Perth College is honoured to be situated on the ancestral Lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. We acknowledge the First Australians as the Traditional Custodians of the Lands we stand on and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Australia’s First Peoples.
The Perth College Foundation was established in 2012 with the primary objective of building long-term financial security for the School. Our work ensures Perth College continues to provide a worldclass educational experience for girls through raising and managing funds for scholarships, programs, and buildings.
Our vested interest continues to be building a giving culture, nurturing caring, courageous, and capable girls into remarkable women, and contributing towards the enrichment of education for girls. We endeavour to achieve this together with everyone who believes in a world where women can shape their own future and positively contribute to society.
The Foundation is governed by a constitution and Board that brings a wealth of business, legal and financial experience to provide oversight on governance-related matters. We ensure 100 per cent of donated funds are allocated towards the purpose intended, safeguarding and upholding donor wishes.
The generosity and commitment of our donors and supporters not only helps solidify the foundations of our school into the future, but also continues to shape future generations of remarkable women.
We invite you to enjoy our 2023 Annual Report and thank you for being part of our remarkable giving community.
A warm welcome to our 2023 Annual Report and my inaugural message as Chair of Perth College Foundation.
Entering our next decade, we were inspired to move in many directions last year. There were discussions around whether the path toward our school’s longterm financial sustainability should be led by bigger and bolder investments to build the learning environments of tomorrow, or whether it was more important to stay the course to meet our initial corpus goal of $30 million by 2028. Fuelled by a backdrop of advances in technology, turbulence in the economy, and rapid changes to the future of work, the need to steward our funds with a more adaptive philosophy was clearer than ever.
When I stepped into this role, I wanted to embrace the shifting dialogues happening on multiple fronts. I was motivated to lead the Foundation in a steadfast manner in service of our overarching goal — yet remain open-minded and curious for the paths we could take to get there.
I believe this same ethos applies to the way we think about the future of girls’ education. Our commitment towards a world where women can shape their own futures is unwavering, but the journey there can take many forms. This has never rung truer since my daughter, Quinn, came into the world over a year ago. The world today looks very different from a decade ago. Quinn reminds me every day of the meaningful work we all do — and our collective endeavour to evolve our knowledge, thinking and investments in making this a reality for the girls of tomorrow.
The dynamics of an education institution are richly layered. Alignment amongst the Foundation, the Council and School leadership teams is crucial to create long-lasting deep impacts for our School. This isn’t to downplay the independent role each of these teams play or the domains they have ownership over, but to recognise the power that also exists when we can collaborate over shared priorities.
This year, I’ve worked to establish a dynamic of transparency amongst the three entities through regular meetings with the Chair of Council and Interim Principal. This has resulted in successful revisions to our Constitution in areas such as increasing the number of Non-Executive Directors and initiated instrumental collaborative sessions between the Foundation and Council on the School’s Master Plan and joint areas of priority.
The greater the insights we have on the long-term plans of the School, the more impact the Foundation can have on the future of Perth College. In turn, this translates to more opportunities for our supporter and donor communities to join us.
At the same time, we experienced a growing desire to deepen our investment and legal expertise as the size of our assets increased and the breadth of expansion opportunities widened. To respond to this, we welcomed two new Non-Executive Directors to the Board, Mr Mark Mendelawitz and Mr Rob Jackson, both of whom strengthen our expertise in these areas. Together with the appointment of our new Head of Philanthropy, Trish van Leeuwen, who brings extensive national and international experience in philanthropy, we head into 2024 in good stead.
Whilst our main areas of focus were internal, we also have exciting news on the scholarship and building fronts.
This year, we were deeply moved to have received a bequest of $2.85m from Mrs Audrey (Davis) Fairchild who attended Perth College between 1935 to 1941 as a Bedford Day Girl. We have subsequently established the Audrey Fairchild Scholarship which will offer two students a significant contribution towards their tuition fees.
Another focus has been the Building Redevelopment Project that is nearing completion. The money raised through the 2023 Appeal has contributed towards the fit-out of this world-class, building that will lead the way in 21st century education. We are truly excited to see the generations of girls that will embark on their journey here.
Our achievements would simply not be possible without our Foundation community.
It is through your passion, generosity, and commitment, that has led our asset portfolio to grow to approximately $24.9 million this year, and our programs for scholarships, buildings and special projects have also continued to expand their impact.
We appreciate each of you for contributing to the Foundation that we are set to build upon today. To this end, I am honoured to lead the Foundation into its next chapter alongside you all.
ANGEL CHEN Chair Perth College Foundation
It has been an incredibly busy year for Perth College, marked by strong academic and sporting performances.
It has also been a time where the School Council and our Leadership team have refocused on our Strategic Intent to ensure our school is focussed on achieving our Purpose, of actively pursuing and embracing new approaches and world-class educational excellence within an inclusive and vibrant community.
The past 12 months has been a period of transition for not only the School but the leadership of the Foundation and Council. Together we have set a new tone of accountability and transparency which will have long-term sustainable benefits for Perth College.
One key project we have been working on together is the new Building Project. This is exciting development will provide our students with the leading Junior School facility in Western Australia purposefully designed for 21st Century learning. The building will be open to our community from Term Three, with our Years 3 to 6 students moving into the ground floor. I look forward to welcoming our donors to view the new building in mid-July.
WERE
The graduating class of 2023 achieved remarkable WACE results. Their collective achievements were among the best results Perth College has had in its 121-year history. Our 2023 Dux Award winner, Lucienne Willinge, received our highest ATAR result of 99.90. Lucienne, along with Maggie Wang, were ranked in the Top 50 ATAR students across Western Australia, receiving a General Exhibition Award; an incredible achievement.
Our Senior Schools students also won the IGSSA Athletics Carnival for the first time in over a decade. This remarkable result was evidence of the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork of our students, our staff, and athletics coaches. Perth College focuses on ensuring our students achieve their individual best while celebrating the success of others. This victory demonstrated how capable, courageous, and caring our students are and what they can achieve as a team.
Earlier this year, a group of our Year 5 Gifted and Talented students came second overall at the statewide Da Vinci Decathlon. This is an academic competition where students compete in teams across ten disciplines and is designed to provide students with a stimulating challenge. It is wonderful to see our student achieve this success.
SUPPORTIVE
When I reflect on this year and the many periods of change, it is our community that has remained steadfast. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each one of you who has supported the work of the Foundation, our students, and our School. Your generous contributions, financial or in other ways, will leave an impression on our School.
The role of the Foundation is important to the long-term success of the School, and I am confident that as we move through 2024, together we will deliver strategic benefits to the school.
CLARE JOHANSEN Interim Principal
Through the years of both giving physically and financially we have seen impressive changes at the School which have dramatically improved the learning facilities for students. These students now have such wonderful opportunities available to them to receive positive support in all areas of education, including both emotional and physical aspects.
All of this has been in keeping with the motto of the School (Pro Ecclesia Dei) and is built on the wonderful work of the Sisters. JANET AND JOHN NEILSON
Janet Neilson (nee Brown) is an Old Girl of the School and has been a supporter of Perth College and its organisations including being Committee member then Honorary Treasurer of the Old Girls’ Association, member of the original Foundation Committee and donor to numerous appeals within the School. Her husband John has also been involved in numerous activities mainly through the Old Girls’ Association including as their honorary auditor.
The 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.
The Board ensures appropriate and accountable management of funds held by the Foundation; and our governance framework has been designed to reflect our commitment to best-practice levels of transparency, accountability, and governance.
Our Foundation Board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise from business, law, finance, marketing, investment, and the dedication and loyalty that is the heart of the Perth College community. As custodians of the Foundation’s purpose our Board ensure strategies are developed and delivered to fulfil our mission and contribute to Perth College with impactful intent, integrity, respect, and compassion.
STEPHANIE FULLARTON – VICE CHAIR Management & Governance
Stephanie is a physiotherapist with 40 years’ experience across government and private not for profit organisations in Australia and the United States. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Graduate Diploma in Health Science. Stephanie has spent 20 years in management positions in tertiary hospitals and WA Health Department, as well as research roles at UWA, Notre Dame and Curtin Universities. Stephanie is a Perth College Old Girl, serving on the PC Old Girls’ Association committee since 2018, and as President since 2019. She was appointed as the OGA representative to Council in 2023.
ANGEL CHEN – CHAIR Strategy, Shaping Community, & Marketing
Angel is the Co-Founder and Chief of Strategy at DrawHistory, a global social impact consultancy that works to amplify the impact of civic organisations. She has advised over 150 mission-driven organisations including UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, and the Australian Government. Angel holds a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce (First Class Honours) and was recognised on the 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in Media, Marketing and Advertising. Angel is a Perth College Old Girl and was appointed to the role of Chair in 2023.
MONIQUE CONNOLLY – TREASURER
Financial Management, Audit, & Advisory
Monique is Financial Controller of Greatland Gold. Monique is a qualified chartered accountant with over 15 years of experience working in both practice and public listed companies and within mineral extractive industries. Monique commenced her career with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and held senior finance roles with listed businesses, including ConocoPhillips and Santos Limited. She has a strong focus on driving continuous improvement around financial reporting, systems, and processes. Monique is an Old Girl of Perth College and joined the Perth College Council in 2022.
Strategy, Brand, Communications & Culture
Al Taylor is regarded for his strategic and creative capability, particularly in optimising commercial outcomes. As Group MD of the WA communications agency 303, he expanded the brand east and played a key role in its growth to be the largest independently owned agency in Australia, and its subsequent acquisition by US-listed Interpublic Group (IPG). In 2017, after serving as Chair of 303MullenLowe, Al joined the Hospitality and Brewing Group, Triple-1-Three, as CEO. In 2022, he stepped down to focus on the strategic advisory he co-founded, Taylor Simpson Jones. Al holds numerous board and strategic advisory positions and is a passionate advocate for the WA cultural community. He has two daughters; one is a current Perth College student.
Rob is the Director, Wealth Management, Financial Planning and Investment Adviser at Canaccord Genuity Financial Limited. With over 35 years’ experience, Rob specialises in providing and delivering highly personalised wealth management solutions for highnet-worth families, individuals, and Foundations – helping clients safeguard their financial future and unique financial objectives. Rob is an Independent Board Member assisting with managing the Foundation’s investment portfolios and has two daughters who graduated from Perth College.
ALEX HURST
Financial Planning & Investments
Alex is a certified Financial Planner with more than 17 years’ experience specialising in superannuation, investments and cashflow management. In addition to being a Director at WealthCo Advisory, Alex sits on the investment committee of Mont Partners. Alex has worked in a range of financial institutions, including BT Funds Management, Westpac, MLC and NAB Financial Planning. He holds a Diploma of Financial Advising from the Australian Securities Institute. Alex joined the Foundation Board as an independent member and as a parent of a future student as a way to give back and gain an understanding of the school and education that was given.
MARK MENDELAWITZ
Commercial & Corporate Law
Mark has extensive experience in commercial, corporate, and related areas of law including financing and security, capital raising, compliance, joint ventures, succession, and estate planning. Mark has a Master of Laws and is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Australia. Mark works with a broad-spectrum of firms and businesses ranging from small businesses to publicly listed companies, property developers, investors, and technology startups. He has two daughters at Perth College.
CLARE JOHANSEN –INTERIM PRINCIPAL (EX-OFFICIO)
Leadership, Strategic Vision, & Policy
Clare has a passion for girls’ education and extensive operational and policy development experience in large schools. She has held several educational leadership positions in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. She holds a master’s in educational leadership from UWA and a Certificate of School Management and Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In early 2022, she was awarded the Aware Super Michael Dwyer Scholarship for Emerging Leaders. She joined Perth College in 2022, as Vice Principal and in mid-2023 became Interim Principal. Clare works with the school council and leadership team to drive the strategic vision for the school. She is committed to leading and coaching the dedicated team at Perth College to guide and influence the next generation of students to make a real difference.
SHARON CASPERSZ –SECRETARY, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE (EX-OFFICIO)
Strategic, Financial & Operational Governance
Sharon is a qualified Certified Practicing Accountant with over 15 years of financial leadership experience in the independent education and not-for-profit sectors. This has built a solid foundation in executive, strategic, and operational governance, as well as further enhancing her capability in leading change in the workplace, achieving cost efficiencies and capability improvements by mentoring and role modelling a growth mindset in others. As Director of Finance, Sharon has overall responsibility for strategic leadership of the Financial, Commercial, Risk, Compliance, and Property Management business services functions at the School. This role also sits on the School Council.
“Perth College has been the best school for our daughter. From the moment we first stepped onto the grounds we felt valued and included. It has given her many opportunities, and because of this, we are honoured to be involved with the PC Foundation to be able to give back and give the same hope and opportunity to other students. To support the amazing PC journey of being educated in such a community of strong values, lifelong friendships, combined with academic rigour, is an honour and only possible because of the continuous efforts of the PC Foundation.”
TOM AND TERESA MANGIONE
The main objective of the Foundation is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Foundation for the benefit 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. Accordingly, since its inception, the Foundation has been focused on growing its capital base and achieving steady investment returns.
Prudent management of fund capital and earnings, together with the generous contributions from our community have steered the Foundation to a net asset position of $24.9 million for 2023, an increase of $4.7 million from 2022 (2022: $20.4 million). The single most significant element in growing our capital base is donations, as seen with the generous contribution made in 2023.
This has put the Foundation in good stead to meet its target of $30 million by 2028. We therefore remain grateful to our wonderful extended school community for supporting the long-term financial security of Perth College.
Stewardship of funds donated to the Foundation is a key priority of the Board. Through the Investment Committee, the Board ensures the appropriate focus and governance, operating under its Charter and the investment parameters in the Investment Policy Statement. The Investment Committee has continued to work closely with the appointed Investment Manager to ensure we remain responsive to the ever-changing investment environment.
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.
No one knows the value of a Perth College education better than those of us who were fortunate enough to receive one.
No matter the era of your PC experiences the emphasis of the Sisters, and our subsequent Principals, has been one of supporting every student to achieve their best. The education received and the lifelong friendships made have established our School as an exceptional place for girls to be educated.
To express gratitude for their PC education and give something back to the school which gave them so much during their formative years, many Old Girls generously support the School with donations or bequests, either individually or through the Old Girls’ Association (OGA).
The OGA is grateful to the Foundation for supporting our efforts and for stewarding the donations made by our members to the OGA Sisters’ Memorial Bursary and OGA Heritage Scholarship.
The bursary and scholarship enable daughters or granddaughters of Old Girls to be supported through their PC journey and continue their family heritage at PC.
The collaborative efforts of the Foundation and the OGA are a testament to the strong PC community we are fortunate be a part of.
The OGA believes the impact of the gift of a bursary or scholarship is life long as recipients can experience the richness of a Perth College education while being provided with a wonderful platform to optimise opportunities for the next stage of their life’s journey. As such, we are thrilled to support the Foundation’s Scholarship Program.
STEPHANIE FULLARTON President, Old Girls Association
“As a boarder, PC was my home for several years, and my mother and 2 sisters, George’s mother, and his sisters, and even his father, for his prep year, benefited from education under the Sisters of the Church! The influence of PC in our lives is considerable!
JOAN LEFROY
AM
Every year the generosity of our donors and partnership with the Old Girls Association, has enabled stronger scholarship offerings and enhanced the connection between the Foundation and the School.
Scholarships not only retain the richness and diversity of the School by providing a Perth College education to girls who might otherwise be unable to attend; but also provide a wonderful platform for recipients to optimise opportunities throughout their lives.
LEFROY REGIONAL AND REMOTE SCHOLARSHIP
As a born and bred Pilbara girl living in a remote small mining town receiving this award has taken me to places, I never knew existed beyond the red dirt. I attended a PC Netball Clinic whilst in Exmouth on school holidays in 2020 - going to boarding school had never crossed my mind – or my parents.
Here I am today, in Year 12 and about to graduate. I joined the PC Boarding House at the end of Year 9 where I’ve formed forever friendships, shared laughs, triumphs, and tears being away from home.
I’ve grown in many ways and been exposed to many elements. I’ve had many different opportunities opened for me; like having more sporting opportunities and getting more support on my education. I have gained so much independence.
I’m so very blessed to have Joan and George Lefroy gift me with this scholarship. It is a gift I will never take lightheartedly for the rest of my life.
It was even better to meet them in person to thank them and tell them all about my upbringing, adventures, and future aspirations. Their kindness and tears of happiness will forever warm my heart.
I am currently following a pathway down the education road. I’ve done work experience in the PE Department and this year as a Special Needs Education Assistant. I’m still unsure which avenue I will take, but because of the generosity of Mr and Mrs Lefroy I now have the opportunity and support to study these future pathways. They are both incredible human beings that gave this Pilbara girl the chance to find her wings and fly.
JORJA RUTHERFORD
Year 12 Scholarship Recipient
The impact that receiving a scholarship can have on a student’s learning experience and future cannot be underestimated. This is clearly evident in the reflections of our scholarship recipients.
Foundation Boarding Bursary Scholarship
“It means growing as a young woman and being involved in a strong, supportive community where I continue to make memories and build experiences with great friends. It means having the privilege to set up my future for great success and continue to work towards nurturing my aspiration in the medical profession.“
The Old Girls’ Association Sisters Memorial Bursary
“This scholarship has connected me more to the school as my mother is a PC old girl and allowed me to try new activities, I haven’t been able to do or aware of before and opened new passions and interests for me. What my future career holds is unknown to me, however I know Perth College will guide me and provide me with a wide range of opportunities and a lot of memorable fun times along the way.”
Anne Cranston Scholarship
“Coming from a small country town and school, Perth College has opened me up to many new and exciting opportunities, as well as being able to pursue my passions for swimming and long-distance running, Living at the boarding house has allowed me to meet a lot of new people from backgrounds different from my own, from many different places and I have made so many lifelong friendships.”
The Old Girls’ Association Sisters Memorial Bursary
“It has helped me to understand my potential and given me access to support and people who are willing to help me achieve my goals for the future. This bursary has also instilled a sense of responsibility in me, motivating me to try my best not only for the benefit of myself but also for the people in my community who invested in my education.“
Christine Barnetson Scholarship
“As a student from the remote town of Broome, receiving this scholarship was life changing. I have made my lifelong friends, furthered my academic journey, and participated in the countless opportunities. I’m coaching a fantastic netball team and completing a Certificate IV in School Based Educational Support, which will launch me on my career path of being a teacher – a dream since I was 5 years old.”
Christine Barnetson Scholarship
“Coming from Binnu, a small town in the Mid-West I was very nervous about leaving home and coming to a bigger school. I have been challenged academically but with the support of our very approachable staff I am making some great personal goals with my studies which I believe will help with my future aspirations. I am halfway through my Perth College journey and cannot wait to see what the future holds.”
The Old Girls’ Association Sisters Memorial Bursary
“Receiving this scholarship has shaped me into who I am today and allowed me to explore who I can be in the future. I have participated in IGSSA sport teams, been part of drama productions, and travelled to Laverton as part of the TLG cultural immersion program to educate primary school students in remote WA, It’s opened so many doors for my future and I’ve had the ability to explore everything I am interested in.”
The Old Girls’ Association Sisters’ Memorial Bursary
“Having started at Perth College in Year 5, it has deepened my connection to the school through my high school journey. I am honoured to be a bridge between Perth College and the Old Girls community, as guardians of our school’s amazing heritage. I feel privileged to have met such amazing people and to have learned so much about myself and Perth College. I am endlessly grateful for being given this opportunity and look forward to giving back to the school in the future.”made so many lifelong friendships.”
The Old Girls’ Association Sisters Memorial Bursary
“I get to call myself a Perth College girl. It also means I am part of a strong community that is supportive, friendly and has a strong sisterhood. Part of the well-rounded education includes the camps where I have been able to become more resilient and tough while also learning important life skills that cannot be learnt in a classroom. I am lucky to get to go to the same school as my mum and grandma went to and grateful for the opportunity’s that lots of people aren’t lucky enough to receive.”
MILLY AMMERER Foundation InsideOut Scholarship
“Having been the fortunate recipient of this Scholarship and starting at Perth College as a year 10 student my life has changed in ways I never could have expected. I have had the pleasure of being challenged and nurtured by teacher’s passionate about their professions and a school environment that fosters and encourages leadership. I hope to keep growing this skill as I continue to umpire for the Perth College Netball Academy, complete my Duke of Ed and continue my role as Kaya captain as a year 11.”
The Old Girls’ Association Heritage Scholarship
“Last year, I completed a Certificate II in Sport and Recreation, as well as receiving the Year 11 Mathematics Essential and English General awards. I am currently completing my Certificate IV in Special Needs Education Support. Once I graduate, I will attend university and complete a Bachelor of Primary Education, while working as an education assistant. In the future, I hope that one day I have the opportunity to give back and provide another girl with the same opportunity that I have been gifted with.”
Our 2023 Annual Giving Appeal supported an inspiring and uplifting initiative, the Junior School Redevelopment Project and contributed towards the fit-out of this worldclass building. The growth of our beautiful historical campus has been generously supported by our donors, including past and current parents, our alumni, and the wider Perth College Community. We share the excitement of teachers and students about the opportunities this new learning environment will bring.
$85,719.99 2023 Total Amount Raised 35 Total Number of Donors
$29,770 Total for the Scholarship Fund
$55,949.99 Total for the Building Fund
“The new Junior School Redevelopment is an exciting and important project that will support both current and future student needs, and we are grateful for the financial contribution from the Perth College Foundation.
The ground level of the new building is dedicated to our Junior School students and has been designed to encourage and promote 21st Century skills including collaboration, creativity, and connection. The classrooms and learning spaces are flexible and connect to a Learning Common, a devoted space providing a variety of innovative break-out learning areas.
Indoor and outdoor connections are promoted with a natural flow linking the Senior School, Junior School Redevelopment, and the Founders Centre for Early Learning. The playground includes a yarning circle, amphitheatre, water pump and slide, and has intentionally been designed to harness creativity, curiosity, and imagination.”
KATY HOWES Director of Junior School
Perth College Foundation events are wonderful occasions to celebrate and acknowledge our valued donors. Throughout 2023, the School held several events that enabled our donor community to meet with staff and students, network amongst each other, and experience some of the superb activities at the School.
Held late November in the Chapel Quad, in appreciation of our remarkable giving community’s ongoing support, the Foundation Board warmly welcomed our donors for a Festive Celebration.
Group tours of the new Perth College Junior School Redevelopment, due for completion in 2024, were significantly impactful and provided the opportunity for donors to see the realisation of their generous contributions. Viewing the new building and environment that will inspire unparalleled teaching and learning, created an overwhelming sense of potential, possibilities, and fulfilment amongst our donors and guests. Pre-Christmas celebrations provided a relaxed fun atmosphere for old and new friends to catch up after another full and eventful year.
A small group of valued donors and supporters attended an uplifting St Michael Day Service held in September at the Cathedral followed by coffee and cake at the Treasury Building.
Held alongside the Perth College Student Art Exhibition for the first time at Excelsior House, past parents, staff, Council and Foundation Board members gathered for drinks and canapes as they viewed the impressive and inspired artwork of students whose talents never cease to astound and amaze us. Hawkesbury Club members treasure and value hearing the latest news of school-related activities and the opportunity to re-engage and connect with each other.
Perth College’s Senior School Musicals are always highly anticipated musical theatre events and wonderful performances. In March, Les Misérables was no exception - a memorable musical theatre adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 19th Century masterpiece about courage, love, heartbreak, passion, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Perth College Foundation Board hosted VIP guests and donors at a preshow event and also had the opportunity to hear about the musical production from Maree Grayden, Head of the Arts. Another smash hit for the Performing Arts students and staff at the School. Encore!
The Perth College’s annual Donor Scholarship Breakfast is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all we have been able to achieve as a result of the commitment and generosity of our community of scholarship donors. Held at the Mt Lawley Golf Club, this year our guest speaker was Chair of Council Vikki De Alwis who shared her story as a scholarship recipient. Vikki gave insight into what the gift of her scholarship has meant to her, both during her time at PC and in her life journey since. Vikki’s desire to give back to the PC community has led to her enormous contribution as a long-term Council member and now Chair. We also heard from OGA Sisters’ Memorial Bursary recipient Stella Pollard. As a Year 12 Stella spoke articulately and passionately about her time at Perth College and what the bursary has meant to her. Our Interim Principal Clare Johansen shared an update of School news and the progress of our amazing Building Redevelopment Project. Clare reinforced to those present the hugely positive impact their generous donations make to Perth College and our students.
Presentation Night is an inspiring event that acknowledges 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 2023 the Dux Award winner Lucienne Willinge, also received our highest ATAR result, an outstanding accomplishment.
“I came to PC in Year 7 as a daughter of an Old Girl and was awarded a music scholarship. I am so immensely grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such a prestigious school - something I will never take for granted and know not everyone has the privilege of receiving. Last night I was awarded the Perth College Foundation Dux Award, an incredibly humbling experience, and one which I will never forget. Thank you for encouraging us to strive for excellence and achieve our personal best.”
LUCIENNE WILLINGE
For over 120 years, Perth College has redefined girls’ education and paved the way for thousands of remarkable women to create their place in the world. The tireless efforts from the Community of the Sisters of the Church to every one of our generous donors helps keep this legacy alive. The role of the Foundation to govern and steward has been unwavering and our commitment to invest in creating remarkable women for now, and for the future, has been steadfast.
Each year is a stepping-stone towards our objective and given our corpus this year is growing in closer proximity to our initial corpus goal, our focus will be twofold in the new year.
On one front, we will be embarking on a series of governance initiatives that will culminate into a review and refresh of our governing, investment, and strategic documents; to cast our gaze towards the next chapter of the Foundation.
On another front, we will be working closely with our new Head of Philanthropy, Trish van Leeuwen, to enhance our philanthropic and stewardship strategies and efforts across the Foundation.
It’s set to be an exciting year ahead as we cast our gaze towards the plethora of possibilities and opportunities that is within the Foundation’s remit that consolidates the future state of our school, and opportunities for our girls.
Perth College Foundation would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge all those who donated in 2023, including those who wish to remain anonymous, those that have donated their valuable time, and those who have shared their knowledge and expertise.
Active Communications and Electrical
Miss N Allchurch
Ms S Amir-Ansari
Mrs R Barnes
Dr J Barnwell OAM
Mrs G Botten
Mrs B Bowman
Mrs L Bowman
Mrs S Burrows
Mr S Bushell & Ms M Cleave
Mrs B Butters
Miss J Calder
Mr A R Cameron
Mrs S Caspersz
Ms J & Mr S Catania
Ms A Chen
Miss C Cook & Mr B Fitzmaurice
Mrs M Cox
Mrs G D'Andrilli
Mrs V & Mr M De Alwis
Mrs K Delic
Ms C Demasi
Ms N Di Costa
Miss H Dolling
Ms N Egginton
Ms Y Egginton
Mr B Foote
Ms R & Mr A Freeman
Mrs S & Mr B Fullarton
Each and every donation, be it time, talent, or treasure, helps to 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 and a remarkable giving community.
Mr M Gentsch
Mrs E Gibson
Mrs D Gilbert
Miss V Gmeiner
Mrs J & Mr K Green
Mr J Gu
Mrs D Hall
Mrs F Holman
Mr A & Mrs T Ireland
Mrs B & Mr R Ireland
Ms C Irving
Mrs C & Mr C Jamieson
Mrs Y & Mr R Jones
Mrs L Keen
Ms C Ketvoravit
Mrs E Kitchen
Mrs S Koirala
Mr G & Mrs J Lefroy AM
Mrs J & Mr R Legge
Dr Z Lenard & Mr H Milne
Mr A Lim
Mrs N Lloyd
Ms V Mayger OAM
Mrs P Montgomery
Dr T Mukwena
Mrs H & Mr R Millsteed
Mrs H Muir
Dr S & Dr M Mulroy
Dr J & Mrs J Neilson
Mrs A Pember
Mrs R Perrott
Mrs Y Pether
Perth College Old Girls Association
Miss K Petchell
Ms C Popovic
Mrs B Porte Garcia
Ms J Pratico (Jana)
Mrs L Purser
Mrs S Richards
Dr J Salfinger
Mrs M Salmon
Mrs S Scopa
Dr J Scott
Ms M Sedic Falcone
Miss C Sheppard
Mrs B Singleton
Mr V Smith & Ms L Szabo
Mrs M Sommerville
Mrs F Strahan
Mr M & Mrs P Tam
Mrs S Webb
Dr M & Dr M Wertheim
Mrs S & Mr G West
Mrs E Wood
Membership of the Jacaranda Society is open to anyone who has made a provision for the School in their Will. Advising the Foundation of your gift enables us to acknowledge you in person and express our gratitude. Thank you to our members; we are very grateful for your generosity.
