St Catherine's News - spring 2016

Incorporating the Old Girls’ Bulletin

SPRING 2016

CONTENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

02 Leadership

Open Mornings

SCOGA Events

04 Early Learning Centre

Bookings: 03 9828 3071 admissions@stcatherines.net.au Thursday 20 October 9.00am start

International SCOGA Reunions

06 Junior School 08 Senior School 10 Teaching Resilience 11 The School of Life 12 Performing Arts 14

15 16

Gaining confidence through public speaking Boarding Student Perspectives

18 Trips and Exchanges 22 Empowered Girls Take Action 24 St Catherine’s History –

The second six decades 26 Prepare for the fourth wave 27 The Power of the Written Word 28 EPIC Gala Night 30 Staff Profiles 32 Philanthropy

Performing Arts Years 7 & 8 Play 21 October, 7.00pm and 22 October, 4.00pm Junior School Concert Thursday 24 November Community Events Years 9 –12 Speech Night 18 October, 7.00pm

Five Year Class Reunion – 2011 Friday 7 October 2016 Pre 1957 Luncheon Friday 21 October 2016 12.00pm – 2.00pm 50 Year Class Reunion – 1966 Saturday 22 October 2016 SCOGA AGM Saturday 26 November 10.00am

PFA Christmas Fair 18 November, 5.00pm Years 7 & 8 Awards Assembly 29 November, 9.00am Barbreck Carol Service 6 December, 2.00pm Senior School House Arts Performance 6 December, 6.00pm Senior School Carol Service 7 December, 11.00am

34 Our Community 36 Leading The Way:

Influence in the Arts 38 Archives 39 The Bulletin

connecting our community For the latest St Catherine’s news and regular updates visit www.stcatherines.net.au Editor Ms Kerrie Mussert Assistant Editors Ms Narda Edmondson, Mrs Jodie Naismith and Ms Meredith Taylor Cover photo St Catherine’s Archive Department: Carlotta Hawkes (1911) Avril Rainford (Goldstone ‘46) Eleanor Millear Year 10 Professional Photographers Joe Vittorio Photography and Marcel Aucar Photography Contributors Thank you to all Early Learning Centre, Junior School and Senior School staff and SCOGA (St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association).

The Bulletin Editor Emily Smith (‘10) Design Four Creative Print Printcess This publication is printed on Pacesetter Laser. It is made from elemental chlorine free bleached pulp which is sourced from ‘Farmed Trees’ and other sustainably managed sources. It is manufactured by an ISO 14001 certified mill.

For editorial queries, feedback or change of address, please email marketing@stcatherines.net.au For extra photos and video, you can read St Catherine’s News eMag online at www.stcatherines.net.au/our-publications

St Catherine’s now offers a number of social media platforms to connect with our community and discover the latest news. www.facebook.com/stcatherinesschooltoorak @stcatherinesschool www.linkedin.com/company/st-catherines-school

Join the St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association (SCOGA) closed group page on LinkedIn. This page is set up for Old Girls to communicate, network and hear about upcoming alumnae events. Once you are a member you can then share with other Old Girls in your LinkedIn network.

This year St Catherine’s School celebrates 120 years of empowering and nurturing women of the future.

“St Catherine’s is designed with our girls’ growing needs and educational journeys in mind, preparing our students to be ‘women of the future’, equipped with the educational foundation necessary to flourish in careers and industries not yet even imagined – to be leaders and pioneers of industry, philanthropy, medicine, law and music.”

Mrs Michelle Carroll ~ Principal

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

‘The Good Room’ Like so many families of my generation, we all had the ‘Good Room.’ This was the room that was left dusted, mostly unused and kept for special visitors and important occasions.

The ‘Good Room’ was often known as the Drawing Room, taken from earlier genteel times, when the ladies would ‘withdraw’ and leave the men to smoke. It was always the more feminine room with none of the male overtones of the den, study or smoking room.

St Catherine’s also has a ‘Good Room,’ also known as the Drawing Room. It is not, however, covered in dust sheets but used for a range of occasions, including welcome morning teas, unveiling of portraits, Council farewells, reunions, Music recitals and functions for our St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association women.

Each time I attend a function in the Drawing Room, guests remark upon its beauty and how lucky we are to have such a magnificent room. There is enormous history in the Room.

It was, at one time, the School Ballroom, now relocated to another room, and yes, why wouldn’t a School have a Ballroom?

One of my favourite events of 2016 in the Drawing Room was the function to celebrate the outstanding Old Girls who form part of SCOGA’s Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum Project.

We gathered to honour the achievements of the inducted Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum recipients who embrace the doctrine of our Founding

Principal, Miss Jeanie Hood, to be “women of the future.”

It was the School Ballroom, not the Drawing Room, which this year hosted a Breakfast for past School Captains. There was a wonderful buzz in the Room as Captains spanning seven decades joined together. The Room became a sea of blue blazers, the pale blue ranging in colour due to fading and different dye lots over the years. While many of the Captains had never met before, there was enormous camaraderie and chatter in the room with everyone realising they had more in common than they had expected. The group of Past Captains who attended the Senior School Assembly following the Breakfast provided a wonderful experience for our current students.

Another beautiful setting in our School is the National Trust listed Illawarra, our Boarding House, that earlier this year hosted 160 past boarders for the Boarders’ Reunion. Many of the students had not seen Illawarra before, having boarded upstairs in Sherren House. They were delighted that this former family home was now the home of the boarding community.

During the School holidays, Mrs Carroll gathered in London with 50 other members of our St Catherine’s community for a London

Reunion. Hosted by Old Girl, Rebecca Hossack (’72), who owns two art galleries in London and one in New York, attendees enjoyed the amazing artwork whilst also meeting with Old Girls, teachers, current students and parents.

There is something distinctly feminine about the architecture and style of St Catherine’s which clearly expresses its proud history as a School for girls. It is not just the beautiful ambience of the Drawing Room or our fountain surrounded by roses outside the entrance to Sherren House, it is also the Elaine Haxton Mural in the Library, the tranquil settings of the Mary Davis Café and the touches of light blue and sunshine yellow which speak to the colours of our School uniform.

This speaks volumes of a School which values detail, integrity and the aesthetic sense as much as it does accomplishment.

The St Catherine’s Drawing Room also epitomises the spirit of the St Catherine’s girl – they no longer ‘withdraw to the good room’, they use it, own it and celebrate their right to be in the epicentre of all that is important and all that is “best.”

Mrs Clare Cannon (Darling ’77) Chair of Council

LEADERSHIP

approach to learning. Girls are our specialty.

We know they need specific approaches and environments to bring out their strengths as learners and leaders. It is this strength, these skills of collaboration, creativity and lateral thinking that are increasingly prized as the skills necessary for a successful future.

Her Future Begins here As our 120 Anniversary celebrations have unfolded this year, I am ever mindful and grateful for the contribution of

120 years later our commitment to girls’ education remains true to the passion of our founders. Now, our vision for St Catherine’s in the 21st Century is a new Junior School for our students.

all who have gone before us.

A School designed with our girls’ growing needs and educational journeys in mind.

A Junior School that prepares our girls to be ‘women of the future’, equipped with the educational foundation necessary to flourish in careers and industries not yet even imagined.

During the year, I have reflected on the many Principals, Council and Council Sub-committee members, past students, parents, friends, architects and builders who have contributed to the living history of this wonderful School.

At only 34 years of age, Founding Principal, Miss Jeanie Hood, was absolute in her decision to move from Melbourne to Castlemaine to establish a School. Miss Hood’s vision of building a School for girls with a motto “To be Women of the Future” would be considered by many, in 1896 and even today, to be a bold dream. A dream that was later realised by sisters, Ruth and Nora Langley, who soon after Miss Hood, laid the foundations for our School, ensuring it would remain at the forefront of girls’ education in Australia.

Our Junior School has a proud history of academic achievement, laying the educational foundation for generations of women – leaders and pioneers of industry, philanthropy, medicine, law and music. We are proud that the first female Lieutenant Governor, Lady Southey (Myer ‘45) AC, and Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Linda Dessau AM, both began their educational journeys in our Junior School.

There is a palpable and positive energy to Barbreck. You can feel it as soon as you step onto our campus. We have a unique blend of a long and enriching heritage balanced with a decidedly contemporary and innovative

To better cater for a range of needs and learning modes, the new classroom design will provide flexibility—the capacity for spaces to capture the needs of individuals or facilitate small group work, team teaching or an open shared space for collaborative program work.

Our Prep to Year 3 students will be housed together on one floor providing a gentle transition into the Junior School, enabling interaction with each other, and providing ease of access to the Library, Art Studio, Language Lab and Science Lab, providing specialist learning areas, including the emerging field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.

Stepping into the St Catherine’s campus, our character is immediately evident from the School gates. The traditions that characterise the Junior School years link generations of students and parents. The Red Steps, Junior Joggers, Year 6 leaders, the Junior School Musical, Twilight Picnic and other celebrations remind us what is unique about Barbreck.

They inspire us to assume responsibility for our School and our girls’ futures.

It is up to each of us to ensure St Catherine’s continues to stand apart as a national leader in girls’ education. There is no greater tradition than providing every girl the opportunity to use her intellect and creativity to make a difference in her world and the wider community. This is a chance to ‘pay it forward’ and invest in the future of our exceptional girls. A new Junior School is not about those who will benefit immediately from this, but rather the opportunity to support and strengthen our School’s commitment to girls’ education.

This is our bold dream for St Catherine’s girls.

Mrs Michelle Carroll Principal Mrs Clare Cannon (Darling ’77) Chair of Council

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Connecting People, Community and Country

ELC

The National Quality Standards and the Early Years Learning Framework that provide the national governance of ELC in Australia states “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have histories in Australia dating back 75,000 years. Theirs are some of the oldest cultures in the world and as such demand respect and consideration from us daily.”

As a team of educators we, continually reflect and respond to this statement, planning the way forward in relation to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in our educational programs. This may seem like a big concept for young children but it is one that cannot be ignored. It is important now and in the future for ELC children, families and staff to embrace and learn from our unique history, fostering a culture of natural reconciliation.

Our focus in the ELC is to build strong, positive relationships with the children and their families.

Demonstrating that we respect and value the learning that can occur when exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, promotes respect, and provides value to the many different ways of knowing, seeing and living.

Throughout this year, we have created opportunities for the ELC children to form a unique relationship with a visiting Indigenous educator, Mr Shawn Andrews. Shawn is a Yugambeh man from the Mununjali people and he is involved with many schools across Victoria as part of his Indigenous education consultancy, and currently holds a directorship with the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School in Richmond. He also works with older St Catherine’s students providing programs in History and Geography and celebrating and recognising Indigenous cultural events.

The children respond positively to Shawn’s warm, calm manner as he shares his cultural ways of knowing and learning from his family and natural world around him. Shawn’s visits have provided the children with a positive male role model in the classroom where employment in the field of Early Childhood tends to be predominantly female. He has shown genuine interest in the educational program of our ELC and his Indigenous approach connects the learning in each class to the land. This resonates with the educational approach implemented in the ELC and connects with the Early Years Learning Framework which highlights that children become connected with their world and respond to diversity with greater respect.

Mrs Fiona Barker ELC Coordinator

Cultural appreciation is embedded in the learning we undertake each day with our young learners and families in the Early Learning Centre (ELC).

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Blue Ribbon Girl During Term 2, Year 6 students spent three days working closely with widely acclaimed Australian Choral Composer, Paul Jarman. As part of St Catherine’s 120 anniversary celebrations, Paul was invited to Barbreck to work on creating and composing a Junior School Anthem, something the Junior School has not previously had.

Paul Jarman is a composer, multi– instrumentalist and choir master. He has written over 100 commissioned works which have been performed around the world in venues such as the White House, the opening of the Rugby World Cup and the London Olympics. Paul has been commissioned to write about some of the most inspiring people of our time including Malala Yousafzai, Jessica Watson, Helen Keller, Ernest Shackleton, Mary MacKillop and many others.

In 2015 at our end-of-year Junior School Music Concert, the entire Junior School sang a piece

by Paul Jarman Follow Your Dreams. This song celebrated the life and achievements of Jesse Martin, a young Australian from Melbourne, who sailed unassisted around the world. The Barbreck students remembered singing this piece and were very excited to hear that Paul would be visiting the School in person.

Students in Year 6 worked closely with Paul, reflecting, writing and discussing the things that make St Catherine’s a special place for them.

The sessions were productive and creatively exciting, as both students and composer strived to identify what makes their School unique. Students wrote about friendships, trust and supporting those around them, having the courage to be themselves, becoming ‘women

of the future’, positivity and so much more.

It was interesting to note that the blue ribbon from our School uniform, and all that it represents to a St Catherine’s girl, featured strongly in the students’ writing and discussions.

The girls were highly engaged in the collaborative experience and made a special connection with our resident composer. The result is a piece titled Blue Ribbon Girl which premiered at the 120 anniversary Gala Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre. After the premiere, the students in Year 6 will teach the Anthem to the rest of the Junior School in preparation for our end-of-year Barbreck Music Concert late in November. Blue Ribbon Girl will then become our Junior School Anthem and be sung at many School occasions and concerts in the years to come.

As we celebrate the wonderful history of St Catherine’s and reflect on the School as it is today, Blue Ribbon Girl leads us forward into the next exciting chapter of our Junior School at St Catherine’s. The Year 6 students of 2016 should be extremely proud of their work.

Mrs Melissa Dods Junior School Music Coordinator

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Learning about Technology:

The Only Limit is Imagination Imagination, creative thinking and problem solving are some of the skills our children need to develop in this ever evolving journey of education.

The connections and relationships we as teachers develop with our students are irreplaceable and will remain to be the most important aspect in student learning. However, technology is essential in classrooms of today and if utilised effectively, can enhance teaching.

Always looking for new ideas to enhance student learning led me down the technology pathway. A meeting with a colleague introduced me to several ideas and, in conjunction with my fellow Year 5 teaching colleague, Genius Hour was launched at St Catherine’s.

Genius Hour involves students completing research projects on anything they are interested in, or passionate about, so long as it is a non-Google-able question.

The girls embraced Genius Hour wholeheartedly and were very excited to explore different topics including genetics, history and interior decorating.

One student presentation of their findings, using classroom technology such as iPads, would spark discussions which in turn would create an interest for another project. The girls’ enthusiasm inspired me to seek new avenues

for them to present their research project, including Google Cardboard which takes students on a virtual tour of anything, or anywhere, in the world with 360 0 vision.

Coding activities in our classrooms are also equipping students with the 21st Century skills required for jobs of the future. Coding helps students understand how computer programs work and students engage in various activities to make images move and perform tasks.

St Catherine’s is also trialling some amazing Virtual Reality technology in the classroom that brings a hands on 3D program to a whole new level. Technologies such as this ensure future learning for our students will be a very exciting one.

It is so rewarding to have the opportunity to introduce new technologies to my students and to see how quickly they engage, interact and work their way through the various technologies.

Mrs Jenny De Nardis Year 5 Teacher Junior School Physical Education Teacher

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Year 6

Camp IIuka Year 6 students enjoyed sleeping under canvas at Point Leo and Iluka Camp at Shoreham with many opportunities to develop new skills, friendships and independence. Students learnt to erect a tent, use a trangia stove and tie knots.

Perseverance and persistence was shown by all when they walked five kilometres to Camp along the beach carrying heavy packs.

Arriving at Camp, the girls went straight into making lunch, highlighting their dedication to their roles as independent camp participants.

Team building activities included 12 girls standing on one small blue mat and attempting to turn the mat over without anyone stepping or falling off. Patience and negotiations began while the girls tried to work together as a group. The aim was not to shout and scream demands to one another but to work as a team to solve the puzzle.

Stepping out of their comfort zone and pushing the limits when surfing was a great achievement. The group practised their surfing moves on land before venturing into the somewhat chilly water where excitement built as each girl stood on her board.

Our Year 6 students demonstrated that with positive thinking, teamwork and leadership they could achieve anything. Adapting and learning new skills in a new environment was a key factor achieved by all. Well done to all the girls.

Mrs Mary Karvounaris Year 6 Teacher

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Beyond Reasonable Doubt

Debating

Rebuttal, Mooting, Team Split – we usually think of people who master these skills as being confident, mature and erudite.

However do we ever think of young people between the ages of 14 to 18 who master their own fear of public speaking, address peers and adults alike and prepare to face a skilful opposition of boys and girls equally determined to undermine their arguments and confidence?

These are the attributes we have witnessed from our Debating students during this season’s DAV Senior Debating and High School Mooting Competition. These programs are also the forerunners to the Evatt Model UN Teams and the DAV Junior Debating Competition.

Local issues have also included whether or not Uber should be legalised, to whether or not schools should provide free meals to their students. The nature of these topics ensures that Debating fosters a greater awareness by young people of social and political issues, and hones their ability to structure cohesive arguments and select their content strategically. The transference of these skills into their academic work has been demonstrated time and time again, and is echoed by students who claim that it sharpens their persuasive skills.

Some of the complex international issues with which our Senior debaters have grappled this year include the controversial issues of the opening of international borders, and the potential creation of separate leagues which permit the use of performance enhancing drugs.

Some outstanding individual results include 28 Best Speaker awards garnered by our students throughout the season, and two undefeated teams by the end of Round 4: A Grade, Team 2 (Annabel Hartmanis, Elysèe Dubois, Katherine Zhao, Elizabeth Bolt, Brooke Maat, Madeline

Mills, and Georgina Cheale), and B Grade, Team 2 (Sophie Seng Hpa, Georgie Sitch, Alexandra Cullen, Lucy Glover, Georgina McNab, and Cluny Gilmour). Unfortunately, narrow losses in Round 5 precluded the Teams from taking part in the Finals. At the close of the season, 15 Year 11 students put their skills to good use by mentoring 26 eager Junior Debaters from Years 7 and 8.

A robust season comprising of 9 schools and over 40 teams in the Toorak region meant that our young debaters needed to be well prepared as they sharpened their argumentative skills.

Eight of our students were awarded Best Speaker with Tess Hogan, Fleur Anstee and Allegra Dennison being amongst the 16 Top Scoring debaters in the region – a credit to their Year 11 Mentors.

senior school

Senior students interested in the areas of law and international politics have also been able to use Debating skills in intimidating real world contexts such as before judges at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in the Bond University High School Mooting Competition. To her credit, Sophie Sitch was acknowledged as a Highly Commended Oralist by the judges in the Bond University High School Mooting Competition.

Six teams of 12 students also argued and negotiated before the mock UN Security Council in the Evatt Model UN Teams as advocates for the countries of France, Egypt, China and Spain.

In maintaining our links with experienced debaters, as well as improving the quality of students’ Debating skills, we engaged the support of some talented Old Girls as Senior Debating Team coaches: Kate Clark (’14), Tess Price (’14), Claire Gifford (’14), Jaquelin Cantarella (’15), Nikki Sitch (’15) and 2015 Debating Captain Ruby King (‘15). Grëtel Cannon (’12) also assisted students with their preparation

for the High School Mooting Competition.

Hours of communication, organisation and dedication have also characterised the leadership of our Debating Captain, Sofiya Hay, who has been ready at a moment’s notice to help younger Team members and facilitate the smooth running of all programs.

The emphasis this year has been on the value and importance of being a supportive Team member, whether it is in the capacity of a Speaker, a Chairperson, or a spectator.

Record numbers of students have attended all training sessions and debates as they support their fellow Team mates and improve their own skills. Rejoicing genuinely in the achievements of their fellow Team members enhances our students’ confidence and fosters the leadership of emerging young adults as they work together to understand the value and nature of team work.

Ms Mary-Anne Keratiotis Debating and Public Speaking Co-ordinator

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Teaching Resilience A highlight of our weThrive: Wellbeing@St Catherine’s Parent Program was Mr Hugh van Cuylenburg’s enthralling presentation, ‘Teaching Resilience at Home’. Hugh is the founder of The Resilience Project, an organisation that seeks to ‘help young Australians to be mentally healthy’.

The presentation focussed on three key factors shown to increase resilience in children: Gratitude, Mindfulness and Empathy.

Mr van Cuylenburg spoke of the way society equates happiness with material success or possessions. Having experienced life in a remote Himalayan village several years ago, he was struck with the way the villagers, including homeless children, were able to maintain such a positive and happy outlook on life. A common thread in the community was the gratitude they expressed for what little they had.

Referencing research from the University of Massachusetts, the presentation outlined that practising gratitude for as little as 21 days can alter a person’s perspective on life. Notably, after 42 days, studies have shown those practising gratitude are ‘less likely to get sick, have higher energy levels, feel happier, are more enthusiastic, more attentive, more determined, more optimistic, have better quality sleep and have lower levels of depression and anxiety’1.

So how do we cultivate gratitude? Mr van Cuylenburg offered parents some simple strategies to encourage their children and adolescents to practise gratitude.

Van Cuylenburg, Hugh ‘Teaching Resilience at Home Presentation’ 1

Keep a gratitude journal Ask children ‘What went well?’ each day, as a means of focussing on the positives. For older students and adults, note your positives in a journal.

Focus on what is good Through gratitude and appreciation of what is good in our lives now, we can avoid the temptation of always looking to future happiness, while forgetting to actually experience and savour happiness in the present.

Unplug from technology Remind the plugged in children of today to look up and observe what is around them; to be mindfully in the present. Mindful colouring is also a way to allow children this mental space.

Our students enjoy the ‘Colour me Calm’ activities offered at School as an opportunity to switch their focus and unplug from the bustle of School life.

Practice empathy One of St Catherine’s School values, empathy, is an important factor in the promotion of resilience. The neurological benefits of the release of oxytocin, which occurs when an act of kindness is performed, contribute to this increased level of resilience. The release of oxytocin in the brain leads to increased self-esteem, confidence, energy and increased levels of happiness and positivity.

The resilience strategies outlined during the presentation are integral to our Wellbeing program which strives to provide our girls with the ability to adopt a positive outlook to their present situation, irrespective of challenges, to model gratitude and empathy and have strong emotional literacy and mindfulness.

Ms Merran O’Connor Director of Student Wellbeing

weThrive: Wellbeing@St Catherine’s Resilience Strategies: Character Strengths Activities Gratitude Journals What Went Well Today? Discussions Gratitude Letters Reflection Writing The Best Thing About My Day Blogs Random Acts of Kindness ‘RAKtivist’ Blogs Gratitude Trees The Wellbeing Wall The Motivation Tree Mindfulness Gratitude Post-it-Notes on Lockers

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The School of Life During my nine years at St Catherine’s, I have seen how much our School has helped shape those who pass through its iron gates, and I know how much it has helped shape me, and not just academically.

There is much more to this small and incredible School than first meets the eye.

A girl who first arrives at St Catherine’s may not immediately be aware of what truly awaits. She may know that she is attending a School with outstanding VCE results, a fantastic array of subjects and impeccable teaching staff, however this is not all that St Catherine’s provides.

This School develops knowledge, not just for exams, but for life. We arrive as young girls but leave as young women. Respectable young women encouraged to develop analytical skills, a fondness for the Arts, Sports and most importantly, a love of life and learning, now ready to take on life’s challenges and opportunities.

However, lessons do not always take place within the classroom. They are found outside in the vast array of Co-curricular activities beyond the walls of a classroom.

Epstein Singers – the Years 4 to 6 Choir in Barbreck was the first School club to teach me something profound. Never a singer beforehand, I joined in my first week of Year 4, looking for a way to meet new people. However, under the guise of the incredibly caring Music staff, I not only discovered my singing voice, but also my love for music. Soon, I was in every ensemble, band, or choir I could be a part of – absolutely loving every minute of it.

I loved it so much I could not wait to join the choirs and bands once I arrived in the Senior School. At the time, Mum would often find me scouring the website for the names of the ensembles I could participate in once I arrived there, noting those I wished to join in my purple notebook.

It was the beginning of a love for St Catherine’s Music Department that I can whole-heartedly say continues to this day – forged in part by both the many opportunities I have had to perform my chosen instruments, as well as the fellow performers I have gained as close friends.

Who could have seen this occurring? Certainly not my parents or I. Nor did we see the true benefits that arose from my exchanges to Japan and the United Kingdom.

At first glance, the number of overseas trips and exchanges offered by St Catherine’s may be considered as merely overseas excursions.

However, the true value is hidden within. Only those who participate in the exchange can really appreciate how much good they bring. I learnt things about myself from my exchanges that I could not have learnt in class, although the Japanese I did learn in class was much appreciated during my time at Aichi Shukutoku High School!

My Dad told me that even if challenges arise during these trips, you make them a learning process and then at least you will come back smarter. And that I did. Not because the trips were difficult, but because I learnt so much more than I could have ever expected.

I learnt the importance of communication.

Whether in Japanese or English, being able to convey how you are feeling will ensure any circumstance will be the better for it. It allows changes to be made so you are more comfortable, or ensures host sisters and parents know you appreciate the efforts they have made to ensure you have a wonderful stay.

It is this, and many other lessons from School clubs, teams and exchanges that have made me the person I am today. I hope that you take the time to read about all the Co-curricular activities at St Catherine’s School, and that you and your daughter will feel more motivated to participate in them.

These are what made St Catherine’s so great for me, and I hope every girl at St Catherine’s can have a similarly incredible experience.

Elizabeth Bolt School Captain 2016 School Captain

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Last year, when our production team met to discuss our 2016 Musical, we had a number of requirements: it had to be a large scale musical in its own right, have strong female leads, provide exciting characters, contain challenging song and dance numbers, and finally, reflect our School values: Integrity, Curiosity, Perseverance and Empathy. Sweet Charity was the show we all agreed was the perfect fit.

Based on Federico Fellini’s screenplay for Nights of Cabiria, Sweet Charity was originally conceived for the stage by iconic Broadway choreographer Bob Fosse (alongside an incredible team of theatre luminaries: Cy Coleman, Dorothy Fields and Neil Simon) to feature the many talents of his wife and muse – Gwen Verdon. It was later adapted for the screen starring Shirley MacLaine, Chita Rivera and Sammy Davis Jr. The script and score of Sweet Charity are so skilfully crafted you almost forget what a dark and dangerous world it occupies, or would, if it were not for Charity Hope Valentine. The script critiques the many and varied subsections of 1960s Manhattan society and denounces vanity and apathy with biting irony. The narrative follows Charity’s romantic trials and tribulations on her mission to find true love. Ultimately, Charity is confronted with her own independence and decides upon a life of purpose rather than the ‘fickle finger of fate’, giving her hope for the future.

It is always a huge commitment putting on a production of this scale, but we as teachers thoroughly enjoy working alongside students on something that fosters experiential learning and collaboration across so many different areas and skill sets. The VCE Theatre Studies class again worked on the many and varied production elements, meeting each challenge with creative solutions to ensure the vision and message of the script were communicated effectively.

It has been wonderful to reflect, both individually and as a group, upon just how far the production travelled from our first rehearsal to the closing night performance, enjoying plenty of ‘fun, laughs and good times’ along the way.

It is inspiring to watch the talents of both the St Catherine’s girls and St Kevin’s boys, go from strength to strength each year.

I am humbled by the passion, vision, and hard work that the entire team put into this production.

I was thoroughly impressed by the maturity and professionalism of all the students involved.

My personal thanks go to all of our dedicated students and staff for their tireless efforts in making Sweet Charity not only a great show, but a wonderful experience with plenty of ‘heart’.

Mr James Brown Head of Performing Arts

Good Times

PERFORMING ARTS

GA L L

Y ER

Sweet Charity

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Gaining Confidence Through Public Speaking Throughout the year we have had 15 students from Years 7 to 12 participate in a variety of Public Speaking competitions.

Beginning early in the year with the Rotary: Ainger Public Speaking Award, now in its twenty-seventh year, our Year 11 students, Amber Chapman and Mackenzie Leyden represented the School along with Year 12 student, Brooke Maat – all three students were strong participants and ambassadors for the School. Brooke’s speech on social attitudes towards women which leads to disparity in women’s pay in sport compared to their male counterparts, resonated strongly when she also presented it to our staff and students in Assembly.

Taking their first tentative steps, our Year 7 students Eloise Kewley, Victoria Patsakos and Amelia Jones took part in the DAV Junior Public Speaking Competition while Year 8 students, Isabella McDonald, Julia Thompson and Serena Sitch took part in the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Awards presenting prepared speeches on a range of topics from community service, social justice and personal sacrifice.

In a new initiative this year, Senior students Demi Markakis, Samara Gill and Caroline Pick mentored our Junior students in the lead up to

competitions. In the latter competition, Allegra Dennison was runner up, impressing judges with her speech on the ways that small steps of fundraising can help make a difference to global problems such as poverty and the environment. Allegra had also taken part in the Rostrum: Voice of Youth competition which gave her an opportunity to canvass the talent of other entrants.

American novelist, Mark Twain said, “It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” In contrast, our students have between 10 and 15 minutes to prepare their impromptu speeches in competitions and present their content creatively and memorably. While battling their own nervousness and in the process, developing valuable life skills, the composure of some of our Senior students belies their age.

Our School Captain, Elizabeth Bolt, represented St Catherine’s in both the VCAA: Plain English Speaking Award and the Rostrum: Voice of Youth competition where her prepared speech on robots and the potential disadvantages of artificial intelligence reminded the audience that

sometimes the advances of science do not necessarily go hand in hand with wisdom.

Other Senior participants included, Samara Gill, Lucy Porter, and Demi Markakis whose strong performance in the impromptu section, and perceptive and thought-provoking speech on the alienating nature of social media won her a place as a Finalist in the competition.

A welcome new competition in Public Speaking this year is the DAV Senior Public Speaking Competition. Our Year 10 students, Samara Gill and Isabel Gray, and Year 11 student, Amber Chapman finished strongly with only three to five points separating them from the top two places; indeed in their prepared speeches, our students were equal to students who were placed first or second in this section.

This completed a fine season of Public Speaking challenges for those girls who continued to build their confidence and mastery of these invaluable life skills.

Ms Mary-Anne Keratiotis Coordinator of Debating and Public Speaking

BOARDING

The Power of Gratitude Boarding has been an integral part of life at St Catherine’s from its earliest days in Castlemaine in 1896. In an advertisement in the Mount Alexander Mail on 7 December 1895, our Founding Principal, Miss Jeanie Hood wrote that she would “receive boarders…at a dwelling in Templeton Street,” on Tuesday 4 February 1896.

As part of the celebration of the School’s 120 anniversary this year, an invitation was extended to all past boarders to join us at School for an afternoon tea in our newly refurbished café in the Mary Davis Centre. Nearly 160 former boarders who attended School between 1942 (at Warburton due to the Second World War) to 2013 at Illawarra, participated in the function with many stories shared about boarding.

A group of current boarders offered to be guides for the afternoon and enjoyed showing the past boarders our current boarding facility as well as providing them the opportunity to explore their old dormitories in Sherren House.

During Term 2, we dedicated the week before the mid-year examinations to Random Act of Kindness Week. We also created a coloured paper Gratitude Tree on the back window of the Dining Room. Everyone was asked to write on a post-it-note something that had gone well for them each day and attach it to the tree. Every

boarder was also provided the name of a secret person in an envelope and their goal was to treat their boarder to a random act of kindness.

Many blocks and boxes of chocolates, small posies of flowers and messages of support and friendship were left anonymously on girls’ beds and outside their doors. Two notes left on the Gratitude Tree by girls in recognition of this week were: “really appreciated receiving such a cute card and flowers” and “got a lovely gift from my secret person.” During dinner the following week everyone had the opportunity to share who their secret boarder was and we all decided this would become an annual event. The Gratitude Tree is still there and the girls continue to add their messages!

Another highlight on the boarding calendar each year is our annual Staff/Boarders Dinner.

This provides an opportunity to invite our academic staff and the general staff who work with the boarders to dinner at Illawarra. Following

on from our highly successful Bollywood Dinner last year the Boarding Captains decided on the theme – An American Diner.

The table decorations, music and menu all recreated a diner from the 1950s and the annual quizzes were hotly contested. The boarders love the chance to share their home with their teachers and each year the dinners become even more successful.

Throughout St Catherine’s School’s 120 year history, boarders have played an essential part in the growth and development of our School.

During Miss Langley’s time in the early 1900s, it is written in the School’s history that “boarders similarly remember the intimacy and warmth of Sunday afternoons when, at 3.00pm, they assembled and went to Miss Ruth Langley’s sitting room.”

Today the boarders love to join the staff on the couches in the lobby to talk, help with jigsaws, share stories and chocolate as well as happenings at School. Perhaps some things never change.

Mrs Sue Collister Director of Boarding Services

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Meet four of our students…

Elleina Dharma

Laura Flack

Elleina Dharma/Prep

Laura Flack/Year 5

What do you like most about School?

I love learning new sounds. My favourite sound is ‘w’. After we learn the sounds of the alphabet we learn the letters to help us read.

What are some of the things you have learnt so far?

We learn so much in class. I enjoy learning how to solve problems in Mathematics. At the moment we are learning about fractions and division which is really interesting. I have also been learning about different ways to write like persuasive writing and narratives which is fun. We have also learnt about the Gold Rush and space.

What are some of the things you have learnt so far?

We are practising our handwriting and typing on the iPad. We are writing stories about Rainbow Day which we are going to publish.

What are your favourite things to do away from School?

Travel. My Dad lives in Jakarta so we visit him.

Last time we were there I went on four flying foxes which were scary but I was brave. I love going to Luna Park in Melbourne on the weekends too. The roller coaster is my favourite and I can ride in the purple carriage which is my favourite colour.

Do you play any sports?

I love swimming and skipping and at recess and lunchtimes I love playing in the playground and fairy garden.

Do you play any musical instruments?

I have a violin and I am starting to learn how to hold it and make sounds. At the moment I am just having a go.

What would you like to do when you are older?

I would like to earn money so I can buy a cello.

It is much bigger than a violin! I would also like to work in an office like my Dad.

What sports do you participate in?

I play Netball and Basketball as well as Swimming.

I am part of St Catherine’s Aquatic which is fun because you can swim with your friends.

What would you like to be when you grow up?

I am not too sure what I want to do yet. At the moment though I would probably say a lawyer.

What have you enjoyed the most so far this year?

I loved School Camp to Gundiwindi especially the giant swing, flying fox and night walk.

Our excursion to Sovereign Hill was also great.

We panned for gold and re-enacted what it was like at School during the Gold Rush. It was interesting to experience what we had learnt in the classroom about the Gold Rush.

What does it mean to you to be a St Catherine’s girl?

You need to be kind, caring, show persistence, have integrity and think about these every day.

What are some of the things you are most looking forward to for Year 6 in 2017?

Being part of the Fundraising Day organisation as a Year 6 leader is going to be a lot of fun and responsibility. I am also looking forward to being a buddy and participating in Interschool Sports.

It will also be great to sit on the Red Steps as a Year 6 during assembly.

STUDENT PERSPECTIVES

Julia Stern

Angela Sexton

Julia Stern/Year 8

Angela Sexton/Year 11

What do you enjoy about boarding at

What do you enjoy about St Catherine’s?

The small scale of the student cohort means everyone knows everyone – there is always someone to talk to! This also makes it easier to talk to the teachers making learning easier and more enjoyable.

St Catherine’s?

I love being a boarder at St Catherine’s because it is a great chance to experience a life that few others have. Boarding opens up a new chapter in life because you get to meet people who are sharing similar experiences to your own. You also get to learn about a variety of different cultures.

What have been your 2016 highlights so far?

This year I have really enjoyed English. I really like working on the radio plays we recorded at The Arts Centre, Melbourne. I also enjoyed participating in the Boarders’ Reunion and conducted tours for the old boarders of the School. It was great to hear some of their memories from the past.

What are some of the things you are most looking forward to next year?

The subject selection we get in Year 9 and also Heyington to Highlands. I am looking forward to meeting and helping some of the local students in the Fijian villages we visit.

Being an intake year there will also be a number of new girls starting in Year 9 so it will be great to meet and become friends with them.

What does it mean to you to be a St Catherine’s girl?

It is a great honour to be a student as well as a boarder at St Catherine’s. It is a wonderful School and already it has given me a number of opportunities that I never considered before starting here.

Something I have also always appreciated, especially this year coming into VCE, has been the freedom to select subjects since Year 9.

Outside the classroom, what has been the highlight of 2016 so far, and why?

I have had two highlights. The first was my participation in the Art Study Tour to Italy during the April Holidays and the second was the Senior musical, Sweet Charity.

Travelling through Italy with a small group of girls from Venice through Prato, Florence and Assisi to Rome, participating in an Art course at the Monash Prato Campus and indulging in the incredible art culture of Italian history were the two best weeks of my life!

Heading into Year 12 in 2017 what are your plans for your final year of School and beyond?

I want to push myself next year to reach my full potential and prepare for life beyond School. I am still undecided about what I will study after School but I am interested in the University of Melbourne Arts course, where I may study law, history, fine arts or international relations. It is a little terrifying thinking about my future beyond St Catherine’s but I am excited!

What would you like to achieve during your time as a St Catherine’s girl?

I want to strengthen my relationships with friends and teachers to create a wide network of support for when I finish School. I also want to be equipped with the skills required to make a positive impact on the wider community.

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Young Leaders take on

New York In June, seven St Catherine’s students Chloe Stuart, Mackenzie Leyden, Lucy Skyrme-Jones, Georgie Sitch, Zara Seyfort, Eve Alexiadis and Georgina McNab embarked on the leadership experience of a lifetime at the Global Young Leaders Conference.

Hosted in Washington D.C. and New York City, the Conference enabled our budding St Catherine’s diplomats the chance to meet world leaders and exchange ideas with business leaders, diplomats, politicians and journalists.

“Some highlights from the trip include visiting the United Nations Headquarters, the U.S. Department of State, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, watching Matilda on Broadway, going to the top of the Empire State Building at sunset, spending an afternoon in Central Park and exploring American college campuses such as NYU and Columbia University. However, for me, the most valuable aspect of the trip was the exposure to a plethora of cultures, views, lifestyles and experiences.

We experienced the benefits of cross-cultural communication through the sharing of cultures, stories, language and food and created memories that will last a lifetime with the most diverse and interesting group of people. Despite the initial nerves surrounding rooming and spending two weeks with people who were

initially strangers, the Conference encouraged me to maintain an open mind and to learn from how others live and interact.

As a result, the trip provided me with a greater insight into our global society, as well as our role as young people in shaping the future of our world.”

Mackenzie Leyden Year 11 “The Global Young Leaders Summer Program in both New York and Washington is an educational and culturally diverse Conference. This Program was a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures, meet students from all over the world and to participate in simulations of the United Nations, including the United Nations Security Council meetings.

The trip emphasised leadership, facing challenges and cross-cultural communication.

Exploring unfamiliar cities with strangers is a rare experience that allowed us to quickly make new connections.

This trip is something I am extremely grateful for.

My personal highlight of the trip was spending time and becoming close with the people in my country group. From bus trips to getting lost in New York City, we were incredibly close at the end of the 10 days. Aside from the Conference, in Washington D.C my highlights included seeing the National Mall and exploring the city. In New York we stayed at the Manhattan college campus which lived up to our American college life expectations.

Seeing the iconic New York City sites and our final night cruise to the Statue of Liberty were memorable aspects of the trip. Participating in this Program is something I would definitely recommend, as we were able to see more of New York, including the Empire State Building at sunset. I would like to thank St Catherine’s and Ms Hildebrand for the opportunity to take part in such a rewarding and memorable trip.”

Zara Seyfort Year 11

TRIPS AND EXCHANGES

‘Oarsome’

Adventures on Duke of Edinburgh

During the Term 2 holidays, students from Years 11 and 12 visited the Whitsundays for their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey.

During the eight-day trip, we were provided the opportunity to sea kayak, snorkel and hike around different islands, as well as learn more about the environment and Queensland’s infamous coral reefs.

In preparation for the Camp, we were required to develop packing lists, plan meals and research possible campsites and activities under the guidance of Ms Chalman, Director of Outdoor Education. Such planning enabled us to lead, organise and manage most of the trip ourselves.

Skills were immediately tested upon arriving at the Whitsundays, where our group set off to purchase groceries for the week ahead. However, we encountered our first hardship upon realising the ingredients for the beloved bucket lunch were forgotten and the only supermarket in town was closed. Luckily, we were able to find a small petrol station, stocking bread and rice instead.

One of the main highlights of the Camp was sea kayaking, where we spent days travelling to different islands including Steen’s Beach and Bali Hai. With our instructor constantly 10 metres ahead of us, we stayed motivated and determined to arrive at our destination. Of course, our ability to power through such obstacles was also aided through deep and meaningful conversations about star signs and soul mates, followed by out of tune singing of Frank Sinatra’s I love you baby.

We were also able to view the scenic beaches from above and below as we snorkelled and trekked on different islands. This provided us the opportunity to take plenty of photos and more importantly, appreciate our natural environment.

After experiencing the coral reefs firsthand, we learnt about the effects of global warming. It was shocking to learn how these diverse and colourful reefs could die if the temperature of the ocean was to rise by as little as one degree in the next few years. This provided us with a greater understanding of our current situation and the importance of saving the environment for future generations.

Our wellbeing days were an unforgettable experience as the group was able to bond as a family, providing us with the opportunity to reflect on our time at the Whitsundays. During our Yoga sessions, solo times and group discussions with Ms Chalman, we learnt to channel a positive and healthy mindset through changing our negative thought patterns when faced with particular difficulties.

Sea Kayaking was an ‘oarsome’ experience that I know I would probably not have had the opportunity to experience if it were not for St Catherine’s and Ms Chalman’s help and generosity. This entire program was ‘swell’, and I know the girls with whom I have bonded with, will share these exciting memories with me for the rest of our lives.

Katherine Zhao Duke of Edinburgh Captain

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

At Home in The Highlands “My Heyington to Highlands experience was nothing like I could of ever imagined.” Flynn O’Brien

Kenani Village On first entering the Village, the welcoming ceremony instantly made us feel part of the Village and Kenani quickly felt like our home in the Highlands. As one of the Fijians told me ‘this is your home now’ and it certainly felt this way.

Kenani sits above Nasivikoso Village and with 360 degree views of the Fijian mountains it was breathtaking. The Fijian people taught us the true value of family by inviting us into their everyday lives. We attended the Village church service and hiked to the most beautiful waterfall. I do not think many of us would have made it if it were not for the extremely fit local students that helped us the entire way.

During our time at the Nasivikoso Village School it was impossible not to smile. The energy and enthusiasm of the 45 students was infectious.

On being given some work by their teacher it was then over to us to instruct 45 energetic and tremendously enthusiastic kids, I have never done the Macarena so many times in my life!

We finished our time at the School with a game of Netball and nothing could have prepared us for the athletes we were about to face. Saying goodbye to all the kids as we walked them home on the last day was emotional for us all however saying goodbye to the Fijians that had become part of our Kenani family was even harder.

Hugging, crying and waving as our trucks pulled away, we made our way back to Nadi.

We spent our last full day on South Sea Island and it was great to reunite with the rest of the Year 9s, all sharing stories about their experiences and new Fijian families.

Heyington to Highlands was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I will never forget the experiences we had and the memories we made.

Flynn O’Brien

Draiba Village Our time in Draiba was spent bonding with everyone in our group as well as the kindhearted Fijians staying with us in Vunayawa.

Feeling immediately at home, we were all outside clapping and playing ball games with all the Fijian children.

Names were quickly exchanged and there was lots of laughter if someone could not pronounce a name correctly. By the fourth day we felt as if we had been there for weeks as we were so used to the rooster at 4.30am waking us up.

Our first day in the Navosa Central College we were greeted by excited teenagers, more laughs over the language barrier and bonds were quickly made within each classroom. We settled into Village life quickly with frequent trips to the river to cool down and wash clothing and helping the nene’s (mothers) in the kitchen with meal preparation, homemade doughnuts rolled in sugar were a favourite.

TRIPS AND EXCHANGES

Following preparation for the Village games, we enjoyed reconnecting with the other groups and competing for the Kava Bowl, Vunayawa and Navaga Villages eventually walking away with a tie for first place.

After an amazing eight days it was time to leave our Fijian family and the amazing place which had become our home, a few tears were shed as we left Vunayawa.

I think we all agree this trip was an eye opening experience into the world of which we had never seen before and a life experience we will never forget.

The Fijians would have to be one of the most amazing and welcoming people in the world.

Looking back on the video and photos brings tears to my eyes and I desperately want to go back to our Village and continue creating long lasting memories.

Alexandra Hall

Navaga Village Our highland village, Navaga, may have been small in size but was certainly large in spirit.

We knew immediately the next ten days were going to be life changing.

The Navaga community welcomed us into their Village family as if we had been there for months.

Their hospitality and generosity meant we all bonded immediately. Our nenes (mother) would be up at 5.00am every morning making our delicious breakfasts, an inordinate gesture, but it was their way of thanking us for staying in their Village. It was so special to see they were just as appreciative to have us staying as we were to be there.

Their bountiful happiness and fun personalities left us smiling constantly (even now whilst we have returned to School and are settling into our busy routines). We never saw a Fijian without a smile on their face and none of us will ever forget the sound of their highly contagious laughs.

Experiencing life in this community, rich in happiness and community, really allowed us

to relate to the quote – “Money does not buy happiness.” We all experienced the simplest, most down to earth way of life and not one of us will ever look at our privileged lives in the same way again.

Our outlook on life has become a lot more optimistic and everyday seems brighter after living with these people who have so little in terms of materialistic objects, yet so much in terms of life spirit and purity.

We have all left Navaga with an indescribable feeling in our hearts, an overwhelming emotion that leaves you confused on whether you feel the need to laugh or cry.

We were all so incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity and make these special connections.

Vinaka vaka levu to St Catherine’s for giving us this life changing experience and Vinaka to the best highland village in the whole of Fiji! We will never forget you and the new values and morals you gifted us with.

Emily Sutherland, Hope Kudelka and Harriette Dryden

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Empowered Girls Take Action Community Service of any kind often sees volunteers benefiting a great deal, if not more, than the recipients themselves. Thinking and giving altruistically is an important focus at St Catherine’s with a myriad of opportunities for students to pay it forward in their School, local, national or international communities.

2016 has been a busy year for our students who have involved themselves in a wide range of community service and fundraising activities.

Here are just three of the wonderful initiatives they have been involved in this year: Leading and Learning through FUNdraising Fundraising and social responsibility start early at St Catherine’s and for our Year 6 students, Friday 22 July was the culmination of many weeks of brainstorming, planning, organising, negotiating and shopping for the annual Year 6 Fundraising Day. Barbreck came alive with a rainbow of colour and activity against a backdrop of laughter and goodwill, this year raising close to $3,000 for Make a Wish Australia, a non-profit organisation providing wishes to children and teenagers across Australia fighting a life threatening medical condition.

Year 6 student Emma Turner says, “setting up all the activities and stalls took a lot of time, but it was really fun. Making balloon animals and having all the Preps watching me and trying to make one themselves was great. The day is a great memory that I will always have. We did a lot of jobs but we loved it.”

Year 6 students were kept extremely busy with responsibility for setting up and leading each activity throughout the day including a talent quest, food stalls, pamper room, craft activities, biscuit decorating, bubble blowing, balloon artistry and raffles and prize competitions.

“The event brings ample opportunities for leadership training and it is wonderful to watch the Year level grow in confidence and revel in the opportunities to lead. The Year 6 cohort of 2016 were astonishingly eager to complete all tasks and met their given obligations with generosity and goodwill. Well done to all the girls and thank you to all the families who donated so generously,” says Head of our Junior School, Mrs Alana Moor.

Cut for Cancer In Term 3, three of our Year 12 students, Mia Lansell, Georgia Bickford and Ella Swann organised Cut for Cancer a fundraising event that saw students and staff cut or shave their hair to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

The girls raised close to $30,000 for the Cancer Council of Victoria with Director of Fundraising at Cancer Council Victoria, Mr Andrew Buchanan thanking the girls for their support.

“Thank you to St Catherine’s for your incredible support in cutting your hair to raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer. The funds raised by generous pupils and teachers at St Catherine’s School will fund cancer research, prevention programs and support services for people going through a cancer experience and their loved ones.”

Mia, Georgia and Ella explain they were inspired to take action as a way to support and recognise the battles of too many of their family and friends who have suffered from this disease.

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Along with the donations from the haircuts the girls also collaborated with Pantene Beautiful Lengths, Look Good Feel Better charity that supplies wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair. “My aunt lost her hair whilst receiving chemotherapy during her cancer battle, it really affected her confidence, so we wanted to ensure our hair could provide some source of happiness for cancer patients in the future,” Mia says.

As well as raising funds and awareness for cancer research the girls wanted to organise an event specifically for the Year 12 cohort as a highlight of their final year at St Catherine’s as well as providing an opportunity for the whole School community to come together. “We chose this project because it is a unique type of fundraising that involves both the students making a sacrifice as well as encouraging donations from our community,” Georgia says.

Reflecting on what they were able to achieve together, Ella says they learnt so much about organising events, fundraising and themselves, “we had a few setbacks in the lead up to the day but we learnt that as long as we remained positive, determined and flexible with our thinking we could solve any problems that arose.”

To make a contribution to the girls’ Cut for Cancer campaign please visit www.stcatherines.net.au/ media/students-make-cut-cancer-cure/ Knitting for Nepal In 2015 a series of devastating earthquakes hit Nepal killing thousands of people and destroying cities, towns and villages. Many Australians volunteered to assist in the emergency.

One of them is Year 12 student Meg Janssen’s father, Dr Erik Janssen, a member of the non-profit organisation TrekMedic, that provides medical support for communities without reliable access to emergency care.

“Dr Janssen was kind enough to speak with our students about his experiences in Nepal and what we, as a School community, could do to help. He explained the knitting of blankets would not only make a difference to a resource deprived and devastated community, but would also demonstrate to the Nepalese people that they were not alone,” says Year 10 Dean and Knitting for Nepal Co-ordinator, Ms Vasiliki Spanos.

The response from our School community was amazing. Knitting for Nepal commenced with a generous donation of wool and knitting needles from Spotlight Stores and the donation of time, skill and creativity from our students, staff and School community including several grandparents and parents of staff.

“Knitting for Nepal not only provided support to people in Nepal recovering from this horrific natural disaster it also showcased the amazing camaraderie and generosity within our School community. Students, staff and parents joined together to knit, sharing each other’s lives along the way. It was a truly beneficial initiative that I will always be grateful to have been a part of,” says Ms Spanos.

This Term we proudly presented Dr Janssen with just under 100 hand-knitted blankets to deliver to families in the village of Khopechunga in Nepal.

Dr Janssen said “A blanket may not be money but it is a tangible item that has been created with care and love.”

1983

1966 – 1975 1976–1985

St Catherine’s purchases two microcomputers and a mini computer including five screens and a high speed card reader.

1975

1968

1977

1992

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the School’s evacuation to Warburton, 125 Old Girls and staff reunite at the Warburton Chalet.

Driving lessons were introduced for students.

Davis House was established in honour of former Principal Mrs Mary Davis. Other Houses were renamed Beaulieu Blair, Holmes Kilbride and Langley Templeton.

Boys were enrolled in our Junior School up to Year 4 until the end of 1988.

The School began joint productions with Scotch College and in the first two years produced Antigone, The Crucible, The Lady’s Not for Burning, Medea, Juno and the Paycock and The Boyfriend.

24 St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

St Catherine’s History – The second six decades 1986–1995

1994

2015

St Catherine’s Leadership Diploma is introduced. Unique to St Catherine’s the Diploma is available to Years 9 and 10 students driving them to be organised, proactive, altruistic, insightful and empathetic, with the opportunity to make a tangible difference to their School and local community.

1996–2005

St Catherine’s Senior School is renewed with a refurbished Nicholas Library, Ruth Langley Research and Learning Centre, Edna Holmes Centre for Science and the Mary Davis Centre Café. The renewal was officially opened by Rhodes Scholar, poet, author and Old Girl, Dr Lisa Gorton (’89).

2006

1999

This decade closed with a dream run in sports with wins in the GSA Swimming competition for the third consecutive year, 16 of our 18 Rowing crews making finals and five crews winning medals, our Cross Country Team became Victorian champions and GSA Cross Country won every division continuing the winning streak for three years. St Catherine’s skiers also became part of history to be the first team ever to win both the Victorian Junior and Secondary Championships.

NASA Astronaut-in-Residence, Dr Rhea Seddon, unveiled a new Science Wing and Observatory as well as providing lectures to students. Dr Seddon’s visit symbolised a long process of change in the School culture emphasising that girls can achieve in every aspect of education with ‘Girls can do Anything’ posters around the School.

2011

2016

Our Year 9 learning and cultural exchange Heyington to Highlands is launched with students spending 12 days in the Fijian Highlands teaching in local village schools and learning about the Fijian culture.

The Marigold Southey Sports & Aquatic Centre is opened.

To celebrate the important role of former Principal, Miss Ruth Langley in the School’s history and girls’ education, the annual Ruth Langley Luncheon is established. Coordinated by the Parents’ and Friends’ Association the Luncheon brings together women across St Catherine’s wide community including Old Girls, past and current staff and parents.

Speakers have included the Honourable Pru Goward, former Commissioner of Sexual Discrimination, Margaret Jackson AC, former Olympic rower and Chair of QANTAS, comedian and actress Magda Szubanski and the Honourable Quentin Bryce, AD CVO.

1998

The School expands its boundaries into neighbouring properties with the leasing of the Illawarra Mansion from the National Trust as our Boarding House. The School also purchases Wiltondale on Heyington Place as the new Visual Arts Centre in 1999.

1996

St Catherine’s School celebrates its centenary year with a return to Castlemaine for all students by train, launch of St Catherine’s History book St Catherine’s: A Centenary Celebration 1896–1996 and the premiere of the St Catherine’s School Song Ode to St Catherine’s at the Centenary Gala Concert, composed

by Music teacher, Mrs Helen Lovass and students Emmeline Ng, Bianca Kopp (Valmorbida) and the Class of 1996.

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2006–2016

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Prepare for the fourth wave.

It is about to hit.

The progression of computing platforms utilised to access and share information is not linear. Unlike years where one ends and a new one begins, one computing platform does not completely extinguish another.

Progression must be viewed as waves, rather than straight lines.

There have been three great waves in computing: the personal computer (PC), the internet and the mobile device. Each wave has been more disruptive, had more impact and was larger and faster than the previous. Now the fourth wave has arrived. The wave of Virtual and Augmented Reality, and it promises to be the biggest and most disruptive yet!

The first wave – the PC – really only took off in the early 1990s and grew over a 20 year period.

In contrast, the internet took less than five years from launch to disruption and the smartphone took less than three from launch to total saturation. In comparison Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) will reach these levels in an instant. It is estimated that over 90% of 16 year olds in Australia now have a smartphone, one of the highest rates in the world. But what does this all have to do with education? Well, a great deal actually.

St Catherine’s is embracing the possibilities that AR can bring to the classroom. Our Year 10 History students have recently created posters about the Second World War that come to life with embedded video when you scan the poster with a smartphone.

This year we have run two residential conferences to demonstrate these technologies to our staff and develop their application into lessons. St Catherine’s has recognised these

skills as critical for our curriculum and that we need to take the lead in teaching technological advancements that help prepare our students for the future. In an Australian first, St Catherine’s will offer a Years 9/10 elective in Virtual and Augmented Reality in 2017. This will be a great opportunity for our students to learn how to develop and create augmented and virtual content.

The potential uses for AR in education are endless. Imagine how useful the technology could be when studying anatomy. In geometry AR could help students picture shapes in their 3D configuration. In a Geography class, a tabletop globe could be augmented to reveal facts and images about different countries, or students could scan an image of a river to reveal an explanation of how oxbow lakes are formed. AR could facilitate language studies by embedding pronunciation guides into a textbook and for Science, safety posters and signs could be augmented to provide further information on the different procedures and protocols for lab equipment.

Of course, AR does not need to be confined to the classroom. The British Museum has employed AR technology to transform the typical museum experience into one that is much more immersive and engaging. The Museum created an AR game that rewards students when they

Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive multimedia or computer-simulated reality, is a computer technology that replicates an environment, real or imagined, and simulates a user’s physical presence and environment to allow for user interaction.

Augmented Reality (AR): overlays visuals on to the real world giving smartphones and tablets the ability to uncover hidden digital content within printed material or physical objects.

identify certain statues by telling them more about the exhibit and unlocking the next level of the game.

Few people would dispute the notion that interaction and creativity are the basis for effective, deep learning. Passively listening or reading through pages and pages of text are actually not the most efficient ways to absorb information – especially when tackling complex subjects. When it comes to interaction and creativity, a smartphone is hard to beat. But it is not the smartphone per se that supports learning, but rather the technology that a smartphone can unlock.

Mr Alex Borlenghi Head of Digital Learning and Practice

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The Power of the Written Word The power of the written word is everywhere, in every aspect of our daily lives, however, within the culture of our School there is a growing awareness of writing as a means of self-expression; an act that is valued and acknowledged artistically as an expression of culture for the central role it plays in everyday communication.

At St Catherine’s, it has been so encouraging to witness students confidently refer to themselves as writers and creatives. These young women are actively involved in constructing characters, narratives, poetry and plays/scripts. There is a groundswell of interest in writing which has been steadily building.

Where does this love of writing start? This is such a broad question and the answer to it is certainly very personal and specific to each individual. The writer’s journey is indeed a unique experience. In considering this question a number of possibilities come to mind: encouragement from home, inspiration and skill building that occurs in our Junior School and our Junior writing group Write on Wednesday, the myriad of Nicholas Library initiatives, the English Academic Honours Program, the Writers’ Club, as well as incursions and excursions such as the Melbourne Writers Festival, and of course the rich literary experiences offered in every English classroom, every day. These nurturing environments and opportunities provide the backdrop upon which both the imagination and curiosity of our young writers are triggered. What seems to link the above experiences is the human connection and the sharing of writing pivotal in the development of confidence, writing skills and conversations around writing. Moreover, our expert English staff seek to impart and foster an appreciation of writing, which sees students taking that courageous first step into the world of writing.

It was with great joy that earlier this year the Head of English, Mrs Ceri Lloyd and a number of keen students from every Year level met for the first time under the auspices of the newly formed St Catherine’s School Writers’ Club. Meetings occur every fortnight and discussion ranges from the technical aspects of writing, to more philosophical discussions such as the role of the writer in society

and of course, sharing work. As part of Book Week, well known Young Adult author Kirsty Murray held a wonderful workshop and St Catherine’s School Writers’ Club members were most enthusiastic participants. Apart from sharing her wisdom and insights from a lifetime of writing experiences, it was so heartening to see how Ms Murray encouraged our young writers to develop their skills by exploring the deep places from which good writing emerges. She reminded us of the importance of original ideas, of the precise and inventive use of language, the importance of characters and how a piece of writing is structured. After a series of hands on activities such as ‘Hot Writing’, the group reflected on the idea that language is a form of play as well as an exercise in deep thought, purpose and spiritual imagination. The idea of the moral choices of characters also featured in the discussion, which further reflects the depth of thinking that writing engenders. Finally, Ms Murray advised the girls of the importance of words and how a good piece of writing sparkles on the page.

Reiterating the importance of writers investing in their imagination.

When we reflect upon writing and how one refines their own work, The Writers’ Club members agree that in order to write, one must read. The wealth of insight gained in the practice of reading cannot be underestimated. One is reminded of the words of Pulitzer Prize winning author Jhumpa Lahiri, in her recent autobiographical work, In Other Words (Knopf, 2016). Lahiri reflects that, “Writing comes from reading”. The poem that concludes this piece was written by Year 11 student Alexandra Garrett, a passionate writer and avid reader.

Mrs Vasiliki Spanos Dean of Year 10 English Teacher

Your flower bed was lowered I heard it, not touch the ground Tears cracked the autumn leaves, My watch leaked beneath its sleeve – a mosaic of burning blues The sun sliced clean in half They nodded and donned their hats The wind caught my icy neck, and pulled me like a magnet, to the shattered and crumbling ground My socks bled in their cotton My lost eyes lost the sun The fractured Moon did not glow Their tracks danced gently with the snow The trees undressed – shivered – An infinite, icy hum I waited some more some more I begged the roots to wrap me to pull me down to you; they knew I was foreign, saw right through me you didn’t say a word There were no chains There were no locks I was buttoned to the grass This prison was built by me call me Queen, iron hive They found me half asleep scrubbed the grass stains from my knees splashed paint across the iron bars cracked white, cracked clouds and a melted sun Years drawled, time did not touch me though its fingers drew many lines, trying to claw in a mollusc – waiting for the dull and wooden thud Alexandra Garrett Year 11

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

GA L L

Y ER

Gala Night EPIC

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Every culture in the world uses music as a way to celebrate a special occasion.

It seemed appropriate to use our Gala Concert to bring our School community together in a joyous night of performance for St Catherine’s 120 Anniversary.

As has been the case for a number of years, the Gala Night is themed in order to unify our series of pieces from ensembles. We aim for great contrast and stylistic variation within, and between the works, as we continue to educate our students in the vast subject of Music.

Incorporating our four School values of Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity and Curiosity – the theme EPIC provided us the creative stimulus to perform wonderful music as diverse as Handel’s most famous Halleluiah Chorus (Messiah), to arguably the most recognised music ever from the epic Star Wars movies.

Our Massed Item, the Finale of the evening, invited all girls from Years 5 to 12 (and Year 4 Strings students and Epstein Singers) to perform as a tangible act of celebration. Our medley of EPIC numbers from Musicals included Do you Hear the People Sing (Les Miserables), Defying Gravity (Wicked), Anthem (Chess), Phantom of the Opera (Phantom of the Opera) and Tonight (West Side Story). The School, accompanied by the Jorgensen Orchestra, rose to the occasion magnificently, enhanced by the glorious surrounding and acoustics of the Melbourne Recital Centre.

Mrs Jenny Mathers Head of Music

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Ms Fiona Wardlaw

Fiona Wardlaw Year 5 Teacher

Farewell Mr Hughes At the end of Term 2, St Catherine’s farewelled our Deputy Head of Junior School, Mr Owen Hughes, who after 17 years of service to St Catherine’s, and 38 years in teaching, steps towards retirement and the golf course.

Having taught every Year level from Prep to Year 12, Owen provided his students with a level of expertise and comprehensive knowledge that was admired by his peers and appreciated by students and families across our School.

Reflecting on his time at St Catherine’s, Owen says he is proud to have worked at a School that offers such individualised learning for its students, “I believe we offer personalised learning and care for the individual in a manner I have not experienced elsewhere. St Catherine’s has a culture that extends beyond the classroom and beyond the normal role of a school, we have a true community within St Catherine’s.”

Deciding to become a teacher at the age of 10, Owen says he was in Grade 4 at School when he made the decision.

“A fond memory I have is returning to the school where I made my career choice for one of my first teaching roles.”

Discussing his teaching style, Owen comments that respect and positivity achieve the best results, “I have always tried to treat students with the same degree of interest and respect as I would expect for myself. I have also learnt a positive classroom reaps far more rewards than one with negative undertones.”

As a School community, we thank Owen for his admirable, dedicated and professional service to St Catherine’s and wish him well for the future.

In retirement Owen says he will “unravel 38 years of responding to bells and classroom schedules and after that, the golf course beckons.”

Thank you Mr Hughes.

When Year 5 teacher, Fiona Wardlaw first commenced university it was not a teaching degree she had decided upon but rather nursing.

“When I left school I started training to become a nurse. However, I soon realised there was not any practical training until two years into the degree so I switched to teaching and after my first school placement knew I wanted to become a teacher,” Fiona explains.

Fiona believes the rewards as a teacher are endless however, one of the most rewarding aspects of her job would be working with students on a daily basis and witnessing the growth in their capabilities and potential at the end of the year, “It is wonderful to see students take ownership of their learning as the year progresses.”

As well as balancing the various academic programs for her Year 5 class Fiona is also heavily involved in St Catherine’s Junior Joggers early morning run program as well as the Junior School Environment Committee.

“Being part of the Environment Committee has allowed me to help out with the veggie patch and be part of environmental initiatives within the School. I have also enjoyed being part of Junior Joggers on a Tuesday morning as it is helpful in getting to know the girls as well as a healthy and active way to start the day.”

Early morning physical activity is nothing new for Fiona who for several years prior to commencing at St Catherine’s was involved in Rowing, competing at local regattas as well as Nationals, even taking out a gold medal at a national competition.

In her spare time Fiona continues to stay active. This year she is aiming to complete the Melbourne Marathon in October!

S TA F F P R O F I L E S

Mrs Gina Peele

Mrs Gina Peele Director of Student Programs Year 12 Dean Indigenous Program Coordinator Senior School Teacher Whilst training for the 2000 Sydney Olympics as part of the Australian Rowing Team, Mrs Gina Peele was offered a position at St Catherine’s as Junior Coordinator of Rowing.

This position has led to 15 years of teaching at St Catherine’s across a wide range of subjects. Now the Director of Student Programs, Dean of Year 12 and Indigenous Program Coordinator, Gina’s passion for teaching as well as her background in elite sport provides students with a positive female role model well versed in time management, goal setting and reaching individual potential.

Discussing her pathway to the Olympics Gina explains she only commenced Rowing at Club level when she was 18. “At the age of 18 I took up Rowing which quickly led to eight years of representing Australia at six World Championships and the 1996 and 2000 Olympics.”

Living away from home during her time at the Australian Institute of Sport, as well as daily travel from her family’s farm in regional Victoria to school in Melbourne each day, provides Gina great insight into many of the challenges girls face when balancing academic and co-curricular programs.

“A large part of my role is providing pastoral care to our students. A strong focus is ensuring the girls are making time for balance during Year 12 including exercise, healthy eating and a social life in addition to their academic load,” says Gina.

“I really enjoy working with young people and seeing them achieve their goals. I also find working in the wellbeing area supporting students in a variety of ways such a rewarding aspect of my job.”

Ms Kristina Schrader

MISS Kristina Schrader ELC 4YO Program Teacher “In the St Catherine’s School Early Learning Centre, a ‘typical day’ does not quite exist.

Each day is as unique as the children who I have the privilege of collaborating with,” explains ELC Wattle Room teacher, Miss Kristina Schrader.

“Every new day sees fresh inquiries and wonderings emerge. I never know exactly where the day may lead, which is an incredibly exciting aspect of engaging and learning with children!”

Kristina first decided to become a teacher whilst living in London collaborating with four to eight-year-old children in performing arts workshops. “I took a real shine to working with very young children, their enthusiasm is so palpable and their imagination and laughter contagious, I discovered how special it was to play a part and share in each of their individual journeys.”

Following time working abroad, Kristina arrived in Melbourne four years ago and has dedicated her career to providing a positive and stimulating environment where children and adults can explore learning together.

“To engage in companionable learning and to celebrate growth alongside inspirational professionals, children and their families, all of whom contribute with such heart and generosity to our collective experience, is an immeasurable joy,” she says.

Kristina’s other life passion is performing arts which she interlaces throughout her classroom with a focus on music and movement as a tool for learning. “I have grown up acting, singing and dancing I love how movement promotes vitality and unique expression and it is something I encourage in our Wattle Room everyday,” Kristina says.

Mr Tim Collins

Mr Tim Collins Deputy Head of Music When you hear St Catherine’s Deputy Head of Music, Mr Tim Collins discuss Music and teaching you appreciate the true passion he has for both and the joy he receives from sharing this with his students.

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is I get to work with beautiful works of art every day.

I feel privileged to be able to share incredible experiences with young people and to have such a powerful and positive impact on them.

“The most sublime moments in my life have been when conducting a performance and reaching the moment in a piece we have been working on for months and 40 dedicated and skilled musicians unite to produce the effect we have been striving for, and we all realise it at the same time. All 41 of us have shared in a single, overwhelming success,” says Tim. Commencing at St Catherine’s six years ago, Tim describes climbing the stairs of our Music Department for the first time and hearing a student practising a Mozart Aria, “it was then I knew I was working in the right place.”

Teaching however was not Tim’s initial career path, originally studying Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics in VCE and Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering at Monash University.

“My Dad always loved music but he was a scientist so I followed his path. Whilst at school and university I continued to study Music and play in bands. I spent every weekend practising and composing, however it was many years before I followed my true calling. It was the perfect case of convincing my family, friends and myself that this was a noble pursuit. Music teaching is the synergy for so many of my passions – psychology, technology and the capacity for humans to achieve extraordinary things,” says Tim.

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

A Foundation for Success

St Catherine’s School has been privileged to have received incredibly generous support from families and Alumnae over a number of years.

The School Council and Foundation Board have resolved to recognise these philanthropists with the establishment of the Jeanie Hood Society, named in honour of our Founding Principal.

Our archives identify Miss Hood as a woman of great confidence, aspiration and vision.

Committed to embracing the best of new educational social ideas, she established the School at the beginning of the last century, describing its aim to develop “not only students but girls gifted mentally, morally and physically to be the women of the future.”

It was Jeanie Hood’s entrepreneurism and drive that provided the foundation essential for St Catherine’s future success.

The St Catherine’s School Foundation is pleased to welcome our most generous supporters to the Jeanie Hood Society and look forward to inviting them to an annual dinner with our School’s Senior Leadership team as well as more formally recognising their support for our girls and the School.

At the same time as launching the Jeanie Hood Society, the Foundation Board is refreshing our membership levels to appropriately recognise all levels of giving and ensure that all our benefactors can be proud of their support. Gifts to Sports

such as Rowing and Aquatics, or for major academic or co-curricular prizes, now contribute to Foundation membership.

Annual Giving Thank you for supporting our girls through 2016 Annual Giving. With your support we have been able to fund an Australian first, Technology & Engineering Centre, featuring Virtual and Augmented Reality, 3D printing and Makerspace areas. Annual Giving is also supporting audiobooks for our Junior and Senior School Libraries, as well as life changing opportunities for rural and Indigenous girls through our Scholarship programs.

If you have not done so already, I encourage you to watch our Supporting our Women of the Future video on YouTube to learn more or make a gift via our website.

Indigenous Scholarships It was wonderful to welcome back School Alumnae from a range of decades who have generously chosen to support our Indigenous Scholarship Program. Support of the Program will make a positive and life changing impact on opportunities for our Indigenous girls, providing support to access a first class education at our great School.

Our biennial intake supports two Year 7 students with:

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Full academic tuition Residence in Illawarra, our on-site Boarding House Additional academic support through extra tuition during the School week One-on-one coaching to assist the development of study and organisational skills.

The financial support from our Scholarships helps bridge the gap between Yalari Foundation and Abstudy support and the full cost of tuition, uniforms, books and co-curricular costs.

Past parents Emma and Nick Young see the value in actively supporting the Indigenous Scholarship Program and the biennial Yulendj Arts Exhibition “Having been in the privileged position of sending our two girls to St Catherine’s, we feel this Program provides a great chance to help other girls access the same opportunities to learn and grow in a small inclusive environment with extraordinary levels of pastoral care offered by staff,” Emma says.

Find out more www.stcatherines.net.au/ our-community/giving-to-st-catherines/the-gift -of-scholarship/ Thank you again for supporting our girls and women of the future.

Mr Wayne Kent St Catherine’s School Foundation Board

PHILANTHROPY

ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL FOUNDATION

Patron One anonymous

Sherene & Peter Guy

Christine & Richard Forsyth

Ginny & Michael Palmer

Patricia Ilhan Sarah & Bails Myer AC

Amanda & Richard Hamer

Sarah & Lachie Fraser-Smith

Hugh Paton

Sam Hayward Lou & Anthony Heffernan Miche Bonett-Horton & Ted Horton

Susie & Stephen Friedmann Margaret & Adrian Gardner Gaby Tomkin & John Gdanski

Conny & Spiro Paule Irene Pollard (Crooke ’29) Catherine & Roger Poole

Carina & Douglas Reid Lady Southey AC (Myer ’45)

Ann (Pisterman ’64) & Tony Hyams AM

Helen & Evan Georgiou

Carrie & Dennis Price

Benefactor Two anonymous Toni (Pierce ’67) & Martin Armstrong

Sally & Richard Joubert Vanessa (Heinze ’89) & Russell Keating

Maryanne & Dario Giannarelli Janet Gibson (Currie ’53)

Meredith & Michael Pryse Avril (Goldstone ’46) & Ian Rainford OAM

Donna & Michael Boyd May & James Chen

Sally Keating (Pinkus ’71) Louise Lampard (’79)

Kate & Craig Gilmour Lou & Philip Goodman

Cathy & Michael Ramsden Barbara Randall

Rebecca & Jamie Gray Sonia & Wayne Kent

Jenny Lempriere

Judy & Kevan Gosper

Stephen Randall

Marita & Jim Lillie Erica & Peter Marriott

Suzie & Simon Gough Joan Gray (Spry ’52)

Hui Wang & Yumin Ren Anni Grimwade (’79) & Tim Roberts

Sarah (Baillieu ’68) & Robert McKay Patricia McKenzie Carole & John Middleton

Peta & Robert Gray Kay Sneath & Anthony Hall Taff (Watson ’81) & Will Hamilton

Rachel & Peter Robertson Becky Hyde & Dale Rodgers Katy & Chris Sadler

Don Ravida Lucy Ravida

Christine & Richard Harbig Skipp Williamson & Carol Haynes

Katrina & John Shackell Peter & Laraine Sharr

Gill & Charlie Richardson Lindy Shelmerdine (’80) Nathalie & David Shergold

Fleur & Lars Heidenreich Ian Hicks AM Lisa Hinrichsen (’83)

Vivienne Showers Robert Sinclair Sam Sinclair

Margery Snowball (Hilford ’43) Sandra & Achilles Tzelepis Michelle & Harry Wang Member 18 anonymous

Wayne Hinton Jane & Stephen Hiscock Annabel (Levy ’79) & Allan Holmes Roni & Gaby Hubay Karen & Graeme Hunt

Charles Sitch Jackie (Barnes ’77) & Greg Sitch Jennifer Sitch (Wilson ’77) Chrissy (Condon ’76) & Andrew Skinner Linda & Garnet Smith

St Catherine’s Parents’ & Friends’ Association (PFA) Lisa & John Steven Anne Waterhouse

Patti & Frank Ainalis Anna & Tom Alexiadis Desi (Kalfadellis ’87) & Manny Anezakis Rebekah & Lachlan Armstrong (’95) Jennifer & Logan Armstrong Caroline & Peter Balderstone

Gina (Shackell ’76) & Peter Israel Pamela Jacobson (Sallman ’44) Sue & Nick Karunaratne Alice Keilar Diana & James Kimpton AM Elizabeth & Jerry Koh

Nicky Schooling & Ross Smith St Catherine’s School Sports Auxiliary Anna & Clive Standish Susan (Connor ’61) & Richard Stanley Suzanne & Anthony Stern Amanda (Trumble ’69) & Bruce Stewart

Fellow Two anonymous Julia (McKinley-Wilson ’69) & Warwick Anderson Samantha (Myer ’78) AM & Charlie Baillieu Gail & Jim Butler

Samantha (Pratten ’79) & Andrew Ballantyne Lyndal & Michael Barrington Mim & Michael Bartlett Meg Begg (Christensen ’61) Nicole & Ross Begley

Peter & Cathy Kudelka Jill & Tim L’Estrange Elizabeth Lane Sarah (Wilson ’73) & David Lawford Karen (Lim ’87) & William Lee

Catherine & Rohan Sutherland Anne & James Syme Jannie & Henry Tay Charles Tegner Elizabeth Thomas

Astrida & Craig Cooper Anna & John Field Isabella (Stokes ’58) OAM & Richard Green Euan & Deb Gronow Bill Johnson Jane & Ian Mandie Annabel (Plummer ’82) & Rupert Myer AO Fiona (Malley ’76) & Sid Myer AM Kate & Stephen Shelmerdine AM Jane Hodder & Murray Ware

Peter Bennison Anthea (Gray ’79) & Stephen Bickford Celia (Shelmerdine ’83) AM & Will Burrell AM Geraldine & Andrew Buxton Andrea Donaldson & Bruce Caine Sarah & James Cameron Wallace Cameron Belinda & Iain Carmichael Louise & Don Carroll Michelle & Justin Carroll Amy & Andrew Chung Rebecca (Mayes ’84) & John Clark Peter Clements Kate & George Colman The Hon Andrea Coote Sarah & Andrew Cormie Jenifer & Stephen Cottrell Cathryn & Andrew Darbyshire Kristene & David Deague Symone & Andrew Demetriou Axy (Boynton ’76) & Gordon Dickinson Jenny Elstoft (Latreille ’58) Sally & Mark Elstoft Douglas Engmann Jennifer & John Fast Jane & Scott Favaloro Mandy Catanach & Nigel Fish

Alison Tarditi & Andrew Leyden Sally (Shelmerdine ’73) & David Lindsay Kathryn & David Lloyd Anne Maree Mackie Carey Baker-Mackie & Terrence Mackie Kirsten & Scott Mailer Thea Manson (Coltman ’51) Judy Matear (Spry ’49) Alexandra Mayes (’80) Niamh & Simon McCall Lelde & Peter McCoy Julie & Justin McNab Rosemary & Roderick McRae Fiona Menzies (’87) Shayne & Graeme Menzies Deborah & Ross Middleton Paula & Stuart Moir Annabel Montgomery (Darling ’76) Jenifer Murchie (Paton ’53) Jane & Fraser Murrell Gill Myer (Woods ’72) Tony Myer Kerrie & Jamie Nasser Anne (Harbig ’64) & David Neate Felicity & Michael Nettlefold Sandra (McIntosh ’62) & Stephen Nicholas Lisa Nicoll-Cooke (Nicoll ’63)

Vincent Thomas Suzanne & Barry Trollope Rebecca & Nick Turnbull Tatiana Drever Turner & Andrew Turner Blaan & Saverio Valmorbida Chirawan & Sunya Viravaidya Rowena Phillips & David Vote Lisa Walford Nicholas Walford Louise (Macdonald ’83) & Jonathan Walmsley Fiona (Kittson ’82) & Patrick Walsh Sylvia Walton AO Judith Ward Sandra Meena & Brendon Watkins Alison & Rod Watkins Jill Watson (Bazeley ’51) Alvie & Stephen Webster Michelle Jablko & Paul Wegener Jane & Richard Whiter Linda & Carrie Wong Samantha & Stuart Wood QC Xuan Weng & Wei Jun Wu Venetia & Stavros Yallouridis Lisa & John Zeigler Cindy Yuan & Adam Zhang

Christina & Anthony Nicholas Annie & John Paterson Trustee Four anonymous Lloyd Bickerton Clare (Darling ’77) & Andrew Cannon AM Caroline & Philip Cornish Barbara & Stuart Foley Fiona & Andrew Fox Pam (Wallace Smith ’54) & Graeme Fraser Janet Hawkins OAM (Guest ’52) Andrew Kroger Mary-Louise & Christopher Leach Louise & Martyn Myer AO St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association (SCOGA)

Senior Member Five anonymous Alba & Nick Bernardo Deborah (Manos ’77) & Peter Berry Julia & Cameron Bertalli Sally Morrell (’79) & Andrew Bolt Jodie & Patrick Cody Anne Court (Lowry ’58) Marina & Anthony Darling Carolyne & Graeme Devlin Alison Eaves Robert Eaves Jane & John Edwards Susan & John Estes Lucy (King ’90) & Andrew Fortey Sally Clarke & Tim Gullifer Jane & Andrew Guy

List is current as at 20 September 2016

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

The PFA L-R: Mrs Clare Cannon (Darling ’77), Mrs Jenny Gray, CEO Zoos Victoria, Mrs Michelle Carroll and Mrs Anne Court (Lowry ’58), G

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Top Row: Nicole Begley, Imogen Begley (Year 2) and Olivia Begley (Year 10), Jane Hodder and Miranda Ware (Year 5) Bottom Row: Jane Favaloro and Amelie Favaloro (Prep), Emma-Jane Hamilton and Phoebe Hamilton (Year 10)

The PFA Mother/Daughter Breakfast and Mother’s Day Stall The Mary Davis Centre provided a lovely warm atmosphere for the 2016 Mother’s Day Mother/ Daughter Breakfast. Unlike the normal busy drop-off where speed is of the essence, the Mother’s Day Breakfast provided an opportunity for nearly 200 mothers and carers to linger over a delicious breakfast and chat with friends. The girls clearly loved having their mothers and other female friends in attendance and took the opportunity to enjoy a very relaxed and informal gathering prior to the Mother’s Day stall in Barbreck.

Each Year group politely stepped out to survey the offerings, agonising over their choices, counting out their last coins to ensure they make the absolute best choice for their respective mothers, grannies, aunts and others. Some circled round several times before finally making a choice. Others knew exactly what they wanted and rushed to make their transaction. Of course there was room in every shopping bag for some sweet treats and we hope that at least some of these made it home to the intended recipients!

The anticipation on the faces of the girls, particularly the youngest ones, as they carefully pondered their Mother’s Day purchases was something to behold.

A big thank you to the team that organised both the Breakfast and the Stall.

Mrs Christie Freeman President Parents’ and Friends’ Association

Guests at the 2016 Ruth Langley Luncheon were enthralled this year by the engaging and thought provoking Zoos Victoria CEO Jenny Gray, who entertained the crowd with anecdotes of her role as the head of Victoria’s three zoos – Werribee Open Range Zoo, the Melbourne Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. A background in management, transportation, engineering and ethics may seem an unusual one for the head of the Zoo, but it has provided Jenny with a unique set of skills to tackle the challenges of transforming Victoria’s Zoos.

Listening to Jenny speak it is clear she draws on all facets of her background to solve the dilemmas of a modern day zoo.

Throughout her “Lessons from the Zoo” address, Jenny’s passion, conviction, engaging style and humour, conveyed a powerful message regarding the importance of wildlife conservation. Her light hearted approach “Did you know that wombats fall over when they sneeze?” helped the delivery of her serious message. Jenny believes zoos can be instrumental in engaging people to save wildlife and that every individual can be an agent to prevent extinctions.

The Lunch, again held at Leonda by the Yarra, was not all serious and many ladies stayed on after the last course was served to enjoy each other’s company and share a relaxing afternoon together.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, several lucky ladies walked away the recipients of fabulous spot prizes, including hampers, meals and some gorgeous holidays.

Thank you to all our guests and the organising committee.

Y ER

Ruth Langley Luncheon

O UD R ECVOEM LO MPUMNEI N TY T

Upcoming Community Events Class of 2001 Past Parents’ Social Evening Thursday 20 October 7.00pm PFA Christmas Fair Friday 18 November 5.00pm House Arts Performance Tuesday 6 December 6.00pm Senior School Carol Service Wednesday 7 December 11.00am at Toorak Uniting Church Ruth Langley Luncheon Friday 19 May 2017

120 Years of Blue Ribbon Recipes

Do you have any news?

St Catherine’s News is our community publication and we love sharing your news!

If you have recently had a Year level past parent event please let us know.

Submissions can be sent to pastparents@ stcatherines.net.au or by mail to Past Parents’ & Families’ Network, 17 Heyington Place, Toorak, 3142. Digital photos should be high quality (300 dpi) and photos sent via mail will be returned on request. Please note, the Editorial team reserves the right to edit all submissions. Deadline for submissions for the next edition of St Catherine’s News is Monday 27 February 2017.

Class of 2015 Parent Social Evening

Epic was not only an appropriate word to describe St Catherine’s 120 Celebration Gala Concert, but dare we say, an appropriate description of our 120 Years of Blue Ribbon Recipes.

As a memento of the 120 year celebrations of St Catherine’s School, this beautiful book combines history, family stories, beautiful images and the combined work of a veritable army of cooks, testers, tasters, proof-readers, editors, photographers, stylists and artists. Naturally, there are also some amazing recipes from the treasure trove of the St Catherine’s community and we are sure there will be something to tempt everyone for every occasion.

It has been a rare privilege to work on this project where so many people have generously shared their time and expertise.

I hope you will enjoy the result as much as we have enjoyed compiling it. A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved, it is a testament to your creativity, talent and sense of community.

120 Years of Blue Ribbon Recipes is now available to order via www.stcatherines.net. au/news/celebrate-120-years-blue-ribbonrecipes/ and will arrive early in Term 4, in plenty of time for Christmas shopping.

There will be a limited print run, so please order early to avoid disappointment.

Top Row: Alison Dennison, Amy Conti and Warren Thompson; Janet Zwar and Shayne Menzies; Bottom Row Tim Zwar, Andrew Ford and Patrick Cody; John Steven, Sally Joubert, Richard Joubert and Tim Bindley

Melbourne’s blast of wintery conditions did not deter over 40 parents from our Class of 2015 cohort getting together in early August for a social evening. Relaxing in front of the fire over a wine or two and catching up with friends and familiar faces was a great way to spend the evening.

We all enjoyed hearing about our girls’ adventures since leaving School last year and strengthened our friendships that we know will last beyond the School grounds.

Many thanks to everyone for coming along (with delicious food and drinks to share too).

Big thanks to our fabulous hosts, Janet and Tim Zwar, who kindly welcomed us into their inviting and warm home. We anticipate this will become a wonderful annual Class of 2015 Past Parent event and we look forward to seeing everyone again next time (plus those that were unable to come this year). Please let us know if you would like to host the night in 2017 – we would love to hear from you.

Mrs Lisa Steven Class of 2015 Parent and PPFN Committee Member

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Inf luence in the Arts St Catherine’s School has a proud history of leading the way in a wide variety of industries.

For decades, our Old Girls have influenced the Arts across a diverse range of careers with world renowned Archibald Prize winning artists, curators, designers and photographers exhibiting across the world including London, New York and Australia.

Head of Arts at St Catherine’s, Mrs Brigid Weereratne believes this success is testament to the determination of our Old Girls and their understanding that to be successful they must create their own opportunities.

“Our Old Girls are prepared to take on internships or work with galleries, photographers or designers, sometimes without pay, to gain the experience they need for their careers.

A common trait of our Alumnae is their willingness to work hard for what they really want and to be productive and intuitive,” says Mrs Weereratne.

Director of the Rebecca Hossack Art Galleries in London and New York and St Catherine’s Old Girl, Rebecca Hossack (’72) says on the wall of her Gallery she has written ‘Work hard and be nice to people’. Rebecca comments that her time at St Catherine’s provided stability. “I still have the ten sayings of the then Headmistress, Miss Mary Davis, pinned to the wall in my kitchen. In times of stress, I find myself looking at them. A personal favourite of mine is ‘Remember that the world will go on without you’,” says Rebecca.

The diversity of the Arts industry presents a wide array of career pathways, possibilities and opportunities for our current Arts students.

St Catherine’s Careers Practitioner, Mrs Pauline van der Poel explains careers in the Arts are not just the traditional careers many people think of.

“So many of our Old Girls are studying and working in the Arts industry across a wide

range of careers including advertising, applied fashion, fine arts, communication design, interior design, decorating, curating, photography, television, radio and multimedia production, industrial design, styling, architecture and many more. The opportunities are there for our students, they just need to channel their passions and build their skill sets whilst at School.”

2010 Alumnae, Sarah Lang has worked with the Nine Network, Stan and the ABC including The Weekly with Charlie Pickering program as script coordinator. Sarah comments that current students should not be deterred by the perception that Arts-based careers can be unreliable.

“There are many roles and career paths available in the industry. I think there would be a large number of Old Girls who had never heard of their current job title when they were at School, myself included. For anyone considering a career in the Arts I would suggest rather than focussing on the actual job position, think about the general area you want to become a part of and how to work around people you admire,” explains Sarah.

Working for Old Girl Rebecca Hossack at her London Gallery, Georgia McCann (’06) says when starting out as an intern it is important to remember jobs are not always glamorous. “You go into the Arts for the love of it – everyday is different and full of colour.

The job has its moments of glamour, however there are more moments up a ladder with a drill or sticking envelopes.”

Specialising in Australian Indigenous art at the Gallery, Georgia encourages current students to find a mentor and keep at it, “start off by volunteering and engaging in conversation with people in the industry. We recently hosted the St Catherine’s Old Girls London Reunion at the Gallery which was a terrific evening of networking.”

Renowned artist Katherine Hattam (’68) who is exhibited in the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Heide Museum of Modern Art and numerous other galleries across Australia and the United States also believes the St Catherine’s Old Girls networking opportunities are beneficial for building a career.

“I enjoyed hearing Jane Clarke (’72) curator of MONA speak at the SCOGA Women in Creative Industries event last year. She suggested to guests that a helpful career quality is to ‘be nice’. This is a much more important remark than may first appear. It reflects [Jane’s] long

LEAD D IENVGE LTOHPEMW EN AY T

Artwork by Ingrid Crossing, Year 11

and successful career and the importance of the fact that it is a small world and your reputation precedes you.”

Katherine also reflects that her time at St Catherine’s “allowed me the space to find my own path both academically and creatively.”

This sentiment is affirmed by Sarah Lang who says she can chart her exact experiences at St Catherine’s that guided her career choices.

“I had always been interested in writing and storytelling in Junior School, but the computer animation program in Year 7 and the media elective in Year 9 gave me the first sense of what I really enjoyed doing.”

Mrs Weereratne believes the opportunities students experience at St Catherine’s, both in their academic and co-curricular activities, provides them with an appreciation of cultural pursuits, an excellent foundation and broad knowledge of the different careers in the

Arts industry and a holistic set of skills empowering them to tackle tertiary education and future careers.

“In the 21st Century the careers of the future will require individuals to possess strong abilities to research, explore, refine and create.

Our students value the opportunity to express themselves individually, guided by their teachers to develop individual style and artworks. They have the confidence to apply for tertiary study knowing they have a strong foundation in art appreciation and the variety of art forms. They understand the rigorous process of applying for Arts courses and are willing to demonstrate their skills and passion to pursue these courses.”

Fashion Designer for Portmans, Anastasia McNamara (’07) explains her time at St Catherine’s was an essential ingredient in helping her gain the confidence to believe

in herself. “The guidance I was provided, particularly during Year 12, was fundamental to me believing I had the skills to pursue my dream of being a fashion designer. I was encouraged to enter the VCE Top Arts competition and was selected to exhibit my Year 12 artwork at the National Gallery of Victoria. This gave me the confidence to continue down a creative path as a career.”

With 28 years’ experience preparing our Old Girls for their futures in the Arts, Mrs Weereratne says the advice she provides her students is to “always work to your creative strengths and select a field you are fully engaged with. Be open to change and new directions. Be prepared to work hard and be true to your creative qualities.”

Thank you to all of our St Catherine’s Old Girls who contribute to this article.

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ARCHI V ES

The Joy of Discovery As St Catherine’s celebrates 120 years of history, we have been using primary sources from our archive collection in a variety of ways to support the celebration.

The National Library of Australia’s Trove website also holds an amazing collection of newspaper collections online and we were able to obtain our Founding Principal, Miss Jeanie Hood’s 1897 Speech Night report which became the origin of our 120 year celebration message and a true reflection of the School’s ethos “to develop women of the future.”

For an Archivist, there is no such thing as a typical day. Whether it is reading letters from the past; stories of the evacuation to Warburton in 1942; looking through the Barbreck Year 6 Year Books; researching and writing the reflections for assemblies for each decade or the weekly updates at the Senior School staff briefing, the joy is always in the discovery.

The discovery that the common thread that

binds all who come to St Catherine’s is the care and kindness felt between staff, students and their families.

In June I met with the daughter of St Catherine’s Old Girl Claire Catomore (Fellows ‘30) to look through two scrapbooks made by her Grandmother for her four daughters – Betty, Jean, Margaret and Claire. Recorded throughout the 1920s during their time at St Catherine’s, the information obtained filled many gaps in the lists of School Plays and Sports days throughout that time.

A letter from Miss Winifred Hines in 1929 to Mrs Fellows reads in part “I am so sorry Claire is leaving us, but it is good to know that you and she both have such pleasant thoughts of

the School. She has been a very brave little worker and certainly earned her success.”

School milestones present an opportunity for reflection and celebration. Records, mementos, photos and letters long held in the adoring grip of those who fondly remember their time at St Catherine’s are kindly donated to be preserved into the archives of St Catherine’s School.

Now, with only five years until our 125 anniversary, it may just be time to consider if you have a story to tell, or a memento to share.

If you would like contribute please contact me at mcampell@stcatherines.net.au Ms Melissa Campbell Archivist

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A Message from the President My two years as President of the St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association (SCOGA) will be concluding at the end of this year and as I look back I am really delighted and proud of what the Committee and I have achieved in this time.

With the support of the School, SCOGA has: • Launched our industry specific networking

events, hosting six in 2015/2016, connecting

more than 300 Old Girls and members of

the School community to share knowledge

and experience and celebrate talent • Co-hosted a Boarders’ Reunion that

welcomed 160 boarders from seven

decades, an event that has not been held

for more than 10 years • Co-hosted reunions in London and New

York, engaging and connecting more than

60 Old Girls living overseas • Co-hosted the five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40,

50 and Pre-1957 year group reunions • Profiled a further 16 Old Girls as part of the Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum Project,

which honours outstanding service to

their profession and/or community • Published the first edition of Nil Magnum Nisi

Bonum, Honouring the Great Achievements

of St Catherine’s Old Girls • Worked with School Council’s Governance

Committee to produce St Catherine’s Old

Girls’ Association – A Guide to Policies and

Procedures with the School • Drafted amendments to the St Catherine’s

Old Girls’ Association Constitution to be

presented at the Annual General Meeting

on Saturday 26 November 2016 • Represented and championed our Old Girl

community on four Committees: Community

Engagement, Auxiliary Liaison, Past

Parents’ & Families’ Network and the

120th Anniversary Planning Committee.

SCOGA Women in Industry Networking Events An absolute highlight for me this year was a conversation I had with Stephanie Lambert (’09) at the Women in Creative Industries: Fashion networking night in June. Stephanie explained to me how a conversation with fellow Old Girl Zoe Carr (’96) at the previous networking event resulted in her deciding to take a job that, at the time, she was unsure about. The experience and advice that Zoe provided prompted her to take the job, which she now says was the best thing she ever did! Stories like this really show how our events are connecting our community and offering support, advice and guidance. You can read more about Stephanie’s experience on page 41.

Old Girls’ Nominee to School Council We are delighted that Associate Professor Melinda Truesdale (’81) has agreed to be SCOGA’s nominee on the School Council, joining fellow SCOGA nominee Kate Barber (’96).

After completing her Junior and Senior School years at St Catherine’s, Melinda began her medical degree at Monash University and graduated in 1988. She began her training at The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH), with the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and became an emergency physician. Melinda is now Director, Royal Women’s Emergency Department and Senior Emergency Physician at RMH. We know that Melinda will be a valuable member of the Council.

Honorary Old Girls We are delighted that Mr Owen Hughes, retired Deputy Head of Barbreck and Mr John Steven, Chair of Governance Committee and School Council Member have accepted our invitation to become Honorary Old Girls, in recognition of their valuable service to St Catherine’s School and to SCOGA. We look forward to welcoming Owen and John to various reunions and events in the coming years.

Melinda, accompanied by her parents at the Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum Book Launch

Thank You Thank you so much to the SCOGA Committee for their ongoing support and hard work throughout this year. We have had a fantastic response to the events we have hosted and managed, none of it could have been achieved without the time and dedication given by the Committee members.

Thank you to Mrs Michelle Carroll and the Development and Community Relations, Marketing, Archives and Business Offices for their ongoing assistance, support and ideas that assist with connecting our community with the School.

This role has been extremely busy, at times challenging but overwhelmingly enjoyable and a privilege. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many Old Girls and members of the School community at reunions, networking events and events held at the School. So many have been kind enough to compliment the Committee and me on the direction that SCOGA has taken in recent years. I know that with the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment of the Committee that SCOGA will continue to flourish and provide our Alumnae with all of the opportunities and support possible.

Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95) SCOGA President, 2016 phoebe_norman@icloud.com

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Women in Creative Industries: Fashion SCOGA was delighted to host the Women in Creative Industries: Fashion networking event at Ellis Street Studio, South Yarra on Tuesday 7 June.

The event was attended by past and present students and parents.

We welcomed speakers Bridget McCall (‘98) Director, LIFEwithBIRD, Clementine Lilley (‘02) Senior Textile and Graphic Designer, Voyager Solo Distribution and Jill Clegg (‘64) whose career spans more than 45 years in the fashion industry and lifestyle market. SCOGA Committee Member Nicole Osborn (Schwarz ‘85), a designer, buyer and product developer, moderated the discussion.

Each speaker provided meaningful advice to those considering a career in fashion and to those already working in the industry looking to diversify into different areas.

Having launched an eponymous label in the 1970s, Jill talked about the enjoyment of creating a successful business and working for herself.

She also provided great insight into working for others, networking and making the most of every opportunity that presents itself. Her stories reflected the diversity of her experience across photography, design, pattern making, product development and retail.

Bridget shared passionate stories about her road to success. Together with partner Nicholas Van Messner, Bridget has established a contemporary fashion label and opened her own retail stores, with even bigger plans for the future.

She also touched on balancing a career and growing business with raising a young family.

With her love of design and exceptional graphic skills, Clementine talked about the importance of working in the commercial fashion sector. She is enjoying the benefits, buzz and opportunities of being employed by a large company and working closely with the likes of Myer and David Jones.

We received wonderful feedback on the event and our speakers: “I liked hearing the colourful stories of the speakers’ careers and their passion and love of creativity.

With a smaller group it was easier to chat to speakers and guests. I really enjoyed catching up with Old St Catherine’s Girls, hearing of their work and what directions they are going, I am very happy I attended,” said Nicola Matear (’11), graphic designer and model.

Sincere thanks to all our speakers for being so generous with their time and advice.

Thank you also to the staff in the Marketing Office of St Catherine’s and to the SCOGA organising committee; Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95), Deborah Berry (Manos ’77), Victoria Landale (’10), Emily Smith (’10) and Helena Lyristakis (’11).

Top: Stephanie Lambert (’09), Bridget McCall (’98), Frances Derham (’01), Skye Stuart (’02) Bottom: Nicole Osborn (Schwarz ’85), Clementine Lilley (’02), Bridget McCall (’98) and Jill Clegg (’64)

St Cat her i ne’s Old G i rl s’ A s s o c i at ion

Mentoring Old Girls in Our Community SCOGA enjoyed the opportunity to talk to Louise Lampard (‘79) and Amy Wilson (’10) about their mentor/mentee relationship.

Amy and Louise met at the Women in Medicine and Allied Health Networking Breakfast in June 2015. As a guest speaker, Louise shared her experiences in Physiotherapy across the areas of Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and more recently rehabilitation in Neurology, Orthopedics, Cardiology and Pain Management. At the time, Amy was in her final year of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University, Albury.

What has been successful about the connection?

L: Amy and I discussed possible job situations for her first year as a physiotherapist, and I drew on my past and current roles to ensure that Amy was aware of the available opportunities and career paths. As a result of this, her preference was to get a job at the Epworth Hospital and I was able to look over her CV before she applied for the position. Amy was one of only four successful new graduates to work at the Epworth Hospital – it is a highly sought after role and a great credit to her.

A: Successful elements of this relationship include Louise’s ability to provide constructive and encouraging feedback, and share professional insights drawing on her vast

array of clinical and personal experiences as a physiotherapist. I feel that having similar educational backgrounds through St Catherine’s has meant our core values and ethics, including our approach to working within the health industry, are aligned.

What does the relationship mean for both of you?

L: I feel very satisfied that I have been able to help Amy to achieve her short-term goal. I hope that the knowledge I shared from my personal experiences in working at the Epworth Hospital, at smaller clinics, with a professional football club and overseas have helped with her decisionmaking. I love my job and enjoy the opportunity to assist students or new graduates where I can, and I look forward to continuing to connect with Amy at the Epworth Hospital and into the future.

A: I am appreciative of the time and effort Louise has taken to keep in contact since the Networking Breakfast. More recently it was a thrill to be working alongside her at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond. I am sure we will continue to grow the connection throughout my career, as I highly value the professional advice Louise has offered.

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Opening Doors With Networking: Stephanie Lambert (‘09) meets Zoe Carr (‘96) As a new entrant in the advertising industry, I felt overwhelmed when a new job opportunity presented itself as I was starting to feel comfortable in my current job.

I was happy where I was, but did not know how much longer I wanted to stay there. When the opportunity presented itself I thought the timing could be right – but I wasn’t 100 per cent sure.

The Women in Marketing and Communications Networking Event in August 2015 was perfect as I was able to hear professional women speak about their careers and industries. They shared stories of triumph and defeat, and what they could have done differently, which was so valuable.

I found my conversation with panelist, Zoe Carr (’96) so helpful. I explained my dilemma to her, and she offered me honest and relatable advice to “go for it, it is your career.” Our conversation gave me the confidence to accept the new job the very next day!

Taking the job was the best decision I made. I really enjoy the young culture and upbeat vibe of my new workplace. With all the time you spend at work, you need to make sure the company’s culture matches your personality.

I highly encourage Old Girls and VCE students to take advantage of the great opportunities that SCOGA is providing. St Catherine’s has always encouraged a strong community bond, and when you start work is when you need it the most.

Whether you are already working, or looking to start, the speakers are approachable, relatable and encouraging.

It is a great way to network and stay in contact with the St Catherine’s community.

Stephanie Lambert (’09)

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Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum, Honouring the Great Achievements of St Catherine’s Old Girls On 21 April, SCOGA and the School launched Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum, Honouring the Great Achievements of St Catherine’s Old Girls, a book to commemorate the 120th Anniversary of St Catherine’s School.

The 51 women featured in the book were profiled as part of the Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum Project, initiated by SCOGA in 2006 to recognise Old Girls through the generations who exemplify the School motto, Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum – Nothing is Great Unless it is Good.

We were delighted that so many of the honourees and their relatives and friends were able to attend the launch in Sherren House.

SCOGA President Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95) and Principal Mrs Michelle Carroll spoke of inspiring future generations through the extraordinary achievements and diversity of interests showcased in the book.

Our thanks to the current and past SCOGA Committee members and School staff who have supported the Project and the publication of this first edition book, in particular subcommittee members Deborah Berry (Manos ’77), Abigail Hand (Hossack ’83), Virginia Jackson (’79), Louise Lampard (’79), Stephanie Lazar (John ’86), Sally Morrell (’79) and Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95).

We look forward to presenting the book as SCOGA’s valedictory gift to the girls of the Class of 2016 on Speech Night, with our best wishes and the inspiration of the women who went before them.

Left to right: Dr Harriet Edquist (’65), Dr Evan Simpson, Professor Susan Davis (’74), Jacky Abbott (Gurner ’63), Jane Singleton AM (’64) Toni Joel (Silver ’82) and Jill Reichstein OAM (’67) Quentin Hewitt, Olivia Sayers (’04), Lauren Fox (Hewitt ’96), Fiona Sayers Elizabeth Drake (’61) and Katinka Drake

St Cat her i ne’s Old G i rl s’ A s s o c i at ion

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AM Award for Old Girl Mrs Samantha Baillieu (Myer ’78)

Mrs Samantha Baillieu (Myer ’78) was appointed a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours for her significant service to the community through support for charitable initiatives, to animal welfare, and to rural and regional renewal. We congratulate Samantha on all the work she has undertaken and continues to do for the community and for receiving this wonderful award.

Celia Burrell AM (Shelmerdine ’83), Lisa Roet (’82), Dr Libby Pilkington Hirsh and Natalie Hamersfeld (Bloom ’88)

Connecting our Community Updating Your Details Over the coming eight months we are endeavouring to update our membership database so that we have the correct contact details for as many Old Girls as possible. This will assist with organising year group reunions and invitations to other SCOGA events.

If you would like to check your contact details on our database, please contact: Alicia Vivarini (’98) avivarini@stcatherines.net.au You can also like the School’s Facebook page to keep up with the latest community news – www.facebook.com/stcatherines schooltoorak Join the St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association (SCOGA) closed group page on LinkedIn. This page is set up for Old Girls to communicate, network and hear about upcoming alumnae events.

Once a member of the page, feel free to share with other Old Girls in your LinkedIn network. www.linkedin.com/

groups/6781799

The Art of Great Teaching – Thank you Dr Libby Pilkington Hirsh Three Old Girls from three different year levels, Celia Burrell AM (Shelmerdine ’83), Lisa Roet (’82) and Natalie Hamersfeld (Bloom ’88), each have one special thing in common, teacher Dr Libby Pilkington Hirsh. Dr Hirsh was our Art teacher in Senior School and she not only had a profound impact on our professional careers, but was integral in shaping our lives. Libby taught us incredible skills and instilled in us a direction and passion that we would take through our lives – not always knowingly.

For many years, we reflected and treasured the influence that Libby had on our respective lives and often said “we must all get together and tell Libby how we feel.”

33 years later, we did just that. We went to Libby’s house to celebrate the ‘gift’ she had given us, sharing our gratitude and congratulating an amazing educator. An hour turned into the whole day, oblivious of any commitments. It was very emotional, heart-warming and energising to reconnect and share time together.

There is no doubt that without her we would not have had the diverse creative journeys we have each been so fortunate to have.

This is an excerpt from the letter we received from Libby after our visit:

“I am so proud of each of you for the remarkable achievements you have made and am eager to hear from each of you by phone or email whenever you have news to share or just want to exchange thoughts.

I have not had visitors to my home as radiant and vital as the three of you.

I want you to know that your visit yesterday was like a gift of unmeasurable value for me. I am still smiling just thinking about how much your words of appreciation for my teaching warmed my heart. It meant the world to me to hear each of you express how my passion for art that infused my teaching had empowered each of you to successfully apply your artistic talents, and remarkably continues even now, to contribute to each of your individually creative minds.

I thank you all very much for a day now etched in my mind’s landscape as a day to think about breathe deeply and smile.”

So, it is never too late to tell someone how much they have given you and to all past and present St Catherine’s teachers, we thank and celebrate you.

Celia Burrell AM (Shelmerdine ’83)

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Reunions

Sally Ahern (Watson ’74) – SCOGA Reunion Co-ordinator, Rosie Waite-Garrison (Waite ’78), Liz Bostock (Carter ’63), Lisa Nicoll-Cooke (Nicoll ’63)

1976 Year Group – 40 Year Reunion Year Rep Gina Israel (Shackell)

London Reunion On a lovely summer evening in London, Tuesday 21 June, SCOGA together with St Catherine’s School held a reunion for Old Girls and members of the School community at the renowned Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery in Fitzroy Square. Rebecca, a fellow Old Girl (’72) and Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum recipient generously hosted the event, allowing all attendees to enjoy her current exhibition.

1986 Year Group – 30 Year Reunion Year Rep Melissa Sweetland

More than 50 Old Girls attended ranging from 1961 to 2015, together with current students on exchange and on holidays, past and current parents, and Principal, Mrs Michelle Carroll and Head of Arts, Mrs Brigid Weereratne, who were both visiting London at the time.

We were delighted to welcome Sarah Baylis (’75) and Charlotte Farrow (Baylis ’78) daughters of the late Mrs Ann Baylis, Principal of St Catherine’s from 1971–1977 and Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum recipient, Dr Edwina Thompson (’96) who attended with her sister Prue Thompson (’92).

It was a wonderful event that enabled girls to reminisce, connect both personally and professionally and establish a new network.

Fiona Allen (Richardson ’03) said “thank you so much for organising the reunion, it was a really lovely night. It was great to connect with so many Old Girls living here in London. Please pass my thanks to Rebecca – her gallery is gorgeous. Look forward to the next one!”

With thanks to Georgia McCann (’06) and Rebecca Hossack (’72) for all their support and assistance in organising and hosting this event.

1996 Year Group – 20 Year Reunion Year Rep Kate Barber

Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95)

St Cat her i ne’s Old G i rl s’ A s s o c i at ion

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Dates for

2017 Events TBC February 2017 2016 Leavers Panel 9.00am in the Sherren House Ballroom oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au Friday 17 February 2017 Five Year – 2012 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Katie Cameron 0408 453 750 katiealisoncameron@gmail.com Philippa Sutherland 0403 458 220 philippasutherland4@gmail.com Friday 3 March 2017 25 Year – 1992 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Georgie McAllister (Guy) 0419 113 674 georgiemcallister@gmail.com Friday 17 March 2017 15 Year – 2002 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Lucinda Barber 0433 256 226 l.barber@hotmail.com Natalie Simpson 0424 569 773 njesimpson@gmail.com Friday 31 March 2017 Sydney Reunion Drinks at 6.30pm, Venue TBC oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au TBC March 2017 Old Girls’ Children’s Tea Party Morning tea at Campbell House ELC at 10.00am oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au

Opposite Page: L-R: Georgia McCann (’06), Catherine Lennie (’06), Annabelle Atkins (’11), Samantha Speck (Heffernan ‘06), St Catherine’ Head of Arts Mrs Brigid Weereratne and Alexandra Elliott (’07) Top to Bottom: L-R: Karolinka Roberts (Nyczek ’98) Katherine Buchanan (’06), Jane Cheatley (’06), Anna Brash (’06) and Rebecca Hossack (’72) L-R: Phoebe Ahern (’07), Sarah Rodd (’02), Madeleine Wood (’02) and Savannah Poolman (Gadsden ’88) L-R: Tegwen Tucker (’96), Caroline Service (Park ‘96) and Elizabeth Cantor (’96)

Friday 21 April 2017 20 Year – 1997 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Cecilia Riebl 0422 779 840 sessi_riebl@hotmail.com

Tuesday 9 May 2017 Year Reps’ Cocktail Party Drawing Room at 6.30pm Friday 25 August 2017 30 Year – 1987 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Rosalind Rowlands 0423 055 100 rosrowlands@gmail.com Friday 15 September 2017 10 Year – 2007 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Alexandra Elliott alexandraelliott20@gmail.com Reunion date TBA 40 Year – 1977 Sue Clemenger 0408 482 248 sueclem@netspace.net.au Friday 20 October 2017 Pre 1958 Luncheon Noon – 2.00 pm Sally Ahern (Watson) 0419 001 012 / 98184423 sahern@bigpond.net.au Virginia Edwards AM (Smith) 9503 1222 elizabellmaine@gmail.com Friday 17 November 2017 50 Year – 1967 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Toni Armstrong (Pierce) 0418 307 656 toni@burnhamgroup.com.au SCOGA Annual General Meeting Saturday 25 November 2017 at 10.00am Ballroom, Sherren House

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Boarders’ Reunion 1

2

3

4

Left to Right: 1. Back L-R: Sandra Robson (Gowan ‘80), Amanda Larkins (Argenti ’80), Kathyrn Hocken (’80), Belinda MacInnes (Norgard ’80), Jacinta Jarutis (Neale ’80), Front L-R: Elizabeth Archer (Bowman ’80), Kirsten Larwill (’83); 2. Anne Macarthur OAM (Cameron ’58), Diana Mackay (’53), Sue Stott (Mitchell ’53) and Anita Westacott (Stuart ’54); 3. Reunion Group; 4. Angela Baker (Singleton ’62), Christabel Sharpe (Mein ’92), Judith Mein (Singleton ’66), Angela Bott (Mein ’90)

On Saturday, 21 May, SCOGA and St Catherine’s co-hosted a Boarders’ Reunion with 160 past boarders from 1945 to 2013 in attendance for an afternoon tea and tour of the School.

It was the first Boarders’ Reunion in 10 years, allowing a large cross section of St Catherine’s Old Girls, who grew up together, to reconnect on the School grounds they once called home.

Held in the Mary Davis Centre, past boarders enjoyed a beautiful spread of sandwiches, scones and petit fours, before being welcomed by President of SCOGA, Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95), Head of Boarding, Mrs Sue Collister, and Principal, Mrs Michelle Carroll. They all gave thoughtful speeches, touching on the importance of the boarding community and the strength of the bond that boarding creates, tying all of the women in the room together, even across the generations.

Past and current Boarding Mistresses also attended the event, reuniting some of the younger Old Girls with the guiding women of their formative years.

A group of the current boarding students took attendees on tours of the School grounds, including the old boarding rooms in Sherren House and current Boarding House, Illawarra.

Throughout the tours, fond memories and stories of rebellion and mischief were exchanged across the generations of girls who lived at St Catherine’s.

Next Annual General Meeting

While many of the women who attended the Reunion commented on the vast changes to the School’s facilities since their time, the essence that is the heart of St Catherine’s was palpable, both in the School and the Old Girls.

The 95th AGM of the St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association (SCOGA) will be held on Saturday 26 November 2016 at 10.00am in the Ballroom, Sherren House. The meeting will be followed by morning tea.

We received wonderful feedback on the Boarders’ Reunion from our Old Girls:

All Old Girls are most welcome to attend. Any member who would like to bring business before the AGM is required to give notice in writing to the Secretary no later than Saturday 29 October 2016.

“It was such a lovely afternoon and I was thrilled that my three other sisters (Whitings) were able to come as well. We did enjoy catching up with old friends and a walk around the School. There was lots of reminiscing going on and we enjoyed our stroll through Illawarra House. Such a beautiful old mansion and perfect for the Boarding House,” Lyn Maloney (Whiting ’73) “It was so good to walk through the gates again and memories came flooding back. I particularly enjoyed being in the Ballroom, attending Assembly and visiting the Boarding Houses old and new. I am very grateful to St Catherine’s for giving me such a good grounding for life, and talking to the present girls I felt the same values are there. Thank you to the boarders who showed us around under great difficulty as we kept stopping to talk and reminisce,” Anne Macarthur OAM (Cameron ’58) Emily Smith (’10) and Helena Lyristakis (’11)

The SCOGA Committee is proposing to put to members changes to the SCOGA Rules and Constitution to reflect current practices, the School’s Constitution where appropriate and the legal requirements of the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012. An information session will be held in the Ballroom, Sherren House on Wednesday 19 October 2016, 7.00pm to allow members to discuss and provide feedback on the proposed changes. A copy of the proposed changes is available here: www.stcatherines.net.au/our-community/scoga/committee_governance.

Please RSVP: Information session by Tuesday 11 October AGM by Friday 11 November Stephanie Lazar (John ‘86) Secretary, St Catherine’s Old Girls Association 17 Heyington Place Toorak VIC 3142 0404 584 412 / stephanieclazar@hotmail.com

St Cat her i ne’s Old G i rl s’ A s s o c i at ion

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CURRENT STUDENTS OF OLD GIRLS’ Child

Mother

Child

Mother

Camilla Aberdeen

Nina Kirby (’94)

Katherine Lee

Karen Lim (’87)

Lara Anderson

Joanna Nicholas (’86)

Samantha Leigh

Annie Anezakis

Desi Kalfadellis (’87)

Nicholas Lincoln Sophie Lovell

Sarah Leahey (’82)

Giselle Armstrong Ziabella Armstrong

Lachlan Armstrong (Old Boy ’95) Lachlan Armstrong (Old Boy ’95)

Casper Bell

Grandmother

Great Grandmother

Toni Pierce (’67)

Grandmother

Great Grandmother

Georgina Stott (’79)

Penelope Mackey (’48)

Estelle Dennis (’25)

Marita Batty (’96)

Carol Kimpton (’67)

Astrid Low Toni Pierce (’67)

Margaret Carlyon (’45)

Edwina Low

Margaret Carlyon (’45)

Sue Catchlove (’59)

Arabella Lutz

Rebecca Paranthoiene (’97) Robin Richards (’74)

Joan Spry (’52)

Sam McAllister

Georgina Guy (’92)

Georgia Bickford

Anthea Gray (’79)

Elizabeth Bolt

Sally Morrell (’79)

Georgia Macaw

Zara Bongiorno

Felicity Miller (’87)

Poppy Maling

Alexandra Brearley

Sara Luth (’85)

William McInnes

Isabella Bufé

Tracy Cedzich (’86)

Chloe Manson

Thea Coltman (’51)

Coco Burrell

Celia Shelmerdine (’83)

Tabitha Manson

Thea Coltman (’51)

Ellie Cacopardo

Christina Smith (’88)

Prudence Whitehead (’61)

Amelia McDonald

Katie Cacopardo

Christina Smith (’88)

Prudence Whitehead (’61)

Alice Menzies-King

Susan Gawler (’64) Jean Cameron (’49) Lisa Kelly (’92)

Susan Officer Brown (’50) Fiona Menzies (’87)

Annabel Calvert

Fleur McKay (’94)

Sarah Baillieu (’68)

Margaret Cox (’35)

Sunny Millis

Priscilla Webb (’88)

Clara Calvert

Fleur McKay (’94)

Sarah Baillieu (’68)

Margaret Cox (’35)

Adelaide Mitchell

Katie Krauss (’90)

Georgina Moors

Edwina Saunders (’86)

Clare Cameron

Penelope Vowell (’41)

Lucy Campbell

Amelia Osborn (’86)

Elspeth Cannon

Clare Darling (’77)

Jill Sargood (’48)

Charlotte Murdoch

Prudence Spinney (’68)

Sandra Spry (’59)

Margaret Anderson AM (’39)

Coco Christian

Sophie Shelton (’85)

Letitia Cole (’58)

Maroa Molesworth (’25)

Olivia Murdoch

Sasha Christian

Sophie Shelton (’85)

Letitia Cole (’58)

Maroa Molesworth (’25)

Olivia Nagel

Christie Gronow (’97)

Lucy Church

Katrina Irving (’81)

Olivia Nash

Abbey Blackshaw (’93)

Honor Clark

Rebecca Mayes (’84)

Barbara Spry (’52)

Chloe Nevins

Simone Willis (’91)

Serena Clark

Rebecca Mayes (’84)

Barbara Spry (’52)

Clementine Newton-Brown Jane Forsyth (’88)

Willow Clarke

Aiesha Cipriani (’94)

Gretel Newton-Brown

Jane Forsyth (’88)

Pernilla Coleman

Kirsty Gilmour (’86)

Eve Nicolas

Kate Arnott (’88)

Saskia Coleman

Kirsty Gilmour (’86)

Grace Nicolas

Kate Arnott (’88)

Chloe Cooper

Sophie Richmond (’89)

Betty Lyall (’36)

Samantha Osborn

Nicky Schwarz (’85)

Meryanda Rowden (’55)

Hayley Cottrell

Constance Vanston (’22)

Abby Page

Kate àBeckett (’87)

Leigh Denham (’61)

Noreen Heath (’34)

Millicent Cottrell

Constance Vanston (’22)

Chloe Page

Kate àBeckett (’87)

Leigh Denham (’61)

Noreen Heath (’34)

Jessica Paterson

Sophie Nicholas (’89)

Allegra Paul

Francesca Hubay (’86)

Anouska Paul

Francesca Hubay (’86)

Elizabeth Newman (’61)

Sandra Spry (’59)

Margery Austin (’26) Olive (Bell) Lawson (’19) Margery Austin (’26) Olive (Bell) Lawson (’19)

Scarlett Davis

Briely Trollope (’89)

Matilda Day

Amanda Hyams (’95)

Ann Pisterman (’64)

William Day

Amanda Hyams (’95)

Ann Pisterman (’64)

Cassandra Doyle

Melissa Nicholas (’82)

Harriette Dryden

Victoria Krauss (’92)

Prudence Spinney (’68)

Emma Peele

Elizabeth Gillon (’67)

Maggie Dryden

Victoria Krauss (’92)

Prudence Spinney (’68)

Zara Peele

Elizabeth Gillon (’67)

Jenny Latreille (’58)

Claudia Perkins

Holly Elstoft

Christine McKinley-Wilson (’59) Christine McKinley-Wilson (’59)

Pia Foley (’81)

Holly Farrer

Susie Cook (’93)

Sarah Pratt

Madeleine Farrer

Susie Cook (’93)

Hollie Pringle

Marnie Ross (’92)

Victoria Jacobson (’65)

Sophie Farrer

Susie Cook (’93)

Scarlett Pringle

Marnie Ross (’92)

Victoria Jacobson (’65)

Jane Fenton

Caroline Balderstone (’87)

Willow Rice

Sarah Fenton

Caroline Balderstone (’87)

Sophie Pelman (’97) Richard Rice (Old Boy ’88)

Arabella Foote

Sarah Scambler (’93)

Margaret Drummond (’62)

Charlotte Fortey

Lucy King (’90)

Pamela Rome (’63)

Harriet Fortey

Lucy King (’90)

Pamela Rome (’63)

Olivia Fortey

Lucy King (’90)

Pamela Rome (’63)

Luisa Gibson

Sandra Herbert (’82)

Georgie Gleeson

Louise Lampard (’79)

Lucy Glover

Annabel Forsyth (’85)

Elizabeth Gorton

Sandra Court (’84)

Sophie Gorton

Sandra Court (’84)

Zara Gracanin

Camilla Knowles (’89)

Sienna Gracanin

Camilla Knowles (’89)

Pia Graham

Marnie Aitken (’84)

Lucy Gray

Penny Anderson (’87)

Claudia Richardson

Anne Lowry (’58); Sue King (’59) Anne Lowry (’58); Sue King (’59)

Isabella Stokes OAM (’58)

Claire Hayne

Leslie Reynolds (’54) Annabel Levy (’79)

Olivia Howitt

Michaela Grogan (’86)

Ella Johns

Susannah Chapman (’86)

Lucinda Kelly

Belinda Mountain (’83)

Eloise Kewley

Sally Stonier (’78)

Amelie Lane

Lisa Tarascio (’95)

Noel Lidgett (’50) Jenny Home (’52)

Mia Lansell

Jenny Home (’52) Stephanie John (’86)

Anna Lally (’88)

Molly Robertson

Anna Lally (’88)

Charlotte Rodgers

Marion Teare (’50)

Chloe Rodgers

Marion Teare (’50)

Lynette Walkley (’34) Lynette Walkley (’34)

Marion Teare (’50)

Eloise Rudge

Rowena Williams (’87)

Pamela Granowski (’51)

Anna Shears

Penny Roysmith (’81)

Betty Shields (’51)

Alexandra Shergold

Holly Tinsley (’89)

Margaret James (’61)

Pippa Shergold

Holly Tinsley (’89)

Margaret James (’61)

Clementine Sitch

Jennifer Wilson (’77)

Georgie Sitch

Jennifer Wilson (’77)

Serena Sitch

Jacqueline Barnes (’77)

Sophie Sitch

Jacqueline Barnes (’77)

Isabel Southey

Astrid Alstergren (’78)

Isabella Soutter Katharine Soutter

Ava Lansell Violet Lazar

Prudence Minifie (’51)

Emma Robertson

Emma Rodgers

Lucy Green Mimi Holmes

Jill Cannon (’66)

James Soutter (Old Boy ’92) James Soutter (Old Boy ’92)

Camilla Thomas

Virginya Sutton (’85)

Finley Thomson

Rebecca Jockel (’98)

Mirabelle Thomson

Rebecca Jockel (’98)

Lily Trosdal Ryan

Lisa Trosdal (’79)

Marigold Myer AC (’45) Prue Macnaughtan (’62) Prue Macnaughtan (’62)

Charlotte Upton

Lisa Hinrichsen (’83)

Giselle Upton

Lisa Hinrichsen (’83)

Jill Smith (’55) Jill Smith (’55)

Mia Upton

Lisa Hinrichsen (’83)

Jill Smith (’55)

Sara Zayontz

Anna Davis (’87)

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St Catherine’s News Spring 2016

Weddings

Left: Renée Homewood (’11) married Joshua Robinson 16 January 2016, at Horizon Byron Bay. Pictured with their son, Noah Kip Robinson Right: Alexandra Fish (’08) married Alistair Leonard 7 November 2015 at Janiemont, Woodfield

Victoria Guy (’02) married Samuel Kent on 19 December 2015 at the Abbotsford Convent.

Pictured: Brianna Kent, Lee Ferraro, Stephanie Guy (’07), Nathan Grimshaw, Victoria Kent (Guy ’02), Samuel Kent, Allyson Porter, Damien Pover, Alexandra Cato (’02), Darcy Kent; Flower girls L-R: Ruby Pover, Charlotte Pover and Sophie Pover.

Our new babies

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Top to Bottom: 1. Georgiana Matilda Vallance, a daughter for Emily Payne (’00) and Lachlan Vallance; 2. Araminta Elizabeth & Boston Peter, a daughter and son for Annabelle Gunnersen (Peters ‘99) and Thomas Gunnersen (Prep 87’). A brother and sister for Pearl; 3. Toby Joshua Vickery, a son for Asta Vickery (Dickinson ‘03) and Josh Vickery. A brother for Archie (4) and Harriet (2); 4. Sophia Field Kiriakidis, a daughter for Annabel Kiriakidis (Showers ‘96) and Laz Kiriakidis; 5. Archer Peter Lovett, a son for Amity Lovett (Jarvis ’97) and Peter Lovett. A brother for Lucienne.

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St Cat her i ne’s Old G i rl s’ A s s o c i at ion

Obituaries

THE BULLETIN

Beryl Fethers (Mooney ’44) Susanne ‘Susie’ Moscovitch (Parris ’68) Julie Gates (Griffith ’42) Susan Young (Travers ’60) Diane Chaudoir (O’Connell ’49) Deborah Byrne (Scott ’68) Jean Campbell (Dalrymple ’37)

Louise Murray (Barrett ’48)

Sarita Anne Hutton (Waldron ’56)

Morrell (Min) Earle (Molesworth ’62)

Louise Murray was a student and boarder at St Catherine’s from 1936 to 1948. In her year at Warburton she made a number of lifelong friends.

In 1944 she took a new boarder under her wing. We stayed friends for 70 years.

Sarita Anne Hutton (Waldron) was born in England on 18 June 1939. She died at home in London on 13 October 2015, having suffered from motor neurone disease for over two years.

Min was a shy girl, but was both Captain of the Boarding House and a School Prefect. Both her sister Jackie Lazarus (’67) and her sisterin-law Amanda (Grage ’60) went to St Catherine’s, where Min made lifelong friends. She loved her tennis, hockey and golf. She left School in 1963, went into nursing and although never finished, kept those skills.

Louise was very artistic, so an academic career was not considered. In her final year she was co-editor of the School Magazine. She was also Captain of the Boarding House.

On a boat trip to the UK she met her future husband, Mac. On returning to Australia they built a house in Berwick, where they brought up their four children. Louise became involved with the Berwick community.

Louise had a great love of books, which she passed on to her children.

She was also an excellent driver and later drove tennis and rock stars from hotels to venues.

When her children left home she started up a wholesale protea nursery, at the same time offering accommodation to Berwick students.

At her 80th birthday party there was a gathering of her children and grandchildren, her brothers and sisters and a number of St Catherine’s School friends.

Naomi Nicholson (Kaufman ’48)

When her father, Brigadier Waldron, was given a British Army posting in Melbourne, Sarita (Sari) joined us at St Catherine’s for the last two years of Junior School from 1949 to 1950.

We greatly enjoyed her lively spirit.

Sari was an enthusiast and an avid reader. After St Catherine’s, she went to school in Hong Kong, Switzerland, France as well as London. She undertook a variety of jobs and courses in France, Italy, Egypt, and London. She became fluent in French, Italian and Spanish, and proficient in German.

Sari met Lieutenant (later Captain) Anthony Hutton, RN in Scotland, in 1964.

They married on 23 August 1965 at the Royal Naval Chapel, Greenwich. My husband and I were thrilled to be guests at the wedding. They lived in London, Portsmouth and Naples.

In retirement, they visited Australia twice.

Sadly, Anthony died in April 2015. Sari faced her illness with enormous courage and without complaint. She will be greatly missed by her three children, five grandchildren and many friends around the world.

Margaret St John (Watson ’56)

She and her husband of 46 years, Michael, were a great partnership.

Their latest venture was managing a Polo complex in Southern NSW for over 15 years. It was run like clockwork.

They constantly entertained, fed the multitudes, and kept up the standards.

Min was also an enviable gardener.

Min was an enthusiastic golfer playing at Barwon Heads and Cootamundra where she was President.

Min spent a lifetime of giving and caring, volunteering for Riding for The Disabled for over 40 years, both in Geelong and in NSW. Min and Michael retired to Geelong with exciting plans afoot, but less than two years later Min died from pulmonary disease. She “fought the good fight” till the end surrounded by her loving family who meant everything to her.

Letitia Shelton (Cole ’58)

Kathy Jane Rainford (’82) “Fight the good Fight” (like our Anthem) is exactly what Kathy Rainford did to the very end. Kathy battled cancer but sadly passed away at 51 years, (7/12/15). She is missed everyday.

Kathy was born on 21/7/64 to Avril (Goldstone ‘46) and Ian Rainford.

Loving sister to Philip, Vicki and Chris.

Kathy loved St Catherine’s, and loved to sing joining the Madrigals Choir, and later the Old Girls’ Choir (also our SCOGA Representative).

After completing Business Studies at Swinburne, Kathy had a successful career. She owned a gift store called Patches after her parent’s family business – something very dear to Kathy’s heart.

Kathy adored travelling with her loving partner Ron McCarney. Maldives, Yosemite, US were highlights. Joyful family holidays to the Gold Coast and Mt Martha and recently a fantastic holiday in Fiji, to celebrate her 50th.

Kathy’s great loves were her partner Ron, family, friends and her beloved puppy dogs. Kathy treated her dogs as her family as they held an exceedingly special place in her heart.

Kathy was always the life of the party, bringing people together with her fun loving ways. She was our connector and will be sadly missed by all.

Susie Musgrove, Michelle McDonough (’82)

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