Myalla
Issue 285
Official Journal of the Old Girls’ Association
Message from the Editor. It’s been a busy few months since the last edition of the Myalla. The season has changed, wet and cold weather has set in, and, of course, our Perth College Old Girls are as busy as ever. As Perth College graduates we’re very fortunate to have been given such a strong foundation to build on. We have some impressive alumni achieving amazing things in our community, who have taken advantage of the opportunities they’ve been given. In this edition we’ll hear from 2008 graduate Louise Coghill, who has become a renowned and accomplished photographer who is travelling the world with her profession. She talks goals, change, and life lessons she’s picked up throughout her journey. As a proud former boarder, I have also introduced a dedicated section to the Myalla entitled the ‘Boarders’ Bush Telegraph’. In the inaugural dedicated column, we’ll hear from 2009 graduate Courtney Bormoloni (nee Ridout) who is making positive changes in the Wheatbelt based on her strong passion for improving health outcomes in her community.
Brierley O’Donnell, and 2008 Leaver and passionate educator Jessica O’Nions. We’ve also seen a baby boom and a string of beautiful weddings among Perth College Old Girls. You can read more about their new adventures on page 10 and 11 of this edition. As always, it’s never too late to get involved; whether it be a financial donation or donating you time as a mentor, the Perth College community would love to hear from you. Together we can build on our school’s proud history, successes and traditions. For more information, don’t hesitate to email oga@pc.wa.edu.au or call the Perth College Development Office on 9471 2124. Finally, if you have a story to tell or have life news to share with us, please send me an email via myalla@pc.wa.edu.au. We’d love to hear from you! Until next time, Jessica Hayes
Jessica Hayes
You can also find out more about Old Girls being recognised for excellence in their respective fields, including marketing guru and 2010 graduate Elizabeth Graydon, 2018 Leaver and technology afficionado
Old Girls’ Association 2019 Committee President
Stephanie (Jennings) Fullarton (1979)
Vice-President
Linda (Meyers) Hyland (1968) and Charlotte Ethell (2010)
Secretary
Meghan (Pepper) Franzinelli (2006)
Membership Secretary
Bev (Roche) Butters (1958)
Treasurer
Eliza Jamieson (2008)
Joint Treasurer
Lydia (Keene) Watson (2000)
Bursary Trustee
Malinda Blair (1996)
Council Representative
Jane Scott (1975)
Foundation Representative
Angel Chen (2008)
Myalla Editor
Jessica Hayes (2008)
Committee
Dot (Sommerville) Stewart (1958), Lesley (Dunstan) Keen (1958), Denise (Jones) Hall (1979), Katrina (Port) Harrison (1988), Kelly Nebel (1998)
Young Old Girls’ Advisory (YOGA) Committee Chair - Caitlin Di Stefano (2012) Harriet Kent (2016) Jasmine Rose Begovich (2014) Grace Huxtable (2010) Tanya Moon (2011) Brianna Di Stefano (2013) Charlie Ethell (2010) Andrea Bradbury (2010) Taylor Blott (2009) Heather Groth (2012) Angel Chen (2008) Melissa Settineri (2009)
The Young OId Girls’ Advisory Committee were delighted to see so many familiar faces enjoying the sunshine and flow at their inaugural event in May ‘Yoga on the Lawn’. Yoga instructor 2011 Leaver Chrissy James provided a wonderful practice and the breakfast was delicious. See page 6 for photos.
Tell us about your exhibitions – where and when?
Reflections of an Old Girl
Q&A with Louise Coghill Louise Coghill had dreams of being a worldfamous actor when she graduated Perth College in 2008. How did your love of photography start and where has it taken you? I was a filmmaker first; I wanted to be a storyteller and I had a dream of making it to Hollywood to marry my childhood crush, Johnny Depp. I took a unit in photography and didn’t like it – the assignments and the teachers didn’t ignite anything. It wasn’t until I was in India in 2013 making a documentary for a friend’s charity called Saving Children in Poverty that photography started taking a step forward. I was there to film the school and clinic she’d helped create. I ended up snapping a lot of photos, and realised I had enjoyed taking the photos more than making the film. As a friend told me later on, I was a much better photographer than I ever was a filmmaker. It sparked a love of still images, documentary, and travel. I’ve spent the last six years travelling the globe, telling stories and becoming a full-time working photographer, and my journey has only just really begun. My school friends who studied medicine are only just beginning their careers, and I feel like the last six years were my internship, and only now do I have the knowledge to do something with it.
Wandering, 2015 - Hylin Café, West Leederville. I woke up one day and realised I was wasting my photography by not printing it. I collected my best photos from the last few years of travel through China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Australia. I sourced a few sponsorships to help fund it, and got my name out there as a Perth photographer. It was my first attempt to show the world through my eyes and it was a powerful experience, having people really connecting with the photographs and stories. The Dreamer, 2017 – Kidogo Arthouse, Fremantle. Following a successful crowd-funding campaign, I hired a van and explored the south-west of Australia with my life-long friend and muse Grace Sanders. It follows a woman in a red dress as she tackles the emotional turmoil of life; her journey takes her through landscapes that reflect her feelings and fears. Terra, 2018 – Kidogo Arthouse, Fremantle. After four months exploring the harsh landscapes of Nepal and Mongolia, I knew I had an exhibition in there. The photos have been published by Canon, Monster Children and Tiny Atlas Quarterly partnered with Ten Speed Press. I wanted to do something more with this exhibition and created my first book, by the same name. It shares tales of hiking up Everest with a chest infection, crossing mountain passes, life with the nomadic people of Mongolia, and a misadventure in Cambodia. What is your favourite part of your career? I feel incredibly lucky to have fostered talents in areas that let me live a life of freedom. Whenever I go travelling, I’m not just taking a holiday, I’m working on my career and myself as an artist. Each trip I come back not only with life-long memories but also as a stronger artist. I’m my own boss so I can take time off when I need. As I write this, I’m in India for a five-month trip. I have work bringing me back in September before I head off on my next adventure. I do realise not everyone has this sort of freedom. It, of course, comes with sacrifices, usually monetary, and the fact I don’t really have a solid home, but there will be a time to nest later. What has been a career highlight? I recently came back to the charity project Saving Children in Poverty, to capture its growth. The school has grown from 35 to 150 students, there are two doctors’ offices, and a women’s empowerment group is launching its own side project called SCIP Sews. The project has grown from a tiny crumbling building in a slum city of Faridabad into a thriving village, providing jobs to
Louise Coghill
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countless people. To see the impact it can have on a community helped that existential dread abate for a brief moment and I understood my ‘why’. As the Dalai Llama says, one can only find peace when one focuses on the happiness of others (I’m in a predominantly Tibetan part of India at the present; I can’t help becoming one of those people for a moment). What kind of photography do you specialise in? When I’m at home working the daily grind, I love shooting weddings and food photography. The Urban List actually kickstarted my career (as well as expanded my waistline with the free food). When I’m taking photos just for me, travel and storytelling are my forte. What did you want to be when you left school? I planned to be married to Johnny Depp! I went to Curtin University to study Film and TV to become a film director and help get me into Johnny Depp’s world. Eventually I grew out of Johnny, but my love of film remained.
What advice would you give your 17-year-old self? Don’t be ashamed of that weirdo inside you. There are people out there who are just as strange as you – those are the people you’ll have the most interesting conversations with. What’s next? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’m off to New Zealand in November to hike the 3,000km track that runs from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island. It’s going to take me three to four months to complete. I can’t really imagine what’s on the other side of such a gruelling adventure. I’ve been focussing on writing, both travel stories and fiction. I would love for this to become a larger part of my life. So, who knows, maybe I will make it to Hollywood after all?
How did your path change? Film gave me my start – it shaped my style for telling stories and writing – but straight after graduating I moved to Queensland (for a boy). I had no film industry around me, and no real friends. It wasn’t until a travelling photographer passed through and showed me her Canon 5D and her travel portraits and landscapes that I finally realised how fun photography could be. I bought myself a camera that I could make films on, but I found myself taking more and more photos. Perhaps it was laziness (it’s a lot less time consuming to take a few photos that it is to make a film). But before long it was the only thing that would get me out of bed for sunrise. Then I was asked to go to India, and you know the rest.
OGA Ladies’ Long Lunch Saturday 16 November 2019 Time: 11.30 am to 2.00 pm Venue: Oakover Grounds 14 Yukich Close Middle Swan Life Members Lunch and Bus $35 Life Members Lunch only $25 Non-Members Lunch and Bus $60 Non-Members Lunch only $50 *Tickets generously subsidised by the OGA Limited space. Book early to avoid disappointment via www.trybooking.com/BCGFM. Graeme and Fran Yukich’s daughter Ashleigh graduated in 2013. The Yukich family owns and operates Oakover Grounds.
Louise’s photography
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What’s Been Happening
Red Cross and Solaris Care, and has been used by counsellors during the Victorian Bush Fires and the New Zealand Pike Mine disaster, continuing to sell today. She has also run workshops on how to avoid being scammed when self-publishing.
Paris is Empowering Women. Congratulations to Paris McNeil (2017), who recently received the 2019 Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs award, which recognises young women who demonstrate superior leadership skills and commitment to public service. Paris was acknowledged for her work as a Global Ambassador for No Girl Left Behind (a social impact organisation dedicated to uniting and empowering girls globally), her participation in the John Curtin Leadership Academy, and her volunteer work with several local organisations which promote the empowerment of women. Truly a remarkable woman!
Glennys with her Award
PC Hosts Interschool Tennis Competition. Perth College Old Girls picked up their racquets to represent PC at the over-40s interschool tennis competition in April. The competition in its current form has been running since 1998, with teams competing for the Glenys Parker Trophy, named in honour of an Old Girl who gave much of her time to the Association. Congratulations to Team PC, which hosted this year’s event and finished in fourth place, with PLC taking the honours on the day. Thank you to Margo (Stinton) Salmon (1960) and the Old Girl volunteers for your planning and assistance on the day.
Paris McNeil
Congratulations, Glennys. 1979 Leaver Glennys Marsdon has been awarded the Rona Okely Award at the 2019 Consumer Protection Awards Western Australia. The award recognises Glennys’ significant contribution and commitment to consumer protection over a 30year period. Glennys has researched and advocated for WA consumers across a wide range of issues during her time on Consumer Protection’s Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC). Glennys’ 2005 book 50 Ways to Grieve Your Lover reminds widows to be especially aware of scammers during the vulnerable period after the funeral. Her book was taken up by the Australian
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Team PC
Cycling on Sand to Make a Difference. 1984 Leaver Kate Leeming embarked on another expedition for her ‘breaking the cycle’ series. The aim of this expedition was to cycle the full length of the Namibian coastline, from the mouth of the Cunene River on the Angolan border to the Oranjemund at the mouth of the Orange River on the South African border. The journey was about 1,600km and was unprecedented; no-one
has attempted this before. You can follow Kate’s expedition via her blog www.breakingthecycle. education/blog/back-to-africa/.
Highest Honour. The Busch/Karasinski family is extremely proud of 1970 Leaver Debbie Karasinski (née Busch) who was awarded a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) on Australia Day this year, for ‘service to people with a disability of Western Australia’. Debbie’s mother is 1941 Leaver Audrey Busch (née Woolcott) and Debbie is the mother of 2003 Leaver Jessica Boyd (née Karasinski), sister of 1966 Leaver Jan Schekkerman (née Busch) and aunt of 1994 Leaver Naomi Jeffs (née Schekkerman).
Friendships Still Strong 59 Years On. The 1960 Leavers meet at Odyssea in City Beach every three months with different Old Girls attending when they can. This month there was Margo (Stinton) Salmon, Judith (Truscott) Kerr, Shirley (Buckingham) Blake, Dymphna (Thompson) Elsey, Evelyn (Wise) Ferrier, Elissa (Morland) Karlson, Joan (Hammond) Shipway, Bev (Gordon) Ireland, Suzanne (Dunbar) Burrows and Julie (Fullerton) Wheatley.
Brierley O’Donnell
Teaching Takes Jess Overseas. Congratulations to Jessica O’Nions (2008), who was recently named recipient of a month-long overseas teaching fellowship. Jessica is in her third year of teaching, and currently works as a Year 6 teacher at Harmony Primary School. She is also working towards her Master of Education. The fellowship, through Limited Resources Teacher Training, brings together teachers from economically developed countries to provide training for teachers in locations where people live on less than $5 a day. Jessica departs on her journey in January 2020.
WA’s Top Student 2010 Leaver Elizabeth Graydon represented WA at the 2018 AWARD School national competition for creative advertising where she was awarded a Golden Pencil award for the state’s top students. The annual awards are a celebration of emerging talent within the advertising industry. Elizabeth is currently based in Melbourne, where she works as a strategic planner at international marketing firm Ogilvy.
Back to School 1960 Leavers at Lunch
Spinning Around. Perth College’s biennial dance production, SPIN, was held in July and this year’s theme was Connect. SPIN celebrates the talents of students in Years 7 to 12 across a range of styles. Guest choreographers for 2019 included 2011 Leaver Lauren Catellani, 2013 Leaver Lillian LongmanFletcher and 2018 Leavers Emily Boudville and Morgan Goodey.
On a recent visit to Perth from the US 1968 Leaver and Dux, Pat (Minson) Julian took the opportunity to visit the School. Perth friend and fellow 1968 Leaver and Lawley House Captain Sally (Shaw) Lumsden joined Pat and they enjoyed finding their names on the Honour Boards.
Kicking Goals. Congratulations to Brierley O’Donnell (2018), who is one of seven Murdoch University undergraduate students awarded a Westpac Young Technologist scholarship. The Westpac Scholars program offers internship and networking opportunities designed to develop stronger leaders in technology fields, plus $5,000 annually to support study in this area.
Pat and Sally
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2019 Reunions & Events
The 2019 OGA event program is in full swing with reunions, the inaugural YOGA event, our 2019 AGM and the annual Head of the River and Old Girls’ First VIII race. A selection of photos from each event are featured below.
Vintage
Vintage
Reunion
Reunion
Joan (Pocklington) Howard (1939) enjoying the Heritage Centre display
Olga (Brundish) Greig OAM (1953), Roberta (Bourne) Holland (1954) and Jacqueline (Furphey) Drake-Brockman (1948)
18-Month OGA AGM
2019 OGA Committee
Reunion Grace Wyeth, Brielle Rollond, Brianna Hudson and Shannon Randall
A moment to remember...
18-Month Reunion Sarah Gordon, Tessa Stirling, Emily Crane, Emily Hoare and Jennifer Bolster
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When departing the 18-Month Reunion, Principal Helen Aguiar stopped to chat to some PC girls who were outside. Sitting next to them was a couple, Geoff and Leanne. Geoff proposed to Leanne and the PC girls joined the celebrations and filmed the proposal! The couple was so thrilled and such good sports. As it turns out, Geoff’s sister is a PC Old Girl! What a lovely moment to witness.
Yoga by YOGA
Yoga on the Lawn
Head of the River
Head of the River
Lara Glendinning (2016), Louise Freytag (2017) , Emy Booth (2017) and Georgia Piggott (2017)
Old Girl First VIII
OGA Movie Fundraiser Date: Saturday 21 September 2019 Time: 6.00 pm Venue: Palace Cinemas, top floor, Raine Square
300 Murray Street, Perth
Cost: Life Members $25
Mon-members $30
$5.00 flat parking rate on the weekends
RSVP: Friday 13 September 2019 via www.trybooking.com/BDSCQ
Advance Screening Ride Like A Girl
The story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup 7
Since trading the hustle and bustle of city life for wide open spaces and country air, she hasn’t looked back.
Boarders’ Bush Telegraph By Jessica Hayes Growing up in the Wheatbelt – a region with some of the state’s poorest health outcomes – sparked a passion in 2009 Leaver Courtney Bormolini (nee Ridout) from an early age. Originally from Mount Walker, almost 300 kilometres east of Perth, she found that moving to the city as a Year 10 in 2017 to board at Perth College – following in the footsteps of older sisters Brenna and Portia – was a big change. Her interest in the human body drove her to study a Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) at Edith Cowan University, which built the foundations for a successful career helping others.
It was a change of pace she needed to pursue her dream of running her own business, and so Central Wheatbelt Occupational Therapy was born. The business is based in Narembeen and specialises in soft tissue rehabilitation, occupational therapy and reformer Pilates. And what started as a one-day-a-week side project, as she also worked for the WA Country Health Service, has now grown to a thriving enterprise. Working alongside fellow Old Girl Amy (Piesse) Lumsden (2003) has been an added bonus. Together, the pair is helping to improve health and wellness within their community. “There’s such a need out here,” she said. “Before, there were no private services and it’s obviously really tricky to get to Perth. I’m so flat out, 8 to 6 most days back-toback with patients. “Educating country people about their health – that’s the most rewarding thing. “Since starting my business, I’ve noticed that, yes, there are educated people out here, but people just don’t look after themselves.” Looking ahead, Courtney hopes to expand her business to other parts of the Wheatbelt.
In 2014, Courtney decided it was time to get back to her bush roots after working in a Perth private practice. So, she packed up, and followed the love of her life and now husband, Guy, back home to Mount Walker.
“I really just want to educate the everyday person about how they can better their health, their mental health, which is a big issue out here, and how it correlates with your physical health,” she said.
“I never thought of myself living anywhere else than the country,” she said.
“It’s also about people making better decisions all round - better diet, exercise, alcohol – so I’m bit-by-bit trying to change attitudes out here.”
“I love Perth, but it was never home. “It’s just that sense of community and you know everyone; you have friends of every age in the country.
Ten years after graduating Perth College, Courtney is grateful for the opportunities her time at the School afforded her.
“You can pop over and see your neighbour which might be a 20km drive but people will always welcome you over for a cuppa.
“I think my two older sisters set a high standard for me,” she said. “But that helped me to make the most of my time at Perth College.
“I wanted to give my kids the lifestyle I had when growing up, particularly on a farm. It’s just the lifestyle.”
“I was encouraged to work hard, and you want to achieve because everyone around you has the same drive.
While much of regional WA has fallen victim to ruralurban drift, Courtney said the eastern Wheatbelt was bucking the trend, with younger professionals returning home to the country. “It’s been so great to set my roots down back out here and we have a really great group of young people,” she said. “People are moving home, they’re getting married, they’re having babies, and we’re creating our own little cluster of friends.”
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“I think Perth College taught me so much and gave me some of the most important friendships of my life.” As for her fellow Perth College boarders? Well, they’re still as tight-knit as ever. “We’re still such a close group,” she said. “We speak almost every single day. “Those girls are very special to me.” Courtney and Guy are expecting their first baby in October 2019.
Gifts for Future Generations
Dorothy Talbot attended Perth College as a day student from 1911 to 1918. She returned 10 years later as a teacher after graduating from Kindergarten Training College. Described as quiet, kind and ladylike, Dorothy had an ability to bring out the best in young children. Dorothy worked with Verna (Ikey) Broadfoot (1928) in the Junior School and these two talented teachers are said to have personified the Junior School for four decades. Dorothy was a progressive educationist and believed in the role of play, participation and interest in the growth of a child’s learning. Old Girl Judith (Fyfe) Anketell (1944) said Dorothy “made learning come alive. She read us lovely stories about other parts of the world.” Books were indeed a love of Dorothy’s and during her time as a teacher she undertook the major project of building-up the Junior School Library.
Dorothy Talbot
Dorothy retired in 1966 after 38 years’ teaching at Perth College. In 1969, the Old Girls’ Association, whose President had always been a Sister, elected Dorothy as their first secular President. She recognised that the pioneer students were ageing, Old Girl teachers were retiring, and a priority was to begin preserving and recording the School’s history. Dorothy (and others) established the School Archives and Dorothy also initiated the oral history program. Today the Heritage Centre has more than 72 oral histories recorded.
Dorothy’s loyalty to Perth College and her passion for learning were celebrated with the establishment of the Dorothy Talbot Library Fund. These funds were directed to the School to support the library. Fittingly, in 1978 Dorothy turned the key in the door of the new Junior School Library named in her honour.
Dorothy unveils the plaque of the ‘Dorothy Talbot Library’
Thanks to the Old Girls’ Association, we can continue to remember Dorothy and her deeds for the good of the School every time we visit the Chapel. Designed by Robert Juniper, the large colourful stained-glass window above the altar was dedicated to the memories of Dorothy Talbot and Ikey Broadfoot.
Perth College Foundation Class Gift Appeal In 2018, the Perth College Foundation and the Old Girls’ Association launched the ‘Class Gift’ appeal in partnership with the Association’s events and reunions. The appeal fundraises for a one-off, alumni-funded half-scholarship for a student to attend Perth College in Years 11 and 12. Donations of all sizes have been received over the past year and to date $4,300 has been raised. Thank you to those who have already donated; we are on our way to reaching our goal of $25,000. As this new half-scholarship will be a scholarship funded by Old Girls for Old Girls, it will be awarded to a daughter or grand-daughter of members of the Old Girls’ Association. Donors to this appeal will also be invited to meet the recipient of this inaugural scholarship once awarded.
Bequests, donations and Perth College memorabilia have longlasting benefits to our students. To advise of your gift or to discuss a donation please contact Natalie Swannell in the Development Office on 9471 2124 or email foundation@pc.wa.edu.au.
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Celebrations
2002 Leaver Pamela Angell (nee Grieve) and husband Alan welcomed twin girls Alice and Emelia on 10 October 2018. Alice and Emelia are grand-daughters to 1967 Leaver Jennifer Grieve (nee Colombo) and nieces to 1995 Leaver Jane Munday (nee Grieve) and 1998 Leaver Susan Lopez (nee Grieve). Pamela, Alan, Alice and Emelia are currently living in London and were back in WA visiting friends and family for a couple of months earlier this year; during their visit, Alice and Emelia were baptised in the Perth College Chapel. The service was conducted by The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, who was the PC Chaplain between 1988 and 1995 and is an Honorary Old Girl.
Daisy Grace McDougall Congratulations to former PC Chaplain and Honorary Old Girl Reverend Gerry Nixon, who has become a grandmother. Amy Elizabeth arrived on 14 February 2019 (St Valentine’s Day), and Gerry says “of course, she is just gorgeous.” The photograph shows Gerry with Amy, who is wearing a lovely pink outfit from Australia, a present from 1962 Leaver Annetta Robotham. Gerry says “I spend as much time as I can with Hannah and Amy – not wanting to miss any of the delightful stages of Amy’s development. She is quite vocal, loves to chat away making all sorts of baby sounds, and recently seems to have developed the giggles when she plays with mummy and daddy.”
Pamela and Alan with Alice and Emelia at their Christening
Brooke (Mills) Jacobs (2006) and husband Christopher welcomed son Otis Miller Jacobs on 23 August 2018. He was born at Osborne Park Hospital weighing 3.77kg. Chloe (Bairstow) McDougall (2007), husband Bevan and son Hugo welcomed daughter Daisy Grace McDougall on 16 January 2019. She was born at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, weighing 3.15kg.
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Rev Gerry with Amy
Gemma (Gaze) Mickan (2008) and husband Luke welcomed Freya Grace Mickan on 28 October 2018. She was born at Albany Regional Hospital weighing 3.51kg. Alix Barrett-Lennard (2007) and partner Adam Guglielmana welcomed baby girl Elsie Ann Guglielmana on 21 May 2019.
Johanna (Waight) Millet (2007) and husband Ben welcomed daughter Penelope Susan Millet on 6 May 2019 at Joondalup Private Hospital weighing 3.1kg. Virginia Shaw (2001) welcomed baby Jack in July 2018. Virginia visited Perth College with Jack last December and said, “It has been wonderful to be able to bring my family back to the School and stay in touch with Perth College.”
Melanie and Jason in Bali
Teressa Thai (2008) married Ngoc Thanh Nguyen on Sunday 24 March in the Perth College Chapel and it couldn’t have been a more perfect day for the couple. It was an absolutely beautiful ceremony, only made possible with the help of Reverend Lisa, the PC Strings Trio, loving family and forever friends. It was even more special because Teressa’s closest PC girls attended; 2008 Leavers Vanessa Chia, Jessica Ngo, Annie Lei, Melinda Wong, Angel Chen, Jen Kan and Jackie Xu.
Virginia and Jack
Ashton (Briggs-Syme) Hamlin (2011) married Anaru Hamlin on Sunday 3 March 2019 in Phuket, Thailand. Ashton’s sister Tinelle Syme (2016) and fellow 2011 Leavers Holly Dixson, Claire Brennan and Colleen Tonkin also attended the celebrations.
Teressa, Ngoc with Rev Lisa and PC Strings Trio
The OGA is Online
Ashton in Phuket
2008 Leaver Melanie (Stone) McDonnell married husband Jason on Saturday 1 September 2018 in Bali, Indonesia. Her sister Danielle (Stone) Wegman (2006) was her Maid of Honour.
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, ‘like’ photos, and share articles.
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Birthday Club Over 90s
Happy Birthday to our Old Girls who are celebrating a 90+ birthday between September 2019 and March 2020.
Mrs Joyce (Franklin) Acol (1936)
Mrs Lesley (Wall) Greagg (1943)
Mrs Thelma (Shepherd) Manners (1943)
Mrs Merle (Bailey) Packham (1941)
Mrs Elaine (Parsons) Campbell (1947)
Mrs Mary (Stokes) Evans (1941)
Mrs Judy (Stenberg) Nielsen (1945)
Mrs Gladys (Combs) Clark (1944)
Mrs Kathleen (Smith) Metcalf (1941)
Mrs Mary (Smith) Blechynden (1946)
Mrs Barbara (Mann) Stoneman (1946)
Mrs Mary (Morrell) Melot (1941)
Mrs Jacquie (Campbell) Ramshaw (1947)
Mrs Rachel (Carey) Rosenthal (1942)
Mrs Beryl (Fowler) Haneman (1941)
Mrs Audrey (Payne) Craddock (1941)
Mrs Shirley (Robin) Jose (1944)
Mrs Lyle (Broad) Hopkinson (1942)
Mrs Betty (Overheu) Wells (1945)
Mrs Frances (Russell) Nicholls (1936)
Mrs Hazel (Broad) McPherson (1943)
Mrs Beverley (Cockram) Barrett (1946)
Mrs Peta (Hayes) Horton (1945)
Mrs Irene (Grove) Kirkpatrick (1946)
Ms Barbara (Thompson) Anderson (1946)
Mrs Merle (Giese) Best (1944)
Ms Elizabeth (Liddelow) Connell (1944)
Mrs Margaret (Broadhurst) Brinsden (1944)
Mrs Dorothy (Tonkinson) Goulden (1946)
Mrs Diana (Pocklington) Williams (1947)
Mrs Joyce (Roberts) Salmon (1942)
Mrs Betty (Creek) Donnelly (1946)
Mrs Iona (Wright) McCarvill (1946)
Mrs Judith (McCann) Tuckey (1947)
Mrs Pam (Nelthorpe) Holywell (1944)
Mrs Colleen (O'Sullivan) Scott (1945)
Mrs Jacqueline (Trend) Bailey (1945)
Mrs Colin (Crowther) Edwards (1938)
Mrs Yvonne (Maloney) Brooks (1946)
Mrs Betty (Rohrs) McCart (1945)
Mrs Rosemary (Klug) Grant (1948)
Mrs Betty (McLaren) Williams (1946)
Mrs Patricia (Hockin) Sims (1939)
Mrs Elsie (Dale) Fairthorn (1942)
Mrs Audrey (Davis) Fairchild (1941)
Mrs Betty (Wright) Groeneveld (1946)
Mrs Frances (Anderson) Dodds (1942)
Mrs Betty (Ellis) Ahern (1934)
Mrs Shirley (Purslowe) Rippin (1945)
Mrs Marion (Fyfe) Wood (1939)
Mrs Elizabeth (Lukin) Ogston (1943)
Mrs Allison (Stone) Shanahan (1942)
Mrs Betty (Kay) Lyle (1946)
Mrs Doris (Roberts) Mossenson (1942)
Miss Marion George (1942)
Mrs Pat (Winning) Keech (1942)
Ms Sonia (Grant) Grant (1942)
Mrs Jenny (Finkelstein) Shub OAM (1943) Mrs Barbara (Cooke) Bushell (1943) Mrs Lorraine (Barden) Puddey (1936) Mrs Rosemary (Nicholls) Higham (1942) Mrs Judith (Henning) Chiffings (1943) Mrs Lillian (Chipper) Lambert (1942) Mrs Margaret (Shearn) Lissiman (1946) Mrs Joy (Cowper) Palmer (1940) Mrs Rebe (Berinshan) Atlas (1946) Mrs Shirley (Wright) Willcock (1939) Mrs Mary (Dempster) Colero (1940) Mrs Beth (Webb) Bradbury (1944)
Special mention to Joyce (Franklin) Acol and Lorraine (Barden) Puddey who will be celebrating their 101st birthdays and Betty (Ellis) Ahern who will be turning 102! 1935 Leaver Geraldine (Smith) Harkness turned 101 in May and Director of Development Natalie Swannell visited Geraldine to celebrate. Geraldine and Natalie
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It was a very special occasion and representative of Chris herself……. generous and thoughtful to the end.
Our Condolences
Our condolences are extended to Christine’s husband Kim and to all those whose lives she touched, especially the close knit PC group from her year. Our lunches will never be the same! Submitted by Karen Field on behalf of Christine’s PC friends. 1948 Leaver Ann Wright (nee Butson) passed away on 14 April 2019 after a long illness. Our sincere condolences to Ann’s family and loved ones.
It is with a heavy heart that we report the death of Christine (Barnetson) Morrison on 19 June 2019 after a very long and brave battle with cancer. Christine was a much loved member of the Class of ’65 and was a pivotal presence in a continuing circle of PC Friends who met regularly over five decades since leaving school. Old Girls at PC in the 1960’s will remember the pride we felt when Christine was selected as a member of the Australian swimming team for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics when she was just 16 years old and she remains one of the School’s most illustrious sportswomen. It was not surprising therefore that Chris went on to graduate from UWA with a Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Physical Education (and later a Masters in Education Administration from the University of New England, Armidale) as well as being awarded a University “Blue” for her outstanding sporting contribution and representation of UWA. Christine then went on to teach firstly in the WA government sector and later took up an academic role at WACAE (later Edith Cowan University) which subsequently led to her working in the fledgling Overseas Students sector. In the 90’s Christine retired from academic life to support her husband Kim in his various business interests but as her illness advanced Chris enjoyed spending more time at their Gingin property. In fact Chris used to say that, the country gave her great solace and she was never happier than working with her cows and creating her vegetable patch which was pretty well a market garden! It was Christine’s love of the rural life and her appreciation of the challenges of education for country families which led to her and husband Kim to approach the Perth College Foundation to establish a tuition and boarding scholarship for eligible country students. The first Christine Barnetson Scholarship was awarded in 2019 and shall remain as a highly valued ongoing legacy of a talented and truly generous Old Girl. Those who knew Chris were forever touched by her extraordinary generosity of spirit and this was on show at the farewell party which she had requested in lieu of a funeral. Friends from disparate geographies and from various periods in her professional and community life were invited by her beloved husband Kim to gather at their home shortly after her death for a “No Tears” celebration as ordered by Christine.
Basil Best OAM (1923 - 2019) was educated at Perth College for a number of months in 1928. His sister Joy (Best) Bainbridge (1938) was also educated at the School from 1925 to 1936 as the Sisters had run up an account at the local grocery store (Bests’ of Mount Lawley) and were unable to pay their bill. A mutuallyagreeable arrangement was reached in exchange for educating Bas and Joy. Bas only lasted at PC for a few weeks as he said there were not enough boys in his class and he asked to attend Inglewood Primary School instead. Bas later married Merle (Giese) Best (1944), who attended PC from 1939 to 1942, and they were married for almost 70 years when he passed away in April 2019. Their two daughters Christine (Best) Bateman (1970 Head Girl), Judith (Best) Willock (1973 Senior Day Girl) and one grand-daughter, Rebecca Willock (2004), were also educated at PC. Bas was an active member of the PC community and was Treasurer of the P&F during the fundraising days of the 1970s after the Sisters had left the School. The first item on the fundraising agenda was the financing of the proposed tunnel under Beaufort Street and then followed the purchase of equipment for the Boarding House and teaching aids. He had a long association with the School through his wife, daughters and grand-daughter. There aren’t too many people who can say that both their parents were Old Girls of PC! Submitted by Judith Willock Condolences to 1971 Leaver Geraldine (Barber) Pollock, her mother Helen, and brother on the passing of their father and husband, Ted Barber, in May 2019. Ted was a founding housemaster at Guildford Grammar School and his funeral was held at St John’s in Launceston, Tasmania. Helen also taught English at PC in the 1950s and 1960s. 1943 Leaver Flora ‘Trilli’ (Gamba) Bobone passed away on 15 March 2019 aged 93. Our thoughts go out to her family.
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Upcoming Events Visit our website for full details https://www.perthcollege.wa.edu. au/whats-on/events or contact the Development Office on 9471 2196.
Family Chapel Service. Members of the PC community are warmly invited to attend our monthly Family Chapel services conducted by our Chaplain Reverend Lisa Ahuja, commencing at 9.30 am.
• 15 September Visit the website for additional dates.
Perth College Heritage ‘Back to School’ (1975-1978 Leavers) Friday 30 August 2019 Time: 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm Venue: Myalla House, Perth College Cost: Complimentary RSVP: Monday 26 August via www.trybooking.com/BALKK
10-Year Reunion (2009 Leavers) Saturday 31 August 2019 Time: 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm Campus Tour 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm Cocktail Function Venue: Campus tour will commence in the Chapel Quad followed by the function in Myalla House Cost: $50.00 per person RSVP: Friday 23 August 2019 via www.trybooking.com/BANOV
Five -Year Reunion (2014 Leavers) Saturday 7 September 2019 Time: 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm Evening Function
40 -Year Reunion (1979 Leavers)
Venue: The Garden 742 Newcastle Street, Leederville
Saturday 19 October 2019
Cost: Complimentary RSVP: Friday 30 August 2019 via www.trybooking.com/BAJGX
Time: 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm Campus tour commencing in the Chapel Quad 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm Pre-dinner drinks at Excelsior House 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm Dinner at Myalla House Cost: $50.00 per person RSVP: Friday 11 October 2019 via www.trybooking.com/BBQCE
50 -Year Reunion (1969 Leavers) Saturday 26 October 2019 Time:
10.00 am to 11.00 am Campus tour commencing at Excelsior House 11.30 am to 12.30 pm Chapel 12.30 pm to 3.00 pm Lunch at Myalla House
Cost: Complimentary RSVP: Friday 18 October 2019 via www.trybooking.com/BAJHA
Perth College Flourishing InsideOut Conference 2019 Saturday 26 October 2019 Excelsior House, Perth College To book visit: www.trybooking.com/BDGXA 18-30 year old Old Girls can purhcase a discounted ticket thanks to sponsorship from the Perth College Foundation.
Old Girls’ Following in their Footsteps Assembly
60 -Year Reunion (1959 Leavers)
Wednesday 30 October 2019
Saturday 2 November 2019
Time: From 1.30 pm Venue: Judith Cottier Theatre, Perth College Cost: Complimentary RSVP: Friday 18 October 2019 via www.trybooking.com/BDSFE
Time:
10.00 am to 11.00 am Chapel 11.00 am to 12.00 pm Campus tour commencing in the Chapel Quad 12.00 pm to 3.00 pm Lunch at Myalla House
Cost: $50.00 per person RSVP: Friday 25 October 2019 via www.trybooking.com/BAJHF
Friday Sport – OGA vs Students Friday 29 November 2019 Time: 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm Venue: Perth College Gymnasium
Save the Date – 1960 Leavers
OGA vs Students sport is returning with a round-robin friendly game of volleyball. A minimum of six players is required for one team so rally your peers and get a team together!
60-Year Reunion
RSVP: Register as a player via www.trybooking.com/BAJIC or contact the Development Office on 9471 2196. Gather your pom poms! Spectators are encouraged to attend and cheer on the OGA teams.
September 2020
Perth College girls: Remarkable women
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