Deputy Principal – Strategy & Culture

If there is a word to describe St Catherine’s for 2002 it would have to be gratitude. After two very demanding and complicated years of extended lockdowns and the accompanying learning from home, where a multitude of programs normally conducted were either modified beyond recognition or were not able to run at all. This year we were back in full force. It has been so apparent the sheer joy that students, parents, and staff expressed upon a return to life as we remembered it prior to the pandemic. Everyone was so grateful to be able to resume normal school operations The year commenced with deep satisfaction and more than a little pride upon the release of the Class of 2021 VCE results which saw St Catherine’s ranked as the Number One girls school in Victoria. These results were achieved through the dedicated work of teachers in the education strategies pursued over the last few years and of course, the dedication and hard work of the students themselves. The achievement of such stellar results was merely the launch pad for a year of exceptional achievement. Whether it be the quite extraordinary efforts of the rowers, the resumption and successful return of snow sports, the notable successes of many other sports such as Hockey, the resumption of the camps program which enabled students to journey far and wide, and the marvellous music and drama performances we have been privileged to see in the stunning new facility The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre, St Catherine’s has been achieving at such a high level it belies our relatively small size. While gratitude is the operative word for 2022, it has been the kind and caring environment which personifies our culture that has shone through over the last few years. Students can only succeed when they feel safe, connected, and supported by the community around them. St Catherine’s is a wonderful community and 2022 and all that has been achieved, reflects the strength of everyone who is part of St Catherine’s.