St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls was originally established as the “Girls’ High School” in 1896 on Stirling Highway in Claremont by Miss Edith Ross.
In 1931, the School relocated to Mosman Park and was dedicated with the name “St Hilda’s Church of England School for Girls”. In 1981 the School, renamed St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, celebrated its Jubilee year on the Mosman Park site. In 1996, St Hilda’s celebrated its Centenary. This was a landmark, not only in the School’s history, but also in the history of the education of women in Western Australia. In 2006, a second campus was acquired at Chidley and so a new Junior School was established, with the Senior School based at the Bay View campus. In 2019, a third campus was acquired in Yeagarup.
St Hilda’s provides for the education of girls from Junior Kindergarten to Year 12, with a co-educational offering in Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten. In 2023, St Hilda’s had 249 students enrolled in the Junior School (JK – Year 6) and 817 students in the Senior School (Year 7 – 12). St Hilda’s is also a Boarding School for Years 7 – 12. In 2023, 119 students were enrolled in Boarding.
St Hilda’s student body is diverse with students enrolled from over 30 different nationalities. Our School has a reputation for a focus on excellence, quality teaching and learning, student wellbeing, participation and high performance in girls’ sport, music and cultural pursuits.
PURPOSE
Inspiring inventive and adaptive thinkers with a curiosity for learning.
Excellence
We encourage the pursuit of our personal best and lifting others.
We value who we are and respect others knowing that self-belief is our greatest attribute.
We nurture relationships, the St Hilda’s spirit and the part we play in the global community.
STRATEGIC PILLARS
We commit to sustainable growth that reflects our community’s changing needs.
We create opportunities that inspire our students to discover their passions.
We cultivate a learning community that is curious and adaptive.
We support genuine relationships, partnerships & friendships for life.
We are courageous and open our minds to possibilities.
We chart our own course.
The role of the Council is to determine and maintain the mission and vision of the School and set long-term strategic directions and governing policies whilst supporting the Principal in enacting the Purpose, Vision and Strategy of the School.
St Hilda’s is well served by a volunteer Council consisting of up to 13 highly skilled people from a range of professions. The members of the Council consist of:
• one (1) member nominated by the Archbishop;
• five (5) members elected by Synod;
• two (2) members nominated by the Diocesan Council;
• two (2) members elected by the Old Scholars;
• one (1) member elected by the Parents’ & Friends Association, and
• two (2) members nominated by the School Council.
The members of the School Council are the persons who, as the management committee of St Hilda’s undertake to implement the following educational philosophy at the School:
• to develop Christian values in its students in accordance with the Anglican faith;
• to be a pre-eminent school in Western Australia for the education of girls at all levels of schooling, and for the education of boys before primary school level;
• to provide pastoral care to all students in accordance with their needs and circumstances;
• to promote academic excellence in its students;
• to foster the characteristics of honesty, respect and tolerance in its students;
• to provide opportunities for students whilst at the School to participate in, and to become leaders in, every area of endeavour, including academic, athletic, dramatic and community endeavours;
• to ensure that each student is developed to their full potential, and is prepared to undertake leadership roles at the School and upon leaving the School, and
• to provide scholarship opportunities for students who demonstrate excellence, or who are in particular need.
Council meets a minimum of eight times during the academic year to discuss strategic issues and to monitor financial and other governance matters. Council members are also assigned to one or more of the working committees according to their particular skills. The current Council committees are Finance, Infrastructure and Development and Governance.
At its AGM in May, Mr David Fleming completed his term as the P&F Representative on Council. We thank Mr Fleming for his service to the School Council as the P&F Representative for the past 3 years. Mr Fleming has made a very important contribution to Council and will continue as the Vice President of the Foundation, and we look forward to the School continuing to benefit from his skills through the Foundation.
After 2 years on Council Mr Nick McGlew had to resign due to work commitments. Mr McGlew had been an invaluable member of the Finance Committee and also made a very significant contribution to the St Hilda’s Foundation.
Mrs van Hattem resigned from Council at the AGM her dedication to Council over the past 8 years as an Old Scholars Representative is greatly appreciated. Mrs van Hattem during her 8 years on Council was a member of the Infrastructure and Development Committee, her knowledge in Architecture has been very beneficial for the School.
Ms Nita Peploe, after 7 years on Council, including 4 as Chair and 1 as Deputy Chair made the decision to resign from her position. During her tenure on Council Ms Peploe has been a member of all sub-committees and her knowledge, input and guidance over her term has seen the School Council achieve many wonderful outcomes. Her input into and work on the Strategic Plan was a highlight of her time on Council. We wish Ms Peploe all the very best for the future.
Council welcomed the following members who joined Council at the AGM or in the course of 2023. Mrs Joanna Millard, Professor Tanya Fitzgerald, Mr Robert Merrick, Mr Michael Palassis and Mrs Jane Barker.
Ms Anna Casellas (Chair)
MLLB (UMelb), LLB (UWA), BA (UWA) Synod Appointee 2020
Mrs Treffina Dowland BEd. OSA Representative 2019
Ms Kate Owenell BCom, BA Synod Appointee 2017
Ms Felicia Brady (Deputy Chair) BA (U & RP), GAICD Synod Appointee 2022
Prof Tanya Fitzgerald PhD (Education), MEdAdmin (Hons), DipEd, TTC, DipTchg, MA(Hons), BA Diocesan Council Appointee 2023
Mr Michael Palassis BCom, LLB, GDipAppFin, MAF, AFA, CHSM Council Appointee 2023
Mr Douglas Craig (Treasurer) BCom, FCA, GAICD Synod Appointee 2014
Mr Robert Merrick LLB (Murdoch) Diocesan Council Appointee 2023
Father Matthew Smedley BEcon (Hons) (University of Adelaide), MDiv, DipMin Archbishop’s Appointee 2020
Mrs Jane Barker BSN, Adv Dip NSG OSA Representative 2023
Mrs Joanna Millard MBA AGSM (UNSW), BCom/LLB (Hons) (University of Sydney), Council Appointee 2023
Council Sub-Committees
Governance
Ms Kate Owenell (Chair)
Mrs Jane Barker
Ms Anna Casellas
Professor Tanya Fitzgerald
Finance
Mr Douglas Craig (Chair)
Ms Anna Casellas
Mrs Joanna Millard
Mr Robert Merrick
Father Matthew Smedley
Infrastructure and Development
Ms Felicia Brady (Chair)
Ms Anna Casellas
Mrs Treffina Dowland
Mr Michael Palassis
Mr Roly Edgerton-Warburton (Co-opted Member)
As we reflect upon the conclusion of yet another transformative year, it is with great pride that we acknowledge the multitude of achievements and milestones that have graced St Hilda’s in 2023. Throughout the year, our community has witnessed remarkable successes and memorable moments that underscore the talent, resilience, and spirit that define our school.
A notable highlight of the year was the opening of our state-of-the-art ESSTEAM Studio, a testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge facilities and educational opportunities for our students. This pioneering initiative offers a platform for exploration at the intersection of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, bolstered by an entrepreneurship program focused on sustainable solutions. Through the ESSTEAM Program, our students are equipped with the skills to innovate, problemsolve, and navigate the complexities of risk and reward, positioning them for success in an ever-evolving landscape.
In addition, 2023 saw the unveiling of the St Hilda’s Heritage Centre, a symbolic tribute to our rich legacy and a beacon of knowledge and inspiration for future generations. This dedicated space not only preserves our esteemed traditions but also serves as a catalyst for historical exploration and intellectual growth, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within our community.
Furthermore, our commitment to student wellbeing was reinforced through the introduction of our Culture of Care Framework and Belonging Program, aimed at fostering empathy and building a supportive environment for all members of our community.
The arts continued to flourish at St Hilda’s, with captivating performances in music and theatre captivating audiences throughout the year. Noteworthy productions such as ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Porridge’ showcased the exceptional talent and creativity of our students, while annual exhibitions and showcases provided platforms for artistic expression and celebration.
In the realm of sports, our dedication and perseverance yielded remarkable results, with victories at prestigious events including the IGSSA Swimming Carnival and notable improvements in athletics and rowing. These achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes and coaches and a source of immense pride for our school community.
Academically, our students continued to excel, demonstrating outstanding achievements in various disciplines and cocurricular activities. The successful reinstatement of our Year 10 Student Exchange Program further enriched the educational experience of our students, fostering global awareness and cultural understanding.
2023 has been marked by unparalleled success and growth, made possible by the collective efforts and unwavering dedication of our students, parents, staff, and broader community. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to shaping a bright and promising future for St Hilda’s, fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence.
OPENING OF OUR STATE OF THE ART ESSTEAM STUDIO TO ENSURE WE’RE AT THE FOREFRONT OF EDUCATION AND LEADING THE WAY FOR OTHER SCHOOLS.
INTRODUCTION OF OUR CULTURE OF CARE FRAMEWORK AND BELONGING PROGRAM, AIMED AT BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
REINTRODUCTION OF STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS TO FURTHER ENRICH THE EDUCTAIONAL EXPERIENCE AND FOSTER GLOBAL AWARENESS.
UNVEILING OF THE ST HILDA’S HERITAGE CENTRE, A DEDICATED SPACE TO SHARE OUR RICH LEGACY AND PRESERVE OUR ESTEEMED TRADITIONS.
UNPRECEDENTED VICTORY AT THE IGSSA SWIMMING CARNIVAL, WINNING NOT ONLY THE BOANS TROPHY BUT ALL SIX YEAR LEVEL PENNANTS.
Based on data collected from our 2023 graduates, 90% have commenced further study in 2024 with a further 9% intending on commencing further study in 2025. Approximately 34% of students will study at the University of Western Australia, 25% at Notre Dame and 14% at Curtin University. We have 18 students moving interstate to attend university and 3 students going international to study at Oxford, Birmingham and NYU.
Students are studying over 40 different courses across a broad range of disciplines. Health Sciences, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Law and Commerce remain strong interests for many graduates. Additionally, 8 students received scholarships including Winthrop Scholarships and Deans Scholarship from UWA, The Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship, Curtin Principal’s Scholarship, UQ’s Excellence Scholarship, a Bond Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship and a LaTrobe Aspire Scholarship.
Schools are required to report student attendance rate data to the Department of Education and Training twice a year and report the proportions of students attending school for > 90% of the time.
Attendance data is collected for full-time students enrolled in Years 1 to 10. The figures below are based on the School Student Attendance Reports for Semester 1 submitted by St Hilda’s. Year Group Attendance
Overall Attendance Rate
Absentees are managed in accordance with School Policy across Junior and Senior School.
St Hilda’s monitors absences twice daily in the Junior School and unexplained absences are followed up by phone calls to parents.
Senior School
Attendance is taken period by period and unexplained absences are followed up by phone calls and emails to parents.
St Hilda’s continued to achieve excellence in many facets of education in 2023. With a focus on meeting every student at their point of need, 2023 saw the introduction of further opportunity for enrichment and support for our students; including the acceleration program in Mathematics. The implementation of the Teaching and Learning Philosophy cemented the common understanding of educational values held by a St Hilda’s teacher; being datainformed, research driven and evidenced based. Supported by our professional learning strategic plan of ‘evolving the expertise’ ongoing professional learning saw all staff engage in ongoing training of best practice.
2023 continued to see our students achieve exceptionally well in ATAR. We had 139 students sit the ATAR with our top performing student achieving a ranking of 99.95. We had a total of 78 students recognised through certificates.
Overall results
• 10% students achieved an ATAR of above 99
• 34% students achieved an ATAR above 95
• 50% students achieved an ATAR above 90
A perfect ATAR of 99.95 indicates being in the top 0.5% of the state.
• Catherine Yang
Subject Exhibitions are awarded to the student who achieves the highest exam mark
• Sage Edwards - Biology
• Anna-Liis Petanceski - Materials Design and Technology
• Hannah Clements - Psychology
Subject Certificates of Excellence are awarded to students who are in the top 0.5 per cent in each ATAR course.
Sage Edwards Biology and Chemistry
Binru Yang Chemistry, Mathematics Methods and Physics
Not For Publication Geography
Ruby Lester Materials Design and Technology
Anna-Liis Petanceski Materials Design and Technology
Matilda Banfield Physical Education Studies
Hannah Clements Psychology
Georgina Fleming Psychology
Certificates of Distinction are awarded to students who accrue 190-200 points from 20 Year 11 and Year 12 units.
Matilda (Tilly) Banfield
Emily Chapman
Hannah Clements
Audrey Clynk
Abby Colgan
Katja De Boer
Ashley Djakaria
Sage Edwards
Matilda Finlayson
Georgina Fleming
Mila Gibson
Velvet Goodwin
Maryam Hamza
Lily Hannaford
Erica Ho
Ava Hogan
Isla Horgan
Charlotte House
Diyara Iddamalgoda
Aimee Irvine
Charlotte Isbister
Amelia Johns
Ava Kiggins
Ria Kulkarni
Ava La Ferla
Ruby Lester
Sofia Martinez Sanchez
Caitlin McGlew
Natasha McGlew
Grace Newton
Charli Pearse
Caitlyn Robson
Charlotte Strickland
Aarani Suganthan
Lily Taylor
Daisy Thomson
Maya Tibballs
Alyssa Warren
Georgie Watts
Not For Publication x 3
Certificates of Merit are awarded to students who accrue 150 – 189 points from 20, Year 11 and Year 12 units.
Jessica Bihler
Madeleine Blair
Polly Cann
Elizabeth (Libby) Connolly
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Gale
Alexandra (Allie) Harben
Nina Hardie
Monique Hashem
Ingrid Holmes á Court
Fadzai Jongwe
Chelsea Laing
Alexis Lakshmi Narayan
Destanee Liu
Indiana (Indi) McDonald
Phoebe McIntosh
Cocolo Nosaka
Oluwabusola (Busola) Oyewopo
Anna-Liis Petanceski
Lucy Ridley
Olivia Rock
Phoebe Roe
Aleisha Vukman
Amelie Williams
Alice Wylie
Binru (Catherine) Yang
Eleven Year 12 students completed vocational educational certificates this year and may use these certificates to apply for State Training Provider entry.
Kate Smith Certificate IV in Preparation for Health & Nursing Studies
Meg Jones Certificate IV in Preparation for Health & Nursing Studies
Saffron Grieg Certificate IV in Preparation for Health & Nursing Studies
Lesley Snowball Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
These results are inline with the statistical trend of ATAR results for St Hilda’s as seen in the graph to the right. These results continue to reinforce the strong academic results of the School, with more girls obtaining an ATAR of 90 plus than any other score range.
Poppy Jones Certificate III in Business
Rosie Ball Certificate IV in Education Support
Zoe Rayner Certificate IV in Education Support
Jessie Culley Certificate IV in Education Support
Grace Reeves Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics
Sana Bugden Certificate III in Community Services
Ruby Thomson Certificate III in Community Services
NAPLAN is an annual assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It tests the types of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The assessments are undertaken every year in May.
Results Overview
Below is an overview of the distribution of student results. YEAR 3
Writing Reading Numeracy
Spelling
Grammar & Punctuation
Writing
Reading Numeracy
Spelling
Grammar & Punctuation EXCEEDING
St Hilda’s Finance Committee currently comprises four external members plus the Principal and Director of Finance & Operations. In 2023, Mr Douglas Craig chaired the Committee.
The Committee meets formally nine times a year and provides informal consultation to the School’s management across the year. The Committee has direct responsibility for overseeing the financial operations of the School and undertakes the following:
• Review of the School’s annual capital and operating budgets for submission to the Council for adoption;
• Review of the periodic financial reporting of performance against budgets and monitoring of management’s response to variations and considering any actions necessary to correct material deficiencies or issues arising;
• Consideration of longer-term trends in financial performance or in particular aspects of performance and their potential to impact on future financial projections and future operations of the School;
• Reviewing the School’s longer-term forecasts of financial performance and position and assessing the School’s capacity to fund expenditure on significant capital works proposals;
• Monitoring bank debt facilities utilised, reviewing and considering any proposed amendments;
• Participating in an appropriate relationship between the School and the School’s bankers, and
• Approving the annual financial statements.
The Committee reports to the School Council and provides for rigorous and regular monitoring of all financial operations of the School.
St Hilda’s has built on its strong financial position through continued prudent financial management, including the ongoing reviews of its operating procedures and by conducting regular competitive tenders for goods and services. The School prepares annual financial statements that are audited by HLB Mann Judd Advisory and Accountants. These accounts include the School’s total revenue and expenses. St Hilda’s derives the majority of its operating revenue from tuition and boarding fees to fund the School’s annual operations.
The School also supplements its income by hiring out its facilities to external users and by operating the School’s Uniform Shop, Extend-ED service, and Swim
School. When setting the annual budget, the School seeks to minimise tuition fee increases and operate with a modest operating surplus (after allowing for depreciation costs). The surplus or deficit naturally varies from year to year depending on enrolment numbers, programs run, and expenditures incurred.
In 2023, the majority of the School’s operational expenditure was related to staffing and tuition costs (82%), with 18% of costs attributable to operational expenses (including depreciation).
During 2023, the School achieved an operating surplus of $2.1 million. The accumulated surplus has been retained for maintenance and future development of the School’s facilities, including the School’s Masterplan.
Total Recurrent Income
Total Capital Income
St Hilda’s has a total number of 233 ongoing staff, equivalent to 198 full time staff members. No staff members identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.
