JUNE I 2011
huddle St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
from the principal Community Spirit and assisting others has long been at the heart of daily life in our school. The tragic beginning to this year both locally and overseas has seen many of us reconnect with families, friends, local communities and also to provide aid and support for others whom we don’t even know. The St Aidan’s community has been wonderfully supportive of those in our school family who have been affected by the January floods and the ongoing dislocation that so many in our school community have experienced. As a community we have been heartened by the generous donations and expressions of support by families and by two other girls’ schools: Pymble Ladies College (Sydney) and Seymour College (Adelaide). These tangible signs of support have been much appreciated by those most affected in our community and remind us that we exist in a web of support.
St Aidan’s
This connected-ness continues to be enhanced with our closer relations with St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School as we have shared staff professional learning opportunities and also have introduced a shared services arrangement in the areas of Information Technology and Marketing. We believe that this has delivered both savings and efficiencies to both schools and we look forward to strengthening our close ties in the future. This semester has also seen the launch of the first edition of Born to Fly, the story of fourteen of our past students. While the women featured are just a tiny sample of the committed and professional alumni of our School, their success and contributions to the broader community shed light on something that we always knew about St Aidan’s; our girls and young women are confident and successful and they care about something more than themselves. They give back to the broader local or international community. Keep watch for the second edition due later this year.
FRONT COVER: Suzannah O’Brien teaches young students in Laos BACK COVER: Mardi Wilson
Our Senior Student Leader Investiture and Senior Induction for 2011 was a very special event which saw all students in Years 5-12, staff and family members join with guest priests and Father Paul Bland, to share Eucharist and celebrate the commencement of the year of leadership for our girls.
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Karen Spiller
Rebecca Clouston (2010)
has been awarded a UQ Excellence Academic Scholarship valued at
more than $24,000 over four years.
Rachel King (2010) has been awarded the Australian
Student Prize for 2010, one of only 500 prizes are awarded nationally each year. The Australian Student Prize is an Australian Government initiative designed to give national recognition to academic excellence and achievement in secondary education, particularly in senior secondary years. The Prize comprises a certificate and a payment of $2,000. Rachel was nominated for the prize by the Queensland Minister for Education to the Australian Government Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth.
Outstanding Student Recognised
Honours Students 2010
QUT Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar, Natalie Bennison (2010) receiving her award at the presentation evening function held on 16 March.
Elizabeth Bazeley
Rachel King
Eliza Bennett
Laura Krause
Natalie Bennison
Pia Lucas
Rebecca Cantwell
Claire Miller
Kyu-Yeon Choi
Claire Murray
Rebecca Clouston
Lucy Sherington
Amy Earle
Georgia Swalwell
Imogen Gartside
Alexandra Thams
Aimee Hanson
Heloise Thornton
Brianna Hey
Elizabeth Weigh
Elise Hoyer
Christina Wijeratne
Megan Jacques
Madeleine Wilson
Eloise Jolly
Emily Woodhouse
Sarah Kaese Photo courtesy of QUT’
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The Australian Curriculum The Australian Curriculum has been hailed as a “world-class” curriculum for the twenty-first century. Certainly, the development of this curriculum is one of the most significant educational reforms ever seen in Australia. To date, curricular in the “Phase One Subjects” of English, Mathematics and Science have been developed and have been mandated to be implemented in Queensland schools, Years Prep-10, by 2012. History, also now compulsory from Prep-Year 10, must be implemented In Queensland schools by 2013. Further curricular in the Arts, Geography and Languages Other Than English are being currently being developed, as well as curricular for the Phase One Subjects at the Senior Phase (Years 11 and 12). Phase Three subjects to be developed include: Business, Health and Physical Education, Design and Technology, Information and Communication Technology, Economics, and Civics and Citizenship. Next year at St Aidan’s, there will be changes to the current curriculum in English, Mathematics and Science. History will also be implemented from 2012, ahead of many other Queensland schools. In fact, History, as a core subject is already offered in Years Seven to Nine. The Curriculum in Years 9 and 10 will see some other changes including the introduction of some year-long subjects, thereby providing students with greater depth of learning preparing for the Senior Phase of Learning (Years 11 and 12). Some electives will remain as semester-long units in order to facilitate a wide range of learning experiences across subjects. The rationale for the development of a National Curriculum was adopted by the Ministerial Council in December 2008. It is guided by the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. “The Melbourne Declaration emphasises the importance of knowledge, skills and understanding of learning areas, general capabilities and cross-
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curriculum priorities as the basis for a curriculum designed to support “twenty-first century learning” (The Shape of the Australian Curriculum, ACARA: 2010). But just what characterises “twentyfirst century learning”? Peter Hill, the first Chief Executive Officer at ACARA, has contended that learning goals need to be ambitious, where all students can achieve high standards, learn what is relevant and are committed to ongoing (and, therefore, changing) learning. In addition, Australian citizens will need to be competent in using Information Communication Technology. He has also talked of the need for education that will serve a better world, where Australians have “the
potential to solve problems, be productive, creative, think deeply about issues and care for others (A national curriculum: looking forward, 2010, www.acara.edu.au).
The new Australian educational system is seen as both reflecting and supporting the values of a “democratic, equitable, prosperous, cohesive, culturally diverse and just society”. There is also acknowledgement of challenges facing the Australian education system in the future. These include issues such as globalisation, the need to be “Asia-literate”, particularly with the boom of Asian economies, recognition of literacy and numeracy as key disciplines, the increased rate of technological change, and the desire for improved results in OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) testing. The desire to remove curriculum inconsistencies across the states, including different starting ages, gives additional impetus to the implementation of the Australian Curriculum. Furthermore, there is no one recognised Australian piece of certification for the completion of Year 12; there is now discussion of ACARA’s development of an Australian Baccalaureate.
So what does the Australian curriculum look like? The Australia Curriculum is available online for all to view. Mandated content is explicitly stated, and includes its scope and sequence, as well as what is expected of students, that is, “achievement standards”. Peter Hill has contended that efforts have been made to retain challenging standards and that the curriculum is not overloaded with provision of opportunities for deep learning. It has been reported, however, that after the consultation process in the four Phase One subjects, approximately 58% of the feedback received was that the curriculum was too “crowded”. The Australian Curriculum Coalition, in October 2010, has also raised concerns regarding the lack of a conceptual curriculum framework model underpinning the document. Despite this concern, the development of interdisciplinary themes is an innovative and potentially distinctive aspect of the Australian Curriculum. Explicit attention to seven general capabilities (literacy, numeracy, information and
communication technology, critical and creative thinking, personal and social competence, intercultural understanding and ethical behavior) and to three cross-curricular priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia and Sustainability are evident. Current development of conceptual statements and learning continua in the general capabilities means that this curriculum does place value on such skills. For Queensland teachers, this will be of great assistance, particularly with respect to NAPLAN, as it is expected that the literacy and numeracy continua will provide the basis for NAPLAN testing from approximately 2014. Presently, what is tested in NAPLAN and what comprises the Queensland curriculum, does not always intersect. At St Aidan’s, much preparation has already occurred for the implementation of the Australian Curriculum particularly in the Phase
One Subjects. The implementation of the Science and History curricular, for example, will require access to subject specialists with deep content knowledge, particularly at the upper primary and secondary levels. At St Aidan’s, students in Year 7 already have access to specialist science teachers and history teachers. Teachers in the Senior School have begun cross-curricular conversations, mapping the delivery of the general capabilities. According to Peter Hill, the Australian Curriculum will not comprise the total experience of a student at a school and should not fill more than eighty percent of time spent at school. The manner in which the curriculum is delivered is also not mandated. This should enable St Aidan’s teachers to continue to employ their high levels of professional experience and knowledge to deliver a “world-class” curriculum. Kim Wickham Dean of Studies
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ANTIPODEANS
life-changing experience
Mardi Wilson farewells Hmoung women
A large group of 27 St Aidan’s students, four teachers guided by two Antipodean Leaders, spent December in Laos and Cambodia. The group was amazed by the historical sites of the Angkor Temples in Cambodia, horrified by their recent history, teased by the prospect of tasty fried tarantulas or crispy cockroaches, delighted by elephants and monks in Laos and soon came to appreciate the comforts of home they missed while treking to remote Hmoung villages in the mountains. One of the highlights, and the key focus of the expedition, was the time spent in Sop Jak and surrounding villages of the Sueang Valley. Here, the group worked to build a new toilet block for the Sop Jak School. Within ten days the foundations and walls of the building were constructed. While working on the project at Sop Jak School, a school of 10 classrooms, 12 teachers and 780 students, the students were able to teach English and play games with the younger students. The older boys were very keen to practise their English; a skill that affords them the opportunity to leave the subsistence existence of their villages. Cooking Class with Charlotte Pittaway and Jodie Rees 6 huddle I june 2011
Ros McCracken, one of the St Aidan’s staff who led the student expedition, explained that many local students live at the school during the week. “These students walk up to six hours home for the weekends to help the family on their farms,” she said. “The trek into mountain villages challenged us both physically and mentally as the rustic Laos lifestyle was confronting in every way. Here the people live with no electricity, no transport or roads, no running water and no sanitation. Yet despite the daily hardship faced by these people, their generosity was overwhelming.
Evening Celebrations with Imogen McCluskey, Georgia Macleod, Jodie Rees and Lizzie Delaney
“Families vacated their houses for us to sleep in, the women cooked for us and the villagers gave their time to entertain us with traditional music, song and dance. They taught us how to spin a top and use a crossbow and we did our best to return their hospitality with a song, a smile, a cup of tea and small gifts from home”. Then Year 10 student, Mardi Wilson said the experience was stimulating. “I was challenged by the boundaries that I made for myself as I soon realised that I was capable of more than I thought. I discovered I should take every moment in life and make the most of it and most importantly, be grateful for friends, family and everything we have here in Australia.”
Lauren Macdonald working on the on project
The group’s brief Cambodian visit on the return leg of the journey was a contrast to Laos. The shock and horror of the Killing Fields and S21 museum, where persecution and genocide were perpetrated, contrasted sharply with the awesome grandeur of the Angkor Temples. On their return, the group was reflective in what had been achieved in a short period of time. Mardi said, “It was wonderful to have had the opportunity to give to the people who had welcomed us so warmly into their community.”
April and Savannah Matusik with Grace Mackellar and Sammy Drake working on the on project Emalyn Gooding Year 12 Nikki Seaton Year huddle I june 2011 7
GIRLS’ EDUCATION
? l o o h c s ’ s l r i g why a when girls go to single-sex schools, they stop being the audience and become the players
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Both the sister schools, St Margaret’s and St Aidan’s, are members of the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia (AGSA) which aims to promote the education of girls in single sex schools and increase public awareness that single sex schools provide the optimal learning environment for girls.
What are the
In Great Britain, the National Foundation for Educational Research examined 2002 student performance data from 979 primary and 2,954 secondary schools. The study concluded that: •
Girls in single-sex schools perform better than girls in co-ed schools, regardless of socio-economic and ability levels;
•
Girls’ schools help counter gender stereotyping in subject choices.
A similar conclusion was reached by Dr Ken Rowe (Principal Research Fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research) summarising the findings of several studies involving more than 270,00 students. He wrote,“Coeducational settings are limited in their capacity to accommodate the large differences in cognitive, social and developmental growth rates of girls and boys…. Evidence suggests that during key adolescent years, single-sex settings better accommodate the specific developmental needs of students”. Occasionally, parents are asked in conversations why they chose a girls’ school for their daughter. Some critics of girls’ schools argue that as we live in a ‘co-ed’ world, school should be a co-ed experience. The answer to this can be found in the work of Myra and David Sadker (Still Failing at Fairness; 2009), “when girls go to single-sex schools, they stop being the audience and become the players”. It is a frame of mind that puts girls’ school graduates at a competitive advantage when entering university and life after school.
in girls’ schools?
•
Girls are more likely to take risks behaviourally and academically without the fear of the censure of boys. All activities are open to girls: they participate, influence and lead for genuine achievement. In an allgirl classroom, girls take on all the roles in the group, providing an atmosphere where students take the risks necessary;
•
A girls’ school works to counter the mass media influences on girls. The all girl environment can often provide more space and security in which girls can build up their self-esteem and confidence in their abilities as individuals;
•
Girls mature physically, mentally and emotionally earlier than boys and this means that both academic and pastoral programs in girls’ schools can be tailored to the needs of the students;
•
Girls, of course, are in all the leadership positions offered in a girls’ school; from the captain of the touch football team to the school captain; from the lead in the concert band to the main part in the school play and by being the leaders of every school club. Girls see strong female role models, and understand that they too can achieve successful outcomes from their own efforts;
•
Non-traditional subjects (for example Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths courses) are not considered to be ’unavailable’ to girls; in co-ed schools boys and girls can dominate certain courses and therefore cause a gender polarisation of the curriculum;
•
Teachers focus on the needs of girls only in the preparation of the curriculum and the learning experiences in the classroom. Teachers can match their teaching to the way girls learn and develop their courses to suit girls’ learning;
•
Girls do not have to compete with boys for the teacher’s time. There is little doubt that in a co-ed classroom boys can be very demanding of teacher time and attention;
•
Girls can work through the challenges of adolescence in a safe environment;
•
Girls in girls’ schools achieve significantly stronger academic results than any other group in Australia.
Schools which educate girls only may be accepted as members and at present there are over 138 Government, Catholic and Independent schools from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa as members. AGSA is now beginning to conduct Australian based research, however, for longitudinal research we have to rely on that which has been conducted overseas (mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom – refer to www. gsa.uk.com and www.ncgs.org). This research makes clear that there are many academic and social benefits to be gained from attending an all girls’ school.
differences
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GIRLS’ EDUCATION
Gendered learning •
Well known researchers, including Dr Leonard Sax (Why Gender Matters) advocate single sex education because their work indicates significant differences in the ways girls and boys develop and learn and note the important implications this has for education.
Dr Leonard Sax claims that his research reveals that there are very minor sex differences in the adult brains of males and females but there are profound sex differences in the brains of boys and girls and this affects how and when girls and boys learn. Failure to take these differences into account in schools influences the outcomes for boys and girls and can limit their options. Sax is a proponent of single sex schools because he says, single gender schools are better able to take these differences into account and therefore, girls who attend girls’ schools, are more likely to achieve in all areas.
How do the girls feel? A 2005 study conducted for the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS) by the Goodman Research group of Cambridge, Massachusetts questioned more than 1,000 recent girls’ school graduates. In their first year at college they were asked to reflect on their school experience and to evaluate their readiness to make the transition from high school to university: •
95% of graduates from girls’ schools said they were either very or extremely satisfied with their school’s strong academic curriculum;
•
93% said they were very or extremely satisfied with how their schools prepared them for university;
•
97% felt more or equally prepared for public speaking compared with their peers from co-ed schools.
Dr Sax’s thesis is based on the information ascertained by the relatively new science of brain imaging. He made a number of interesting points: •
•
Co-ed schools often teach using boys’ metaphors; girls’ schools are able to address this and find appropriate examples and learning experiences. This affects students’ motivation to learn; In the areas of fine motor skills and language, girls are about four years ahead of boys in development, whereas in spatial memory and gross motor skills boys are ahead of the girls by about four years. Therefore, single sex education can more easily accommodate these differences.
Different regions of the brain develop in a different sequence for males and females. However, all adults eventually end up in the same place - boys reach adulthood at 30, and girls reach adulthood at 22 years. Any perceived differences between adult men and women are likely to be the result of motivation which can be influenced by socially constructed views of gender. For example, due to the different educational trajectory of boys and girls, boys and girls will form early views about what they are good at and this will influence their motivation to learn later. So girls can learn early that they are no good at Maths (‘Maths is for boys’) and boys can learn they are no good at handwriting or colouring between the lines (therefore ‘Art is for girls’). However, in the long run there is no difference in ability – only motivations.
Girls’ schools are in a unique position to challenge these attributions and provide opportunities for girls to take risks in the safe environment of their school.
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Learning Like a Girl (Diana Meehan 2007) summarises the case for all girls’ schools, “Girls’ schools are good for girls. What’s good about them is they are totally and exclusively dedicated to girls. The research about how girls learn urges us to find a place they can”own” which only occurs in single-sex space; where their values, community and connection are honoured; and where their ways of knowing are respected and their hearts engaged”. Karen Spiller and Ros Curtis
ALUMNI
St Aidan’s Old Girl celebrates 90th birthday St Aidan’s celebrated the 90th birthday of past student Helen Barrett AM MBE, on Monday 14 March with a special ceremony and afternoon tea.
“It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone with the Barretts – one of St Aidan’s founding families – as they have played a pivotal role in the life of our School,” said Mrs Spiller.
Hosted by two Junior School student leaders, the celebrations were attended by the Reverend Canon Arthur Fellows, the School’s Leadership Team, numerous St Aidan’s Old Girls including past Barrett House Captains, and several members of Helen’s family.
“As a retired nurse and missionary, Helen exemplifies the giving, community-minded spirit that we value so highly at St Aidan’s,” she said.
Guests enjoyed a brief overview of Helen’s life and work from Principal, Karen Spiller; musical performances from students; and the premiere screening of footage of the School taken in 1944, recently donated by past student John Drewe.
“It was an honour to celebrate Helen’s achievements, and to share and enjoy the memories with her family and other Old Girls.”
One of St Aidan’s ‘Day One’ students, Helen attended the School with her two siblings when it opened in 1929, and her legacy is enshrined in the name of one of the School ‘Houses’. At the ceremony, the Junior School Barrett House Captains presented Helen with flowers and a gift, in the form of a donation of $800 raised during a recent School fundraiser to her chosen charities, a hospital and women’s shelter in the Solomon Islands. Principal Karen Spiller said the School was very proud of Miss Barrett and her family, and that it was an honour to host a party for someone who has given so much to others. FORMER BARRETT HOUSE CAPTAINS - Tammie Bennett, Kate Crawford (Leftwich), and Janelle Applegarth (Rogers) huddle I june 2011 11
120 Year legacy While their daily visibility is reduced, the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent remain very present at St Aidan’s through their spirituality, strength and legacy. With a heritage reaching nearly 120 years into the past, stories of the Sisters’ work in schools, hospitals and orphanages could easily be relegated to history were it not for their tireless dedication in the decades since. St Aidan’s Principal, Karen Spiller, says it is this consistency of service that sets the Sisters apart – and captures the imagination of today’s students.
Karen said the Sisters were always quick to point out they were “women like everyone else”.
“They’re strong women who have stood up for what they believe,” Karen said. “They’ve established schools, orphanages, hospitals and boarding houses, often against financial and other major obstacles, and they’ve stood firmly for what they believe.” Balancing their fierce determination is their “openness, naturalness and humanity”, Karen said, with students • Madeleine Stoermer; holding the Sisters – like Sister June Ruth, who often • Isabella Farrah; visits St Aidan’s – in the highest respect.
• •
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Georgina Robertson; Ryley Wilson
“When Sister June Ruth visits the school, the girls anticipate her visit like a very much loved, wellrespected grandma is visiting. When she speaks, you can hear a pin drop – they’re hanging off her every word because of their enormous respect for her.”
“At one particular time, one of our Year 8 girls enquired: ‘Do you wear normal clothes like nighties when you go to bed?’. Another time, Mother Eunice was telling me that, as a young Sister in Townsville teaching kindergarten, she’d wear a whole white wimple around her face. She tells this story of this little boy who said, ‘Do you have ears?’
“Mother Eunice and the other Sisters would tell these stories with great delight – and in doing so convey a real warmth and naturalness that helps girls understand that they are women just as they have in and their own families; they’ve simply taken a different course.”
In 2004, the SSA Trust was formed to govern St Aidan’s and St Margaret’s. A strategic move ensuring the Sisters’ legacy will continue to influence students’ lives through the Schools. “They’ve left this incredible legacy,” Mrs Spiller said.
“The Sisters have always been committed to excellence in schools. They’re not just about providing an encompassing, nurturing environment. They want every girl to find her niche, with a strong degree of excellence.”
“For a long time, there were Sisters at a number of their schools and they were strong, formidable leaders and provided role-modelling for generations of girls.
“The Sisters have always been about the emphasis of service to others, of trying to make the world a better place. That, in turn, pervades a whole lot of things that happen in our schools. It underpins how we relate to each other, and how we communicate generally. It means we place a strong emphasis on our contribution to society, to community service and fundraising.
“Through the Trust, St Margaret’s and St Aidan’s have their influence still, and from their legacy young women are continuing to become leaders in business and every other element of society. The Sisters are continuing to be great contributors to society.” Karen said the Sisters’ influence extended over the years to “thousands and thousands” of women across Queensland. “The respect the Order is held in regional communities is quite remarkable,” she said. “There are stories of the Sisters taking in girls whose mothers had died, or providing boarding places for very young students whose father might have been away in Darwin working, or working with Indigenous girls in Townsville. “Wherever there was no strong female role model, the sisters would step in and play that role. “They have provided a wonderful, loving and caring haven.” From 1892 – when the then Pro-Bishop of the Cathedral, Canon Stone-Wigg requested an order of Anglican Nuns to provide a “civilising influence” on Brisbane’s rough-and-ready society – to now, Karen said the Sisters had been unwavering in their commitment to promoting excellence in girls’ education.
“Just the other week, we had our Year 12 student leaders over at Community House talking to the Sisters. Their advice to the girls was so simple: Love one another, and treat others how you’d like to be treated. They’re powerful tenets that have been deeply embedded in both schools.” The result, Karen said, was that both St Aidan’s and St Margaret’s were school communities that could promote excellence in girls’ education based on relationships. “All schools are different but I do think there’s a gentleness to SSA schools in the relationships that exists from staff to staff, staff to students, staff to parents, and students to staff and so on. I believe we’re nurturing and tolerant in our schools. “We offer strength, wisdom and determination, and that’s because the Sisters’ example is one of great respect for people.”
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DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Experiences that last a lifetime
“Everyone’s journey, everyone’s experience through the Duke of Edinburgh awards is different.” The Duke of Edinburgh Award program, running at St Aidan’s for a number of years, offers students the chance to gain new skills, have new experiences and make a difference in their community.
The award is designed to be an enriching program intended to challenge the participants in four areas – skill, sport, volunteering (community service) and an adventurous journey.
Currently, more than 30 students are working towards completing their Duke of Ed Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
There are three levels (bronze, silver and gold), with each level aiming to be slightly more challenging than the previous.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an enriching program inviting young people aged 14-25 to participate in a number of activities over a set length of time. Students design their own program centered around their interests and passions, and is entirely voluntary.
Currently completing her Silver Award, Grace Burgess-Limerick has been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh since 2009.
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“Some of my favourite times has been sitting around the campfire with the teachers and the girls listening to
stories while cooking marshmallows and damper,” Grace said. “While hiking, there is also the fun of working with friends to direct your journey using maps and compasses, and possibly getting a little lost!” “Other favourite moments have been helping Wendy Biggs in the Alumni Office as part of my community service. There is a whole world of women in the Marketing Office that I hadn’t even known of. Their passion for the school is infectious!” “The Duke of Ed award program is a brilliant way to become more involved in
“It is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and the people around you, and is an experience you will take with you forever,” she said. Students undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at St Aidan’s participate in the adventurous journey as a group, where they partake in various hikes. For the Bronze award this year, 20 students have already undertaken a training weekend at Mt Crosby where they learnt how to read a compass and a topographic map, how to pack and carry a backpack, cooking skills and of course hiking skills. In preparation for the camp, each participant achieved their first aid certificate. A test camp will be held in July. A Silver and Gold adventurous journey has also occurred, where participants hiked the ‘Great Walks’ in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, with another journey planned for the September holidays. Students fulfil the other three requirement areas for the The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in their own time, with support and advice from teachers involved in the program at the school. The Fitness/Physical Recreation Section of The Duke of Edinburgh offers the opportunity to participate in physical activity in a variety of ways. With more than two thirds of St Aidan’s involved in a sport, this section is certainly not a hard one for the students. With so many hobbies and interests to choose from, the Skill Section of the Award allows participants to explore and discover talents within themselves that they may have only hoped or dreamed about. In some ways, this is the broadest of the award program because it offers so many choices based on individual interests and passions, whether they be artistic, creative, musical, academic, technical, cultural or some other area. This has
certainly been the case with St Aidan’s students choosing a huge range of skills from orienteering to archival research.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
the community. It is a challenge, but it is also full of rewards. These rewards come in the form of the “Duke of Edinburgh Award”, but also in many personal ways.
According to Coordinator, Karen Gorrie, participating in the award has seen students learning and developing new skills and talents. “We have had an amazing array of talents come from these awards – some of which were always there and some of which were only realised through the awards.” “The awards also are responsibility for building their confidence and contribution to the school and wider community.” “Students who have participated in the award have used these skills and experiences in leadership positions within the school and when moving into employment.” Principal, Karen Spiller said
“The Duke of Edinburgh Award goes to the heart of our community. “Our community is all about working together and about people contributing to society and at the heart of The Duke of Ed is community service - a premise held dear at St Aidan’s”. “What these awards are about is community achievement, they’re about community participation, and they’re about giving back to our community. “There are hundreds of our students who have completed their The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and I can’t begin to measure the benefit of each and every one of those young people giving back to their community, learning about their community and feeling valued by their community.” Queensland students have more reason than ever to sign-up for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as participating students can now earn credits towards their Queensland Certificate of Education. Under the new qualification system, Gold recipients can gain two credits towards their QCE, while both Bronze and Silver awardees can earn one credit.
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on the road to recovery The recent floods of Brisbane and other parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales have wreaked havoc on so many communities and with them, staff and families of St Aidan’s. More than 50 St Aidan’s families and staff have been significantly impacted by the events of earlier this year with many hosting flood ‘refugees’, assisting in clean-up efforts and donating time, money and goods to help others in need. It is a true reflection of the St Aidan’s that an event such as this, brings our strong community together. During January and February the school hosted a community Recovery Centre, one of seven across Brisbane coordinated by the Queensland Department of Communities. The centre provided assistance to floodaffected residents with representatives from the Queensland Government, Lifeline, Red Cross, and Centrelink onsite to assist residents with applications for financial assistance, advice on insurance claims and legal matters, access to temporary and longer-term accommodation, counselling, and other support services.
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The St Aidan’s site also provided local residents with a means of charging mobile phones and laptops, and access to onsite and internet banking. Principal, Karen Spiller, felt a strong need to help those who have suffered as a result of the disaster. “The recent floods of Brisbane and other parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales have wreaked havoc on so many communities, and with them the current staff and families of St Aidan’s,” said Mrs Spiller.
“We owe it to our local community to do as much as we can to assist in the recovery from this tragedy,” she said. “It is in times like this that support for one’s neighbour is most needed”. The School, with support of the Foundation, also launched a Flood Scholarship Appeal. To date, $37,200 has been raised and disbursed to assist with school fee payment to a number of families affected by January’s floods. Parents receiving this support have been hugely grateful to the school community for this assistance.
A number of other appeals have run concurrently including, Return to Home hampers, a stationery drive and the supply of uniforms and text books. Members of the St Aidan’s community also offered their assistance to the School, whose Ambiwerra sporting grounds were inundated. “I thank all members of the community who have physically assisted others and offered support in so many other ways,” Mrs Spiller said. The School’s Ambiwerra sporting fields were significantly affected, submerged to a depth of more than 8 metres for a number of days. Restoration work currently underway at Ambiwerra which is due for completion and the end of 2011. For the remainder of the year, St Aidan’s is unable to use the fields for competition or training and many competitions have been rescheduled or relocated. To all staff and families affected, please know that you have our support in every way we can to assist you both in the short and longer term. Thank you to all members of the community who have assisted others and offered support in so many other ways.
St Aidans Muffin Brigade Fig Tree Pocket
Seymour Sister School helps out
Our sister school Seymour College in Adelaide made a lovely and unexpected gesture earlier this year, when they sent an individually written card with a gift of movie tickets to every flood-affected St Aidan’s student that the School knew of. The Seymour students were given no restrictions on what they could write in the card, and the result was touching. The girls from Seymour said it felt right to be doing something, even small, for the students. A number of the Seymour girls were thrilled to receive thank you cards from the St Aidan’s students in return. Many couldn’t believe that our girls could take the time to respond while they were still in re-building phase.
Every Thursday, ABC Radio runs Talkback Classroom on Madonna King’s program from 10.30am -11am. The segment concept is to have an Australian identity interviewed live to air by the students. St Aidan’s was given the great opportunity to participate in a Talkback Classroom and the guest the students interviewed was Sharyn Ghidella - Weekend Sunrise news presenter.
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run Rhoda run
New appointment
These days, it’s likely that when you hear the words “schoolgirl” and “running”, you will automatically think of an athletics carnival or, for some, escaping the perils of exams and overdue assignments. But for 12-year-old Rhoda Thornton, running is a much more powerful commodity. After witnessing the suffering inflicted by Breast Cancer endured by teachers, friends’ mothers, and friends of her mother, Rhoda knew that she could use running to raise awareness and money for this important issue. Using her own initiative, Rhoda signed up to the Cancer Council’s “Run for a Cause” charity, and ran the 3.2km distance from her home in Graceville to St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, Corinda, every morning for 50 days. Rhoda began this tremendous effort on 15 February, and completed it at the end of May. She hopes to raise $5,000 and is well on her way to this target with $4,665 raised to date. A natural athlete, Rhoda is heavily involved in the St Aidan’s running and cross country teams, and has competed at a regional level for the Met West cross country team. “It seems that everybody today knows someone with Breast Cancer, and I have been thinking for a long time about raising money for Breast Cancer,” said Rhoda. “I don’t have much money, but I do have my running,” she said. “I love running, and I wanted to use that to help people and raise awareness of this disease.”
Relay team undefeated yet again Our 15 year age group who placed third and 17 year age group who placed fourth at QG; our Junior Brockway Cup team (Chelsea Ho, Tatum Marais, Josephine Osbourne and Claudia Leggett) who placed second; Josephine Osborne who also placed third in the 100 metres Open Breaststroke, second in the 15 years 50 metres Breaststroke and 2nd in the 15 years Division A 50 metres Freestyle. 18 huddle I june 2011
Sorry Day
A number of our students, led by Global Shields leaders, attended the Sorry Day ceremony at the Arboretum in May.
National Sorry Day is an Australia-wide observance held on 26 May each year. This day gives people the chance to come together and share the steps towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities.
AnzacDay An ANZAC Day service on Monday, 18 April enabled students and staff to honour those soldiers who landed to do battle at Gallipoli. We remembered those who gave their lives protecting freedom. Prayers were made during the ceremony and Mr Peter Patterson from the Sherwood RSL gave the Remembrance Address, while those attending reflected on the sacrifice and suffering of the soldiers and loved ones. huddle I june 2011 19
Remember this Imogen Gartside Year 12
World Premiere celebrates women’s achievements
As the world celebrated International Women’s Day and 100 years of women’s achievements, St Aidan’s recognised the role that Australian women have played in this social revolution through the production “Remember this… Women of Australia” in April. The world premiere of this unique Australian play saw a special gala performance attended by the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC.
However the Governor was not the first to see the production with Prime Minister Julia Gillard enjoying a special sneak preview in the days before Opening Night. Ms Gillard complimented our students on their acting and costumes. The Governor general was also most complimentary on the production performance. Written and directed by St Aidan’s drama teacher, Gerry Kay, and featuring students in Years 9, 11, and 12, the play examined the role that Australian women have played throughout the country’s history. One of the few Australian two-act plays involving an all-female cast, the production portrays women’s struggles and triumphs in the spheres of work, politics, religion, love and relationships. All profits from the sale of tickets were donated to the Second Chance Program, which assists homeless women to gain access to accommodation, 20 huddle I june 2011
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COMMUNITY
farewell to David Murray
Term One saw the School farewell long serving bus driver,
David Murray.
Staff, Parents and Students unite A record 120,000 Australians stepped out for breast cancer research in the annual Mothers’ Day Classic walk and run on Sunday 8 May. The highest number of participants in the event’s 14 year history attended 37 different events held across Australia. Showing their support for the nation’s largest charity event, the ‘Aidan’s Angels’ joined families, friends, celebrities and MPs in a walk or run, with many wearing tribute cards dedicating their morning to loved ones with breast cancer.
The team comprising of family members, students and staff was the largest on the day in the event in Brisbane, taking out the trophy for the ‘biggest school team’.
March saw our bus driver, David Murray, commence his well deserved retirement. David has been at St Aidan’s for more than 21 years and has served our school faithfully and with great enthusiasm. David has also assisted with general grounds work, maintenance and security and has been a stalwart of the rowing program and our cricket team. We thank both David and Sheila for his devotion to St Aidan’s.
The Aidan’s Angels were part of a wonderful day for a sea of 11,000 pink supporters at South Bank. Their efforts, when combined with the 120,000 who took part nationally, will raise about $2 million this year for National Breast Cancer Foundation research.
Endeavour Foundation 535km ride 25 riders took to their bikes to raise fund for the Endeavour Foundation with our own Bob Wagner at the lead. The 535km ride departed Brisbane on the Saturday through to Springfield Lakes, Peaks Crossing and Boonah on the way to Beaudesert. Sunday saw an additional 60 Beaudesert riders join the group heading over Mt Lindsay, through Kyogle to Casino. On Monday the group journeyed through Nimbin for morning tea on the way to Murwillumbah then off to Chillingham on Tuesday, and up and over the Natural Bridge (pictured) to Nerang, then back to Graceville only to be greeted by a large Brisbane storm 4km short of home. 22 huddle I june 2011
GRANDPARENTS DAY + SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY
1
Grandparents morning
More than 300 Grandparents and Special Friends descended on St Aidan’s on a chilly day in June shared the morning with their granddaughters in the Junior School. The students had the opportunity to perform for their special guests before showing off their classrooms and the wonderful new Charma Place library. The day was capped off with a sumptuous morning tea.
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St Aidan’s council 2011 has seen some significant changes to the membership of School Council with the retirements of Rob Morphet, who served as Chair for the best part of nine years; Phil Jefferson, who chaired the Finance Committee for approximately two years; and most recently, Marlene Norris, who served on the Risk Management Committee. I was honored to be invited to serve as Chair this year. The Council has also been fortunate to be able to recruit Gillian Brown and Geoff Hirst. They bring with them considerable financial, legal, governance and compliance expertise.
The start of the school year was not easy with many of our families, students and teachers alike, severely affected by the floods. I thank those within the school community who came forward to assist those affected.
The School’s building program concluded last year and with the exception of some work in the Junior School precinct to facilitate the introduction of a Kindergarten in 2012, there is no more significant work planned in the foreseeable future.
The School was also affected and is presently working with its insurers to reinstate the Ambiwerra playing fields. We are hopeful that the fields will be available for use again towards the end of Term 3. There are many other challenges ahead.
The end result of the building program has been the introduction of necessary state of the art facilities that ensure the continued delivery of quality education for our students.
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The immediate issues facing the School, as is the case with most private schools, include the impact of the GFC, the uncertainty surrounding the Government’s
position on the ongoing funding of independent schools and the cost of moving Year 7 into the Senior School over the next couple of years. The Council continues to work hard to develop and implement strategies to meet those challenges with the primary objective being to ensure our students continue to have access to the highest quality educational program possible, are able to continue to take advantage of the large extra curricular program on offer and to preserve the heritage and culture of St Aidan’s which plays such an important part in the development of our students. Mark Dillman Chair of Council
St Aidan’s
1
foundation
The first half of 2011 is certainly a time the people of Brisbane will remember. The devastating floods in January impacted on St Aidan’s with a large number of our school families losing their homes and businesses. Our thoughts go to those families who are rebuilding after such a terrible event. Flood Relief for families affected To assist flood affected families with fee relief, the Foundation began a Flood Scholarship Fund campaign raising more $37,000. It was very pleasing to see how our school rallied behind families affected in so many ways, with the cash donations being only one of the ways people were able to show their support for their school community. Ambiwerra Flood Recovery Drive In addition to the school families being affected, the school of course was also impacted. Our own Ambiwerra fields were ruined as a result of the floods. School Council estimates the cost of bringing these fields back to use is significant with the School requiring assistance to fund their reconstruction. Accordingly, the Foundation is now turning its efforts for the year to raising funds towards what we are terming the “Ambiwerra Flood Recovery Drive”. Our goal is to raise funds to assist with replacing lost and damaged sporting equipment, resurfacing the cricket wickets, replacing the four tennis courts and six multi courts, as well as replacing and redressing all the gardens and grounds themselves. This is a mammoth target but we feel confident that through our many fundraising events this goal is within our reach. All donations will be tax deductible. Recent Events The first event this year have been a great success particularly the Mother Daughter breakfast where Foundation directors were run off their feet selling raffle tickets to all the generous mothers who attended. The attendance this year was significantly higher than last
year with the Christine Hartland Centre providing a fantastic location for this event. In addition, those who attended the movie night reported a good time was had by all. Upcoming Events In the upcoming months, three major events are planned. In the spring we will hold our two popular events for fathers and daughters; the Father Daughter Breakfast (1 September) and Father Daughter Disco (21 October). Tickets for these events can be purchased closer to the date. The final event planned for the year is our Celebrity Dinner. Those who attended last year’s were treated to a hilarious evening. The details of the event will be announced shortly and we expect it will one event not to be missed. Tickets will be available individually or by the table. This is a great social event to get to know other parents from your daughter’s class all while raising funds to support the school’s recovery effort. For those who will be glued to their televisions later this year with the Rugby World Cup, don’t worry, we have taken these dates into consideration in organising this event. Lastly, I would like to thank all of the people who have already donated generously in both time and money to support the foundation this year. I look forward to the second half of the year and the Ambiwerra Flood Recovery Drive – I hope you can find the time to help us raise the funds to assist with getting these fields available for use by our daughters once again. Tony Markwell Chair of Foundation huddle I june 2011 25
St Aidan’s P&F 2011 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the Parents and Friends Association. It is my pleasure to be your President for 2011, taking over from Martin Prowse who leaves us to devote more time to his family and business ventures. Andrew Howard joins me as Vice President and Mark Bell as Treasurer. Pam McGarrigle and Nanette Marsdon continue on as our very capable “liaison ladies” and can be found in the P&F office almost every day looking after our daughters in one way or another.
As you are no doubt aware, the Ambiwerra Wine, Food and Jazz Festival was held for the last time in 2010. Changes to the liquor licensing regulations resulted in the Festival being held as an 18+ event in 2009 and 2010. The floods earlier in the year have also caused more than $1m in damage to the Ambiwerra sporting fields rendering them unusable by the Festival this year. With all of these issues in mind, the Ambi Festival will have a hiatus this year and, with your support, the P &F hopes to reclaim our beloved Ambiwerra in 2012, in a new format. The Ambiwerra Community Fair will provide our girls with the opportunity to showcase their talents alongside traditional family entertainment such as sideshow alley, rides, novelty races, petting zoo and wandering minstrels. Market stalls selling fresh produce, arts , crafts, food and refreshments are proposed and it promises
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to once again become a truly enjoyable day out for the our St Aidan’s families and the local community. Battle of the Bands will make its second appearance this year, showcasing the talents of 15 high school rock bands, with the top three bands appearing at a dance later in the year. Battle of the Bands will be held in the CHC whilst our sporting fields continue to recover from the flooding of January and will, we hope, become a permanent fixture on the St Aidan’s calendar in years to come.
The St Aidan’s Parents and Friends Association exists to support the school. Funds raised by our dedicated staff and volunteers are used to provide resources and amenities which enhance the environment in which our girls are nurtured and educated. Please join us in our mission to support the St Aidan’s Leadership Team and Staff and ultimately our girls. Cathy Carnie President of P&F
born to fly
launch
Capable women of character and commitment leave St Aidan’s and live their lives locally, interstate and overseas involving themselves in professional business, family and social communities and making significant contributions. It was a great pleasure to welcome some of these women back to St Aidan’s, who are representative of our thousands of Alumni, to launch the first edition of born to fly . This book’s first edition features luminaries such as Dr Diana Conrad (1977) – Ophthalmic Surgeon; Helen Barrett AM MBE (1939) – Missionary; Dr Ray D Robinson (1937) – Anaesthetist; Kate Miller-Heidke (1998) – Singer-Song Writer; and Sarah Jane Clarke (1991) – Fashion Designer to name but a few. A total of 15 St Aidan’s alumni are featured in the first of what looks to be an annual publication. A portrait gallery has also been established in the Christine Hartland Centre of those featured in born to fly which will be added to as further editions are published. It aims to provide a permanent recognition to those many capable women of character and commitment. Copies of Born to Fly are available from St Aidan’s Senior School reception or by calling +61 7 3373 5999.
2012 will see the start of Kindergarten at St Aidan’s. This co-educational class will be located on the established Junior School campus at Corinda with full-time and part-time options available.
Come and learn more about St Aidan’s Kindergarten at our
St Aidan’s starts kindergarten
junior school open morning
wednesday 3 august
9am - 11am huddle I june 2011 27
Alumni creating a living bridge
vale Cynthia Parkinson Student no 5
From the Alumni Office It has been nearly twelve months since the Alumni office and Archives moved into the new spaces in the Christine Hartland Centre. It seems fitting these are now housed in the building named after our first Headmistress. Although there have been many physical changes here at St Aidan’s the spirit has remained the same. The Alumni office endeavours to keep the links strong and gather many new memories. Many new gifts to the school archives have been welcomed and be assured, they are treasured. Please continue to send any school items you no longer wish to keep. Don’t think an item is too insignificant for the archives. Together these items form the picture of our past. We are also happy to transfer out-dated technology. It has been lovely to welcome past students back to School at our many and varied events, why not consider forming a table of classmates for Old Girls Day Sunday 28 August. You can enjoy the company of other past students over lunch and we will happily take you on a School tour.
Archives Having established a dedicated archives space in the Christine Hartland Centre, the Archives have examined the collection in detail, discovering a lack of Recorders from the 1960’s. If you have a Recorder from this era in particular – the Archives would love to look after them for you. We are also continuing to collect uniform items from all eras, both sporting and academic. Please consider sending any items you may have and no longer need to keep: socks, shirts, sporting equipment, now out-dated… anything useful for a museum display. In years to come they will be of interest to the new and past generations.
House Supper 1954
We were privileged to host the funeral of one of our original 17 students, Mrs Cynthia Parkinson in May. Cynthia commenced at St Aidan’s in 1929 when she was seven. Her funeral was a lovely celebration of a life well lived. What especially touched me was that she had remained firm friends with a number of other Day One “girls”, some of whom were able to attend the funeral. These ladies have had an 82 year long friendship and still meet once a month to sort stamps for charity. What a testimony to the friendships we form at school and to a life of commitment to helping others. RIP Cynthia
House Suppers During the 1940s and 1950s, each House celebrated the year and their achievements with a special annual supper, held in the Assembly Hall. Much care went into the table decorations including place cards. This one donated by Claire Evans (Smiles 1947) shows a booklet attached for autographs of House members. If you have any special memories of these Suppers I would love to hear from you.
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Alumni creating a living bridge 20 Year Reunion (2001) The Seniors of 1991 came from far and wide to celebrate their 20 year reunion on 21 May 2011. The years since we were last together have brought to our lives everything from babies to iPhones (how else do you show off the former), and foreign husbands to new hometowns, and although it felt a bit like a speed dating extravaganza, time seemed to effortlessly wind back and stand still as we gathered together. We have, literally, ended up on all sides of the world with varying degrees of fame and fortune but the mood in the revamped “Multi Purpose Centre” that night was dazzling (and not just because of the neon lighting!). The laughter, goodwill and enthusiasm with which everyone’s “life story” was met meant the night passed all too quickly but will no doubt linger in our memories for much longer. Before boarding the school bus to take us to an old stomping ground of Fridays for some light refreshments, we were sent on our way with a DVD featuring fabulously amateurish footage of various school events from 20 years ago. I suspect I am not the only one to have shed a quiet tear watching the spontaneous emotional outpouring at Miss Neil’s final assembly - an event which took place about two weeks after we all left in November 1991. It struck me as a quintessentially St Aidan’s reaction and I am sure I am not the only one who found our reunion a powerful reminder of just how lucky we are to have once again found ourselves in the thick of the extended St Aidan’s family. Our heartfelt thanks go to Sue Russell and the Alumni Office for organising such a fantastic and memorable night. Anne-Marie Rice
ABOVE : Kate Downie, Sarah-Jane Clarke, Fiona Gillespie, ErinTagi
ACT Reunion On May 14, a number of ladies joined Karen Spiller for the ACT Reunion. Those attending spanned many eras of School life from Harriett, who transferred to Canberra from our Junior School and is currently in Year 12 to Rosemary, who finished sixth form in 1968. Listening to the ladies’ life stories Karen was proud to hear of the girls many and various achievements. The thread that held the ladies together was their belief that a St Aidan’s girl can achieve anything.
Donations Thank you to the many people who have given donations to our Archives collection including: Janette Stasinowsky (Whear 1974) and daughter, Lauren (2001) particularly a brown and white towelling sports hat and a pair of navy blue swimmers from the 1970s. Margaret Den Ronden (Hutchinson 1969) including the 1960s school rules. Jenny Green (1978) David Murray (Bus driver) including the Order of Service for the Installation of Patricia Evans, as Headmistress 1992. Janet Jenkins, mother of Penny Worthington (Jenkins 1988) and Alice Reis (Jenkins 1993), many items including a remarkable commemorative Jubilee ashtray 1929-1979. Kate Galloway (2010) and her mother Annabelle (Croker 1975).
ABOVE : Catherine Stark with Freya, Lisa Timoney (Mobsby) huddle I june 2011 29
Alumni reunions 40 Year Reunion (1981)
Marriages
“Remember the days in the old school yard, we used to laugh a lot …..” Remember? We did! Laugh a lot? We did that too! As ladies arrived at School and walked across the grass, you could hear “Do you know who this is?” Then, as recognition set in, there were smiles, greetings and hugs all around as 20 past pupils gathered together for their 40 Year reunion. We moved inside and over a delicious lunch, shared our life journeys since leaving school and embarking on careers in Science, Arts, Medicine, Education, Theatre and being fantastic Mums and partners. (We can even proudly claim a famous actress and the Junior School Deputy Principal as ours!) To serve as further reminders of our legendary past, there were displays of photos and memorabilia and we were treated to a slide show that sparked even more laughter and memories. “Is the beret still worn on wet days?” “Is that winter uniform still in existence?” Just check out those gloves we wore at all times outside the school grounds!” “Do you remember hitching up our uniforms……….. (well it was the 70s) and what about those bloomers?” We were reminded of the old brown trains, athletics practice at Graceville Oval, swimming practice at Corinda Pool and probably the unanimous favourite, the Ascension Day Picnic at Macleans Bridge. Assembly was in the Assembly Hall every day while sewing, speech and drama and sport were at Broads – these buildings have disappeared now. Further curiosity about the physical changes to the School was satisfied during a comprehensive tour. We tried to remember the original layout – typing room? Language lab? Science Lab? (That’s where we watch as man walked on the moon for the first time!) So much had changed, but we were impressed with the state-of-the-art facilities and innovative opportunities supporting current students towards their future careers and life choices. The only part of the school we recognised was the old toilet “block”. For some of us, this was the first return to St Aidan’s since our final goodbyes four decades ago. I think, for all of us it was exciting to re-connect with friends and the school that played some part in shaping our lives. Thanks to the school (ethos) for keeping the history alive and “creating a living bridge” 40 years on and we’re still part of a unique culture. Thanks to the Alumni team, Sue Russell and Wendy Biggs, for an amazing trip down memory lane!
We did laugh! And we did remember the days of the old school yard! Di Tidmarsh
Kelly Green (1991) married on 6 May in Hawaii. She has been living in Eagle, Colorado, USA for 11 years. Having completed her nursing training here in Australia, she travelled the world and has settled in Colorado and is now halfway through her paramedics’ course and is driving ambulances.
Births Roseann Jenner (1991) and Ian Brown welcomed Matthew born on 19 December 2010. Jill (Brown 1975) and Chris Deveney welcomed Ruby Caroline weighing 8lb 3 oz on 21 January 2011.
Deaths Cynthia Parkinson (MacMillan 1938) passed away on 15 May. She attended St Aidan’s from Year 1 (1929) and she was one of our ‘Day One’ students (student number 5). Cynthia’s funeral service was held at School on Monday 23 May. Coreene Dunlop (1941) passed away on 26 January 2011. Mary Clarke (Newton 1948), known as Laurie, passed earlier this year. Helen Lunn (McKay 1987) passed away prior to Christmas 2010. Patricia Sinden (Power 1937), passed away at the age of 91 years and one month in her home in Perth on 20 April 2011. Old Boy, Tony Pixley (1941) passed away on 28 March 2011. We enjoyed Tony’s company at our first Old Boys’ Reunion last year.
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Alumni congratulations Congratulations
Congratulations
Zoe Rathus (1975) who was made Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia: “For service to the law, particularly through contributions to the rights of women, children and the Indigenous community, to education and to professional organisations”.
Emma Betts (2008) has been chosen to attend Our Generation’s Challenge. (OGC) is a three week field trip run by The Oaktree Foundation to bring 10 young leaders to developing communities, to contribute towards the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. The trip seeks to forge partnerships with players at all levels of development; UN agencies, INGOs, Community organizations and Government departments – particularly focused on connecting with youth movements.
Aurelia Connelly (2006) has finished Honours in Psychology and is now working on a Master of Organisational Psychology. Chloe Truesdale (2010) who competed at the Club State Rowing Championship winning bronze in the Under 23 double scull race. Chloe then went on to compete at the National Championships. Amy Wagner (2004) has won a full scholarship to North Western University, in Chicago to do her Ph.D in Economics starting in August. Georgina Greig (2008) who was awarded with the Chemical Engineering Student Society Bursary last year. At the start of this year she was awarded with the Joan Wickham Memorial Prize which is awarded to the female student who has completed the first four semesters of Bachelor of Engineering and achieves the highest GPA.
Amy O’Farrell (2004) Since finishing school has travelled, worked, studied recently returning to Brisbane as a contestant in Miss Universe Australia 2011 and to continue her education while building her business in professional hairstyling.
Reunions and Old Girl Events 2011 26 July 10 am 50 Year Reunion Contact Alumni Office 3373 5961 or paststudents@staidan.qld.edu.au 2 August 12 noon Old Boy’s Reunion Contact Alumni Office 3373 5961 paststudents@staidan.qld.edu.au 4 August 2 pm Hobart Contact Alumni Office 3373 5961 paststudents@staidan.qld.edu.au 6 August 5.30 pm 10 Year Reunion Contact Alumni Office 3373 5961 paststudents@staidan.qld.edu.au 28 August 10 am Old Girl’s Day Contact Alumni Office 3373 5961 paststudents@staidan.qld.edu.au 23 September 4 pm Sydney Contact Alumni Office 3373 5961 paststudents@staidan.qld.edu.au 24 September 2 pm Melbourne Contact Alumni Office 3373 5961 paststudents@staidan.qld.edu.au 1 October 2 pm Adelaide Contact Alumni Office 3373 5961 paststudents@staidan.qld.edu.au 12 October 10 am 60 Year Reunion Contact Alumni Office 3373 5961 paststudents@staidan.qld.edu.au huddle I june 2011 31
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
confidence and success
11 Ruthven Street Corinda Qld 4075 T: 61 7 3373 5999 F: 61 7 3379 9432 E: school@staidan.qld.edu.au www.staidan.qld.edu.au A School of the Society of the Sacred Advent