilege of serving together with on the Old Girls Association, for their contributions to the Foundation. Thank you for leaving your positive imprint on the Foundation. I am now looking forward to the 2022-2023 period as we embark on our transition and recruit for the vacant seats on the Foundation Board.

Although this year has been like no other, I deeply believe that the good work of the Foundation to date and in the years to come will continue to provide opportunities for many students to shape their own futures and positively influence society. So, a huge gratitude towards our community for their ongoing generosity and support. I look forward to continuing this journey together.

Angel Chen

OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE TO PERTH COLLEGE FOUNDATION

Foundation Board 2022

Perth College Foundation supports the growth and development of the School and its students by providing a vehicle through which philanthropic funds can be directed towards Perth College. The Foundation is governed by its Constitution to ensure appropriate and accountable management of funds held by the Foundation. This provides necessary oversight on all governance-related matters, ensuring 100% of donated funds are allocated towards the purpose for which they were intended and guaranteeing that donor wishes are upheld.

Foundation Board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise from business, law, and finance and also invaluable knowledge in their roles as donors, parents, Old Girls and staff. The Foundation Board is currently in a period of transition, with a number of changes in Board membership and continues to focus on recruitment of new, independent Foundation Board members. We acknowledge and thank Karen Field (Chair), Andrew Harrison, Tracey Dembo, Jane Scott and Ross Gilchrist for their time, expertise and support over a number of years and look forward to their continued support as valued members of our School community. In 2022 Perth College Foundation Board members were as follows.

Karen Field

Chair, Independent Director and Old Girl

Andrew Harrison

Vice-Chair, Independent Director and Parent

Angel Chen

Old Girls Association Foundation Board Representative

Tracey Dembo

Independent Director and Old Girl

Jane Scott

Old Girls Association Council Representative

Alex Hurst

Council Representative

Helen Aguiar Principal

Ross Gilchrist

Director of Commercial Services, Risk and Compliance

Finance

The main objective of the Perth College Foundation is to help build the long-term financial security of the School, ensuring that Perth College will be able to offer first-class educational facilities, a quality learning environment and maintain a strong sense of community that continues to deliver exceptional opportunities for all our students.

Since its inception, the Foundation has been focused on growing a significant capital base and achieving steady investment returns to support the long-term financial security of Perth College.

Overall, 2022 was a very challenging year for investment portfolios as central banks, including the Reserve Bank of Australia, commenced a rapid tightening cycle which resulted in most asset classes experiencing negative returns. The Foundation’s capital was not completely immune from this; however, the active positioning of the Foundation’s portfolio’s asset allocation, which included no initial exposure to Government Bonds and a preference for floating over fixed rate Corporate Credit, resulted in strong performance in these supposed defensive sectors. Additionally, the Foundation’s Australian Equities exposure produced a positive return versus a negative benchmark. Overall, there was some recovery in the fourth quarter, which resulted in only a small reduction in the Foundations net asset position from $20.5 million in 2021 to $20.2 million for the 2022 calendar year.

Despite the challenges presented in 2022 by investment markets, the Foundation remains dedicated to its target of $30 million by 2028. The current volatile investment environment means donations will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that the Foundation is able to meet this target. We, therefore, remain reliant on the continuing generosity of the extended School community to meet our commitment to helping secure the long-term financial security of Perth College. Transparent stewardship of funds and communicating the impact that donated funds are facilitating, remains a key responsibility and focus of both the Foundation and School.

In addition to the long-term target of increasing the Foundation’s capital base, the Foundation continues to respond to shorter-term priorities, such as growing the Scholarship Fund base and, therefore, the number of scholarships that the Foundation is able to offer to benefit students.

The Foundation’s Investment Committee continues to work closely with the appointed Investment Manager, JBWere, who is guided in its investment decisions by a Board approved Investment Policy which is regularly reviewed.

Impact

Our Scholarship Program – Supporting Students to Thrive

The Foundation’s ‘living generously’ philosophy has always been at the heart of our fundraising endeavours. Every year, thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation are able to award a number of scholarships to acknowledge academic excellence, artistic, musical and creative talent, sporting achievements, community service and leadership skills. Scholarships not only support current students to excel and thrive but also provide opportunities for students who may not otherwise have had the chance to attend Perth College.

Through scholarships awarded, we strive to provide opportunities for students to shape their own futures and positively influence the world around them. The impact that receiving a scholarship can have on a student’s learning experience and future cannot be underestimated. This is evident in some of the reflections we have received from past and current Perth College students and Foundation scholarship recipients .

Giving in 2022 $75,474

TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED

87

TOTAL NUMBER OF DONORS

TOTAL FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

TOTAL FOR THE BUILDING FUND

TOTAL FOR THE GENERAL FUND

$65,824 $9,575 $75.00

Margaret and Patricia Feilman InsideOut Scholarship (awarded 2021).

“The scholarship that I received completely changed my life. I fully believe that I never would have found the path that I am currently on and be achieving the things that I am without it and the support of the Perth College community and teachers. I’m so, so grateful. Everything from singing my heart out with my closest friends on stage at the Anastasia musical to leading discussions with Year 9s about how/when to reach out for help and courageous decisions to the time I spent building and nurturing relationships in the Junior School and coaching Year 7s and 8s to a grand final win! It has impacted me so positively. I came out of my final years of school feeling so exhausted yet energised and accomplished.

I’m hoping that one day I’m able to provide a young girl with the same opportunity that I received because I cannot speak highly enough about it and the doors it opened for me, especially in the leadership and performing arts areas. I’m looking forward to keeping in touch and seeing what is next for Perth College.”

- Sophie Boswell

Margery MacGibbon Memorial Scholarship (awarded 2022).

“When I found out that I was to receive the Margery MacGibbon Memorial scholarship, I felt incredibly honoured to be a recipient. It was a magnificent moment when I realised I could continue to be a part of the School’s spirit and community.

Receiving the scholarship had a tremendously positive impact on me. It was as if both the School and the support of the scholarship were pushing me forward to become a better student in and outside of School. It showed me that the School recognised and rewarded my achievements to date and had faith in my ongoing progress. It not only gave me great confidence in what I do as a student every day, but it allowed me to be exposed and introduced to many new, exciting and challenging opportunities, such as World Scholar’s Cup, Peer Mentoring and The Whitlam Writing Competition.

- Elia Almassi

Joan and George Lefroy General Academic Excellence Scholarship (awarded 2016).

“As a student from Esperance, this scholarship was my gateway to a higher level of education, sporting and volunteer opportunities. The Perth College environment challenged me academically whilst supporting my goal to become a nurse/ midwife.

Since boarding at Perth College, I received early entry into the Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame, during which I received four scholarships. I am now a Registered Nurse with two years’ experience in perioperative, rehabilitative and medical nursing. Now that I have this experience, I have applied and hope to be a Midwifery student in 2023.

Thanks to the generosity and kindness of the Lefroy’s, their scholarship was the catalyst to a series of very fortunate events that led me to where I am today. I am very grateful to the Lefroy’s and Perth College for giving me the gift of higher education, transitioning me to life in the city, and facilitating the achievement of my academic goals.

Your investment in me will provide a country town with a passionate, devoted, and experienced nurse/ midwife. This will be my small contribution to bridge the gap of rural disadvantage for country women.”

- Amy Colgan

Joan and George Lefroy’s Scholarship program has supported many Perth College students since it was established. George recently reflected, “Over the years we have had many opportunities to read about and meet our scholars and have been delighted to see the positive benefits they have gained. It continues an association for Joan and me and our families lasting over a century”.

- Joan and George Lefroy

It is a privilege to be a Perth College girl, and I’m so grateful to be further supported, encouraged and rewarded by the School to strive for excellence in my higher education journey.”

A Special Year to Support a Special Scholarship Program: The Old Girls Association Sisters’ Memorial Bursary

2022 was an incredibly special year for the Perth College community, as it celebrated 120 years since the Schools establishment. This milestone year provided us with an opportunity to reflect upon the incredible heritage that has brought us to this point.

The beginning of the Perth College story and history began with three remarkable women and trailblazers of their time, Sisters Vera, Rosalie and Susannah. Travelling across the world to establish an Anglian school for girls during a time when educating women was not seen as a priority by many. The Sisters were part of a quiet revolution in the lives of women and the Anglican Church. The Sisters chose not the expected path but the path of forging and following one’s own personal destiny, leadership and commitment to community. Each of the Sisters rose to prominence in the Church through exceptional

personal qualities and devotion and they all shared a love of learning and a progressive educational outlook.

In recognition and gratitude for the remarkable role the Sisters played in the history of Perth College, and in the lives of those educated as a result of their commitment and dedication, the Perth College Foundation focussed its Annual Giving Appeal on the Old Girls Association Sisters’ Memorial Bursary.

This scholarship is awarded to the daughter or granddaughter of a Perth College Old Girl and offers 25 per cent of Tuition Fees for the duration of the students schooling and recognises academic and cocurricular accomplishment, leadership, community service and/or innovation and entrepreneurship.

“I cannot think of any other work achieved solely by women which can in anyway equal the building up of this School in Western Australia.”

– Built on Faith: An Old Girl writing to Sister Rosalie.

The Old Girls Association Sisters’ Memorial Bursary (awarded 2022)

“Receiving this scholarship has opened new opportunities for me, as well as giving me more time to pursue my future career options. Going to Perth College has allowed me to try new subjects that other schools don’t offer, establishing connections with people from different backgrounds and beliefs to me, and has encouraged me to try harder and be more dedicated when I am doing what I love.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Perth College community, as well as the Old Girls Association, and I am excited to meet and build connections with girls who receive this scholarship in the years to come.”

Evelyn James

2022 Annual Appeal

TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED

$45,165

69

TOTAL NUMBER OF DONORS

From 1st January to 31 December 2022.

2022 Foundation Activities

Perth College Foundation events are a great opportunity to celebrate all that donors enable us to achieve, meet with staff and students, network with other donors and experience some of the wonderful activities the School organises. Some highlights from 2022:

Donor Pre-show Reception: Anastasia The Musical

Perth Colleges Senior School Musicals are always highly anticipated musical theatre events and wonderful performances and Anastasia The Musical was no exception. Perth Colleges adaptation was an incredible showcase of student’s talents, and the donor pre-show reception was a testimony to the importance of the performing arts in education.

Annual Scholarship Donor Breakfast

A favourite among our donors, the Foundations Annual Scholarship Donor Breakfast is a fabulous opportunity to hear firsthand about the impact that scholarships are having.

Among this year’s panel members were scholarship recipients Sophie Boswell, (Year 12) Margaret and Patricia Feilman InsideOut Scholarship, and Mackenzie Elsegood-Smith, (Year 11) Joan and George Lefroy General Excellence Academic Scholarship.

Our Guest Speaker was Helen Sewell AM, an Old Girl, past Old Girls Association President and Council member, where she served as Council Chair for two years. Helen has been a valued supporter over many years and was also instrumental in resurrecting the Foundation, as well as being its cornerstone donor.

Helen’s charitable contributions are truly inspiring because, as well as providing generous funding, she joined the Board of charities to help make things happen. Having experienced the 1989 death of her eldest daughter Johanna (also an Old Girl), Helen personally funded the building of Australia’s first specialist adolescent cancer ward at Princess Margaret Hospital in 2005. At the same time, Helen was a founding Director of Redkite, which helps families of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. Helen stayed on the Board for 14 year,s during which time Redkite became a National organisation which now helps families throughout Australia. Helen remains a Patron and is still a very involved supporter.

Later Helen funded the establishment of a breast cancer tumour bank in WA and continues to support research into breast cancer as well as the causes of Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurological diseases.

At the Scholarship Donor Breakfast, Helen shared her personal and moving story of what motivated her to make such a tremendous difference to turn her business success, and personal loss, into a power for good. Helen believes that she is very fortunate to be able to give now and see the results of her endeavours.

STUDENTS PERFORMING IN ANASTASIA THE MUSICAL

PRINCIPAL, HELEN AGUIAR, WITH SOPHIE BOSWELL

COUNCIL CHAIR, VIKKI DE ALWIS WITH MACKENZIE ELSEGOOD-SMITH

Foundation Festive Celebration

Fast becoming a firm favourite among donors, our Festive Celebration held in Myalla House was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that our incredible donors helped the Foundation facilitate in 2022.

We were delighted to welcome Emily Gelineau (2016 Perth College Graduate and accomplished violinist, pianist, composer and arranger, known for playing and interpreting many styles of music from jazz to pop, rock, world styles, and the classical westernart tradition), and Danilo da Paz (a Brazilian born performer, accordionist, guitarist and music researcher), who provided a wonderful blend of Jazz and Festive classics!

The Festive Celebration was also an occasion to celebrate the establishment of the Anne Cranston Rural Student Scholarship in honour of the late Anne Cranston (PC Old Girl), who was an exceptionally generous donor. The inaugural scholarship will be awarded in 2023, and we look forward to keeping you updated on the impact this scholarship has on Perth College students.

JOHN AND DI BUTLER WITH PRINCIPAL, HELEN AGUIAR

• JANE SCOTT, JILL YELLAND AND VAL MAYGER

• OWEN AND JEN GRIEVE

PERFORMERS EMILY GELINEAU AND DANILO DA PAZ

GLENNYS MARSDON AND DENISE HALL

LINDA HYLAND AND JUSTINE LEGGE

Perth College Presentation Night

At the heart of the Schools’ annual Presentation Night is the spirit of generosity and celebration. It is a wonderful event that acknowledges and revels in the outstanding achievements of students, recognising academic accomplishment, artistic, musical, creative talent, sporting triumphs and community service and leadership skills. Whilst not a Foundation event, we are delighted to be a part of Perth College’s Presentation Night and continue to sponsor the prestigious Dux of Perth College Prize, awarded to the top academic student in Year 12. In 2022 there were two Dux of Perth College Prize recipients, a wonderful accomplishment. Both recipients reflected on receiving the impressive prize.

Isha Singh Goraya

“Getting this Prize means so much to me; it means that all my hard work paid off and that I was able to make the most of all the incredible resources Perth College offered to me. It also opens up so many opportunities for the future, and I greatly appreciate the generous financial support I have been given to pursue my further education aspirations and goals.”

Taylor Racey

“Taylor Racey - Dux of Perth College. For as long as I can remember, that sentence has been my ultimate dream. Why? Well, until not long ago, I really couldn’t say. Maybe, I didn’t know. All I knew was that that was the goal. So, I studied hard, constantly sought feedback, met with teachers, did everything I could to be always improving, and pushed myself as far as I could go. I never questioned why.

Then, on December 6, 2022, my dream finally became a reality. Never in my life have I experienced such an overwhelming sense of pride. It was at that moment that I realised why.

This award is not mine, personally. It is a recognition of teamwork; validation for everyone who helped me along the way. I couldn’t have done it alone. More specifically, I couldn’t have done it without Perth College. I see this award as recognition for my teachers. For the countless hours they spent preparing me, supporting me and pushing me to be the best version of myself possible. For caring about my mental wellbeing, not just the content they were delivering. For making me believe in myself. I will forever be indebted to them.

Also, for my family. For all of their support, love and encouragement. For their patience and sacrifice. This award is for them too.

So that answers the question of why. Because I wanted to make proud the important people in my life. I wanted them to know that their hard work had paid off too. This award is as much for them as it is for me.

I would like to conclude by thanking the Perth College Foundation directly. This award means the world to me, and I am beyond grateful for the prize you so generously presented me with. Perth College has shaped me into the person I am today, and I will forever be grateful that I had the opportunity to spend my senior schooling years at Perth College.”

2022 Donor Honour Roll

Perth College Foundation would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge all those that donated in 2022, including those who wish to remain anonymous. All donations, irrespective of size, help ensure that Perth College continues to offer a first-class education and wonderful opportunities to our students. Thank you for being part of something truly special

Anonymous (10)

Active Electrical WA

Miss Natasha Allchurch

AV Media Systems

Mrs Jennifer Bardsley

Dr Neil Bardsley

Mrs Roslyn Barnes

Dr Jackie Barnwell

Mrs Noelene Bennett

Mrs Diane Blair

Mrs Mary Blechynden

Mrs Margaret Brinsden

Mrs Bev Butters

Mrs Marilyn Cacavas

Miss Joanna Calder

Ms Angel Chen

Miss Tiffany Chown

Mrs Marie Cloughley

Mr Steven Cloughley

Ms Pru Cowan

Mrs Moreen Cox

Ms Cotilde Demasi

Draw History

Mrs Lucinda Durham

Donations

Ms Nicole Egginton

Exclusive Trophies

Mrs Karen Field

Mrs Lisa Foote

Mr Brad Foote

Mrs Rebecca Freeman

Mrs Stephanie Fullarton

Mr Brett Fullarton

Miss Val Gmeiner

Miss Sandra Gray

Mrs Anne Hairsine

Mrs Katrina Harrison

Mr Andrew Harrison

Mrs Joan Howard

Mrs Linda Hyland

Mrs Beverley Ireland

Ms Nilakrisna James

Mrs Yvette Jones

Mrs Judy Jurkans

Mrs Lesley Keen

Mrs Sara Kenny

Mrs Deborah Kerimi

Mrs Penelope Keys

Mr Terence Keys

Mrs Justine Legge

Mr Robert Legge

Mrs Narelle Lloyd

Mr Brian Lloyd

Mr Jeremy Lo

Ms Bree Ludlow

Mrs Teresa Mangione

Mr Tomo Mangione

Ms Val Mayger

Mrs Tedye McDiven

Mrs Steph Meyer

Mr Raf Meyer

Mrs Gretchen Mildwaters

Mrs Karina Millsteed

Mr Adam Millsteed

Miss Tanya Moon

Dr Seonaid Mulroy

Dr Matthew Mulroy

Mrs Janet Neilson

Dr John Neilson

Mrs Bronwyn

O’Shannessy

Mr Marcos Prado

Mrs Rechelle Reuben

Mrs Sue Riegert

Mrs Caroline Risah

Mrs Margo Salmon

Mrs Patsy Saunders

Dr Jane Scott

Mrs Jackie Simkin

Ms Christina Slater

Mrs Rosalind Smith

Mr Vincent Smith

Mrs Kate Sutherland

Mrs Natalie Swannell

Ms Lisa Szabo

Mrs Peng Tam

Mr Martin Tam

Mr Elder Vieira

Mr Nilesh Wagh

Dr Monica Wertheim

Dr Michael Wertheim

Mrs Monica Wheeler

Mrs Elizabeth Wood

Mrs Siobhan Worton

Ms Jill Yelland

If you would like to discuss making a donation and/or leaving a Bequest, please contact our Head of Philanthropy, Natasha Allchurch, via email: foundation@pc.wa.edu.au or call (08) 9471 2100 (Ext 105).