Ruyton Reporter Spring 2017

Spring 2017

the ruyton

reporter

BRAVE WOMEN, BOLD STORIES OPY NEW DIRECTIONS FOR PHILANTHROPY EXCELLENCE IN EARLY LEARNING

ruyton

from the study

As an independent, forward thinking girls’ school we are committed to preparing girls to be lifelong learners and global citizens in an ever-changing world.

There is an urgency in education to empower the next generation as global citizens. At Ruyton we are elevating our aspirations of what it truly means to educate well through the development of innovative curriculum and powerful learning opportunities. We believe developing real world opportunities for creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication is the basis of powerful learning.

Our energy is focused on identifying and developing the dispositions, knowledge and capabilities necessary to understand the world in which our girls live, to make sense of the ways in which globalisation shapes their lives, and to be good stewards of, and contributors to, the future of our planet. Our challenge is to remove the traditional silo approach to learning and immerse global understanding across a connected and vibrant curriculum of learning that matters.

As Mr Jake Plaskett, Director of Learning Innovation, notes education has yet to experience a significant reimagination which highlights the following inevitability: change is constant, innovation is optional.

To meet the needs of our students now and into the future, we are focused on rethinking, reimagining and re-engineering our learning and teaching programmes and approaches, to develop innovative signature learning programmes and experiences. Already this year we have seen the introduction of Innovate-Ed, a STEM elective, and the signature experiences: Urban Escape and Blended. These new additions highlight the capacity of our girls as learners and citizens, illuminating the need to be so much more than an academic mark by truly embracing lifelong learning.

We look forward to continuing to share our innovative learning programmes and experiences with you as they develop.

Inspire girls to be bold. Educate girls to live lives of impact and purpose.

In her TED talk The Power of Vulnerability, Dr Brené Brown reminds us that the original definition of courage in the English language, from the Latin word ‘cor’, meaning ‘heart’, was to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart. This has been a re-occurring

2

theme at Ruyton this year, as we have heard from brave and inspirational individuals telling their own stories.

Our Senior School girls heard the courageous stories of Ms Rosie Batty and Rich Bartlett first hand. Both Rosie and Rich emphasised how action can honour those who come before us and benefit those who walk in our footsteps. It is not simply about their story; they act for others.

The Senior School Masterclass Assembly set the scene for a day of wholehearted storytelling, as we listened to Dr Lois Peeler, AM, a passionate educator, activist and leader, and Principal of Worawa Aboriginal College, the only boarding school in Australia that caters specifically for young aboriginal women.

Dr Peeler’s story highlighted the different opportunities of her own life and also the passion and determination of so many in her clan to make a difference by campaigning and working for improved rights and living conditions for aboriginal people. It was a story of the women who had inspired her; strong women whose shoulders she stands on. We realised that the power of one is strengthened by the power of many; the true meaning of community.

Our Year 9 girls took part in a series of Masterclass workshops throughout the day, including a panel presentation of ‘Brave Women’ telling their bold stories.

The story of our own Mrs Danyang McAuliffe, Learning Leader – Languages, from when she and her sister were three and five years old respectively in China, and their parents were sent away due to the Cultural Revolution, left an enormous impact. As one girl reflected, Mrs McAuliffe is such a bubbly and happy person that seeing her overcome with the emotion of remembering a young life full of hardship and struggle touched us deeply.

Masterclass absorbed us in the stories of ordinary women who achieved the extraordinary; overcoming the odds in different ways to show strength of character, courage, endeavour and integrity. Each of them acknowledged that their stories were only possible because of significant people in their lives. Each of them exposed their vulnerabilities to us and, through this, we vividly saw how they have lived their lives with courage and risen above the ordinary. Wholeheartedly.

At Ruyton we are proud of the wide and varied achievements of our alumnae, be they in their professional careers, in the sporting arena, in philanthropy, or in acts of outstanding courage and compassion. We celebrate many outstanding alumnae stories through our Women of Significance stories, celebrated on the Ruyton website. Our very own brave women and their bold stories are an important part of the rich tapestry of Ruyton, providing wonderful examples to our girls of what they too can achieve.

Our values shape and define the Ruyton woman and the way she leads her life.

In a pre-game address to the Melbourne Football Club players this year, Mr Neale Daniher highlighted that ‘With Fight MND, what drives me is not about me. It’s not called ‘The Neale Daniher Foundation’. It’s called ‘Fight MND’. It’s about others.’ It is this central idea, this concept, that ultimately binds us as humanity and inspires our compassion and action; ‘it’s about others.’

This year our young women have led from the front, raising their voices and their actions to a new level with their fierce determination to make a difference.

We have seen our girls take action and raise money and awareness to support others in need. Their engagement in self- determined projects of purpose highlights their belief that it is about others. Purpose comes from believing the world needs improving and that you can help, according to Professor William Damon of the Stanford Center on Adolescence. He names purpose as the number one long-term motivator in life. Unlike passion or ambition, which focus on self, purpose touches on the needs of the wider world.

As educators we can act, but we need to tread lightly; enabling students to raise their voices to take action and make a difference for others. This year our girls have shown initiative, taking the power of one to embrace the power of many and make a real difference.

Our Junior School girls shared their wishes for the future at the Opening of the new Junior School Building.

Perhaps our Year One girls have a message for us all, as we reflect on the bravery and the strength of community needed to make a difference.

‘I wish you more daring discoveries than playing it safe.

I wish you more together than alone.’

Ms Linda Douglas, Principal.

top left: Ms Linda Douglas with the 2017 School Captains top centre: Sport top right: STEM on our cover: Senior School Football

the ruyton reporter

community matters

Ruyton Fathers’ Association had the opportunity to hear about the role of fathers’ associations at other schools and has begun planning for the future.

All the activities organised will be designed around the Fathers’ Association purpose which is: 1. to be a passionate advocate for Ruyton girls achieving their education and career ambitions 2.

This year we are delighted to see the launch of the Ruyton Fathers’ Association. We are so lucky to have such a supportive culture at Ruyton, with so many mothers and fathers actively involved in the School community. In launching the Fathers’ Association, we are recognising the unique bond and relationship between fathers and daughters, the importance of that relationship in developing confident and strong girls, and responding to an increasing desire for dads to get involved in the School.

The Fathers’ Association will be an important avenue to connect dads with each other, with the School and, most importantly, to build strong relationships with their girls.

The Inaugural Fathers’ Association committee has been formed, comprising 12 like-minded fathers from right across the School community. Since coming together for the first time recently, the committee has

staying connected with our girls

3.

promoting School engagement and support

4.

providing a social and support network for fathers.

You can expect to see a broad range of activities from the Fathers’ Association, including social and networking events for fathers, events specifically for dads and their daughters, as well as guest speakers on topics of interest specifically to dads.

The response to the Fathers’ Association to-date has been terrific, which is not surprising given the commonality of interest of all fathers across the School: the love of their girls and a desire to ensure they have wonderful opportunities to develop at Ruyton.

A soft launch is planned in Term 4 around the most proven of all male bonding rituals, the barbeque.

We look forward to sharing more of our plans for the Fathers’ Association and getting dads right across the School involved.

Mr Peter Nelson, President, Ruyton Fathers’ Association

president of the board Ruyton is widely recognised as a leading school for girls. As a school community, we celebrate and acknowledge our students and their achievements but we also recognise that to maintain our place as a leading school we depend upon our staff and we should also be celebrating their contribution to our community. For this reason, the Ruyton Board is proud to announce new awards to celebrate the service of staff and to acknowledge staff excellence.

For the first time this year the Board will be awarding Service Awards to staff who have served the School for 15, 20, 25 and 30 years.

Additionally, the Board is introducing The Ruyton Distinguished Teacher Award in 2017. This award will recognise individuals who have contributed significantly to the intellectual life and culture of the School through their teaching and through actively living the values of Ruyton. Recipients of the award will have demonstrated their excellence as educators over a sustained period of time as a leader in the profession.

The Board will be making these awards for the first time in Term 4 and look forward to sharing with you the news of the Recipients through both the Ruyton Reporter and the Wednesday Weekly.

Mr Peter Kanat, President of the Board.

John Bate: a Man with a Mission Ruyton has a long tradition of celebrating significant figures in its history by bestowing their name upon buildings in the School grounds. From Derham House to the Prue Gillies Centre, Ruyton rings with the names of long-serving staff and former members of the Board. At the time of each building opening these figures are well known across the School community but, as the years intervene, the understanding of who each person was naturally diminishes.

As noted in the Autumn 2017 edition (p.13 ) of the Ruyton Reporter, this year marks 25 years since the opening of the John Bate Physical Education Centre on 29 Feb 1992. It therefore seems appropriate to revisit the central role Mr John Bate, OAM, played at Ruyton as past parent, Foundation member, member of the Board (1966–1991) and Chair (1978–1991). He made significant contributions to strategic planning, culminating in a master plan

that included the vision for the PE centre, and in 1989 he was the inaugural Chair for the Appeal Committee that successfully raised the funds to see the centre built.

At the 1992 opening Principal Mrs Prue Gillies expressed it best: ‘In naming this building … I would like to say to you, John, thank you for your continuing loyalty and commitment to Ruyton. With Liz, [Elizabeth, his wife] your unfailing service to the School will now be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.’

Ms Cathy Dodson, School Archivist Please see the Autumn 2016 edition (p.3) of the Ruyton Reporter for the Vale to Mr John Bate.

RSVP for catering purposes by Tuesday 31st October artassistant@ruyton.vic.edu.au or (03) 9819 2422 12 Selbourne Road, Kew, 3101

spring 2017

3

foundation

Financial Update – Spring 2017 The generosity of our community continues to grow.

We have seen a significant increase in philanthropy within our Ruyton community, with not only more funds raised but also in the number of donors participating in our various appeals. Our Annual Appeal in 2017 saw a 56 per cent increase in overall donations, raising $81,650.

We have asked our community to partner with us in many ways this year and the generosity and support has been very encouraging. We are thankful to all of our donors who have supported Ruyton Girls’ School through their generous contributions. Your giving makes a difference in the lives of our students, not just for this generation, but also for future generations.

We believe in girls, and your generosity and support shows that you do too.

We have received ongoing support across a number areas from 1 July 2016 until 1 Aug 2017. Our community has made over 800 donations during this time totalling $439,076. Collectively donors have assisted us with gifts towards the following projects: • The Junior School redevelopment • Facilities upgrades via the Voluntary Building Fund Contributions • Annual Giving 2017 – Health Centre • The fulfilment of pledges to the Margaret McRae Centre • FORPA 88 Keys – The Gift of Music • Scholarships • Donations for: the Class of 2016 Gift, Rowing via the Australian Sports Foundation, supporting Archives, Annual Appeal Building Fund 2016 (after 30 June 2016), Building Fund on Enrolment and endowed Speech Night Prizes • Heritage Leaf Gifts • Annual Giving 2017 – Henty House Reception.

The pie chart below shows the areas where the Foundation has received funds.

Ms Tonya Peters, Development Manager

Junior School Redevelopment (46.7%) Voluntary Building Fund (15%) Annual Giving Health Centre (12.4%) Margaret McRae Pledges (8.7%) Piano (7.5%) Scholarships (5%) Heritage Leaves (2.1%) Annual Giving Reception Room (0.3%)

4

thank you to all our donors Mrs S A’Beckett (Vautier ‘62) Mr A & Mrs M Abeysekera Mr N & Mrs K Adams Mr A Allibon Mr N and Mrs O Alevras (Alysandratos ‘87) Mr D & Mrs M Alysandratos Mr L Anderson & Dr E Brennan Mrs J Andrews (Darby ‘57) Mr P & Mrs M Andronis Mr V & Mrs F Angelo Anonymous x 15 Mr T & Mrs S Antonopoulos Mr A & Dr E Apos Mr G Aquino & Ms V Savinos Arnhem Investment Management Pty Ltd Ms A Badger Mr G & Mrs R Bala Mr J & Ms S Balaskas Dr P & Mrs K Barlis Mrs M Baulch (Crawley ‘46) Ms F Beck & Mr W Robertson Mr J & Mrs M Bedelis Ms L Bedford (Wilson ‘67) Mrs E & Mr D Beggs Mrs A Bendix (‘42) Ms T Bernard & Mr J Bornstein Mr M & Mrs K Blair Mrs M Bottaro Mr P & Mrs P Brooks Mr A Brown & Prof M Southey Mr D Brown Mr G & Mrs C Brown Mr I & Mrs A Brown Mr M & Mrs J Browning Mr M Buckle & Mrs L Paiman Mr J & Mrs K Buckley Mrs B Burke (Hardie ‘70) Mr A Cameron & Ms V Green Mr A & Mrs L Campagna Mr M & Mrs A Caplan Dr M Chao & Mrs R McAuley Mr A Chen & Mrs J Nong Mr L Chen & Ms Y Wang The Chen Family Trust Mr J Chen & Mrs M Yin Mr S & Mrs H Cheng Mr A & Mrs L Clarke Mrs M Clarke (Menzies ‘57) Mr B & Mrs J Cleeve Mr M & Mrs K Clemenger Dr I Collins & Ms J Thomas Mr G & Mrs E Collyer CompliSpace Pty Ltd Ms A Condon & Mr M Cunnington Mr R Cooper & Ms S Jayaswal Mr S & Mrs W Cooper Dr S & Mrs C Cran Mrs F Crosby Mr B & Mrs K Crump Ms S Cumming Ms B Currie & Mr A Ham Prof P & Mrs R Currie Mr D & Mrs L Curry Mr I Curry & Mrs L Anderson Mr A & Mrs H Danks Mr L Kafasis & Ms C Dardalis (‘01) Mr S Davison & Ms K Devlin Ms S Dean (‘70) Dr M & Mr D Delanoy Mr D & Dr M Dellaportas Mr K Dempsey & Ms P Eadie Mr P & Mrs C Denovan Mr S Dick & Ms C Rhodes Mr P Ding & Ms H Sun Mr S & Mrs T Dluzniak Do Smile Dental Pty Ltd Mr C & Mrs A Doufas Mr G & Mrs V Doufas Ms L Douglas Mrs K Downes Mr G & Mrs L Draper Driver Bus Lines Pty Ltd Ms J Edwards Mr M & Mrs J Elford

Mr S & Mrs K Fallscheer Mr Y Fan & Mrs J Xie Mr F Fang & Mrs W Chen Mr D & Ms K Fedele Mr S Feng & Mrs J Wen Mr M & Mrs E Finocchiaro Mr J & Mrs L Flinn Ms J Foletta (‘65) Mrs P Fraser Friends of Ruyton Performing Arts Mr M & Mrs S Fryer Mrs C & Mr C Furey Mr D & Mrs M Gallace (Constantinou ‘98) Mr P Gardiner & Ms Y Song Ms P Gardner (Daniels ‘64) Mr X Ge & Ms L Shao Mr J & Mrs H Gillam Mr T Gleisner & Ms M Muirhead OAM Mr A & Dr T Goonesekera Ms B Gough (‘69) Mrs S Grant Mr P Green & Ms M Spangaro Mr D Greenwood & Ms D Smith Mr B & Mrs R Griffith Mr A Osmond & Ms F Griffiths (‘87) Mrs J Gu & Mr C Liu Mrs G Gumley Mr L Guo & Mrs A Wang Mr S Haddy & Mrs B Fitzpatrick-Haddy Mr T & Mrs L Hajdasz (Hagger ‘87) Mr D Hall & Ms S Sloan Mr G & Mrs L Hall Mrs R Hall Mr A Hamilton Mr D Hamilton & Dr K Hutchison Mr D & Mrs F Hancox Mrs F Hargreaves (Imray ‘54) Mr D & Mrs S Hartin Mr D He & Mrs X Zhou Mr H He & Mrs T Xu Mrs A Helps & Mr R Gannon Mrs H Henderson (Menzie ‘46) Mr O Hereford & Ms A Reed Mr A & Mr M Higgins (Blomquist ‘92) Mr T & Mrs K Hogg Mr J & Mrs L Houlihan Mr Y & Mrs J Hu Mr Y Huang & Ms N Yu Ms E Hughes (‘96) Mrs G Hund Mr D Iser & Mrs N Wellington-Iser Dr T Jacques (‘74) Mrs C James (Rodwell ‘39) Dr E & Mr R Jamieson Mr E & Mrs S Jansen Mr B Jiang & Mrs Y Zhang Mr Y Jiang & Dr Y Zhang Ms P Jin & Mr J Wang Mr S Jones Mr P & Mrs H Jordan Dr R Joyce & Ms P Thiagara Mr C & Ms P Juebner Mr P & Mrs R Kanat (Bate ‘80) Mr J & Mrs A Kanterakis Dr C & Mrs P Karopoulos Ms K Kaspar Dr L Kearney & Dr K Melrose Mr J Kelly & Dr S Joseph Prof S & Mrs H Kent Mrs M Keppell (Cathie ‘56) Ms L Kerr Mr N & Mrs F Kerr Mr C & Mrs Z Kilby Mrs H King & Dr J King Ms S King & Mr B Sutherland Dr B Kodithuwakku & Dr S Karunaratne Mr W & Mrs M Lamb (Flanders ‘85) Mr S Lardner & Ms K Streckfuss Mr D & Mrs K Lathouras Dr W Lau

Mr A Lay & Ms I Lim-Lay Ms K Lee & Mr J Chang Prof T Leong & Dr P Khaw Mr T & Mrs D Lew Mrs L Li & Mr S Shi Mr Y Li & Mrs H Zhang Mr Y Li & Ms L Zhang Mr X Li & Mrs Y Shi Mr F Liang & Ms L Liu Mr F Lin & Ms T Rudometova Mr K Lin & Mrs J Guo Mr J Ling & Mrs T Zhou Mr D Liu & Mrs W Feng Mrs G Liu Mr P Liu & Mrs J Wang Mr G & Mrs S Long Mr G & Mrs B Lowe Mr C Luo & Ms F Liu Mr H Luu & Mrs L Vo Dr L Luu & Dr N Cook Mr T & Mrs R Magdich Mr A & Mrs K Magoutis Mr A Mallia Dr D & Mrs A Mandrawa Mr A Marek & Ms K Silberberg Ms F Mazzocco & Mr C Brown Mr D & Mrs L McCarthy Mr R & Mrs B McClure Mr D McCombe & Dr G Pettigrew Dr G McGillivray & Assoc Prof S Mandelstam Mr P & Mrs K McGrath Mrs V McLaughlan Mr D & Mrs S McLeish The Hon. Justice C McMillan (‘70) Mr S & Mrs K McPhail Dr R & Dr R McRae Mr B & Mrs D Meehan Mrs L Mei & Mr F Tang Mr Z Mei & Mrs M Shao Mr J & Mrs L Melton Mr F Mentes & Ms M Manzi Mrs M & Mr F Morberger Dr A Morgan & Dr L McKnight Mrs M Mostafa & Mr A Elnakeeb Dr A Moulden OAM (‘76) Mr L & Ms P Mugavin Mr I Muller Mr D Murray & Ms F Mardling Mr W & Mrs A Murray Dr R Nair & Dr B Whitehouse Mr P & Mrs N Nelson Mr J Neoh & Ms L Look Mrs A & Mr R Ng Dr H Nguyen & Ms C Tran Mr M Nolan & Ms G Russell Mr K & Mrs S O’Brien Mr S & Mrs J O’Brien Mr A & Mrs K Panagopoulos Parents of Ruyton Ms D Perelsztejn & Mr L Rabinowicz Mr P & Mrs L Perrignon Ms T Peters Dr J & Ms V Phillips Mr M & Mrs T Pilkington Mr J Plaskett Mr B & Mrs F Power Mr C & Mrs J Preston Mr C & Dr M Price Mr R Price & Dr M Malcolm Mr J Pryor & Ms L Millard Questers Ms H & Mr S Rachcoff Mrs K & Mr D Rasmussen Mr A Ravindran & Ms T Menyen Dr F & Mrs S Raymond Mr B & Mrs K Richards Mr K Richards Ms S Robertson (Wines ‘62) Mr D Royce & Ms S Lyall Mr A & Mrs N Rule Dr C & Mrs A Russell Mrs J Salanowski (Grant ‘52) Mr L & Mrs S Samouris Mr A & Mrs S Sando

Mr D Schaefer & Ms G Holland Mr J Schuller & Ms M Goodwin Mr D & Mrs R Schultz Mr R Schwartz & Ms A Butt Mr V & Mrs E Scopelliti Mr P Sharples Mr L Shen & Ms Q Ding Mr G Siamos & Mrs V Smirlis Mr D Simmonds & Ms S Guo Mr K Skoullos & Mrs M Moutsidis Mr C & Mrs H Samartzis Mrs L & Mr M Smith Mr P Smith Mr R Smith Mr A Starkins Mr Z Su & Ms W Xu Mrs S & Mr R Sutherland Miss E Syle (‘75) Mr H & Mrs S Tadgell Mr A & Mrs S Talbot Mr P Tang & Mrs S Yu Mrs B Taylor (Simpson ‘47) Ms K Taylor Mr D & Mrs G Timm Mr M Tinney & Ms D Nicholson Mr J & Mrs B Tonkin Mr D & Mrs A Tooby Mrs K Tornya & Mr S Tornya Ms S Tossoun & Mr N Calil Mr B Trahar & Ms K Greene Dr D Tran & Mrs C Huynh Mr D & Mrs M Traverso Mrs M & Mr M Tricarico Mr A & Mrs V Tripodi Mrs L Trotta & Mr F Trotta Mr H & Ms C Truong Mr D & Mrs S van Gerrevink Mr J & Mrs J van Haandel Mr A Venables Mr N Vernon & Mrs L Valentic Mrs F & Mr M Verrocchi Mr M & Mrs J Verrocchi Mr M & Mrs K Vinecombe Mr G Viney & Ms J Alexander Mrs B & Mr S Walmsley Mrs C Wang & Mr H Wu Mr J Wang & Mrs L Liu Ms Y Wang Mr Q Wang & Ms F Hu Mr T & Mrs F Warner Ms K Watt Dr A & Mrs D Weeraman Mr J West & Ms M Tribe Mrs J Williamson (Strickland ‘56) Mr A Willmott & Ms S Gorman Mr P Wilmshurst & Ms G Baron Mr J & Mrs N Wilson Mr P Wilson Dr P Wirth Wolf Interactive Pty Ltd Dr T & Mrs S Wood Mrs J & Mr A Woollard Mr M & Mrs K Woolrich Mrs P Wootton (Macdonald ‘68) Mr J & Ms C Wotherspoon Mr H Wu & Mrs C Wang Mr J Wu & Ms M Yang Mr Y Xie & Ms X Wang Mr L Xu & Ms L Gu Ms R Xu & Mr D Wu Mr T Xu & Ms X Lin Mr W Xu & Mrs N Li Mr X Xu & Ms W Wu Mr D Yang & Mrs Y Xie Mr X Yao & Ms J Feng Mr P & Mrs Y Yeardley Mrs I & Mr A Zaparas Mr C Zhang & Mrs Y Wang Mr F & Mrs J Zhang Mrs Q Zhang & Mr S Chen Mr J Zhao & Mrs J Ren Mr S Zheng & Ms J Zhu Mr Y Zheng & Ms H Wu Mr G Zhu Ms J Zhu & Mr S Zheng Mr R & Ms S Zimmerman

the ruyton reporter

New Directions for Philanthropy at Ruyton This year the Ruyton Foundation has entered a new era. A new expanded Foundation Committee has come together with a shared belief in the power of philanthropy to transform Ruyton and secure its future and to make a difference for current Ruyton girls and for generations to come.

The Ruyton Foundation Committee has three goals: • to introduce and nurture a thriving culture of philanthropy at Ruyton and have strong active engagement across our own community • to increase the visibility of the Foundation and the work done by the Foundation • to engage our community in new opportunities to sustain and develop loyalty.

With the School’s visionary four year Strategic Plan launched at the beginning of 2017, it was opportune to expand the Foundation’s activities and introduce nine new members who share these goals and are part of our community. Thank you to new Foundation Committee members: Ms Kylie Taylor (Deputy-President of the Board and current parent), Ms Gillian Hund (past parent), Rev. Malcolm Woolrich (current parent), Mr Richard Ng (current parent), Mrs Robyn Kanat (past parent and Bate ’80), Ms Susie King (current parent), Ms Kathryn Watt (past parent and past Ruyton Board President), Mr Jonathan Buckley (current parent) and Mr Peter Nelson (current parent). The Foundation is so appreciative of these generous people giving of their time, talent and treasure for the benefit of our girls.

Each new Foundation Committee member sits on a sub-committee, namely: bequests, major gifts, annual appeal, capital campaign and strategy. I look forward to reporting on the activities and progress of these new sub-committees as the year progresses.

The Foundation is building from a very strong base with, once again, all Foundation Committee members, Board members and all Executive members being donors to Ruyton. Board and Foundation Committee members are volunteers at Ruyton who give of their time and expertise to benefit our girls, so their additional support financially is much appreciated. The commitment of the Executive Team to the girls’ education and wellbeing is extraordinary, and their philanthropic efforts reinforce that commitment and set an example for all.

In late October, the Ruyton Foundation is hosting a round table discussion with the Foundation Chairs from a number of other girls’ schools in Victoria. By initiating such an event, we hope to strengthen the bonds between the schools and share our experiences on what works well and not so well in fundraising in girls’ schools.

The ultimate aim is to gain insights and ideas to help nurture philanthropy in our respective communities.

Thank you to all who participated in the annual appeal to support the upgrade to the Henty Reception Room (once the Boarders’ dining room) and the Health Centre.

Your donations make a vital difference. Your generosity has enabled these works to be fast-tracked, with the construction to occur predominantly over the summer holiday period. We look forward to sharing photos with you in the 2018 Autumn Ruyton Reporter.

Lastly, as a Board member, parent, Old Ruytonian and now Chair of the Ruyton Foundation Committee, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to help secure the future of our great School for all those girls in generations to come who are lucky enough to be educated at Ruyton. Scholarships based on merit or for reasons of equity will always form an important role at Ruyton, as will bequests and capital to maintain and upgrade our facilities. I hope you will join me, in whatever way possible, on this important journey.

Ms Fiona Griffiths (’87) Chair, Foundation Committee

Making a Difference Scholarships are important to some members of our community, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to access a quality education. In this, and in future editions of the Ruyton Reporters, we talk to past scholars to discover what made a difference in their lives.

stephanie stamopoulos, ’11 When did you become passionate about music?

Why the cello?

Being the youngest of three siblings who were already learning instruments, I was always surrounded by music at home. I actually started learning the violin at the age of three, but didn’t like standing up. By the age of four I discovered the cello was more for me.

It sounds like a cliché but I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t passionate about music! I think it was around the age of 15 that I realised I wanted to pursue music as a career.

Who had the greatest influence on you at Ruyton?

I cherish my Ruyton days and consider myself so lucky to have spent my formative years there. Every person I met there has influenced and shaped my life in some way. If I had to choose, I’d say Ms Sonja Horbelt (music) and Mr Stephen Ellinghaus (running). Sonja’s dedication and love for music were so inspiring and I always

spring 2017

admired how creative and innovative her ideas were for performances. Similarly, Stephen’s dedication to the running team was equally as inspiring, and I remember how he encouraged me to feel proud of my music.

What have you taken away from your days at Ruyton?

As well as life-long friends and happy memories, I gained invaluable skills, such as the ability to speak in public, confidence to voice my own opinion and a strong work ethic.

What advice would you give to girls starting at Ruyton and how they might go on to live their lives?

Ruyton offers a plethora of opportunities in all departments, so don’t be shy to immerse yourself in as much as possible. Work hard and constantly strive to be better in everything you do. Last but not least, enjoy your time at Ruyton. It is a truly remarkable community and if you have a positive attitude, you will thrive!

5

the journey begins here

Exceeding in our Education and Care In 2017 we are thrilled to announce that Ruyton Early Learning received an overall rating of Exceeding in our Assessment and Rating Report from the Department of Education and Training.

At the beginning of the year we received notification that the Department would commence the assessment and rating process to determine whether, and at what rating level, we met the National Quality Standard and the National Regulations. This process involved submitting our Quality Improvement Plan to the Department and a two-day visit by one of their authorised officers.

Preparing our Quality Improvement Plan was, and continues to be, a team effort – all members of staff and other stakeholders are invited to contribute. The Quality Improvement Plan contains the Ruyton Early Learning Philosophy, a self-assessment of the quality of our practice and identification of areas for improvement and action plans to outline how improvements can be achieved.

During the two-day visit, the authorised officer reviewed all of our documentation and spent a great deal of time observing practice and interactions with children, as well as interviewing the staff, Director of Early

6

Learning, Ms Sarah Denholm, Head of Junior School, Mrs Nicole Ginnane and Principal, Ms Linda Douglas.

arrangements, relationships with children, collaborative partnerships with families and communities, and leadership management.

When we received our final Assessment and Rating Report we were thrilled to have been awarded a rating of Exceeding in all seven areas of the National Quality Standard. This means Ruyton Early Learning is exceeding the national standard in the areas of: educational progamme and practice, children’s health and safety, physical environment, staffing

Thank you to our children, families and staff who have contributed to this achievement.

In particular, thank you to the staff of Ruyton Early Learning – your commitment to ensuring quality care and education for our children is reflected in this overall rating of exceeding.

Ms Sarah Denholm, Director of Early Learning

the ruyton reporter

There’s a spider in our classroom …

Our Kindergarten children discovered a new member of their class recently … a huntsman spider! The spider took up residence on the classroom ceiling and the children were very interested in their new classmate. The children wondered if it was like the spider in the story that Library Teacher, Ms Amy Brown, had read to them earlier in the year, about a spider who wanted to go to school to learn.

‘Maybe this spider wants to come to Kindergarten to learn with us?’

Playgroup Earlier this year we were thrilled to introduce the Ruyton Playgroup.

Playgroup enables us to connect with the School and wider community and signifies the beginning of a family’s Ruyton journey.

Ruyton Playgroup welcomes boys and girls aged 18 months to three years of age and their parents and/or carers. Our Playgroup is designed to enhance the possibilities for learning and offers opportunities for children to further develop physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language skills.

Class Teacher, Mrs Kerry Vines, and Coeducators, Mrs Tanya Dluzniak and Mrs Margarita Dimitrova, fostered the children’s natural curiosity about the spider by providing opportunities for the children to increase their understandings and knowledge about spiders.

The children researched characteristics of spiders, different species and their habitats.

Many opportunities for the children to share their knowledge, theories and thinking through the hundred languages were offered and the children particularly enjoyed learning how to manipulate clay and wire to create their own spiders.

‘Maybe it came inside to get away from the rain?’

‘He stretches his arms and crawls.

‘Maybe he’s hungry or thirsty?’

‘It went to work.’

‘It might have a tummy ache.’

‘Maybe it went into a bush?’

These thoughts and theories were acknowledged and added to the class Floorbook, which tracks the learning journey of the group and enables children to revisit past ideas and experiences. It also assists educators to plan for possible future learning.

This observation of the spider was a wonderful opportunity for the children to explore relationships with other living things.

The experience enabled children to observe, notice, respond and show respect for our natural world.

‘I think they make spider webs when all the people stop talking. If we’re very quiet, it might make another one.’

Ms Sarah Denholm, Director of Early Learning

Over the term the spider disappeared for a short amount of time and moved locations within the classroom. This prompted lots of wonderings from the children about where it went and how it travelled:

Playgroup runs every Friday of the School term from 9am to 10.30am and is held in the Junior School Open Space. This Playgroup will include individual and group experiences exploring provocations and possibilities, along with music and story. The role of parents and carers is to engage in the experience of Playgroup with their child, as well as interacting with their child and other members of our Playgroup.

An experienced Early Childhood educator facilitates Ruyton Playgroup. She is charged with curating provocations and designing open-ended and play-based learning opportunities for our Playgroup families.

In Term 3 we welcomed 15 children and their parents/carers to our first Ruyton Playgroup.

We are delighted with the opportunities Playgroup brings to connect the Ruyton community, as well as the wider community and are pleased to see how it supports families to develop a sense of belonging with our wonderful School.

Ms Sarah Denholm, Director of Early Learning

spring 2017

7

community matters

Archives in the Spotlight An integral part of Community Relations at Ruyton is our Archives. Ms Cathy Dodson, our School Archivist, looks after the Ruyton Heritage Collection.

When the candles are lit in 2018 on Ruyton’s 140th birthday cake, the School community justifiably will be able to gather in celebration of Ruyton’s proud history as one of Melbourne’s oldest Independent girls’ schools.

From its humble beginnings in Charlotte Anderson’s rented home in 1878, through to the thriving place it is today, Ruyton has forged a reputation for a robust school community where academic rigour and active civic involvement are fostered in all its students.

This is our School’s unique identity and, through the Ruyton Heritage Collection, we bring together, preserve and share all the documents, memories and memorabilia that tell the story of how Ruyton built that identity.

Whether it be a programme for a drama production, a copy of The Ruytonian or the minutes of the School’s Board, these things help show us what it was like to attend or work at Ruyton at any time in its long life.

Ruyton’s first professional Archivist, Ms Monica Rapley, was appointed in 1999. She was able to build upon the work of two former staff members who had written published histories of the School, Miss Hilda Daniell’s History of Ruyton (1956) and Mrs Marjorie Theobald’s Ruyton Remembers: 1878–1978 (1978).

Luckily, much historic material had also remained among the School’s files, sometimes by accident and sometimes by design.

From that time, the Ruyton’s Archivists have worked to collect the material generated every week by this busy School. The Archive has also received countless important donations where alumnae and former staff have ‘been doing a clear out’ at home, and found precious surviving examples of photographs and other items not specifically kept by the School.

Together with the oral history programme, these donations bring valuable breadth and depth to our understanding of Ruyton’s past.

The Archivist is always keen to hear from alumnae who have memories or items to share.

Currently, the School Archivist works from Wardynski’s House at 25 Selbourne Road as part of the Community Relations team.

The Archive, now known as the Ruyton Heritage Collection, includes more than 5500 individual record sets, and large collections of photographs, Ruyton memorabilia, student reminiscences and oral history interviews.

There are also many projects both underway and in the pipeline, ranging from updating our collection management database to improving

opportunities for display and exhibition. Each project serves the goals of increasing the accessibility of the Heritage Collection for the Ruyton community and preserving today’s Ruyton story for future generations.

You can contact the School Archivist, Ms Cathy Dodson, at archives@ruyton.vic.edu.au or 9290 9343.

staff news It is through the material preserved in the Heritage Collection that we are able to know and celebrate the many milestones, big and small, that have occurred in Ruyton’s history.

In 2017 we have marked: 100 years:

Co-ordinator of Drama, Ms Darcie Kane-Priestley and her partner Terry, were thrilled to welcome the arrival of their daughter, Hanorah Jean Burdak.

• since the writing of the School Song by Dorothea Armstrong • the first appointment of a School Captain, Helen Elliot • since the death of Miss Eliza Bromby, second principal of Ruyton, 1888–1910 50 years:

Senior School Drama teacher and Ruyton parent, Mrs Emma McDonald and husband Scott welcomed their second daughter, Ruby Florence.

• since the opening of the first dedicated Junior School building and 25 years: • since the opening of the John Bate Physical Education Centre.

In 2018 we look ahead to the 25th anniversary of Ruyton Early Learning and the Co-ordinate Programme, the 110th anniversary of the Old Ruytonians’ Association (ORA) and of course, the 140th birthday of Ruyton!

8

Ms Sophie Pidgeon, PE teacher, and her partner Katherine Woolcock (’03), welcomed the safe arrival of Evie Katherine.

the ruyton reporter

a great home for learning

Reimagining our Learning

‘You should tick the exciting box because this opening probably will be!’ were the words of Year 2 student, Isabella Nelson, when Head of Junior School, Mrs Nicole Ginnane, chatted with her about details for the opening of the redeveloped Junior School. The official opening took place on Wedneday 24 May and the entire process was focused on the girls. The building work has been for the benefit of our junior girls and we know how appreciative they are from their frequent and repeated comments of gratitude. It is also reflected in how they care for it and how they move within its spaces.

Principal Ms Linda Douglas began the official part of the proceedings in time-honoured tradition: ‘Once upon a time a long, long time ago …’ Ms Douglas talked about how the School has evolved from its original foundation in 1878 by Mrs Charlotte Anderson to the School on this site today, ‘the home of Ruyton where the Moreton Bay Fig, so upright and faithful, looks down on us all, curving its great branches around us like a big grandma hug and ensuring that Ruyton girls learn well and live well together.’ Ms Douglas concluded by saying that, ‘A good story doesn’t end with we all live happily ever after. It never ends but it continues with At Ruyton we believe in girls.’

It is this belief in our girls that has driven the desire to reimagine our junior seat of learning, to provide many opportunities for our girls to learn in so many different ways. So what makes a great home for learning? What better than to ask our girls?

Prep: ‘We love our School and the sunny spaces, we get very excited and are always curious to learn. When we are at School, we feel like we are still at home.’

Year 1: ‘In our studio we have smiling girls and colourful cushions and an extraordinary view out of our window.

Our lights are soft and lovely and they dim like magic.’

spring 2017

Year 2: ‘Being close to the playground means that we can get out there quickly! We don’t need to line up. We like being together because we are one big family.’

Year 3: ‘We have orange spaces to come together, corners to work as a team, no doors to keep us apart and windows where we can be seen. We have different people in many different places and we can choose to sit or stand. We have choices within our spaces.’

Year 4: ‘Less is more. Windows and glass allow us to be both free and connected. We have more options for the way we go about our learning with less distractions.

White walls feel big, calm and peaceful.’

Year 5: ‘We are enthusiastic. Motivated, positive, and energetic. We can be creative and everyone and anyone is always welcome.’

Year 6: ‘We like finding good spaces to learn where we can focus and concentrate. Together we collaborate and co-operate and we are inspired by the natural light and the views. We love working with different teachers and we are now more connected to each other than ever before.’

As a fitting memory of the occasion we created a time capsule to be opened in 20 years. We included a current map of the school, a current summer uniform, a School badge, photos taken this year, newspapers from Wednesday 24 May 2017, a letter from Ms Douglas to the Principal and a letter from Mrs Ginnane to the Head of Junior School in 2037, and a letter from each class describing the life of a girl at Ruyton in 2017 in each level on the day of the opening.

It certainly was exciting to be at the opening and we were pleased to welcome many special guests, including Mr Peter Kanat, President of the Ruyton Board, Ms Fiona Griffiths (’87), Chair of the Ruyton Foundation, former Principal, Mrs Carolyn Anderson, former Head of Junior School, Miss Lee Wills, and other Board and Executive members, as well as parents, staff and, most importantly, all our Ruyton junior girls.

None of this would have been possible without the vision, dedication, expertise and generosity of so many people. There were the architects, Ms Sally Draper and Mr Shahab Kasmai of Sally Draper Architects; the builders, McCorkell; Accuraco Project Manager, Alister Lindsay; the Ruyton Board Project Control Group led by Tim Hogg; Business Manager, Mrs Leanne Smith; and our dynamic leaders on this project, Ms Douglas and Mrs Ginnane. This building is a celebration of individuals, families and community groups making meaningful gifts. These include Questers; the POR; previous donors to the Carolyn Anderson Centre of Creativity and donors who have given direct to the redevelopment of the Junior School project.

The final word should go to our inspirational girls. At our first Assembly, the girls listened to the story I wish you More. The Year 1 girls have written their very own wishes for the Junior School community as we embrace the wonderful space that is the redeveloped Junior School.

‘I wish you more daring discoveries than playing it safe.’

Year 1 Blue ‘I wish you more together than alone.’

Year 1 Yellow

The staff and teachers in the Junior School are thrilled to witness on a daily basis the difference that having such a wonderful, fit-for-purpose building has made to the lives of our girls and to our community.

9

what a performance!

Value of Collaboration in Performing Arts For their Teachers Inquiry Group task this year the Drama Department focused on bringing an Indigenous perspective into the Performing Arts and the curriculum. Collaborating across the Junior and Senior Schools, earlier this year the Drama teachers ran a series of workshops with an Indigenous woman from the ILBIJERRI Theatre Company. ILBIJERRI is Australia’s leading and longest-running Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander theatre company.

The workshops explored a variety of themes, including colonisation and cultural identity for our Indigenous population and the misconceptions and stereotypes that can arise. These discussions occurred at all year levels in the Drama curriculum, but there was a focus on Years 5 and 9. The girls were given a book to read called The Rabbits by John Marsden and Sean Tan, symbolic of colonisation in Australia. Both year levels worked on their own interpretation of this stimulus, and the Year 9 girls were tasked with creating ensemble pieces. During the individual year level workshops, it was fascinating to discover the similarities between the specific interpretations of Year 5 and Year 9 girls. Rehearsals were conducted between both year levels, with a joint introduction flowing into individual interpretations of firstly the Year 5 girls, followed by the Year 9 pieces.

Parents provided positive feedback: ‘From my perspective, I loved [the fact] that the Junior School Year 5 and Senior School Year 9 girls had the opportunity to work together to develop a really interesting and thought-provoking performance. I think the Year 5 girls were inspired by the older girls and excited about drama in the Senior School. Eloise in Year 9 said that they learnt to work with younger students and how to direct them. Miranda in Year 5 said that she loved working with the Year 9 drama girls. She thought they were all so talented and she learnt so much from them about putting together a play and performing it.’

Melinda Gray (Eloise, Year 9 and Miranda, Year 5, both participated in the workshop.)

‘The integration of the Year 5 and Year 9 drama production was amazing. It allowed the Year 5 parents and girls to see the level and the depth of talent at Ruyton of both the students and teachers. The production demonstrated the direction that drama subjects take, as the Year 9 students were following the format of drama in Years 11 and 12.

I congratulate all drama teachers, Georgie [Parker], Darcie [Kane-Priestley] and Emma [McDonald] for this fantastic achievement.’ Althea Bond (Lilly in Year 5 participated in the performance.)

10

the ruyton reporter

Annie Jr

In Semester 1 the Year 6 girls worked very hard with the help of Mrs Parker and Mrs Barker on Annie Jr the musical. Annie Jr is a story about an orphan named Annie who is in the hands of the horrible Miss Hannigan. Later on Annie is saved by caring Grace, who is Mr Warbucks’ secretary. She is then brought to his beautiful mansion. Annie’s dream is to have her father and mother back again, but not every story is smooth sailing. On the way Annie finds herself on a rocky road that wasn’t expected.

In our Year 6 Production nothing was perfect at the start, so we had to persevere and improve throughout the two terms. We had a lot of things to improve, such as singing while doing the actions, looking up and facing the audience, and putting expression on our faces. All of these things we improved to make the show 10 times better than it already was.

Even though we had many enjoyable moments, there were some challenges along the way. These challenges included getting the right pitch for the songs, learning all the dances, learning the words to the songs, putting the words and dances together and doing fast costume changes.

We loved getting into our costumes and becoming our characters. The dress rehearsals were our favourite and the sets were spectacular because they made us feel like we were in the 1930s. We love our Drama and Music teachers, who put in so much time and effort to help make this production amazing.

Co-Captains: Gabrielle Hancox, Talia Nania, Ashley Just Year 6 Team Members: Ella Janes, Jemima Quinn, Clara Chen, Mia Sammartino Year 6

spring 2017

11

brave women, bold stories

Foundation Masterclass The 2017 Ruyton Foundation Masterclass theme of Brave Women, Bold Stories commenced with a remarkable keynote presentation in Senior School Assembly from Dr Lois Peeler, OAM. An original member of The Sapphires, Dr Peeler is also a political activist, passionate educator and principal at Australia’s only Aboriginal girls’ boarding school. Dr Peeler’s presentation highlighted the impact that so many brave women have had, both in her life and in the fight for indigenous rights. Year 9 students then heard bold stories from a panel of three other remarkable and brave women. Our own Mrs Danyang McAuliffe (Learning Leader LOTE) shared her extraordinary story of growing up in the Chinese Cultural Revolution as the daughter of distinguished academics, resulting in she and her sister being left alone to raise themselves at the ages of three and five. Ms Amanda Freestone, a social worker and former girl coach in the Girls At The Centre programme in Alice Springs, now works as a teacher with some of our most disengaged and troubled youth at the Malmsbury Detention Centre, and shared her inspiring story of her motivation to do this work with us. Finally, we had the privilege of hearing from Kashmala Munawar, who, as a result of injuries suffered in a suicide bomb attack in Pakistan in 2013, had one leg amputated and was brought to Australia for surgery to save her remaining limb, and is now studying Year 12 here in Melbourne. Following the panel presentation, the Year 9 girls had the opportunity to work with three renowned Australian female authors to develop their story-telling techniques. The day culminated with a writing workshop afternoon where the Year 9 girls had the opportunity to write the story of a brave women – either one of the women they had heard from during the Masterclass, someone else who inspired them, or perhaps an imaginary woman with a bold story.

Mrs Cathryn Furey, Assistant Principal, Director of Learning.

Student Reflections

Speech bubbles ‘The speakers that spoke to us this morning inspired me in many ways. In particular, Kashmala Munawar who spoke to us about her recovery and experiences in Pakistan after being injured in a church attack, really touched me and allowed me to think in many different ways about what freedoms actually allow people to do. The fact that she still seemed a positive, happy, and optimistic person, even after the countless hardships she endured, left me questioning how she managed to get through everything, while still having the ability to be happy and how she was able to be like a normal Year 12 student who has been facing the same problems as her peers. I was incredibly inspired by the way she talked about the church bombing as a pivotal moment in her life, but then continued to say her thanks to all that have helped her, instead of just focusing on the issues that she has faced.

It allowed me to think about the depth of a human being, and how seemingly ‘normal’ people by appearance could have suffered in unimaginable ways.’

‘Mrs McAuliffe’s speech was very emotional and made me feel lucky to be living in such a developed and democratic country as Australia, where our government doesn’t propagate themselves as being superior and, above all, to the point where some citizens are forced to live in poverty. Her speech was very much a reality check for me.’

12

Year 9 girls had the privilege of participating in a day-long Masterclass focused on brave women with bold stories. We were lucky enough to hear the stories and experiences of seven incredible women who left us all feeling deeply-inspired and full of knowledge. The morning was started with a presentation from Dr Lois Peeler, a former Sapphire, an Indigenous rights activist, an educator and principal at the Worawa Aboriginal College in Victoria. We then heard from a panel of three passionate women, Ms Amanda Freestone, Kashmala Munawar and Mrs Danyang McAuliffe, who had the courage to speak out about the way their own individual journeys had shaped them.

These women are all the definition of strength, thriving during the most difficult of times. The day was wrapped up with author workshops from Ms Fiona Wood, Ms Catherine Crowley and Ms Isobelle Carmody, three influential novelists who bring so much meaning to every word they write. These authors spoke about the importance of truth and gratitude, opening our minds to new ideas and endless opportunities. Each woman who spoke reiterated the importance of compassion and education, proving once again that education truly is power.

Mia Waters, Year 9

the ruyton reporter

Now is the Time to Speak Out The scope of the responsibilities of the Debating and Forums Captain has been extended in recent years to include organising guest speakers to speak at forums who promote rigorous debate and thought. In July, we heard the courageous story of Ms Rosie Batty, whose poignant remarks emphasised the importance of maintaining respectful relationships in our community. She addressed the Years 10– 12 girls and Years 11– 12 boys from Trinity, reminding them that they are our future. In the search for equality they must rise to the challenge and speak out against behaviour which is demeaning, threatening and disrespectful if they wish to address the problem of domestic violence. Now is the time for our young women to speak out and to make a difference.

A Student Reflection

Every week, two women are murdered. Every three hours one women is hospitalised. These statistics come down to one common societal flaw.

Ms Rosie Batty was invited to the Year 11 and 12 Forum on Wednesday 26 July to discuss the confronting issue of domestic violence. She was subjected to years of abuse by her partner, Greg Anderson. ‘Family violence can happen to anybody; it doesn’t matter how nice your house is or how intelligent you are.’ It was those words that followed in the wake of her son Luke’s death. Luke’s murder was an act committed by his own father, which represented a stance of dominance by a perpetrator in a violent household. This extension of evil destroys a victim forever.

Rosie’s grief is one that will never go away. However, she has chosen to channel this sadness into changing our nation’s attitude towards domestic violence. Since being awarded Australian of the Year in 2015, she has engaged in a campaign to raise awareness of this problem in communities. In that same year, the Luke Batty Foundation was created. Her ongoing campaign, never alone, promotes justice and offers a support line to victims of domestic violence. You can join her petition here on www.neveralone.com.au and pledge your stance alongside her to fight for equity. On behalf of the Ruyton community, we thank her for confronting the topic of family violence. As a School, we are very lucky to have such amazing opportunities to hear influential people speak to us. ‘Family violence is everybody’s business’, and we pledge to continue to stand up against this issue with Rosie and Luke.

Maeve Luu, Year 11

spring 2017

13

redefining learning

Change is Constant, Innovation is Optional

In 1892, a working group of respected American educators known as The Committee of Ten recommended a standardised curriculum that would be delivered over a 12-year period and include instruction in the following areas: foreign language, mathematics, the sciences, and English.

By 1916, famous educational psychologist, philosopher, and reformist Mr John Dewey recognised a need to transition beyond an industrial model of education and said: ‘If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.’ This proclamation was made over a hundred years ago, but education has yet to experience a significant reimagination which highlights the following inevitability: change is constant, innovation is optional.

To best meet the needs of our students and the way we engage with the global community we are focused on rethinking, reimagining and re-engineering programmes and teaching approaches to develop signature learning programmes.

deciphering codes), work within set parameters and physical spaces, monitor progress and create daily action plans, share resources and ideas within a group, and continue to develop as dynamic, agile, and flexible learners in an unfamiliar setting.

This year we have reimagined our historic Year 7 and 8 LEAP course, now branded as Innovate-Ed. Innovate-Ed engages students in extended interdisciplinary projects, challenging them to take risks, collaborate, build amazing contraptions, and exhibit their work within the School community and beyond the four walls of the classroom. Projects have ranged from developing content for YouTube to building arcade games out of cardboard boxes.

The evening when the girls shared their rooms with the community was full of energy. Fellow students, teaching staff and parents shared how impressed they were by the students’ ability to work collaboratively and creatively to create and solve problems. Over 250 brave souls worked together in small teams to overcome the mental challenges the girls had created, and in some rooms the terrifying surprises that awaited.

A Year 9 and 10 STEM elective has been developed, Creating the Future, challenging students to use their understanding of mathematical principles and scientific innovation to create products for specific audiences.

In one project, students found inspiration from nature to create a mindfulness colouring book by visually representing mathematical patterns; in another project, students worked together to create educational resources for students to use in order to deepen their understanding of mind and body systems that reflect observable breakthroughs in biomedicine and engineering.

We have launched two signature experiences: Urban Escape and Blended. In the 2017 Urban Escape experience Year 8 students travelled to the city for a day of challenge and discovery focused on Escape Rooms.

Our girls fearlessly conquered 15 different escape rooms across five separate venues in the Melbourne CBD, solving multiple puzzles and riddles as they raced against the clock. With advice from expert game makers and local escape room owners, our girls were tasked with designing thematic escape rooms that required Ruyton community members to use their puzzle-solving skills to escape in a limited amount of time. Through this process they were required to understand cryptography (the art of writing and

14

The Blended programme this year saw our Year 6 students join with the Year 7 students in the Senior School for an extended collaborative, film-based task that has engaged our girls across the traditional school structures. As a part of this programme, students have written their own user manuals to make the mixed yearlevel interactions successful and included information about each girl’s individual style, personal and work values, communication styles, and approaches to providing feedback. Students also engaged with a professional film maker to make 15 second commercials from raw footage from a real television shoot in order to learn about storyboarding, the use of multiple camera angles, and how to create and sustain a narrative. The final projects are being screened at Lido Cinemas in an awards-style event to celebrate the girls’ creativity, risk-taking, collaboration, resourcefulness, and technical ability.

We look forward to continuing to share details of our signature experiences as we continue to reimagine and redefine what successful and future thinking, teaching and learning looks like.

Mr Jake Plaskett, Director of Learning Innovation

the ruyton reporter

we believe in girls with grit

Sporting Prowess

As we focus on equipping our girls to flourish and live both with character and courage, it is important to give them opportunities to embrace social, physical, emotional and academic opportunities. Over this year, we have celebrated solid academic results; we have witnessed wonderful performances in the Performing Arts; and our girls similarly are displaying prowess on the sporting field.

After being defeated in the semi-finals last season, our Senior Softball team were very keen to have a successful year. The girls went through the season undefeated, experiencing many close-fought games. The team won their semi-final convincingly and in the Grand Final, the tactical skills they had acquired through their six years of GSV softball, were clearly evident. As a result of superb play by all the team, a memorable victory was secured with Ruyton being named GSV Premiers for 2017.

In June, an impressive unbeaten home and away season by the Year 9 to 12 ‘A’ AFL team meant that for the first time since this sport was introduced to GSV in 2010, Ruyton won a spot in the semi-finals. By far the less experienced team on the day, the girls showed resilience and self-belief, demonstrating some impressive performances on the ground. Despite losing the match, the girls never gave up and were competitive beyond fault throughout the entire game.

After a successful season the Senior B and Senior C Netball and the Intermediate A Hockey teams all qualified for the GSV finals. While the Senior B Netball and Intermediate A Hockey teams were both defeated in their respective semi-finals, the Senior C Netball team won their Grand Final.

Once again, our girls have excelled in the GSV Carnivals, qualifying for the coveted Division 1 Championships in Swimming, Cross Country and Track and Field.

For the fifth consecutive year, Ruyton continued to dominate in Swimming, finishing in second place.

In Cross Country, our girls displayed amazing grit and determination this year to secure a resounding GSV Division 1 Cross Country Championship win. After a dominant performance in the Victorian All Schools events, the Ruyton Cross Country Team triumphed, to become the only school team to have won the Overall State Championship for 15 years in a row. Ruyton qualified for the Division 1 GSV Track and Field Championship, and finished in second place overall, continuing an enviable record of being the only school to finish top three in this sport since GSV’s inception in 2001.

The girls in the Junior School continue to shine in the SYDSA competition with Ruyton finishing second place in the Swimming and first in both Cross Country and Track and Field.

We are proud to see our girls displaying such character and true Ruyton spirit.

Mrs Louisa Burbury, Director of Sport

Ruyton’s rowers continued to impress with the Senior 1st and 2nd crew winning gold in the A Final at the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta (HOSG), and the Senior Double Scull won the Silver.

spring 2017

15

old ruytonians’ association

Daughters of Old Ruytonians

Row 5: L. Laird, A. Jones, B. O’Callaghan, P. Angliss, P. Dowell, S. Bendall Row 4: Y. Alevras, H. Mitchelhill, S. Goucher, E. Marsh, C. Kerr, S. Courtney, E. Lamb, P. Brown, A. Coldwell, A. Barry, A. Osmond

from the ora president Dear Ruyton Community, It is my pleasure to present the Old Ruytonians’ Association (ORA) President’s Report for the spring 2017 edition of the Ruyton Reporter.

Opening on a celebratory note, the ORA recently commemorated the addition of two honorary life members to the Association. We were pleased to recognise Ms Fiona Horman (’77) and Mrs Fleur Coldwell (’90) as Honorary Life Members at a dinner in August, attended by the current Committee and other Honorary Life Members. Fiona held the position of President for three years, was a Committee Member for many years, and a Ruyton Board Member from 2004–2012. Fleur held the position of President for four years, was a Committee Member for many years, and served on the Board from 2006–2016. Both Fleur and Fiona gave considerable time and support to the ORA and we are pleased to acknowledge their efforts.

In other Committee news, we also welcome a number of new members to our team this year and we thank them for their input to date.

Mrs Jenni Musgrove (Manton ’73): Since leaving Ruyton I have had a career across various industries, including running my own business with my husband for 25 years.

I was a parent at Ruyton (Georgie Musgrove ’10) and in 2016 I joined the Community Relations Department as Co-ordinator – Community. In my role, I am responsible for Alumnae Relations/Reunions and Secretary of the ORA, as well as co-ordinating School Events.

Samantha Gusset (’89): Since completing my studies at Ruyton I have explored many career paths as a Designer in the Fashion and Film Industry, a Change Manager and Project Manager for Telecommunications and currently a Property Manager of private portfolios.

Sarah Forbes (’12): I graduated from Ruyton in 2012 and now work as the Marketing Co-ordinator for an Australian swimwear label. I am lucky enough to say that I am working in my absolute dream job! I do believe that my time at Ruyton and the incredible opportunities the School provided me has a lot to do with where I am now.

I am part of the ORA because I want to remain

16

Row 3: V. Magoutis, H. Charlesworth, M. Power, M. Cook, M. Wilson, E Johnson, C. Gillon, P. Johnson, T. Caligiuri, C. McCormick, S. Hughes, M. Ancarola Row 2: L. Uthmeyer, R. Magoutis, E. Murray, H. Murray, J. Cook, O. Thompson, M. Gillon,

connected to the School and its networks, and close to other women who lead their lives with ambition, determination and the Ruyton spirit.

Anna Truelove (’12): I finished Year 12 at Ruyton in 2012.

I am currently working in a children’s lifestyle store in Armadale, whilst completing my double degree in Arts and Psychology, majoring in criminology at Deakin University.

Phoebe Demiris (Tallent ’03): I am a VCE teacher at Caulfield Grammar School and sit on an examination development panel at the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. I am currently on maternity leave with my ten-month old son, Jack.

Beside our celebrations and events held over the past months, this year has been a year of internal review and consolidation to establish the future plans for the Association, to ensure we better engage and service the needs of our community.

Over the past six months, a sub-committee of the ORA has been developing a Strategic Plan. Reflecting on the School’s updated strategic plan and branding, the ORA believe it is important that we review ours. The reasoning for this is to ensure we service our community best and bring our Association into the 21st century. By the time of the publication of the next edition of the Ruyton Reporter, we will be able to share this strategic plan with you. Our imperatives are that we are membercentric, relevant, purposeful and appealing. Our key strategic pillars are to: • drive engagement within our community • grow the profile of the ORA • empower and support the development of Old Ruytonians • structure the organisation for success.

L. Gillon, I. Caligiuri, A. Kafasis, K. Kafasis, O. Michelini, A. Minott Row 1: E. Bai, Z. Kokovas, S. Norden, L. Gallace Absent: Z. Boussioutas, S. Caligiuri, E. Hayes, A. Henderson, A. Laird, G. Long, L. Long, S. MacIsaac, S. Marsh, T. O’Callaghan, L. Richardson, H. Wilson

A key driver of the strategic plan has been ex-president, Ms Sarah Blyth (’07). Sarah stepped down as President at this year’s AGM and she has been instrumental in laying the foundations for the upcoming years of the Association and creating the Professional Development Programme. Sarah joined the committee in 2012 and held the position of President for four years. Her departure from the committee is due to a fabulous opportunity to travel and work in London and we all wish her well. Sarah will remain on the committee and we look forward to her continued involvement.

I would also like to thank Miss F Hargreaves (’54), Miss J Pearson (’44) and Anon (’81) who all provided generous donations to the ORA as part of the annual giving this year. These donations are key to enabling the ORA to provide an annual bursary to a student in need. If you would like to donate, please contact Ms Tonya Peters via peterst@ruyton.vic.edu.au or on 03 9819 2422.

As we look ahead to 2018, the ORA will be marking its 110-year anniversary, whilst Ruyton will be turning 140. The milestones for both Ruyton and the ORA will be celebrated in style and planning is underway to finalise our celebrations. Reunions will continue, we hope to run further professional development programmes and we will also introduce new events as part of our strategic plan.

For regular updates about the ORA please follow our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ oldruytoniansassociation/ and LinkedIn group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7056177/profile If you have any queries relating to the ORA or would like to register for any of our events please contact Mrs Jenni Musgrove on ora@ruyton.vic.edu.au Ms Caroline Jarrett (’05) President of the Old Ruytonians’ Association

As I reflect on this I am reminded of the broad spectrum of members we have: alumnae ranging from 17 to 100 years in age, as well as our current students. The span of generations and varied interests of our members has prompted us to review our event structure and ensure we connect from a social, career and family perspective.

I am looking forward to the coming years to see how we can work with our members to support them best.

the ruyton reporter

news of alumnae

my journey to rada

research may change ivf practice

Despite being a shy child, I have enjoyed performing from a very young age. In fact, performing has always given me a freedom of expression that I could only dream about in everyday life.

My theatre debut was actually in the Ruyton Year 6 production of Cinderella where my glass slippers were horrendously oversized and I ended up gracefully sliding down the ‘palace steps’ on my bottom … the joys of live theatre!

Shimona Lai (’12) is undertaking an exciting research project into the safety of double embryo transfers, which was accepted for presentation to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Annual Meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland in July this year.

Nonetheless, despite my continued love of music in many forms, and literature, there came a moment when I realised that my love of acting eclipsed everything else.

My involvement in so many things at Ruyton allowed me to clarify this. In fact the three loves of my life: acting, music and literature, are all underpinned by a love of story telling.

I began the process of drama school applications in Year 12. My dream was to get into one of the world’s top schools; namely Juilliard in New York, or the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

Just out of Year 12, I flew to New York where I auditioned for the Juilliard School. It was an exciting and lengthy process, which saw me fly around the world twice and the end result was a wait-listed position. This involved months of phone calls and emails back and forth waiting to see if I had secured a place. It was challenging emotionally to receive letters that acknowledged my talent and suitability for their programme, but ultimately miss out on a place!

A year later I flew to London to audition at RADA. As you would imagine, the audition process was no less rigorous. Four rounds of auditioning required preparation and intense focus. Nonetheless, I have to admit that I loved every second of it! Two days after my final audition I received a phone call offering me a place. Accepting the offer amidst laughter and tears… I couldn’t believe dreams really can come true.

I am incredibly grateful for my years at Ruyton, the opportunities it offered and the teachers who encouraged me. I would say to all girls: believe in your own talent, don’t give up at the first hurdle, and dream big! I can’t wait to start living my dream at RADA. Sophie Kleiman (’15)

never be scared to learn When I think of Ruyton I remember being supported in my personal endeavours and I had opportunities to take part in a broad range of activities.

Ruyton encouraged challenging thinking and inspired in me a belief that I could undertake whatever I wanted.

I believe I found my calling in education.

After leaving School, I became a physical education teacher, over time diversifying my teaching to include science, mathematics and IT, as well as being promoted through the ranks.

My last position was Principal of the Distance Education Centre Victoria. This is a government school providing high-quality education for students who are unable to attend school, possibly due to a long-term illness; extensive travel with parents in Australia or overseas; because they are an elite sportsperson or any other reason where attendance at a regular school is not a viable option. The school also offers VCE subjects to students who are unable to access a subject in their regular school.

Students rarely attend the physical school building; however, each student has regular contact with their own teacher(s) and there are also regular online classes. The school work is available online, on DVD and in print. The most important part of my role was to develop a culture that connected students with their teachers and their classmates, as well as the development of state-of-the-art learning materials.

If you asked me about my life lessons I would say work hard at a job you enjoy; do not make your work your life; take opportunities when they arise; remove the words ‘I can’t’ from your vocabulary and never be scared to learn. I am now retired and divide my time between Melbourne, Flinders Island (in Bass Strait off the north-east coast of Tasmania) and travel around Australia and overseas. Since living on Flinders Island I have learnt to catch crayfish, abalone and become sustainable in our own fish supply.

‘It was my first conference, so I was a little nervous, but quietly confident that the work I’m doing might help change clinical practice and improve outcomes for IVF patients.’

Shimona is taking an intermission from her MBBS course to undertake a year-long Bachelor of Medical Science (Hons) degree at Monash, which involves focused research on a particular topic and field of medicine. Her research project is in the field of obstetrics, and more specifically-assisted reproductive technologies and IVF. Shimona will compare clinical outcomes following single-and double-embryo transfers, with a focus on embryo quality.

‘Historically, double embryo transfers have been used to maximise rates of implantation and pregnancy in IVF, however, its use has subsequently led to an unacceptably high risk of multiple pregnancy and its associated complications. Although current recommendations are that only a single embryo be transferred per cycle, there are still many patients and clinicians who prefer double embryo transfer due to its assumed benefits.’

The results from this project challenge the precedent that transferring multiple embryos compensates for low implantation and pregnancy rates. The findings suggest that they may cause worse outcomes and even harm.

‘The attitudes towards single and double embryo transfer are slowly changing, but our work has the potential to spur this on a little quicker – which is very exciting from a clinical perspective.’

This is terrific news for Shimona, who only left Ruyton five years ago and it is exciting for her to see her research having the potential to make a real difference for IVF patients.

cooksultations Ms Sarah Leung (’05) was a finalist in the Young Business Women’s Award 2016 for the establishment of her business, Healthy Energy Holistic Nutrition and Lifestyle Centre. Sarah is a holistic nutritionist, an accredited practising dietitian and has training in sports dietetics. Her stated mission is to build a healthier society, one person at a time.

She educates people about their nutritional wellness needs and offers specialised help with digestive issues, weight management and chronic disease management for conditions such as diabetes.

Sarah has developed a unique service in her business, ‘Cooksultations’. She demonstrates how to prepare and cook quick and simple dishes, encouraging clients to use ingredients they’ve never used before. Sarah is also eager to introduce traditional Chinese medicine into her practice, to enhance her message ‘Food as Medicine’.

In addition to clinical consultation work, Sarah has presented wellness programmes to corporates such as Telstra Super, NAB, Victorian councils, the Department of Human Services, Victorian schools and Home Economics Victoria. She has featured as an expert in diverse publications including Wellbeing Magazine, MiNDFOOD Magazine, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Sarah gives back to the community by holding fundraising events for the Breast Cancer Network, Monash Children’s Hospital, the RSPCA and beyondblue. Sarah also teaches nutrition at the National Theatre Ballet School and takes part in course development for La Trobe University. In May 2017 Sarah launched a sustainable Australian hand-harvested seaweed product, Alg, to promote the health benefits of seaweed and to introduce this superfood into the Australian diet.

Sarah has a favourite quote by which she lives: ‘challenge your comfort zone every day.’

I live by this quote because I believe you cannot grow unless you are willing to do things that scare you. Coming from Hong Kong in Year 9 straight to Ruyton without speaking much English, or having any friends, was a huge challenge, but I think that’s where I grew the most.’

Bronwyn Stubbs (’69)

spring 2017

17

news of alumnae

Mackenzie Casey (’12) is now running her own business in New York City. In December 2015, the Monash University Bachelor of Commerce graduate received funding from a New York-based fund and began her entrepreneurial journey. Her company, HUMM, is an app that allows women to rent out their closets to other women. ‘The idea for the business comes from the moment all women can relate to where you are out shopping and the perfect garment is almost always out of your budget, so you stand that ‘humming’ and ‘ahhing’ over whether you should purchase it. I wanted to create something that eliminates that ‘humm’ moment all women feel’, Mackenzie says.

HUMM is a marketplace connecting women and their wardrobes to others. Users are able to browse by brand, colour, size, and location, making a selection by choosing their event date from the calendar and a date for shipping or meeting delivery option.

As the sharing economy is on the rise, Mackenzie wanted to create a platform where women would no longer need to budget for designer items, where they could use their savings on what they wanted to do, not wear. The company also has a giveback initiative called the HUMM Foundation, where 10 per cent of profits are issued biannually as financial grants for striving female entrepreneurs.

At 22 she feels humbled to have had the opportunity to start her own business and build a team. Mackenzie’s app, HUMM, is currently launching throughout Australia and has recently been backed by Google. HUMM is available to download from the App Store.

you can do anything and everything you set your mind to I finished at Ruyton wanting to pursue at least a dozen different career paths. The significance of this was that no one ever actually told me I couldn’t! My particular interest at the time was osteopathy and I finished at Victoria University with both a Bachelor of Science (ClinSci) and Masters of Health Science (Osteopathy), plus the privilege of calling myself a Doctor.

I’ve always felt the biggest leap in life is the moment you move from being a student to working professionally. I commenced my working career running a solo osteo practice from a gym in Prahran, coupled with corporate osteopathy services on-site at companies with a strong commitment to the health and wellness of their employees. While I have always enjoyed helping and healing people with my osteo training, I also continue to find crafts, projects and hobbies that fulfil a burning need to pursue other interests.

In 2013, my now business partners and I saw a gap in the market for a completely natural hair treatment that we named Hello Hair. Driven by the fact that everyone was becoming acutely aware of the quality and source of food products they were putting in their bodies, we recognised a natural progression for those same consumers to become selective about what they were putting on their bodies and hair. Social media, particularly Instagram, was taking off and we saw this opportunity to develop our own product, produce and package it, and directly market it to a global audience with a non-existent advertising budget. What started from humble beginnings – we loved what our completely natural hydrating mask was doing for the health of our own hair – our lean start-up grew to become a world-renowned haircare must-have.

We’re proud of the fact that Hello Hair has featured in Vogue and other high-profile media outlets on a global platform. It is used by celebrities and social media influencers, and has been referred to as ‘the Beyoncé of hair products’.

I feel fortunate that my schooling at Ruyton gave me the confidence to give anything a go.

Because of that I now am a co-founder of a successful e-commerce business that promotes natural beauty, as well as a respected professional with the abilities to improve the day-to-day life of people in need.

This year also brings what may soon be my greatest accomplishment: the arrival of my first child. I plan to teach him or her that they too can do anything and everything they set their mind to.

For more information head to www.hellohair.com.au Sophie Zalkauskas (’01) We should like to acknowledge the generous support we received from Hello Hair at the Ruyton Foundation Ball 2017.

18

addressing contemporary public health issues In May, this year Eliza Li (’15), a Biomedical Science and Business Student at Monash University, shared with the Science Department news about her involvement in an important article on the use of a brand of children’s vitamins and how they were unhealthy and poorly regulated. The article was titled Kids’ vitamin gummies: unhealthy, poorly regulated and exploitative and can be found in The Conversation at https://theconversation.com/kids-vitamin-gummies-unhealthy-poorly-regulated-andexploitative-76466 What is particularly impressive is that Eliza was invited to co-author this article, alongside distinguished Associate Professor at the Monash School of Public Health, Dr Ken Harvey, Australian Nutritionist and Dietician and Visiting Fellow, UNSW, Dr Rosemary Stanton, and Melbourne University Dental School Professor and Senior Principal Research Fellow, Stuart Dashper.

As Eliza said, ‘After three months of vigorous research, we’ve uncovered and quantified yet another example of how science can be manipulated in the commercial world; but more alarmingly, how protocols to regulate therapeutic goods fail to protect us from the exploitative advertising of modern-day complementary medicines.’

Eliza is passionate about her work and acknowledges that we are on a long journey to address contemporary public health issues.

Eliza was also the keynote speaker at the Year 11 Leadership Camp at Phillip Island in July. Here, Eliza shared with the girls the importance of individual and collective leadership in all areas of School life, as well as life outside Ruyton. Throughout her speech, she emphasised the notion that ‘leadership is not a position’; that leadership opportunities arise in all kinds of situations and it is up to everyone to rise to these challenges.’

Eliza spoke candidly about her work ethic throughout VCE and the need for philanthropy: to think beyond oneself. The girls were captivated by the accounts of humanitarian missions that Eliza has undertaken in the medical field, in both the Philippines and Indonesia, with many being inspired to volunteer in a likewise manner following Year 12.

we are seeking your help!

We are trying to identify our oldest, living, past student. If you know of any alumnae who are 100 years of age or more, could you please let us know their details as soon as possible. As Ruyton turns 140 next year and the ORA 110, it would be wonderful to celebrate these many milestones.

Information can be sent to Mrs Jenni Musgrove on musgrovej@ruyton.vic.edu.au or call her on 9290 9335.

keep in touch – update your details online Old Ruytonians can now update their contact details online at www.ruyton.vic.edu.au and click on the Contact tab.

Keep in touch with former School friends, reconnect with old friends and receive information about what is going on in the Ruyton community.

For further information regarding reunions and upcoming alumnae events, please contact the Community Co-ordinator, Community, on 03 9290 9335.

Your connection with Ruyton does not end when you graduate in Year 12.

We love to share news of the exploits and achievements of our alumnae.

Please send all news to the Editor, Mrs Elizabeth Beattie, at beattiee@ruyton.vic.edu.au

errata from the ruyton reporter autumn 2017 The Ruyton Spirit Lives On – page 17 There were errors in the information listed under this photo.

The following years are the correct year levels for these alumnae: Lisa Hajdasz ’87; Anna Brown ’88; Katherine Barter ’81 and Melissa Lamb ’85.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. the ruyton reporter

births Adrienne Coleman (Samuel ’05) is pleased to announce the safe arrival of Hudson Samuel Coleman, born on 21 December, 2016.

Victoria (Tori) Allan (’07) died unexpectedly at her home in June. Tori was loved by all who knew her and leaves devoted and loving parents, Peter and Fiona, and much loving sister, Pippa and brother-in-law, Josh.

We were delighted to hear the wonderful news about the safe arrival of Ava Charlotte on 11 May 2017.

Congratulations to Andrea Fiorenza (’98) and the Smith family.

Imogen Aurelia Maslen was born on 18 January 2017 to proud parents Jonathan Maslen (Trinity ’96) and Caroline Jarrett (’05.) Caroline has recently taken up the position of President of the ORA once again.

Congratulations to Phoebe Demiris (Tallent ’03) and Nick, on the safe arrival of Jack Henry Peter, born in September 2016. Phoebe is a member of the ORA committee.

vale It is with great sadness that the Ruyton community notes the passing of the following Old Ruytonians: Anne Gilham (Gibson ’42) passed away peacefully in July. She was the muchloved wife of Hugh (dec.), mother of Sue and Jan and a grandmother and great grandmother.

Jane Morton (’70) passed away in February this year. Jane was a boarder and has a sister, Penny Jackson (Morton ’72) who also boarded.

Rosalyn ‘Ros’ Whitehead (Burnett ’64) passed away peacefully in July. Ros was a boarder and leaves behind husband Bill, children Penny, Daniel and Tom, and grandchildren George, Oliver, Charlie, Indigo and Hamish.

tribute to kariesa van zyl (’11) ‘… lived your life like Jesus’ and ‘most kind hearted, beautiful and thoughtful soul that I have ever known.’ These are two quotes from friends that sum up the life and the impact that Kariesa had on others. From a young age she touched the lives of everyone she met – young and old, known and unknown, and she often cared more for others than for herself. She lived her life to do good unto others. Kariesa’s ultimate goal was to become a nurse and what a good one she would have been. Her beautiful smile and contagious laugh would have been so uplifting for those in need.

With her ‘all-or-nothing’ attitude, she loved fully or disliked passionately. She was the most unselfish and kind person and many people learnt from Kariesa about life, love and friendship. She stood up for what she believed in and was intent on making a difference – friends, family and being a good person was what life was all about for her. Our wonderful memories of Kariesa are plentiful, more so every time we look at one of her amazing art pieces. She was so talented and freely gifted her art without expectation of anything in return. The world is a poorer place without Kariesa and we were so blessed to have had her, if only for a very short 22 years. She was special in so many ways and we will miss her joy and laughter every day of our lives. We will remember Kariesa for all the little things she left behind.

A million times we will need you A million times we will cry If love alone could’ve saved you You never would have died In life we loved you dearly In death we love you still In our hearts you hold a place No one else will ever fill.

– Anon.

She will be in our hearts forever, our beautiful Kariesa.

Ruhan, Karen and Zack van Zyl

spring 2017

19

reunions

Reunion of the 1977 Alumnae, Saturday 29 April 2017 Back Row: Judy Hankin, Sandi Poynton (Blewitt), Jane Simon, Jane Blyth (Martin), Belinda Dowell (Field), Inga Gibson (Mackay), Sally Heath Middle Row: Sally Barter, Cathy Strempel, Juliet Lowther (Vine), Lynne Westermann (Colen), Deborah Hansen, Fiona Horman, Sallie-Anne Swift (Spry) Front Row: Sandie Tate, Sian Adnam, Annie Denton (Parsons), Lisa McCulloch, Wendy Sheehan, Sally Dixon (Nankervis)

Reunion of the 1987 Alumnae, Saturday 27 May 2017 Back Row L-R: Cathy Segan, Kelly Hutchinson, Annabelle Moody, Pauline Newton (Taylor), Alexandra Henkel (Davis), Olivia Alevras (Alysandratos), Elisa Shrives, Jackie Elkins-Pole (Elkins), Kate Clarke, Robina Bozas, Nerida Phillips, Anna Hill, Candice Aburrow (Brown), Louise Adamson 2nd Back Row: Fiona Rankin (Mason-Jones), Kate Arnold (McDonald), Carolyn El-Khoury (Angwin), Helen Radden Middle Row: Amanda Gray, Fiona Kerr (Cowie), Sally Derham, Melanie Hayward, Fiona Griffiths, Verity Harris 2nd from front Row: Anna Plane (Germano), Helen Bainbridge, Kerry O’Callaghan (Godson) Front Row: Jo Holland (Nairn), Lisa Hajdasz (Hagger), Elizabeth Allen (Monsell-Butler), Julia McLennan

Reunion of the 2007 Alumnae, Friday 26 May 2017 From the Back L-R: Shelley Sutherland, Emily Howells, Hannah Oppy, Fiona Keks, Shinasa Enayeth, Heather Cunningham, Perri Burns, Veronica De Poi, Phoebe O’Sullivan, Jess Bourke, Aphra Cheesman, Krysten Egan, Sarah Blyth, Lucy Fitzmaurice, Alice Bewley, Sarah Templer, Victoria Allan, Ella Maxwell, Phoebe Nunn, Phoebe Zimbler, Monika Paszkiewicz, Lauren Woolcock, Anna Muir, Samantha Hodgkins

Reunion of the 2012 Alumnae, Friday 24 February 2017 Attendees: (not in photo order) Paige Adgemis, Ashleigh Appleby, Eishitha Bandara, Sarala Baskaran, Danni Booth, Ineke Brandi, Mary Churchill, Megan Clegg, Stephanie Cowley, Sarah Davey, Courtney Donelly, Maddy Ellis, Emily Farrall, Sarah Forbes, Tess Gardiner, Natalie Gnoato, Lucy Green, Michelle He, Sarah Henson, Prue Heron-Paterson, Charlotte Inge, Emma Jamieson, Annabelle Jones, Anastasia Josseff, Natasha Kotsimbos, Shimona Lai, Haylee Lawrence-Simons, Lucinda Leptos, Morgan Lewis, Lucinda Loane, Molly Lombardi, Jen McFarland, Abigail Miller, Eliza Molony, Maddison Nash, Mia O’Connor, Renee Pantas, Huishi Peh, Vivian Peng, Janice Phung, Isabelle Power, Natalie Proposch, Rose Savage, Imogen Shute, Isabelle Thomas, Emily Tulloch, Rylie Wallace, Georgia Walsh, Imogen Walsh, Winnie Wu, Kara Young

forthcoming reunions in 2018:

Reunion of the Ruyton Boarders, Saturday 6 May 2017 From the back L-R: Sue A’Beckett (Vautier ‘62), Susan Hateley (Green ‘60), Margaret Smith OAM (Marshall ‘65), Mary McColl (Taylor ‘63), Terry Usher (Reuss ‘62), Jane Macintosh (‘72), Elizabeth Ballentine (Taylor ‘60), Jill Wilkes (Shipp ‘67), Valerie Don (Hall ‘47), Robyn Stevens (Eccles ‘67), Mary Maughan (Zillmann ‘57), Mary Dixon (Macpherson ‘57), Robyn Gold (Leeming ‘67), Ann Coulson (Macleod ‘67), Pamela Lambert (Tiller ‘72), Pam Jowett (Friday ‘61), Margaret Andrewartha (Douglas ‘55)

From left: Nerida Hamilton (Allen ‘73, absent from main photo), Jane McIntosh (ORA Representative & Boarder ‘72), Pamela Lambert (Tiller ‘72), Prue Jolley (Allen ‘72, absent from main photo) 3. Margaret Myers (Campbell ‘49, absent from main photo)

Staff Editor: Mrs Elizabeth Beattie, Community Co-ordinator, Communications If you have any articles or updates you would like to be considered for publication please email beattiee@ruyton.vic.edu.au or post to 12 Selbourne Road, Kew Vic 3101. Please mark all correspondence for the attention of the Ruyton Reporter Editor – Mrs Elizabeth Beattie.

The Ruyton Reporter is printed on paper that is harvested from sustainable forest and is elemental chlorine free.

alumnae

celebrating

reunion date

2013

5 years

Friday 23 February

1978

40

Friday 16 March

Golden Girls

50+

Thursday 17 May – Lunch

2008

10

Friday 25 May

1998

20

Friday 3 August

1988

30

Friday 17 August

2017

1

Friday 12 October

1968

50

Wednesday 17 October – Lunch

Please note: dates are subject to change.

Please confirm with ora@ruyton.vic.edu.au or 9819 2422.

ruyton girls’ school 12 Selbourne Road Kew 3101 Victoria Australia Tel 61 3 9819 2422 ruyton@ruyton.vic.edu.au www.ruyton.vic.edu.au CRICOS 00336J