St Hilda's Ammonite Autumn 2017

Ammonite Autumn 2017

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Council update Annual Giving 2016 - Thank you From the Principal 2016 Results Snippets Fine-tuned year ahead Olympic legend inspires swimmers Science young at heart Mandarin classes keep culture alive Boarders learn at Parliament House St Hilda’s races ahead Outdoor Education benefits stretch far Millennium Kids Little1s St Hilda’s Day Sundowner Year 12 Induction IGSSA Swimming Year 6 Induction Arts Festival DisConnected Mother Daughter Brunch Mother’s Day Thanks for the cakes, the smiles and the memories.

The Junior School Makerspace Pool of ideas for Cottesloe Mayor Peru St Hilda’s girls have a new ride Helping to teach our teachers Rowing a breath of fresh air for Josh Reaching new heights Cool place to teach science Overseas success for local artist Sunshine for Old Scholars Association’s Bay View Bazaar Split Apart Noah’s Arc The Girl in the Dusty Jeans Milkshakes + Pizza

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Front cover: Holly Granger in the Junior School Makerspace.

From the Chair of Council

Ms Deidre Willmott Chair of Council

Council update 2017 is proving to be another busy and successful year at St Hilda’s and our students are thriving. As Chair of Council, I am always thankful for the atmosphere of energy and enthusiasm I experience whenever I am at school.

Ensuring St Hilda’s has the foundations to continue this is central to all our deliberations at Council meetings and I am pleased to provide an update on our recent discussions.

Strategic Focus 2020 Last year we agreed a new strategic direction to guide the development and management of St Hilda’s. Known as Strategic Focus 2020, we established that our purpose is to provide a vibrant school community that educates and inspires girls for life and our vision is to prepare girls for the future by developing tenacity, confidence and compassion.

We also set out seven key focus areas for the School: • student wellbeing • academic excellence • professional staff • cocurricular activities • boarding life • school community • physical environment The Principal is embedding these focus areas across St Hilda’s and the Council is currently developing a new Master Plan that will also support them over the next 10 years. I thank all the staff who have contributed their ideas as part of this process to ensure we continue to deliver a high quality education for all our students.

Staff recognition In recognition of the importance of all our professional and dedicated staff, at the end of last year we introduced Staff Awards. Staff were invited to nominate their peers and a Committee of the Council selected the winners.

The nominations were all of an extremely high quality and it was a great pleasure to congratulate the inaugural winners Head of Science Cecilia Kinsella for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and from our Maintenance team Murray Hall for Service to the School Community at the Graduation and Awards Ceremony. Junior School teacher Beth Stubbs also received a Commendation for Teaching and Learning. New honour boards have been set up to recognise our winners.

New faces This year we welcomed Old Scholar Kate Owenell to the Council and the newly elected Parents’ and Friends’ Association President Sally Vasudavan. Our thanks to Jeeva Maistry who stepped down and Jon Petelczyc former Parents’ and Friends’ Association President for their contributions. We also said farewell to Sami Tadros after 13 years of extraordinary service to St Hilda’s on Council. We will miss his cheerful and positive outlook at our meetings.

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From the Chair of Council

Annual Giving Annual giving provides an opportunity for all members of the school community to invest in the school – whether you are an Old Scholar, current or former parent, a grandparent, staff member or friend of the school. It is the foundation of philanthropy at St Hilda’s and is a way of giving back or giving a little extra to support the life and future of St Hilda’s.

Annual giving is exactly that – there is not an ongoing commitment and all donations, regardless of size are very much appreciated. This year your donation can be made to our fully tax deductible Building or Scholarship Funds.

To donate online, please go to www.sthildas.wa.edu.au/annualgiving

As a final note I would like to sincerely thank all our current parents for their support of St Hilda’s and the encouragement you provide for our students. In challenging economic times, I do not underestimate the sacrifices and personal commitment required to send your child or children to St Hilda’s.

Last year a junior student described her year as “productive and inspiring”. These words strike me as positive, optimistic, forward thinking and yet sensible, practical and down to earth all at the same time. For me that captures the essence of a St Hilda’s education and I believe is a solid foundation to make the most of opportunities in our rapidly changing world.

Thank you Annual Giving Donors 2016 Thank you to everyone in the St Hilda’s community who supported us financially last year. We raised $78,735 from our Annual Giving. We would also like to acknowledge the $51,120 contribution to the Parents’ and Friends’ Association made by parents which went towards our Paul Dillon talks for Years 10 to 12, new stand up paddle boards for Outdoor Education and the Annual Sundowner event. Last year we hosted the IGSSA Head of the River and the incredible hard work by our rowing parents at this event raised $18, 270 which has been returned to support the rowing program.

We would also like to acknowledge the piano prize bequest received from the Estate of Old Scholar Ms Helen James and the donation from the Atkins Family to continue their long standing support for the Winsome Atkins Memorial Prize for Biology.

We are incredibly grateful for the support from all our donors that make a difference to the services and facilities we provide for our students.

Dr & Mrs M Allan Julian & Deborah Andrews Victor & Natalia Bariacto M & J Boschetti Janet Brown Dr A M Burt Colvin Family Megan & Ella Crust Dallavanzi Family Rikki Dans Dr I Dey & Dr D Glennon Dharmananda Family Tia & Chris Ellison Rong Sheng Fang Thalia Ferguson Ferguson Family Gerard M Flaherty Mrs S Gillett Mary Halleen Mrs Penelope Hepple Astrid & Michael Hughes Murray & Cath Johns

Mr & Mrs S Kurniawan Jan & David Lord Macdermott Family Mr & Mrs McCabe McFarland Family Mr and Mrs F McMurray Maurice & Jennifer Owen Mrs Ruth Phelps Mrs N Peploe & Mr T Browne-Cooper P Perry Jon & Jenny Petelczyc Jennifer Rankin Judy & Ted Steeves Paul & Christine Taylor Dr & Mrs S Vasudavan Daniel Wallwork Mrs Janet G Williamson Ms Deidre Willmott Jinfeng Wu Mrs Neda Zare And the 17 donors who wish to remain anonymous.

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St Hilda’s Ammonite

From the Principal

Mrs Kim Kiepe Principal

Encouraging her to find her voice In 2016, the Australian Business Magazine, The Deal, conducted research in collaboration with Chief Executive Women (CEW). The CEW is made up of over 400 Australian eminent female leaders, including current and past Board members from a range of corporations such as the ABC, Wesfarmers, Telstra, ANU, Westpac, Sydney University, and many others.

Some 250 CEW members responded to the survey, revealing women’s views around the issues of navigating the workplace, facing gender balance in the boardroom and managing work/life balance. Results based on the survey respondents’ feedback indicate that one third of women felt they did not have what it takes to ask for a pay rise. Other results show that 40% lacked the confidence to apply for a role beyond their expertise, with the prevalent view that women feel they need to be 100% prepared with the required knowledge, skills and expertise before applying for a higher role, which held them back from applying for promotional positions.

Only 50% of those women surveyed believed that they would need at least 40% of those people in the room to be women, before they would feel comfortable to be in the boardroom.

On the positive side, the survey results showed that women were supportive of other women and celebrated colleagues’ success. The CEW results clearly show that the female executive participants are not feeling confident about speaking up in the boardroom, with the consequence that their contribution to business decisionmaking is lessened. Moreover, the women identified a need to show greater courage when it came time to step up for new roles.

Sheryl Sandberg alludes to the confidence issue when she says that “women keep themselves from advancing because they don’t have the self-confidence and drive that men do”. She continues by explaining her contention that “personal motivation is an incredibly complex thing, moulded by our internal will but also strongly influenced by the parenting we receive, the peer group that surrounds us as we grow, the educational opportunities we get, the connections we make, as well as the expectations and prejudices of those around us”. Sandberg’s lean in circles are doing much to encourage women to move out of their comfort zone and develop their ability to negotiate and respectfully express their views through their own voice.

The National Coalition of Girls Schools advocates that the most powerful message a girl can receive is there are no limits. So, in our all-girl St Hilda’s environment, students know that there are no limits to what subjects she can study or what career she can pursue. There are no limits to what sport she can play or role she can occupy without assumptions about what girls like or prefer. No one is saying “that subject is too hard” or “that sport is for boys”.

Girls are encouraged to challenge limits to explore new possibilities. At the start of 2017, one of our Year 12 students was selected as a student representative for the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra, assuming the role of the Opposition Leader in a debate on the environmental, financial and social implications of Uranium mining on Indigenous Reserves. Such student experiences reinforce the idea that St Hilda’s encourages each girl to know no limits in her choices through the confidence to find her voice. These tenets are reflected in our vision to prepare girls for life by developing tenacity, confidence and compassion.

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2016 results

2016 WACE Results We are very proud to advise that the Year 12 students of 2016 have achieved strong WACE results.

Of the 139 Year 12 students eligible, 99.3% achieved the Western Australian Certificate of Education.

Summary of Achievement

Course Results

On the basis of the ATAR, St Hilda’s students achieved the following results:

In terms of individual course results, St Hilda’s was listed thirteen times as having the highest performing students. The course listing is based on the percentage of students at each school who had Year 12 ATAR course combined scores in the top 15 percent of all students in that course. In order to be included on the list, there must be a minimum of 10 students in the course.

The courses are wide ranging and include the following:

Courses

90.2% of units completed were ATAR course units.

Accounting and Finance

Mathematics Specialist

Chemistry

Modern History

Drama

Physics

French: Second Language

Politics and Law

Geography

Psychology

Human Biology

Visual Arts

Literature

Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking of 99.00 and over The following students achieved an ATAR of over 99.00 and deserve special mention.

Student

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Ranking

Student

Ranking

Celeste Kalnenas

99.90

Jasmine Wu

99.30

Olivia Fitzpatrick

99.80

Maduvanthi Venkatesan

99.25

Isobel Smith

99.75

Rebecca Lyden

99.15

Emily Parkinson

99.65

Eleanor Shenton

99.15

Ann Linehan

99.55

Hei Lam Chin

99.10

Lucy Craske

99.50

Natasha Mehl

99.00

Samantha Carr

99.35

Olivia Tan

99.00

St Hilda’s Ammonite

Our recent survey of last year’s Old Scholars, shows they were a highly studious group. Just 8 per cent of the Class of 2016 chose to take a gap year to work and travel, while the rest decided to head straight to university.

Most of the year group decided to stay in Perth, but a number chose to move east or overseas to pursue their chosen fields, which is a growing trend.

2016 results

Year 12 Destination Survey Results Where are you studying?

QUEENSLAND VICTORIA

OVERSEAS

NSW

WA

Which WA institution?

25

How often are you working?

FULL TIME

PART TIME

10

9

CASUAL

5 3 UWA

NOTRE DAME

CURTIN

MURDOCH

ECU

For graduates who chose to continue their studies in Perth, the University of Western Australia continues to attract the most St Hilda’s students.

Overall the three most popular fields of study were Health Sciences, Science and Medicine followed by Commerce, Law and Engineering. Nearly 90 per cent of survey respondents indicated their degree was their first choice.

For those who decided to take a gap year to work and travel, 60 per cent indicated that they intended to study at a later date with Science, Engineering and Teaching the preferred future areas of study.

Of the Old Scholars at university and those taking a gap year, 72 per cent are currently working: the breakdown of how often they work is above.

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WHERE

ARE

THEY NOW

Kelsey Bowes

Kelsey is studying for an Advanced Science Honours degree at the University of New South Wales and living at Philip Baxter College.

Her subjects are Chemistry, Maths, Biology and Spanish. She hopes to major in Pathology and Anatomy from second year. Once her Honours degree is complete she plans to return to Perth and pursue post graduate studies in Forensic Science or research at University of Western Australia.

Kelsey is enjoying a much less stressful study environment and more freedom to schedule her days.

She is continuing her lacrosse with a university team and looking forward to joining some community clubs.

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St Hilda’s Ammonite

Angelina Holland Angelina is studying for a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Physiology and Immunology at University of Western Australia.

Her subjects are Maths, Human Biology, Biology and Consumer Behaviour. She is enjoying the freedom to organise her study schedule to accommodate days at university, days working and free days. Angelina has joined a number of university clubs but finds it very different being in an environment where you don’t know everyone well and some of the lecturers don’t have English as their first language.

2016 results

Madeleine Sandl

Isabelle Higgins Immediately after school, Isabelle went on a volunteering trip to Sri Lanka. She is now studying for a Bachelor of Arts with a double major of International Relations and Politics and Journalism at Notre Dame University. She is enjoying the experience of only studying the subjects she is interested in and the flexibility to arrange her weekly schedule. Classes at Notre Dame are as small as at St Hilda’s and attendance is compulsory. Isabelle is missing all the cocurricular activities available at St Hilda’s and has been instrumental in starting the first Journalism Society for the university. She intends to play hockey over winter.

After graduating, Maddie and a friend hit the road for six weeks travelling across the USA from December through to January.

While there, she was fortunate to visit her host family in New York from her Year 10 St Hilda’s exchange program. In the first school term she was coaching a Year 7/8 St Hilda’s volleyball team as well as umpiring.

She is currently studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Notre Dame, hoping to work as a physiotherapist once she graduates.

Maddie recently joined the UWA student-run “Uni Camp for Kids” where students are responsible for looking after economically underprivileged kids from all over Perth with four picnics throughout the year, as well as at a camp at the end of the year. At the student run picnics, the kids get to enjoy free, fun activities, a delicious lunch, and get to meet other kids and form friendships with the students.

Keeping herself busy, she also plays for the St Hilda’s Volleyball Club in the WA Volleyball League as well as regularly volunteering work as part of her university course.

Elouise Martin Since graduating in December, Elouise has enjoyed her long break with friends and family, been accepted into a double degree of Arts and Commerce at Curtin University and performed in a play for a well-known local theatre company. Elouise is majoring in Theatre Arts and Public Relations, hoping to become an actress or be involved in the arts which she is very passionate about. In her spare time she is auditioning for stage and film productions, learning more about the craft of acting and is eagerly enhancing her skills as an actress.

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2016 results

Celeste Kalnenas

Eleanor Gilmore As she has taken a gap year, Eleanor is currently working two jobs and is working hard on her online courses on photography and videography. Next year she is enrolled at Edith Cowan University to study Media Communications.

She has been babysitting and working at Domino’s Pizza, as well as undertaking odd jobs on the side such as gardening and house sitting.

On top of this, she also occasionally takes photos for her brother who is earning his name as a full time DJ. Eleanor is leaving Australia in late June to live in Spain for four months, spending most of her time in Bilbao, Barcelona and San Sebastian to improve her Spanish and learn some Basque. When in Spain she will be living with her family and running play groups to teach the local children English, which is in high demand, as well as holding separate jobs caring for children at their homes and teaching them English.

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St Hilda’s Ammonite

Stella Kelly Stella is studying a Bachelor of Music at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, specialising in Jazz Voice. In her spare time she is writing music, watching live music, playing guitar and working part time. This year she hopes to record her EP and release it at the start of next year. Keeping busy, she also recently started an original Neo-Soul band which seems to be going well. She said she is absolutely loving her classes at WAAPA and is so lucky to have made some amazing like-minded friends.

Before starting her degree Celeste attended the Bachelor of Philosophy Summer Residence at St Thomas More College, allowing her to network with students while participating in academic and social activities. Currently studying a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) at UWA, majoring in Medical Sciences and French Studies with an assured pathway to the Doctor of Medicine, she is taking advantage of all of the opportunities the university has to offer. She has joined a UWA soccer team as a self-described “rookie”; social events coordinator for the Bachelor of Philosophy cohort; and utilising the opportunities given to those with Fogarty Scholarships including workshops, mentoring sessions and exchange programs. She plans to be part of two exchange opportunities throughout her degree at Harvard University and the University of California, as well as the Teach Learn Grow Rural Program in primary schools in rural WA during the December holidays. She is also the Fresher Representative for the UWA French Club and a is member of the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) Union; Amnesty International UWA; Health Student’s Society; Science Union; Teach Learn Grow; WA Medical Students’ Society; and UWA political party STAR.

2016 results

Celeste Kalnenas

Tertiary Scholarships Celeste Kalnenas is one of 11 Fogarty Scholarship recipients.

The Fogarty Scholarship will cover the cost of an undergraduate degree at the University of Western Australia and some postgraduate studies. As well as financial assistance, Fogarty recipients take part in a special program that focuses on developing their leadership skills. Winners are determined by academic performance combined with achievement in the categories of leadership, life skills, community involvement, the arts and sport. Well done, Celeste!

Left to right: Kay Martin and Hazel Dutton

Congratulations to five of our 2016 Old Scholars who received scholarships to Curtin and UWA. Former students Kay Martin and Hazel Dutton were awarded prestigious scholarships and bursaries to St George’s College: Kay Martin received the College Club Bursary and Hazel Dutton received an Argyle Scholar.

Meanwhile, Ella Crust and Eleanor Shenton received scholarships for Curtin University. The girls both received the Curtin Excellence Scholarship and Curtin Principal’s Recommendation Award.

Left to right: Eleanor Shenton and Ella Crust

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Snippets A visit to meet prospective and current families by the Head of Boarding Leonie Jongenelis last month also provided the perfect opportunity to catch up with some Old Scholars. It was a wonderful reminder of the strength of rural communities with everyone working out they knew each other with no more than two degrees of separation. It is the highlight of any gathering with Old Scholars to hear tales from life at St Hilda’s from previous decades. On this occasion, Susan Muir (’65) astonished us all with the revelation that she holds the Boarding record for the most slices of bread eaten in one go at dinner – 37! Following Sue’s feat Corinne Rintoul (Day ’65) recalled that the boarders were even more impressed when they went straight to Chapel after dinner only to begin the service with the hymn Bread of Heaven!

Thank you to the P & F A huge thank you to our P & F Association for their extremely generous donation to the Outdoor Education Department of 17 Stand Up Paddle Boards.

The boards were purchased to allow paddle boarding lessons to run during Terms 1 and 4 for Senior School students.

The girls can now enjoy brand new boards on their waterbased adventures, with the first group of girls to use the new boards the Year 7 cohort during their camp.

The boards will be integrated into the existing Outdoor Education camp programs in Year 7 to 10.

Arguing for the State Year 11 student Eliza Smith knows how to speak out and get her point across! The passionate debater has been chosen for the WA State Debating Team.

During the trials, Eliza received the second highest score on the day and was in the top five debaters chosen.

Throughout the day she spoke on making voting noncompulsory, whether feminists should regret using all-female casts to remake productions, and whether countries should provide environmental aid to countries with poor environmental track records.

Good luck for your next debate, Eliza.

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St Hilda’s Ammonite

From around the School

Building sandcastles for science Building sandcastles is usually reserved for a sunny day on the beach but our junior and senior girls recently had the experience at school with an augmented reality (AR) sandbox as part of the CSIRO’s Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools program.

Senior School students Isabelle Fleming, Angelique Preau and Rachel Lewis with Dr Gordon German and the AR sandbox.

The AR sandbox features a large, thin box filled with sand that the user can mould to create unique landscapes.

From above, a projection of contours and topography follows the user’s every move, changing as the landscape does to show all kinds of measurements and scenarios, including water run-offs from rainfall.

It is the first time that the sandbox has been able to be transported to a school, its new mobile form allowing students to interact with the technology.

The girls were able to create their own landscapes complete with mountain ranges, valleys, dams and rivers as well as simulate rain.

Senior Research Scientist for Geoscience Analytical Platforms and the Super Computing Group at CSIRO Dr Gordon German came to speak to the students about how the technology works and what it is used for.

“There’s something very addictive about being able to use your hands to produce things, and when it’s tied in with a science goal it can really drive people to see how science can be used,” he said.

“Especially in areas that they may not have thought of before.”

Keep fit over winter All members of the St Hilda’s and local community are welcome to join the St Hilda’s Masters Swim Club (previously Bay View Saints Masters) to keep fit over winter. Our wonderful heated pool ensures you exercise in comfort. All swimming capabilities catered for – you do not have to be a super fish. We have morning and evening sessions.

For more details visit www.sthildas.wa.edu.au/st-hildas-swim or call President Gerald Watts on 0418 282442

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Fine-tuned year ahead

It keeps getting better and better for Year 11 student Emmalena Huning, who continues to expand her list of impressive achievements.

Emmalena was presented with the Award for Excellence in achieving her Licentiate Diploma with Distinction on violin. This follows her completion of Grade 6 Musicianship at the end of last year.

Furthermore, she won the J B Vincent Memorial Award for Best Licentiate in Music (Australia) candidate in 2016 which was presented on 12 March.

However, there’s no time to relax just yet: she has just entered a national competition where she has the opportunity to play with a full concerto orchestra.

“I’ve entered the National Youth Concerto Competition in Queensland, so I have my recordings in May,” she said.

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St Hilda’s Ammonite

“Hopefully I get through to the finals!”

Emmalena was also invited to be the Concertmaster for the WA Youth Orchestra (WAYO) this year, which is a coleader position with a UWA graduate.

As part of WAYO, Emmalena will lead an important concert in July when the world famous Russian Maestro, Vladimir Verbitsky, will be the guest conductor. His program includes Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, which contains a significant leader’s solo for Emmalena. She is already looking forward to this enormous challenge and opportunity.

We wish Emmalena luck with the coming months and can’t wait to hear about her experiences.

Olympic legend inspires swimmers St Hilda’s Swimming Captain and Club Member Chloe Jones and St Hilda’s Swim Club Member Olivia Spadanuda with Olympian Libby Trickett.

Having Olympic swimming great Libby Trickett visit the St Hilda’s Pool could be the highlight of the year for members of the St Hilda’s Swim Club.

answer session, answering all of their questions from what her favourite swimming stroke is to what her training schedule involved.

Everyone from eight to eighteen years was enthralled with the four-time gold medallist and Swimming WA Ambassador as she told her tale of persistence and determination from a young age, explaining her rigorous training regime and journey to becoming one of Australia’s Olympic darlings.

Audience members heard facts – amongst priceless advice – including that her least favourite stroke is breaststroke, she swum between 45km and 75km per week for eight years and that she has raced Michael Phelps.

“The one thing I always try to press upon people from my experience in my swimming is to love it: it’s such a joy,” she said.

Libby engaged the 100-strong crowd of St Hilda’s Swim Club children and parents with a lively question and

“Her message about resilience and how much determination and passion she has for the sport is really great for people to hear,” St Hilda’s Swimming Captain Chloe Jones said.

The club won a competition to hear from the swimming legend after entering the most swimmers into the upcoming Optus Junior Dolphins Carnival.

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Science young at heart After a year-long rigorous selection process, Year 12 boarder Elizabeth Middleton took a step closer to her goal of becoming a rural doctor by travelling to Canberra to take part in the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF).

The Forum aims to encourage young people to develop their passion for science. For Elizabeth, her passion is well and truly blazing.

“I would love to go into medicine and become a GP and go to a rural area to help bridge the gap between the city and the country,” she said.

She spent her time listening to inspiring keynote speakers including a speaker from the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, visiting laboratories and engaging in a mock debate at Parliament House regarding whether a nuclear power station could be built on indigenous land.

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St Hilda’s Ammonite

“We went to the Canberra Hospital, some ophthalmology labs, an audiology lab, and a haematology lab. We learned what opportunities there are for young people who are interested in science,” she said.

While at the Forum, which is a two-week residential camp at the Australia National University, Elizabeth focused on her interest in health sciences.

Elizabeth said one of the most important things she took away from the experience was that there are opportunities in science that reach beyond being a doctor or a scientist.

“You don’t have to be a doctor; you can be a virologist.

It was really interesting learning about all the different paths you can go down.

“Just because I enjoy science it doesn’t mean that I can’t pursue other areas. Everything is so interconnected.

Science will help me in having a better understanding of the greater world around me.

Mandarin teacher Lisa Ma with students from her Wednesday class.

Mandarin classes keep culture alive In a first-time initiative for St Hilda’s, local primary school students with Chinese heritage are coming together to learn about their culture and language. For some, it is their first formal experience of the Chinese language.

Every Wednesday after school, the students come to the St Hilda’s Junior School Library to learn how to read, write and speak Chinese.

The first-time program sees students use language games, role play and authentic materials as an introduction to the culture.

“For this group of students, many of them have parents, or at least one parent, with a Chinese background. They are keeping their heritage and their culture.”

Mrs Ma said it’s easier than ever for people to travel and see other cultures, and with Australia and China’s close relationship it’s an important language to learn.

“It’s not only to keep their culture and keep their ties with their extended family, but it’s also to get in touch with the world outside Australia,” she said.

For many students who were beginners at the start of the term, they are now able to read their Chinese textbooks.

As the world becomes smaller and more accessible to travel, it’s important to keep in touch with your roots, according to Mandarin teacher Lisa Ma.

While Year 5 student Jenny Yuan might know how to speak some Chinese, she wants to know more and more.

“The students are training a different part of their brain,” she said.

“In Chinese you don’t just have to know how to speak, you also have to know how to write and read,” she said.

Her favourite task is learning to write the characters, as it is “fun and interesting”.

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Boarders learn at Parliament House 18

St Hilda’s Ammonite

Three of our boarders were lucky enough to be flown to Canberra to gain an insight into Australian politics and government.

Year 12 students Ammbigai Muir and Tenille Morrison and Year 11 student Brohdi Woods were selected to be among 55 Year 11/12 Indigenous students across Australia to take part in the Work Experience in Government Program WEX 2017.

WEX was designed to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to explore their career horizons in government and Parliament.

The week-long experience was beneficial for Ammbigai Muir, who is now considering her career options.

“At the beginning of the week [working in government] didn’t interest me, but seeing what they have to offer then it’s something for me to consider,” she said.

The students spent the week meeting government ministers; going on interactive visits to the Australian Federal Police and Australian Defence Force; visiting national institutions; touring Parliament House; and attended a careers expo and forum.

Aside seeing the plethora of career opportunities available, Ammbigai said the most important thing she took away from WEX was pride.

“Be proud of who you are,” she said.

“We went to the Tent Embassy to speak to some elders: it was an emotional experience.”

Left to right: Brohdi Woods, Tenille Morrison and Ammbigai Muir.

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Left to right: Sophie Fenna (Vice Co-Captain), Chloe Jones (Captain) and Charlotte Salom (Vice Co-Captain).

St Hilda’s races ahead St Hilda’s is continuing to make IGSSA history, winning the 53rd IGSSA Annual Swimming Carnival for the sixth year in a row.

We now have the most swimming titles of the independent girls’ schools. Iona finished in second place and Santa Maria in third in what was a very competitive swim meet.

The 2017 squad equalled the winning streak set by the School in the 1970s where, between 1970 and 1975, St Hilda’s won the title six consecutive years.

“We were so excited when it was announced. We all just jumped in the air, literally jumping for joy,” St Hilda’s Swimming Vice Captain Charlotte Salom said.

Not only did St Hilda’s take out the Boans Trophy but the girls won a number of Year Group pennants including Year 9, Year 11 and Year 12.

“To the girls I say congratulations,” St Hilda’s Swimming Captain Chloe Jones said.

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St Hilda’s Ammonite

“I feel like it doesn’t set in for a couple of days – now we’ve finally realised that yes, we did it!”

Many of St Hilda’s swimmers swam personal best times, including Chloe who broke an IGSSA record in the Year 12 second division freestyle: the record was held by a St Hilda’s swimmer from 2008.

Two days before the big race the girls heard from Paralympian and Gold medalist Katrina Porter, who spoke about how to deal with their nerves and how to believe in themselves.

Chloe said Miss Porter’s talk was the inspiration she needed to swim confidently during the race.

“Katrina’s speech was really great in telling everyone that this race isn’t everything and that there is more to swimming,” she said.

“I loved our team spirit – the night was so amazing.

There’s nothing else that compares to it.”

Outdoor Education benefits stretch far

The St Hilda’s Outdoor Education faculty was again proud to assist with the annual ‘Off Country’ Walk for the Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Martu Leadership group. The walk is a multi-day expedition undertaken by the group along the Cape-to-Cape track, aimed at building leadership capacity through outdoor education experiences. The walk, facilitated by On Country Expeditions, is an offcountry component of the broader leadership program run by Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa based out of the Newman and Martu communities across the Western Desert. The Leadership Program builds leadership capacity by developing skills and confidence in its participants to interact more successfully between Martu and Western Society.

This year was the fourth year St Hilda’s has provided support for the hike by supplying lightweight camping equipment and logistical input about the area. It is also the first year the leadership program has seen Martu Women undertake the hike. St Hilda’s involvement began with our Head of Outdoor Education Matt Berry working closely with one of his University Alumni Matt Alterator who runs On Country Expeditions.

“We’re really excited to be able to contribute to the program that we see fits within our school commitment to unlocking the potential of every person,” said Matt Berry.

“It’s another example of how different levels of community can positively impact the many different programs that are working towards Aboriginal community development. As a school for girls we’re especially excited that this year saw the first Female Martu leadership participants undertake the walk.”

The School’s contribution was not lost on participants either. At the end of trip dinner Martu participant Annabelle Landy thanked St Hilda’s for their contribution.

“We would like to thank the School for the equipment and helping out our program. We were really excited and it was a great walk. We enjoyed working as a team and being in that area seeing new country.

“We hope we can come back and take more people on the walk to give them the same experiences.”

You can also find out more about the Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Leadership Program on their website at www.kj.org.au. If you are interested in learning more you can contact On Country Expeditions at www.oncountryexpeditions.com.au.

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Left to right: Matilda Kitchen, Lea Van Reenen, Jessica Bihler and Alyssa Warren.

Millennium Kids

saving the earth one bit at a time Inspired by Old Scholar Catrina-Luz Aniere (‘78) who co-founded the Perth-based Millennium Kids Inc organisation, the St Hilda’s Millennium Kids Committee has embraced its purpose with vigour.

This enthusiastic and dedicated committee meets weekly to identify environmentally-based issues and concerns arising from within the Junior School, the local community and indeed on a global scale.

Following the Year 6 Leadership Assembly, committee members met to develop their slogan and symbol: Preserve Our Earth, It’s the Greatest Worth School playground litter was identified as their first campaign. Matilda Kitchen, at a recent assembly, launched the litter reduction campaign by issuing a challenge to all students – Create a healthy, litter free School environment for our Arts Festival celebrations at Chidley. Committee members donned high-visibility jackets and rallied students for a whole-school litter collection at lunch time. Success meant that everyone enjoyed the day in the beautiful surroundings prepared by the Grounds and Maintenance staff.

After this initial focus, in Term 2 the committee introduced the Waste Free Wednesdays Project. Students

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are encouraged to bring a waste-free lunch every Wednesday. Ideas for waste-free lunch boxes, together with recommendations for waste-free wrappings, will be communicated to students via posters and class presentations.

Further focus areas include a reminder to our community of the battery recycling program. Jess Bihler is preparing for this by researching the pitfalls of batteries being deposited in general landfill. For this project, the committee will design a prominent wrap for the recycling collection container and alert everyone to its location near reception. Lea van Reenen will prepare and launch the Plastic Free July campaign in conjunction with Earth Carers WMRC with ways to reduce, reuse and recycle our plastics.

Another leadership focus for this committee is mentoring the Year 5 Sustainability Ambassador Team.

Committee members will lead this group of girls with their endeavours which include: growing, harvesting and preparing food crops, paper making and recycling paper into useful products such as carry bags and gift packages.

It is an exciting time for these Year 6 leaders as they work towards and encourage others to Preserve Our Earth. It’s the Greatest Worth!

A new opportunity for fun and friendship Those in the Junior School may have noticed some very small people around the school on two days every term: they’re not mistaken.

Little1’s at St Hilda’s Junior School is a free welcoming community program to support our youngest minds develop their love for learning.

The program is offered to parents, grandparents, caregivers and their little ones aged from 6 months to four years and has been running for the past year.

The children have enjoyed a very wide range of activities from music to sensory art, and this year the program is set to grow even wider.

This year, Little1s can enjoy French; swimming; visual art; gymnastic skills; fine motor activities; and outdoor play.

If you or someone you know is interested in attending the next Little1s, please email sthildascommunity@sthildas.wa.edu.au.

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Monday 15 May 9.30am, Early Learning Centre

Little1s: Fundamental Movement Skills Wednesday 2 August 9.30am, Gym

Little1s: Early Learning (Fine Motor Skills) (Repeat Session) Friday 19 May 9.30am, Early Learning Centre

Little1s: Fundamental Movement Skills (Repeat Session) Thursday 3 August 9.30am, Gym

Little1s: Activity Time (Structured Play) (Repeat Session) Tuesday 17 October 9.30am, Early Learning Centre

Little1s: Sensory Art Tuesday 20 June 9.30am, Early Learning Centre

Little1s: French Monday 28 August 9.30am, Junior School Library

Little1s: Swimming Monday 13 November 9.30am, Senior School Pool

Little1s: Sensory Art Friday 23 June 9.30am, Early Learning Centre

Little1s: French (Repeat Session) Tuesday 29 August 9.30am, Junior School Library

Little1s: Swimming Thursday 16 November 9.30am, Senior School Pool

Little1s: Early Learning (Fine Motor Skills)

Little1s: Activity Time (Structured Play) Friday 13 October 9.30am, Early Learning Centre

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St Hilda’s Day

The greatest thing is love

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One October morning each year, the busy commuters going to work on St George’s Terrace in Perth are joined by a sea of young women in sky blue blazers and boater hats scurrying towards St George’s Cathedral. As many in our St Hilda’s community know, this is an annual ritual to farewell our Year 12 students prior to their final exams with a patronal festival and eucharist. As much as the students stand out from the office workers, there is also symbolism in farewelling students on the cusp of their careers, in the heart of our business district. Our Junior School students also celebrate St Hilda’s Day, though on the traditional feast day of November 17. They too join in a special service at St George’s Cathedral as a part of their celebration day.

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St Hilda’s Day has been part of the School’s tradition since 1931. It began as a service in the School Hall followed by a picnic at Perth Zoo in the afternoon. The next year, 1932, girls from Parkerville Children’s Home, the Diocesan home for orphaned and homeless children, were part of the celebration. After the morning service, the St Hilda’s students met the Parkerville students at the beach and then all returned to St Hilda’s for a picnic lunch followed by games. Each Parkerville girl was partnered with a St Hilda’s student for the day and the Parkerville party returned home with gifts for those unable to attend. The Parkerville visits continued as part of St Hilda’s Day until 1937 when, instead of a visit, a monetary donation was made to the Home.

With increasing student numbers in the 1950s, the service moved to St Luke’s Mosman Park. In some years there was a Confirmation Service on the eve of St Hilda’s Day, the girls making their First Communion the following morning. In 1969 the St Hilda’s Day service moved to St George’s Cathedral at the suggestion of the School Chaplain Rev. Tony Bolt and this has continued uninterrupted for the last 47 years.

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Along with reading 1 Corinthians: 13, there are many small nods to history included as part of St Hilda’s Day. One of these is the ceremonial cross decorated with mother-of-pearl shell and carried by the Head Boarder. It was given to the School by St Hilda’s Mission School on the tiny Pacific island of Bunana in Melanesia in 1972 as a thank you gift. This small sister school had received books and equipment from St Hilda’s Perth during the early 1950s and from 1957, the collection from St Hilda’s Day was donated to the Melanesian school.

As we look back we also look forward, and with the sharing of stories about St Hilda’s life and work, we hope to instil in our students the same values which shaped her life. We hope that they, too, will be women of courage, of wisdom and of warmth, extending hospitality to others and never being afraid to put their dreams into action.

We hope that they will be women who speak up for the causes that are close to their hearts.

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Gallery Sundowner 28

Undeterred by the stormy weather, droves of new and current families and staff headed along to the Annual Sundowner, held at our Junior School. This was our first family event of the year and parents, as well as their children, were thoroughly entertained with a rock climbing wall, drinks, snacks and Dippin’ Dots.

Gallery Sundowner

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Gallery Year 12 Induction 30

It was a big first week for our Year 12s as they enter their final year of schooling. The students enjoyed a team morning tea then their official induction service to welcome them as our new leadership team.

Gallery Year 12 Induction

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Gallery IGSSA Swimming 32

We hit the record books this year with our sixth win at the annual IGSSA Swimming Carnival! The girls performed brilliantly, securing the championship title. St Hilda’s has now equalled the same winning streak set by our girls in the 1970s. We have won the most swimming carnivals since the competition began in 1965: 12 in total.

Gallery IGSSA Swimming

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Gallery Year 6 Induction 34

Over three weeks, the Year 6 cohort participated in a school leadership program to develop their skills in group management, conflict resolution, consultation, negotiation, leadership and peer mediation. They then voted for specific leadership roles within the Junior School. The girls had a very enthusiastic and positive approach to the program and impressed everyone as they entered into their last year at the Junior School!

Gallery Year 6 Induction

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Gallery Arts Festival 36

For many, it’s the favourite day on the school calendar.

Our Junior School students showed off their creativity with colourful costumes, while teachers stunned with a performance of “The History of Dancing”. At the Senior School, performances in Drama, Music and Dance showcased the camaraderie, determination, creative ability and talent of our girls. There are an incredible amount of hours dedicated to project management, rehearsals and problem-solving to make Arts Festival happen each year. Thank you to all staff and students who helped to make it happen.

Gallery Arts Festival

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Gallery DisConnected 38

Written by our very own Head of Drama Donna Hughes, DisConnected told the story of a group of disparate teenagers who end up on a Saturday detention. All of their devices have been confiscated – how do they entertain themselves? The cast and crew members should be extremely proud of their efforts.

Gallery DisConnected

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Gallery Mother Daughter Brunch 40

Mothering Sunday in March provided the perfect opportunity for our Year 12s to pause from study and spend a relaxing morning with their Mum or another personal friend.

The Chapel service was a time for reflection on the importance women play in our lives and this was followed by a champagne brunch in the School Hall. Thanks to all who supported this inaugural event.

Gallery Mother Daughter Brunch

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Gallery Mother’s Day 42

Mothers and special friends of our Junior School students popped in for a shared breakfast and a classroom visit to celebrate Mother’s Day. The Chidley Campus was awash with a lovely atmosphere.

Gallery Mother’s Day

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Thanks for the cakes, the smiles and the memories.

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After at least five decades of operation, the St Hilda’s Ladies’ Auxiliary is no longer.

Times have changed and we are not able to sustain two parent support organisations with committees and volunteers. Following a period of consultation, at the March Annual General Meeting of the Parents’ and Friends’ Association it was decided that the Auxiliary, as it was recently known, would cease to operate and we would have one parent support group at St Hilda’s.

Discussions will continue through 2017 on the name and role of this group but for the moment we would like to thank and acknowledge the legions of women who volunteered millions of hours to tirelessly support our school.

Most current or former students and parents will have enjoyed the home-baked delights from our Auxiliary members over many social, sports and cultural events.

Who can forget the Oslo lunches from the canteen or the ribbon sandwiches with two colours of bread? The annual Christmas cake sale was another highlight. The Year 11 Dances and the Year 12 Balls would not have been the same without their beautifully prepared suppers. A constant presence at all Interhouse sports carnivals, the Auxiliary morning tea was always appreciated by our parents and staff in the 1970s and 80s. For many years the Auxiliary Fashion Parade was a social highlight and a privilege to be part of.

Fundraising was often at the heart of the Auxiliary and ‘every little bit counts’ was definitely their motto with an almost punishing schedule of tennis mornings, country lunches, Dinner Dances, film mornings and theatre outings. In October 1985 they even enticed pianist David Helfgott to play in the School Hall a decade before his popularity through the movie Shine.

It wasn’t all bake sales and coffee mornings however. Even a glance through the records shows a group of women determined to see St Hilda’s stand out from the crowd, a dedication to improving student life and a commitment to strengthening the St Hilda’s community.

Originally two groups with separate Committees, a Junior School Auxiliary and a Senior School Auxiliary, they combined in 1980. For much of its life, the Auxiliary provided people to operate the canteen, Class Mothers or Parent Representatives have welcomed generations of new families and provided support in times of need.

Our current School Shop has its origins as the Clothing Exchange; first located in the now demolished Whitby House. In various locations around the school over the years, our Mothers sorted mountains of second hand uniforms and ultimately began to sell new uniforms on site. They cared that the students presented themselves well and advocated for many uniform changes to keep our students looking smart and modern.

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The Auxiliary took the lead in the early 1980s encouraging closer ties between the boarders and the day girls encouraging families to invite a boarder ‘out’ on the weekend and for the day girls to spend a long weekend on a farm.

For many years the St Hilda’s and Christ Church Grammar School Auxiliaries combined to provide dancing classes for senior students. We’re not sure it produced any dance champions but it will bring a wry smile to those who participated!

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Well informed on topics of the day, our Auxiliary has encouraged debate and discussion on a wide range of topics from drug abuse to how to choose the best musical instrument for your child. They did not shy away from an issue or concern and correspondence with our Principals reflects this.

There are no honour boards for these women and it is hard to find photos of them. Their legacy is in the polish and poise St Hilda’s is known for and the memories of the thousands of people who benefitted from their caring support. We thank and salute you all.

Even a glance through the records shows a group of women determined to see St Hilda’s stand out from the crowd, a dedication to improving student life and a commitment to strengthening the St Hilda’s community.

DESPERATELY SEEKING PAST AUXILIARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Did you or someone you know serve as a member of the St Hilda’s Ladies Auxiliary?

We are looking to have a reunion for all the wonderful women who have contributed over the decades but we need to find many of them! If you can help with a name and address please email us at sthildascommunity@sthildas.wa.edu.au

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Opening a new world:

The Junior School Makerspace

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The brand new Makerspace in the Junior School has seen a huge amount of action in the past term since it opened. There is a constant coming and going: however, more importantly, the students are constantly putting their STEAM skills to use.

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What is a Makerspace?

The dedicated Makerspace was designed to create a range of interdisciplinary skills, allowing students to solve authentic Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) problems to prepare them for the future.

According to research conducted by the Office of the Chief Scientist, female graduates in many STEM disciplines were “scarce” with information technology and engineering leading in male graduates. Just 16 per cent of university and VET STEM graduates were female.

Our aim is to foster and encourage an interest in all areas of STEAM from an early age in this large, centrally-located learning space for coding, designing and making.

Last term our Pre Primary students used fairy tales to work through and learn about engineering, designing and building a zip wire for Rapunzel to escape from the tower.

Year 1 students were busy developing creative, design and collaborative skills to complete a series of construction kit and junk modelling challenges, such as rescuing a LEGO figure from a mountain top using a pulley system. Year 2 students used LEGO and LEGO Education WeDo kits to develop their engineering and early programming skills, following visual instructions to construct a ferris wheel with a motor.

Year 3 students developed their directional and instructional language skills by completing a series of unplugged coding tasks and learning to program Pro-Bot racing car robots, while Year 4 worked on their digital technology skills by creating an animation on the topic of Cyber Safety. They also worked with electronic circuits to create some LED origami and greetings cards.

Year 6 students worked with our Scientist and Mathematicians in Schools partner to create coded electronic circuits using Arduino, and they also worked on an ‘AlgoRhythm’ project in which they created their own coded dances.

You can see what Year 5 achieved in the Makerspace in our story opposite.

Throughout the year, our students are working with experts from within the school community, such as engineers and computer scientists, through the CSIRO Students and Mathematicians in Schools initiative.

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Town of Cottesloe Mayor Jo Dawkins with Year 5 students Amelia Hagon and Stella Berry.

Pool of ideas for Cottesloe Mayor You are never too young to get involved in your local community and at the end of last term Town of Cottesloe Mayor and Old Scholar Jo Dawkins received some engineering advice from St Hilda’s Year 5 students.

Student Amelia Hagon, who wants to become an engineer or an architect, said the ocean pool idea that she worked on with partner Stella Berry had a particular feature she loved.

The students were tasked to look into a local engineering problem and then find a solution. One of the most popular projects was the proposed ocean pool at Cottesloe Beach and the Mayor visited the Makerspace to hear the students’ ideas and view the models they built.

“I like the fact that the fish can come in – it’s not just water,” she said.

“I’m most impressed that girls are doing engineering at such a young age,” Mrs Dawkins said.

Amelia and Stella’s ocean pool featured a jetty with piers large enough for small fish to enter the area but too small for dangerous sharks.

“They’ve addressed safety issues, accessibility issues, social issues – and they’ve done it so creatively.”

While the idea of an ocean pool at Cottesloe Beach has been on the cards for a few years, the Council hasn’t had a firm proposal. The location that the Year 5s selected for their project work was based on one of the spaces deemed “quite possible” for a real ocean pool.

“It’s just like playing out in the ocean but there are no sharks.”

“School [for me] wasn’t nearly as interactive as this. I watch these minds and they are coming up with original thoughts and are able to put it in a concept plan and create it,” Mrs Dawkins said.

“I’m amazed at the variety of ideas and how individual they all are.”

The project was part of St Hilda’s science technology engineering arts and maths (STEAM) lessons that are part of the curriculum for pre primary to Year 6.

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Peru Sabine Higgins, Year 12

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During the 2016 Christmas holidays, 33 students, four teachers and two very experienced travel leaders from Antipodeans Abroad travelled to Peru for the adventure of a lifetime.

The rather large group of 33 was split into two: both experiencing the same Peru but at different times.

Both groups would easily agree that this trip was one of the most amazing experiences a teenager could ever participate in.

The 25-day trip was split into three different aspects; the community project, trek, and exploration. Group 2 headed to the community project first and Group 1 completed the trek first. The community project comprised four days in a rural community just outside of Cusco. Before travelling to Peru both groups came together and raised money to go towards our community project, which was building a mud brick house for a family in the small community of Quilla Huata. We managed to raise more than $4000 and all of this money went to buying the materials necessary to build this house. Both groups put in the effort to complete the project within the space of eight days with the help of local building experts from Peru’s Challenge.

While at the community project both groups resided in a small school classroom allowing us all to meet the kids of the community and get to know them. After the four days, an emotional goodbye was given and a memory was created that will never be lost of our amazing time within this loving community. Next was the trek: this was both a challenge and a reward. The four-day trek - the highest point being 4200m above sea level - allowed us to experience all conditions of the Andes Mountains.

Trekking through mud, water, and snow proved to be an extremely picturesque and rewarding experience.

After the trek, we were able to relax and travel around southern Peru to experience the sights of Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, and the famous markets in Cusco. I think it’s safe to say on behalf of all students that participated; Peru is a beautiful country with a rich and diverse culture and we want to go back and do it again!

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St Hilda’s girls have a new ride 54

St Hilda’s Ammonite

During Term 1, students from the Senior School could be seen galloping and gallivanting in the name of learning.

As a new initiative, St Hilda’s offered horse riding lessons to boarders and day girls. The girls looked forward to each Sunday afternoon when the minibus would leave the Boarding House and head towards Brockman’s Riding School in Oakford.

Before departing school, the girls were asked to wear long pants, closed shoes, tops covering their shoulders and their hair tied back. The riding school had communal helmets that the girls could use – handy for the boarders who did not have helmets stored at school.

“I wanted to join in the horse riding because I have always loved horses and I thought it would be awesome to learn how to ride,” Boarder Zoe Christison said.

The girls learned how to tack a horse correctly, the basics of dressage and for the more experienced riders the lessons offered a chance to enhance their riding skills.

Coach and Old Scholar Jenny Brockman (Barrett-Lennard ‘67) meticulously ensured each rider was challenged to her own riding ability and always felt comfortable in the saddle and with the pony. The girls would often ride in groups selected by their level of experience, or sometimes enjoyed exercises together in the main arena.

Zoe said the most memorable moment for her was riding on her own for the first time.

After each lesson the horses were treated to a large bag of carrots and apples, a reward for their hard work, and on hot days the girls would cool off with a swim in the pool on the property before heading back to St Hilda’s.

Not only did the girls improve their riding skills immensely, but they also gained a lot of self-confidence.

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Helping to teach our teachers STAFF IN FOCUS

Adding “teaching mentor” to her position at St Hilda’s has been the missing piece of the puzzle for Chemistry teacher Nicola Dunn.

“It got to the stage where I thought: right, I’m a classroom teacher, I’m not doing anything else. Then the email came for the opportunity to become a teaching mentor,” Nicola said.

“I thought I had my path worked out but then the right thing came along and I decided to do more.”

Nicola has been at St Hilda’s for nearly a decade and is a master teacher herself, using her well-honed skills to help others within the School to continue learning along their journey as a teacher.

As part of her role as teaching mentor, Nicola makes sure that academic staff are well looked after with processes

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including inductions, placements, and assistance regarding becoming a master teacher. She also supports teachers who want to work on their own teaching and learning skills through classroom observation.

“We have a culture of focusing on teaching throughout the whole school – not just in the Science Department,” she said.

Nicola helps teachers across the Junior and Senior Schools to make sure the girls are getting the best learning experience they can.

“I love it,” she said.

“It’s given me the bit of my job that gets me out of my own classroom and thinking more widely.

“That’s given me so much satisfaction.”

Rowing a breath of fresh air for Josh STAFF IN FOCUS

The opportunity to become the St Hilda’s Rowing Coodinator was too good to pass up for Josh Wilkes, who was in New Zealand when the job popped up.

Sure enough, Josh and his brother made history that year by rowing with him in the First VIII. For him the best decision he had made was making the conscious effort to improve in his rowing skills.

Josh originally planned to live in New Zealand for a number of years to help an old coach and “eccentric German” build a sustainable house out of mud.

“You have to have a strong ‘why’ to get into rowing and every why is different,” he said.

“It’s quite labour-intensive, so when he found out I had some time off he invited me over there,” Josh said.

Josh started his coaching journey at his old school, Guildford Grammar, in 2006 and hasn’t looked back since. He began his rowing journey in Year 8 with no idea what was in store for him and a skill set that needed to be developed, following in his brother’s footsteps.

“It wasn’t until Year 10 and Year 11 that I made a conscious effort to improve, and from Year 10 to 11 I came up with a goal to row with my brother in the First VIII,” he said.

“Once you identify what it is, it gives you a lot more fuel and desire to continue.”

Since being at St Hilda’s from October, Josh said it was hard to pinpoint a single standout moment as there have been many little moments along the way: but one stands out a little more.

“I drive the seniors to training each morning. On the way back they sing non-stop from the boat shed to school.

“I value those moments a lot.

“They’re great girls – it’s hard not to have fun every day.”

“That hadn’t been done since 1968 in the school.”

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Reaching new heights STAFF IN FOCUS

Physical Education teacher and high jumper Zoe Timmers is one step closer to realising her goal of competing at the next Olympics, achieving an important personal best this year.

After seven years Zoe achieved a lifetime best jump of 1.88m at the 2017 SUMMERofATHS Grand Prix, placing her 33rd in the world and first in the competition.

The competition welcomed Australia’s best able-bodied and para-athletes for two days of thrilling athletics competition at the AIS Track and Field Centre in Canberra (ACT), providing an opportunity for Zoe to compete against Australia’s top high jumpers.

“The Summer of Athletics provided me with a great opportunity to compete for selection in the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games,” she said.

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“I competed against the current Commonwealth Champion and improving my personal best has been a big confidence boost.

“My coach and I are continuing to focus on my preparation for the selection trials next February.”

In March, Zoe won gold at the NSW State Championships and competed at the National Athletics Championships in Sydney, placing second: another fantastic result.

We look forward to watching her jump to new heights and to fulfil her dream to attend the Tokyo Olympics.

Cool place to teach science STAFF IN FOCUS

While the rest of us were sweltering on land in our rcent summer, St Hilda’s Science teacher Sarah Bruzzese was up in the clouds flying over one of the coldest places on earth.

Along with her UWA colleague at the time, Ms Bruzzese was chosen to conduct experiments involving the magnetic field and cosmic rays for students while close to the magnetic pole.

Ms Bruzzese said it was an opportunity that was too good to pass up.

“They’ve been doing Classroom Antarctica on the flights that have been leaving from the east coast for the past four or five years, and this is the first time that the flight has left from Perth,” she said.

Armed with a few pieces of equipment, such as a dip circle, she and her UWA colleague David Gozzard conducted experiments for students in the exit row: a tight fit.

“Instead of a compass and being orientated in that plane, [the dip circle is] orientated in the vertical plane. It tracks the vertical component of the earth’s magnetic field.

“As you get closer to the pole, the component should be more vertical. We saw a change in that component, which was really interesting.”

She also conducted experiments to show the difference between cosmic rays on the ground and cosmic rays in the air, particularly close to the magnetic pole.

Before Ms Bruzzese started at St Hilda’s this year, she was completing her PhD at the University of Western Australia’s International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research.

Her love for teaching stemmed from her involvement in outreach, giving talks to schools and appearing at science events.

“I’m hoping that the flight leaves again from Perth so that other people have the chance to do it, and that other schools get the chance to do it,” she said.

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Overseas success for local artist Fresh from her debut art exhibition in Dubai, St Hilda’s Old Scholar and busy artist Den Scheer (2010) has come back to Perth with a full schedule.

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Den made her big debut at the Dubai International Horse Fair showcasing her repertoire of works, which includes drawings of posing, prancing horses and the majestic falcon.

After being rejected for shows more than 20 times in Australia, she decided to look overseas.

“A lot of the rejections were because I was too young or because I wasn’t experienced enough to execute interstate shows: so I went to another country instead,” she said.

Since she returned to Perth she has had seven offers to appear in art shows across the country, including one in Brisbane in May. Den spends weeks perfecting a piece before giving it the tick of approval, using graphite and an eraser to craft her artwork.

Her success in the Middle East has allowed her to push her drawings to a wider audience back at home, making adjustments to suit Australian tastes.

“We figured out that Australia doesn’t necessarily like this style of drawing, so I’ll keep a more free-sketch style for Australia and take this style overseas,” she said.

While in Dubai she mentored young students how to draw, as students stop learning the skill from Year 5 onwards, and was awarded a Royal Pass to experience exclusive areas of the show.

She will spend the last half of this year preparing for her next overseas show in Abu Dhabi at the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition in 2018.

After recently graduating from the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Sophia Forrest (2012) has been working on the upcoming season of Channel 9’s powerhouse drama Love Child. Sophia secured her role before she even graduated after scouts spotted her during a trip to WAAPA. While in Perth recently for her graduation, Sophia said she was very excited by the opportunity and having a lot of fun on the set. She has been filming on set and will play alongside fellow St Hilda’s old scholar, Jessica Marais (2002).

Sophia said she is enjoying her time working with the “wonderful” cast and crew and has been spending time with her fellow Old Scholar. “It’s been great working with Jess,” she said. “We’ve reminisced over our times at school, and both of us feel indebted to the time and passion Ms Hughes invested into fuelling our love for acting.” The media dubbed Sophia “one of the country’s hottest young actors”.

GHS and St Hilda’s Old Scholars Association

Snippets

Recently in Perth to visit family and friends over the festive season, BP Portrait Award 2014 (at the National Portrait Gallery, London) exhibitor Isabella Watling (2007) continues to impress the art world. Isabella is a young, highly talented portrait artist now living and working in London. From the age of 18 she trained at the Charles H Cecil Studios in Florence where she returns periodically to teach portrait and figure painting.

Her time at the studio gave her great insight into the approaches of the masters of sight-size portraits such as Van Dyck and Sargent. In keeping with this tradition, Isabella’s portraits are painted to the scale of life, in natural light and always directly from the sitter. Isabella’s newest painting of the Inn’s five lady justices of the Court of Appeal in London was revealed in November 2016 at the Inner Temple, one of the four Inns of Court in London. This historic painting depicts the top female judges gathered around a table in casual clothing - who specifically opted not to wear their judicial robes in order to appear more human.

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Sunshine for Old Scholars Association’s Bay View Bazaar It was to the delight of all that the sunshine and the Chapel bells rang out for this year’s Bay View Bazaar run by our GHS and Old Scholars’ Association. While the fundraising total was unknown at the time of going to print, it was a very happy day and an opportunity for many to catch up with old friends while purchasing some cakes, jams and enjoying browsing the stalls. Thanks to the Bazaar Committee and our student volunteers for their hours of hard work to make the event a success.

The new additions of a fresh juice bar, tombola and Old Scholar handiwork items were a great success not to mention another stellar performance from the Tea House team.

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SPLIT APART Creative Writing Angélique Preau, Year 9

Adriana I couldn’t believe that she had done this to me. Never I could have imagined that she would want to separate us. How could she betray me like this?! We have been doing everything together for the past fourteen years of our lives. From toddlers dressed in twin clothes to the tweens who did and shared everything together, Melissa and I had spent hours lying on our bunk bed, dreaming about what adventures we would have when we were older. One of those was called boarding school.

an exception. I plugged in my earphones and turned up the volume to maximum. I blasted my ears with Adele’s Skyfall as I remembered when the sky of my perfect world first started falling upon me.

We were all sitting cheerfully around the dinner table. It was a beautiful night and we could see the stars starting to twinkle in the inky black sky stretching over the east. The setting sun in the west sent streaks of pink and purple on the rare clouds floating past. It was halfway through the summer holidays and Mel and I had spent as much t ime as possible outside, happy to not be imprisoned in the house with a pile of homework in front of us. We spent hours every day lounging on the blow-up mats Living out in the country was amazing. We loved galloping in the pool, sipping our homemade milkshakes and smoothies. across the fields bareback on our horses, the fresh wind blowing Riding bareback around the fields. Hiking down to the river to back our hair as our peals of laughter echoed around the land. fish. Staying up late at night with dad to watch the possums.

Coming home all muddy from a feisty soccer game with the boys Driving down to the fields full of kangaroos and watching the down our road and spending an hour in a boiling bubble bath. sunset. We couldn’t get enough of it. Pip and Louis, our shelties, We both knew that however much we loved our current home, lay against each other under the table while our cat, Socks, was we would be sent off to boarding school in “good proper high curled up on the sofa. Melissa and I sat next to each other as schools”, as mum would put it, so we could gain a “supreme always while dad filled our bowls with the delicious smelling secondary education”. spaghetti he had been preparing. We all tucked in eagerly and for the first few minutes there was silence as everyone enjoyed Unlike some other children at our school who would burst the meal. into tears every time someone mentioned the words ‘boarding school’ like it was a cruel punishment, Melissa and I would look at each other excitedly. We had spent hours dreaming about how life would be at boarding school. We didn’t think about it negatively like the others but were hungry for new adventures outside the countryside: in the city and new places with the other girls in those schools. And we had each other. That was the most important part of our plans. Together for ever.

It was time to leave. My pink suitcase was wheeled into the entry.

Next to it was an identical one, but in blue. It was the last time we would have anything the same. I bit back tears as I kissed the dogs goodbye and climbed into the car. I didn’t want to leave.

My heart felt as if it was being wrenched away from me as I saw our house and its fields fade into the distance. Mum sat at the front next to dad who drove, and instead of sitting next to each other at the back to chat during the one hour drive, Melissa and I sat on either side of the car separated by our bulging backpacks.

The atmosphere was cold and compressing. I barely dared to breathe, as if disturbing the air in the car was a crime.

I didn’t talk to Melissa. I knew she was probably engrossed in one of her brick-like novels and didn’t care at all about how she betrayed me. She didn’t look sad. After all, she would soon have her own ‘independence’: friends, life and adventures without the shadow of her twin sister always with her. I sighed and pulled my phone out of the pocket of my jeans. I knew mum’s strict no-phones-in-car-when-you-could-talk rule but this was

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St Hilda’s Ammonite

“Are we going to the shops on Sunday mum?” I asked. I loved shopping.

“Maybe. I want to start shopping early for your school things, especially with you two in boarding school this year.” she replied without looking up from her bowl.

I looked at Mel, excited at the prospect but she did not seem as eager as she usually did.

“Do you want to get anything particular?” asked mum.

“Well, I was thinking of getting another bottle of my special sparkly pink nail polish.” I said, splaying out my fingers to observe my nails.

For some reason my words seemed out of place and childish in the silence.

“We’ll need to get your new school uniforms also, girls. We need enough time to go to the two different uniform shops.” added mum.

“What?! Two different uniform shops?!” I asked, not understanding.

“What?!” I asked again, hating that they knew something that I didn’t.

“We’re going to different schools.” she murmured looking down at her bowl.

“And you’re not complaining!” I shouted, feeling betrayed.

“I chose to.” she replied simply.

I stared at her unbelievingly as she lifted her head to look at me and brushed back her long blond hair, identical to mine.

Tears pearled her eyes, but I ignored them. I couldn’t believe her. No. It wasn’t happening. I looked at mum and dad, waiting for them to say something against it but they looked compassionately back at me.

“Mel wants some independence,” mum explained, “It’s time the two of you were split up.”

Wrong answer. I ran out of the room to our bedroom and slammed the door behind me. I turned my MP3 player up and cried myself to sleep. The next day I realised that Melissa had slept on the couch. She couldn’t get to her bed.

Melissa I stared side-ways at my sister. She had plugged in her earphones and was looking out at the window, indifferently. Indifferently like she has been since mum accidently let out one holiday night that we would be going to different schools. Since the tantrum which had forced me to sleep on the couch broken-hearted, curled up with only Socks our cat and our dogs Pip and Louis for comfort at my feet. Our bunk bed was in our bedroom, but she had locked us all out. We could hear her music playing loudly from inside as she tried to drown out our voices. After some time it was turned off, but the door stayed locked to all.

would never forgive me. It made me feel like crying every time I felt that gaze drilling into my back. It was the hardest decision that I had ever taken. I hoped it was the right one.

Student spotlight

“Addy,” Melissa spoke quietly, “I need to tell you something.”

Addy and I were twins. In our youth, we wore the same clothes.

We grew out of that but we were as close as ever. We did everything and shared everything together. Yet I was the one people noticed. Maybe it was because I was more confident than Adriana who was quite shy at the beginning. I was more the type of child who gave a big smile to a family friend that I had met for the first time while Addy would shrink away behind me and offer the start of tears if they tried to pick her up. As we grew, Adriana became more confident but she always took much longer than me to make friends.

I was the child that the mother boasts about. First to walk, first to talk. Great grades in school, loads of friends. Amazing at soccer, high level competitor in horse-riding. Yet I believed that Addy was as good as me in many of those areas. She never seemed to notice the lack of attention she had. When I was old enough to see the biased opinion that nearly always pointed towards me, I tried to steer the conversation away when I would be congratulated and Adriana forgotten.

As high school approached, I knew the only way to get Addy to shine and be someone special -not just one of ‘The Twins’ - was to separate us. It broke my heart to go back on our pact ‘together forever’ and our daydreams about shared moments in high school. However, it was best for her. She would flower under a sun not already clouded by my shadow and become Someone.

I knew I would be able to survive in boarding well enough so I hoped with all my heart Addy would be able to make friends without too much difficulty. What I hoped the most of all though was that she would one day understand my choice.

My choice for the best for her. My choice because I loved my twin sister.

Every activity was done coldly, uncaringly. She avoided staying in the same room as me. She talked to me only if she had to. It was as if our lifelong connection had been completely severed. Lasted fourteen years, torn down in a second.

I don’t think she knew how I felt. I knew when I saw in her eyes that look of desperation and betrayal on that night that she would never understand. And in the look of icy contempt imprinted on her beautiful blue irises identical to mine that she

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Creative Writing Nishka Dharmananda, Year 9

Water.

The source of everything.

Humans.

Animals.

Fear makes people go mad. It pokes and prods where it’s not allowed, and when it finds your weakness, it destroys you. It tears you apart until there’s nothing left, and then stitches you back up, only to be screwed over again.

Fear can be being afraid of your second grade teacher who always used to scold you.

Plants.

Every. Living. Thing.

Nothing could survive without it.

Humans could only go four or five days without it until faced with death.

It’s the creator of life.

Fear can be that feeling you get when an angry drunk starts yelling at his wife.

Fear can be when you have strict, unforgiving parents and you don’t want to let them know you failed an exam.

Fear can be being afraid of the water.

It comes in all different forms; it’s a shapeshifter, a mind reader, an enemy.

So why was Noah Collins so afraid of it?

Fear was the thing holding Noah back. It was holding him back from his swimming career: the one he had been working so hard for.

Noah Collins was damaged, and in more ways than one. He had, for starters, a massive scar running from the edge of his collarbone, stretching vertically towards the middle of his back.

His emotional one, some may argue, was worse. Ever since the boat motor blade had slashed across his back when he was 13, Noah had become afraid of the water. Now at 18, Noah still hadn’t gone back to the beach.

Why?

As a family of only three, and a single child, the pressure always fell on Noah. His father, a rowdy, aggressive and rather large man, had dumped all of his dreams onto Noah’s shoulders.

Duncan was a personal trainer and gave ten times more motivational speeches to Noah about getting back in the water than he did to his own clients. On the other hand, Noah’s mother was as delicate and elegant as they came. Petite and thin, she was a complete pushover when it came to her husband. So that was no help for Noah.

Because of fear.

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The fear of getting hurt again.

Noah stood at the edge of the jetty on Rottnest Island, and had felt the scrutinising stare of his father like he never had before.

The fear of the ocean swallowing him up like it did before.

“Go on. Jump.” Duncan gave an angry jab towards the water.

The fear of the pain he went through.

Noah stayed silent.

St Hilda’s Ammonite

Noah knew his father was getting irritated. He could see his left eye slightly twitching. But Noah couldn’t jump. He was frozen.

As if on cue, a young boy riding a jet ski whizzed past the jetty.

Unfortunately, fate didn’t see it that way. On impulse, Noah splashed through the water towards the kid, ignoring the cries of protest from his friends. It wasn’t until the wave came crashing down on him, that he realised what he was actually doing.

Student spotlight

“Oh come on boy! It’s been five years! Don’t you think it’s time you let it go? I get that you’re scared, but that doesn’t stop us Collins men from achieving our dreams. Jump.”

Noah was in the water and still terrified.

That was how he ended up in the ICU for the second time in two years. But this time, for nearly drowning.

Jet ski.

Engine.

Motor.

And after he got out, making matters worse, the girl rejected a date with him.

Boat.

“—and that’s how I overcame my fear. Now, all you have to do is restrain yours,” Duncan stated. He had just finished another “inspiring” speech for Noah.

Boat motor blade.

But Noah wasn’t going to take it anymore.

And then his attempt to cure his fear the first time came rushing back to him.

He raised his shoulders in defense and straightened his posture.

“No.”

It was October 3rd when Noah decided to take matters into his own hands. He was 15, 2 years after the accident, and he was sick of being scared. With brown messy hair and a lanky frame from a sudden growth spurt, Noah felt quite grown up. He felt ready.

He was at a party, and he had a sudden urge to dive in the water. Salty smell of the sea. Crunching feeling of the sand.

There was something about it. And like many accidents for young men, Noah was trying to impress a girl.

The party was on a beach with little adult supervision. The girl was a year older than Noah, slim and attractive. In the spur of the moment, Noah had decided to go up to her. Grinning from ear to ear, Noah felt alive. He was finally going to talk to a girl! And a real one at that. After introducing himself, they got talking, which distracted Noah from the idea of swimming.

Noah forgot about trying to crush his fear. His dad was really on his back about not returning to the swim team yet. But, how could he? Every time someone mentioned the word “motor” or “ocean”, Noah had an internal panic attack. He couldn’t go back to the sea. It was too much of a risk.

Duncan looked flabbergasted. How dare his own son disrespect him like that?

“No Dad. I’m not just going to do what you want. I have done so for 18 years! Enough is enough. You know what, Dad? Up until my accident, I thought I loved swimming. But I didn’t. I hate it.

That’s your dream, not mine. And I’ve done everything you ever wanted! The day of my accident, I was checking the motor for you. You had asked me to see if anything was stuck in it. You were the one who started the engine without checking I was a safe distance away. My fear of the water is because YOU CAUSED IT! YOU CAUSED IT, DAD!” Silent tears streamed down Noah’s face, “So don’t you ever, ever tell me to ‘toughen up’ and get over my fear. I will, eventually. Because next time you think that, just remember what, or more specifically, who the cause was.”

“It was your fault Dad,” Noah whispered.

“It was all your fault,” he repeated, not bothering to look up and see that his father had started crying as well.

And with that, Noah turned around and jumped off the jetty.

Noah and the girl were still talking when another partygoer spotted something strange in the sea. As it happened, one He wasn’t scared anymore. irresponsible kid had decided to take a midnight swim, oblivious to the strong currents. Noah didn’t see it as a danger though, he saw it as an opportunity to get over his fear and also impress the girl.

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The Girl in the Dusty Jeans Creative Writing Josianne Belyea, Year 9

He comes at 4 o’clock every afternoon, without fail. Whether rain, hail or shine, he comes. I’ve watched him for about two weeks now and never once has he broken his pattern, never once straying from his path. It’s like he’s in some sort of trance as he walks through the gates of the park, heading straight to the same bench, opening the same worn, black briefcase and pulling out the same jam and cheese sandwich. Every day. His suit is always immaculately clean, never with even a single wrinkle. He probably works in business, he’s definitely quite well off. Most people would assume him to have a happy life, perfect even, but I know better than that. I’ve watched enough people to know sadness when I see it. Sadness in his eyes, sadness in the way he moves, sadness in his blank, empty gaze. It’s the little things, too, that help me know him and imagine his life. Like that shiny gold ring of his. He used to wear it on his left ring finger. He doesn’t now.

I guess I should feel sorry for him, even though we’ve never talked. Another part of me, however, feels a kind of jealousy towards him, something I’m not all too proud of. No, I don’t wish to be a divorced, middle-aged businessman, but if his largest problem in life is having a bed all to himself, I would happily switch places with him. Granted, I have no experience in divorce, or marriage, or love of any kind but as sad as his situation is, at least he doesn’t have to worry about taking pills everyday just to keep his heart beating.

Sometimes he gets a phone call, and his eyes light up as he checks the caller I.D, but usually that light dims in disappointment as he declines the call. Each time he sees that it wasn’t who he was expecting, the light dies a little bit more.

Some days I cannot see it anymore. What was it that Shakespeare once said? That’s right: “Expectation is the root of all heartbreak.”

I think that fits in here quite well.

Only once, three days ago it was, has he actually answered the ongoing ringing, only once have his eyes kept their gleam. I noticed, however, that it was a different kind of gleam. Before, maybe he was waiting for his wife, or ex-wife, to call: maybe to apologise, or forgive him, or beg him to come back. I assume he was still waiting for that call but when he answered the phone, his tone grew softer and more content, as opposed to plagued or tense, as if he could casually chat to this mysterious caller all day.

A very different man to the one who had sat down on the same park bench, day after day after day.

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St Hilda’s Ammonite

Maybe it was a sibling or parent, an old friend, maybe even a secret lover perhaps?

I think the most likely answer, however, would be a child - a son or a daughter, one of his own.

The next day he didn’t come to the park. Not at 4 O’clock, not even at five past four. I admit that did surprise me at first. We are but slaves to routine after all.

I spent the rest of that day thinking, my mind straying between the awful news I had just received from the doctor and where the business man was. Assuming I was right about the caller from the day before, I assumed he was with his child. Maybe that’s why they have been calling?

He was back again yesterday and I felt myself feeling pleased that things were back to normal, the pattern once again restored and unbroken.

I can’t help thinking what things will be like in a month or two.

Will he still be coming here? Will he notice I’m not here anymore, or will the world carry on by? Will anyone notice I’m not there anymore?

I can see that he’s here again today. I can see him sitting down and opening his briefcase. I can see him pulling out his sandwich - same old, same old. Except he can’t see me today.

I couldn’t bring myself to leave the apartment, to walk over and sit on that bench like everything is okay. Because it’s not. Today is one of my bad days but at least I can see everything from the window.

When I feel the pain in the left of my chest, I know.

I don’t think I’ll make it to the park again today: maybe never at all.

*

Student spotlight

She is one of the strangest characters I have ever seen. It’s not something I decide upon immediately. In fact, at first glance, she looks decidingly normal, average even. Except she is almost definitely not normal. For a start is her hair, dark but greying quickly. Not unusual at all until you look closer. She is not old enough to have a single sliver of silver at all, or she shouldn’t be. Granted, she is around my age - although probably slightly younger, and I have almost a whole head of greys. But that’s different. I have… issues in my life but she shouldn’t be exposed to such stress and rawness in the world yet.

The second strangest thing I notice is her clothes. Again, normal at first glance but strange if you look closer. I’ve been coming to this park for about two weeks now and every day she sits on the same bench, wearing the exact same clothes. Occasionally she changes from a green hoodie to a blue one, and then back again.

But she always wears the same jeans, the same dusty jeans.

I can’t help wonder why she isn’t doing something with her life, her full life that she probably has set out before her. I know she watches me, probably wondering why I don’t have something better to do with my life than sit on some lonesome park bench eating soggy sandwiches at 4 O’clock every afternoon. Sometimes I wonder that too but the truth is that I can’t bear to sit in my silent apartment with Caleb not wanting to see me and Sasha… gone.

I wait for Caleb to call me every day - or rather his grandmother.

He never wants to talk to me. Can you imagine your own son not wanting to talk to you? I know he blames me for what happened.

I blame me too.

I hate to think there are some people who are exposed to so much grief, sorrow and loss so early on in their lives. It is these experiences that shape us, but not always in a good way.

The girl, I think, is one of these people. There is a deep heaviness to the way she moves and looks around that makes me decide this. That and the tablets she takes. Tablets that are probably meant to make her happy, but they don’t seem to work.

But I only closed my eyes for a second, I didn’t know that truck was coming.

I’ve been trying to contact Sasha’s family since the accident. They don’t want to talk to me and that’s okay, I don’t expect them to.

Except three days ago, one of them did.

It was Sasha’s brother. We used to be friends but I hadn’t talked to him in years. Despite this, however, the conversation was surprisingly easy. He forgave me, he told me, and I have never felt more relieved in my life. We agreed to meet the following day.

After that phone call I noticed the girl watching me again, more intent than ever. I smiled to myself, imagining the cogs in her brain turning over and over, trying to figure out who I had been talking to, what I had been talking about. I think she missed me the next day because when I walked back through the park gates and opened my briefcase to eat my sandwich, she almost looked relieved.

I imagine her to be clever and smart, having wasted her opportunities on chasing fairies and desperate half-dreams. Only to end up here, alone in the park. Just like everybody else. Just like me.

I am here again today at 4 O’clock like always. Caleb didn’t want his sandwich again, even though jam and cheese is his favourite, as strange as that combination is. I suppose that the task of eating it will be handed back down to me again. I hope that one day he will forgive me.

She is not here today, and I have a feeling she won’t be here tomorrow either. Maybe not even the day after that. Maybe she finally seized control on her life, or maybe not. The life of strangers is something one can only assume.

Either way, I will miss her. The girl in the dusty jeans.

I hope that Caleb isn’t going to be one of these people. Growing up without a mother will be hard for him. The way things are looking, maybe without a father too. His grandmother will look after him well at least. I can’t help thinking this is best for him. I don’t think he will ever forgive me.

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Milkshakes Pizza The Year 8s enjoyed making these quick and easy milkshakes and pizza subs this term.

Perfect for an after-school snack!

Yoghurt Milkshake (Serves 1) Ingredients 1 cup milk 2 tbsp vanilla or Greek yoghurt 1/2 cup cut up fruit of your choice

Method 1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend to combine.

2. Serve cold in a tall glass.

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St Hilda’s Ammonite

Pizza Sub (Serves 1) Ingredients 1/2 long bread roll 1/2 tbsp tomato paste Pinch dried oregano Pinch granulated garlic 1/8 onion 1/8 capsicum 1 slice ham 1 tbsp crushed pineapple 20g cheese, grated

Method 1. Preheat oven to 210ËšC 2. Spread tomato paste on to roll and sprinkle with oregano and garlic.

3. Finely chop onion, capsicum and ham and arrange on top of the roll.

4. Cover with grated cheese.

5. Place on baking tray and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown on top.

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Postal

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