Class of 2023

C E L E B R AT I N G the

Class of

2023

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From the Principal the School is an exemplary 93.4; this is the highest Median ATAR of our School records. The Median Study Score of 36 is also impressive, noting 29% of all Study Scores were above 40, placing the School, once again, among the best in the State.

Remarkably, of all students studying VCE English, 51% achieved a Study Score of 40 or above, placing these students in the Top 10% in the State. This is a significant result for the English Faculty and reflects the strength of the program in the Senior School; this is also the highest recorded English result at St Catherine’s.

As a School community we are thrilled to acknowledge the outstanding academic achievements of our Class of 2023.

In 2023, our Year 12 students have shown resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of their schooling. As a Cohort they have led our School with kindness and a sense of cohesion, displaying empathy and compassion towards each other, and their younger peers.

The 2023 Year 12 Cohort has achieved outstanding academic results across a broad range of subjects. The Median ATAR for

The finer details of the 2023 exemplary results reveal: • 16.6% of students achieved an ATAR above 99, placing them in the top 1% of the State.

• 38.9% of students achieved an ATAR above 95, placing them in the top 5% of the State.

• 58.3% of students achieved an ATAR above 90; placing them in the top 10% of the State; and • 65.3% of the Cohort achieved above an ATAR of 85.

I extend my congratulations to our 2023 St Catherine’s School Dux, Christina Wu who achieved an impressive 99.9 ATAR. Christina is looking to study Commerce and Law. Christina was, notably,

the Dux of Specialist Mathematics in 2023 and in 2022, the Dux of Chinese as a Second Language as a Year 11 student.

group of young women whose balanced sense of leadership and self-confidence will leave a positive legacy within St Catherine’s School.

I also extend my congratulations to St Catherine’s School’s Proxime Accessit to the Dux, Xiaoying (Selina) Weng, who achieved a remarkable ATAR of 99.85. Selina was the Dux of English as a Second Language in 2023 and in 2022 was the Dux of Mathematical Methods as a Year 11 student. Selina is looking forward to studying Commerce and Economics.

These outstanding VCE results are testament to the dedication, passion, and expertise of our teaching staff, particularly our VCE teachers over the past year.

I thank them for their commitment to the educational profession and their loyalty shown each day in supporting the girls throughout this important year.

The following students are also to be congratulated for achieving an outstanding ATAR above 99: Freya Cantwell, Emma Gregory, Amanda Shen, Scarlett Song, Caitlin Wang, Flora Du, Leanne Hiew, Katharine Carter, Keyue (Karen) Deng and Tahlia Guzzardi.

Congratulations also to 2023 graduate, Andrea Ting who was awarded Top Grade in Philosophy for the University of Melbourne Extension Program. Andrea completed both Semesters with exemplary First Class Honours.

This is a tremendous result for a student of her age.

Guided by Head of Year, Mrs Linda Morgan, our Year 12 girls supported and encouraged each other with compassion, good-humour, and humility. They are a remarkable

Our Class of 2023 is the first Cohort to graduate from our bespoke Senior Years Learning Model, a key innovation of our School in recent years. The Senior Years Learning Model is intentionally designed to enhance our students’ independence and agency and will serve our 2023 graduates well as they commence their post-school pathways.

St Catherine’s is an active community that volunteers a tremendous amount of time and effort to the success of St Catherine’s School. I very much appreciate all members of our School community for their generous support of St Catherine’s in 2023 and over the past 10 years.

Michelle Carroll BEd UB GrDipHealth QUT MEd UQ AFAIM

Principal, 2023

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From the Head of Year 12 Yet, the journey in 2023 was about so much more than grades. It has been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and the development of lifelong skills.

Each student has evolved, both academically and personally. Passions have been discovered, talents honed, and a growth mindset has been utilised in order to overcome challenges with grace and determination.

It has been my absolute pleasure to have been the Head of Year for the Class of 2023 for the last three years.

It is with great joy that we reflect on an incredible year that has been filled with exceptional achievements, personal growth, and the indomitable spirit of our graduating Class of 2023.

As I look back on the year, one thing stands out above all – the unwavering dedication and hard work that each Year 12 student has put into their academic endeavours. Their commitment to excellence has been nothing short of remarkable. I am genuinely proud of their accomplishments. The grades and achievements earned are a testament to their resilience, intelligence, and tenacity.

Moreover, the Year level has shown remarkable empathy and compassion towards one another and our wider St Catherine’s community. Individually and collectively, they have pursued a wide range of interests in Music, Sports, Performing and Visual Arts, and Debating realms to name just a few. Several fundraisers were led by the Cohort, all resulting in funds being raised and a greater awareness of the relevant initiative.

To the Class of 2023 remember that finishing school is not an ending but a new beginning. As you venture out into the world, I have no doubt that your resilience, intelligence, and compassion will lead you to success and fulfillment. Embrace challenges as opportunities, continue to learn and grow, and remember that the bonds you have formed during your time at St Catherine’s will always be a source of strength and support.

Congratulations on your remarkable achievements and know that the best is yet to come for each one of you.

Mrs Linda Morgan Head of Year 12

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From Our Co-Captains

As the Class of 2023 tied our blue ribbons, put on our Year 12 jumpers, and ascended the steps of the Common Room for the first time in 2023, we had only one promise to ourselves, to Conquer. To face each challenge that came our way, each step and each new goal with determination, kindness, and bravery.

“Watch the queens conquer.” One of the first few lines that we announced to the School during our first-ever assembly on the fields. A quote from none other than rap artist, Nicki Minaj, but nevertheless one that we hoped would inspire the St Catherine’s student Cohort to embrace their power and fearlessly pursue their goals in 2023.

After the Year 12 Leadership Conference at Melbourne University’s Ormond College, our Cohort laid forth our vision for the year and determined the legacy that we wanted to leave behind. We wanted to step into this final year of senior school with both excitement and anticipation, to collectively navigate our hardships together, and most importantly, we wanted to be proud of ourselves – regardless of the result – in knowing that we all placed our best foot forward. We wanted to conquer 2023… and conquer we did.

From the very start, Term 1 brought our first challenge: the renovation of the School Hall. We had to get creative

and find different places in the School to seat over 500 girls for Senior School Assembly. It was a rocky start, but we slowly built-up momentum after experimenting with all sorts of ideas.

From having a pool assembly with live synchronised swimmers to holding the students in The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre with music and microphones, we really did try it all. Yet, while these hectic assemblies were both fun and unique, it would not have been possible without everyone’s patience and cooperation.

Then came the opening of the refurbished Sports Hall and the return to normally formatted assemblies.

Having a dedicated space with a proper screen, we could now introduce video segments featuring the rest of the School, delving into topics such as study tips, favorite coffee drinks, and words of wisdom from each Year level.

Whilst our surroundings had changed several times throughout the year, the consistent thread connecting each assembly was the talent and achievements of the St Catherine’s Cohort. From incredibly inspired performances, fierce debaters, and powerful sportswomanship, 2023 saw the excelling of students across all platforms. We could not be prouder.

However, what really stood out was the kindness and comradery of the whole School. The little moments of friendship

between students in all Year levels, waves in the hallways, quick chats in the café line and smiles to each other on the way to class. These are the memories that unite and define the effervescent energy of our School.

From cheering on our friends at lunchtime dodgeball matches, Matildas inspired soccer games, assembly talent segments, and book characters or culturally inspired costume days, the support and passion of our School to rally around each student is evident to all.

When the Class of 2023 walked through the Heyington Gates for the final time, we left as strong, fearless individuals, secure in the belief in ourselves and the endless possibilities of our futures – belief fostered by the support and kindness of each and every St Catherine’s girl.

Whilst it is a seemingly impossible task to try to encompass the year that was 2023 in mere words, we have only one; conquered.

We both feel so proud of each girl and of all that has been achieved in 2023.

We are so grateful to have seen the talent, bravery, and courage of each student. We hope each of you sees it too.

What a year St Catherine’s, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Ava Colosimo and Flora Du 2023 School Co-Captains

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SCHOOL CAPTAINS 2023 School Co-Captains

Environment

Ava Colosimo Flora Du

Georgina Moreton

Student Executive

Kaitlin Chan

Freya Cantwell Ava Colosimo Flora Du Diya Kayick Lucia Tabbagh Jemima Wilcox

Music Choral

House – Beaulieu Blair

Amanda Shen

Diya Kayick Charlotte Rodgers

House – Davis Mietta Passon Freya Cantwell

House – Holmes Kilbride Zara Peele Caitlin Wang

House – Langley Templeton Lucia Tabbagh Lily Taylor

Art & Design Catherine Karas

Human Rights

Jo-Jo Patterson

Music Instrumental Yifei (Angela) Tang

Spirit & Wellbeing Sport Eloise Burdett-Moore Olivia Howitt

STEM Mia Krongold

Sport – Athletics (Track and Field/Cross Country) Matisse Stafford

Sport – Rowing Lucy Green Jemima Wilcox

Sport – Snowsports

Boarding

Matisse Stafford Georgia Szer

Charlotte Rowe Phoebe Russell

Sport – Aquatics (Swimming and Diving)

Community Service Gia (Sue) Nguyen

Emma Gregory Brydie Read

Cultural Diversity

Music – School Pianist

Qingyu (Eva) Liang

Caitlin Wang

Debating & Public Speaking Anise Imam

Music – Leader of the Orchestra

Drama

Jo-Jo Patterson

Miranda Ware

Music – Leader of the Concert Band

Duke of Edinburgh Tahlia Guzzardi

Anise Imam

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A Bright Future

MEDIAN

ATAR 93.4

In 2023, our Year 12 students demonstrated resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of their schooling. As a Cohort they led our School with kindness and a sense of cohesion, displaying empathy and compassion towards each other, and their younger peers.

2024 Tertiary Institutes

36%

The University Of Melbourne AUS

Management & Commerce

Monash University AUS RMIT University AUS Deakin University AUS Australian Catholic University AUS

27% Arts/Creative Arts

2024 Tertiary Places

12% Health & Medicine

Collarts AUS JMC Academy AUS La Trobe University AUS Victoria University AUS Ohio State University USA Northeastern University USA

STEM

17% STEM

8% Law/Society & Culture

University of Pennsylvania USA Syracuse University USA King’s College London UK

Our graduating students will be represented in institutes both nationally and internationally. Australian institutes include The University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT, The Australian Catholic University, Deakin University, La Trobe University, Victoria University, JMC Academy and the Australian College of the Arts, and internationally in the US at Ohio State University, Northeastern University, University of Pennsylvania, Syracuse University, and in the UK at King’s College London.

Details correct at time of printing.

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TOP 2% IN THE STATE Study Scores of 45+ were achieved in these subjects:

36

MEDIAN

Health & Human Development

Geography

History Revolutions

EAL

Accounting

English

Biology

Business Management

Economics

Art Creative Practice

F

STUDY SCORE

29% STUDY SCORES

OVER 40

General Maths

French SL

These outstanding VCE results are testament to the dedication, passion, and expertise of our teaching staff, particularly our VCE teachers over the past year. Their commitment to the educational profession and their loyalty shown each day in supporting the girls throughout this important year was exemplary.

TOP 1% IN THE STATE

17% ACHIEVED ATAR 99+

TOP 5% IN THE STATE

39% ACHIEVED ATAR 95+

TOP 10% IN THE STATE

58% ACHIEVED ATAR 90+

TOP 12% IN THE STATE

65% ACHIEVED ATAR 85+

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Top Performers Our 2023 Dux Congratulations to our 2023 St Catherine’s School Dux, Christina Wu who achieved an impressive 99.9 ATAR.

School’s Co-curricular activities with a particular emphasis on her involvement in the Music Program.

As a highly talented musician, Christina was a member of both the Year 12 Quartet and Senior Strings, in addition to being a member of the Melbourne Youth Orchestra as the Sectional Leader of Second Violins.

Christina shared her excitement upon receiving her results “I am very shocked but so grateful.

I am so grateful to my teachers for all their support. They helped me academically with constant communication and advice, but they also helped me emotionally, helping me believe in myself.”

Christina is looking to study Commerce and Law. Christina was, notably, the Dux of Specialist Mathematics in 2023 and in 2022, the Dux of Chinese as a Second Language as a Year 11 student.

Christina has demonstrated significant engagement in the

Sharing some advice to our future Year 12 students, Christina reminds them to “take every opportunity that arises, no matter how daunting or unachievable it seems. More often than not, you will regret not taking the opportunity because it seemed challenging at the time. You

may have just passed on an extremely valuable chance just because you did not want to step outside your comfort zone.”

Christina immersed herself into life at St Catherine’s School, participating in a wide range of co-curricular activities including Debating and Public Speaking, Cultural Diversity Club, GSA, Swimming and Rowing. “I was most involved in the Music Program, taking a leadership role in ensembles such as Senior Strings, Jorgensen Orchestra, Senior School Quartet, and Vox Choir. Participating in these music groups fostered my leadership skills, and my involvement in GSV weekly sports, particularly GSV Tennis and Badminton, taught me the importance of time organisation and the balance between studying and relaxing,” Christina explains.

Following on from her exemplary ATAR results, Christina says she is more confident to explore greater opportunities in tertiary

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We recognise and congratulate the following students who achieved first place in each subject:

studies, considering overseas opportunities as well. One of her plans is to study Actuarial Science as part of a Commerce degree and eventually she hopes to gain teaching qualifications to “pursue my dream of teaching Mathematics.”

We wish Christina all the best in her future endeavours. We look forward to following her journey as a St Catherine’s Old Girl.

Proxime Accessit to the Dux We also extend our congratulations to St Catherine’s School’s Proxime Accessit to the Dux, Xiaoying (Selina) Weng, who achieved a remarkable ATAR of 99.85.

Selina was the Dux of English as a Second Language in 2023 and in 2022 was the Dux of Mathematical Methods as a Year 11 student.

“I felt so happy when I saw the results. It was truly an honour for me to achieve my academic goal,” shares Selina. “Throughout the year, all my teachers were so helpful and supportive. I was able to schedule one-on-one meetings with them regularly whenever I had any queries.”

Selina plans to study a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne.

Accounting

Alice Molnar*

Year 11

Art Creative Practice

Amanda Shen

Year 12

Biology

Rhea Werner

Year 11

Business Management

Georgia Szer

Year 12

Chemistry

Flora Du

Year 12

Chinese Second Language

Zoe Shen

Year 11

Chinese Second Language Advanced

Qing Chun (Joanna) Yang

Year 11

Drama

Lilla Barrington

Year 11

Economics

Katharine Carter

Year 12

English as an Additional Language

Xiaoying (Selina) Weng

Year 12

English

Scarlett Song*

Year 12

Freya Cantwell*

Year 12

Keyue (Karen) Deng*

Year 12

French

Emma Gregory

Year 12

General Mathematics

Freya Cantwell

Year 12

Saffron Scheele

Year 11

Alice Molnar

Year 11

Sophie Davis

Year 12

Geography Global Politics

Jemima Wilcox

Year 12

Health & Human Development

Amanda Shen

Year 12

Japanese Second Language

Caitlin Wang

Year 12

Wei (Wendy) Zhang

Year 12

Legal Studies

Isla Forsyth

Year 12

Mathematical Methods

Emma Gregory

Year 12

Caitlin Wang

Year 12 Year 12

Media

Mia Scillio

History – Revolutions

Millie Nilsen*

Year 11

Music Repertoire Performance

Hin Ting (Mavis) Kwok

Year 12

Physical Education

Eloise Burdett-Moore

Year 12

Physics

Emma Gregory

Year 12

Psychology

Samantha Love

Year 12

Specialist Mathematics

Christina Wu

Year 12

Visual Communication Design

Natalie Apostolopoulos

Year 12

*Perfect Score of 50

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Student

Insights As their time as students entered the closing chapter, we asked a number

Brydie Read

of our Class of 2023 to reflect on

AQUATICS CO-CAPTAIN

their St Catherine’s experiences;

“I was a part of the GSV Diving and Swimming Team in 2023 and was Captain for both. Being part of the GSV Aquatics Team every year since Year 4 and then finally being able to Captain the Team was a huge highlight for me.

co-curricular pursuits, academic studies, friendships, and memories.

We are delighted to share the following student insights.

During this, I learned that being a part of the Team was more fun than winning. The best times I had were training with my teammates and watching other people excel at what they are doing and seeing them succeed.

I’ve learned that I don’t have to go through challenges alone and that there are always people around me who want to help. Rather than constantly looking back on the setbacks I always tried to put them behind me and move forward onto the next challenge and see what I can do to overcome it, as well as learning from the setbacks and challenges.”

Andrea Ting “I am a firm believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason, and that opportunities exist everywhere we look. This was a belief that countless teachers instilled in me during my time at St Catherine’s. With the mindset that there are no challenges that are not also learning experiences, I have been taught to overcome the obstacles I have faced with the support of the wonderful teachers.

I am proud that I studied first-year Philosophy at the University of Melbourne through an extension program during Year 12 and achieved First Class Honours in this Program.

Through my involvement in Debating, Music, and Art at St Catherine’s I learned the value of maintaining and developing creative outlets. At times when I felt most stressed my co-curricular activities supported me and offered a helpful distraction from the pressures of the academic side of school.”

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Jemima Wilcox

Anise Imam

Tahlia Guzzardi

STUDENT EXECUTIVE CAPTAIN OF BOATS

DEBATING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING CAPTAIN LEADER OF THE CONCERT BAND

DUKE OF EDINBURGH CAPTAIN STENTORIAN EDITOR

“When I look for a key moment, it is hard to go past the victory at the Henley Royal Regatta in 2022. It still shocks me that we were able to achieve such a huge task. In the Rowing Program, the girls and coaches became family – connections that I know will extend far beyond school.

Another highlight was Public Speaking and Debating. We formed such a tightknit community, and it’s been incredible to watch us all develop from Year 7.

Finally, my time in the Boarding House.

The girls, across numerous Year levels, became my sisters. Being a boarder is such a different experience – but I couldn’t recommend it more highly. The after-dinner conversations around the couches, where girls from all Year levels would come to sit and talk, are the small moments that really have accumulated and amounted to being some of my favourite times.”

“The teachers and School community have always had a great level of support and care for students. This supportive community ensured that I could achieve my goals to my fullest potential.

During my education at St Catherine’s, I gained communication, leadership, and delegation skills, which enabled me to be a part of a cohesive team and be a good leader to others.

Participating in co-curricular activities enabled me to meet new people from different Year levels which was a highlight.

I have been involved in Debating, Music Ensembles, such as Concert Band and the Orchestra, and GSV Sports, such as Tennis. I learned the skills of what it takes to be a part of a good team and how to communicate effectively with my peers to be a good leader and role model to girls in the younger Years.”

“I enjoyed the everyday opportunities to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities and forge friendships with a variety of people across the School.

I loved learning languages and grew to be very passionate about Science, particularly Psychology, Biology, and Chemistry. I am immensely proud of my linguistic development over my time at St Catherine’s, including completing Year 12 level Italian in Year 11 and confidently speaking French after commencing my French studies in Year 9.

I would like to use my education to help provide similar educational opportunities to others in society, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to help them reach their full academic, professional, and personal potential.

I hope to continue to volunteer for a variety of charity organisations to have a tangible positive impact on the lives of others.”

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A rtistic INTELLIGENCE

For Amanda Shen, her ability to balance Year 12 Mathematical Methods and English with an accelerated university subject at Deakin University was achieved through her involvement in Visual Arts.

“Art for me provides escape and inspiration for my other subjects. It allows me to take a break without leaving my concentrated mindset. Instead, I channel my attention into a completely different form of thinking whilst still gaining valuable productivity,” shares Amanda.

“Studying Art allowed me to view and approach my Year 12 subjects quite differently. I have learnt to see things from multiple perspectives and look beyond the most obvious answer.

In Legal Studies I used my Art skills to see cases and questions through an additional cultural perspective, which I have learnt has a heavy impact on the experiences and actions of people. In English, my critical thinking skills allowed me to perceive perspectives others may not, providing me with a unique angle to present my ideas.”

Amanda’s creative mind saw her reach her academic goals completing Year 12 with

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exemplary results, “I look back now on Year 12 with relief and appreciation for all the hard work I put in throughout the year. It felt like a great way to end 13 years of school.”

Reflecting on the support she received at School, Amanda believes the classroom environment and teachers’ support helped her considerably. “The individual relationships I established with all my teachers facilitated easier conversations when I was met with queries – I think that’s what made them so

approachable. The quality of teaching also just promotes such a good classroom environment allowing us to all learn from discussions.”

“St Catherine’s promotes individuality and personal creativity, focusing more on the process of learning rather than the end achievements, letting that come naturally,” explains Amanda, “As students, we were assisted during the process by teachers who tailored their styles to our individual needs.”

“Art teaches us to appreciate our deeper perspectives. It inspires us to think about our own purpose and meaning and encourages us all to think critically and reflect. My Visual Arts practice taught me flexibility and openness in thinking across all my subjects and encounters in life. It taught me to adapt and create meaning through my own ideas which I think is extremely beneficial as I move into tertiary studies.”

Amanda plans to study a mixture of Law and Commerce at the University of Melbourne.

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SPORTING CULTURE at Her Doorstep

For Class of 2023 Graduate, Phoebe Russell, the decision to board at St Catherine’s School stemmed from her dream to one day play hockey for Australia.

“My goal was to board at St Catherine’s so I could continue my semi-professional hockey career and hopefully become involved in the Australian Hockey Development Program,” shares Phoebe. “Boarding at St Catherine’s meant I could continue my endeavours with State Hockey without compromising my education. It also reduced the travel time for my family who were driving me back and forth from regional Victoria to the city continuously.”

Boarding at St Catherine’s has provided a city home base for Phoebe so she could access specialised coaching programs that she could not have considered when living in regional Victoria.

“Within the Hockey Victoria Program, there is little regional scouting, so my ability to play hockey completely at metropolitan level has ensured I have easier access to scouting programs, while also more often being in the eyes of selectors for elite programs.

Over the last two years I have been involved in the Under 21 Womens Hockey Club Melbourne Development Program, as well as specialised drag flicking coaching offered by Hockey Victoria.”

Phoebe believes living in Melbourne with a large group of people also passionate about their sporting careers has kept her motivated and committed to her goals.

“The environment that I was immersed in at St Catherine’s has only benefited my motivation and passion for my sport and helped me make many lifelong friendships along the way.”

Along with the sporting benefits for her hockey career and access to Melbourne’s vibrant sporting culture, Phoebe also threw herself into performing arts at School, something she never would have considered prior to commencing at St Catherine’s.

“While my original aspirations were specifically related to my sporting endeavors, my time in the Boarding House at St Catherine’s allowed me to develop many more extracurricular and academic goals. Being involved in the Drama Program inspired me to pursue, in the future, a continued hobby of working within stage management in amateur and semiprofessional theatres across Victoria. Prior to moving to St Catherine’s, I would have never considered involvement within anything like this. However, I found once I participated in my first show, I could not get enough of it.”

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Following Her

PASSIONS

Commencing at St Catherine’s School in Year 7, Mietta Passon, believes her teachers directly contributed to building her confidence to pursue her passions.

“Every morning at School I walked past Mrs Gaensler’s office, my Year 7 House teacher, and she gave me a huge smile.”

“I remember everything she gave me in Year 7.

The confidence to sign up for co-curricular activities, the opportunities, as she nominated me for specific roles and most importantly, how fun she made school” Mietta fondly recalls.

Nominated by St Catherine’s School as an AOC Olympic Change Maker, Mietta was one of only 24 students Australia-wide to participate in the Program at the end of 2022, “I was truly surrounded by a very influential group of people. I was immersed in an environment in which leadership was a given. However, what I learnt most was you don’t need a fancy title to be a leader. It is those who step up despite any fear of failure that are true leaders.”

Discussing how failure can often be the best teacher, Mietta shares “I used to hide my mistakes and ignore them because I didn’t like knowing that I had failed. However, I have learnt that failure is what provides us with motivation.”

“Failure teaches us more about ourselves and how to overcome obstacles than immediate success. Reality is, you can’t experience success without failure.”

During her time at St Catherine’s, Mietta also organised three Big Freeze fundraisers that raised funds for FightMND, a cause close to Mietta’s heart. “My father was diagnosed with MND months before I was born and passed away when I was five.

This has made me extremely passionate about this cause,” Mietta explains.

“It is amazing to see the strength of the St Catherine’s community being so beautifully highlighted during fundraisers like these. Our teachers, families, and students’ abilities to contribute in any way they can, donating money or being dunked, emphasises our School community’s incredibly generous spirit,” Mietta shares.

“With our previous years’ events raising a total of $22,000, the $8,000 raised in 2023 pushed our St Catherine’s total giving tally to $30,000. I cannot express enough my appreciation for all the teachers and students who roused the excitement and braved the cold each year for this event.”

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Enthusiasm is

CONTAGIOUS ‘House Arts’ is the culmination of a year’s worth of preparation for our student leaders and a week of rehearsal and development by every member of each House.

Our annual House Arts performance evening is a tradition that showcases the many and varied talents of our students who are responsible for the performances, designs, scripts, technical achievements, and stage management responsibilities.

At the beginning of the year, our student leaders randomly selected one of four envelopes that contained a well-known music album as their stimulus from which to plan, develop and present a cohesive artistic work that includes elements of Drama, Music, Visual Art, Dance and Media. The girls then worked together from Term 1 to plan and develop their script, music, choreography, media, and design elements, then dedicated five full school days to the rehearsal and realisation of

their vision; an exercise requiring strong communication, persistence, creativity, teamwork, and spirit.

Each House Play needed to include pathos, transformation of time, place, and object, and incorporate a ‘hula hoop’ as a meaningful part of each production. They also included a fleeting cameo appearance of one of our brave staff members within each Play.

The performances were adjudicated by an expert panel of five judges and ultimately Davis was awarded the Michael Bond House Arts Trophy, named after our much-loved Head of Drama from 1997-2015, and a central figure in the creation of House Arts.

Mr James Brown Head of Performing Arts

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Beaulieu Blair: Parallel Lines, Blondie 1978

Holmes Kilbride: Tapestry, Carole King 1971

Langley Templeton: The Stranger, Billy Joel 1977

“House Arts can be considered one of the most consequential events of our overall experience at St Catherine’s. It is a time where we can truly pursue friendships from different Year levels and establish a bond within the Beaulieu Blair House. It is a great outlet for students interested in drama, arts, or dancing as it is the only House event focusing on these skills.”

Davis: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles 1967

“House Arts provided many

“House Arts involves the entire

“Kindness and enthusiasm were the two major strengths we brought to House Arts. We always tried to lead with kindness and inclusion, ensuring everyone had a role to play.

Enthusiasm is contagious, so it was our goal to spread as much of it around as possible. As Mr Brown always says, ‘If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.’ We centred our leadership style around this exact quote!”

highlights including working in collaboration with girls from other Year levels, seeing our ideas come to life, and watching the whole performance come together over rehearsal week. Since 2022 was the first full lockdown-free year for many Holmes Kilbride House members it was so special to be able to lead the girls and foster friendships from different Year levels.”

DIYA KAYICK & CHARLOTTE RODGERS BEAULIEU BLAIR HOUSE CAPTAINS

MIETTA PASSON & FREYA CANTWELL DAVIS HOUSE CAPTAINS

ZARA PEEL & CAITLIN WANG HOLMES KILBRIDE HOUSE CAPTAINS

Senior School and it enhances and strengthens School spirit by forming close bonds between Year levels.

As these friendships are formed the year before, they then carry over into the new year, creating a community environment within our School and within our House. The Year 11s discover new leadership talents, and the leadership skills of younger girls too, who step up and assist the Year 11s.”

LUCIA TABBAGH & LILY TAYLOR LANGLEY TEMPLETON HOUSE CAPTAINS

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Natalie Apos

Tara Browne

Eloise Burdett-Moore Sport Co-Captain

Freya Cantwell Student Executive, Davis House Co-Captain

Katharine (Kate) Carter

Sienna Darcy

Sophie Davis

Olivia Davis

Yi (Yuki) Deng

Keyue (Karen) Deng

Lucy Green Co-Captain of Boats

Emma Gregory Aquatics Co-Captain

Tahlia Guzzardi Stentorian Co-Editor, Duke of Edinburgh Captain

Zoe Hall

Charlotte Henderson

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Cheuk Shun (Natalie) Chan

Kaitlin Chan Human Rights Captain

Sally Chen

Jade Chiang

Ava Colosimo School Co-Captain, Student Executive

Jessica Dobbin

Flora Du School Co-Captain, Student Executive

Lucy Dunlop

Isla Forsyth

Katherine Graham

Leanne Hiew

Olivia (Livvy) Howitt Sport Co-Captain

Anise Imam Debating & Public Speaking Captain, Leader of the Concert Band

Catherine Karas Art & Design Captain

Diya Kayick Student Executive, Beaulieu Blair House Co-Captain

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Mia Krongold STEM Captain

Hin Ting (Mavis) Kwok

Qingyu (Eva) Liang Cultural Diversity Captain

Samantha Love

Jemima McLennan

Jo-Jo Patterson Music (Choral) Captain, Leader of the Orchestra

Zara Peele Holmes Kilbride House Co-Captain

Angelique Pereira

Brydie Read Aquatics Co-Captain

Kaige (Julie) Ren

Amanda Shen Spirit & Wellbeing Captain

Chloe Shergold

Scarlett Song

Matisse Stafford Athletics Captain, Snowsports Co-Captain

Chloe Stansfield

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Georgina Moreton Environment Captain

Chloe Nevins

Gia (Sue) Nguyen Community Service Captain

Rosie Oxley

Mietta Passon Davis House Co-Captain

Charlotte Rodgers Beaulieu Blair House Co-Captain

Sienna Rosham

Charlotte Rowe Boarding Co-Captain

Phoebe Russell Boarding Co-Captain

Mia Scillio

Georgia Szer Snowsports Co-Captain

Lucia Tabbagh Student Executive, Langley Templeton House Co-Captain

Xinglu (Yuki) Tang

Yifei (Angela) Tang Music (Instrumental) Captain

Lily Taylor Langley Templeton House Co-Captain

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Andrea Ting

Chui Iu (Yoyo) To

Georgiana Walsh

Caitlin Wang Holmes Kilbride House Co-Captain, School Pianist

Jiayi (Emma) Wang

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Miranda Ware Drama Captain

Xiaoying (Selina) Weng Proxime Accessit to the Dux

Jemima Wilcox Student Executive, Co-Captain of Boats

Pia Wilson

Agnes Winzar-Sdraulig

Christina Wu 2023 School Dux

Zixuan (Grace) Yang

Ella Ye

Wei (Wendy) Zhang

Wei (Doris) Zhou

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Parent Reflections This year the Class of 2023 put on their blue jumpers, tied their blue ribbons, and chose to conquer... and conquer they did.

Looking back over the years, this Cohort’s amazing group of parents have all contributed stitches to the beautiful rich tapestry of our School. A school that we have all nurtured in many ways. It is often the simplest actions that create the greatest impact. As parents, we have all attended many events and activities, from sporting battles to School plays. We have cheered our girls on from the sidelines.

We have carpooled, fed one another’s daughters, and shared our knowledge, however, most importantly we are simply a group of parents who have supported each other’s families and children for many years.

As parents, we are grateful that our girls have been lucky enough to attend a school where the teachers and students strive to create real and meaningful connections with each other.

When we look at the Class of 2023, we see the future, and it looks bright. We see future doctors, artists, scientists, and perhaps even future educators. We all know what a special place St Catherine’s is and because of this School and this community our daughters are well equipped for their next adventure.

The strength they have gained from the education they have received and the friendships they have made are key to making courageous and wise decisions in life.

It has been a true joy to watch our wonderful girls grow and mature. We hope they use this agency and the gifts of their education wisely.

The future is in safe hands and our girls are all ready to do remarkable and rewarding things.

On behalf of all of the parents, I would like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of the amazing teaching staff and School administration. First to our fearless leader, Michelle Carroll, thank you for your dedication and meaningful guidance.

Thank you to Linda Morgan and our wonderful Year 12 teachers – your enormous efforts ensure St Catherine’s continues to produce exceptional academic results.

To the extraordinary Class of 2023, the fabulous, brave, clever, and kind young women who have risen to the challenge and worked tirelessly throughout the year – go forth and keep conquering!

Sophia Colosimo On behalf of the Class of 2023 Parent Cohort

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VALEDICTORY AWARDS GOLD AWARDS Exceptional Service to the School Ava Colosimo Flora Du Jemima Wilcox Mietta Passon Tahlia Guzzardi Freya Cantwell Caitlin Wang Lucia Tabbagh GENERAL AWARDS Outstanding Service to the School Anise Imam Miranda Ware Phoebe Russell Brydie Read Lily Taylor Christina Wu Jo-Jo Patterson Matisse Stafford Eloise Burdett-Moore Olivia Howitt Principal’s Award for Co-Captains of School Ava Colosimo Flora Du Melbourne University Principal’s Award Freya Cantwell The Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award Lucia Tabbagh The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award Mietta Passon

The Ampol Best All Rounder Award Jemima Wilcox DARK BLUE AWARDS Awards for Academic Excellence Freya Cantwell Katharine Carter Ava Colosimo Keyue (Karen) Deng Flora Du Emma Gregory Tahlia Guzzardi Leanne Hiew Mietta Passon Charlotte Rodgers Amanda Shen Scarlett Song Georgia Szer Lucia Tabbagh Caitlin Wang Xiaoying (Selina) Weng Jemima Wilcox Christina Wu The Sue Bell Humanities Prize Ava Colosimo LIGHT BLUE AWARDS Performance in Debating Ava Colosimo Leanne Hiew Anise Imam Zara Peele Jemima Wilcox Flora Du

Performance in Music

Performance in Snowsports

Caitlin Wang Yifei (Angela) Tang Christina Wu Jo-Jo Patterson Miranda Ware Charlotte Henderson

Mietta Passon Georgia Szer

Performance in Rowing Jemima Wilcox Sienna Darcy Chloe Nevins Lucy Green Zoe Hall Freya Cantwell Zara Peele Olivia Howitt Rosie Oxley Georgia Szer Ava Colosimo Mietta Passon Performance in Hockey

Performance in Softball Chloe Stansfield Caitlin Wang Performance in General Sport Lily Taylor – Hockey, Swimming, Athletics, and Softball Matisse Stafford – Cross-Country, Athletics, Snowsports, Triathlon, and Softball Lucia Tabbagh – Softball, Swimming, and Athletics Eloise Burdett-Moore – Softball, Snowsports, and Hockey Performance in Drama Miranda Ware Phoebe Russell

Caitlin Wang Charlotte Rowe Samantha Love Lucy Dunlop Phoebe Russell Rosie Oxley Katharine Carter

CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS

Performance in Athletics

The Sports Auxiliary Sports Citizenship Award

Jemima Wilcox Performance in Swimming/Diving Brydie Read Emma Gregory Performance in Triathlon

Performance in Public Speaking

Brydie Read

Flora Du Ava Colosimo

Zoe Hall

Performance in Netball

The Margaret Woodlock Award for Outstanding Sporting Achievement Emma Gregory Lily Taylor

Eloise Burdett-Moore The Catherine-Nellijke Verstoep-Hilford Drama Prize Miranda Ware The Bertha Jorgensen Prize for Leader of the Orchestra Jo-Jo Patterson

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Keyue (Karen) Deng Flora Du Jo-Jo Patterson Christina Wu

Sports Full Colours Eloise Burdett-Moore – Hockey, Snowsports Freya Cantwell – Rowing Sienna Darcy – Rowing Emma Gregory – Swimming Lucy Green – Rowing Zoe Hall – Rowing, Netball Chloe Nevins – Rowing Rosie Oxley – Hockey Mietta Passon – Snowsports Zara Peele – Rowing Brydie Read – Swimming Charlotte Rowe – Hockey Phoebe Russell – Hockey Matisse Stafford – Snowsports, Track & Field Lucia Tabbagh – Swimming, Track & Field Lily Taylor – Hockey, Swimming, Track & Field Caitlin Wang – Hockey Jemima Wilcox – Rowing

Music Half Colours

Sports Half Colours

Ava Colosimo

Eloise Burdett-Moore – Softball Olivia Howitt – Rowing Diya Kayick – Badminton Qingyu (Eva) Liang – Badminton Gia (Sue) Nguyen – Badminton Rosie Oxley – Rowing Mietta Passon – Rowing Brydie Read – Triathlon Matisse Stafford – Cross Country, Triathlon Georgia Szer – Rowing, Snowsports Lucia Tabbagh – Softball Lily Taylor – Softball Caitlin Wang – Softball Miranda Ware – Snowsports Jemima Wilcox – Track & Field Christina Wu – Badminton

Music Citizenship Award

Debating Contribution Colours

Jo-Jo Patterson

Flora Du Anise Imam Zara Peele Jemima Wilcox

Sofya Vainer School Pianist Award Caitlin Wang St Catherine’s School Debating Award Flora Du Sophie Borland Memorial Award for Public Speaking

Drama Performance Full Colours Miranda Ware Drama Performance Contribution Colours Miranda Ware

Ava Colosimo

Drama Production Full Colours

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Phoebe Russell

Tahlia Guzzardi

Drama Production Contribution Colours

The Langley Family Memorial Award for a Boarder Charlotte Rowe Phoebe Russell The Margaret Mulder Award for International Citizenship Qingyu (Eva) Liang The Jeanie Hood Prize Anise Imam The Parents’ and Friends’ Association Citizenship Award Brydie Read CO-CURRICULAR COLOURS Debating Full Colours Ava Colosimo Flora Du Jemima Wilcox Debating Half Colours Anise Imam Zara Peele

Miranda Ware Music Full Colours

Music Contribution Colours Flora Du Anise Imam Jo-Jo Patterson Caitlin Wang Miranda Ware Christina Wu Public Speaking Full Colours Ava Colosimo Flora Du Service Colours Tahlia Guzzardi Mietta Passon Caitlin Wang Miranda Ware

Sports Contribution Colours Tara Browne Mietta Passon Zara Peele Lucia Tabbagh Lily Taylor Caitlin Wang School Colours Flora Du Caitlin Wang Miranda Ware House Colours Eloise Burdett-Moore Freya Cantwell Ava Colosimo Olivia Davis Sophie Davis Keyue (Karen) Deng Flora Du Emma Gregory Tahlia Guzzardi Olivia Howitt Anise Imam Diya Kayick Mia Krongold Rosie Oxley Mietta Passon Jo-Jo Patterson Zara Peele Brydie Read Charlotte Rodgers Charlotte Rowe Phoebe Russell Matisse Stafford Georgia Szer Lucia Tabbagh Lily Taylor Caitlin Wang Miranda Ware Jemima Wilcox Christina Wu

St Catherine’s School 17 Heyington Place Toorak VIC 3142 Australia T: +61 3 9822 1285 www.stcatherines.net.au ABN: 90 004 251 816 CRICOS: 00574F