The women of the future

The women of the future learn and play at St Catherine’s each day. In a safe, enchanting environment, their teachers masterfully capture their curiosity and build on their eagerness to learn. Together, the staff create a warm, wonder-filled place where each girl is known and valued, so that our girls love school; where strong relationships are a natural part of each day, so that our girls embrace life; and where love of learning is nourished and creative potential unleashed, so that our girls enrich the world.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently published the Learning Framework for 2030, which states “students will need to develop curiosity, imagination, resilience and self-regulation; they will need to respect and appreciate the ideas, perspectives and values of others.” The report also states, “They will need to be responsible and empowered, placing collaboration above division, and sustainability above short-term gain.” By holding true to our purpose, to develop young women of character and intellect, we are on track in preparing our girls for this future.

Our ongoing commitment to character education has seen the girls harnessing and treasuring their character strengths in how they live and learn. The magic of these strengths is that they can be developed by everyone. And, when children discover and use their natural strengths, they develop into respectful adults who are respected for who they truly are. Along with character education, the deliberate blend of explicit instruction and inquirybased learning provides a firm foundation from which our girls can explore their world.

In preparing students for 2030 and beyond, Microsoft and McKinsey & Company recommend that educators “collaborate with other educators to create or pilot programs that explicitly address social-emotional skills.” Our Year 5 teachers put this into action by collaborating with teachers from Newington College and International Grammar School. This resulted in a technology-

FRONT ROW: Scarlett Edyvean, Jazz Wilson, Lauren Griffiths, Bobbie Lee DeBuse, Chiara Hammond

FRONT ROW: Emily Logan, Claudia Cawley, Alva Humphreys, Lola Scotts, Willow Smith, Anika Bradford, Isabella Walley, Zara Messis

Phonniwat-Funge, based, social program which promoted student collaboration and respectful relationships. Student collaboration in studio learning resulted in the remarkable ‘Skip the Straw’ initiative, ably and determinedly led by Stage 1 students. Similarly, Year 6 students wholeheartedly embraced the Solar Buddy project and took ownership of the fundraising required to finance this initiative. These are shining examples of leadership, a commitment to sustainability and the power of student voice.

Research shows that when teachers regularly observe others’ lessons and take part in collaborative teaching and professional development, they are more satisfied with their careers and feel more effective in their teaching. Therefore, teachers have continued to meet weekly for rigorous and reflective planning sessions, and they now visit one another’s classrooms as part of our appraisal system. In 2019, our STEM specialist will team teach science with class teachers to enable further collaboration and enhance learning for all.

Highlights in 2018’s treasure chest of memories include: the ‘Beelieve in yourself spelling bee’, Write a Book in a Day (with Year 6 girls raising over $5000 through sponsorship for The Kids’ Cancer Project), creating and playing mini-golf courses in the library, a trip to Central Australia, writing ‘letters to the troops’, watching NED’s Kindness Adventure, winning second place in the interschool

GATEway 8 challenge, performing in the magnificent production of The Lion King Jr’, winning gold at the Engadine Eisteddfod, coding Sphero balls, using QR codes on Identity Evening, winning the innovative solutions award at the FIRST Lego League robotics competition, representation at IPSHA, CIS and NSWPSSA carnivals (including a silver medal for the senior relay team), performing in the delightful nativity musical Hey Ewe!, service learning at Clomama – St Luke’s, Clovelly, and making ‘Bike n’ Blend’ smoothies on Wellbeing Day.

It has been an honour to lead and work alongside such an outstanding team of teachers and support staff. I have treasured their professional passion and unfailing commitment to nourishing young minds and young hearts.

In my treasure chest of memories, our girls are resplendent gems. Each one is a precious creation with a unique combination of gifts and characteristics. I am so proud of the growth each girl has demonstrated in her learning and the countless examples of courage, kindness and inclusion that have come to characterise our school. The gems of St Catherine’s will continue to shine brightly.

Deputy