Fideliter July 2017

July 2017

St Ma r y’ s Anglican Gi rls’ S ch ool

FIDELITER

Health and Well-being)

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WELL - BEING) 4

F R O M T H E P R I N C I PA L

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FROM THE CHAPLAIN

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B OA R D O F G OV E R N O R S

7 C E L E B R AT I N G 2 0 Y E A R S A S P R I N C I PA L 8

F R O M T H E F O U N D AT I O N

10 T E A C H I N G M A S T E R S 11 W E L L - B E I N G AT W O R K Junior School Senior School Boarding House Well-being From the Counsellors 2 0 D E S T I N AT I O N S O F T H E C L A S S O F 2 01 6 Class of 2016 Shines Brightly General Exhibition Winners

36 JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS STEM at St Mary's Academic Centre for Enrichment (ACE) News The Unlikely Dream Becomes a Reality A Spring in Their Step Creativity Through Movement Treats and Surprises 41 S C H O O L N E W S Swim Programme Success New Cafe SMafé 43 OUT AND ABOUT Country Gatherings Music at Metricup 4 5 PA R E N T S ' S O C I E T Y 4 6 S T M A R Y ' S AU X I L I A R Y

2 5 C A R E E R A DV I S O R

47 OLD GIRLS’ PRESIDENT’S REPORT

26 SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS From the Head Girl Integral to St Mary's Ethos is Respect A Rewarding Experience Amnesty International Year 10 Sleep Out Boarders’ Week St Mary’s Number 1 Anyone for Badminton?

Congratulations Technology News Visiting Apple

48 OLD GIRLS’ NEWS AND EVENTS 50 LIFE AFTER ST MARY’S 5 2 O L D G I R L S B E N E F I T F R O M ST MARY'S COMMUNITY 53 NEWS FROM OLD GIRLS 5 6 A R C H I VA L A N E C D O T E S Space, Light and Order 5 8 VA L E FIDELITER INFORMATION Fideliter is a publication of St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School. please direct all correspondence to:

St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, PO Box 105, Karrinyup WA 6921 telephone: (08) 9341 9111 facsimile: (08) 9341 9222 email: publicity@stmarys.wa.edu.au editors: Tamara Clark and Amanda Kemp editorial assistants: Joan Karmelita and Hannah Campbell design and production: Dessein cover image l-r: Arabella Prince and Alexis Pastor inside cover clockwise from top: Grace Lawson and Vienna Capobianco; Caelan McCuaig; Estella Lee, Tara Kukanesan, Grace Fu, Amelia Hurst and Yarra Arnes

Contents

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL WELL-BEING IS AT THE HEART OF HAPPINESS AND FULFILMENT. AT ST MARY’S, WE FOCUS ON WELL-BEING TO HELP OUR STUDENTS AND STAFF APPROACH LIFE POSITIVELY AND OPTIMISTICALLY, DEVELOP STRATEGIES TO LIVE THROUGH TOUGHER TIMES SUCCESSFULLY AND ENJOY BEING PART OF THE ST MARY’S EXPERIENCE.

Resilience is a word that we hear often, and the lack of resilience in people of all ages is of concern across society. The much older generation seem to be better armed with resilience. Is it because living through the Depression and wars make people realise what is important in life and that catastrophising things that are fixable and will pass is unhelpful and unproductive?

How to keep life in perspective, manage the smaller dilemmas calmly and rationally, and develop the strength to deal with truly confronting issues, are all part of growing into a well-balanced adult. In no way does this diminish the importance of recognising serious problems.

In the Junior School, Senior School, and Anne Symington House, Helen Adams, Erica Herron and Tina Campbell have initiated and developed programmes that provide a focus for knowing your values, seeing the bright side of life, and developing strategies that are useful when things do not go as planned. It is a big learning time for us all, and there are no easy answers.

To genuinely care, yet manage disappointment in context, are real-life challenges that deserve our attention. This edition of Fideliter showcases some of our programmes.

The highlight of the start to 2017 was an unexpected one. Our new canteen in the Senior School, named by student and staff vote, SMafé (yes, St Mary’s café), has caused a great deal of excitement. SMafé has the feeling of being part of a café strip, and the menu and food presentation are exciting. I am most grateful to the St Mary’s Foundation who financed the alterations to the interior of the building and enabled these big changes to occur.

Once again, we are enormously proud of the achievements of our graduating class. Five General Exhibitions and two Subject Exhibitions are immense achievements, and yet again, over 50% of the class were placed in the top 10% of the state. We have now heard from all of the girls about their plans for 2017. Three changes that have occurred over the past decade are the increased diversity of courses that the girls choose, the number of scholarships that they receive and the increasing number who move interstate to study. The opportunities are fantastic.

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From the Principal

At the May Board of Governors meeting, Ian Curlewis retired as Chair of the Board, having served as Chair from 2012 and as a member since 2003. During that period, Ian also held the positions of Treasurer and Vice Chair. I wish to thank Ian for his genuine commitment to the School, all of the good work that he has done for St Mary’s and the immense support that he has given to me. His generosity with time and expert advice has been invaluable. One of the things that I have admired about Ian is his deliberate thinking through of issues, his calm approach and his attention to detail. I always felt that he was caring for me as well as the School.

Fortunately, Ian will be continuing on the Board for the immediate future.

Elizabeth Carr (’81) is the incoming Chair, having been the Vice Chair for the past year. Elizabeth’s expertise is in the area of governance, and there is no doubting her love of all things St Mary’s. I wish Elizabeth every success in this role. It will be a wonderful time to be Chair as the School heads into its centenary year in 2021. Jane Gillon (Fisher ’70), joins Elizabeth as Vice Chair, a role that Jane has also held in the past.

Thank you for all of the good wishes that I have received to celebrate my twenty years at St Mary’s.

It is a joy and privilege to lead this wonderful school – girls, Old Girls, staff and parents have all enriched my life well beyond anything that I could have imagined when I started here in April 1997.

Lynne Thomson Principal

FROM THE CHAPLAIN DO YOU WANT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL ?

SAINT SIMEON STYLITES WHO WAS BORN CIRCA 390 IN MODERN DAY TURKEY, FOUND A SOMEWHAT UNUSUAL WAY IN WHICH TO ESCAPE THE DEMANDS OF A BUSY LIFE. HE TRAVELLED TO A PLACE NEAR ALEPPO (IN MODERN SYRIA) AND FOUND A SPLENDID PILLAR UPON WHICH HE BUILT HIMSELF A PLATFORM. BEING HIGH ABOVE THE GROUND HE HOPED HE WOULD BE ABLE TO LIVE IN PEACE AND QUIET, SPENDING HIS TIME DEEPENING HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

Regrettably for Simeon, his actions attracted a great deal of attention and the more he tried to ignore people the more popular he became and he found himself carrying on his previous work of hearing confessions and guiding people in the Christian faith, from his now lofty position high above the ground. However, he was not entirely defeated; he drew up a strict timetable that allowed him to serve those who sought his help, but still gave him ample quiet time in which to pray and meditate. Apparently, he lived in this uncomfortable and bizarre way atop the pillar for about 40 years.

Christian meditation is a spiritual practice. By stilling the mind, we become open to our own spirit and that of the creator spirit, God. John Main, who was responsible for reviving Christian meditation worldwide said: Meditation is a way of coming to your own centre, coming to the foundation of your own being, and remaining there – still, silent, attentive. Meditation is in essence a way of learning to become awake, to be fully alive and be still.

The way to that wakefulness is silence and stillness. (Main, John Word into Silence, Darton, Longman and Todd, London 1980.)

St Simeon sounds a bit nuts, but I confess to have some sympathy with him as it can be very difficult to find quiet time to take the stress and tension out of life. However, like St Simeon I know that for Christians a key to reducing anxiety and stress is time to pray and meditate. I admit that I am not very good at it!

In prayer, we talk to God and through meditation we listen, and in silence we deepen our relationship with God. Christian meditation is about turning around our attention, which has a habit of flowing outward to all the distractions and attractions of the world. Through meditation we learn to train and keep in check the turmoil of those thoughts and feelings that stress us.

Other benefits of meditation are that it reduces stress, increases our sense of well-being and leads to an increase in self-knowledge and self-acceptance.

Many people and groups practise something called Mindfulness which has some common ground with Christian meditation. To begin with, if you are serious about practising one of these, it is necessary to make it a daily practice. Like acquiring any new skill, the essence of meditation or Mindfulness is that the chosen activity becomes a way of life.

In Mindfulness, you become aware of the present moment. You develop a willingness to see and accept things as they are, by continually bringing your attention back to what you are observing in the present moment. You become the detached, nonjudgemental observer of your thoughts and state of mind and body; you hold your attention by focusing on calmly breathing in and out.

Meditation is a practice found at the core of most of the great religious traditions. It is a way of simplicity, silence and stillness. It can be practised by anyone, wherever you are on your life’s journey.

If you are interested in Christian meditation and teaching your children to meditate, the following websites are helpful: http://www.cominghome.org.au/benefits/ dsp-default-d.cfm?loadref=15 http://www.christianmeditationaustralia.org/ The Reverend Canon Geraldine Nixon School Chaplain

From the Chaplain

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BACK ROW (L-R): Liam Twigger, Desiree Silva, Ian Hardy, Amy Dawson FRONT ROW (L-R): Michelle Houwen, Jane Gillon, Ian Curlewis, Lynne Thomson, Elizabeth Carr, Amanda Williams ABSENT: Gillian Jenkins, Eric Martino and Roger Veary

B OA R D O F G OV E R N O R S ST MARY'S COMMUNITY) WHEN THE REVEREND CHARLES LAWRENCE (TOM) RILEY FOUNDED ST MARY’S AND BECAME ITS FIRST PRINCIPAL ON 14 SEPTEMBER 1921, HE FOUNDED AN INSTITUTION WHICH HAS BECOME A PRE-EMINENT SCHOOL IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA. THE FOUNDING OF ST MARY’S NOT ONLY BROUGHT INTO EXISTENCE THE SCHOOL BUT ALSO THE ST MARY’S COMMUNITY.

So, what constitutes the St Mary’s community?

Without being prescriptive, the St Mary’s community might be said to include the Principal, Executive, all the school staff, students, their parents, families, Old Girls and friends of St Mary's. Many members take on volunteering roles, with some represented on bodies integral to the culture of the School, including the Board of Governors, the Foundation, the Old Girls' Association, Parents' Society and St Mary’s Auxiliary.

Volunteers make up these groups.

As diverse as it is, the St Mary’s community is cohesive and close-knit. Founded on the Anglican tradition of love and caring, the importance of supporting one another and helping people in need through thick and thin, has shone through. From humble beginnings in 1921, it is the community and its values that have been the School’s strength through the Great Depression, the Second World War, lean economic times, and dramatic change in relocation to Karrinyup in 1970 — sad times and good times that have seen the School through for decades. In recent years who could forget the St Mary’s community response to the Esperance fires? Without those strong values, the community would crumble. Without the people in our community, the values would have no context.

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Board of Governors

Our volunteers have a special place in the St Mary’s community. At every level right throughout the School, many hours of selfless hard work and dedication are the hallmarks of those volunteers.

We have seen these qualities in operation at the 95th Birthday World Fair, the Friends of Music, the canteens, Careers Expo, cakes from the country, parent representative organised functions and the numerous individuals who contribute in a myriad of ways.

Old Girls have continued their support of our community through assistance and mentorship of our current students. Those wise words from St Francis of Assisi, "for it is in giving that we receive", hold true indeed.

As we head towards the School's centenary in 2021, the momentum will increase as we celebrate all that is St Mary’s. For now, when 14 September arrives this year, do take a moment to remember the founding of St Mary’s, the importance of belonging, and the many selfless volunteers in our community since 1921.

Ian Curlewis Chair of the Board of Governors

CELEBRATING 2 0 Y E A R S A S P R I N C I PA L MONDAY 21 APRIL 1997. AN AUSPICIOUS DAY IN THE HISTORY OF ST MARY’S ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL. TWENTY YEARS AGO, MRS LYNNE THOMSON TOOK UP HER POSITION AS PRINCIPAL OF THIS WONDERFUL SCHOOL, AND THIS YEAR WE CELEBRATE THE INSPIRATIONAL LEADER THAT SHE IS.

Those of us who have worked with her and the many girls who have been students in her care know that she is inspirational. We also know that she is an intelligent, knowledgeable woman of vision, with a passion for girls’ education. She has integrity, courage and strength. She is caring and compassionate. She has a wonderful sense of fun and humour. She relates happily with people of all ages and all walks of life. And she loves St Mary’s.

However, those who don’t have the privilege of knowing this remarkable woman may ask what it is that makes her an outstanding leader of this school. In this age of accountability, how do we measure her success?

There is no question that the School has undergone very healthy growth during the last twenty years.

Numbers of students have increased, to the point where there are now over 1400 girls enjoying a St Mary’s education. Our boarding numbers are high; we consistently have a full boarding house.

During those two decades, the campus has also been enriched with the addition of many marvellous new learning spaces. St Mary’s girls enjoy learning in attractive, well-designed and equipped spaces on this beautiful campus. St Mary’s is also the only girls’ school in Western Australia to have a country campus, the beautiful St Mary’s at Metricup: The Lady Treatt Centre for Learning and Leadership. It was Mrs Thomson’s vision and drive that saw the property developed to become such a wonderful and integral aspect of each girl’s St Mary’s experience.

The School attracts outstanding staff, across all the areas that keep St Mary’s functioning so happily and efficiently, all united in commitment to the students in our care, under the leadership and guidance of Mrs Thomson. And if we are looking at measures of achievement, academically St Mary’s girls, across the range of academic ability, consistently achieve outstanding success. Our girls know that all Mrs Thomson asks of them is that they do the best they can and be the best person they can be, and so they do this.

All of the above are indicators of impressive success and the leadership behind it. However, they do not capture the essence of Mrs Thomson and of the School that she has influenced so significantly. That essence has to do with the warmth that you feel when you enter the School; the fact that there are lots of smiling faces, both in and out of the classrooms; there is a lot of laughter; the students are busy, active and involved, taking advantage of all the opportunities they are offered, and doing their best; there is gratitude and kindness, giving and forgiving; there is thoughtfulness and caring for others; there is deep, abiding friendship.

All of this and more is testament to our inspirational Principal, and explains why she is so deeply admired, respected and loved.

It is a privilege and an honour for the whole School community to congratulate her and celebrate her years at St Mary’s so far.

BELOW: St Mary's students with Lynne Thomson (Principal).

Photograph 1 May 1997, The West Australian

Celebrating 20 Years as Principal

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FROM THE F O U N D AT I O N MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO ALL OUR DONORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT FOR ST MARY’S STUDENTS AND STAFF DURING 2016. YOU ARE HELPING US TO REMAIN AT THE FOREFRONT OF GIRLS’ EDUCATION AND WE ARE GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR THE EXTRA OPPORTUNITIES YOUR GIFTS ENABLE US TO PROVIDE FOR THE GIRLS.

NEW FUNDING ANNOUNCED TO MARK THE FOUNDATION’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY This year, the St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School Foundation celebrates its 30th Anniversary and to mark this special occasion, the Board of Management of the Foundation is delighted to fund several projects which will benefit girls throughout the School.

The Foundation provided funding for the recent renovations of the Senior and Junior School canteens, with a contribution of $400,000. These hubs of school life are now vibrant, welcoming spaces, offering a delicious and nutritious menu.

In addition, the Foundation will also be supplementing the funds raised at the 95th Birthday Fair, 95th Birthday Dinner Dance and through 2016 Annual Giving, to develop the Junior School nature-based play area and the Senior School outdoor exercise park.

These are significant developments in terms of their scope, cost and presence in our school grounds and we are pleased to support these two projects, which will provide new opportunities for the girls to keep physically active through play and exercise.

L-R: Daina De Mattia (Gale ’90) and Lisa Saunders

ANNUAL GIVING SCHOLAR JOINS ST MARY’S Thanks to the generosity of the school community to the Scholarship Fund, we have been able to award a means-tested Annual Giving Scholarship. The recipient is a delightful, talented local girl who joined us in Year 10 in February. Thank you sincerely for your support for students who would not have the opportunity to attend St Mary’s without financial assistance.

2017 ANNUAL GIVING I hope you will consider making a difference at St Mary’s by making a gift to this year’s appeal which, with your support, will help us to enrich our libraries, develop our learning spaces and build the Scholarship Fund for means-tested scholarships. You can find out how to be a part of Annual Giving at www.stmarys. wa.edu.au/annual-giving St Mary’s is stronger because of the commitment and support you bring to the life of our school. Thank you for your generosity.

Ron Farris Chair of the St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School Foundation

L-R: Joan Karmelita, Antonella and Anthony Masi

L-R: Steve and Sandra McAlpine and Paul Bradley

CELEBRATING THE IMPACT OF GIVING AT ST MARY'S THE THANKS TO YOU MORNING TEA IN THE NEWLY RENOVATED SENIOR SCHOOL CANTEEN, SMAFÉ, ON SUNDAY 28 APRIL WAS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO THANK EVERYONE WHO MAKES A GIFT TO SUPPORT ST MARY’S.

Mrs Thomson and Marlene Carter (’63), Senior Vice Chair of the Foundation, spoke about the impact of donations at St Mary’s and the projects that have been funded thanks to the generosity of

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From the Foundation

St Mary’s supporters. Guests were also given the first opportunity to view plans for the new outdoor exercise park and nature-based play area.

THANKS TO YOU 2016 DONOR ROLL OUR SINCERE THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED ST MARY’S DURING 2016, OUR 95TH BIRTHDAY YEAR. YOUR GENEROSITY HELPS US TO CREATE AN INSPIRING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR STUDENTS. WE ARE GRATEFUL, IN PARTICULAR, TO THOSE SUPPORTERS LISTED IN MAROON WHO HAVE SUPPORTED ANNUAL GIVING FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS.

2016 ANNUAL GIVING For the Scholarship Fund, Library Fund, Building Fund and 95th Birthday special projects — The Polson Room piano, outdoor exercise park and nature-based play area.

yy Mrs Helen Adams yy Linzey Allinson yy Barclay Family, Kate Barclay yy Glenn & Lisa Barrett yy Adrian Beck yy Beer Family (Stephanie) yy Frank & Carol Black yy Sandra Botica yy Ann Boyer yy Bradbury Family yy Paul, Victoria & Lilia Bradley yy Joan Brenton-Coward

yy Griffiths Family yy Cheryl Haak yy Erin Hall (Watts ’65) yy Hancock Family yy Kerrie & Ian Hardy yy Fiona Harris yy Hazelden Family yy Erica Herron yy Lybbie Hillman (Manning ’65)

yy Dana Hlavacek (’79) yy Elizabeth Howson yy Vander Wal Family yy Hurst Family yy Michelle Innes yy Ireland Family yy Chloe the bookworm yy Mrs Claire Jeffery yy Gillian Jenkins yy Joan Karmelita (Prebble ’47) yy Kemp Family yy Brindal Family yy Michael Keong yy Burke Family, Mary & Harriet yy Mr & Mrs Kercheval yy Bree Buxton (’98) yy Koranis Family yy Campbell Family yy Mrs Poonam Kulkarni yy Tina & Stuart Campbell yy Mary Ellen, in memory of yy Louise (Hobson ’79) & Kerensa Katherine Carey (’14) yy Lorrie Maley (Rowledge ’33) yy Elizabeth Carr (’81) yy Wendy Mann yy Gay Carson (Hyland ’64) yy Margaret G Marston yy Marlene Carter (’63) yy Martino Family yy Chong Family yy Masi Family yy N & T Christie yy Steven & Sandra McAlpine yy Edward J Clark yy McKimmie Family yy Crabb Family yy McLean Family yy Jane, Sarah & Emma Crisp yy Katherine Mead yy Jaslyn Cullen (Gibson ’94) yy Greg & Louise Miles yy Ian Curlewis yy Peter & Julie Millett yy Sheevaun Darby yy Molloy Family yy Amy & Grant Dawson yy Kerry Muir yy De Mattia Family (Gale ’90) yy Frank & Erica Murray yy Dr Frits de Vroet & yy Vicki Neil (Reader ’68) Mrs Tricia de Vroet yy Stephanie Neille yy Gwyn & Catherine Dolphin yy Patricia Nicholls (Hobbs ’59) yy Nicki Doyle (Newton ‘91) yy Canon Gerry yy D’Sylva Family yy Marilyn & Lindsay Palmer yy Edward Family yy Samta Thakrar Panar yy Peter Evans yy Isabella Patterson yy Ron Farris yy Anne Pesic (Nicolaou ’91) yy Gagiano Family yy Joyce Polson yy Rodger & Judith Gibson yy Di Porter yy Gaye & Chas Giglia yy Jayachitra yy Jamie & Fay Gilbert yy Richardson Family yy Gillmore Family yy Grace Richardson yy Gillon Family (Snook ’48) yy Glover Family yy Dr Heather Rogers yy Gosatti Family yy Rowe Family yy Linda & Rudi Gracias yy Jenny Scott (Lefroy ’62) yy Melanie Gray yy Sefton Family

yy Gemma Serjeant (’07) yy Barbara Sewell (Parker ’65) yy Anisha Sharma yy Desiree Silva yy Starkey Family yy Stewart Family yy Stone Family yy The Tatlow Girls yy Lynne Thomson yy Kate Dover yy Dana Trtica yy Twigger Family yy Louise Tyson yy Upfold Family yy Roger & Pam Veary yy Jade & Sophie Vella yy Ian & Ngaire Viner yy Waltham Family yy Sharon & Chloe Warburton yy Ward Family, Katie Ward (’18) yy Rebecca Watts yy Webster Family yy West Family, Fay West (’06) yy Amanda Williams yy Wiseman Family yy Wong Family, Jasmine & Valerie (’05)

yy Woolhouse Family yy Zamudio-Concha Family yy Zhou Family yy 22 donors who wish to remain anonymous.

ENDOWMENT FUND The families of all new students in 2017 who contributed to the Foundation’s Endowment Fund.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND yy The Class of 2016 yy Three donors who wish to remain anonymous.

SPEECH NIGHT AWARDS AND PRIZES yy Mrs Cora Barnes yy Dr John Craig — in memory

yy Mrs Denise Lane (Marshall ’79)

yy Mrs Ruth Phelps – in

memory of Ruth Rowell (Robinson ’33) yy Dr Heather Rogers yy Mrs Maria Stannage yy St Mary’s Auxiliary yy St Mary’s Old Girls’ Association yy Mrs Robyn Taylor yy Mrs Lynne Thomson yy Western Australian Journal of Medicine

BISHOP RILEY BEQUEST SOCIETY We thank those who were members of the Bishop Riley Society in 2016/17.

yy Mrs Linzey Allinson yy Mr Adrian Beck yy Ms Bree Buxton (’98) yy Ms Elizabeth Carr (’81) yy Miss Marlene Carter (’63) yy Mr Ian & Mrs Wendy Chidgey yy Mr Peter Evans yy Mr Ron & Mrs Joy Farris yy Mrs Jane Gillon (Fisher ’70) yy Mrs Audrey Jackson AM yy Ms Diana King (’63, Head Girl)

yy Ms Jane Milloy (’72) yy Rev’d Joyce Polson yy Mrs Lynne Thomson yy One person who wishes to remain anonymous.

Every effort is made to ensure this list of supporters is accurate. If an error has been made, please accept our sincere apologies and telephone Linzey Allinson on (08) 9341 9120 so we can ensure that this is corrected for the future.

of Frances Craig MBE

yy Mrs Marilynn Freitag yy Dr Ray Hyslop - in memory

of Helen Hyslop (Judge ’50, Head Girl) yy Mr Fred Stone & Mrs Genevieve Irwin (Stone ’74) yy Mrs Audrey Jackson AM yy Ms Joan Karmelita

(Bloecker ’03)

From the Foundation

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TEACHING M A S T E R S

RECOGNISING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR TEACHERS

The completion of a Master of Education over four years with a double specialisation (rather than a main research paper) in Early Childhood Studies and Educational Leadership has taught me many things, including, reminding me of how hard it is to be a student (I now have a real empathy for the plight of my students), and that learning and development in children cannot be split in the early years of education.

My journey as an educator has been varied, from teaching instrumental students at tertiary level whilst performing in varied groups throughout Australia (from symphony orchestra to folk ensemble), to various high school teaching roles.

However, it was once I had children of my own that the true importance of the early years in a child’s education became apparent to me and I became passionate about being a part of these first years of education. This was when I knew I wanted to complete a Masters in Education, to help me be worthy of setting up this solid foundation in a child’s education.

I feel truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to teach at St Mary’s and am relishing every minute teaching in Pre-primary this year.

Lexi Doheny Junior School Teacher

A few years ago, I was offered the opportunity to begin a Masters in Educational Leadership at the University of Western Australia. It felt strange to move to the other side of the teacher’s desk, and become the person who asks questions rather than the one who answers them, but the sounds echoing through the lecture halls, and the scents of coffee as I hovered over my laptop after midnight, were familiar, making the transition from teacher back to student slightly easier.

I entered the world of teaching in 1998 and have held several exciting leadership positions in both curriculum and pastoral care. However, the dynamic nature of education makes it essential for teachers to renew their knowledge and capabilities.

The Educational Leadership course focuses on educational theories, policies and practices, and offered me the chance to research topics such as the Australian Curriculum, multicultural education and classroom technology. My final dissertation addressed the impacts of single-sex schooling on girls in science.

While it was certainly a challenge to balance the demands of being a student with full-time work and running a household, completing a Masters in Educational Leadership was a valuable experience.

I have already put much of my learning to use at St Mary’s and look forward to the opportunities my new skills and knowledge will bring in the future.

Beverley Brader Assistant Head of Science

Throughout 2015-16 I completed a Masters in Educational Leadership at the University of Western Australia. This study provided me with the opportunity to conduct research in a range of areas in education such as leadership, policy and school culture. An area that I am passionate about, which became the focus of my dissertation, is the mental health and well-being of students in secondary schools across Australia. Undertaking this study provided me with the skills and resources to explore existing research in this area, and consider how educators can apply this knowledge to different contexts in Western Australian schools to improve the mental health and well-being of their students.

Katie Persse Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator, English Department

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Teaching Masters

WELL - BEING)

FEATURE

L-R: Alva Chong and Olivia Guo

J U N I O R S C H O O L WELL - BEING THE JUNIOR SCHOOL’S WELL-BEING PROGRAMME IS MANY FACETED, FOCUSING ON DEVELOPING THE GIRLS’ EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH. WORK IS CONDUCTED IN THE CLASSROOMS TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF COMMUNITY, WHERE ALL ARE VALUED AND NURTURED. THE GIRLS NEED TO FEEL CONNECTED TO THEIR OWN AND OTHERS’ EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING.

The Junior School Honour Code forms the foundation or ‘bonds’ that express the philosophy which a true St Mary’s girl stands for. The six statements signify how girls interact and bond with each other, the community and the world around them.

ST MARY’S GIRLS ARE KIND

ST MARY’S GIRLS ARE HARD-WORKING

ST MARY’S GIRLS ARE HONEST

ST MARY’S GIRLS STAND UP FOR OTHERS

ST MARY’S GIRLS SHOW RESPECT

ST MARY’S GIRLS SHOW GRIT

BUILDING BONDS WITH FAMILIES

CHARACTER STRENGTHS

Educating our girls does take a partnership with parents, grandparents and significant family friends.

Throughout the year, we have events that involve these people in the girls’ lives. The Year 1 afternoon picnic in Chapel Valley was an event held in Term 1. The afternoon saw the girls and their parents setting out blankets for a shared afternoon tea and time to play and meet new people. Bonds that are formed in Year 1 are significant, as these girls and their parents will be spending many years together.

Twenty-four character strengths are introduced to the girls progressively throughout the year levels.

Understanding each character strength empowers the girls to recognise their own strengths and those in others. Each strength brings a specific aspect to people’s lives, builds capacity for helping ourselves and others and produces positive effects when we express ourselves. The girls explore the character strengths through discussions, activities and self-reflection, learning to identify their own and how they can enhance their lives and the lives of others.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Kim and Ashten Hancock enjoying the Year 1 afternoon picnic in Chapel Valley

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Well-being at Work

NATURAL WELL - BEING AT ST MARY’S WE AIM TO CREATE MANY AUTHENTIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS TO BE A PART OF NATURE AND TO UNDERSTAND HOW IT WORKS, AS WELL AS HOW WE CAN HELP TO MAKE SURE IT CONTINUES.

The importance of students immersing themselves in nature from an early age is espoused by so many important sources such as Dr Alan Logan, who has explained this precious time in nature as important “green space” time with “the very act of being in nature, in green space, actually being cognitively restorative”. Research also shows that there are many benefits to unstructured outdoor nature play because such experiences develop the whole child physically and mentally. Some main benefits of nature play for children are that it builds resilience, creativity and reasonable risk assessment, it is calming and develops the use of senses, and develops language and communication skills.

The Pre-primary students have been enjoying playing in their amazing nature playground, that they are very fortunate to have in the St Mary’s Early Childhood area.

The Pre-primary Messy Mud Day is one way our students’ curiosity is fostered. The Messy Mud Day helps them gain life skills whilst having fun, and also provides an opportunity to be involved in an openended play experience. The girls discover new textural and sensory experiences, and are able to move out of their comfort zones.

Another approach the St Mary’s Junior School has taken to learning through nature, is with the installation and continuation of the vegetable gardens.

For our girls, it provides many opportunities to be in touch with nature and for St Mary’s educators to provide curriculum-linked outcome learning, from understanding what is needed to help plants grow, to crop rotation and the important concept of seasonal growth. This all culminates in the very satisfying experience of enjoying the bounty of the produce that has been planted, nurtured and harvested.

St Mary’s Junior School has introduced and is maintaining worm farms. This project helps us close the loop from vegetable garden, to eating table, to scraps for the worm farm. Students find this aspect almost miraculous, that a simple, humble earthworm can consume so much of our waste and then provide compost or fertiliser for our next vegetable crops.

Truly amazing!

ABOVE (L-R): Anja Speed and Alida Barmentloo INSET (L-R): Grace Lawson and Vienna Capobianco

Well-being at Work

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S E N I O R S C H O O L WELL - BEING BONDS AND BRIDGES SCHOOLS WORK BEST WHEN THEY PROMOTE RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS HELPING PEOPLE MEET PERSONAL CHALLENGES AND FEELING THEY BELONG. FOR ST MARY’S SENIOR SCHOOL, THIS INVOLVES RECOGNISING, VALUING AND DEVELOPING EACH GIRL AS A TOTAL AND UNIQUE PERSON. GROWING GREAT GIRLS IS ALL ABOUT BONDS AND BRIDGES – FOSTERING CONNECTEDNESS AND ENDURING RELATIONSHIPS BY BUILDING, STRENGTHENING AND MAINTAINING STRONG BONDS AND BRIDGES WITHIN AND ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY.

L-R: Menaaz Khan, Brooke Costantino, Mya Gillard, Serafina Astone and Caelan McCuaig

TRANSITION YEAR 7 IS THE FIRST YEAR OF SENIOR SCHOOL AT ST MARY’S. OUR YEAR 7 MODEL ACKNOWLEDGES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TRANSITION FROM JUNIOR TO SENIOR SCHOOL AND IT COMBINES THE INDIVIDUALISED CARE OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM WITH THE FASTER-PACED AND MORE SPECIALISED CURRICULAR AND EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMMES OF SECONDARY SCHOOLING.

Year 7 girls arrive at school on their first day to find a note from a Year 12 Prefect or Captain posted on their lockers. A few days later, a formal Year 7 Commissioning welcomes each girl to Senior School. Girls get to know their House Prefects and Captains during the evening, and a later speed-dating opportunity between Year 7 and Year 12 girls further cements the relationship.

Many enduring friendships are established during the Year 7 Camp at Metricup in Week 3, and Term 1 TheatreSports helps girls build connections within their House groups.

In the early stages of their first year in Senior School, each Year 7 girl meets with a member of our Counselling team – this is an opportunity to talk about how the settling-in phase is going.

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LINK From Year 8 to Year 12, the cornerstone of student pastoral care is through Link – a name that was long ago chosen because it again draws on the importance of the bringing together of people to foster a sense of belonging and security. Our 54 Link groups are Housebased (nine each) and vertically integrated.

Generally, each girl remains with the same Link teacher throughout her years at St Mary's. Link groups gather at the start of each school day to touch base and hear what’s happening around the school via the Daily Newsletter. Younger girls can seek guidance from more senior girls, perhaps about camps, CAPAF or subject selection. Links and Link teachers are frequently cited by girls as being a significant part of their life at St Mary’s.

MINDFULNESS Along with the Positive Education approach, all girls in Years 8 and 9 are instructed in the practice of Mindfulness through their Learning Skills and TLC classes.

Our counsellors run a weekly lunchtime Chill-out Club and pre-exam relaxation sessions. Before the first exams last year, two guide dogs in training walked around with their handlers to offer to girls moral support and a chance to focus on the moment.

MINDMATTERS MindMatters is a mental health initiative for secondary schools that aims to improve the mental health and well-being of young people. In the Senior School, we are in the early stages of implementing the framework, which is based around the principle that positive mental health can be promoted by sustaining a positive school community, improving student resilience and supporting students experiencing mental health difficulties.

KINDNESS Our recently introduced St Mary’s Kindness Company encourages students and staff members with Big Hearts, Strong Minds and Good Hands to get involved and help spread kindness across all areas of our community.

ABOVE: Mrs Godinho's Link

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. Ralph Waldo Emerson There is so much that happens at St Mary’s which, among other things, fosters wellness and connections, builds bonds and bridges, and assists in nurturing great girls. From the Pastoral Care team to the programmes in Health and Physical Education, from all the interhouse activities to the year group camps, and the vast number and diversity of the extracurricular activities on offer, there are opportunities for girls to be involved, interacting with other girls, and forming new friendships. There are also opportunities for girls to lead and opportunities for them to serve, learning to be aware of the needs of others and of the different ways we can all make a difference in the lives of some less fortunate than ourselves.

The idea is to send SMM (St Mary’s Messages) to a member of our community. The message can be delivered in any format – creativity, originality and surprise always work well.

Simply sending a note can help people stay connected, show them that someone is thinking of them or has appreciated what they have done. Thirteen greeting cards are available for girls and staff to send to someone to thank them, provide support or acknowledge them in a particular way.

In Term 4 each year, our secret Kindness Detectives are out and about, searching for Random Acts of Kindness. Anyone “caught being kind” receives an acknowledgement, along with the opportunity to “pay it forward”, with a donation on their behalf made to one of three chosen charities.

Around this time, our newly elected School Prefects present Colours For Kindness certificates to staff members.

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B O A R D I N G H O U S E WELL - BEING FINDING CONNECTIONS AND THAT CLOSE SENSE OF SISTERHOOD OR ‘BONDS’ IN BOARDING IS ESSENTIAL TO ENSURING THAT THE ST MARY’S BOARDING HOUSE HAS A TRUE SENSE OF HOME FOR THE 187 GIRLS WHO CURRENTLY LIVE THERE DURING TERM TIME.

Our focus is to maintain a strong family atmosphere within the house and to establish a community of happy and successful girls. We want each individual girl to reach her full potential within a caring and supportive environment that allows her to fail, but gives her the tools to build the ‘bridges’ towards future successes. Our desire is that each girl learns from her mistakes – jumping back up again to conquer the challenges that life may throw her way.

L-R: Kate Boultbee and Chelsea Mutter

BIG SISTERS

Our Year 10 girls act as ‘Big Sisters’ to our new girls who come into the house in Year 7 and 8 to start their boarding journey at St Mary’s.

The ‘Big Sisters’ are there to support the new girls as they find their way around both school and boarding, and act as a shoulder to cry on when things get tough. The ‘Big Sisters’ wear their badges with pride and love the connections that this peer support programme brings them. Often it can create friendships for life and many Old Girls still remember their boarding ‘Big Sister’. By encouraging such positive relationships across the years, we can all live together and support each other more easily and hence accomplish more.

L-R: Jorja Schell and Zahné Gillespie-McCallum

PERTH PAL PROGRAMME

The programme helps support the whole family as they transition into boarding at St Mary’s.

Each new Year 7 and 8 boarder and her family are linked to a day family from the same year group.

Their role is to offer the branch of friendship and support to the whole family, and these bonds have seen families holiday together, city families visit farms, and even day families purchase a new family dog from their Perth Pal’s farm.

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“My ‘Sister’ Isabelle really helped me at first when I was nervous and homesick. She sat with me at dinner and made me smile.

This was the best part of my day and she has continued to give me support as I have found my feet in boarding.” Anneliese

GRATITUDE JOURNAL

All boarders are encouraged to reflect on their day and appreciate all that they have by writing nightly in their boarding gratitude journal or by visually recording each day via one of the many Gratitude Journal APPS available online.

The benefits of practising gratitude have also been proven scientifically and results show that daily gratitude exercises can lead to higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. It can also help to support the sense of feeling loved and connected, and lower stress levels, all essential success strategies for boarders.

PREP TIME

Whilst prep time predominantly looks at supporting the girls with their studies we also take this opportunity to introduce the girls to Mindfulness meditation twice a week. Each Year level focuses on different meditation techniques, which provide the girls with a taste of some important skills to help them manage their own well-being and train their mind for a happy and healthier life.

We introduce ‘Smiling Minds’ to Year 7, ‘Buddhify’ to Year 8 and ‘Headspace’ to Year 9 and hope to teach girls to make this a daily routine in their lives. The girls can go as fast or as slowly as they wish and many return to these programmes later in their lives as boarders.

This term the girls in Year 7 have written in a journal discussing what makes them happy; the Year 8 girls went on a gratitude photo scavenger hunt; the Year 9 girls created word clouds about each other; and the Year 10 girls have a little box of sunshine on the floors that they have been adding to on a daily basis.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

Our aim is to get the girls to take a moment to stop, take a breath, learn how to breathe properly, keep calm, handle problems and break things down into smaller, more manageable chunks so that they can cope. We hope to see this help them manage schoolrelated stresses by developing the Mindfulness skills to handle these, and with evidence showing that such programmes can assist their academic progress by helping them relax, lowering their stress and increasing their emotional intelligence, these programmes most certainly have a place within prep time.

INTERNATIONAL BOARDERS

Travelling from overseas to become a St Mary’s boarder adds an extra challenge. Our international girls are a small and diverse group of girls spanning Years 7 to 12, coming from eight different countries.

We encourage the girls to fully embrace the Australian culture and lifestyle whilst residing with us, yet remain sensitive to the additional cultural changes that they may face. Mrs Fiona McGlinn supports the girls in her role as the International Student Co-ordinator, meeting regularly with them to help them adapt to their new surroundings as well as offering hugs and chocolate when needed.

L-R: Mrs Fiona McGlinn and Grace Fu

ABOVE: Anisha Kewalramani

Whilst the girls become a close family unit within themselves, as no one understands better what it feels like to be 7000 kms from home, eating unfamiliar food and in some instances, being surrounded by a different language, they often make strong bonds of friendship with their peers and there is nothing better than seeing a country girl visit a city such as Jakarta and a girl from Jakarta visit a farm. This sharing of home and family serves the girls well in expanding their comfort zones and preparing them to be global citizens post-school.

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COUNSELLING CONNECTIONS TREE PLANTING This year, the Counselling Department has promoted nature play and the benefits of being in nature. Always on the lookout for opportunities to bring students together across year groups, to forge connections and strengthen belonging, the Counselling Department ran a tree-planting event with the Year 4s and Year 11s. Students and staff were invited to make a pot using newspaper, and plant a seedling to take home and nurture in their own garden. Year 4 students were paired with Year 11 students and were encouraged to complete the task slowly, allowing themselves to enjoy the freedom in doing only this simple act (and to get their hands dirty!).

MINDFULNESS The simple act of paying attention with openness, curiosity and flexibility can yield many benefits to people of all ages. With practice, your attention muscles can be strengthened to assist with sustaining focus for learning and study, staying calm during times of duress or remaining in the present moment when anxious thoughts pull the mind to the past or the future. We believe Mindfulness is a life skill that anyone can learn at any time and we teach it to groups and individual students.

ABOVE: Ms Monck and Sophie Wisdom

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WELL-BEING FROM THE COUNSELLORS AS A YOUNG PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT, I WAS AWED BY THE POTENTIAL OF SCHOOL COMMUNITIES TO ENHANCE THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. IT INSPIRED ME TO WORK IN SCHOOLS AND HAVING DONE SO FOR OVER 13 YEARS, I REMAIN IMPRESSED BY THE CONTRIBUTIONS SCHOOLS MAKE TO OPTIMISING THE LIVES OF OUR YOUTH. SCHOOLS ARE AN EXTENSION OF FAMILY, A SOURCE OF MONITORING AND SUPPORT AND A STABLE ALLY DURING THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTAL UPHEAVALS OF ADOLESCENCE.

School connectedness has been associated with enduring gains not only to learning outcomes and academic achievement, but also to mental health and emotional well-being (Goodenow & Grady, 1993).

For example, students who feel connected to school, report lower levels of emotional distress and fewer depressive symptoms in adolescence (Resnick et al., 1997). Student well-being develops when students have positive and respectful relationships with their peers and teachers, feel confident about their social and emotional skills, feel satisfied with their learning experiences and feel connected to their school (Noble et al., 2008; NSSF, 2010).

counsellors can assist recovery from distress or mental health problems that may emerge in difficult circumstances. Collaboration with Heads of Year and contributions to year level programmes assist in the promotion of resilience and well-being skills that every girl can learn, such that every girl can thrive and prosper.

Student well-being is the heart and soul of academic success. We aim to help your daughter find her path and navigate her way through both the ups and downs to success.

Felicity Monck Head of Counselling

The happy, supportive and enlivening environment of St Mary’s enhances the well-being of every girl by providing not only the optimal setting to achieve academically, but also a robust sense of belonging. In addition to high-quality learning experiences, there are myriad opportunities for the girls to connect with other students in their own or other grades and with staff who are caring and attuned. The school values ensure that the girls are cared for and are encouraged to care for others.

The St Mary’s Counselling Department aims to foster student well-being by both restoring it when things go wrong and promoting positive well-being when things go right. Through individual counselling, and collaboration with parents and teachers, the

ONE MILLION STARS TO END VIOLENCE The One Million Stars Project is a peaceful global weaving project that engages communities in conversation about ending all forms of violence.

Towards increasing student awareness about gender inequality in Australia, a known driver of violence against women, the Counselling Department pledged to weave 200 stars as an act of hope against violence.

Students and staff across the Senior School were invited to weaving jams where they learned to weave a star and whilst doing so, had a conversation about gender inequality in sport, cinema, industry and literature. Over 250 stars have been sent to Queensland and will form part of an art installation at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, showcasing one million stars made by Australians.

CHILL-OUT CLUB Mindfulness and relaxation are very distinct practices that are jointly taught in the St Mary’s Chill-out Clubs in both Junior and Senior School.

In a relaxed state the mind is released from tension and free to wander. In contrast, during Mindfulness practice, the mind is alert, attentive and focused. To help students learn to ‘chill out’, both skills are taught in tandem.

Various breathing techniques are taught to promote relaxation, while sensory activities such as listening to music, colouring in, smelling herbs/plants or listening to leaves rustling are used to strengthen the practice of being in the moment.

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C L A S S O F 2 01 6 SHINES BRIGHTLY) ST MARY’S ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL IS THRILLED WITH THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CLASS OF 2016 AND WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE GIRLS ON THEIR STRONG RESULTS IN THE WACE EXAMINATIONS. WE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE OUR TEACHERS FOR THEIR COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION IN ASSISTING THE STUDENTS TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL.

FIVE GENERAL EXHIBITIONS AWARD WINNERS The following girls are to be congratulated, being placed among the top 50 students in Western Australia, calculated across five courses, with at least two humanities and two maths/science courses. yy Hannah Mizzi (13th) yy Sarah Barber (40th) yy Shamini Srinivasan (15th) yy Alexandra Tran (41st) yy Madison Wait (22nd) Hannah also achieved the highest possible ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) of 99.95. What is particularly remarkable, is to see the range of courses which contributed to these girls’ success: Biology, English, Chemistry, Economics, French, Human Biology, Italian, Literature, Maths Methods, Maths Specialist, Physics, Visual Arts.

THIRTY NINE CERTIFICATES OF DISTINCTION There are new criteria for the achievement of these certificates, where points are awarded based on unit grades achieved and the difficulty level of courses.

TWO SUBJECT EXHIBITION AWARD WINNERS St Mary’s students achieved two Subject Exhibitions, acknowledging them as achieving the highest scaled WACE examination result in the state in those subjects.

We congratulate:

FORTY FIVE CERTIFICATES OF MERIT These are new awards for 2016, and can be achieved with a combination of high grades in ATAR and General courses, as well as VET qualifications. We congratulate 45 St Mary’s girls for attaining Certificates of Merit.

yy Hannah Mizzi (French) yy Robyn Fairbairn (English) Sienna Browne topped the state with her result in Marine and Maritime Studies. As there were fewer than 100 students within the course there was no Exhibition awarded. This is the fourth year in a row that a St Mary's student has taken out the top spot in this course.

FOURTEEN CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE The following St Mary's students were in the top 0.5% of the state in particular subjects: yy Economics – Sarah Barber yy English – Sarah Barber, Hannah Coopes, Robyn Fairbairn, Jaymee Hick, Emma Powell, Deborah Robinson yy French – Hannah Mizzi yy Geography – Meg Caporn, Lily O’Meara yy Human Biology – Natalie Lysenko yy Media Production and Analysis – Abbey Letizia yy Modern History – Jaymee Hick yy Visual Arts – Shamini Srinivasan Sophie Billington is a winner of an AustralianSuper Award for Excellence in VET.

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Destinations of the Class of 2016

BACK: Shamini Srinivasan and Hannah Mizzi FRONT L-R: Madison Wait, Sarah Barber and Alexandra Tran

FROM OUR COHORT OF 159 STUDENTS WHO ACHIEVED AN ATAR IN 2016, WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING IMPRESSIVE STATISTICS: yy 10 students achieved an ATAR of 99.0 or above (6.3% of the cohort). These students are placed in the top 1% of all students in Western Australia to achieve an ATAR. yy 22 students achieved ATARS of 98 or above (13.8% of the cohort), placing them in the top 2% of students in Western Australia. yy 46 students achieved ATARS of 95 or above (28.9% of the cohort), which places them in the top 5% of students in Western Australia. yy 80 students achieved ATARS of 90 or above (50.3% of the cohort), which places them in the top 10% of students in Western Australia to achieve an ATAR. The overall strength, as well as the hard work of the year group as a whole, is reflected in the ATARs achieved by the students. The median ATAR for 2016 was 90.40, compared to the state median of 80.85.

Well done, girls!

DESTINATIONS OF THE CLASS OF 2016 NO. OF STUDENTS CURTIN UNIVERSIT Y Bachelor of Agri-business 1 Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural 1 Science) Bachelor of Arts 10 Bachelor of Commerce 3 Bachelor of Education 1 Bachelor of Exercise and Rehabilitation 1 Science Bachelor of Fashion 1 Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce 2 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery 2 Bachelor of Psychology 1 Bachelor of Science 4 Bachelor of Social Work 2 Diploma in Creative Industries 1 TOTAL 30

EDITH COWAN UNIVERSIT Y Bachelor of Education Bachelor of Media and Communications Bachelor of Performing Arts (WAAPA) Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Speech Pathology Bridging course into Bachelor of Science (Nursing) - 6 months only Certificate IV in Aboriginal Performance University Prep Course TOTAL

NO. OF STUDENTS

MURDOCH UNIVERSIT Y Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Education Bachelor of Science Murdoch Preparation Course TOTAL

NO. OF STUDENTS

NOTRE DAME UNIVERSIT Y Bachelor of Biomedical Science Bachelor of Communications and Media, Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Education Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Behavioural Science Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Laws and Philosophy Bachelor of Marketing and Public Relations Bachelor of Media and Communications Bachelor of Nursing Bachelor of Physiotherapy Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science Bachelor of Science Foundation Year Education Tertiary Pathway Programme Bachelor of Nursing Pre-Medicine Certificate *(combined with a Bachelor course above) TOTAL

NO. OF STUDENTS

2 1 1 3 1 1

1 1 11 3 1 8 1 13

INTERSTATE/INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES Australian National University (ANU) Bond University Duke University (North Carolina, USA) James Cook University (Townsville, QLD) Monash University Queensland University of Technology University of Melbourne

University of New South Wales University of Queensland Whitehouse Institution of Design (Melbourne, VIC) TOTAL

1

3 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 23

Working/ Gap Year/ Exchange/ Tec TAF Unknown hn ica E/Ot 12% l C he oll r eg es 5%

Curtin University 17%

y

rsit ive Un n a % ow PA 6 A th C Edi /WA

Interstate and International Universities 11%

Murdoch University 7%

University of Notre Dame 13%

University of Western Australia 29%

PERCENTAGE (%) OF STUDENT DESTINATIONS FOR 2017

UNIVERSIT Y OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Design Bachelor of Philosophy Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts TOTAL ASSURED PATHWAYS Architecture Law Master of Primary Teaching Master of Professional Engineering Master of Translation Studies Medicine Podiatry TOTAL

NO. OF STUDENTS

15 11 3 1 20 2 52 NO. OF STUDENTS

1 4 1 1 1 4 2 14

NO. OF STUDENTS TECHNICAL COLLEGES TAFE yy Associate Degree of Fashion and Textiles 1 yy Certificate III in Patisserie 1 yy Certificate III in Hospitality 1 yy Certificate IV in Education Sport 1 yy Finishing Certificate in Health Services 1 yy Certificate IV in Sports Development 1 AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF SPECIALIST MAKEUP 1 yy Diploma of Specialist Makeup WA ACADEMY yy Diploma of Beauty Therapy 1 AUSTRALIAN PERFORMING ARTS NETWORK 1 yy Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts TOTAL 9

OTHER Gap Year Other/Exchange Working Unknown TOTAL

NO. OF STUDENTS

10 3 7 1 21

COURSE

yy Bachelor of International Relations and Bachelor of Languages yy Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science yy Bachelor of Arts yy Hockey Scholarship yy Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery yy Bachelor of Biomedical Science Advanced (Hons) yy Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Arts yy Bachelor of Science yy Bachelor of Information Technology yy Bachelor of Biomedicine yy Bachelor of Design yy Bachelor of Science yy Bachelor of Arts yy Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (ADFA) yy Bachelor of Mechanical Studies and Doctor of Medicine yy Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts yy Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery yy Bachelor of Design (Fashion)

Destinations of the Class of 2016

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 19

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99ERS THIS MEMBERSHIP IS FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE ACHIEVED AN ATAR OF 99.0 OR OVER. THIS YEAR WE WELCOMED 10 MEMBERS.

Sarah Barber

Rotary Youth Exchange Programme in Italy for 2017 General Exhibition, Certificate of Excellence (Economics, English), Certificate of Distinction Hannah Coopes

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science and International Relations, and Medical Science Assured pathway to Medicine Caltex Best All Rounder, Certificate of Excellence (English), Certificate of Distinction Sara Fong

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Science majoring in Engineering Science Assured pathway to Professional Engineering Engineering Pursuit Scholarship Certificate of Distinction

ABOVE: Class of 2016

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Destinations of the Class of 2016

Jaymee Hick

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Arts double major in Political Science and International Relations, and History Assured pathway to Law (Juris Doctor) Certificate of Excellence (English and Modern History), Certificate of Distinction Natalie Lysenko

University of Queensland Double Degree - Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery Certificate of Excellence (Human Biology), Certificate of Distinction

Hannah Mizzi

University of Melbourne Bachelor of Science majoring in Human Structure and Function Assured pathway to Medicine Chancellor's Scholars Programme, Melbourne National Scholarship General Exhibition, Course Exhibition, Certificate of Excellence (French), Certificate of Distinction Shamini Srinivasan

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) double major in Medical Sciences and Neuroscience Assured pathway to Medicine General Exhibition, Certificate of Excellence (Visual Arts), Certificate of Distinction

Alexandra Tran

Murdoch University Bachelor of Science majoring in Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) General Exhibition, Certificate of Distinction Madison Wait

Australian National University Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) – Science majoring in Physics National University Scholarship General Exhibition, Certificate of Distinction Lori Zhang

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Science majoring in Medical Science and Management Assured pathway to Medicine Certificate of Distinction

400 CLUB TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE 400 CLUB, STUDENTS REQUIRE AN ATAR OF OVER 96.7. THIS YEAR WE WELCOMED 23 MEMBERS.

Diana Avery-Jones

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Business Law Assured pathway to Law (Juris Doctor) Certificate of Distinction Indigo Boelen

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Arts majoring in History of Art and Fine Art Certificate of Merit Sienna Browne

Murdoch University Bachelor of Science majoring in Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certificate of Distinction, Top student in Marine and Maritime Studies Mary Burke

Curtin University Double degree Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Certificate of Distinction Tallulah Chong

University of Notre Dame Double degree - Bachelor of Communications and Media, and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Screen Production and Behavioural Science Willetton Parish Scholarship Certificate of Distinction

Amanda Chow

University of Melbourne Bachelor of Design majoring in Architecture Interstate Pathways Scholarship (Melbourne) Certificate of Merit Robyn Fairbairn

Bond University Bachelor of Arts majoring in Film and TV, and Journalism Vynka Hohnen Scholarship Course Exhibition, Certificate of Excellence (English), Certificate of Distinction Ruby Goedsir

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Science majoring in Medical Science Certificate of Distinction Rachael Griffiths-Szeto

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Arts majoring in Law and Society, and Political Science and International Relations Assured pathway to Law (Juris Doctor) Certificate of Distinction Emmeline House

James Cook University Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Certificate of Distinction Tasmin Jenner

Gap Year Certificate of Distinction

Amelia Khuu

Monash University Bachelor of Biomedical Science Advanced (Hons) Certificate of Distinction Loch Kith Lee

University of New South Wales Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine Certificate of Distinction Elena Martino

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Science majoring in Physiology and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Italian Studies Certificate of Distinction Caitlin Murphy

University of Western Australia Bachelor of Science majoring in Human Biology Assured pathway to Law (Juris Doctor) Certificate of Distinction Sophie Ngo

Candice Parsons

University of New South Wales Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science with a minor in International Relations Certificate of Distinction Emma Powell

Curtin University Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Certificate of Excellence (English), Certificate of Distinction Jessica Ronan

Australian National University Bachelor of International Relations and Bachelor of Languages Certificate of Merit Indiana Scanlon

University of Notre Dame Bachelor of Biomedical Science Pre-Medicine Certificate Certificate of Distinction

Murdoch University Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certificate of Distinction

Marize Smith

Lily O'Meara

Paisley Ward

University of Melbourne Bachelor of Biomedicine Certificate of Excellence (Geography), Certificate of Distinction

University of Melbourne Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience Certificate of Distinction University of Notre Dame Bachelor of Laws and PhilosophyÂ

Destinations of the Class of 2016

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G E N E R A L E X H I B I T I O N WINNERS HANNAH MIZZI

MADISON WAIT

It has been approximately seven months since I last donned my maroon St Mary’s uniform and, honestly, my life has changed more than I could have imagined since then. I’m currently living in student accommodation while studying science at Melbourne University. I would be lying if I said that making the transition from being a high school student living with her family to a university student living on the other side of the country has always been easy.

Life without having Mum cooking me dinner every night and my teachers giving me constant reminders of my deadlines certainly has been a big adjustment. It’s an adjustment that I feel has made me far more independent than I was at this time last year. Other than independence, my move to Melbourne has also allowed me to make amazing friends from all over the world whose similar interests and goals have drawn us very close, very quickly.

Transitioning from school to uni is bound to be different for everyone. However, for me, this change in my life was one of the most exciting and memorable experiences I have ever had. Going off to university interstate made the whole experience so much more exciting as I couldn't wait to start the next phase of my life with so many possible new experiences to be had.

Luckily for me I’m also really enjoying my study. There are so many different subject options at university that it’s easy to find ones you’re interested in to keep you motivated for the semester. These include a breadth of subjects which allow you to take some time away from the main focus of your degree.

For me this has meant that I’m able to continue studying French throughout my university years.

If this new life sounds great, it’s because it is – and I owe it all to my efforts in Year 12. The final year of school was hard work, but looking back, it was all worth it. For those of you currently undertaking that difficult year, my advice is simple: stay calm and work consistently. Don’t cram, as tempting as this may be. Going to St Mary’s already puts you in a great position for WACE, but at the end of the day your score is your responsibility. You’re setting yourself up for a great future and it’s important that you do yourself proud.

I am currently studying at ANU in Canberra, and staying at one of the off-campus accommodation facilities for students. I can honestly say that living in a college is the best thing you can do when it comes to going to university. There is such a friendly atmosphere and the community that is created allows you to make a ton of friends in no time. It's also practically impossible to get bored, as there is a never-ending list of things you can get involved in, from cooking classes to theatre productions to regular trips to the markets so you can buy all your groceries for the week. Living away from home has been the best way for me to grow as a person, and discover who I truly am without the influence of past experiences.

I would highly recommend considering moving interstate for university and staying at student accommodation; in my opinion, it is the best way to get the most out of your university experience.

When it comes to advice for Year 12s, the biggest thing I'd have to say is to stay positive. No matter how difficult things may seem at the time, persevere and give it your all, because when it's done, there will likely be a small part of you that misses something about high school, and you really don't want to have any regrets. During tough times, just remember that you're not alone, and every day you get closer and closer to the finish line. Good luck!

SARAH BARBER Conformity has never been something that has appealed to me. Yes, it might be easy to follow the crowd, but why? Everyone is unique; we each have our own path and you should never let the ‘norm’ define you or where you are headed. For 2017, I decided not just to stray from the usual path to university but fly to the opposite side of the world and embark on a Rotary Youth Exchange in Italy – never having spoken a world of Italian in my life!

It was a leap of faith to the say least. I arrived not understanding anything. I was completely reliant on myself and had no idea what awaited me! Now, five months into my exchange and my eyes are now truly open to the beautiful world around us, rich in history, diverse cultures and incredible people. I have been so lucky to visit some of the most extraordinary places in Europe already and indulge in Italian pasta and gelato!

To the Class of 2017 and all girls in maroon: my advice for study is find what works best for you.

In Year 12, I had slightly particular study habits, from sitting on my roof reading notes (to get a different perspective), to explaining to my dog my English theses whilst at the beach every day, and plastering the walls of my house in sticky notes. Really, my friends thought I had gone crazy, but it worked for me. Now, I’m really not recommending scrawling your Biology notes on the walls or climbing on roofs, but find out how you best study and go with it. Make it interesting, try different methods and never be afraid to interrogate teachers with question after question.

Don’t be afraid to be bold and make your own special path, your way.

Il bocca al lupo tutti per 2017! The best of luck for 2017!

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Destinations of the Class of 2016

ALEXANDRA TRAN After graduating from St Mary’s, I am now studying at Murdoch University to become a veterinarian, which is really exciting because it was what I was aiming for during my studies in Years 11 and 12. If any Year 12s are nervous about going to uni, don’t worry. It is a big change at first, but you get the hang of it quickly.

I am really enjoying having more free time and having a more flexible schedule nowadays so I can try new things and relax a bit more after Year 12.

NEW ROLE: C A R E E R A DV I S O R THIS YEAR, MISS JASMINE IASKY HAS BEEN APPOINTED CAREER ADVISOR, A NEWLY CREATED ROLE. SHE HAS COMPLETED A MASTERS IN CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND HAS WORKED IN CAREER EDUCATION FOR OVER TEN YEARS. WE RECOGNISE THAT CAREER DEVELOPMENT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO A PERSON’S WELL-BEING AND SELF-DEVELOPMENT.

A strong career development programme is important in developing strong, independent, happy, resilient young women. If students’ employability and lifelong learning skills are developed from a young age, they are more likely to be more successful in their transition from high school to tertiary education or the world of work.

Career development is not just about what job a person will have when they grow up. It is about developing the whole person and giving that person skills to cope with all facets of their life and this is what we aim to inspire in our students at St Mary’s.

From an individual’s perspective, the key benefits from career development services, such as career counselling, are increased self-awareness and self-confidence and better-informed education and work decisions. As the Career Advisor, Miss Iasky’s goal is to ensure that our students leave school with the confidence, skills and resilience to make positive decisions in their lives.

Students can book appointments with Miss Iasky before or after school, during breaks and in Year 12 during their private study periods. The focus can range from help with gaining work experience, general chats about university and TAFE courses and career choices, to creating individual pathway plans. Hopefully, by providing students the time with a Career Advisor, they can have more opportunities to set goals, explore options and plan for the future.

My advice to the current Year 12s is to work as hard as you can this year to achieve whatever goals you have, because afterwards you’re going to have the best three months of relaxation you’ve ever had in your life that will make it all worth it (it may seem hard to imagine at this point but trust me it will be). However, more important than working hard is maintaining good friendships. I still am really close with friends from school even though we’re not at the same uni; I’ve even become closer to girls I wasn’t really friends with in Year 12. My friends supported me through Year 12, and they are still supporting me through uni, and I’m sure this will be the same for all the current Year 12s. Even if you have no idea what you want or are going to do next year, having friends with you is going to make the journey a fun and undoubtedly hilarious one. I made great memories with these girls at school and have made plenty more new ones after school ended. So I wish all the Year 12s good luck with their studies. Work hard! You’ve got this.

Career exploration can involve exploring the self and the world of work to obtain a better understanding about potential career options. In an era when the world of work places increasing pressure on workers to guide their own careers, we may need more time to prepare our students for this increasingly important life skill. Students develop their interests and values through interaction with family members, teachers, the media and peers, which in turn later have an impact on their broad ideas about work, their career interests, and decisions in later life. The fact that students are influenced so much by their environment and key people in their lives, emphasises the importance of giving them as much opportunity as possible for exploration about career options. The Year 10 Work Experience week can be a valuable opportunity to do this. Other opportunities include the Insight Breakfasts offered to Year 11 and 12 students where an Old Girl informally chats about her work and study experiences. Often guest speakers come to the School from a variety of tertiary education providers, which can be a good opportunity to inspire students to learn more about possible pathways. The Career Information Newsletter is also emailed out fortnightly to students in Years 10 to 12 and available on the Parents’ Portal. This provides important information about upcoming career events which can be useful to students and parents.

Jasmine Iasky Career Advisor

SHAMINI SRINIVASAN This year has been a massive change in lifestyle after leaving high school and entering university. I am currently studying Medical Sciences and Neuroscience at UWA, and I’ve found this first semester to be intense but exciting at the same time. While I cannot say that the workload is light and that first year is a breeze, I can definitely say that choosing to study something that you are interested in and truly enjoy learning about makes all the hard work feel worth it. Whether you’re in Year 7 or Year 12, I would strongly suggest that you put your passions first and pursue the things that make you happy. To all the St Mary’s girls, I hope that this year and all the ones to come are full of great memories and success.

Career Advisor

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F R O M T H E HEAD GIRL WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE HEAD GIRL? I don’t think a day has gone by this year without me being asked this question. To sum it up in a few words, let me just say that it’s exciting, busy, challenging, overwhelming (in the best ways) and so far, has been such an amazing and rewarding experience. Above all else, being elected Head Girl is a huge honour, one that I wouldn’t change for a thing. The support I have from both the staff and the students, especially the Year 12s, is making this year such a memorable one, and is something I’m immensely grateful for.

BEST MEMORIES OF ST MARY’S SO FAR? On my first day of Kindergarten in 2004, I made one of my very first best friends, all because our names both finished with the letter H and we were both wearing the exact same sandals. Whilst I can’t say that I remember this moment specifically, the story itself is one of the favourite memories I have from Junior School.

Out of everything though, I have to say that my most memorable moment of St Mary’s so far would be the Handover Assembly last year.

I have never ever been hugged so much in my life. Sitting in Dannatt Hall as Mrs Thomson was reading out the positions, I started crying, as did most of our year, as our friends’ names were being announced.

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When all the positions but Senior Day Girl and Head Girl had been filled, it left me sitting with one of my best friends of 14 years, Ella, surrounded by empty seats. When Ella was announced as Senior Day Girl, I was so proud and happy for her. I was also shocked and suddenly nervous as it hit me that I was Head Girl and I needed to make an acceptance speech, all whilst shaking and feeling slightly overwhelmed. Luckily, as I looked out, I instantly felt relieved as I noticed more students, from other years, in tears, but mainly because everyone in that hall was smiling and cheering.

I was stunned by how happy everyone was for me and all the other Prefects and Captains. It really reiterated what an amazing community we have here.

MESSAGE TO THE YOUNGER STUDENTS Don’t get too caught up in what everyone around you is doing. Stay true to who you are and be your own person. Most importantly, don’t let other people rent space in your head.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2017?

Leaving my mark on the School community, in whatever capacity that may be, spending my last year of school creating some great memories with my entire year group, and making the most of 2017.

Ashleigh Glover Year 12 Head Girl

L-R: Ashleigh Glover, Louisa Stead and Ella Brockwell-Mole

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BELOW: Kimberley Benjamin, NAIDOC Week guest speaker, and Tenique Bonney

ABOVE: Senior School honouring women for International Women's Day

I N T E G R A L TO S T M A R Y ' S E T H O S I S RESPECT THE RESPECT COMMITTEE IS COMPRISED OF A GROUP OF STUDENTS IN YEAR 12, INTENT ON DOING JUST THAT, SHOWING RESPECT.

Terms 1 and 2 have been eventful for RESPECT. For International Women’s Week, we organised many events honouring women, in particular, our school assembly.

Speaking on the theme “Be Bold for Change”, Hannah Jackson, Claudia Reedy and Ashleigh Glover, at the assembly each shared their different perspectives on gender equality and feminism in our modern world.

Coming out of International Women’s Week, we started to gear up for the annual Mother’s Day Appeal, conducted by our Chapel Prefects, Michaela Savage and Sara Clarke.

It’s not often that we think about it, especially in Year 11 and 12 during the exams-induced tunnel vision that we develop, but the role of a mother in a family environment is one that we do often take for granted. The Mother’s Day Appeal ensures that mothers in struggling rural areas are able to receive thanks for all the hard work they do for their children. As a community, we asked the girls to come in to their Link groups and donate a gift they would want 28

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their mums opening on the morning of May 14, which was very successful. On behalf of the committee, I’d like to say a massive thank-you to all the girls who participated in this.

RESPECT also focused on NAIDOC Week, which is dedicated to showing respect for all members of the indigenous community. The committee organised multiple activities and events during the week, including making reconciliation bracelets in the Library, and chalk drawings of hand prints in the Year 8 Mushroom.

Respect is such an integral value to the St Mary’s ethos, and it’s an honour to be part of a committee dedicated to upholding that value. I highly recommend all Year 11 girls to get involved next year, and girls in any other year group, once they reach Year 12.

Dayle Waddingham Year 12

A R E WA R D I N G EXPERIENCE WE OFTEN TAKE FOR GRANTED THE PRIVILEGE OF COMING HOME TO A COOKED DINNER AND BEING ABLE TO EAT WITH OUR FAMILY. HOWEVER, FOR THE FAMILIES STAYING AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE, THE STRESS OF PREPARING A MEAL CAN OFTEN BE OVERWHELMING DURING THE HARDER TIMES. THE HOME FOR DINNER PROGRAMME INVITES GROUPS TO COOK A THREE-COURSE MEAL FOR THE REGIONAL WA FAMILIES OF SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN STAYING AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE, WITH THE AIM TO KEEP THE FAMILIES CLOSE DURING THEIR TIME OF NEED.

A group of sixteen Year 11 St Mary’s girls were lucky enough to take part in this programme in Term 1 and cater for over 100 people staying there.

After arriving, we had a tour of the ‘home away from home’, and ten of us got our aprons on and began preparing the meals. We cooked multiple entrées, mains and desserts, from chicken and leek pie to steak and salad to chocolate brownies with ice-cream ... and that was only the beginning! It was good to be able to help the families with something as simple as making them dinner, especially through the hardships they were facing.

Meanwhile, the other six girls set up activities for the children: face painting, colouring, craft and games.

The kids loved it, and ended up just painting and drawing on us rather than the paper itself. We served dinner during rush hour, then were able to sit and hear the stories of the families staying there. For some, the stay at Ronald McDonald House lasted only a day; for others, it lasted months at a time.

As sad as it was to see the sick children, it was fulfilling to know that we were able to put a smile on the faces of not only the kids, but the parents too. Overall, this was a very rewarding experience, all whilst doing the least we could to make their lives that little bit easier.

Maddie Scanlon Year 11

L-R: Yasmin Blaxell, Sophie Dwyer and new friend

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AMNESTY I N T E R N AT I O N A L THE ST MARY’S AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CLUB BEGAN IN 2015, AND HAS BEEN GROWING IN NUMBER EVER SINCE. GIRLS FROM ALL YEARS COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS RIGHTS, SIGN PETITIONS AND BRAINSTORM WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MAGNIFICENT WORK OF AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL.

This year, over $3900 was raised at the St Mary’s Got Talent show, with almost $500 coming from the sale of baked goods and drinks served during intermission.

The girls have also designed and sold re-usable coffee cups to raise money, and minimise the output of waste at school. Creative ideas like this allow students with interests in human rights to come together and contribute to the advancement of human rights around the world.

Belinda Beckwith Religious Studies Teacher BACK ROW L-R: Lily Stocks, Sophie Dwyer and Sarah Samnakay FRONT ROW L-R: Rosie Basketter, Eloise McArthur and Ellie Flintoff

Y E A R 10 SLEEP OUT ON FRIDAY 17 MARCH, WHILE MANY WERE OUT CELEBRATING THE LUCK OF THE IRISH ON ST PATRICK’S DAY, 150 YEAR 10 STUDENTS BRAVED THE CRISP CONDITIONS AND SLEPT OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL’S GYM TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS AND MONEY FOR STREET CONNECT.

Street Connect is a youth friendly Anglicare outreach service which aims to provide assistance to homeless youths aged 15 to 25 years. Through the generosity of the school community and the fund-raising of each student, the event raised a staggering $12,000.

The Sleep Out was by far the highlight of Term 1 for the Year 10s. We took to the top court outside Hearn Hall armed with a sleeping bag and a piece of cardboard. We waited to catch a glimpse of what living on the streets might be like and had the chance to listen to real-life stories from the team at Street Connect, led by Esben Kaas-Sorensen.

To hear about children our own age and the circumstances they have endured both at home and on the streets opened our eyes to the difficulties some people face, often through no fault of their own.

Whilst the experience was shocking, it allowed us to appreciate how fortunate we are. Fortunate to have a 30

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warm bed of our own, a home-cooked meal, a loving family, and a supportive learning environment.

The realisation that people our age are doing it tough so close to home, in a country as lucky as Australia, shows that we must never become complacent about these matters. And, as the future leaders of our nation, it is our responsibility to help bring about change.

Thank you to Mr Thompson and all staff who helped organise a night that will have a lifelong impact on many of us.

Angelica Martino Year 10

B O A R D E R S ’ WEEK WHEN MRS CAMPBELL TOLD ME ABOUT THE NEW INITIATIVE OF A BOARDERS’ WEEK I WAS SUPER EXCITED. I THOUGHT THAT IT IS IMPORTANT NOT ONLY TO HAVE THE BOARDERS RECOGNISED IN OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY, BUT ALSO THAT THE BOARDERS THEMSELVES FEEL PRIDE IN BEING A BOARDER. THE WEEK WAS ALSO ABOUT RAISING MONEY FOR THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE, AN ORGANISATION SIGNIFICANT TO MANY BOARDING GIRLS.

We started the week with Cakes from the Country. This involved all the girls cooking over the long weekend in Term 1 and bringing back their delicious homemade goods to be sold to students and teachers. On Wednesday, we competed for the inaugural Boarders versus Day Girls Sports Challenge Trophy. The sport chosen was volleyball. A game for each year group was organised. Sadly, the boarders came second in every year group other than a draw with the Year 8s, but we thought maybe it’s just not a boarder’s sport! That night a group of boarding girls entertained the crowd at the St Mary’s Got Talent Show while the judges were making their decisions. Our choir, conducted by Mrs McGlinn, sang “Consider Yourself” from Oliver, and the audience reported that it was passionately sung.

On Thursday, we were given the opportunity to wear our new boarders’ jumpers to school. During school assembly Sara Clarke and I spoke about Boarders’ Week and the history of boarding at St Mary’s and it filled me with joy to look out and see all the navy of the boarders’ jumpers scattered around the hall.

L-R: Louisa and Susanne Stead

A quiz was created for every Link group to complete, all about the boarding house, and it was fantastic to see all the younger boarders getting to be a part of their Links by finding answers around the boarding house to bring back to school the following day.

The week ended with the boarding house opening up its courtyard gates to the day girls where a sausage sizzle was available for a gold coin donation. It was amazing to see all the girls who came and was lovely to know that they were all supporting this new initiative and now have an understanding of why boarders are so excited for lunch every day. Thanks to Chef Eric and his team; they do a wonderful job all year.

The week was amazing and I was so grateful to be a part of it. A lot of work was put into the week by the boarding captains, staff and Mrs Campbell, who made it all possible.

Louisa Stead Senior Boarder

L-R: Holly Packham and Darcie Westlake

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S T M A R Y ’ S NUMBER 1 THE CROSS COUNTRY TEAM HAVE BEEN TRAINING HARD SINCE TERM 4 LAST YEAR TO PREPARE FOR THE IGSSA COMPETITION WHICH WAS HELD ON FRIDAY 16 JUNE. THE GIRLS BRAVED COLD, EARLY MORNINGS IN THE PURSUIT OF REGAINING THE TITLE OF IGSSA CHAMPION CROSS COUNTRY SCHOOL FOR 2017. THEIR HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION PAID OFF; ST MARY’S WON BACK THE TROPHY BY 39 POINTS, CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY PLC IN SECOND PLACE, AND MLC IN THIRD.

The team showed great signs in the lead-up to the competition, performing extremely well in the WA Champion Schools Cross Country event held in May. St Mary’s was placed first in the Girls 13 and 15-year age groups.

It requires a whole-team effort to win a trophy and not only did the girls perform well, but they were supportive of each other the entire way. We had 63 students involved in IGSSA Cross Country this year and everyone has played an important role in our success.

Well done, girls!

Thank you to Helen Garnett, Julie Garnett and Briony Boultbee for coaching, and Rachel Harwood for assisting in some training sessions.

ABOVE: Caitlin McIlveen (Year 7)

The following students were placed in the top 10 for their year group: YEAR 7 Mikaela Innocent

3rd

Caitlin McIlveen 5th

YEAR 8 Noelle Chitty Lucy Lönnqvist

1st 3rd

Phoebe Jones

6th

YEAR 9 Tahlia Thornton

6th

YEAR 10 Hannah Jones Kate Boultbee

1st 2nd

Nalani Gleeson Jessie Alexander

3rd 10th

YEAR 11 / 12 Melany Smart Abby D’Sylva

1st 4th

Amy Flower

10th

OVERALL RESULTS Year 7 3rd Year 8 1st Year 9 4th L-R: Amy Flower and Abby D’Sylva (Year 11 and 12 Captains)

Year 10 1st Year 11 / 12 1st Overall 1st

Nat Sumner Sports Co-ordinator

A N Y O N E F O R BADMINTON ?

Open to all Senior School students is the Badminton Club. Each Friday from 3.45pm to 5.00pm in Hearn Hall, nationally accredited badminton coach, Alison Courtie, runs the afternoon sessions with me and her exceptionally talented son, Ryan, assisting.

The primary focus of Badminton Club is on fun and enjoyment rather than high-level performance, although the coaching on offer is able to cater to advanced players and Year 12 students studying badminton for WACE exams, as well as casual players 32

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looking to have fun with their friends at the end of the school week.

On Friday 16 June, ten students from Years 9 to 11 went to Kingsway Badminton Centre for the Live Lighter Interschool Badminton Competition. The girls played five qualifying games, with three of our five St Mary’s pairs progressing into the elimination finals!

Kevin McMullan IT Support Officer

CONGRATULATIONS

RECOGNISING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR STUDENTS

Hannah Hopkins

(Year 8) for coming runner-up in the United Nations Voice of Youth Nationals, Junior Division, held in Tasmania over the holidays.

Holly Reid

(Year 11) for being selected for the Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Scholarship.

Charli Oliver

Abby D’Sylva

(Year 12) was awarded the Youth Volunteer of the Year award at the Town of Cambridge Award ceremony.

The Head of Lefroy, Steve Divich, helped Charli initiate the Ronald McDonald community service project with the Year 11s and 12s.

(Year 12) was the fastest female to complete the 4km HBF Run for a Reason and donated her prize money to the Telethon Kids Institute. She ran the HBF Run in support of National Reconciliation Week and hopes her donation will go towards health research, to help Western Australian indigenous children have brighter and healthier futures.

Teale Lyon

(Year 12) for being selected to represent Australia at the 2017 International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) in Belgrade, Serbia this August.

Sophie Robins

(Year 10) for being selected to represent Australia in Judo at the Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas, and at the Oceania Championships in Tonga.

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS SYDNEY Over the long weekend in Term 1, Teale Lyon and I, as Ambassadors for the Search for the Next Tech Girl Superhero, with Mrs Fitzpatrick flew to Sydney to help launch the 2017 competition.

The trip started with a visit to Avanade, an IT Company created by Accenture and Microsoft, where we were able to test out the Microsoft HoloLens, mixed reality smartglasses which offer a unique augmented reality experience. We had an hour conference meeting, where we presented our app journey with Avanade staff collaborating virtually and physically. We also discussed how, as a technology industry, more girls can be encouraged into technology.

We then hurried to the other side of the harbour to Kirribili Club where we presented alongside Kieran Flanagan, The Impossible Institute Chief Creative Officer, and Dr Jenine Beekhuyzen, Tech Girls Movement Chief Executive Officer, to an audience of 80 Vodaphone and Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s employees.

We rushed back to the other side of the harbour to Avanade, where we were invited to attend and present at Avanade’s annual International Women’s Day Gala Dinner. Presenting after Sarah AdamGedge – Managing Director, Avanade Australia, Karen Stocks – Non Executive Director, Netball Australia, Pip Marlow – Chief Executive Officer Strategic Innovation, Suncorp and Rita Arrigo – Chief Digital Advisor, Microsoft, was a daunting job. As we stood up to the podium in front of Avanade’s entire staff and clients, we were nervous, but did our best and were delighted by the response from the audience.

After a long day and night, we were up early the next day, this time visiting Google. We set up our display and began presenting our app and networking with the sponsors and people involved with the Search for the Next Tech Girl Superhero Competition. After presenting, we were offered a delicious lunch which was prepared by some of Google’s very own chefs. The tour of the Google Sydney office that followed was everything you could dream of and more. ‘The library’ included a sleeping pod and hammocks, a games room which has table tennis, eight guitar heroes and more.

This is the place where everyone dreams of working.

The trip offered a great insight as to what it’s like to work in technology and I encourage everyone to try coding and become a ‘techy’ in whatever capacity that could take.

L-R: Teale Lyon with Lee Hamilton, Avanade Melbourne, Service Delivery Manager

HOLOLENS What’s it like to interact with holograms that appear in the world around you? On 28 March, Ben Leane from Perth Avanade gave St Mary’s girls the opportunity to test this out first hand with the Microsoft HoloLens.

Students were able to interact with race cars, 3D robot games, virtual dinosaurs and much more by simply tapping the air around them, which was then detected by sensors in the headgear. Eight Information Technology classes got to learn about the HoloLens and 40 girls got to try this advanced technology which isn’t widely accessible in Australia, and over 250 girls had the opportunity to see it. This was a great opportunity for girls to see the potential of technology into the future.

AN INSIGHTFUL VISIT FROM DR MICHELLE ELLIS On 3 April students had the pleasure of hearing from Dr Michelle Ellis and Claire, a student studying at Edith Cowan University, about jobs in computer and cyber security. Michelle used practical exercises to demonstrate the thinking process involved in these careers. This was a terrific opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the jobs involved with working in technology.

TRAILBLAZING IN TECHNOLOGY Rob Fitzpatrick, Australian Information Industry Association Chief Executive Officer, saw our presentation in Sydney and shared our achievements with the Global Engineering Excellence Centre (GEEC). GEEC then decided to award the Vocabulary Voyagers team (Kira Molloy, Teale Lyon and Delaney Eastabrook) a glass star award for Trailblazing in Technology in the 2017 GEEC Starwards. As part of the ceremony we met with former NASA astronaut, Dr Scott Parazynsk, a veteran of five Space Shuttle flights. He was a truly inspirational speaker and we were privileged to receive such an amazing award.

Our special thanks go to Sandy Abrahams, Sydney Avanade Vice President, Technology Services, who has been an amazing female role model and mentor.

Kira Molloy St Mary’s Technology Captain

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TECHNOLOGY NEWS

VISITING APPLE In early March, I had the privilege of attending a Swift in Education Round Table with Apple, Sydney. The Round Table was an opportunity for a select group of experienced Swift educators to share their knowledge and create a team to help better teach Swift.

Swift is an open source programming language developed by Apple and is currently used to create apps for Apple devices such as iPhones, AppleTVs and Apple Watches. Apple has been producing software and resources for teachers that will enable students to learn Swift in a classroom environment. We have been using Swift in Creating Apps in Years 9 and 10 and this year plan to release an app on the App Store written in Swift (pressure is on now).

The Round Table had ten Australian teachers, who all had the opportunity to discuss the lack of coding skills that many educators have and the challenges for those teachers to effectively cover the Australian Curriculum.

One of the highlights was a FaceTime call to Cupertino (the home of Apple) to talk to three developers working to produce some excellent resources for teachers. They were able to share some great concepts and ideas that Apple are developing and we even got to see the new iPhone 8 (just joking ‌. or am I?).

To finish the Round Table, the St Mary’s Vocabulary Voyagers visited with Mrs Fitzpatrick and Dr Jenine Beekhuyzen, founder of Tech Girls Movement, and spoke about their journey in learning to code and producing their award-winning entry in the Tech Girls are Superheroes Competition. It was a very exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to collaborating with other educators to help develop a wonderful learning experience for our girls.

Dave Brown Technology and Enterprise IT Integrator

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STEM LEARNING

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S T E M AT ST MARY'S AT ST MARY’S, THE JUNIOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM IS FOCUSED ON ACHIEVING A SHARED VISION FOR STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHS). TOGETHER WITH STUDENTS AND TEACHERS, WE ARE COMMITTED TO OUR STEM VISION STATEMENT: “PREPARE OUR GIRLS FOR A COMPLEX, CHALLENGING AND CHANGING WORLD THAT WILL REQUIRE CREATIVE, GLOBAL SOLUTIONS”.

To support this vision statement through to fruition, staff provide all our girls with innovative and authentic opportunities to observe, be immersed in, and develop critical and creative thinking skills across STEM learning areas.

It was with great excitement that staff and students accepted the prestigious Governor's STEM Award for Excellence in Leadership in November 2016. This award celebrated the culmination of innovative teaching and learning programmes that have been phased in over the last five years through explicit planning for Junior School priorities in the areas of Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics.

The award highlighted the team approach from dedicated staff members to plan and deliver STEM learning opportunities from Kindergarten through to Year 6. STEM programmes have become increasingly important as a 'gateway' into future careers. We believe it is vital to engage our students in STEM subjects, equipping them with the necessary learning tools to assist future employment in an ever-evolving workplace.

A key element in winning the Governor’s Award was expressed during one of our Junior School STEM Days, when the judges visited and commented on how all our girls had access to STEM learning and not just a select few. They were extremely impressed to see STEM learning embedded in our ‘everyday’ programmes as part of our normal school day.

Staff and students have worked collaboratively to develop our STEM vision in 2016 and are keen to share this information with other schools through mentoring partnerships in 2017. In Term 1, David Murdoch, Year 5.1 teacher, who has developed excellent technology programmes, visited Cranbrook Primary School to hold professional development workshops for the Cranbrook, Frankland and Tenterden Primary School teachers who were present.

Working towards future STEM initiatives, teachers will continue to be involved in global, professional capital through Harvard University’s Project Zero. Through this professional learning, teachers can access the most current teaching in STEM learning.

To increase our school’s digital ecosystem and heighten learning in STEM areas, we have explored innovative ideas to create blended learning spaces, crafted detailed strategic plans, and planned access to high-quality digital resources to facilitate collaboration and planning. An example of this is our purpose-built science laboratory in the Junior School. This space not only lends itself to a new initiative in 2017 with the Scientist in Residence Programme with Dr Tabitha Yngstrom, but is also ideal for our growing robotics and engineering programmes.

We have an exciting future ahead in STEM areas!

Geraldine Drabble Junior School Deputy Head (Curriculum)

OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Stephanie Armstrong; Poppy Chitty and Isabella Fazio; Valentina Capobianco, Shannen Curtis and Vanessa De Mattia

AC A D E M I C C E N T R E F O R E N R I C H M E N T ( A C E ) NEWS We were fortunate to have Meetal Gandhi, who works with iVicon Australia, speaking to the girls at the beginning of the term. iVicon works directly with HASSE (Houston Association for Space and Science Education) and NASA, providing opportunities for students to visit places like NASA and meet astronauts, scientists and engineers.

Six of our Year 6 students participated in the inaugural Synergy Solar Challenge, a joint initiative between Synergy and the Science Teachers Association of WA. Lastly, 20 Year 5 and 6 students are working hard to finalise their entries for the Cluedunnit Kids Competition run by the Law Society of WA.

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T H E U N L I K E LY DREAM B E C O M E S A REALITY

ABOVE (L-R): Saskia Holloway, Dr Tabitha Yngstrom and Darcy Horwood

ABOVE (L-R): Sophie Carton, Elizabeth Duncan and Dr Tabitha Yngstrom RIGHT (L-R): Charli Slator and Caitlin Lees

STATISTICS AROUND THE WORLD SHOW THAT STUDENTS' INTEREST IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS IS DECLINING. AT ST MARY’S, HOWEVER, WE ARE WORKING HARD TO REVERSE THIS TREND.

Our Scientist in Residence Programme was a new initiative introduced this year. In Term 1, we welcomed Dr Tabitha Yngstrom (Dr Tab) to St Mary’s and every week students from Pre-primary to Year 6 are given the opportunity to put on their lab coats and engage in science and robotics. During these exciting, hands-on lessons, students are encouraged to question, explore, observe and discover, as they use the process of science to learn about their world.

So, what do the students think about this new initiative?

CODING IN PRE-PRIMARY ‘With Dr Tab and Mrs Dingley we programme the Bee Bots to move through the mazes. We write an algorithm and test it with the Bee Bot. If there is something wrong with the code we rub it out and change the algorithm.’ Ashley D’Souza ‘In Dr Tab’s lessons, we work with a partner to make the Bee Bot go left and right and backwards. The lessons are interesting and fun.’ Madeleine Chua INVESTIGATING CHROMATOGRAPHY IN YEAR 2 ‘In Term 1, in Dr Tab’s lessons we experimented with colour. I learnt that colours can be ‘pulled apart’. We experimented with textas and filter paper. We made dots with textas and then we dipped the filter paper into the water. Some colours travelled up the paper faster than others.’ Angelica Katsambanis 38

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EXPLORING ELECTRICITY IN YEAR 5 ‘I love the hands-on experiments we do with Dr Tab, they are so interesting. I stay focused and have learnt a lot about electricity. There are different types of circuits and we even managed to make a fruit and vegetable battery.’ Isabelle McKerracher Professor Ian Chubb (former Chief Scientist of Australia), recently wrote about aspiring to something magnificent with science in Australia. He said: ‘Every primary school ought to have a science teacher with continually updated knowledge.’

This semester, St Mary’s has been fortunate enough to have Dr Tab work closely with staff to plan, design and implement units of work and model science-specific teaching and learning practices in the classroom.

This initiative has been a remarkable success, and Professor Ian Chubb’s dream of having a specialist science teacher in a primary school setting is now a reality at St Mary’s. We are pleased to announce that Dr Tab will be remaining with us in future years. Our girls, under the guidance of Dr Tab and passionate Junior School teachers, will continue to love science.

Helen Shaw Co-ordinator of Teaching and Learning

A SPRING I N T H E I R S T E P A COLD MORNING AT THE START OF TERM 2 GREETED 60 GIRLS FROM YEAR 3 TO 6 AS THEY WAITED FOR THE FIRST JUNIOR SCHOOL RUNNING CLUB SESSION OF THE YEAR. SURROUNDING THEM WERE A DOZEN PARENTS ALSO BRAVING THE COLD FOR SOME EXHILARATING EXERCISE.

Since then, every Tuesday and Thursday, we have set out from the Kindergarten building to complete the 3 km course along paths through the bushland that surround the St Mary’s campus. The beautiful views over the School and out to sea can be enjoyed as we chat with new friends.

The highlight for some girls, especially on the coldest mornings, has been the shared simple breakfast at the end of the run, invariably prepared by a team of parents led by Mrs Dragovic and Mrs Hearn. The chance to stretch, cool down and enjoy some toast and fresh fruit with other runners, rounds out our shared time together.

Watching the girls from many year levels, parents and staff enjoy a shared passion on those mornings provides us all that warm sense of belonging to the lovely community that is St Mary’s.

Rob Freitag Year 4.2 Classroom Teacher

CREATIVITY) T H RO U G H M OV E M E N T AFTER-SCHOOL BALLET GIVES OUR JUNIOR SCHOOL GIRLS A FUN OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY DANCE AND EXPLORE THEIR CREATIVITY THROUGH MOVEMENT. DURING CLASSES, OUR BALLERINAS WORK ON FLEXIBILITY, STRENGTH AND CO-ORDINATION, AS WELL AS LEARNING A SHORT BALLET COMPOSITION WHICH THEY PERFORM FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT THE END OF EACH TERM. THE GIRLS PRACTISE THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BALLET WHICH COMPLEMENT THEIR PE BALLET CLASSES IN TERM 3.

The girls can choose ballet as an elective on a Wednesday for Years 2 to 6, with the older girls staying for an extra half an hour where they can extend themselves on the ballet bar and work on more complex ballet skills.

This term, we are very excited that after-school ballet will also be offered to the Year 1s as ‘Fun Dance’ on a Tuesday afternoon.

Most importantly, after-school ballet is for fun and it is so lovely to see the girls supporting, encouraging and improving together with big smiles on their faces.

Junior School News

39

L-R: Abbey and Kylie Porzig, Tracy and Zoe Hatch, Megan and Anne Musk

T R E AT S A N D SURPRISES THIS SEMESTER, YEAR 1 CELEBRATED MOTHER’S DAY WITH A SOPHISTICATED HIGH TEA IN THE POLSON ROOM. WEARING THEIR PRETTIEST DRESSES, THE EXCITED YEAR 1 GIRLS WERE WELCOMED BY THEIR MUMS WITH WARM HUGS AND BEAMING SMILES. MRS SCANLON AND MISS SANDY WERE ALSO JOINED BY THEIR MUMS, BOTH TEACHERS PROUD TO SHOW OFF THEIR WONDERFUL CLASSES.

Mrs Thomson, Mrs Adams, Mrs Dingley and Reverend Gerry arrived shortly after, and everyone bowed their heads as Reverend Gerry blessed the afternoon’s events.

Mums, their daughters and special guests were treated to delectable treats, including scones, cupcakes and quiches. The Polson Room looked magical, decorated in all shades of pink. The aroma of lemon and peppermint tea filled the room as the girls happily chattered away with their mums.

The boarding house kitchen staff had outdone themselves; the food was delicious and beautifully served.

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Junior School News

In the weeks leading up to the event, the Year 1 girls had been busy crafting their very special and unique gift for their mothers – a clay cupcake made during Art with Mrs McNeil. The cupcakes beautifully adorned the tables, wrapped in cellophane and decorated with a matching pink bow.

As a final surprise, the girls sang a song written especially for the occasion. Love and laughter filled the room as the girls sang just how much they loved their mums. It was a beautiful way to end an afternoon of fun.

S W I M P R O G R A M M E SUCCESS) IT HAS BEEN A BUSY START TO THE YEAR AT OUR SIR THOMAS WARDLE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX. OUR NEW HEAD SWIM COACH, ADRIAN DAVINI, HAS IMPLEMENTED A REWARDING LEARN-TO-SWIM PROGRAMME, COMPETITIVE TRAINING SQUADS, A MASTERS SWIM CLUB, AND NEW JUNIOR SCHOOL AND SENIOR SCHOOL SWIM PROGRAMMES. OUR STUDENTS ARE THOROUGHLY ENJOYING THE NEW SWIMMING INITIATIVE, WHILE INCREASING THEIR FITNESS, HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.

Along with the variety of lessons, the swim programme is designed to help students understand the importance of time management. The coaches teach students how to achieve a healthy lifestyle by recognising the importance of drinking plenty of water, eating healthily and having enough sleep at night.

We have classes and lessons for all ages. If you are wanting to improve your fitness or become a competitive swimmer, head down to the pool to chat to one of our coaches or email Adrian, adavini@stmarys.wa.edu.au

The coaches are also very experienced and AUSTSWIM accredited, providing the highest standard of teaching to ensure that students’ lessons are enjoyable and rewarding.

L-R: Tara Brown (’16) and Chloe Bresland INSET: Amelie Ree

School News

41

ABOVE: Caelan McCuaig

ABOVE (L-R): Jenny Xie, Judy Miao, Sayalee Tak and Amy Lawrance

NEW CAFE S M A F É OUR LATEST REVAMP IN THE SENIOR SCHOOL IS SMAFE – A MOUTH-WATERING HIT FOR BOTH STUDENTS AND STAFF ENJOYING BREAKFAST, RECESS AND LUNCH WITHIN THE NEW SCHOOL CAFE. THE JUNIOR SCHOOL CANTEEN HAS ALSO BEEN REVAMPED WITH THE SAME COLOURS AND GRAPHICS.

SMafé upholds the highest nutritional standards and our new canteen manager, Rebecca Bridges, understands the importance of delivering to students quality fresh food options.

We have two new chefs and a barista, who all offer friendly service and ensure that our staff and students understand nutritional standards and meal preparation. Parents are welcome to pop in for a coffee, and can try any of our yummy meals.

The revamp of both spaces was funded by the St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School Foundation, with a contribution of $400,000.

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School News

(OUT AND ABOUT)

C O U N T R Y G AT H E R I N G S

Our country gatherings are an integral part of the St Mary’s events calendar and are a chance for Lynne Thomson and Tina Campbell to catch up with our current boarding families, Old Girls and future families. During the first half of the year Lynne and Tina have covered thousands of kilometres between them, hosting a variety of events in Broome, Esperance, Goomalling, Kojonup and Kununurra. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

L-R: Jo Hemley and Joy George at Kojonup

L-R: Lynne Thomson and Ros Trezise at Kojonup

L-R: Leonie Bryan and Christine Mincherton at Goomalling

L-R: Stewart, Sue, Mahalia and Harrison Upton at Goomalling

L-R: Shannon Brookes and Felicity Sewell at Goomalling

Out and About

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(OUT AND ABOUT)

M U S I C AT M E T R I C U P ON SATURDAY 25 MARCH, THE HI FIDELITY CHAMBER CHOIR, SENIOR STRINGS, ST MARY’S PIANO TRIO AND ACOS STRING QUARTET TRAVELLED TO METRICUP TO PERFORM AT THE ANNUAL MUSIC AT METRICUP CONCERT.

It was a beautiful afternoon of music which was made even more spectacular in the stunning setting of the St Mary’s Metricup property.

As usual, the students performed brilliantly with the help of our dedicated music staff. We were also treated to a virtuoso performance by our Head of Strings, Mrs Sara Duhig, accompanied by the brilliant piano playing of Ms Emma Petrie.

We are very blessed by the professionalism and talents of our music staff. Many thanks go to members of the Executive (Mrs Lynne Thomson, Mrs Cheryl Haak, Ms Erica Herron and Ms Michelle Houwen) who travelled down to support the students and to be on hand to help with refreshments.

It was wonderful to be able to share the afternoon with the local community, current and former staff, and current and former students and parents.

L-R: Estella Lee, Tara Kukanesan, Grace Fu, Amelia Hurst and Yarra Arnes

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Out and About

L-R: Suki, Kira and Steve Molloy

PA R E N T S ’ SOCIETY IT IS ALWAYS A GOOD START TO THE SCHOOL YEAR WHEN YOU CAN GET TOGETHER WITH PARENTS, NEW AND OLD, AND CELEBRATE THE YEAR AHEAD AT ST MARY’S. THIS YEAR’S SUNDOWNER DID NOT DISAPPOINT! DESPITE THE UNKIND WEATHER, NECESSITATING A QUICK VENUE CHANGE TO HEARN HALL, THE NIGHT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS AND ENJOYED BY ALL WHO ATTENDED.

We sometimes get asked by parents, ‘what does the Parents’ Society actually do?’ As representatives of all parents in the school community, we undertake a number of tasks. We organise the annual Sundowner at the start of each school year; we organise the Careers Night in co-ordination with Hale School on a year-about system; and we manage the voluntary levy funds paid by parents each term. We also provide the opportunity for every eligible family to be part of a lottery draw each term, where two lucky families each win a $1,250 contribution toward a term's school fees.

Our main aim is to provide support to every student through the allocation of funding for equipment or activities that enhance and contribute to the education of our girls. Great care is taken to make sure these funds are allocated evenly across Junior School, Senior School, music, sport, and boarding house projects. Over the past ten years funding has gone towards a huge range of items, from outdoor furniture, interactive whiteboards, library books, rowing machines, treadmills, netball posts, artwork, music room computers, Real Care babies, Year 7 playground equipment, Junior School playground equipment, media equipment, common room sofas, wetsuits, first aid mannequins, microscopes, robotics, a scanner and 3D printer to Boost workshops and

guest speakers. Supporting initiatives in all areas of the School provides all our girls with a truly enhanced educational experience.

In April, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Mrs Thomson as Principal. To mark this very special occasion, on behalf of all families in the school community, the Parents’ Society and St Mary’s Auxiliary presented Mrs Thomson with a beautiful gift of a silk scarf and a pearl bracelet. Our congratulations on achieving this fabulous milestone, Mrs Thomson!

After three years at the helm, Tanya Hazelden has stepped down as our Committee President. She has done an amazing job leading the team, and we would like to thank her for her fantastic contribution to the School community.

This year’s committee has had a busy year so far, and is currently hard at work organising the 2017 Careers Night. The event is being held on Monday 24 July in Dannatt Hall.

If you would like to be part of the Parents’ Society team, we would love to see you at any of our meetings, so please join us.

Eric Martino President

ABOVE: Over the past ten years, funding from the Parents’ Society has gone towards a huge range of items, including media equipment.

Parents' Society

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S T M A R Y ' S AUXILIARY GOODNESS GRACIOUS, 2017! WHAT WILL THIS YEAR BRING? AS WITH EVERY YEAR AT ST MARY’S MANY EXCITING, FULFILLING, CHALLENGING AND SUCCESSFUL EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE FOR ALL OUR FAMILIES.

The St Mary’s Auxiliary looks forward to supporting and encouraging all our parents who have so kindly and a few, quite bravely, volunteered to lead their respective daughters’ year groups. Our class representatives keep the community spirit of St Mary’s alive and flourishing.

The varied social engagements they have and are planning are sounding terrific, from parent city pub tours and cooking classes to foot golf to name just a few.

I am personally proud that coffee mornings and lunches have continued to be organised in our Scarborough area, supporting our neighbouring community as they struggle through the disruption of the redevelopment of the Scarborough foreshore.

Thank you to those who have attended and will be attending these functions. I must say 2017 is shaping to be the year for Mother and Daughter High Teas!

The St Mary’s Auxiliary fund-raising events will continue this year, with the Luncheon in late August (our main event) and the supply and serving of refreshments at interhouse carnivals. We are also trying some new fund-raising events, one being the Hot Cross Bun Drive we had at the end of Term 1.

Thank you to Hayley Horwood for getting this off the ground, and to the many families that supported this venture. We are also in the early stages of organising a Scitech family evening.

The funds raised throughout the year are used to help purchase school requests, such as playground

equipment, library facilities and music bursaries that assist several students to further their musical talents.

If you would like to hear about and contribute to our other ideas, please attend our meetings in Week 3 and Week 7 every term. I encourage and welcome all parents to attend these meetings when they can.

As of 2013 the Auxiliary has had the pleasure of awarding a Year 11 and a Year 10 student with Speech Night Memorial Prizes, recognising their service to the School and wider community. Our 2016 recipients were Michaela Savage, honouring Bonnie Barnes, and Charlie Quarrell, honouring Marney Penn.

Congratulations to these girls.

On behalf of the St Mary’s Auxiliary, I thank Dawn Rudduck and Jill Charlish for their time and valued commitment over the years on the committee.

They have been recognised with honourary Life Memberships of the St Mary’s Auxiliary. Also, a thankyou to Angie Powell, for her time and leadership as the President of the Auxiliary for the past two years. My final note is to congratulate Mrs Lynne Thomson on her exemplary 20 years dedicated service as the Principal of St Mary’s. We appreciate all she has achieved for the School, for the staff and for the many girls who have worn the maroon uniform.

Daina De Mattia President of St Mary’s Auxiliary

L-R: Lily and Emma Roberts, Olivia and Andrea Kenny, Cynthia and Melanie Suffell

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St Mary's Auxiliary

OLD GIRLS’ PRESIDENT’S REPORT OLD GIRLS’ DAY WAS HELD ON 18 MARCH. IT WAS A LOVELY DAY WITH SCHOOL TOURS, A CHAPEL SERVICE AND LUNCH IN THE POLSON ROOM. DURING LUNCH, IT WAS MY PLEASURE TO FORMALLY GIFT A BABY GRAND PIANO ON BEHALF OF OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE GENEROUS DONORS FROM OUR ST MARY’S COMMUNITY TO THE 95TH BIRTHDAY ANNUAL GIVING APPEAL, TO COMMEMORATE THE SCHOOL’S 95TH BIRTHDAY. THE PIANO WAS BLESSED BY THE REVEREND CANON GERRY AND IT WAS WONDERFUL TO EXPERIENCE THE FIRST PERFORMANCES ON THE PIANO BY ST MARY’S YEAR 12 MUSICIANS. CHRISTINA KATSIMBARDIS (’98) ALSO PERFORMED A BEAUTIFUL BACH PIECE ON THE VIOLIN FOR GUESTS.

I am extremely pleased to share with you all that the first Annual Giving Scholar joined St Mary’s in Year 10 this year, and we look forward to welcoming her as a member of our Association in 2019. These means-tested scholarships are solely funded by the generosity of donors to the Annual Giving Scholarship Fund. I thank all Old Girls who have made donations in the past and urge others to consider it in the future. The 2017 Annual Giving Appeal has just been launched; if you would like to find out how you can be involved, please contact the School.

The Old Girls’ Association recently held their Annual General Meeting and I congratulate and thank all the Committee Members who have been re-elected and welcome new Committee Members. The Association could not operate with the efforts of all those who freely give of their time.

Amy Dawson (Fraser ’94) President of the Old Girls’ Association

ABOVE: St Mary's students enjoying the gift of a baby grand piano

THE OGA COMMITTEE FOR 2017 President and Board of Amy Dawson (Fraser ’94) Governors Representative Vice President Jane Crisp (Cyprian ’81) Secretary Peta-Jane Secrett (Hogg ’98) Treasurer and St Mary's Bree Rosagro (Buxton ’98) Foundation Representative Chapel Liaison Margaret Jago (Parker ’72) Events Co-ordinator Katy Keddie (Knowles ’94) Membership Officer and Shelley Civitico Memorabilia Sales (Robson ’73)

Parents’ Society Julie O'Meara (Grose ’81) and St Mary's Auxiliary Representative Communications and Andrea Sassella (’98) Special Projects Committee Members Necia Drazevic (Moffet ’87) Christine HamiltonPrime (’08) Sandi Holborn (Della-Posta ’92) Hannah Jago (’07) Julie Martin (Huxtable ’73) Reverend Joyce Polson

Old Girls’ President’s Report

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CLASS OF 1997 FRONT ROW L-R: Michelle Moss (’97), Brooke Ewers (Eaton ’97), Alison O’Connor (Fair ’97), Kristy Dunlop (Davies ’97) and Tammie Wong (’97) BACK ROW L-R: Kate Harper (Roworth ’97), Leanne Bockett (Pearson ’97), Katou Rigg (’97) and Kym McDonald (Denison ’97)

L-R: Jill Williams (Arnold ’57) and Ann Harper (’57)

OLD GIRLS’ DAY 2017 A LITTLE BIT OF RAIN DIDN’T STOP OUR ALUMNAE’S ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE BACK TO THEIR OLD SCHOOL TO CELEBRATE ALL THINGS MAROON AT OLD GIRLS’ DAY 2017. OLD GIRLS FROM 1957 THROUGH TO 2007 ENJOYED A FABULOUS DAY FILLED WITH LIVELY CHATTER AND LAUGHTER. TO BEGIN THE DAY, THEY WERE SENT ON TOURS OF THE SCHOOL TO SEE WHAT HAS CHANGED AND WHAT HAS REMAINED THE SAME. HOWEVER, THERE WAS SOME ‘GRUMBLING’ OVER THE FACILITIES THE GIRLS NOW ENJOY, ESPECIALLY THE NEWLY REFURBISHED CANTEEN, SMAFÉ, AND THE MENU NOW ON OFFER.

Over a delicious lunch, provided by the boarding house kitchen, guests were treated to a very special performance from some of St Mary’s Year 12 musicians accompanied on our new baby grand piano. The piano has been generously provided through donations from our St Mary’s community to the 95th Birthday Annual Giving Appeal and the Old Girls’ Association. Guests were also spoilt with a performance of Bach from Old Girl, Christina Katsimbardis (’98) on violin.

It was lovely to share in the delights of the day, especially with our Classes of 1957, 1967, 1977 and 1997, who were all celebrating significant milestone anniversaries at the event. We hope to see you all next year at Old Girls’ Day.

ABOVE: Class of 1997 bell ringer, Katou Rigg

(UPCOMING E V E N T S CLASS OF 1997 REUNION Saturday 23 September 2017 Please contact Sarah Moore (Davies ’97) on email sjdavies80@gmail.com for further information.

TENNIS This year’s hotly contested Pleiades Tennis Tournament was hosted by Perth College at Reabold Hill in March.

Even though our St Mary’s team didn’t win they enjoyed a great day of fun and fellowship with some good tennis played. Well done to our team and thank you for participating. If you would like to join next year’s team please contact Jane Crisp (Cyprian ’81) via email janecrisp@iinet.net.au 48

Old Girls’ News and Events

FLEURS DE LIS MORNING TEA (FOR LEAVERS PRIOR TO 1965) Wednesday 15 November 2017 For more information please contact us on email oga@stmarys.wa.edu.au

C L A S S REUNIONS)

So far this year, we have celebrated a number of significant Class Reunions. Our Old Girls from the Class of 1967 celebrated their 50th Anniversary since leaving school, Class of 1977 celebrated 40 years, Class of 1987 celebrated 30 years and Class of 2007 celebrated 10 years.

CLASS OF 1967

CLASS OF 1977 Photo courtesy of Naureen Taylor

CLASS OF 1987 Photo courtesy of Sharon Smith

CLASS OF 2007

SYDNEY CATCH-UP Mrs Thomson enjoyed a very impromptu catch-up with our Sydney-based Old Girls during April.

L-R: Alyssa Leng (’15), Candice Parsons (’16), Sabrina Koentgen (’16), Crystalle Parsons (’15), Maya Koentgen (’14) and Sally van der Linden (’09) at the RAC Club Sydney.

LONDON REUNION The London Reunion is a highlight on our Old Girls’ calendar. Not only is it a chance to catch up with our Old Girls who now call London and the UK home, but also to connect with those who have just relocated to the bustling city.

L-R: Stephanie Barnes (’05), Rebecca Mason (’00) and Joanna Potter (’00)

L-R: Hannah Walker (’16), Shaheena Nathani (’09) and Chaya Adams (’00)

Old Girls’ News and Events

49

LIFE AFTER S T M A R Y ’ S IN THIS DAY AND AGE, WELL-BEING HAS BECOME A CRUCIAL ELEMENT OF OUR BUSY LIVES, WHETHER IT BE MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL. WE ARE CONSTANTLY REMINDED ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF WELL-BEING AND FINDING THAT RIGHT BALANCE. THE OLD GIRLS’ PROFILES HAVE TAKEN A DIFFERENT SLANT ON OUR THEME FOR THIS ISSUE. WE LOOKED AT OLD GIRLS WHO HAVE VENTURED INTO DIFFERENT STREAMS OF WELL-BEING AS THE BASIS OF THEIR CAREERS. WE HEAR FROM FOUR OLD GIRLS WHO ARE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE THEME OF WELLBEING IN THEIR WORK.

SONYA DOUGLAS (’84) My career as an Accredited Practising Dietitian has taken me on a journey of personal and professional growth that has been the best decision of my life. Graduating in 1984 from St Mary’s was a time of indecision and uncertainty in terms of forging a career path. I started with an interest in and respect for the human body, coupled with an above average performance in maths and chemistry. Understanding the prerequisites for these subjects for university entry into a career in health was what I started with. The decision about which area I loved was not initially obvious, although topping the class in Food and Nutrition throughout high school should have been the sign. I decided to study at UWA which, when I reflect back, was influenced by my friends who chose to study at this more prestigious campus, albeit the majority in economics and commerce. Attending most lectures with no familiar faces, after graduating from my very protected private girls’ school education, I felt lonely and isolated.

After completing my first year in a Bachelor of Arts course, with a science focus, I came to realise that I needed to graduate from a course that gave me a specific versus generalist title as a health professional. I decided to transfer to Curtin University the following year to enrol in the three-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Nutrition and Food Science) where I graduated as a nutritionist. I then completed the Graduate Diploma in Dietetics which entitled me to work as a clinical dietitian in a hospital setting. From graduation in 1989 I never looked back. In a tough economic market, very similar to now, I was very fortunate to secure one of two jobs in Perth as a clinical dietitian at Hollywood

Repatriation Hospital where I worked for two and a half years. I then resigned and established my own private practice, Dietwise Nutrition Clinics and opened up four clinics across Perth, employing five dietitians after three years.

A degree in nutrition has afforded me amazing and diverse opportunities — FIFO offshore worksite health programmes, corporate nutrition, preparing residential aged-care facilities for accreditation, providing telephone consultations nationally for AIA Insurance, lecturing at Curtin University on private practice, talks to sports teams, radio interviewing, blog contributions, senior clinical supervisor and mentor to students and new graduates, consultant to the Mental Health Unit at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, and consultant to hospitality and catering companies. I most recently secured the position as job share, Head of Department at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

If you have a love of food and a strong background in science, and wish to inspire and counsel individuals to optimise health outcomes and prevent or manage nutrition-related disease, becoming an Accredited Practicing Dietitian is the job that has fulfilled and exceeded my dreams.

SARAH CURLEWIS (’07) After school I knew exactly what I didn’t want to do, but it took me many years to figure out the pathway I would eventually follow. As a Year 12 St Mary’s girl, I loved my sciences and sports, and had a keen interest in the human body.

Physiotherapy seemed like the obvious choice and I completed my degree at Notre Dame University in 2011. After graduating, I gained some experience working as a physiotherapist at Joondalup Health Campus, rotating through all areas of physiotherapy. I had a strong desire to practise overseas and I decided to move to London in 2014 where I worked in hospitals throughout the private system and the NHS. It was here that I became most drawn to orthopaedics and surgery.

I currently work for Stryker as an Associate Territory Manager in orthopaedics and robotic surgery. Stryker is one of the largest medical device companies in the world and they supply many types of medical equipment and prostheses globally.

The learning curve since joining Stryker has been astronomical and I have enjoyed this incredible opportunity. I have been taught the surgical techniques required for our knee and hip replacement systems to enable me to consult with surgeons in theatre. We provide training and hands-on surgical workshops to nurses, surgeons and registrars on how our instrumentation and systems work so they can confidently use them in the operating theatre.

My usual week involves booking the correct instruments and implants for surgical cases and travelling to different hospitals throughout the day for joint replacements. Many surgeries are performed as robotic or computer-navigated

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Life After St Mary’s

LINDSAY GREEN (’07) 1% inspiration, 99% persistence My journey into Medicine has been anything but conventional. I was far from the brightest at school but I had a dream, and a goal, and that was to become a medical doctor. Unable to gain entry after school I undertook a science degree at UWA where I made incredible friends and had some wonderful experiences. Following my science degree, I still wasn’t able to crack the dreaded GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test), but remained focused on my goal. I took the year off to travel and work and to devise a new plan of attack. I arrived home, after forming lifelong friendships and memories in Europe, with an open mind. My mum and sister (Tarryn, Class of 2009) had both studied nursing and during a dinner one night, convinced me that nursing was the way to go to

vulnerable times of their lives was truly special and I learnt many life lessons from these tasks.

a) try again to get into medical school, and b) at least have a profession under my belt.

My advice to current students is, if you have an idea, a goal, a dream, do not give up on it. Persistence is the key to achieving it. There were many times on my journey where I could see people were not convinced I would ever achieve my goal. I saved their comments and facial expressions in my memory and used them as fuel to work harder.

At first I was apprehensive as I wasn’t able to picture myself doing some of the things the two of them had done through their training. Nevertheless, I bit the bullet and enrolled in a nursing degree at Edith Cowan University.

The first semester flew past and soon I was wearing my ECU nurses uniform and tackling the wards. On our first practical placement, we were only allowed to shower patients, make their beds and provide care for them. In hindsight, these times were without doubt some of the most difficult, but also the most rewarding, humbling and educational. Having people trust you to look after them at one of the most

Fast forward four years later and I am currently living my dream. I am finally a student doctor and based in Bunbury for the year with the Rural Clinical School and loving each and every minute of my experience. The people I have met and been fortunate enough to work with, the patients I have listened to and examined, and the stories I have heard have been invaluable. I cannot praise my nursing experience highly enough for the skills I gained, both clinically and interpersonally.

The future ahead for me is extremely exciting. I will graduate at the end of next year after (hopefully) completing my overseas medical elective in the Swedish Lapland, and begin work as a junior doctor in 2019. As for specialising, given my current experience of country WA, my thoughts are to maybe become a rural specialist, complete my private pilot licence and travel to remote sites around Australia, doing what I love!

SIOBHAN WILKINS (’10) When I left St Mary’s I went straight to university and started a Bachelor of Science majoring in Occupational Therapy (OT). I chose to study OT purely by chance, because up until I put in my preferences in Year 12, I had always wanted to be a dietitian. I actually changed my preferences at the last minute and had to wait for second round offers! Although I wouldn’t recommend this option, as it made me incredibly nervous, at the same time, however, it made me want to study OT that much more.

That four-year journey took me to a lot of wonderful places and I found that I have a passion for working with people. Over the course of my degree, I worked with people of all ages from young children with autism to elderly people with dementia. During this time I also so I control the computer within surgery which provides the surgeon with live details on how much bone they may be resecting and on what angles they may be cutting. Robotic surgery allows the surgeon to pre-operatively and intraoperatively plan where to place the implants and I collaborate with the surgeon to achieve the correct placement and alignment through our computer systems.

In the time I have worked for Stryker I have been lucky enough to travel for work within Australia and overseas. A highlight for me has been becoming involved in robotic partial knee replacements for which I attended a training course in Florida last year. I will be attending again for the total knee application in April.

When I reflect on my time back at St Mary’s, I never could have imagined that I would be where I am now. I find it very rewarding knowing that I have an impact on streamlining the surgical process and optimising patient outcomes. Always chase what excites you. This is something I learnt at St Mary’s all those years ago.

started volunteering as a swimming coach with an organisation called Special Olympics WA, which supports people living with intellectual disabilities.

Once I had finished my degree, I jumped on a plane and travelled to America, because I had always wanted to go to Disneyland! When I got back, I applied for a few jobs and by the end of January the following year I had scored myself a job at Alzheimer's WA. I never imagined the learning curve or the wonderful opportunities that I would come across when I finally started working. Within the first few months of working full time, I had not only taken on a full caseload of 60 clients, but I had also spoken at the Alzheimer’s Disease International Conference. Nothing could have prepared me for presenting in front of a room of 100 people from across the health care sector.

Working for Alzheimer’s WA for the last two and a half years, I have met some incredible people from all walks of life and I’ve been amazed by the courage and compassion of my clients. This is something that I will always keep with me and one of the things that I hope other people take with them when they start work. People are incredible and my mantra in life is “never give up”. Fill your life with work that you enjoy and focus on the things that you are passionate about and if you get to the end of school but you’re not sure what to do - give things a go! Apply for jobs while you study, volunteer and do what makes you happy.

Life After St Mary’s

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CONGRATULATIONS

T O T H E 2 01 7 O L D G I R L S C H O L A R S THE ST MARY’S COMMUNITY PROVIDES AN AMAZING SUPPORT NETWORK FOR OUR GIRLS, NOT ONLY WHEN THEY ARE IN OUR CARE AS STUDENTS BUT ALSO AFTER THEY HAVE GRADUATED. THIS SUPPORT TAKES MANY FORMS, BUT AN IMPORTANT AND INSPIRING PART OF THIS IS THE MANY SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO OLD GIRLS WHO HAVE EMBARKED ON A RANGE OF DISCIPLINES AT UNIVERSITY. A NUMBER OF THESE SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE BEEN MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF OLD GIRLS WHO HAVE MADE A GIFT IN THEIR WILL TO ST MARY’S. OTHER AWARDS ARE FUNDED BY OTHER MEMBERS OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY, BUT ALL RECOGNISE AND REWARD THE ACADEMIC EFFORT AND COMMUNITY WORK OF OUR OLD GIRLS.

Congratulations to the 2017 Old Girl Scholarship winners.

FAY BAILEY SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND LAW

BONNY MILNE SCHOLARSHIP FOR MEDICINE

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: yy Kayleigh McKeith (’13)

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS: yy Gemma Jongeling (’13) yy Shilpa Rath (’13) yy Lianne Leung (’13) BURSARY RECIPIENTS: yy Sara Catto (’12) yy Lauren Taylor (’12) yy Lauren Masi (’13) yy Rikki Thorne (’12) yy Megan Neo (’14) DEBORAH COOK SCHOLARSHIP FOR NURSING yy Sarah Coopes (’15) ESMEE BYATT SCHOLARSHIP FOR MEDICINE yy Michelle Sherwood (’12) yy Shanti Srinivasan (’12)

LAST YEAR GEORGIA LEWIS (’12) WAS AWARDED THE HELEN JUDGE ART AWARD AND TESS HOOPER (’07) WAS AWARDED A BURSARY FROM THE BONNY MILNE SCHOLARSHIP FOR MEDICINE. HERE THEY SHARE THEIR THANKS TO THE GENEROUS ST MARY’S COMMUNITY AND THEIR PLANS FOR THE AWARDS.

GEORGIA LEWIS (’12) The scholarships offered to Old Girls speak to the wonderfully supportive St Mary’s community of alumnae. As it is very difficult to source funding in the competitive field of fine art, the Helen Judge Art Award offers a unique and special opportunity. I am working towards a career in art business and dedicated 2016 to creating a deeper understanding of the art market and art history through immersive experiences.

I spent the year studying at Trinity College Dublin, an opportunity that has helped me explore my love for Irish Insular art. In addition, I attended an intensive study programme at Sotheby's Institute of Art, London, to gain an understanding of the world of art business. During my summer break I took courses at Chelsea College of Arts, London, participated in art conservation and restoration projects in Italy, and attended a German art history course in Berlin. I feel very fortunate and grateful to be the recipient of this award, as it has helped to make these inspiring experiences possible.

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BURSARY RECIPIENT: yy Madeleine McKenzie (’14) HELEN JUDGE ART AWARD yy Tarin Porter (’15) The Fay Bailey Scholarships, Esmee Byatt Scholarship and Deborah Cook Scholarship were established thanks to gifts left to St Mary's in the wills of these Old Girls and have benefited over 68 Old Girls in the last 12 years. The School and the scholarship recipients remain sincerely grateful to them for their generosity. Bequests have made an impact on all areas of school life at St Mary’s. If you would like to find out more about making a bequest to St Mary’s, please contact Linzey Allinson, Community Relations Manager on (08) 9341 9120.

TESS HOOPER (’07) In November last year, I packed my stethoscope in my backpack and embarked on a journey to volunteer in a medical clinic for disadvantaged people in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. As a first year medical student with little clinical experience, I was nervous about what I would encounter, but I had no idea that this trip would be the most eye-opening, heart-warming and unforgettable experience of my life. I travelled with four other Notre Dame medical students from our student-run organisation, Volunteer Vietnam.

We spent the year fund-raising and gathering muchneeded medical supplies to take with us. We proudly donated $5000 cash and 115 kilos of medical supplies to the underfunded clinic, located on the outskirts of HCMC, run by Dr Phan and Dr Huong. The clinic provides free health care to the most underprivileged and marginalised members of society who cannot seek or afford treatment elsewhere, most notably HIV/AIDS sufferers. Through my time in Vietnam, I have not only gained an incredible amount of clinical knowledge, but I have also met people whose selflessness has humbled me and whose stories will stay with me forever. My participation in this programme would not have been possible without the assistance of a Bursary from the Bonny Milne Scholarship for Medicine. As a proud Old Girl, I am extremely grateful to the donor and the St Mary’s community for the opportunities their generosity has afforded me.

Old Girls Benefit from St Mary's Community

NEWS F R O M O L D G I R L S Sandra Arnold (’76) worked as a teacher in the Northern Territory and Queensland for 11 years before returning to Perth in 1990. She then re-trained as a remedial massage therapist which has been her profession for the last 20 years.

Corene Baird (’88) became engaged to Alwyn Coetzer on New Year’s Eve. They are looking at getting married in early December this year.

Congratulations!

Vanessa Watson (Bell ’88) commenced her nursing degree and then went to work in London for a few years before returning to Perth to complete her university qualification. In 1995 she married Brad Watson and worked for many years at Hollywood Private Hospital before leaving to have their long awaited, but premature, twins in 2001 (a girl, Eloise and a boy, Hamish). Vanessa returned to nursing when

the twins were three years old and worked on the Urogynaecological ward for five years. A chronic pain condition forced her to cease her work on the ward.

It was this condition that led her to become involved in public speaking at nurses conferences and pain symposiums, being interviewed on Radio National 'Life Matters' programme, working for the Arthritis Foundation, and talking to health professionals about what it is like to live with constant pain. Vanessa also runs a support group for sufferers of pelvic pain at King Edward Memorial Hospital and does a lot of telephone counselling. She is about to travel to Sydney for her third operation and although she is unable to nurse any longer, has found her niche in community work. She is currently Vice President of GAIN - Gynaecological Awareness & Information Network.

After leaving school, Jonelle Northen (Ahmat ’90) attended university and completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Health Promotion). She married Glenn Northen in 2003 and they welcomed their first child, Chloe, the following year. Their second daughter, Yasmin, was born in 2007 and later a son, Cameron, born in 2008, completed their family. Jonelle is kept busy being a full-time mum and assisting Glenn with his business.

Kristin Ryan (Reading ’98) married Regan Ryan on a very rainy October day in 2016 at the Royal Melbourne Squadron Yacht Club in St Kilda, Victoria. There were 10 Old Girls of St Mary's in attendance.

Congratulations, Kristin and Regan!

L-R: Boey-Leng Loy ('98), Chelsea Norman (Palasin '98), Christina Katsimbardis ('98), Jacqueline Flanders (Thomas '92), Kristin Ryan (Reading '98), Regan Ryan, Susan Pagano (Pellizzari '96), Julie Johnston (Pellizzari '94), Elizabeth Taylor ('03), Janelle Biagi (Nathan '96). Missing from photo is Nicole James (Heales '98)

News from Old Girls

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Rebecca Mason (’00) has recently moved to London to start work as Legal Counsel for The Guardian.

Jemima Rose Dean (’07) has been working as a ballet dancer in Europe for the past six years. She worked for a few years in Munich with the Bavarian State Ballet and is now working in Berlin at the Friedrichstadt-Palast. Jemima is currently performing in "The One Grand Show" which has costumes designed by Jean Paul Gaultier; she performs in six to eight shows a week.

Emily Howe (Joseph ’06) and her husband are pleased to announce the arrival of their little girl, Zoey Leah Howe born 28 December 2016.

ABOVE: Arianne Jacobs (’12)

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News from Old Girls

Arianne Jacobs (’12) was the winner of UWA School of Music's most prestigious prize, The VOSE Memorial Prize, in 2016. Many students compete in the first round of selections, and then three are selected for the VOSE finals held at the Perth Concert Hall in October. The exceptional ability of these young emerging artists is celebrated, with each performer playing a concerto movement accompanied by the UWA symphony orchestra.

Arianne performed the 4th movement of the Elgar Cello Concerto. Congratulations, Arianne!

Natasha Harrison (’11) recently graduated from UWA with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in zoology. Natasha is spending the next 12 months working as a research assistant for Cambridge University at their Kalahari Research Centre, in the Kalahari Desert in northern South Africa. She is specifically studying the societal behavior of meerkats.

Madeleine McKenzie (’14) has recently become the youngest female telescope operator at the Perth Observatory.

She is passionate about sharing her love of the universe with members of the public during the Night Sky Tours run by the observatory and would like to encourage more young women to pursue careers in STEM subjects. She is currently studying physics and computer science at UWA, and hopes to work in the field of astrophysics once she completes her postgraduate degree.

In January, Sophie Barclay (’14) began a three-month internship in the office of U.S. Congressman, Peter Roskam. She was one of 23 Australians to take part in the Washington D.C. Placement Programme, offered by the University of Western Australia and the University of Sydney.

As an intern, Sophie was mainly responsible for answering phones and providing tours of Capitol Hill to constituents. However, she was also given the opportunity to work with the House Democracy Partnership, a bipartisan commission that supports emerging democracies around the world. She assisted with briefing some members of Congress for their February trip to several countries, including Sri Lanka and Kosovo. As a result of her internship, Sophie met many different politicians, including Marco Rubio, one of the Republican presidential candidates, and Joe Hockey, the former Treasurer and now Australian Ambassador to the U.S. She was also able to attend the controversial Senate confirmation of President Trump’s Education Secretary, the first time in the nation’s history where a vice president had to resolve a tie on a cabinet nomination.

Tallulah Chong (’16) was awarded the prestigious Willetton Parish Scholarship from the University of Notre Dame Australia, at the University’s annual Awards Evening held at the Fremantle Campus on Thursday 23 March 2017.

The scholarship, donated by the Willetton Parish, aims to provide a student in the School of Arts and Sciences with a Catholic university experience that will challenge them to make the world a better place. Tallulah received the scholarship in recognition of her outstanding achievements in Year 12 at St Mary’s. She is studying a double degree in Bachelor of Communications and Media, and a Bachelor of Arts.

News from Old Girls

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A R C H I VA L A N E C D O T E S

SPACE, LIGHT AND ORDER)

UPON FLICKING THROUGH MY RECENT RAC MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE I CAME UPON AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF DRIVERLESS OR AUTONOMOUS BUSES IN PERTH CITY. AFTER PROCLAIMING, ‘YOU WOULD NEVER SEE ME IN ONE OF THOSE’, I REALISED HOW OLD I WAS SOUNDING, AND DECIDED IT WOULD BE LIKE STEPPING INTO A 1960S SCIENCE FICTION NOVEL AND I SHOULD GIVE IT A TRY. HAVING WALKED OR CAUGHT BUSES TO SCHOOL, AND USED HARBOUR FERRIES, TRAINS AND CARS TO GET TO UNIVERSITY AND WORK, I THOUGHT I HAD USED MOST MEANS OF TRANSPORT IN MY LIFE. HOWEVER, I HAD NEVER TAKEN THE BLACK TAXIS OR THE ELECTRIC TRAMS USED BY THE ST MARY’S GIRLS AT THE COLIN STREET WEST PERTH SCHOOL. I HAD CAUGHT TRAMS IN MELBOURNE CITY AND WONDERED WHY THEY HAD EVER LEFT PERTH?

The electric tram service had started in Perth in 1899 and was an excellent way for St Mary’s girls to get to and from school, coming from East Perth, along Hay Street to Thomas Street in West Perth. There were later turnarounds at Kings Park and routes to Subiaco, Nedlands, Claremont, Wembley, North Perth, Mount Lawley, Victoria Park, Maylands, Inglewood, Osborne Park and Como. The staff and students also used the trams to attend sporting events, for shopping and going to cultural occasions. However, by 1958 the trams had been phased out by road buses, and with greater ownership of personal cars, the School introduced the ‘taxi-to-school’ service. The Board of Governors Minutes of 1965 state, ‘A taxi service was begun in 1958 to help with the building up of a Junior School, most of the girls coming from the area near the proposed new site for St Mary’s at Karrinyup’. The taxi service was run by Swan Taxis, with black taxis driven by drivers in white uniform coats. The fares were paid by the parents and subsidised by the School, but after a number of years and conducting a parent survey, the service was ended in second term of 1969.

The boarding house and some of the classrooms were not completed at Karrinyup until 1970, so the boarders, various day students and teaching staff would travel by bus to and from Karrinyup daily.

According to memories of Old Girls, the journey would last about half an hour. Remembering that

ABOVE: The school bus from City Beach 1972

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Archival Anecdotes

the beginning of the Mitchell Freeway was being constructed at the time and the Narrows Bridge had only opened in November of 1959, it was a winding, slow ride. An Old Girl recalls her memories of the bus rides to Karrinyup.

My most vivid memory of my first years at St Mary’s is the bus trip we boarders had to endure back and forth between West Perth and Karrinyup each day. As all country girls know, we had spent our entire school life travelling on buses to and from home and school.

I thought once I was in Perth at boarding school there would be no more buses. Guess what? St Mary’s was a split school and bus travel still continued!

The Metropolitan Transport Trust ran a school bus service to the Karrinyup campus from 1966 onwards, and the girls have been using ‘shanks’s pony’ or walking, cycling, and riding in cars and buses ever since. The cycle path running across the front of the School on Elliott Road, the closeness to the beach, the surrounding natural bush and the large, gardened campus have made for a very healthy physical environment. The original architectural plan of the School by Margaret Feilman and Associates in 1963/64, with separate open courtyards and retention

ABOVE: Overcrowded bus trip home to the West Perth School for the boarders after Speech Night 1969, from Jenny Pitman (Griffin '70)

ABOVE: The Swan Taxis 'Taxi-to-school' service 1958 - 1969

of large trees and landscape contours, has also allowed for a modern, flourishing campus to develop. The large ovals and sporting grounds, the opening of the Sir Thomas Wardle Swimming Pool Complex in 1970, the construction of Dannatt Hall in 1978 and Hearn Hall in 2011, have also allowed for sport and physical activity to flourish at the School.

We are not quite sure what Sir Ebenezer Howard would have prescribed for ‘the garden city movement’ in the late 19th century, but I believe St Mary’s has come close, with the health and happiness of the staff and students in mind at all times since the School’s inception in 1921. When the Principal, Mrs Theresa Macdonald declared in 1964, ‘We must have space to grow, room to breathe, light and sunshine for full growth’, referring to the need to move from Colin Street, West Perth to the new grounds at Karrinyup, she was acknowledging the beliefs of the great SwissFrench architect and urban planner, Le Corbusier, when he stated, ‘Space and light and order.

Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep.’ The girls of the West Perth campus had bread and a place to sleep, but were confined in a very tight set of buildings, with only one tennis/netball court. They walked, used trams, buses and taxis and lived a very ‘modern’ lifestyle. As the city encroached on their campus, and the School was growing in numbers, with the school buildings needing great repair, the physical wellness of everyone was of primary concern. The occasional ‘day out’ on the Swan River for a picnic or physical education camp to Point Peron was not enough – the move to Karrinyup was on!

Stephanie Neille Archivist Old Girls’ recollections quoted from ‘St Mary’s Memories’, compiled and edited by Joyce Polson and Linzey Allinson.

To purchase your copy, please visit http://www.stmarys.wa.edu.au/memorabilia-and-merchandise

RIGHT: Tram route number 4, heading towards Hay Street West Perth. Courtesy of State Library of Western Australia 136061PD

Archival Anecdotes

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VALE

IT IS WITH SADNESS THAT WE RECORD THE DEATHS OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OF THE ST MARY’S COMMUNITY

ELAINE DAVIS (HARDIE ’33) 1 JUNE 1915 – 17 FEBRUARY 2017

Elaine came to St Mary’s in West Perth in 1931 from Kobeelya. Whilst at school she played in the “B” grade tennis team. Elaine married Arthur “Mick” Hardie in 1939 and they farmed on “Wallinar” Merino sheep stud at Broomehill. She celebrated her 100th birthday in 2015 surrounded by family and friends.

Our condolences to her son Mervyn, daughter-in-law Carol, grand and great grandchildren.

PETER HURST (’47) 3 DECEMBER 1930 – 31 JANUARY 2017

Peter attended the St Mary’s Kindergarten in West Perth in 1937 and 1938 before attending Hale School. After school he married Barbara Hurst (Cuming ’47) who had been in the same Kindergarten class at St Mary’s. Peter was very proud to be a St Mary’s ‘Old Girl’.

Peter trained as a doctor and headed the Renal Unit at Royal Perth Hospital for fourteen years.

Our condolences to his family including his wife Barbara, his daughters Elizabeth Dempster (Hurst ’73) and Anne Syme (Hurst ’83) and granddaughter Amelia (2017).

VIDA KELLY (ROLLINSON ’53) 14 APRIL 1936 – 27 OCTOBER 2016

Vida Kelly attended St Mary’s in 1949 and 1950. She was the human embodiment of community. Attending St Mary’s during its early years in West Perth, her involvement with the School and the school community lasted almost her whole lifetime.

Vida began a family tradition at St Mary’s, always a leader not a follower; both her daughter and granddaughter attended the School. To her it was never enough to stand back. With her daughter she was on the Ladies’ Auxiliary (with some wonderful stories of Mrs Symington) and attended as many activities/events as possible when her granddaughter was at the School. She was proud to have donated to and been a part of the St Mary’s at Metricup campaign and to have seen the School flourish into the 21st century.

Vida adored being an Old Girl. She embraced the term “Grande Belle” and would ensure to dress ‘to the nines’ and attend as many events as her health allowed in her later years. Her involvement with St Mary’s was a time of togetherness and nostalgia for her. She managed to make friends wherever she travelled, and St Mary’s was no different.

Her lightness and her smile will be missed dearly. Vida passed peacefully in October 2016 after a short but determined fight with brain cancer. She remained loving, wonderfully stubborn and strong-willed until the end.

We hope she has an exceptional afterlife, and we look forward to seeing her again one day.

Paula Connell (’12) JULIE MURRAY (WATT ’62) 7 JANUARY 1945 – 5 FEBRUARY 2017

Julie attended St Mary’s in West Perth between 1958 and 1962.

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Vale

RUTH VAUX

My mother, Ruth Vaux, taught at St Mary’s from 1968 – 1990. She was passionate about Geography, students, St Mary’s and Riley!

Mum witnessed so many changes at the School over her 21 years, with technology, buildings, curriculum, staffing, but her core belief was in the educating of students and seeing them reach their potential. She always went the extra yard to help a student who was struggling. Mum was involved in extracurricular activities with camps and trips to Alice Springs, Kununurra, New Zealand and China. Mum could tell a number of stories about girls and staff at St Mary’s and she had an amazing memory.

When I attended St Mary’s Old Girl events the first question I would be asked was ‘how is your Mum?’ Past students would say things like ‘she was a great teacher’,

‘she taught me to read’, ‘she made geography fun’, and she said ‘put 6 legs on the ground – I can see your knickers!’.

After St Mary’s, Mum volunteered as a Friend of Kings Park, played bridge, travelled and took pride in the achievements of her grandchildren. She was proud of the achievements of St Mary’s girls and always told me when someone she taught appeared in the media. She remained a lifelong learner and teacher until dementia took over. Her grandchildren, upon reflecting on her life summed her up: ‘if you don’t know something look it up’.

Anne Yates (Vaux ’74)

Vale

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ST MARY’S ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL INCORPORATED 75 Elliott Road Karrinyup Western Australia PO Box 105 Karrinyup WA 6921 TELEPHONE: (08) 9341 9111 FACSIMILE: (08) 9341 9222 WEBSITE: www.stmarys.wa.edu.au CRICOS Number 00454C

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