St Catherine's News - Autumn 2017

Incorporating the Old Girls’ Bulletin AUTUMN 2017

CONTENTS 02 Leadership 04 Early Learning Centre 06 Junior School 08 Senior School 10 Trips & Exchanges

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12 School Captains 14 VCE 2016 16 Life at St Catherines 17 Boarding 18 Student Perspectives 20 Her Future Begins Here 22 Shaping the Next Generation

of Entrepreneurs 23 History Making Regatta for

St Catherine’s School Rowing 24 Staff Profiles 26 Philanthrophy 28 From the Archives 29 Our Community 30 Leading The Way

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32 The Bulletin

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 Year 4 students Minerva Beck, Chloé Favaloro and Natalie Wang 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

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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

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“The redevelopment of the Junior School is a powerful expression of our commitment to girls’ education in the formative years.”

Mrs Michelle Carroll ~ Principal

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Building the Early Foundations for Women in STEM St Catherine’s continues a commitment to restore the focus and increase student uptake of STEM subjects from Junior School.

It is widely believed that it is the product offering that makes Net-a-Porter one of the best on line shopping experiences. When you shop or browse online for that new pair of shoes, pick a movie to stream on Netflix or apply for a car loan, it is, in fact, an algorithm that already knows what you like to buy, and ensures that products you like are always placed in front of you. These complex mathematical formulas, algorithms, are playing a growing role in all walks of life.

Past Parent, Professor Sally Wood, Director of Statistical Methodology at the University of NSW, speaks of how, traditionally, ‘the boys have been the builders, and the girls have been the decorators.’ This is changing rapidly as girls are encouraged to move into ‘non-traditional’ careers which result from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) based studies. Subjects such as Computer Coding, Augmented Reality and Forensic Science are now equipping our young students with the necessary skills for the future.

My mother, Margaret Darling, (Anderson ‘39) was educated at St Catherine’s under the guidance of Principal Miss Edna Holmes, who brought academic rigour to St Catherine’s. She was then sent to Finishing School in Sydney where she was taught to run a household and display good manners. Not one to follow convention, my mother soon became frustrated with being taught to appropriately ask “please

pass the butter,” and left finishing school to study architecture at the Melbourne Institute of Technology.

She went to join the Women’s Royal Australian Navy Service (WRANS) where she was posted to the Fleet Radio Unit, a signals intelligence unit based in Melbourne. A joint venture between Australia, the US, and the top secret British code breaker unit based in England, the unit’s task was to decipher Japanese naval and military codes.

A wonderful letter, written about by my mother’s American Commanding Officer describes ‘that night,’ a historical event that would be the turning point in the Battle of the Coral Sea. They were in the signals room at 4am, when a message came in from the Japanese army. It appeared that a visit by a Japanese official to a small island off New Guinea, was imminent and an escort of fighter aircraft was requested around him. The team correctly speculated that, because of the nature of the escort, the official was Admiral Yamamoto, the architect behind the attack on Pearl Harbour. Operation Vengeance was launched, and the Admiral’s plane was shot down over Bougainville, killing Yamamoto.

Nearly 70 years later and St Catherine’s has once again ignited a passion to pursue a career in STEM. My daughter Grace (‘12) went on to study Sustainable Systems Engineering at RMIT

and through partnerships with Engineers Without Borders, Grace has had the opportunity to travel to Cambodia to work on projects addressing water and sanitation, infrastructure, energy and livelihood development needs.

St Catherine’s continues a commitment to restore the focus and increase student uptake of STEM subjects from Junior School.

It is these building blocks provided at St Catherine’s that will ensure our students gain a strong foundation in STEM related skills that lead to careers that creatively and scientifically change the way we live and the impact we have on this planet.

After 11 years on St Catherine’s Council, including six years as Chair, I will be retiring at the AGM in May. Much has changed during this time; the development of the Marigold Southey Sports & Aquatic Centre and the Ruth Langley Research and Learning Centre, the Edna Holmes Centre for Science Centre for Science, and the partnership with Mercantile Rowing Club.

The enduring link between past and present remains the deep bond between teacher, student and their families and the common purpose to ensure we support our young students to make a positive impact in our world.

It has been a privilege to serve this School.

Mrs Clare Cannon (Darling ’77) Chair of Council

LEADERSHIP

commitment to girls’ education in the formative years. As an educator for over 25 years, I have always believed a school climate that allows young girls to find their voice is vital to the success of their learning, and is considered a priority in developing assured, capable and happy students. When girls feel confident it, in turn, builds confidence in other areas of learning, providing a seamless and successful transition into the secondary school years and beyond. It is this nurturing, yet empowering approach that epitomises a Barbreck education.

Her Story, Her Dream, Her Future Step into the St Catherine’s Junior School and our character is evident everywhere, from the crested school gates to the flurry of activity at the Sports and Aquatic Centre, from the colourful classrooms to the creative Art Studio, from the redbrick walkways and landscaped grounds to the Library that beckons students to read, study and reflect.

The traditions that mark the primary years in Barbreck continue to link generations of students and parents. The Red Steps, Assemblies, Year 6 Leaders and much-loved Prep Buddies, Junior Joggers, the Musical, Teddy Bears’ Picnic and other celebrations remind us what is unique about Barbreck, inspiring us to assume responsibility for the School’s future.

This year, we turn our focus to the School’s future direction, and the development of a purpose-built Junior School that will foster the education, growth and creativity of young minds. A place of learning, reflecting and enabling every student to reach their full potential – academically, physically, creatively and emotionally.

The redevelopment of the Junior School is our most significant building project in over 50 years. It is a powerful expression of our

Research reveals the crucial years for learning are the primary years. It is during this period, that young students acquire comprehensive literacy skills, fall in love with the classics, analyse and solve mathematical problems, work both autonomously and collaboratively, shaping independence and cooperation with peers, a time to inspire a culture of the Arts, a desire for a foreign language, the passion for sport and the ability to tease apart the mysteries of science.

Located at the heart of the new Junior School, the Library and Resource Centre will be the academic hub. A place to, not only find a great book, hear a good story or learn to do research, but also a place where inventions are made and ideas shared. The Centre will incorporate a purpose built Science Laboratory recognising the critical importance of developing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) capabilities and a Language Lab to raise globally aware students, inspired to learn a foreign language.

Self-expression through Music, Art, Dance, Public Speaking and Drama is an important step in enabling our girls to find their voice.

The new Junior School builds on this vibrant area of our curriculum with an Auditorium, connecting directly to the Senior School at St Catherine’s Walk, where our girls (and their

parents and grandparents) can gather for School Assemblies, Parent Evenings, Music Concerts and Graduating Ceremonies; a designated rehearsal space; a well-equipped Music classroom that sits alongside private instrumental tutorial spaces, and a new Art Studio and Gallery.

The Playing and Sports precinct will provide a wonderful outdoor space with the freedom to run in a Physical Education lesson, the enjoyment of ball games during After-School Sport and a wide open field, a village green, will host community outdoor events. Enclosed well within the grounds of the School campus, the Playing and Sports precinct ensures a safe and secure outdoor space with close and visible proximity to staff offices.

Research informs us that students respond positively to light, vibrant, well-planned learning spaces. The architect’s design reflects our commitment to sustainable building practice through the use of natural light, energy-efficient design, natural building materials and the ample use of glass internally. The building design, premised upon flexibility, features the capacity to close off classroom, or create large rooms for team teaching and a shared common space for cross-grade program work. The classrooms, with adjacent breakout spaces utilised for extension work and individual academic support, are designed to foster teacher collegiality, with a focus on ensuring expertise through sound professional practice and collaborative sharing of pedagogy.

I trust the St Catherine’s community will share in the excitement of this project and be inspired to support our campaign – Her Future Begins Here. Each generation of girls benefit from the School’s facilities and resources, generously provided by those who have donated previously to the School. A new Junior School, not only for those who will benefit immediately and in the future, will support and strengthen our School’s commitment to girls’ education and excellence; and continue the journey of empowering young women to be women of influence.

Mrs Michelle Carroll Principal

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

A Nature Rich Life “The future will belong to the nature smart, those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.”

Richard Louv – Author: Vitamin N – The Essential Guide to a Nature Rich Life 2016

ELC

As Early Childhood educators, we engage children with nature as a way of exploring, connecting with and making sense of their world.

In the Early Learning Centre we have always taken enormous care and respect when creating beautiful indoor learning environments. Now the children are also inspired outdoors when, each day they play in the new outdoor learning space.

The outdoor learning space, officially opened in November 2016, has been intentionally designed and constructed, taking into account the latest research about children’s development. Play in nature has an impact at each stage of a young child’s development. As children grow and develop, they need to confront new challenges within their known world. Risk taking is essential in helping children to build problem solving skills and competency to better prepare for life’s challenges. Children need to explore and discover at their own pace. To learn, they must constantly push the limits of their own experience – in balance with changing stages of maturity.

High quality supervision and educator interactions ensure that the children learn and develop from this type of healthy risk-taking.

The new space now provides rich opportunities for the children to connect with and learn from the natural surroundings. We are constantly in awe of the pleasure and delight of the children’s play in this new space. The children are quick to immerse themselves in the many different levels, spaces, textures and elements and explore with their whole body and all their senses. When given the chance to explore their new nature-

space, the children can barely contain themselves – the urge to run, jump, dig, sneak, creep, climb, crawl, sit quietly, resonates within them so strongly. ELC educators stimulate their innate curiosity, encourage exploration, and respond to questions but at the same time take care not to disrupt the children’s sequences of intense, playful discovery.

Our young explorers could not agree more.

Matilda Day in the Banksia Room says “I love the new treehouse because we can hide in it.

We can sit in the middle of the branches.” While Charlie Martuccio from the Wattle Room enjoys the hands on experience “I like the mud because you can dig in it. I can wear a digging suit and gumboots. You can get water to make it muddy.

The dinosaurs can jump in the mud.”

There is growing evidence that children are becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural world due to a society with televisions, computers, and extracurricular activities. These activities compete for their time, meaning that fewer children have the opportunity to enjoy playing in nature. In Denmark, the majority of kindergartens and early year’s settings use the outdoor environment all year round. We will continue to explore the educational and life long benefits of outdoor education and feel privileged to be involved as educators of young children in this unique and inspirational new setting.

Ms Fiona Barker ELC Coordinator

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Creative thinkers through STEM STEM has become the catch phrase of the education system over the last few years, and importantly so, but what does this mean for our youngest learners?

How can we support our girls to engage effectively?

STEM is the amalgamation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Many will automatically make the connection with coding and other computer sciences, however STEM is much more than that. It is the thinking and design process that enables us to prepare our girls for the dynamic world outside of School. A world where the careers they may choose to work in do not yet exist, a world that needs enquiring minds, problem solvers and those who are prepared to challenge conventional thinking.

Human beings are innately curious and creative, and we need only look to our youngest learners who often, insistently ask “why?” What happens to this curiosity and creativity, where does it go?

Through the process of formal education, answers are given and questions become fewer.

Over time, the concept of curiosity and creativity are more often associated with the Arts curriculum. Yet scientists of all fields are applying their creativity to the process of asking questions and solving problems. If Alexander Fleming wasn’t curious about the mold that was killing his bacteria, we wouldn’t have life-saving penicillin today.

Ainissa Ramirez, an American materials scientist, author and self-confessed science evangelist, describes creativity as the secret to STEM suggesting “Being curious and creative is a by-product of productive thinking” (@ainissaramirez, 2013). STEM enables us to

JUNIOR SCHOOL

STEM PROGRAMS IN JUNIOR SCHOOL

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STEM in the Mornings – (Years 1 to 6) allows students to share their enthusiasm for STEM through intriguing and challenging activities that extend their thinking

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Year 3 Specialist STEM Program – extends and enriches student knowledge and understanding of STEM through exploration of projects, tasks and creative activities

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Year 5 Genius Hour – student led research and enquiry session that develops critical thinking and investigative skills as well as creativity, collaboration and communication skills

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CSIRO CREST Program – CREativity in Science and Technology encourages students to design and implement their own scientific investigations

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Australian Academy of Science & Australian Government Primary Connections Program – available from Prep to Year 6 the Program develops students’ knowledge, skills, understanding and capacities in both Science and Literacy to ask the big questions about why and how things are

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8. engage in the thinking process and nurture curiosity in all of our Junior School learners, allowing students to link their learning and apply these to real life problems. Learning is a transformative process, not divided into subject areas. STEM requires our students to bring their knowledge of mathematical processes to solve problems that externally may appear unrelated.

Interestingly, we often view the scientific process as a logical process where questions are developed and answers given.

STEM encourages us to explore the design process to see that it is in fact not logical, but rather a creative and dynamic process. It follows paths unwritten, where questions become more exciting than the answers. STEM explores what it means to question rather than simply problem

Computer Coding 3D Design and Construction Forensic Science – (Years 5 and 6) utilising scientific techniques, students collect and analyse evidence, including fingerprints and footprint casting, as well as honing their problem solving and critical thinking skills

solve. It is creating a culture of exploration rather than the end solution.

In Junior School, STEM programs concentrate on creativity and innate curiosity through an emphasis on: – real-world issues and problems – hands-on inquiry and open-ended exploration – collaborative co-construction of knowledge – the application of knowledge and skills to solve problems, naturally inspiring students to seek further knowledge and improve their skills.

Students are encouraged to question, hypothesise, research and then design learning to discover new and exciting ideas. STEM in Junior School is dynamic and covers more than

building a robot or building a bridge, for it is the thinking process and understandings that will enable them to be the questioners and problem solvers we need.

Miss Alyssa Flint Junior School STEM Teacher References @ ainiss aramirez, A. R . (2013, August 21). Creativity is the secret sauce in S TE M. Retrieved February 25, 2017, from Education Trends, https://www.edutopia.org/blog/creativity-secret-sauce-in-stem-ainis sa-ramirez Alon, U. (2016, September 6). 8 T E D talks on how scientists learn Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/playlists/410/how_scientists_learn Purcell, K . D. (2015, October 21). 5 ways to get girls into STEM. Retrieved February 25, 2017, from Student Engagement, https://www. edutopia.org/blog/5-ways-girls-involved-STEM-karen-purcell Stewart, E. (2015, December 8). Innovation program “a step in right direction” for women. Retrieved February 25, 2017, from http://www. abc.net.au/news/2015-12- 08/australia-needs-more-opportunitiesfor-women-in-stem/7009760

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Learning Plus “not simply a change of name” These are exciting times for the Education Support Department at St Catherine’s. From the commencement of 2017, the Junior School and Senior School have been delivering Education Support under a new banner – that of Learning Plus.

The Learning Plus Department will still provide an exceptional program of support and extension for students with particular learning needs, but it will also do much more. One of the innovative aspects of the new Department is its capacity to provide, not only research based programs for students, but will enable teachers to consult on differentiating the curriculum for every student.

By recognising the different learning profiles, rates of learning and individual passions of our students, we are better able to design a personal learning plan that suits the requirements of each student.

Under the new banner, the Learning Plus Department further builds on a commitment to developing evidence-based programs for students who require learning support or extension and we will continue to provide expertise in supportive, small group settings.

Education Support teachers will also continue to provide explicit teaching in spelling, writing and

grammar, working closely with subject teachers and external expert providers such as Speech and Language Therapists and Psychologists.

Perhaps most exciting is in the knowledge that the Learning Plus Department will also develop exceptional opportunities for students who require extension, involving ‘beyond the classroom’ activities. Education support, extension and differentiation are hallmarks of the Learning Plus Department but equally so they are hallmarks of a great education. The new Department model demonstrates our commitment to inclusive education, heralding an evolution in support learning no matter where your daughter is positioned in her education journey. I think you’ll agree, this is ‘not simply a change of name’!

Mrs Elka Gaensler Head of Learning Plus

Learning Plus Department will provide enhanced opportunities for students to achieve their potential through a process of: • Consultation with teachers, parents and students to identifying individual student needs • Determining adjustments that need to be made to the curriculum including exams and

assessment tasks

• Development, monitoring and evaluation of individual learning plans

SENIOR SCHOOL

By recognising the different learning profiles, rates of learning and individual passions of our students, we are better able to design a personal learning plan that suits the requirements of each student.

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

A Tale of Two Cities This year we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of a very successful Year 9 student Exchange Program between two schools that share the same name. St Catherine’s Toorak and St Catherine’s Bramley may be nearly 17,000km apart but there are many similarities that provide a familiar and welcoming setting for girls who participate in the Exchange Program.

The differences between the school systems have often taken adjusting, as the girls experience a longer school day in England.

The Bramley girls have always embraced the Australian culture, joining the co-curricular program including Rowing program. Suzie Lowe who attended St Catherine’s Toorak in 2011 on Exchange, was introduced to rowing during her time in Melbourne, continuing to row upon her return to the UK and going on to represent Great Britain in Rowing.

Exchange programs allow students to develop in ways that are often hard to measure. Their independence and self-confidence grow as a result of the experience. Miss Tamara Andrews, Trips and Exchange Coordinator says “As coordinator of the Exchange Program, I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible benefits that come from a multitude of unique life experiences.” The young girls involved are

prepared to step outside their comfort zone and become members of a new school community and a new family. Year 12 student Zara Seyfort participated in the UK Exchange in 2014 “the entire exchange was rewarding and I often think about how fortunate I was to have taken part.

To be connected with a new ‘sister’ and to experience her world, making new friends in England and becoming closer with the Australian girls I travelled with, increased my confidence.”

Year 12 student Chloe Thompson who also went on exchange in 2014 agrees “the exchange definitely made me a more mature and independent person, although you have a lot of support during the stay, you are essentially travelling to a foreign country to experience a different way of life.”

There are daily challenges that on their own are not difficult. However when faced with

multiple challenges, in a new environment, the girls need to draw upon their own resources to adjust. With the support of a host family, host sister and staff, the girls experience individual growth and resilience and the experience provides a range of academic and cultural opportunities unique to exchange programs.

A love of travel can be fostered early in life when children are encouraged to immerse themselves in various cultures. One way for students to do that is to participate in student exchange programs, such as our program with St Catherine’s Bramley, a partnership that we know will flourish for years to come.

Miss Tamara Andrews Trip and Exchange Coordinator

TRIPS AND EXCHANGES

Lead your life with purpose

‘Nothing satisfies the human spirit more than purpose.’ Glenn A. Gerreyn – Get Your Hopes Up Glenn Gerreyn’s inspiring messages to the Year 12 girls at the Ormond College Residential Leadership Conference were a powerful reminder of the importance of purpose and vision in our lives.

St Catherine’s Girls who have participated in this exchange program over the past 10 years:

2017 Isabella McDonald Emma Roberston Chloe Rodgers Julia Thompson

2012 Ruby King Olivia Menzies Manon Dennison Daisy Wood

2016 Celia Cody Eve Rayner

2011 Daisy Ballantyne Matilda Middleton Isabella Richardson

2015 Isabel Gray Lucy Porter Sarah Steven 2014 Zara Seyfort Georgie Sitch Chloe Thompson 2013 Elizabeth Bolt Georgia Caine Samantha Leigh Ruby Smith

2010 Zoë Allatson Caroline Hamer Felicity Wilson 2009 Natasha Hiscock Clementine Le Messurier Natalie Relf 2008 Amelia Hamer Sarah Holmes Sarah Lee

Glenn told the girls that the session was ‘not about motivation, as that comes and goes’, but that they need to ‘pursue commitment instead, as you can rely on it’. He reminded the girls that when they were born, purpose was born too, encouraging them to ‘explore, dream and discover’, to create a ‘vision board’ to remind themselves of their potential, talents and aspirations.

The Year 12 cohort has likewise acknowledged the importance of purpose and vision in their chosen theme for the year: ‘Beyond’. Like the 2015 and 2016 themes of ‘Absolutely’ and ‘Golden’, this year’s theme typifies all that St Catherine’s girls will strive for. School Captain Mackenzie Leyden and Vice-Captain Georgie Sitch introduced the ‘Beyond’ theme in the first Senior School Assembly. Mackenzie likened the year to a blank canvas, telling the girls to ‘paint it, make it your own, make it special’. Her advice was to ‘Go beyond your comfort zone. Beyond your friendship group. Beyond what is easy and what is familiar. Take risks. Be yourself.’ Georgie asked the girls to recognise their ‘role as global citizens, to join the Environment Club, Knitting for Nepal, tutoring at Friday Night School’, to think about how their ‘actions today can help to soften the concerns of tomorrow.’ She noted that ‘the word ‘beyond’ represents conviction – applying yourself wholly to the task at hand. Taking initiative or taking a stand’.

The St Catherine’s School 2020 Vision, recognises this commitment to a vision; a

common purpose to support our girls to realise their own dreams, aspirations and goals, both within and beyond School. The weThrive: Wellbeing@St Catherine’s Program initiatives are the focus of our Strategic Intent to encourage positive relationships, a commitment to life-long learning and the development of leadership skills, resilience, and social responsibility; key elements of a strong sense of purpose.

As we move into our third year of our Strategic Intent, new goals and objectives have been established. These include expanding the partnership with Swinburne University Emotional Intelligence Unit, following the success of the 2016 pilot program in Years 4 and 8. In 2017, the Aristotle program will be delivered in Years 1, 2, 4, 5 and 8 as well as some elements of the program in Years 7, 9, 11 and 12. Restorative Practice and Child Safety are also a focus for 2017.

In the words of Steve Jobs, ‘If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed, the vision pulls you’. St Catherine’s commitment to Student Wellbeing and the achievement of our Strategic Intent is an integral part of our 2020 Vision which pulls our community and our students, toward an exciting and purposeful future.

Mrs Merran O’Connor Director of Student Wellbeing

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Senior School Captains MACKENZIE LEYDEN SCHOOL CAPTAIN GEORGIE SITCH SCHOOL VICE CAPTAIN

Go Beyond As most of my friends and family are quite aware, I have been really excited about coming back to School. In fact, most conversations over summer have started with “I am really excited to go back to School.”

It is only because we are honestly so excited for the year ahead. It is the indescribable buzz that fills each corner of the School that makes me love coming through the Heyington Gates so much.

So, while most of you enjoyed yet another flawless Victorian summer, Georgie and I had a getaway of our own. We spent four days at Bond University on the Gold Coast, where we took part in workshops and activities, as well as had the opportunity to brainstorm the year ahead.

Each year, the Year 12 cohort select a word for the year. A concept or an idea that helps shape the year and how we want to leave our mark on it. This year, Year 12s decided our word will be BEYOND. In 2017, we will all be faced with lots of decisions, regardless of whether we are in Year 7 or Year 12. We will ask ourselves questions such as ‘Melbourne or Monash?’, ‘Chemistry or Physics?’, ‘Soccer or Badminton?’, and, one that is quite topical for us boarders, ‘mozzarella and vegetable quesadillas or fish and chips?’

But the biggest choice you make is this day. For you today, 2017 is a blank canvas.

You are the ones who get to paint it, make it your own, make it special. Consider your impact on the year ahead. Go beyond your comfort zone. Beyond your friendship group. Beyond what is easy and what is familiar. Take risks. Be yourself. But most of all, have fun.

We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the story of 2017.

imagine if we had put that effort and energy into actually completing our books?

Mackenzie Leyden School Captain

This brings me to 2017. We want to take this same concept of going beyond – into Year 12.

Going beyond what is expected, or even necessary, and using it in a more positive light.

Beyond: Looking outside and considering others In the summer of 2007, when most of us were busy being children, mum enrolled me and my siblings in a gruelling Mathematics homework program. After a couple of days slaving over sums in the heat, we came to realise that what we were told would be a fun activity, was actually some sort of twisted summer school.

We realised we had been played.

As siblings we embarked on a highly organised and coordinated feat of vengeance. During designated Kumon time, we each brainstormed different strategies of Mathematics avoidance.

Will (my older brother) favoured the old ‘complete the front and back pages only’ technique, my sister Nikki enjoyed filling in the answers with random numbers. I, on the other hand, like to have my nanny Barbara complete the books for me.

Even now, we still find random books jammed in toilet brush holders. I distinctly remember waking up one night to my sister Nikki sneaking out the door. When asked where she was going, her reply ‘to bury the books’.

The family tradition continues today when recently when Mum went in for a quarterly review of my little sister’s progress, only to find that Kumon were not aware she still attended.

Clementine soon confessed to hiding for an hour each week.

For that summer, we went above and beyond to form a production line of Kumon forgery, but

For us, beyond is conviction – applying yourself wholly to the task at hand. Taking initiative or taking a stand. It is risk-taking. Deciding that, for your next School camp you won’t pretend to be a vegetarian.

It is starting debates and having the courage to question and change your point of view.

It is learning about the world by going out into it – signing up for Debating or Public Speaking competitions, reading about international politics, spending Christmas on exchange in France.

This year, let’s begin projects, express ourselves through drawing, Gymnastics and writing, complete the goals section of our diaries and talk about things that excite us.

It is looking beyond ourselves as the St Catherine’s student and recognising our role as global citizens by thinking about how our actions today can help to soften the concerns of tomorrow.

Most of all, it is kindness. Beyond is looking outside of ourselves and considering those around us. So, let’s continue to be community minded, question our limits, tap into the drive and talent of one another and act beyond what we think we are capable of with curiosity, calm and focus.

Georgie Sitch School Vice-Captain

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Junior School Captains AVA COLOSIMO JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAIN LIVIA GOWRIE JUNIOR SCHOOL VICE CAPTAIN

SENIOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS 2017

How were you appointed to your role?

Ava: There were a number of steps. Firstly, everyone in Year 5 had to write a letter to Mrs Moor outlining what we thought were qualities a good leader should have and, what we could contribute to the School as a leader. All the Years 5 and 6 students voted as well as teachers. Mrs Moor made the final decision. It was such a nerve racking and exciting process!

Livia: First we wrote a letter to Mrs Moor explaining why we wanted to be School Captain and what we would bring to the role. Then the Years 5 and 6 girls selected a few people who they thought would be good Captains.

What was it like to be elected?

Ava: It was such a fantastic day when Mrs Moor announced the captains for 2017. I was so thrilled to find out I was elected School Captain.

During the holidays I thought about how to approach our weekly meetings with Mrs Moor, speaking in assembly, as well as assisting Mrs Moor with all the tasks that she gives to the School Captains.

Livia: At first I was really nervous but now I realise everyone in my Year level is a Year 6 leader and that is most important.

What will you enjoy most about being a Barbreck Captain?

Ava: There is nothing that I won’t enjoy this year.

I can’t wait for the church service and all the time we get to spend with Mrs Moor and being able to speak each week at assembly. 2017 will be absolutely incredible!

Livia: I am really excited about speaking in assembly more often and being a role model for the younger grades.

What are you looking forward to in your roles this year?

Ava: I can’t wait for the Fundraising Day later in the year. It will be a lot of fun to organise with

the other Year 6 students. It will be a great way to spend more time getting to get to know other Year 6 girls a lot better, while also raising money for a good cause.

Livia: I would like to look after the Preps and the Years 1, 2 and 3 girls during inside play and getting to sit on the red steps.

What are some of the qualities that a good leader should have?

Ava: Good leaders should always give things a go – even if it scares them. A good leader needs to be a positive role model and someone others trust and can turn to for advice. A good leader should also always remember the School values of Empathy, Curiosity, Perseverance and Integrity. Most importantly, a good leader should not only believe in themselves but in others too.

Livia: A good leader has to be kind, patient, honest and a bit brave, even though sometimes it is hard to stand and talk in front of a group of people.

What makes St Catherine’s such a great School?

Ava: St Catherine’s is such a great School because there is always someone to turn to if you’re feeling sad or lonely, or if you need some advice. Everyone is willing to help. The teachers and students are all so supportive and friendly. It feels like one big family community.

St Catherine’s makes you strive for the best and everyone believes you can do it.

Livia: St Catherine’s is great because everyone knows each other and everyone is friends.

There are also so many amazing opportunities at School like French, Music, plays, sport and all lunchtime and after School activities.

School Captain School Vice Captain Art and Design Boarding Captains Community Service Debating Drama Duke of Edinburgh Environment International Magazine Music Choral Music Instrumental Spirit and Wellbeing Sport House Captains: Beaulieu Blair House Captains: Davis House Captains: Holmes Kilbride House Captains: Langley Templeton Athletics Cross Country Diving Rowing Snowsports Swimming

Mackenzie Leyden Georgie Sitch Brigette Cantarella Esther Teow Jessica Walsh Hannah Otto Chloe Thompson Amber Chapman Sophie Seng Hpa Catherine Mytton Fuming (Maggie) Yang Stephanie Wills Phoebe Edwards Ingrid Crossing Sarah Fenton Georgia Deacon Chloe Page Sabrina Reinke Alice Renn Eve Alexiadis Lucy Kelly Isabella King Elsa Robertson Julia Rossi Alexandra Stopp Ingrid Crossing Elsa Robertson Stephanie Wills Bridget Liberman Alexandra Cullen Alexandra Stopp Gretel Newton-Brown Arabella Houghton Eve Alexiadis Lucy Tanner

BARBRECK LEADERSHIP POSITIONS 2017

Barbreck School Captain Ava Colosimo Barbreck Vice Captain

Livia Gowrie

Barbreck Music Captains

Katherine Graham Emma Gregory Ellen Vote

House Captains: Beaulieu Blair

Julia Kent

House Captains: Davis

Phoebe Hogan

House Captains: Holmes Kilbride

Sienna Darcy

House Captains: Langley Templeton

Coco Kudelka

Chloe Nevins Freya Cantwell Zara Peele Milla Naylor

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Outstanding results in

VCE 2016 While St Catherine’s celebrated the 120th year as a leader in girls’ education, it was the success of our Year 12 students, in continuing the School’s long tradition of academic achievement.

Throughout 2016 our Year 12 cohort demonstrated exceptional leadership across all endeavours including dedication to their studies, participation in co-curricular programs and contribution to our School and community through their involvement in service and leadership opportunities.

This commitment has resulted in outstanding performances across a wide range of subjects.

100% received a Round 1 Tertiary offer with students accepting offers into courses in 24 different fields at 11 different Tertiary Institutes including The University of Melbourne, Monash University and RMIT University with some also accepting international offers at University of St Andrews (UK), Princeton University (USA) and Boston University (USA).

15

Katherine Yuan

TOP

1

TOP

%

6% SCORED 99 & ABOVE

IN THE STATE

Imogen Chandulal

27

TOP

%

27% SCORED 95 & ABOVE

IN THE STATE

Ruby Smith

10

TOP

%

43% SCORED 90 & ABOVE

IN THE STATE

72% SCORED 80 & ABOVE

20% IN THE STATE

CLASS OF 2016 Our Dux of 2016, Katherine Yuan, achieved a near perfect ATAR score of 99.90. Katherine was placed in the top 8% in the State for Specialist Maths and the top 2% in the State for Chemistry, English and Japanese. Katherine also demonstrated exemplary leadership as Music Captain this year and, after receiving the Scientia Scholarship, is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) majoring in Mechatronics with the Biomedical Engineering dual degree.

Overwhelmed with her results Katherine says, “the guidance I received from all my teachers at St Catherine’s was incredible. They were always accessible and willing to assist me.

Following conversations with St Catherine’s Careers Coordinator, Mrs Pauline van der Poel I decided I wanted to study Biomedical Engineering. I researched universities and found that the University of New South Wales has an amazing course.”

St Catherine’s Arts Co-Captain, Imogen Chandulal, who studied a VET Fashion course received the ATAR she needed to pursue a course in Communications Design.

“I was so excited to receive my results. This is a big step towards my future and means I can

keep moving towards my goal,” explains Imogen.

“I have always been interested in visual arts and have loved studying Visual Communications and Studio Arts at School. It was also really beneficial to be the Arts Co-Captain as I was able to really get involved in design work, developing several of St Catherine’s promotional materials – it really gave me hands on experience in my field of choice.”

Reflecting on her Year 12 journey, Imogen said the small Year level allowed all of the girls to really care and support each other. “The care and support we were able to provide each other during our final year was wonderful. It helped us all feel confident to become involved in all St Catherine’s has to offer and challenge ourselves both academically and through co-curricular activities.”

2016 Music Captain, Ruby Smith, also completed a university extension subject and said her ATAR results have been more useful in terms of what they mean to her, rather than what they can do for her.

“Instead of my results being a way for me to get into my dream course, they have instead proved to me that if I work hard I will achieve good results.

Ultimately, my results are secondary to my performance in audition, but I’m still so happy to

know that my hard work this year paid off, and that satisfaction alone is worth it,” explains Ruby.

Ruby has received a first-round offer to study a Bachelor of Music Performance at Melbourne University, her first preference.

“Music is such a major part of my life, and always has been, so it seemed only natural that I should continue what I love throughout university and (hopefully) the rest of my life. Ever since I was four and my parents played The Phantom of the Opera in the car on the way to kinder I’ve wanted to be an opera singer, and hopefully a BMus will help make this dream a reality!”

“St Catherine’s has taught me that doing what you enjoy is always the right choice. From Year 7, I was encouraged to take part in anything I was interested in – regardless of initial skill level – and to take subjects that I enjoy. This has, definitely, helped me believe that you can succeed in anything so long as you enjoy it, and this has inspired me to take subjects that I genuinely love, and to follow my dream to study Music.”

Ruby says the level of support provided by her teachers, particularly in Year 12, was phenomenal and instrumental in helping her achieve her best.

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

‘‘

Our Space Camp student

Demi Markakis

StCatherine’s School @StCathsMelb

Student Sophie Seng Hpa became the first recipient

in Australia to receive #HarvardBookAward t h r o u g h @ H a r v a r d U n i v.

reviews a successful mission

Courage is caring enough about your values, t hat you uphold t hese a nd

demonstrate this strength each and every day, writes

St Catherine’s Principal,

consisting of scuba diving,

Mrs Michelle Carroll

astronaut simulations

and mock missions. #STEM #WomenOfTheFuture

#LifeAtStCatherines www.stcatherines.net.au/blog

/follow-your-curiosity/

#stemEd creates critical thinkers by instilling a sense of intrigue & wonder

#coding #edchat #LifeAtStCatherines

Our #Dux Outstanding results in of 2016

Life @

Katherine Yuan, with a near perfect

#ATAR of 99.90, is hoping to study #BioEng #WomenOFTheFuture

St Catherines JOIN THE CONVERSATION AT:

#

We are delighted to announce Anne Smith as Patron of the

Her Future Begins Here campaign. Anne is the longest serving

Head of the Junior School

from 1980-2000 and well known by generations of

St Catherine’s families. #HerFutureBeginsHere #LifeAtStCatherines

our new outdoor playground is undertaking some stringent assessment from our most

qualified assessors – our ELC children!

From the laughter and creative play taking place we think

it has passed with flying colours. We look forward to

2017 School Captain,

celebrating the completed play space due in November.

Mackenzie Leyden and Vice-Captain Georgie Sitch,

#PlayLearnGrow #StCatherinesSchoolMelbourne

preparing for the year ahead at the Alliance of Girls’ Schools

Leadership Conference at Bond University

BOARDING

Illawarra, the historic 19th Century mansion is a place to call home for our 50 international and regional boarders. In 2017 we welcome 12 new boarding families – from Country Victoria, Geelong, Melbourne, the Northern Territory, Sydney, Regional NSW and China.

Like all homes, Illawarra undergoes painting, cleaning and polishing in readiness for the arrival of its newest residents. The updated security systems and the arrival of our new bedroom furniture, ensured our boarders are comfortable and settled in their new surrounds.

In January, the first to arrive are our Year 12 girls in preparation for their Leadership Conference at the University of Melbourne.

Having already settled into their single rooms at the end of 2016, they are always excited to catch up and share news of summer adventures.

As the Year 12s depart for the Conference, new boarders and families arrive. This day is a significant one, not only for the girls but

also their parents. For families, the decision to send their daughter to boarding school is a time of great change for the entire family, and our role at Illawarra is to assist with this transition. From making a cup of coffee for a nervous parent and helping show the wide eyed girls where the linen is stored, to ensuring all the schoolbooks and textbooks have arrived; the boarding staff are available to help everyone settle in.

This year, the new Boarders’ Parent Support Group held their inaugural meeting, the wonderful turnout highlighting the important role our parents and guardians play in the life of the Boarding House. This meeting was followed by our Annual Welcome Drinks in the lobby of Illawarra, a chance to settle back, and take in the beautiful surrounds of Illawarra House.

The highlight of the beginning of the year is always the Closed Weekend. Organised by our Boarding Captains – Jessica Walsh and Esther Teow, the weekend begins with the very popular Boarding Trivia Quizzes as the girls test their knowledge on a range of topics – including questions relating to our boarding students.

This is followed by an Illawarra favourite – a BBQ dinner in the Eastern Garden at Illawarra and the Movie Night in the lounge room. With rooms now personalised with door signs for their bedrooms, the students participate in scavenger hunts and an afternoon in the Marigold Southey Sports and Aquatic Centre.

With the School term now well and truly upon us, the boarders are encouraged to build lasting connections within the School community through GSV Sporting Programs, musical groups and ensembles, Debating and the International Club.

For our boarders, these experiences are important because they affirm the significance of participation within our wider School community. We pride ourselves on our ability to meaningfully connect the girls’ day school and boarding worlds and these connections enable each girl to make the most of her time at St Catherine’s School.

Mrs Sue Collister Director of Boarding Services

Illawarra – Starting The Year in 2017

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Meet four of our students…

Camilla Aberdeen

Miranda Ware

CAMILLA ABERDEEN, YEAR 1

MIRANDA WARE, YEAR 6

What do you like most about School?

I love watching the new building being built.

Some days you get to see big diggers moving all the dirt. I am really excited about playing and learning in the new building.

What do you like most about School?

I love playing in the playground, being outside with my friends is a lot of fun. I also really enjoy the classrooms and the teachers.

What are your favourite things to do away from School?

I love ballet and swimming. My favourite swimming stroke is freestyle. I also like to just play in our pool at home. We have a big inflatable flamingo, rainbow unicorn and giant watermelon! I can also do five summersaults in a row underwater.

Do you play any Sports?

I love playing tennis. My coach is really nice and I love hitting the ball really hard.

Sometimes, I play with my brother at home and he hits them so big they go over the fence, that is really funny!

Do you play any musical instruments?

Not yet. I can sing though and soon I will be learning to play the piano.

What would you like to be when you grow up?

A vet. I love helping animals, especially cats. I would help all different types of animals though.

What are you looking forward to learning at School this year?

My teacher, Ms Ballis, says we all know so much from Prep there is not much more to teach! I have enjoyed writing and practising my plus sums.

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

It means I can be just like my Mum. She went to St Catherine’s too. My Mum is so pretty and has black hair. She always looks pretty when she wears the necklace I bought her. She is also lots of fun.

What are your favourite things to do away from School?

I love skiing, snowboarding, horse riding, singing, tennis, netball, reading and playing with my friends. My favourite books to read are from the series Cherub, it is funny.

My horse’s name is Elmo and he is about 6 years old. We have had him for a long time, so he feels like part of our family.

Do you play any musical instruments?

I play the clarinet, piano and the flute. I enjoy playing different types of music on the different instruments too. On the flute I like soft, relaxing songs but on the piano I love jazz.

What would you like to be when you grow up?

An actress, singer or competing in the Olympic Dressage event.

What are you looking forward to learning this year at School?

Algebra. My sister, who is in Year 9, said the best way to be good at Algebra is to be prepared now, so I am looking forward to learning as much as I can about it so it helps me in the future.

I am also looking forward to learning more about becoming a leader.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of this year?

I would like to take out first place in the horse riding preliminary category. I have competed in the preparatory event which is very caring and nice, however in preliminary they have a very high standard and judge more critically.

I would also like to participate in the Junior School Musical The Lion King this year, perhaps as Simba or Scar!

STUDENT PERSPECTIVES

Catherine Chen

Amelia Chambers

CATHERINE CHEN, YEAR 7

AMELIA CHAMBERS, YEAR 10

What do you enjoy about School?

I love arriving every day to be greeted by my friends. Having different people in my classes means that we all get to know each other and form stronger friendships. Secondly, learning something different everyday means that School continues to be enjoyable and stimulating.

Finally, co-curricular activities are the highlight of my schooling because they allow me to develop a broader range of skills all the way from perseverance to humility.

What do you like most about School?

I love the environment because it feels comfortable and engaging. The opportunities I have been given have allowed me to be a part of things I may not have been able to experience otherwise and they have opened my eyes to life outside School.

Are you involved in any co-curricular activities at School?

I am continuing to learn the trombone and I participate in Music ensembles. Music and Sport at St Catherine’s are always activities I have been passionate about. Perhaps I will join the Debating team this year too!

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

I am particularly excited to dissect a squid later this year in Science! I am also thrilled to continue GSV Sports because it is a great opportunity to meet new friends, learn more about teamwork and strengthen sportsmanship.

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

I would love to develop my leadership skills, continue to make lifelong friendships, and become a role model to younger students. I think it is also important that I become more confident in myself and volunteer to do things even if they are outside of my comfort zone.

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

I believe that determination, integrity and qualities of every St Catherine’s girl. I love being in an environment where I can truly be myself, and not be afraid to speak up whenever I feel.

I am truly proud to belong to St Catherine’s and represent the School.

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

I would like to gain as much as I can out of my education and schooling years whilst still maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle.

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

It means that I am lucky enough to have access to a quality education, in a safe environment, where teachers are genuine and love what they do. I think that it is important that we take advantage of everything that is offered to us because there are millions of girls in the world who are unable to attend School let alone play sports, join clubs, take part in musicals etc.

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

Being in Year 10 is both exciting and nerve racking as we draw closer to VCE and the end of our School days. However, this year I am really excited to be a part of a VCE 1/2 class and begin to get a feel for how the system works. I am also excited for House Arts and for choosing all my subjects for next year.

Heading into VCE next year, do you have any career/subject plans already?

I am not completely sure yet. Being able to participate in a variety of subject electives, I am hoping it will give me an opportunity to narrow down what I am most interested in. I do think that, although I can be a logical thinker, I am also quite creative and I would love to work in a more creative industry.

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

A landmark centre for

life-long learning The new Junior School will be a landmark centre building robust foundations for life-long independent learning. A hub enabling every primary student’s ability and potential - academically, physically, creatively and emotionally. An improved Junior School demonstrates a compelling commitment to education, and to life, for our Junior School students today and tomorrow.

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The excitement about the prospect of a new building for the Junior School is evident and palpable! Staff and students were certainly thrilled that the development is moving along quite nicely and on time, with early works that commenced over the Christmas holidays, completed in February.

Prior to commencing the major build, much is already in place to modify outdoor spaces and adjust access routes to existing facilities. We are certainly also prepared to provide activities and opportunities at recess and lunchtime to ensure the learning and outdoor space available will be maximised.

JUNIOR PROJECT TIMELINE:

1

2

3

Phase One December 2016 – April 2017

Phase Two May 2017

– Early works commence

– Major works will commence in May

– Tender documents released – Tender applications shortlisted

Phase Three 2018 – Completion of the new building – Barbreck building will be decommissioned and demolished – Landscaping of new play space to commence

The project is now well underway and major works tendering application documents were released in February to a shortlisted number of builders. All of the shortlisted builders have experience with working in schools, an important criteria as we need to ensure that the successful builder is aware of the added complexity of working on a site adjoining an active school.

The new Junior School signals that St Catherine’s will remain at the forefront of girls’ education, building every girl’s confidence, to strive for high standards, meet new technological opportunities and develop core values. Exposing each girl to a broad range of activities enables discovery of her talents, her interests and her dreams; ready for a lifetime of learning. A place where her future begins.

Mr Mike Zammit Director of Business Mr Stuart Galbraith Director of Development and Community Relations

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Shaping the next

Generation of Entrepreneurs PITCH #1 Innovation is defined as The process of translating an idea or invention into goods or services that create value or for which customers will pay.

Generating the idea can be the most challenging component of innovation. The Year 9 and 10 Elective, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, challenges students to think about everyday frustrations and how we can reduce these by creating a new innovation. Our young women are being encouraged to embrace innovation in a discipline that has long been dominated by men.

The subject allows students to learn the fundamentals of running their own business, including: – Ownership structures – Funding – Marketing – Writing a business plan – Applying for a job – Manufacturing and sourcing of products locally and overseas – Preparing an annual report and returning the profits to investors.

Each year students have the opportunity to develop an innovation or product and ‘pitch’ it at Girls Invent/Scale Investors Pitch run by

Scale Investors at Price Waterhouse Coopers.

A supportive and gentle version of the television program Shark Tank, the adjudicators are from various successful start-up businesses of their own. At the end of their pitch, the girls answer questions on their invention. In 2016, Year 9 students, Hope Kudelka, Grace Lloyd, Lily Trosdal-Ryan and Lauren Lew represented the School, pitching solutions based products.

While there are still more men than women running their own businesses in Australia, by world standards, Australia ranks highly as a place for women to set up their own business. The 2015 Global Women Entrepreneur Leaders Scorecard ranks Australia as the second best place for women entrepreneurs, coming in just behind the US. Enterprise and Entrepreneurship provides opportunities to explore new ideas and experience the practicalities of operating a business in a supportive, risk free environment.

In the words of Steve Jobs “I’m convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”

Mrs Gina Peele Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Teacher

The Laptop Printer – The Innovators Grace Lloyd and Hope Kudelka Fifth place at 2016 Girls Invent/Scale Investors Pitch

The Product The Underlying magic of their idea is a laptop with a built in printer.

The Pain Point Ever felt annoyed or frustrated when having to go to the printer, which is on the other side of the building? Grace and Hope assessed the market and developed the model to be marketed towards laptop users and identified their competitors as Apple, Windows, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Brother, Cannon and Panasonic.

The Solution Allows printing to happen from laptop to hand, without having to leave your workspace.

The process of working through their idea and pitching the Laptop Printer to the Scale Investors has generated an interest in Business and Innovation.

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History Making Regatta for St Catherine’s School Rowing PITCH #2 iFIND – The Innovators Lauren Lew and Lily Trosdal-Ryan Third Place at 2016 Girls Invent/Scale Investors Pitch

The Product iFIND is a miniature device which navigates where you have left your car, keys and wallet.

The Pain Point There are so many people that lose their keys, wallet and car and our device is the solution to finding them. Cannot find your car in the carpark? Dropped your keys in the dark? or left your wallet behind at a restaurant? The iFIND is your solution.

The Solution iFIND is a navigation system that includes a link to your phone, a light source so that if you lose it in the dark you can find it and a speaker in case you leave your keys or wallet somewhere in your house and you are in a rush to find it.

The 2017 Head of the Schoolgirls (HOSG) Regatta, saw St Catherine’s School finish third in the overall medal tally, behind MLC Kew and Loreto Toorak. Our best HOSG finish to date and reaffirmed that, while we may be a small School, we continue to ‘punch well above our weight’.

A massive thirteen A Final making crews, five Division wins, five other medal winning crews and three fourth places ensured it was St Catherine’s most successful Head of the Schoolgirls with: – All Senior crews with the two Senior Vlll and the Senior quad earning a Silver Medal – The Senior Vlll , now progress to the Australian National Rowing Championships in Sydney from 29 March to 2 April 2017 – All Intermediate crews made the A Final with four Division wins and two medals – 5/9 Junior crews made the A final with one division win and two medals. Our Junior programs success was a highlight to our coaching staff as their steady improvement

throughout the season has been of great excitement to watch.

Results aside, most impressive was the way in which our students conducted themselves throughout the weekend. We evaluate ourselves on how well we fulfil our 3Ps - Preparation, Pride and Professionalism. As Head of Rowing, I have seen nothing less than all students working at their absolute best. Honesty of effort from the students was fantastic. They have supported each other, remained respectful to each other and the opposition and at all times were determined to continue having fun. As a coaching team, we are all very excited to see our Rowers continue to enjoy their Rowing in the coming season.

Mr David Fraumano Head Rowing Coach

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Ms Catherine Samuel

CATHERINE SAMUEL DEPUTY HEAD JUNIOR SCHOOL This year we are excited to welcome Ms Catherine Samuel to our School as Deputy Head of Barbreck. Catherine arrives at our School with a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for education and teaching.

Mrs Janette Matt

Faculty Leader of Mathematics It seems Mathematics was always on the cards for Mrs Janette Matt. Recounting a story of her husband’s endeavour to replace his missing Birth Certificate in Germany, Janette reveals her husband’s registered surname was listed as Math!

“I refused to change our name as I thought being Mrs Math teaching Maths was a little too strange!,” says Janette.

Mathematics has always been a love for Janette, who pursued Mathematics through university, obtaining a Master’s degree with a thesis on the Mathematics behind the growth of cancer cells. Janette said it was at this point she really appreciated the importance of Mathematics to everyday life.

“My Master’s raised my awareness of the importance of the subject. Following my Master’s I worked in the corporate world, using Mathematics to predict trends and develop strategies to improve the company’s market.

However, the long hours and international travel was not a good fit for a young mother, so I completed a Diploma of Education and commenced teaching.”

Janette’s passion and commitment as a teacher was recognised last year when she received the

St Catherine’s School Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award for her leadership, gentle patience, loyalty to her students and willingness to contribute to St Catherine’s School.

Her experience and expertise were also recognised when she was appointed the first female Assistant Chief Assessor by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Janette’s enthusiasm for her students is also apparent in her role as Head of House for Langley Templeton. “The girls are full of energy and enthusiasm and it is a challenge to keep up with them! Winning the House Arts Competition at the end of 2016 has spurred them on to bigger and better things for 2017,” Janette says.

Discussing St Catherine’s students Janette says our students have always impressed her with their kind-heartedness. “New girls are welcomed and they generally assimilate into the School in a remarkably short time. There is always great energy on campus with students involved in a vast range of activities which they embrace with determination and fun. At the same time, they take their studies very seriously and work hard to achieve to their full potential. I am very lucky to have the chance to work with them and help them develop in Mathematics.”

“As a teacher, it is my privilege to be a part of each student’s educational journey as they learn, grow and develop. I have a passion for the theory, science and research around learning and teaching. It is rewarding to move this theory into the practical day-to-day learning in the classroom and the realities of the School environment,” Catherine says.

First commencing teaching in Wangaratta, Catherine says she was incredibly lucky to learn from, and work with, incredible teachers who “remain key mentors and role models for me to this day. They were pivotal in my development as a teacher and the progression of my career.”

From Wangaratta, Catherine has since worked at Brighton Grammar School and Melbourne Grammar, Grimwade House. “My father and uncle went to Brighton Grammar so it was lovely to have that connection to the school. During my career, I have been blessed to have worked with highly skilled and knowledgeable educators that I have learnt a lot from.”

Catherine says she is excited about working alongside the outstanding educators at St Catherine’s School. “From my first meeting with Michelle Carroll and Alana Moor, I felt a sense that this was the right school for me.

The thought of becoming a member of the team, and the potential opportunities this presents truly excites me.”

“I am looking forward to working with students, teachers and parents to allow every student to recognise and reach their full potential.”

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

Ms Kristen Halkett

KRISTEN HALKETT ST CATHERINE’S ART TECHNICIAN With a background in photography and the Arts, and as a practising artist and designer, St Catherine’s students receive expert and real world advice from Art Technician, Ms Kristen Halkett.

“I have been working at St Catherine’s for seven years now and each year I love the Art Show and House Arts. It is so rewarding witnessing the initial ideas for these two events develop over the year. I am constantly blown away by what our students achieve. It is a big deal to have your work realised and presented to the public,” Kristen says.

A typical day at work for Kristen involves managing the Art Department’s photomedia, “I am responsible for all the Department’s photo gear and the running of the large format printer – which gets a workout during finals time. Some days I’ll be helping out with classes, such as Junior School ceramics, Year 8 sewing or VCE problem-solving, ordering supplies, loading and unloading the kiln, photographing student work or finding an elusive material...my days are never typical!”

Kristen believes the quality of the staff at St Catherine’s enable the students to achieve their best, not only during major events such as the Art Show and House Arts, but during class time and as individuals.

“All of the staff at St Catherine’s are very talented, caring and passionate about their specialties. I think this is such an important thing for students to have – advocates who inspire and enable them to be their best selves.”

Kristen spends her time away from St Catherine’s designing and exhibiting her own bespoke pieces of jewellery and ceramics.

For anyone interested in seeing Kristen’s work visit http://kristenhalkett.com/

Ms Sarah Bethune

Mr John Toulantas

SARAH BETHUNE ELC COORDINATOR AND BLUE GUM ROOM TEACHER

MR JOHN TOULANTAS HEAD OF ICT (INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION & TECHNOLOGY)

In her dual role as ELC Coordinator and teacher in the three year old Blue Gum Room, Sarah Bethune describes her working days as anything but typical.

Working at St Catherine’s since 2010, John has many career highlights, however it was the time spent in the Year 4 classroom introducing the students to their new laptops in 2016, which was a real highlight.

“There is no such thing as a typical day and this is what makes my work so exciting. My role is quite diverse. When I am teaching, my work involves nurturing and educating the young three year old children through an inquiry-based approach. My role as ELC Coordinator involves managing the day to day running of the Early Learning Centre as a whole ensuring that we provide a high quality educational service to our children and families,” Sarah says.

Working at St Catherine’s for over 16 years now, Sarah says it has been a privilege to observe the growth, development and learning in many children over the years.

“It has been a privilege to see the children’s unfolding educational journeys as they continue through School. Last year, it was very special to see my first class of three year old girls graduate from Year 12 at St Catherine’s.”

Working in early childhood education has always been a passion for Sarah, “I have always worked in early childhood education – this was something that I was always wanted to pursue as a career. I have been fortunate to work at several high calibre Early Learning Centres with the majority of my career spent here at St Catherine’s.

“St Catherine’s has such a wonderful sense of community. It has been exciting to see the community diversify and evolve over time. The pastoral care offered to students and families is also a strength. Students and families are really welcomed and supported individually.”

“2017 is the first-year St Catherine’s will provide a 1:1 laptop program in Year 4. The girls were very excited, inquisitive and eager to start emailing each other and setting up their folders in the Cloud. It was extremely rewarding for me to experience first-hand the positive outcomes of high-level planning and decisions made at Senior Leadership,” says John.

As well as being recognised by his St Catherine’s colleagues last year, receiving the St Catherine’s Staff Excellence Award, John is also widely sought after across the independent school and business management sector.

“During my time at St Catherine’s I have planned and implemented a new Cloud First strategy for the School’s ICT infrastructure. This was an extremely challenging and rewarding project which has since been modelled and adopted by other independent schools.”

John says no day is ever the same at St Catherine’s, which is something he enjoys.

“My day involves a lot of meetings, interactions with staff and students, as well as contractors and troubleshooting IT issues. I also find time to work on future projects and key organisational objectives later in the day once School is out.”

Aside from his job at St Catherine’s, John enjoys coaching basketball at his local club and landscape photography. “I’m an amateur photographer and love taking photos of landscapes and countries that I visit – which I publish on my website http://lensrip.com.”

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Her Future Begins Here Driving down Heyington Place, you can see the fencing and excavations demonstrating that work has definitely begun on our new Junior School.

It is our most significant project to date, carefully staged and planned to minimise the impact on School life and to allow sufficient time to raise philanthropic funds to bring our vision to reality.

– a Library and Resource Centre, located in the heart of the building, to foster an environment for students to study, collaborate and make cross discipline connections.

I am pleased to report that the earthworks have now been completed and we are now beginning the second stage of our project, building and construction. The Foundation Board is truly grateful for the strong and positive support we have received from you – our parents, friends and alumnae - which enabled this early work to begin.

– a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Lab supporting scientific learning for girls living and working in the 21st century.

With your support, we are now well over half the way in reaching our Campaign target of $3 million.

The School cannot rely on government support or term fees to achieve this target. Our Campaign Team, led by parents Sally Joubert and Cameron Bertalli, look forward to engaging with you to realise our bold vision for St Catherine’s girls.

There is so much to be excited about with this project, from; – learning spaces featuring leading edge ICT functions to maximise students’ engagement and personalised teaching.

– a new Language Lab for girls to immerse themselves in an enriched learning experience in French and LOTE, and – an Auditorium where girls from across the School, their parents and grandparents can gather for assemblies, rehearsals and recitals, and wet-day activities, alongside music tuition rooms to bring music back into the Junior School.

Above all, the new Junior School is not just about those who will benefit immediately, but about supporting and strengthening our School’s commitment to girls’ education and excellence for years to come.

I hope that, over time, you may consider joining over 400 families who are now members of the Foundation each with a common purpose to reinforce our belief in St Catherine’s commitment to nurturing and empowering strong capable girls. As a Foundation member, I look forward to welcoming more families into the Foundation at our annual Social Evening which has a special private tour this year of the Van Gogh Exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria on Friday 12 May. Please do not hesitate to contact either our Director of Development and Community Relations, Mr Stuart Galbraith on sgalbraith@ stcatherines.net.au or (03) 9828 3032 or myself at development@stcatherines.net.au for more information about the Foundation, or if you would like to hear more about the Junior School redevelopment.

Mr Wayne Kent Chair, St Catherine’s School Foundation

PHILANTHROPY

Announcing our Campaign Patron Anne Smith is as close as you can get to being an icon of St Catherine’s. Anne served as Head of the Junior School for twenty years from 1980 – 2000, a well-deserved record as the longest term in our Junior School history. Generations of St Catherine’s families know Anne for her steadfast commitment to their daughter’s education and to the School which she helped lead.

We are thrilled to announce that Anne will serve the School again, as the Patron of the Her Future Begins Here campaign.

In accepting her new position, Anne commented that it was an honour to be invited to be Patron of this important campaign. “St Catherine’s has always been forward looking and now is the right time historically and educationally to make this important decision and move” she said.

“Barbreck has always been an integral part of the entire School – it is a caring and sensitive environment where the hallmarks of many St Catherine’s girls are moulded.

“Primary education is very important because all the basic concepts required for all aspects of formal education are taught and mastered.

Education is a process like building a house – you need solid foundations or cracks will appear later on.”

As our campaign continues we look forward to introducing Anne to new parents and reuniting with the many alumni and families who know her so well.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2016 DONORS Nina (Kirby ‘94) & Paul Aberdeen Sally (Watson ‘74) & Stephen Ahern Desi (Kalfadellis ‘87) & Manny Anezakis Toni (Pierce ‘67) & Martin Armstrong Rebekah & Lachlan Armstrong (‘95) Jo Atkins Louise & John Ayre Ann Badger Caroline Balderstone (‘87) Peter Balderstone Freda & Con Barbayannis Kate Barber (‘96) Moira Barr (Hamilton ‘58) Anna Thomas & David Barrington Nicole & Ross Begley Julia & Cameron Bertalli Anthea (Gray ‘79) & Stephen Bickford Nikki & Timothy Bindley Annabel Bowden (Lewis ‘80) Caroline (Purves ‘63) & Stephen Brain Sara (Luth ‘85) & Anthony Brearley Roger Brookes Gail & Jim Butler Noel Calvert (Davidson ‘55) Clare (Darling ‘77) & Andrew Cannon AM Sherrie Zeng & Gary Cao Michelle & Justin Carroll Diana Tran & Walter Chang Toula & Brett Chatfield Carol Chen May & James Chen Sophie Christian (Shelton ‘85) Rebecca (Mayes ‘84) & John Clark Jodie & Patrick Cody Anne Connellan Axi Cooper (‘05) Lorraine Baker & Simon Corrigan Anne Court (Lowry ‘58) Paul Cross Hilary Day (Oliphant ‘52) Esta de Fossard-Nelson (Hall ‘50) Symone & Andrew Demetriou Sally & Phil Dreaver Jane & John Edwards Valda Ellinson (Beville ‘49) Anna & John Field Lucy (King ‘90) & Andrew Fortey Pam (Wallace Smith ‘54) & Graeme Fraser Sarah & Lachie Fraser-Smith Robyn Whitaker & Peter French Joan Glover (Barwood ‘40) Gemma Goorjian (‘02)

Suzie & Simon Gough Trish Gowrie Quentin Gracanin Rebecca & Jamie Gray Joan Gray (Spry ‘52) Helen Rofe QC & Rowan Gregory Joan Grimwade OBE Sally Clarke & Tim Gullifer Diana Saul & Doug Harrah Fleur & Lars Heidenreich Sandra Henderson (Evans ‘53) Lisa & Jack Hennessy Bill Hogg Annabel (Levy ‘79) & Allan Holmes Mary Hope OAM (Molesworth ‘40) Noelene Horton AM Margaret (Duckett ‘48) & Sam Howes Maddie Hunter (‘05) Ann (Pisterman ‘64) & Tony Hyams AM Noel Hyslop Geraldine & Bernard Ilott Crisoula & Naji Imam Gina (Shackell ‘76) & Peter Israel Pamela Jacobson (Sallman ‘44) Jennifer Jeffries-Wilson (Ramsay ‘47) Anna & Brad Jenkins Sally & Richard Joubert Sophie & Sackville Kempton Sonia & Wayne Kent Lara Stocco & Shane Kyriakou Louise Lampard (‘79) Jenny Lansell (Home ‘52) Stephanie (John ‘86) & Justin Lazar Lin Lin Marita (Batty ‘96) & Julian Lincoln Amanda Lloyd-Harris (Lloyd ‘74) Sarah & George Low Jingmei Luo Caroline & Andrew Manson Erica & Peter Marriott Judy Matear (Spry ‘49) Barbara Mayes (Spry ‘52) Alexandra Mayes (‘80) Caroline & Cameron McAllister Catherine McDowall (‘76) Fiona Menzies (‘87) Annabel Montgomery (Darling ‘76) Alana Moor Rowena & Alistair Mytton Caroline & Gary Nattrass Sarah & Andrew Newbold Wendy & John Nickson

Lisa Nicoll-Cooke (Nicoll ‘63) Phoebe Norman (Olsen ‘95) Anne & Christopher Page Betty Alexopoulos & Bill Papastergiadis Catherine & Tom Park Annie & John Paterson Jan Peele Dorothy Pizzey AM Elizabeth & Robert Prowse Adrian Puckering Amanda Ramsay (‘70) Corrie & Shawn Read Rachel & Peter Robertson Stephanie & John Rowland Gabby & Jason Scillio Tina Li & Ye Shao Letitia Shelton (Cole ‘58) Holly (Tinsley ‘89) & Jim Shergold Masahiro & Miyuki Shinada Chrissy (Condon ‘76) & Andrew Skinner Michelle McDade & Dean Sleigh Anne Smith Jane Song Lady Southey AC (Myer ‘45) St Catherine’s 120 Ball Committee Amanda (Trumble ‘69) & Bruce Stewart Catherine & Rohan Sutherland Linda & John Tan Meredith Taylor (‘79) Charles Tegner David Temple Lisa Van Order-Tokatlidis & Paul Tokatlidis Melinda Truesdale (‘81) Rebecca & Nick Turnbull Sandra & Achilles Tzelepis Caroline Vaillant (Officer Brown ‘56) Sofya Vainer Katherine Wang & Carey Wei Anne Waterhouse Jan & Graeme Willis Beth Wilson (Neville ‘62) Jenny Woods Paris Xu Hong Chen & Chun Yang Chunxin Li & Xiaoqing Yao Emma & Nick Young Mike Zammit Janet & Tim Zwar Anonymous (23) St Catherine’s School has made every effort to ensure accuracy in this list.

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

FROM THE ARCHI V ES

Climbing the Red Steps The original Barbreck building was built in 1887 and purchased by St Catherine’s School in 1948 to house both Kinder (ELC) and Junior School students. The new acquisition was not without problems and it soon became apparent that expensive remodelling was needed to an overcrowded and run down building. By 1952, the first of many development plans for Barbreck were drawn up and The Old Girls’ Association began raising money for its refurbishment.

While the years have seen many alterations, facelifts, redevelopments and refurbishments, it is perhaps the ‘Red Steps’ of a’Beckett Hall that have come to symbolise the coming of age and impending transition to Senior School for Junior students.

Mrs Sue Cooke recalls “Any Old Girls who now come through Barbreck, reflect with great fondness at the Red Steps - the sense of importance as you progressed through Junior School to the position in Year 6 that entitled you to a privileged position on the Red Steps.”

Year 6 teacher Mrs Sandra Allen writes “I think their significance developed gradually, was passed on from year to year, especially as the School grew and the Year 6s graduated to the top of the steps. The girls in my Year 6 class were recently discussing the fact that they would be the last to sit on the Red Steps; after them no one would ever experience this.”

Our 2017 Year 7 students agree that “sitting on the red steps was a privilege that you had to wait for and it made you feel like you had finally become a leader.”

As the new Junior School begins to take shape, we can only imagine what landmark will become the next beacon of leadership for our Barbreck girls.

Ms Melissa Campbell Archivist

Top: 1982 Barbreck experiences another redevelopment.

Bottom: 1993 Barbreck Orchestra Right: Barbreck 1948

OUR COMMUNITY

The PFA The PFA started the year on a high note with the annual New Parents Social Evening.

A beautiful warm evening provided the perfect backdrop and it was so lovely to see such a large crowd enjoying drinks and canapés in the Mary Davis Centre.

Our Year level class representatives did a fabulous job of making sure everyone felt welcome. The feedback from new parents, was they felt very much a part of our community due to the amazing effort the Reps went to in seeking them out and speaking to them.

The PFA are to be commended on doing an amazing job hosting the event as should our very capable girls in Years 11 and 12 who very kindly handed out food.

We are very happy to welcome four new members to the PFA this year, Susie Farrer as Co Vice President, Erica Gill as Treasurer, Lara Stocco as Junior School Class Rep Co-ordinator and Joanne Livanidis as a general member.

The main function of the PFA is to provide opportunities for parents to connect in a social setting. This year we aim to carry out an Audit of the events we currently provide to better understand what elements are working, and those that are not, what needs to be improved or changed and if each function is still relevant and being enjoyed. In undertaking this work we hope to have a clear plan of how best to engage the community in the years to come.

Mrs Nicole Begley PFA President

The Past Parents’ and Families’ of the class of 2010 had a lovely drinks party at the home of Lucinda and Nikki Maartens. It was the beginning of the Christmas season and the festive times had begun. We were lucky with a balmy December evening on Wednesday 7 December with the Maartens’ home already beautifully decorated for Christmas.

It was a great time catching up with everyone and finding out all the news. Six years since graduation had gone in a flash so there was a lot to talk about! Many thanks to Lucinda and Nikki for opening up their beautiful home for the occasion.

Mrs Anna Field Class of 2010 Past Parent

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Leading the Way Natasha Chiam (’03) Old Girl, Natasha Chiam graduated from St Catherine’s School in 2003 as our School Dux. Now, Natasha is CEO of a major ice cream company based in Singapore.

What is your current position and what does it involve?

I am Founder & Director of The Ice Cream & Cookie Co. (“ICC”) ICC is an ice cream manufacturing business based in Singapore. In our early days, we sold our products at local food fairs and farmers’ markets. Now, we manufacture and supply our ice cream products to a wide range of F&B establishments in Singapore, ranging from indie cafes to gourmet groceries and luxury hotel groups. As a small business owner, I am involved in all aspects of the company (accounting, HR, business development etc). Currently my focus is on export projects. We will be exporting our products within Asia, and would love to also find distribution partners in Australia in the future.

What is your career background?

I studied law at The University of Melbourne, and worked as a lawyer for about a year. Following that, I spent just over two years in journalism at a fashion magazine. In 2012, I started ICC. What have been two of your greatest career achievements to date?

One was scaling up from a small takeaway ice cream shop to a commercial factory. We had to learn a lot about food manufacturing standards and regulations, which are much more stringent than those governing F&B retail businesses (i.e., restaurants or cafes). Last year our factory achieved ISO 22000 and HACCP certification (internationally recognised food safety management systems) which assures the safety of our products.

A more personal career achievement would be the first time I heard a stranger talking about our brand – thankfully saying positive things. It was nice to see firsthand that our company had become known by people who weren’t my friends or family!

What challenges have you faced professionally and how have you dealt with them?

As with anyone who sells a product to the public, you’re at the receiving end of a lot of customer feedback (both good and bad). I didn’t have much prior experience in customer service, so at first I found it quite emotionally draining to deal with difficult clients. I am learning not to take things to heart, but to listen and respond professionally to make each customer feel heard, and to take action to constantly improve our business.

Thinking about your career progression, what study did you undertake post- school and how was it beneficial?

Studying law was definitely beneficial. Legal contracts form the basis of most business transactions and it helps to have an understanding of how to draft and read them properly. Being aware of basics of intellectual property also helped us protect our company’s IP assets. As we created our own brand identity, this is particularly important.

Reflecting on your time at St Catherine’s how do you feel it has assisted you?

The environment at St Catherine’s was extremely supportive. I always felt I was able to participate in anything, be it academia, music or sport without fear of judgment. It’s given me a confidence in life to try new things and always push boundaries.

This kind of positivity is essential in business.

What advice would you have for current St Catherine’s students?

Choose something you excel in. It’s better to be the top of a niche field than middling in a popular one. When you are instinctively good at something you have a natural advantage over your competition, and it is that much easier to stay motivated during tough times, while continuing to develop and improve.

Asha Bonney (’08) Class of 2008 School Dux, Asha Bonney is currently completing her basic physician training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

This specialised training means, in a few years, Asha can work in internal medicine, such as respiratory medicine.

Whilst still in the infancy of your career do you have any highlights so far?

One highlight has definitely been my placement at the British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada. During my time there, I was able to publish a few articles in medical journals, one of which is being used by the Poisons Centre over there. It still amazes me that the work I do can have an impact on the broader community.

It is a constant motivator to contribute to health care initiatives.

I also enjoy helping out at the Sacred Heart Soup Kitchen; something I have done since I left School.

What challenges have you faced professionally and how have you dealt with them?

A significant part of being a doctor is dealing with challenging situations, and I’ve found having a good foundation for keeping an open mind and communicating effectively is key. Additionally, it’s important to look after your own health.

LEAD D IENVGE LTOHPEMW EN AY T

Where are they now? This edition we delve into the lives of three of our Old Girls and School Duces to discover where life has taken them since graduating from St Catherine’s.

Far Left: Natash Chiam, Asha Bonney and Susannah Guthrie

Thinking about your career progression, what study did you undertake post-School and how was it beneficial?

After School, I completed a Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery at Monash University in 2013.

From there, I began my internship at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and have continued my training there since.

What advice would you provide current St Catherine’s students?

Choose subjects you love. While at School, I enjoyed languages and different cultures, and so studied both Japanese and French in VCE. St Catherine’s was very supportive in my subject selections. Moreover, prior to deciding on what you want to do after School, have a chat with people in the field and also your career’s advisor.

My advisor, Mrs White, was incredibly helpful whilst I was deciding my pathway.

Susannah Guthrie (’09) Susannah Guthrie graduated from St Catherine’s School in 2009 as our School Dux. Since this time she has studied Media and Communications at the University of Melbourne, gaining an internship at US magazine People and in her current role at the Australian news website New Daily as Entertainment Editor as well as a freelance journalist for a motoring website.

What is a typical work day for you?

As the Entertainment Editor my job changes every day. However, it mainly involves commissioning and editing stories from freelancers and reporters as well as occasionally writing my own pieces, doing interviews with entertainment industry figures and attending lots of movie screenings (my favourite part!). The news doesn’t sleep, so it can be a very hectic job, but I love the energy of the newsroom and the enthusiasm of the brilliant people I work with. There’s never a dull moment.

What have been two of your greatest career achievements to date?

Surviving my first internship at People was a big one because I was completely terrified! I have also been lucky enough to interview a lot of people I admire, but meeting Quentin Tarantino was a pinch-me moment. I love his films so talking to him one-on-one was a huge honour. My other greatest achievement would be hosting a travel show on Channel Ten called A Taste of Travel, which sent me to Thailand and the United States.

Doing television was daunting for me but I ended up loving it.

What challenges have you faced professionally and how have you dealt with them?

Most of my challenges have been born out of the very common feeling that you don’t know what you’re doing. I’ve learned in my professional career that everyone feels like this, but some hide it better than others. Every time I’ve felt daunted by a task or confused and overwhelmed I’ve found the best solution is to be completely honest, apologetic and upfront. Much easier to let people know you need more information or training than to end up rushing something or taking a blind guess. However, I’ve also learned the things that scare me are usually the most worthwhile and that taking risks usually pays off.

Thinking about your career progression, what study did you undertake post-school and how was it beneficial?

To be completely honest, I didn’t find my tertiary education all that useful. This wasn’t necessarily the fault of my university, but the result of my not really knowing what I wanted to do. I’m really glad I got my degree because it’s opened a lot of doors and I had a lot of fun enjoying the social side of university, but most of the skills I’ve acquired have been through internships and real-life experience.

Reflecting on your time at St Catherine’s how do you feel it has assisted you?

I really do believe the teachers at St Catherine’s provide an incredibly high level of support for their students, particularly in the final years of schooling. I’m very self-motivated, but I found my teachers really rose to the occasion in terms of matching the effort I put in. Your education really is a team effort, as long as you’re willing to put in the work. I still remember (and appreciate) my brilliant English teacher Mrs Lloyd letting us drop practice papers off at her family home during school holidays to be marked so we could continue getting feedback at all hours of the day.

St Catherine’s really embraced me and allowed me to flourish even though I came to the School at quite a late stage (Year 10). I didn’t quite realise how beneficial the small class sizes and teacher commitment were until I left School and spoke to others about their secondary school experiences.

I guess I really believe you can’t go wrong if you use the resources available to you and see your schooling as an opportunity, not a burden. I’m still reaping the benefits.

What advice would you have for current St Catherine’s students?

Everyone says it but it is true – do the subjects that interest you. I figured out pretty quickly I loved Humanities and my main strength was writing, so I chose subjects that sounded fascinating (like International Studies) or that were completely essay-based (Literature).

St Catherine’s has a proud history of Old Girls influencing a number of industries.

Do you have professional networks of Old Girls that you keep in contact with?

St Catherine’s girls are everywhere and all of them are willing to help out fellow students. I got my first job (in retail) through my St Catherine’s connections and in my current job I encounter former classmates almost daily.

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A Message from the President In the last edition of the Bulletin I bid farewell to my role as President and listed our extensive achievements as a Committee throughout last year. The SCOGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) was then held on Saturday 26 November 2016 and at that meeting I was elected for another year. I am both honoured and delighted to accept and continue the role in leading the Association.

Updates to SCOGA Constitution As mentioned in the last edition of the Bulletin, the SCOGA Committee drafted amendments to the St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association Constitution, which we presented at the AGM. The resolution was unanimously passed.

The main reasons to update the Constitution were: • Since the adoption of our Association’s existing rules and Constitution in 2000, there had been a number of changes to the practices and procedures of our Association and to the laws and regulations governing our Association.

• The SCOGA Committee believed that some of these practices and procedures should be reflected in our rules and that some of the practices and procedures adopted and maintained by St Catherine’s School in its Constitution should be reflected in SCOGA’s rules also.

• Additionally, the enactment of the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 introduced new requirements that our Association must comply with, including a range of matters that our rules must provide for. In updating our rules, it was appropriate that they be amended to address these matters.

Should you wish to view a copy of the revised Constitution, please contact us at oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au Two New Events for our Alumni Community in 2017 This year has already seen SCOGA host two new events for members of our community; the Leavers’ Panel for the Class of 2016 held in February and the re-established Children’s Party for young children and grand children of Old Girls and Boys held in March. Both events were a great success and provided an opportunity for SCOGA to welcome our newest members, the Class of 2016, and engage with our alumni with young families.

Congratulations to Her Excellency The Hon Linda Dessau AC On 1 July 2015, Old Girl and Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum recipient, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC was sworn in as Victoria’s 29th Governor, the first female in the role. In the 2017 Australia Day honours the Governor was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for “eminent service to the people of Victoria through leadership roles in the judiciary, to the advancement of economic ties and business relationships, and as a supporter of charitable, sporting and arts organisations”.

SCOGA extends its congratulations and best wishes on this esteemed award.

Combined Old Girls’ Association (COGA) AGM In October last year, members of the SCOGA Committee attended the annual COGA meeting, this time held at Korowa. These meetings are always a great opportunity to network with our counterparts at the other leading girls’ schools, share ideas and experiences.

SCOGA is delighted to report that we are at the forefront of Alumni engagement amongst the girls’ schools and are certainly leading the way!

Database Renewal I would like to thank Alicia Vivarini (’98), who over the past eight months has been updating our membership database. This updated information provides us with more accurate information to communicate to you all. If you would like to update your details please email us at oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au.

SCOGA Committee 2017 I want to take this opportunity to thank outgoing Treasurer Lisa Trosdal (’79) and General Committee member Helena Lyristakis (’11) who have both retired, for their outstanding contribution to the Committee and Association.

We welcome Claudia Brkic (’11), Lucy Court (’11), Grace Davenport (’06), Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79) and Nakita Wilson (’13) to the Committee and look forward to working with them during this busy year ahead!

Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95) SCOGA President, 2017 phoebe_norman@icloud.com

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

Banking and Financial Services Networking Event Thirty-five Old Girls, students and parents gathered at the NAB Academy, 500 Bourke Street on 17 August 2016 to network and discuss topical issues concerning the banking and financial services sector.

Sharing the stage were outstanding Old Girl panel speakers: Fiona Rowland (’88), NonExecutive Director, Advisory Board member and Consultant; Katrina Blair (Middleton ’90), Vice President Reporting, Marketing and Minerals Australia at BHP Billiton; Penny Collicoat (’95), Principal, Edge Financial Planning; and Jaimee Salmon (’05), Manager, Performance Alignment, NAB Strategy at National Australia Bank.

The panel spoke with passion about their career journeys and drew on their experiences across the broad sector to examine aspects of the

Left to Right Panel Speakers: Fiona Rowland (’88), Katrina Blair (Middleton ’90), Jaimee Salmon (’05), Penny Collicoat (’95) and moderated by Deborah Berry (Manos ’77)

changing landscape of banking and financial services, including offshoring, digitisation, the extending reach of global players and FinTech disruption. Valuable advice was shared and lively Q&A with the audience followed.

Our sincere thanks to National Australia Bank for their generous sponsorship of this event, to Jaimee for assisting with the organisation, to our speakers for their enthusiastic participation and to the School for their support of this event.

Deborah Berry (Manos ’77)

THE BULLETIN

Women in Industry Networking Events for 2017 SCOGA invites Old Girls and School community members to two networking events this year, both to be held on Tuesday 5 September 2017 from 6.30pm in the Upper Library at St Catherine’s. Each event will host a panel of speakers who will discuss a range of topics and provide an opportunity for Q&A and networking with attendees from all areas of each industry.

Women in Education For those working in, studying or interested in: Early Childhood, Primary School and Secondary School education.

Women in Construction and Design For those working in, studying or interested in: Design, construction, interior design, interior styling, landscape design, project planning and architecture etc.

Invitations will be emailed in July.

For more information please contact: oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au

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SCOGA Committee 2017

President Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95) Mobile 0459 024 183 phoebe_norman@icloud.com Vice Presidents Victoria Landale (’10) Louise Lampard (’79)

On a beautiful sunny morning on Saturday 4 March, SCOGA, together with the School, hosted more than 80 guests at our Children’s Party.

Treasurer Nicole Osborn (Schwarz ’85) Honarary Secretary Stephanie Lazar (John ’86) Reunion Coordinator Sally Ahern (Watson ’74) Mobile 0419 001 012 sahern@bigpond.net.au Bulletin Editor Emily Smith (’10) oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au School Council Nominee Kate Barber (’96) General Committee Deborah Berry (Manos ’77) Claudia Brkic (’11) Lucy Court (’11) Grace Davenport (’06) Virginia Edwards AM (Smith ’56) Roz Mackay (Kirk ’75) Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79) Nakita Wilson (’13) Ex Officio Michelle Carroll (Principal) Elizabeth Bolt (2016 School Captain) Clare Cameron (2016 School Vice-Captain)

Above: L-R: Kathryn Spivakovsky (Senior ’94) with Archer, Zara and Sunday Spivakovsky, Angela Southwood (Pinney ’99) with Millicent and Lucy Southwood and Fleur Pitt (Forsyth ’99) with Alexandra Pitt. Below: Top: Debbie Waite (’74) Bottom L-R: Samantha Garrison (’09), Laura Waters (’03) with William Waters

SCOGA Children’s Party This was an event that has not been held for many years and one SCOGA felt would benefit and engage our community with younger children.

We welcomed back to the School Old Girls and Boys across four decades, and their families, for a happy morning of entertainment, morning tea and the chance for the children to explore the amazing new playground at the St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre.

SCOGA would like to thank Carnival for Kids for their generous sponsorship of the entertainment for the morning. The face painting, balloon creations and singing and dancing show

certainly had all the children engaged and interacting with each other and it was wonderful to see them so excited!

SCOGA received lovely feedback following the event: “Thank you so much for organising a great morning for the kids! Ours loved it and the entertainment was great and we will certainly be there next year” said Eliza Ashton (Peters ’98).

Sincere thanks to Carnival for Kids, Mrs Alana Moor and the ELC staff for their support, the marketing office staff, Eliza Bellmaine (Edwards ’83) and to the SCOGA Committee members who assisted on the day.

Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95)

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

THE BULLETIN

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Class of ’63 Tasmania Trip The Class of ’63 organised a get together last year as many of us were turning 70. Hobart was our chosen destination and Felicity Edgell (Hankey ’63) very kindly offered to put together a four day programme.

SCOGA Welcomes Back the Class of 2016 Completing Year 12 and entering a new stage of education can often be daunting, leaving many grappling with questions about life after school.

In order to reduce possible stress, SCOGA organised a panel of recent School leavers to discuss their various experiences since leaving School and answer the questions posed by the Class of 2016 on the morning of Monday 13 February.

The panel of Zara Mellios (’13), Allie Veall (’13), Jaquelin Cantarella (’15), Isabelle Ferrali (’15), moderated by Tess Price (’14), showcased a broad variety of experiences consisting of gap years, starting University immediately, College experience, TAFE experience, different timetabling techniques and changes in courses and/or University.

Through the experiences of the panel, the girls were given different perspectives on life following School, stressing the importance of following a path that best suits each individual, rather than believing that an expected pathway must be reluctantly pursued.

Without trying to scare the girls, the panel stressed that post-school life has so much

to offer, and if you dive right in and give each opportunity a go there can be no regrets, even if you decide that what you are doing isn’t quite tailored to you. In comparison, the panel also stressed that certain types of people may require time off after completing School and that is also okay.

We received terrific feedback on the event and our panel: “I thought the panel was really worthwhile and would highly recommend it to next year’s Leavers who don’t have a clear direction and are a bit unsure about what they are doing in their first year out of School.”

Georgie Gleeson (’16) Despite the cynicism that often accompanies University students, it is hoped that the panel were able to evoke enthusiasm from the leaving Class of 2016 and assist with the transition into what teachers would call ‘the big dark world without spoon-feeding’.

Tess Price (’14)

A ferry ride to MONA was organised, and we were welcomed by Jane Clark (’72), the Senior Research Curator. MONA brought out different emotions and opinions in the group as it does in most people. Some of the major displays were closed but what we saw certainly sparked some interesting conversation. That evening we were hosted to a ‘welcome’ dinner at the Edgell home in Sandy Bay. The noise level was creeping up with the wine consumed.

On the second day, we went on a bus trip to the Edgell family farm ‘Dennistoun’ – part of their cropping includes growing opium poppies, which was fascinating as most of us had heard about growing poppies but had not seen it first hand. That night we enjoyed a great fish dinner at a local Hobart restaurant. Tassie’s cafes and restaurants are fantastic.

For our third day we embarked on a bus trip to Richmond for some retail therapy and more history lessons, and lunch at the Ratho Farm and Golf Course. This group photo was taken on the banks of the Coal River beside the famous convict built Richmond Bridge.

We finished our trip on Day four with a farewell brunch on Constitution Dock and a few hours wandering around the Salamanca Markets. As you can imagine, 21 women had plenty to chat about be it on a bus, over a meal or just walking around the beautiful city of Hobart. Thank you Felicity for making it happen!

Liz Bostock (Carter ’63) Class of 1963

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Virginya Thomas (Sutton ’85), Gabi Hollows AO, Rebecca Casey (Rowlands ’85), Amanda Sumpter (’85) and Sara Brearley (Luth ’85).

Four Old Girls Complete Melbourne Coastrek What started out as a few old friends getting together to participate in a walk, turned out to be a series of wonderful discoveries for us all.

In November 2016, Virginya Thomas (Sutton ’85), Rebecca Casey (Rowlands ’85), Amanda Sumpter (’85) and Sara Brearley (Luth ’85) completed the Melbourne Coastrek 30km walk for the first time. Supporting the Fred Hollows Foundation, which aims to end avoidable blindness around the world and improve Indigenous Australian health, we fundraised $2,000. The walk explored the Mornington Peninsula, weaving along the rugged coastline, beautiful bays, secret bush trails and historic sites of the Point Nepean National Park. It was great to make new discoveries within an area we thought we knew so well.

We were honoured to meet Gabi Hollows, a skilled Orthoptist and an Order of Australia recipient at the start line and to hear of her inspirational work that she continues to do on behalf of her late husband Fred. She has ensured that his commitment to reducing the cost of eye health care and treatment across developing countries continues via his foundation today.

The walk proved to be a personal and physical challenge for us all. In the lead up to Coastrek, we participated in regular practice walks, followed by equal time spent in the coffee shop, which ensured that we were able to complete our goal. The friendly banter and engaging stories kept us going throughout the six hour challenge. Whilst we certainly were not the quickest team to complete the walk, we have wonderful fond memories of an experience shared together and great satisfaction in knowing we were helping such a worthy cause.

Virginya Thomas (Sutton ’85)

SCOGA Golf Tournaments The Fun Cup, a wonderful golf day played between Old Girls from Clyde, Toorak College and St Catherine’s was held at Sorrento Golf Club on 7 October 2016.

We had a glorious day of sunshine and a great turnout of women of all ages who had a fun day playing golf with a shotgun start followed by a fabulous lunch. St Catherine’s came second this year to Clyde, and Toorak College came third.

The Interschool Challenge Cup, a tightly contested event between 30 schools, will be played in April at Kew Golf Club and the team consists of the four best scores from the Fun Cup: Sandie Gorton (Court ’84), Ellie Stawell (Newman-Morris ’66), Caroline Ennels (Allen ’78) and Angela Baker (Singleton ’62). Our team is proudly supported by SCOGA. The next Fun Cup is Friday 13 October at Barwon Heads Golf Club. Please contact me if you are interested in participating in this event as it is a terrific day!

Pia Perkins (Foley ’81) perkinspia@gmail.com Left to Right: Kate Hays (Vine ’77); Robin Malkin (McLean ’64); Christine Cookes (’73); Caroline Ennels (Allen ’78); Penny Daish (Warnock ’73); Anthea Bickford (Gray ’79); Barbara Hammon (Boynton ’73); Fiona Langford (Court ’79); Jennifer McLachlan (Smith ’65); Sandie Gorton (Court ’84); Kay Widmer (Gadsden ’66); Lisa Ronald (McPherson ’73); Angela Baker (Singleton ’62); Helen Stansen (Kaufman ’60); Gina Israel (Shackell ’76); Sarah Lawford (Wilson ’73); Pru Court (Whitehead ’61); Sue Macaw (Gawler ’64); Ronwyn Dudfield (Brodie ’67); Katriona O’Connor (Brodie ’82); Carol Reid (Gadsden ’68); Christie Leishman (McCulloch ’66); Pia Perkins (Foley ’81)

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

THE BULLETIN

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Connecting our Community Please ensure your details are up to date so you do not miss any invitations or School news.

To update your contact information (email, postal address or phone numbers), please email oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au or phone Ms Meredith Taylor, Community Relations Officer, on +61 3 9828 3081.

You can also like the School’s Facebook page to keep up with the latest community news – www.facebook.com/stcatherines schooltoorak

Celebrating Four Generations

St Catherine’s Old Girls Water Polo Team The St Catherine’s Old Girls Water Polo Team continues its long standing tradition of forming a team of Old Girls from various year levels to compete in the Women’s State League 2 competition at MSAC on Tuesday nights.

The team has been very successful for many years, making finals in more seasons than not.

However their main motivation is fitness, fun and camaraderie, not to mention the social aspect in and out of the pool.

In 2016 the team focused on recruiting younger players so that the legacy of the St Catherine’s Old Girls Water Polo Team could continue for many years to come. A number of younger players joining the team and the ongoing support of SCOGA, which the team is most grateful for, will allow the team to continue to be competitive and to field a team each season.

If you are interested in joining the team, competition resumes in April 2017. For further information contact Bec Talbot (Johnson ’93) at surfpod@bigpond.com.

This year we have ten families at the School who have fourth generation St Catherine’s girls!

On Thursday 9 March SCOGA invited these families back to the School to take a commemorative photo, which included the 15 current students, eight mothers, one father and three great-grandmothers.

We are proud to have 108 families with current students that are second, third or fourth generation St Catherine’s girls.

Back Row: Katie Mitchell (Krauss ’90), Prue Krauss (Spinney ’68), Tori Dryden (Krauss ’92), Chloe Page (Yr 12), Leigh Rundle (Denham ’61), Kate Page (àBeckett ’87), Abby Page (Yr 8), Sasha Christian (Yr 12) Middle Row 1: Sophie Gorton (Yr 8), Lizzie Gorton (Yr 11), Sandie Gorton (Court ’84), Anne Court (Lowry ’58), Elizabeth Cooper (Newman ’61), Sophie Cooper (Richmond ’89), Chloe Cooper (Yr 8), Letitia Shelton (Cole ’58), Coco Christian (Yr 10), Sophie Christian (Shelton ’85) Middle Row 2: Harriette Dryden (Yr 10), Maggie Dryden (Yr 7), Rebecca Lutz (Paranthoiene ’97), Robin Paranthoiene (Richards ’74), Julia Thomas (Hammon ’00), Barbara Hammon (Boynton ’73), Louise Strauss (’62), Jonathan Joseph (Old Boy ’95), Fleur Calvert (McKay ’94), Sarah McKay (Bailieu ’68) Front Row: Adelaide Mitchell (Yr 7), Arabella Lutz (ELC-4YO), Jill Richards (Sargood ’48), Camilla Thomas (Prep), Jill Boynton (Warnock ’46), Shirley Strauss (Ellinson ’42) and Evie Joseph (ELC-4YO) Absent: Noreen Denham (Heath ’34), Lisa Nicoll-Cooke (Nicoll ’63), Nicolle McCurdy (Austin ’88), Eliza McCurdy (Year 4) Deceased: Margaret Greig (Cox ’35), Maroa Hobill-Cole (Molesworth ’25), Betty Newman (Lyall ’36), Margaret Spinney (’42), Lynette Lowry (Walkley ’34), Marjory Nicoll (Sharp ‘35)

Join the St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association (SCOGA) closed group page on LinkedIn. The 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

Marcomms and Journalism University Students:

WE WANT YOU! Calling out for budding marketing communications and journalism university students: Do you need work experience or have internship requirements? SCOGA is planning to launch a new e-Bulletin this year and is looking for students who would like a three or six month internship to manage stories and communications from our SCOGA Community, including a ‘Market-Place’ section for babysitters and small business marketing as well as articles about what our Old Girls are doing. Although it is a voluntary role, it will provide a great opportunity to enhance your CV, gain accreditation for course/subject work (where possible) and work with a terrific committee. Please contact Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95) President SCOGA – phoebe_norman@icloud.com

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Reunions

1966 Year Group – 50 Year Reunion Year Rep: Sally Bell (Tait)

1991 Year Group – 25 Year Reunion Year Rep: Emma Stanford (Handyside)

2001 Year Group – 15 Year Reunion Year Reps: Kate Mann and Xenia Hammon

2011 Year Group – 5 Year Reunion Year Reps: Helena Lyristakis and Lucy Court

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

THE BULLETIN

Dates for

2017 Events & Reunions Pre-1957 Reunion Lunch Friday 21 April 2017 20 Year Reunion – 1997 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Cecilia Riebl – 0422 779 840 sessi_riebl@hotmail.com Friday 28 April 2017 Warburton 75th Anniversary High Tea 1.30pm – 3.00pm Drawing Room, Sherren House Tuesday 9 May 2017 Year Reps’ Cocktail Party Drawing Room at 7.00pm Friday 25 August 2017 30 Year Reunion – 1987 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Rosalind Rowlands – 0423 055 100 rosrowlands@gmail.com Tuesday 5 September 2017 Women in Education and Women in Construction and Design Networking Events 6.30pm – 9.00pm Upper Library, St Catherine’s School Friday 15 September 2017 10 Year Reunion – 2007 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Alexandra Elliott alexandraelliott20@gmail.com Friday 13 October 2017 40 Year Reunion – 1977 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Sue Clemenger – 0408 482 248 sueclem@netspace.net.au Friday 20 October 2017 Pre 1958 Luncheon Noon – 2.00pm Sally Ahern (Watson ’74) 0419 001 012 / +61 3 9818 4423 sahern@bigpond.net.au Virginia Edwards AM (Smith ’56) +61 3 9503 1222 elizabellmaine@gmail.com Friday 17 November 2017 50 Year Reunion – 1967 Tour 5.45pm, Drinks in Drawing Room at 6.15pm Toni Armstrong (Pierce ‘67) – 0418 307 656 toni@burnhamgroup.com.au Saturday 25 November 2017 SCOGA Annual General Meeting 10.00am Ballroom, Sherren House

The day began with meeting and greeting friends and drinks in the Drawing Room. A tour of the School was followed by a delicious light lunch held in the Ballroom. The dining tables looked very smart with a pot of golden daisies on each and were decorated by Sally Ahern (Watson ’74).

SCOGA President Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95) spoke to the ‘girls’ about SCOGA’s activities during the year and then introduced Principal Mrs Michelle Carroll who related the many and varied activities that had been held to celebrate the 120th Anniversary of St Catherine’s throughout 2016. Michelle also mentioned plans for the re-build of Barbreck - the Junior School.

Virginia Edwards AM (Smith ’56) was delighted that she was able to join her Year group and celebrate their 60th Anniversary of leaving school.

The enthusiastic guests included: Shirley Strauss (Ellison ’42) – A regular attendee and now in her 90s!

Diana Brelaz (Deutgen ’56) – Always a great participant and is still so interested in the School.

Julia Burgess (Catanach ’56) – Very excited to win the Raffle hamper. Sue McDonald (Officer Brown ’50) – As busy as ever! Carol Boycott (Hartley ’56) – She always has wonderful class news and keeps the group together.

Margaret St John (Watson ’56) – Margaret arrived from New Zealand in 1942 when she was only 3 1/2 years old. She and her mother stayed at the original Barbreck House with Mr and Mrs Love for a few days. Margaret’s father was the in-coming Minister for The Toorak Presbyterian Church (now the Uniting Church) and her brother stayed with the Wettenhall family all because the manse was not vacated. Margaret still has vivid memories of the beautiful old house.

We all look forward to your company again this year and hope that you can encourage some of your classmates to come with you.

Sally Ahern (Watson ’74) Virginia Edwards AM (Smith ’56)

Above: Pictured L-R Back: Carol Boykett (Hartley ’56), Caroline Vaillant (Officer Brown ’56); Middle: Sue McDonald (Officer Brown ’50), Margaret St John (Watson ’56), Rosemary Syme (Farran ’56), Kristin McDonald (Byrne ’56), Ruth Watkin (Teal ’56), Julia Burgess (Catanach ’56), Elizabeth Loane (Hayes ’56); Front: Margaret Woodlock-McLean (Woodlock ’56), Elizabeth Burman (Harley ’55).

Bottom left: L-R: Anne McFarling (Mackinnon ’55), Leslie Decker (Reynolds ’54), Joan Gray (Spry ’52), Diana Brélaz (Deutgen ’44) Bottom right: L-R: Shirley Strauss (Ellinson ’42) and Kath Lynch (Christie ’42)

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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2017

Weddings Weddings

Left to Right: Natalie Simpson (’02) married Andrew Nunn on 1 October 2016 in Tuscany, Italy.

Sarah Love (’01) married Nicholas Quinn on 4 February 2016 at St Thomas Aquinas Church, South Yarra.

Edwina Hilton-Thorp (’03) married Nick Lamborn on 28 November 2015 at Pumping Station, Scienceworks. Pictured: Timothy Robertson, Christopher King, Nicholas Lamborn, Edwina Lamborn (Hilton-Thorp ’03), Joanna Watson, Natalie Morris and Caitlin MacKenzie. Front row: Damien Bell and Chris Jovanovic.

Top: Millicent (Minnie) Mountford (’07) married Lachlan Green on 12 November 2016 at the Mountford Family Home, Balnarring. Pictured: Georgie Mountford (’12), Madelaine Mountford (’09), Minnie Mountford (’07), Lachlan Green, Lachlan Kilpatrick and Andrew Mursell.

Bottom: Edwina Thomas (’03) married Ryan Fenwick on 27 June 2016 in Tuscany, Italy. Pictured: Ruben Bock, Edward Gordon, Sean Carr, Charlie Fenwick, Ryan Fenwick, Edwina Fenwick (Thomas ’03), Lucinda Sgro (’03), Georgia Bonsema (’03), Haley Brockhoff (’03) and Audrey Reinstein (’03).

Our new babies 1

2

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4

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1: Giuliana Fazio, a daughter for Lexie Fazio (Wilson ’05) and Angelo Fazio. A sister for Freddy. 2: Eva Grace Skeggs, a daughter for Georgina Farrington (’98) and Todd Skeggs.

3: Thomas Cantrill, a son for Sarah (Cumming ’96) and Leighton Cantrill. A brother for Charlie.

4: Bella Pearl Sunderman, a daughter to Clare Gordon (’96) and Paul Sunderman. A sister for Evie.

5: 2001 group photo L-R: Mary Jean Lacey Ryan, a daughter for Morgan Lacey (’01) and Edward Ryan. A sister for William and Patrick. India Rose Viska Larkins, a daughter for Polly Viska (’01) and Nicholas Larkins. Phoebe Isabel Cornish Richardson, a daughter for Marina (Cornish ’01) and William Richardson. A sister for Jack. Woodrow James Derham Robertson, a son for Frances Derham (’01)

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and Michael Robertson.Monty Bauer Bowen, a son for Lucy (Fitz-Walter ’01) and Andy Bowen.

6: Pascale Judy Russell, a daughter for Alana (van Vliet ’01) and Jeremy Russell. A brother for Van. 7: Winifred Bonnie Carrick, a daughter for Tia (Notermans ’00) and James Carrick. 8: Charles Douglas Herron, a son for Prudence (Lording ’96) and Brendan Herron. A sister for Imogen and Rupert.

9: Sanne Posy Sibbel, a daughter for Titania Tess (Henderson ’02) and Tarco Sibbel. A sister for Neske. 10: Alyssa Eve Ann Scott, a daughter for Heidi (Erbs ’92) and Ian Scott. A sister for Sienna.

11: Fred James Legoe, as son for Jessica (Tallent ’99) and Henry Legoe. A brother for George and Harry.

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

Vale and Obituaries

THE BULLETIN

Ann Annand (Moran ’40)

Margaret Low (Carlyon ’45)

Alison Booth (Fullard ’43)

Mary (Mars) McMillan (’61)

Deidre Drummond (Candy ’70)

Eve Maberly (Chauvel ’41)

Hope Heron (Down ’41)

Penelope (Pip) Pullen (Wilson ’43)

Patricia Jaffé OAM (Andrew ’42)

Louise Reeve (Desborough ’57)

Minnie Law (’83)

Jenny Young (Bassett ’42)

Nancy Thorne (Crowe ’33)

Jean Campbell (Dalrymple ’37)

Pamela Williams (Granowski ’51)

Susan Young (Travers ’60)

Born in Melbourne on 21 August 1915, Nancy completed her schooling at St Catherine’s in 1932–33.

Third child of Wanda Dalrymple (St Pinnock) and William Alexander Dalrymple.

Susan (Susie) started her education in Barbreck, St Catherine’s, finishing as a prefect in 1960.

Nan then attended Invergowrie where her high standard of cooking was appreciated, as she was asked to cook at the McPherson factory during the war effort. In 1940 Nan married Lt. Commander Stanley Thorne, an architect. They had two children.

Siblings: Alison Mary, Sydney Ian and William Ross.

Our Mother attended St Catherine’s from 1948 to 1951. The School had a lasting impact on her and she made many life long friends including Judith Mayes (’51) and Elizabeth Royston (Duckett ’51).

Nan served on the board of the Queen Victoria Hospital for 16 years, becoming Vice President, was Treasurer of the National Trust Women’s Committee for 16 years and Life Member of the Alfred Hospital.

People naturally warmed to Nan, a gentle, kind, generous lady with great strength of character and wonderful sense of humour. An avid reader to the end, Nan retained an extensive general knowledge, travelling the world through books.

Nan and Stan moved to Warramunda, at Kyabram, to be near family. After over 60 years of marriage Stan died aged 98 in 2000, Nan passing away at 96 in 2011.

Devoted to her family, Nan is survived

by Peter and wife Jenny, Janet and husband Peter, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Janet Dolheguy (Thorne ’61)

Jean grew up at Glenluce, a 1,300 acre property at Gisborne and attended St Catherine’s School from 1934 to 1937 where she was a prefect and sports captain.

Jean and her brother Ross ran Glenluce during WWII until she married in 1948 in Gisborne to Peter Somerville Kemp, a fighter pilot.

Children: Wanda Huntington 1949, Andrew Peter Somerville 1951 married Ann Macdonald (‘71), Simon Dalrymple 1953 and Caroline Somerville 1957.

After separation from Peter, Jean moved back to Gisborne in 1968 to again manage the family property, Glenluce.

Jean married Dugald Campbell and moved to Holbrook in 1976. They purchased Woodlands in 1978 where Jean, after Dug’s death in 2002, continued to manage her breeders, and entertain.

She spent a lifetime on the land with horses, hunting, jumping and winning Gretna Greens until her sixties when she started riding the mechanical variety daily until her nineties.

After her wonderful 90th birthday party in 2009, in 2010 Jean moved off Woodlands into varying stages of care until her peaceful death in Holbrook.

Simon Kemp

Following Pamela’s experience at St Catherine’s, it was an easy decision to send us there. While at School, our Mother was an active member of the School community, serving on the Committee of the Old Girls’ Association for many years. She managed the Swap Shop, helped at the Jumble Sale at St John’s and at tennis days.

We loved that she was involved and always a smiling face around the School. The Old Girls Association enabled her to make more friends from the School community.

Pamela was delighted when two of her grandchildren, Eloise and Sebastian, started at the ELC and was a regular visitor to the school.

She enjoyed attending everything she could, including swimming carnivals, gymnastics, athletics, music recitals, school plays and she even joined a discussion with Eloise’s Year 2 class about what it was like when she was at school. Pamela shared stories of the exercises they had to do before School everyday!

Pamela was a proud grandmother to Georgia, Emma, Eloise and Sebastian and loved spending time with family, her adored pets and in her lovely garden.

Victoria Williams (’82) and Rowena Rudge (Williams ’87)

Thereafter, she travelled with a devoted chaperone, her Aunt Mary, to Paris for a term at finishing school, and then to the U.K. and Canada.

Once home, she undertook a secretarial course, and after a rigorous security clearance, worked for ASIO. Susie married Peter Young in 1966, and moved to Keith where Peter managed a property. From there, they bought and enjoyed a farm near Frances for the next 29 years.

Robe, being the family’s chosen summer location, was where they then moved for the next 20 years and ran a real estate business.

They were central to the community, both being awarded Citizens of the Year in 2016. Susie also served as a Justice of the Peace, and was very involved with bridge and amateur theatre.

She was exceptional at keeping in touch with all generations, as witnessed at her memorial. She was vivacious and wise, capable and loving, kind and thoughtful, with a delicious sense of humour.

Susie was always there for her children, Vicki, James and Tiff, and her seven grandchildren, who were with her to the end.

Wendy Kirkwood (Stamp ’60) Robbie Little (Tait ’60) Letitia Shelton (Cole ’58)

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www.stcatherines.net.au 17 Heyington Place, Toorak

Victoria, Australia 3142

@stcatherinesschool

T +61 3 9822 1285 E info@stcatherines.net.au CRICOS 00574F ABN 90 004 251 816

www.facebook.com/stcatherinesschooltoorak

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.