Huddle St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School AUTUMN EDITION I 2018
Huddle Editor Alice Tidmarsh
Cover Tayla Behr carries the Queens Baton on Jolimont Street, Sherwood as part of the lead up to the opening of the 2018 Gold Coast
Contributors
Commonwealth Games. Tayla was nominated by her peers for her
Toni Riordan
achievements and contribution to her community, and is a proud
Kate Atkin Simon Morrison Courtney Phelps Cate Begbie Sue Russell Wendy Biggs Rev Gillian Moses Eloise Stephenson
representative of the spirit of the Commonwealth.
Contents F R O M T H E P R I N C I P A L
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A C A D E M I C E X C E L L E N C E
4
S T U D E N T S P O T L I G H T 8 C O M M U N I T Y 1 0 L E A D E R S H I P 1 4
Graphic Design Annie Fanning Photographic Contributors Victoria Reid Marc Pricop Tahlia Stehbens
AT H L E T E P E R F O R M A N C E C E N T R E
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MUSIC 20 S T A F F 2 1 F O U N D A T I O N 2 2 P A R E N T S A N D F R I E N D S
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U P C O M I N G E V E N T S 2 8
Annie Fanning
A R C H I V E S A N D A L U M N I
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Wendy Biggs
T H E L A S T W O R D
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Open Mornings Wednesday 22 August 9am-11am Thursday 11 October 9am-11am Visit our website to find out more:
www.staidans.qld.edu.au
Open Morning is a great opportunity to meet members of our Educational Leadership Team, hear our Principal, Toni Riordan, speak about St Aidan’s and take a tour with one of our current students. Ms Toni Riordan will speak at 9.15am and student led tours of the Junior School and/or Senior School will follow from 9.45am. To register to attend Open Morning or book a private tour, please visit our website: www.staidans.qld.edu.au/events or contact Reception on 07 3373 5999.
LEADERSHIP
CHAN GIN G of the Guard In January, we officially inducted Ms Toni Riordan as the 11th Principal of St Aidan’s. Ms Riordan joined the St Aidan’s family in 2015 as Deputy Principal, coming from an all-boys school and with close to 30 years’ experience in Education. She said she is often asked what the differences are between boys and girls schools. She expressed that while there are some differences, ultimately, all schools are unique learning communities, “I find myself responding that while I don’t really look for differences, I do know that I feel different in a girls’ school. I feel an overwhelming sense of being home. Of coming back home where I speak the same language, share the same experiences, and recognise many of the same dreams of St Aidan’s students.” Ms Riordan had many friends, family and colleagues (past and present) in the room, she shared, “I am delighted to share this occasion with many people who have walked with me on my journey, colleagues and friends, mentors and sponsors. Thank you for your support of me and for St Aidan’s.”
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From the Principal
We have been talking a lot about community at St Aidan’s this year.
Ms Toni Riordon PRINCIPAL
B Ed, M Ed Le, MACEL, MACE, GAICD
Playing their part in welcoming many new families to our school community, the Parents and Friends Association (P&F) hosted the inaugural Cocktail Evening in February, to offer the opportunity for all parents and friends to forge relationships at the beginning of the academic year. We also have our St Aidan’s faith community, which is expressed in so many ways, some of these include our whole-school Eucharist services, Messy Church for our Junior School students, Family Services, including one of our favourites - The Pet Blessing, year 9 students’ participation in Service Learning as part of their Religious and Values program and so much more. And then, as you would imagine we have a finely tuned focus on our learning community. Attention to and care for our learning is essential to achieving our school vision: to nurture each student’s personal aspirations within a vibrant learnercentered community. With an eye to educating for the future world of work, in which adaptation to regular disruption, increased automation and technological development beyond our current capacity to truly envision, we must stretch our conceptual understanding of learning communities to encompass the agility and dynamic nature of ‘learning ecosystems’. The Link, our design and innovation precinct represents an exciting ecosystem of learning in which people, place, ideas and technology are connected by a sense of ‘play’, inspiring all to imagine and supporting everyone to reach beyond their imagination. With the GC2018 Commonwealth Games only just behind us and
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great memories of inspirational sporting performances, with inclusive participation, not just in the sporting arena but within the accompanying cultural festival and even in the way friendly volunteers welcomed the world in their warm, ‘sunny’ fashion, I can’t help tie an international perspective to our notion of community. A truly international education, one for which we strive at St Aidan’s should create opportunities for lifelong friendships and networks that span geo-political boundaries. A learning community with international students should be a place in which cultures are learned and students from different walks of life form relationships, as they live the shared values of the school and embrace excellence as a core attribute. On a recent trip to Japan as a member of the Queensland Mission of Private School Education, I was pleased to overview some of St Aidan’s program for Japanese educators as part of a series of seminars focusing on secondary schools’ university preparedness. Three things were highlighted; firstly, the opportunities students have at St Aidan’s to connect with universities from early in their years of study; the leadership and modelling of our teaching staff and finally, our curriculum, which provides the platform for life-long learning. Students at St Aidan’s are used to working with university academics as they engage with our teachers on action-research projects; our year 10 students experience university life as part of their Futures Week conference, as they prepare for senior subjects’ selection and many students of all
ages partake in an array of activities and events hosted by our university partners to complement their research and presentation skills; use of technologies and design and innovation thinking. St Aidan’s teachers provide outstanding academic guidance and model life-long learning skills. Near 60% of our teaching staff hold a post-graduate qualification, that is a Masters’ degree, Doctorate or similar and many of our staff, both academic and non-academic are currently studying to improve their practice. The adults in the St Aidan’s learning community naturally model, encourage and teach the skills required for university study and success as they are continually developing the skills themselves. Finally, Queensland is undergoing significant change in assessment practices for senior studies and subsequent tertiary entrance requirements. There cannot be changes to assessment without some change to curriculum and pedagogy. Our staff are currently training for, planning and testing curriculum, pedagogy and assessment practices, which will reflect the new senior subject syllabuses. Each new syllabus demands a growing independence of learning, less reliance on teachers and an openness to discover opportunities for success. It is the intersecting of communities at St Aidan’s, some such as our parent, faith, learning and international communities, and the strength of the connections and relationships to people and ideas, which will equip students with the capabilities for long-term success well into the future.
It is the intersecting of communities at St Aidan’s, some such as our parent, faith, learning and international communities, and the strength of the connections and relationships to people and ideas, which will equip students with the capabilities for long-term success well into the future.
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
ACA D EMI C Excellence
Each year we celebrate our graduates who have truly excelled, our Senior girls who achieved above and beyond.
Our Honours students exemplify St Aidan’s core values of hard work and motivation. Their reward at the end of their school life is acceptance into the tertiary course of choice. They are an inspiration to their peers and younger students, with remarkable futures ahead of them.
40% of our students achieved an OP 1-5 For more than 89 years St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School has enjoyed a rich history of consistent academic and extra-curricular success. Our founders, the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent, were committed to nurturing
This year’s results saw: • 40% achieving an OP between 1 and 5; and • 96% achieving an OP between 1 and 15. The OP results show St Aidan’s continues to be one of the top performing independent schools in Queensland.
St Aidan’s Overall Position Results (2017)
and teaching young women; this premise remains as our
St Aidan’s
State
cornerstone. Today our mission
OP 1-3
24%
12%
is simple – we promote and
OP 1-5
40%
22%
OP 1-10
75%
53%
OP 1-15
96%
82%
empower our girls through education and opportunity. We do this by giving them support, excellent female role models, confidence to thrive, and a belief that they can achieve anything.
96% of our 2017 Senior students gained an OP between 1 - 15 and 40% achieved an OP of 1-5.
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Queensland Core Skills Test Results (2017) St Aidan’s 2017 graduates have also achieved outstanding results in this year’s Queensland Core Skills Test with 65% achieving an A or B on the test.
St Aidan’s
State
A
24%
18%
B
41%
27%
C
31%
34%
D
3%
21%
E
0%
0.3%
Rounded to the nearest whole number.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Tertiary Destinations of our 2017 School Leavers 100% of total applicants received an offer from QTAC in the January round
23% Society and Culture (e.g. Law, Economics, Psychology, Sport & Recreation)
9%
Management and Commerce
3% Education
(e.g. Hospitality Management, Banking & Finance)
(e.g. Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary)
21%
Area of Study
28%
Creative Arts
(e.g. Music, Graphic Design, Communication and Media Studies)
Health
(e.g. Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Naturopathy, Speech Pathology)
5%
Natural and Physical Sciences (e.g. Mathematics, Physics, Laboratory Technology)
8%
Architecture and Building
(e.g. Urban & Regional Planning, Interior Design)
3%
Engineering and IT
(e.g. Chemical, Automotive, Civil, Aerospace, Biomedical, Surveying)
Tertiary Institution Destinations Institution Queensland University of Technology (QUT) The University of Queensland (UQ) Griffith University Other Universities TAFE
2017 (%)
54% 30% 9% 5% 2% huddle I autumn 2018 5
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
R U BY T U R N ER Recognised with Prestigious Tuckwell Scholarship & QCAA Award Ruby Turner, 2017 Dux, has commenced her first year of university at ANU in Canberra as one of 25 recipients of the prestigious Tuckwell Scholarship. Every year, 25 Tuckwell Scholarships are awarded to highly talented and motivated school leavers planning to study at ANU, to help them fulfil their potential and reinvest their knowledge, skills and experience in ways that positively benefit others. The program has a focus on giving back to Australia and is the only one of its kind that nurtures Scholars to fulfil their broader community ambitions over and above the pursuit of an undergraduate degree. From 785 applications, Ruby was selected as one of the final 25 students, who commenced their studies in February 2018 at ANU. In March, Ruby was also recognised for her academic performance in 2017 with a QCE Achievement Award in the category of Distinguished Academic Achiever. The QCE Achievement Awards recognise and reward Queensland’s top performing students for outstanding academic achievement in their senior school studies. The Distinguished Academic Award is for students who, in being awarded a QCE, demonstrate exceptionally high achievement. A shortlist of candidates is identified for the consideration of the selection panel using the following criteria: •
an OP 1
•
an A on the QCS Test
•
Very High Achievements in at least 20 semesters of Authority subjects
•
additional tertiary entrance information, including QCS Test performance
•
additional level of achievement information
•
total QCE credit, including credit achieved for Authority subjects, university subjects, VET diplomas and advanced diplomas.
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We congratulate Ruby on her academic success and look forward to welcoming her back to St Aidan’s in the future
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
O u t & A b ou t
School Captain Georgia Douglas and Vice Captain Lily Van Gilst and Ms Riordan were invited to an afternoon reception at Government House with the Governor General to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Ruby Harris has recently competed at the Australian Under 18 National Championships and has been selected as an Australian shadow player for the Youth Olympic Hockey team
Phoebe McAuliffe won the Best Public Speaker award at the Lions club District Finals
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Student Spotlight
SOPHIE CLAYTON Sophie Clayton had a stroke when she was just 4 years old. Every day since then brings new challenges for Sophie and her family, Sophie’s Mum, Amanda, shares “while her recovery has been difficult at times, Sophie wants to help other child stroke survivors by letting them know the journey takes time and patience but you can always make it fun.” Sophie has found her feet at St Aidan’s and is a passionate campaigner for knowing the signs of stroke, raising awareness about childhood stroke and making sure people are educated about the FAST rule. Sophie is part of a team of Year 6’s at St Aidan’s leading the charge against cyber bullying. The last 12 months have been actioned packed for Sophie, in September 2017, she spoke to the doctors at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, for Stroke Week. In November, she participated in launching the Australian “Stride for Stroke Campaign” on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with other inspiring stroke survivors and in March, Sophie was invited to a reception at Parliament House to recognise women who are making a difference in our Queensland community. This event was hosted by the Honourable Di Farmer, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. Sophie was invited to this event due to the outstanding work she has been doing to raise awareness of the signs of Stroke and the support she is giving through her facebook page, ‘Stroke Kids’. At this event, Sophie was inspired by the Premier, the Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk, who spoke about the power of women in our community and how young girls can do anything. The Premier also announced two areas she was personally focussing on this year, breast cancer and cyber bulling awareness, which excited Sophie, as educating people about cyber bullying is one of her personal areas of focus at St Aidan’s. Sophie embodies the St Aidan’s values of authentic, caring, confident, creative and connected. We are so proud of Sophie and her passion for raising awareness about these issues which are so important to her; and we look forward to following her journey for many years to come.
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ABOVE - Jess Pugh MP, Honourable Di Farmer, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Sophie Clayton, Premier, the Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk and Amanda Clayton
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
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h ead i ng COMMUNITY
DUK E O F EDINBURGH St Aidan’s was fortunate to be selected as one of twelve Queensland Duke of Edinburgh Award Units to attend morning tea with HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO. Six of our Duke of Edinburgh participants; Jessica Forbes, Jayde Ramsey, Adelaide Pope, Melanie Watson, Olivia Payne, Akskaya Selvarajan along with Ms Riordan and Mrs Atkin enjoyed an opportunity to speak to HRH about their involvement with the Award as well as hear his passion for the Award and the opportunities it presents.
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COMMUNITY
Following this two of our Gold Awardees, Mrs Atkin (1999) and old girl, Pippa Sheehan (2005), now a journalist with Channel 10, addressed the audience, including HRH, at the Queensland Launch of the Duke of Edinburgh Employer Initiative. Mrs Atkin spoke of her experience completing the Award, saying “I firmly believe the Award is one of the most valuable extra-curricular activities available to our students and adds a suite of skills and capabilities to their portfolio. As a teacher and Award Leader I see my role as helping my students to prioritise the right skills to ensure they grasp opportunities in the future of work. I am truly blessed to be able to reach back and support my students, just as we were, and mentor them through the Award. It really is a program that is multi-generational and I would argue more relevant now than ever for our youth as they navigate their way through the challenges of the 21st century.”
Duke of Ed Employers are acknowledging that the skills gained are those sought from employers; important skills such as communication, team work, responsibility, community mindedness, resilience and leadership. If you are interested in finding out more about the Duke of Ed Award please see the Aidan’s Central Page or contact Mrs Atkin.
The aim of the Employer Initiative is to provide added recognition to the young people who have challenged themselves to undertake the Award.
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COMMUNITY
Messy CHURCH
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The concept behind Messy Church is that “making things together – even simply making a mess together … is reflecting the God who creates and recreates and gives us the chance to be more fully human as we mirror God’s actions”. These are the words of Lucy Moore and Jane Leadbetter, members of the team that developed Messy Church in the Church of England.
COMMUNITY
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LEADERSHIP
National Day of Action
AG AINST BULLY IN G AND V IOLEN CE
Imagine a world without bullying was the message from the Peer Support Leaders (Ella Flux, Sophie Clayton and Lauren Wilson), who promoted the annual National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence (March 16) in the Junior School. Junior School students participated actively by discussing cyber safety and cyber bullying, completing online activities and wearing colourful wristbands. Resources from eSafety for all ages were used by teachers to assist with raising awareness in a proactive manner. Some classes in Year 3-6 participated in an Online Webinar from the Anglican Schools’ Commission to engage with the topics through realistic scenarios. Students in Prep to Year 3 discussed the importance of keeping their personal details safe when using online games. The Peer Support Leaders presented a role play about cyber bullying on assembly. The girls’ role play focused on the role of the ‘bystander’ in a cyber bullying situation. They explained how important it is to be ‘up front’ when disclosing information, and to promptly tell a trusted adult, including teachers and parents. They also explained how to be an ‘active bystander’ and directly support the person being bullied by asking them, ‘Are You Ok?’. Students were also reminded about the guidelines for using devices safely, respectfully and responsibly. Technology is used in rich and varied ways throughout the school and it is important to know that there are procedures in place to keep students safe. Our Peer Support Leaders sent a letter to the Premier of Queensland, Ms Anastasia Palaszczuk, to inform her about the important role that they play in promoting cyber safety in our school. By Susie Rigby
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LEADERSHIP
Introducing the
E M PAT H Y
P R OJ E C T
The Empathy Project evolved from discussions towards the end of 2017 relating to the continued development of a robust, respectful and inclusive school community. Throughout discussions a common thread of ‘empathy’ linked all concepts and issues under discussion. It was also identified that, when relationships become strained or challenged in a tight school community, empathy is so often the key to the successful navigation of issues and challenges. As identified in recent work by researchers at Harvard University, empathy is a critical element in being a responsible and helpful community member. Studies have shown that when young people have empathy, they display:
however, this is often not the case. As educators, we can support students by modelling and encouraging them to take action, whether it is standing up for someone, helping to solve a problem or simply listening to someone in need.
cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. Held on the same date each year, Harmony day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
•
More classroom engagement
•
Higher academic achievement
•
Better communication skills
•
Lower likelihood of bullying
•
Less aggressive behaviours and emotional disorders
•
More positive relationships
To encourage increased empathy throughout the community, in time, the Empathy Project will also help students expand their immediate circle of concern. People are more inclined to feel empathy for those who are similar or in close proximity to them. In a strong school community though, we want students (and adults) to have empathy for everyone.
This day was identified at St Aidan’s as an opportunity to support students to extend their circle of concern. Each student created an orange hand on which they identified either things that make their family and friends important to them, what Harmony Day meant to them or reflected a commitment to an action in support of Harmony Day. These hands are now displayed in the Christine Hartland Centre as a reminder of our commitment to each other as well as the broader community.
The girls at St Aidan’s often demonstrate that they have empathy and are able to articulate exactly what it is. The main focus of the Empathy project is supporting students to take the leap from having empathy to consistently acting on it. Often we presume that young people automatically know what to do when they feel a level of concern for another;
As part of the ‘launch’ of our Empathy Project, students and staff acknowledged Harmony Day on 21 March this year. Harmony Day is a day to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, based on the successful integration of migrants into our community. Harmony Day is a day to focus on inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of
Jones, S.M., Weissbourd, R., Bouffard, S., &Kahn, J., & ross, T. (2014). How to build empathy and strengthen your school community. Cambridge, MA: Harvard School of Education.
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LEADERSHIP
Map out your future but do it in pencil. The road ahead is as yet to be revealed
futures THE ASPIRING
confer enc e 2 018
Every year in March the Year 10 cohort spend the last week of school participating in The Aspiring Futures Week. The conference is focussed on helping our students understand the years ahead, with information about senior subjects, university visits, QCAA requirements and vocational testing.
A great highlight of Aspiring Futures Week is welcoming back Old Girls from a variety of years to share with us their experience of pursuing their chosen career paths and the triumphs and tribulations along the way.
to problem solve and to become a better leader. She finished off saying, “each individual needs to understand the reasons behind a decision in order for them to grow as a person and as a valuable member of the team.”
This year we were inspired by Eliza Goddard (2007), eCommerce Coordinator at Pillow Talk, Gabrielle Blake (2012), Owner of G.A.B, and Heather Burridge (2014), Stunt Woman (via Skype). Three women who are all proud Old Girls and have each pursued very different paths. They shared their stories and offered invaluable advice to the Year 10’s, who are about to embark on their very own journey into senior studies and then their future careers.
After starting a double degree in Engineering and Science and not enjoying it after two weeks, but completing a whole semester just to make sure, Heather offered a great insight into the perseverance of sticking out something you don’t like. She also offered the advice that your path will change over time and is not necessarily a journey of A to B, so it’s good to be open to those bumps in the road.
Eliza shared 10 things she wishes she could tell her 15-year-old self now, including “take the opportunities that come your way”, “be mindful about the things you put online and don’t let your digital persona define you” and a very wise “if you have a problem, think about potential solutions before seeking advice from others”. Eliza said that one of the best skills university equipped her with, was the ability to critically think, enabling her
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Gabby is a great advocate for each person being an individual and each having different pathways. Her parting piece of advice was “you choose your own pathway, don’t let anyone else’s opinions effect your choice, follow your gut, believe in yourself and work hard for what you want.” It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Eliza, Heather and Gabby back to St Aidan’s and we thank them for taking the time out of their day to share their journeys with us.
Morris Gleitzman Australian Children’s Laureate for 2018-2019
“Young p eople ne ed stories m ore than ever. Stories to delight, s tories to beguil e, stories to inspire, s tories to move dee ply.”
You are invited to the
Morris Gle itzman
The Narelle Oliver Lecture This annual lecture is named in memory of Narelle Oliver, to acknowledge her contribution to children’s literature and her work as a founding member of Book Links. The Narelle Oliver Lecture seeks to raise
Thursday 14 June 2018 St Aidan’s Auditorium
11 Ruthven Street Corinda 6:30 - 7:30 followed by supper. Members of Book Links/QWC/CBCA $25 Non-members $30 http://bit.ly/gleitzmanlecture
the profile of children’s literature, to stimulate discussion and disseminate the results of current research on children’s
Refreshments will be served and books will be for sale. Morris Gleitzman will be available for signing For further information please contact info@booklinks.org.au
literature.
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AT H L E T E P E R F O R M A N C E C E N T R E
IN JURY
Prevention Adolescents in both genders participate in similar sports such as soccer and basketball, however it is female adolescent athletes who are at a greater risk of experiencing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury. ACL injuries are more likely to occur via non-contact sport movements, such as landing from a jump, decelerating and changing direction. Research in this area indicates that the higher incidence of ACL injuries in females can be related to anatomical, hormonal and neuromuscular differences.
Knee valgus Knee valgus (knee collapsing inwards) is a common trend observed in female adolescent athletes when landing from a jump and in squat movements (above). Exaggerated knee valgus is associated with greater loads on the knee, resulting in an increased ACL injury risk.
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At the St Aidan’s Athlete Performance Centre (APC), female students follow strength training programs, which focus on exercises that reduce the risk of knee valgus occurring. The following are examples of two identified injury risk sites that the girls train to improve in the APC.
AT H L E T E P E R F O R M A N C E C E N T R E
Hamstring exercises Adolescent female athletes have a lower hamstring to quadricep ratio (H:Q ratio) than males. As females are quad dominant they are more likely to land from a jump with a straighter knee, placing additional sheer force
on the knee and increasing the risk of an ACL rupture. The most effective way of increasing the H:Q ratio, is to strengthen the hamstrings using exercises such as the Nordic and fitball hamstring curl (above).
Gluteus medius exercises The gluteus medius muscle which is located on the outer surface of the pelvis, is involved in abducting and stabilising the hip. As knee valgus occurs when the knees collapse inward, strengthing the gluteus medius will keep the knees outward and assist in ACL injury prevention. Band exercises such as monster walks and glute bridges, will strengthen this area.
A structured strength training program, which involves these types of exercises can decrease knee injury risk in female athletes. Additional training methods which can be effective for knee injury prevention include, improving single leg imbalances, ankle mobility, jump and land mechanics and overall neuromuscular control.
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MUSIC
Beginner Band at St Aidan’s
“Crash, bang! Toot-toot! Squeek!” The triumphant sounds of Year Four students and their instruments fill the rehearsal rooms of the CHC. The Beginner Band Program is one of those programs where our students are encouraged to be loud! First offered in 2016, the Beginner Band Program allows girls to learn a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument in lessons run by specialist tutors. The small-group lessons run for approximately 30 minutes oncea-week on alternate Mondays and Tuesdays. While many schools offer a band program, the St Aidan’s program includes some unique features. The program represents a new way of thinking about music learning and is designed to transfer understanding and skills from the classroom program directly to the learning of an instrument. The students use well-known songs from the classroom Music program, singing the repertoire
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with words, pitch names and absolute letter names and then apply this internalised knowledge to instrumental playing. Students sing while showing the fingering of their specific instrument and once this physical co-ordination is captured in the muscle memory, students take the very simple step of actually blowing into their instrument. This process, where the musical material is laid down in the musical mind and then applied to specific finger positions, is both simple and efficacious, promoting a deeper understanding and enhanced surety of skill. Through the active involvement in both the classroom Music and Beginner Band programs, students have been able to build strong social-emotional skills. Intrinsic skills such as resilience, positive self-esteem and a growth mindset are fostered by teachers through the performative nature of the discipline. Teachers provide small yet manageable challenges which
build in complexity over a long period of time. Students slowly develop their knowledge and skills and, as the complexity of the task increases and specific feedback is provided, confidence in ability also develops. Not only are students developing music- and instrument-specific skills in this program, but they are also building positive and supportive relationships. Students share their progress in a ‘showcase’ performance with their small tutor groups when they join as a year level throughout the term. They also form the ‘Beginner Band’ ensemble in these sessions to perform with a conductor. It’s a great sensation when all the percussion instruments are hit with precision at the same time, the brass blare, reeds sound and flutes toot. All students have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of learning a new instrument in the Beginner Band program.
S TA F F
WELCOME
NE W STAF F Toni Vowles I Student Services Officer Toni joins us as Student Services Officer (Mon-Tues). Toni brings a wealth of experience to this role, including her other part-time role as Uniform Shop and Tuckshop Convenor at Corinda State School. In her spare time, Toni is the Honorary President of Rangers Netball Club based at Graceville. Toni is a passionate, long-term Corinda resident and will bring local knowledge and care to this role.
Sam Dutney I Director of Rowing Sam joins us from The Hunter Valley Grammar School in NSW where he held a similar role. Sam has also held rowing positions at Caulfield Grammar School, St Peters Lutheran College, Brisbane Boys’ College and St Aidan’s (from 2008 – 2013).
St Aidan’s
Hayden Goodwin I IT Customer Services Officer Hayden joins us from the University of Queensland where he held the position of Senior IT Support Officer.
foundation
In his spare time, Hayden is a keen runner. Hayden has completed two marathons (Gold Coast and Sydney), five Oxfam trail runs and some 100km and 50km runs to name a few.
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F O U N D A T I O N
CHAIRMANS Report
2018 has been a year identified for key planning by the Foundation to further assist the school in its future endeavours.
We welcomed Toni Riordan as the incoming Principal and have enjoyed a very constructive working relationship with Toni and look forward to providing every support to her. We recently farewelled Anna Goffage from the Board. We thank Anna for her tireless efforts as a Director. She played a key role in the organisation of many successful events put on by the Foundation during her term. At the same time we were delighted to welcome incoming Director David Goffage to the Board. David, a parent with two daughters at the school, brings with him experience in relation to capital raising and funds management. We look forward to him being a valued addition to the Board as we progress our activities.
The Link We are thrilled that the efforts to raise funds for the creation of The Link have come to fruition and the facility is now fully operational. It is an incredible space and is being well utilised by the students. The dedicated outdoor wellbeing space is already proving to be a favourite place for students as they play in the tree houses, use their imagination through the nature walk and extend their creativity via the writable walls. We still have Stars available for sale on the Donor Wall. I encourage you to purchase a Donor Star as a permanent legacy for your family at St Aidan’s. Stars can be purchased by contacting the Foundation office on (07) 3373 5929.
Events Our annual Foundation Lunch preparation is well underway. We are thrilled to have as our guest speaker this year, Matthew Ames. Matthew, whose incredible story started with a sore throat and resulted in loss of all four limbs, demonstrates how he has beaten the odds to show the world what determination can do. It will be an amazing experience to witness Matthew’s story at our lunch this year. I encourage as many parents as possible to attend the lunch for what will be a most enjoyable afternoon coupled with a truly amazing speaker. Following the success of our inaugural Father’s Day Lunch last year, we are again holding our Father’s Day Lunch in 2018. The event will be held on Friday 14 September 2018 with a venue to be advised. This event is a dedicated luncheon for the fathers of St Aidan’s girls and judging by last years’ success will truly be an annual event not to be missed for all St Aidan’s dads.
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Strategic Planning We are in planning mode in the Foundation at the moment so that we can prepare ourselves to assist the school for its needs in the coming years. We will report further on progress. Summary I would like to acknowledge each of the Directors on the Foundation Board who give very generously of their time to further the efforts of the Board and the school. Additionally, the St Aidan’s staff continue to provide excellent support to the Board in its activities. Simon Morrison Chairman
F O U N D A T I O N
St Aidan’s
TREE OUSES
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F O U N D A T I O N
F O U N D AT I O N
We have a lim ited number of stars rem aining, to purchase yo ur star, visit the Foundati on page on our website and click “Donate” or call the Foundation office on 3373 5999 .
St Aidan’s Stars The St Aidan’s star donor wall has been installed in The Link and we need your help to fill the wall with names! The star wall forms an important element of our fundraising and a visual representation of our community coming together to support The Link project and the future of St Aidan’s. Three different sizes and price points form this opportunity, $250 for small, $500 for medium and $1000 for large. We have very limited number of stars remaining and this is a wonderful opportunity to leave a lasting and much appreciated legacy to the school for years to come.
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St Aidan’s
Foundation Lunch 15 June
20
LIVE MUSIC
18
AND CASH B A R F RO M 3pm
Friday 15 June
11.30am for 12noon
Queensland Cricketers Club at The Gabba 411 Vulture Street, East Brisbane
The St Aidan’s
foundation
is delighted to welcome
Matthew Ames as this year’s guest speaker Matthew Ames
BE (Env), MBA (Tech Mgt), GAICD
Matthew has a unique mix of professional and personal experience, with in-depth understanding of strategy, risk and cultural change. With the grounding of almost 20 years in the energy and resources industry, he has found innovative ways to apply his knowledge after what started as a sore throat resulted in the loss of all four of his limbs in 2012. Matthew has now beaten the odds, and applies his knowledge through collaboration across numerous sectors and both domestically and internationally. Matthew regularly speaks and works with schools at both primary and secondary level, with a view to help both students and educators.
$145 per ticket
Ticket price includes drink on arrival, two course meal and two hour premium drinks package RSVP & PAYMENT by Monday 29 May 2018 (unless sold out prior) via www.flexischools.com.au For more information contact Wilhelmina Morrison on 3373 5929 or email w.morrison@staidans.qld.edu.au All funds raised go directly to the Foundation to support the Schools capital campaigns & scholarships
huddle I autumn 2018 25
PARENTS AND FRIENDS
for making the inaugural
St Aidan’s P&F COCKTAIL PARTY & ART SHOW a great success A special thanks must go to our sponsors, Promogear, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, and Merge Programs for their generosity and dedication to school events. Our biggest thanks, however, must go to all who came along to support the event and to help raise $7000 for the Junior School STEM program. We look forward to seeing you all in 2019!
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PARENTS AND FRIENDS
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
T R I V I A N I G H T theat CHRISTINE HARTLAND CENTRE
Commonwealth Games Come dressed as a country or spor t
Best Dressed Table Prize 1 THEME PER TABLE Tables of 10
RAFFLES PRIZES AND CASH BAR
Saturday 26 May 5.30pm-10pm The Christine Hartland Centre BOOK ONLINE Tickets are now on sale via flexischools.com.au $25 per ticket $250 table of 10 RSVP & PAYMENT by Monday 21 May 2018 For more information contact Claire Rush C.Rush@staidans.qld.edu.au
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UPCOMING EVENTS
St Aidan’s UPCOMING EVENTS T R I V I A N I G H T theat CHRISTINE HARTLAND CENTRE
OPEN MORNING
Tuesday 22 May 9.00am St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
P & F TRIVIA NIGHT
Saturday 26 May 6.00pm CHRISTINE HARTLAND CENTRE St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
St Aidan’s
Gala Instrumental Concert GALA INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT Tuesday 29 May 6.00pm CHRISTINE HARTLAND CENTRE St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
Morris Gleitzman Australian Children’s Laureate for 2018-2019
GALA CHORALE CONCERT
Wednesday 30 May 6.30pm St John’s Cathedral 373 Ann St, Brisbane City
St Aidan’s
Foundation Lunch 15 June
20
18
FOUNDATION LUNCH
Friday 15 June 11.30 for 12.00am Queensland Cricketers Club
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JUNIOR SCHOOL MORNING FOR GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS Friday 1 June 8.45am St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
STEM ies STEMies
Thursday 12 July 8.30am - 2.30pm THE LINK St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
THE NARELLE OLIVER LECTURE
Thursday 14 June 6.30pm AUDITORIUM St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
TRUST YOUR crazy IDEAS JUNIOR SCHOOL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE
Tuesday 14 August 1.30pm St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
UPCOMING EVENTS
St Aidan’s UPCOMING EVENTS
STAGEies
Open Morning
OPEN MORNING
Tuesday 28 August 9am St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
FOUNDATION FATHERS LUNCH Friday 14 September 12noon Venue TBC
born to fly
5
OPEN MORNING
Thursday 11 October 9.00am St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
Greatest Show on Earth JUNIOR SCHOOL DISCO
Friday 20 October 6.00pm CHRISTINE HARTLAND CENTRE St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
BORN TO FLY 5 LAUNCH
Friday 12 October 12noon St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
The Grande Concert THE GRANDE CONCERT
Sunday 21 October 3.00pm CHRISTINE HARTLAND CENTRE St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
STAGEies
Monday 24 September 9.00am - 2.30pm CHRISTINE HARTLAND CENTRE St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Art & Music Show
JUNIOR SCHOOL ART & MUSIC EVENING Wednesday 17 October 4.00pm CHRISTINE HARTLAND CENTRE St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
Melbourne Cup
P & F MELBOURNE CUP LUNCH Tuesday 6 November 11.30am Indooroopilly Golf Club
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ARCHIVES AND ALUMNI
From the
ARCHI V ES As we celebrate the great success of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, we couldn’t help but reflect on the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games. On the 30th September, 6000 students from many schools around Brisbane took part in the XII Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, including 164 St Aidan’s girls from Year 8, 9 and 10. Every girl had four placards and they had practiced turning the placards in sequence with music to create spectacular collage images at the ceremony. Madonna Sines (Clark 1984) recalls the event was an amazing experience, “I still have the wonderful memories of being part of the ‘82 games ceremony as a Year 10 St Aidan’s student, our large coloured cards we had to hold above our heads and the red tracksuit with white socks and white shoes.” Amanda Lattanzi (1986) also remembers performing in the arena. Phillipa Howsan (1984) remembers, “every Tuesday and Wednesday for many weeks beforehand, we had practice in turning the placards in sequence with the music which was to be used on the day of the Opening Ceremony. Mrs Common, Mrs Edge and Miss Thomson took charge of the weekly practices. Other teachers who were involved in organising rehearsals and training us for the ceremony were Miss Cole, Mrs Pryor, Ms Beck and Mrs Gregson.”
Not only were students involved in the 1982 Opening Ceremony, but two girls also took part in the Queen’s Baton relay and Karen Hutchinson, as the School Captain, attended a function at Parliament House, where she met Queen Elizabeth II. Do you have a story to add to these from 1982 or have you been involved in other Commonwealth Games? Email us at paststudents@staidans.qld.edu.au
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ARCHIVES AND ALUMNI
2018 Queen’s Baton Relay Participants Tayla Behr (current student) Helen Summers (Luxton, 1978) Danielle Prince (2009)
Competitors Danielle Prince (2009) competed in Rhythmic Gymnastics at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and won a bronze medal.
Games Volunteers Sue Russell (Gibson 1979) Meredith Stewart (Loose 1979) Karen Roebuck (1981)
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O PENIN G WO RLD S for children
Dr Dimity Dornan AO is a woman of many things: speech pathologist, researcher, bionics pioneer, mother, wife, grandmother, author, St Aidan’s Old Girl. And now, she can also add 2018 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year to her long list of accolades. It’s been a long, varied journey from the shy Corinda girl who began her schooling at the St Aidan’s Kindergarten, in 1948. The Kindy was just down the road from her family home, nestled beside the Sherwood Arboretum, where Dimity would lay in bed at night listening to the sound of dingoes howling from the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary across the river.
After finishing her schooling at St Joseph’s and later Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Convent, both in Corinda, Dimity went on to become one of the first graduates in speech therapy at The University of Queensland, and the first full-time speech pathologist at the Princess Alexandra, Royal Brisbane and Royal Children’s Hospitals.
“Although I only attended St Aidan’s for two years during Kindy, I remember it very clearly and have so many fond memories of that time and my lovely, friendly teachers,” Dimity recalled.
In 1992, Dimity founded Hear and Say – a non-profit organisation opening worlds for deaf children by teaching them to listen and speak. From its humble beginnings supporting six children in a spare room of her husband’s physiotherapy clinic, Hear and Say has grown to now assist over 10,000 children each year through its cochlear implant and audiology services, Listening and Spoken Language Therapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, school hearing screening and group social skills programs.
“I remember my mum bringing me my little uniform – a brown tunic at that time – and I couldn’t believe that it was me looking in the mirror! It was very special.” Dimity said she had always felt a close connection to St Aidan’s, particularly as it was one of the friendships made in those formative years that would go on to significantly shape her later life. “It was through one of my St Aidan’s Kindy friends, Ann Boyle (Crawford 1961) that I went on to meet my husband, Peter Dornan – it was at her 21st birthday party that I was introduced to Peter for the first time.” Last year, Dimity and Peter celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
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Still heavily involved with Hear and Say as its Executive Director, Dimity has now set her sights on other bionics devices, founding the networks Human Bionics Interface and Bionics Queensland to bring together industry leaders, clinicians, researchers and financiers to support the delivery of bionic solutions to people living with disability.
“The current world we live in is one where technology, science and the internet are all colliding, bringing with it the promise of new, as yet untapped opportunities for our community’s health, wealth and happiness. My vision is for an Australia where no one is left behind – and that this new world of prosperity is made available for all.”
ARCHIVES AND ALUMNI
INT ERNATIONAL Womens Day In March, we were honoured to welcome back Old Girl, Lucy Strickland (1990), as our guest speaker for the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. Lucy has over fifteen years of international development and humanitarian experience across Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Horn, Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean. Lucy has a passion for women’s education and bringing education to war torn areas and conflict zones. “I set up safe and protective spaces in which children, who are often completely traumatised through the horrific experiences they have had to endure, are fed, have access to play, learning, clean water, psychosocial support and a network of peers which often serves as an important lifeline of support for these children,” says Lucy. Lucy inspired all in the room, offering her greatest piece of advice “be fearless, be kind and enable others”. The breakfast was a wonderful school community event and it was lovely to see so many girls and their family members come together to celebrate the progress we have made in achieving gender equality and supporting women’s empowerment.
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ARCHIVES AND ALUMNI
ALUMNI News Where are they now Marjorie Dixon (2005) has started her own architecture firm, Kin Architects, focussing on residential and small commercial works. Marjorie is planning a Winter school holiday walking tour for kids and teenagers to raise awareness about some of the great subtropical buildings in Brisbane and their significance in placemaking. This tour would touch on historical and current buildings and how thoughtful design creates a vibrant, functional and fun spaces over a variety of building types. Courtney Morley-Drabble (2012) graduated from UQ with a Bachelor of Engineer (Honours 1st Class) with an extended major in Mechatronics-technology combining electronics and mechanical engineering.
Engagements Bhavisha Bakrania (2007) engaged to Patrick Stanley. Jacqui McDonald (2006) engaged to Harry Gasper (Jacqui now works at St Margaret’s). Jade Fairweather (2007) engaged to Dan Webster.
Marriages Sarah Watkins (2009) married Dan Sutter in March. Genevieve Yates (2007) married Dylan Crowther in November 2017. Eloise Phelps (2009) married Adam Wardell on 14 April 2018, with bridesmaids Courtney Phelps (2007), Stephanie Welsh (2009) and Sarah Phelps (2011) by her side.
Births Ellie (Slater 2007) and Josh Kersevani welcomed Franklin Joshua Kersevani in February. Rosie (Lowes 2005) and Josh Sanders welcomed John Graham “Jack” Sanders in March.
Vicki Morley (Henderson 1979), Letitia Alder (Duncan 1979) and Meredith Stewart (Loose 1979) are members of the Currumbin Dragons who competed at the Australian Dragon Board Championships and took silver in the 500m in the Senior B age group. In July Vicki and Letitia will compete at the World Titles in Budapest, Hungry. Kathy Boruch (Worthing 1968) is currently living in Illinois in the United States and recently visited St Aidan’s, along with her son and daughter in law. Sophie Wells (Robinson 2007) is married with a 1 year old daughter. Sophie says, “I’m hoping one day she might go to St Aidan’s and learn in the same loving environment I did!” Verity Bell (2010) is living in London and studying to become a Barrister.
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Jaimie (Fraser 2006) and Doug Allen welcomed Georgia Ella Allen in December.
Deaths Margaret White (Sheehan 1949) passed away 15 December 2017. Jean Pink (Williams 1936) passed away 2 March 2018. Beverley Lahey (Huet 1948) passed away in March 2017. Donald Knowlman (Kindy 1931) passed away in April 2017. Angela Bennie (1961) passed away April 2018.
ARCHIVES AND ALUMNI
ALUMNI News Where are they now Did you know that South-West Queensland is home to Australia’s largest dinosaur bone? Old Girl, Eloise Stephenson (2007) explains; A short ~1000km drive west of Corinda, lies the Outback town of Eromanga. Whilst Eromanga’s first claim to fame is that it is the furthest town from the sea in Australia, it is now better known for its historic animal residents. In 2004, the discovery of dinosaur bones on a family property was made when Sandy Mackenzie spotted an unusual rock during a muster. Since then, several extractions have taken place on the property unearthing unique finds, including new species of dinosaurs unique to Australia. Indeed, one of the most exciting discoveries was that of Cooper, a 95-98 million year old titanosaur which is Australia’s largest dinosaur.
As part of Tourism Queensland and the Commonwealth Games, the Eromanga Natural History Museum was invited to the Gold Coast to display some of the specimens. Eloise was involved with assisting the Eromanga Natural History Museum during their time at the Gold Coast. Pictured above is one of the displays, a replica of Coopers’ femur bone. The real bone weighs more than 100kg and is over 1.9m in length (a logistical challenge for flying, hence the replica was brought along).
(Artist impression of a Titanosaur, provided by Dr Scott Hocknull)
The Eromanga Natural History Museum is open to the public and aims to discover, preserve and display Outback Australia’s dinosaur, megafauna and fossil heritage, for the education and enjoyment of all. For more information about the museum, to plan a visit or join a dig head to the website here: http://www.enhm.com.au/
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ARCHIVES AND ALUMNI
Donations ARE YOU HAVING A CLEAN OUT? We would love any uniforms or other St Aidan’s memorabilia.
2018
Alumni Events
Sunday 27 May 2.30pm Canberra Reunion Monday 18 June 6pm – 8pm Alliance of Girls Schools Reception Australian Embassy, Washington DC
Thank you for the following donations Kathy Boruch (Worthing 1968) visited with her family and donated two photos of her friends in the school yard of the mid 1960s. Lynda Hoyer (Burren 1976) donated two t-shirts: blue school crest and St Aidan’s Maidens, and school sports banner from 2007 swimming team “Born to Fly, Born to Swim” Georgia Goffage (2017), sent us her touch football shirt, and her special rowing zootie 25 years anniversary, and a scarf and ribbons. Georgia then also donated her Stage dance shirt, a sports skirt and blue dress.
Save the trees Want the Huddle by email? Please email huddle@staidans.qld.edu.au if you would prefer an email copy of the Huddle.
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Saturday 23 June 5pm – 7pm St Aidan’s & UQ Joint New York Reunion Flinders Lane 162 Avenue A, New York
Saturday 18 August 2pm Sydney Reunion Sunday 26 August 12noon Past Staff Lunch Saturday 22 September 10 Year Reunion Saturday 13 October 2pm Melbourne Reunion
THE LAST WORD
Give us this always! There is a scintillating piece of piano music, composed by Franz Liszt, called Les jeux d’eau à la Villa d’Este (The Fountains of the Villa d’Este). If water could be music, this would be it, as the notes flow from under the pianist’s fingers in a babbling, joyful stream. On the original manuscript of the piece, Liszt wrote the following inscription: “But the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up into eternal life” It is a quotation from John’s gospel, from the story of the Woman at the Well (John 4). In this story, Jesus is waiting at Jacob’s well, in the heat of the day, for his friends to return with some lunch. To the well comes this woman, who everybody hearing the story would know immediately must be a social outcast. Who comes to draw water in the heat of the day? Jesus asks her for a drink, and
then tells her that if she knew who he was, she would ask him for a drink, for he has water that will never run out. The woman’s response is straightforward – give me this water always! The Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost in May, and we remember the ordinary people who followed Jesus, and who were so transformed by his words and actions, by the way he lived, that they dared great things. Out of their experiences came the good news of Jesus today. And while Pentecost is often symbolised by the flames of the Holy Spirit, water is an equally powerful symbol of the life and transformation that the Spirit brings. In a land as dry as Australia, we know the importance of water for life itself. The recent floods in western Queensland bring the hope of ongoing
life and growth to those who make their living on the land, even as they bring destruction and loss. How better to picture the transforming power of God than as an eternal well springing up from within us, that is at once both lifegiving and dangerous? As the notes of Liszt’s composition bubble out from the keyboard and take on a life of their own, the Spirit bubbles up from deep within our own lives and flows out into the world. It is the source of new life for us, and for those around us. We too are ordinary people who, touched by the experience of love, can dare great things. And dare we must, for transformation is a scary thing. It takes courage to pray: Lord, give us this water always! The Reverend Gillian Moses Chaplain
Anglican Girls’ School
St Aidan’s
AUTHENTIC CARING CONFIDENT C R E AT I V E CONNECTED
Open Mornings 11 Ruthven St, Corinda Qld 4075 Australia P +61 7 3373 5999 F +61 7 3379 9432 E reception@staidans.qld.edu.au www.staidans.qld.edu.au A School of the Society of the Sacred Advent
Wednesday 22 August 9am-11am Thursday 11 October 9am-11am Visit our website to find out more:
www.staidans.qld.edu.au
ABN 71079817981 CRICOS Provider Number 01194k
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