Our Chair of the Board of Governors, Ms Catherine West, looks back at 2023 and celebrates every student for “who they are and what they have achieved”.
ILLUMINATING DISCOVERIES
Wenona’s own rival to Vivid was even more instructive than it was beautiful, as Visual Arts and STEM students combined in innovative ways.
Our Junior School educators have taught around the world. This year they used their first-hand experiences to enlighten the girls’ PYP learning. 14 10 6 4 18 38 30 32
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Set your own course – “To fly with their own wings, and not the wings of others, is the clarion call for this generation” – Dr Briony Scott.
DIVING INTO GREATNESS
Sisters with a joint love of water polo are preparing for their Olympic future with an amazing sporting lineage behind them.
A
SUCCESSFUL LIFE
Head Prefect Jemima Carmody’s speech at Valedictory questioned the true meaning of success and encouraged her peers to consider ways to make their lives worthwhile.
RISING STAR
Currently the fastest Australian runner for her age group in two separate track events, Maya’s success seemed to come out of nowhere. Now she is a strong hope for the Commonwealth Games.
POTENTIAL BREAKTHROUGH
Sophie Thomas’ HSC Major Project became a ground-breaking device for sick children with a potential patent and industry backing.
A WORLD OF LEARNING
CULINARY DOYENNE
The “Queen of Australian food”, Lyndey Milan OAM, has had more than her fair share of both triumph and tragedy but her indomitable joyful spirit always prevails.
NAVIGATING HEIGHTS
UNSTOPPABLE SPIRIT
Inspirational Lara Hamilton is overcoming enormous odds to chase her dream of international crosscountry success.
Senior First Officer Emily Sidoti (Walker, 1995) is breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring a generation of young women. 52 56 60 62 68 76 48
PIONEERING JOURNEY
Nikola Bonney’s career has been a whirlwind, including rewriting the rule books as she helped build the Australian branch of a world-famous airline from the ground up.
LEADERS ON DEMAND
Julia van Graas has turned her international experiences during the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19 into a hugely successful business supporting some of the country’s most prominent CEOs.
RISING FROM ADVERSITY
Entering her eighth decade, Vicki Schramko epitomises selflessness and dedication. Despite her own challenges, she’s committed to enhancing other’s lives, including the Wenona Alumnae.
FROM THE FRONTLINE
A workplace trial by fire has earned Xanthe Gregory a Walkley Award and catapulted her career to greater heights.
WENONA FOUNDATION
Introducing the new Executive Director of the Wenona Foundation, Marie Soghomonian, who brings to the role boundless enthusiasm, extensive connections and a deep love for the School.
UT Prosim 2023 | Editor: Christina Barriere Writer: Christina Barriere | Designer: Design by Mouse | Photography: Rowena Clarke Photography, Ian Barnes Photography, Mike Bell - Raw Life Studios, Anthony Khoury Photography
Chair’s Message
As Chair of the Board of Governors, an Alumna, and a parent, this year, I have again witnessed firsthand the remarkable spirit and dedication that define Wenona. Our School has not only upheld but also enhanced its legacy of excellence. I am honoured to be part of the journey.
The Board of Governors and I were delighted when Dr Briony Scott was awarded the highest honour from the Teachers Guild of NSW, the Phyllis Evans Medal. This distinction, following her recognition last year as the Australian Non-Government Principal of the Year, is fitting recognition of her inspirational leadership. This year, the Guild also recognised nine further Wenona educators for their exceptional talent, passion, and experience, a clear indicator of the environment of excellence fostered at Wenona.
Foundation Day is a stand-out event on our calendar and is deeply embedded in Wenona tradition. This year we celebrated the School’s 137th anniversary, attended by over 60 special guests, including members from the Class of 1963, who were marking their 60-year reunion. It also featured an inspiring speech by distinguished Alumna Hope Feros from the Class of 2018. She has achieved more in her young life than some do in a lifetime and her words aimed to motivate current students to follow suit. Her speech is reproduced on page 70 of this issue of Ut Prosim magazine. We also enjoyed the endearing tradition of the youngest student cutting a cake – a symbol of Wenona’s commitment to nurturing future generations.
Wenona is dedicated to being an employer of choice, a goal that remains crucial in today’s increasingly competitive educational landscape. The School has consistently succeeded in attracting high-quality staff, a testament to its status as a leading educational institution. One event that we, the members of the Board, most enjoy, is the Board of Governors’ Dinner. It is a heartfelt opportunity to express our gratitude and pay tribute to Wenona’s dedicated staff through the presentation of several awards, celebrating employees from all areas of the School.
Further illustrating Wenona’s commitment to excellence is its investment in the professional development of its staff. This includes providing fellowship grants that enable them to pursue continuous education and training. Such initiatives are crucial in equipping them to meet the diverse academic and pastoral care needs of our students. A highlight of the 2023 Dinner was the awarding of a Teaching Fellowship to Ms Natasha Isbel. Wenona will support her in embarking on research focused on enhancing student writing skills - a critical component for effective thinking and communication, and thereby essential for success in life. Ms Isbel is already applying her findings in the classroom and is poised to commence work on a PhD, which promises to further elevate Wenona’s access to world-class research in this vital educational area.
This year’s Valedictory celebration marked the graduation of the Class of 2023. It gave me enormous pleasure to present the prizes for all aspects of School life and hear the speech delivered by Head Prefect Jemima Carmody, which stood out not just for its eloquence, but for its ability to encapsulate the experiences, challenges, and achievements of her peers and remind us all of the power of strong student leadership (page 10).
Wenona’s educates and empowers young women, in a global learning community, to serve and shape their world in whichever way they choose. Wenona has a holistic approach and a wellbeing focus and is guided by its values: Courage, Strength, Grace, Wisdom, and Kindness. It is those values and the wellbeing of the students which come first. Wenona’s aim is for each student to reach their full potential. Wenona seeks to support students facing challenges. It celebrates all its students for who they are and what they have achieved. Wenonians are serving and shaping their world in many ways.
Wenona is a proudly independent, non-selective school. Wenona performs exceptionally well academically. In a remarkable statistic, more than 50% of Wenona students consistently achieve an ATAR above 90.
Wenona students are distinguished by their exceptional achievements across various disciplines, ranging from Music, Drama, Dance and Visual Arts to Sports. Notably, three students from Wenona are currently attending the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), a testament to the School’s nurturing of talent in the performing arts. Beyond these individual achievements, Wenona’s young Alumnae are making their mark globally, attending some of the best universities in Australia and internationally. The School’s influence extends into the world of sports as well, having produced athletes who compete at Olympic and World Championship levels. In addition, Wenona students this year have upheld and enhanced Wenona’s reputation for community contribution through fundraising, raising awareness, and volunteering, embodying our School motto, Ut Prosim, That I may serve.
The sentiment of Ut Prosim, that I may serve, is also embodied in our School community. Wenona is fortunate to have a highly experienced and stable Board of Governors. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to each member for generously volunteering their time and expertise in the service of our School.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, I would also like to thank all other members of the Wenona community who volunteer their time. It is a key part of the success of Wenona. In particular, I would like to thank the many people who are involved in the formal institutions that help make up the Wenona community, including the members of the Wenona Foundation Board, led by Chair Ms Wallace Graham and all the individuals involved in the Wenona Parents Association led by Chair Mrs Marnie Devereux. We also thank Ms Luisa Horton (2005) for her stewardship as President of the Wenona Alumnae Association and welcome Ms Olivia Dilanchian, a 2017 Wenona graduate, as the new President.
The mission of both the Wenona Parents’ Association and the Wenona Alumnae Association is to connect the community. They also donate funds to the Wenona Foundation. The latter is responsible for the School’s philanthropic and fundraising efforts. These include the support of scholarships and development works.
This year, we were delighted to welcome Mrs Marie Soghomonian back to the School as a member of staff. As the Executive Director of the Wenona Foundation, she will be responsible for all Foundation activities. We are looking forward to a busy 2024 !
The impact of a Wenona education is evident not just in the high-profile successes of this year, but also in the lives of its students and Alumnae as they venture into diverse fields, build careers, and raise families across the globe.
This issue of Ut Prosim magazine pays tribute to them, those who are making a visible contribution and those who might otherwise go unnoticed. Their stories showcase the myriad ways in which Wenona’s community is making a positive difference and highlight the School’s commitment not only to academic excellence but to fostering a spirit of global citizenship and social responsibility. I commend this issue of Ut Prosim to you.
Dr Briony Scott Principal, Wenona School
Principal’s Message
As we come to the end of another year at Wenona, it is the perfect time to reflect on all that has been achieved, but more importantly, on the spirit of unity that has distinguished the year past. Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. Wenona corridors echo this sentiment. The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
In the Boarding House, laughter and conversation are a barometer of the joy and unity that flourish there. It is never easy living away from family, but I know our boarders have a great time because I can hear it from my office, and I watch them caring for each other, backing each other, and encouraging each other. They work together as a sisterhood where new arrivals find swift acceptance, yet conformity is not the norm. Our boarders, from all walks of life, and from countries across the globe, celebrate each girl’s unique background and culture, understanding that diversity enriches their collective. The total is greater than the sum of its parts.
The essence of Wenona teamwork is showcased at our sporting events but never more so than at the 2023 Cross Country Championships in May. This interschool event saw eight Wenona runners from each age group compete with hundreds at the starting line. It would be easy to focus on the top three finishers. However, the Wenona team’s collective effort secured us second place, not on the wings of a couple of fleet-footed track stars, but through the collective grit of each runner. Every stride counted. The total is greater than the sum of the parts.
This year saw the continuation of our involvement in supporting breast cancer charities. The image of our sports teams donning pink for the Breast Cancer Network Australia Pink Sports Day and the enthusiastic participation of mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters in the Mother’s Day Classic vividly illustrates our commitment to causes greater than ourselves. Winning the Largest School Team Award at the Classic for a fifth consecutive year reflected our joint dedication to making a difference. The total is greater than the sum of the parts.
Student environmental initiatives, particularly the campaign to reduce disposable cup usage, demonstrated the power of collective action. Driven by strong campaigning from the Environment Club and the efforts of many, the Senior School significantly reduced its paper cup usage. Meanwhile, the Junior School Student Representative Council, including our youngest members in Kindergarten, played a pivotal role in reinvigorating paper recycling across campus. The total is greater than the sum of the parts.
Our pilot Lucem Sonos exhibition was an interdisciplinary collaboration between Years 9 and 10 Science, Visual Arts, and Photomedia students, disciplines that rarely have the opportunity to collaborate. The students spent weeks, often outside school hours, trialling a range of exciting techniques that took them into new and innovative territory. The total is greater than the sum of the parts.
Year 9 students took their spirit of unity far beyond the confines of their classrooms, travelling to Cambodia and East Kimberley
in the September holidays, to collaborate on projects for underprivileged local communities. While in Year 1, students joined together to form a “garbage band”, making instruments from recycled materials and rehearsing a public performance, to better understand how music can act as a unifying force, not only for themselves but children in developing nations where resources are limited.
This edition of the Ut Prosim magazine is not just a collection of such stories but a showcase of Wenona’s collective spirit. As we embrace the lessons and memories of this year, we pay tribute to the students, staff and Alumnae who contribute to our thriving culture; the total is truly more than the sum of the parts.
SCHOOL LIFE
A Successful Life
Head Prefect Jemima Carmody captivated at Valedictory, delivering a speech that encouraged us to embrace life’s journey, redefine success, and cultivate a life brimming with kindness.
“This speech has been difficult to write – it is hard to do justice to our years at Wenona with mere words.
It’s also hard to reflect on life moving forward when I’ve got no clue how to do it. So, I’ve put my heart on the page. I’ve tried to be candid and honest … and that’s the thing - I’ve realised that in this, and in life, giving your heart is enough. In fact, it’s everything.
I was talking to my parents last week about life at age 50. Sorry mum, I know you’re 21. What I took from it, is that once you finish high school, time flies, and suddenly you’re middle-aged. What I took from it, is that it’s easier to spend a lot of time trying to achieve success, without ever knowing what success is. We’ll go out into the world now, the Class of 2023, and we will work to build esteemed careers, fulfil ourselves, feel accomplished, and live good, full lives.
But what is success? What is a good life? What happens when you feel like time’s moving too fast, and you have no idea how to make your life worthwhile? What happens when life needs meaning more than objective achievement?
As we face adulthood, realities begin to set in about the challenges ahead and how strange, dangerous, and fleeting life can be. Some right now are facing heartbreaking adversity, and the future daunts us. I think in our search for achievement,
purpose, and fulfilment, we must remind ourselves that to succeed and to have an impact is not complicated. To succeed in life means to be there for others; to succeed in life means to give endless love and kindness; to succeed in life means to be grateful for every moment you get and to have a heart that explodes light across dark skies, making the stars.
We must always remember that being alive is an incredible privilege, knowing how lucky we are to have time on this earth, knowing how amazing it is that we have hearts capable of love, and knowing that what matters above all is each other.
We are on this journey together. We will succeed as long as we’re kind, if we love, care, give of ourselves, serve the world, look out for friends and family and grasp opportunities.
And isn’t that a beautiful, liberating way to live? I remember when Miss Gruen approached me in the Independent Theatre one evening last year, during a particularly busy time, and asked how I was. I remember when Mr Whitehouse drove my Year 7 debating team to our grand final at Abbotsleigh in the School minibus because we asked him to on a whim. He bought us chocolate and lollies, making it possibly the best day of our young lives.
Georgie remembers when Jemima loaned her pink Juicy Couture tracksuit on Year 8 Camp after she capsized in her kayak and all her things got soaked.
I remember meeting Lucy at the scholarship exam the year before we started, and I went home and told my mum that I’d met this really nice girl from Dubbo and wanted to be her friend.
I remember Ruby buying me lunch last year when she noticed I hadn’t had time to get it myself. I remember Mr Tate checking in with me a couple of weeks ago to ask how my dog was after he’d swallowed a fishhook.
We all have so many memories like this that will last forever. What my parents also told me is that life is amazing because you’re doing it with others. And so, thank you to the people who have been there with us so far.
Thank you to our staff. The word teacher means so much more than one would assume. You are guides, comedians, academics, and friends. Thank you for the incredible emotional energy you’ve invested in us. We will all remember you for the rest of our lives.
Thank you to our families and parents for your generosity, compassion, and unconditional love.
Thank you to Wenona – every single member of this community. You have given us so much.
This School is undeniably special. It has taught us lessons of the world way beyond the curriculum. It has provided a haven and a family. The pain we have felt over the last few days at the thought of leaving Wenona; the gratitude we have for this School, the laughter that echoes in its walls, the tears we’ve shed, this love that we feel between us; they attest to the fact that what makes things meaningful, and what makes things matter, is each other.
So, it does not matter how many awards you win. It does not matter what you look like. While we must celebrate these parts of ourselves, what matters is doing things that make your soul and others shine brighter. Do good, live passionately, fall in love, experience heartbreak, discover the world’s vastness, enjoy life for the giving thing that it is, and serve in true Ut Prosim style.
I realised recently that motto means more than I ever thought. It means to serve with kindness. It means to serve with love, to seek to make the world better in some way. That is the meaning of life. That is success. I will remember you all for the impact you’ve had on me. So, you’ve already succeeded.
To the Class of 2023: it has been the most incredible journey, and the most hilarious fun. We, 146 girls, were brought together by chance in 2018 and goodness, am I thankful for that. I don’t want to make this about me, but I need to thank my year group, for the incredible kindness and love you’ve given me. You have changed me and my life forever.
We only get one ‘growing up’, although arguably, we never stop. We only get one childhood, one youth, and one teen hood … and ours is ending. But I am endlessly glad that I spent mine here among you all. I know there have been times when many of us have felt lonely, alone and isolated, but I really hope, and I believe that we’ve had each other. I am so proud of those of you who have been through incredible challenges this year, for working so hard despite it all.
Life ahead is endlessly exciting. The world awaits. Good luck, my brilliant, clever, talented, kind friends. If you’re ever feeling lost out there, if you’re ever alone, think of us. You are forever allies. Turn to people, turn to humanity. That is the essence of life. That is the reason we live.”
Potential Breakthrough
In the world of innovation, where seasoned minds are usually at the forefront, the story of Year 12 student Sophie Thomas and her Medi-Blocks invention reminds us of how valuable a fresh perspective can be.
It all started with Sophie’s HSC Design and Technology Major Work project and her simple yet powerful observation: “Many of the children of my family friends, including some of the children I babysit, are only five or six years old, yet they are already taking tablets daily for significant health conditions,” she says.
Watching the daily struggles of these children and their parents sparked an idea - a stackable pill organiser designed specifically for kids.
“I researched the market thoroughly and discovered there were very few pill organisers for children,” Sophie recounts. “A few were multicoloured or had a picture on them, but I didn’t come
across anything remotely like the product I had in mind.”
Sophie’s design is a vibrant and innovative pill organiser disguised as colourful, stackable bricks that can be combined to form various shapes or any imaginative creation a child desires.
Each set includes seven bricks equipped with drawers designated for each day of the week. The concept encourages children to participate in a weekly ritual, such as assembling a new shape every Sunday night for the upcoming week. It’s an inventive approach that promotes creativity, transforms a daunting task into an interactive and enjoyable experience,
and, most importantly, ensures safe and effective medication management.
As Sophie explains, the journey from concept to creation was not without its challenges. “Initially, I wanted to have an actual Lego-like connection ... but with my limited experience with the 3D printer, I couldn’t quite get it to work.”
She persevered, exploring various attachment techniques until she discovered the perfect fit using magnets. Medi-Blocks kits would also include instruction manuals featuring an assortment of entertaining shapes for children to attempt, ranging from love hearts and spaceships to giraffes.
Sophie’s dedication, ingenuity, and creativity have not gone unnoticed. At the Wenona Design and Technology Showcase, her project caught the eye of a father connected to the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. He was so impressed with the concept that he organised for Sophie to meet with Institute representatives to pitch her concept, opening doors to possibilities she had never imagined.
The last few weeks have involved meetings with lawyers to establish a patent and preparations for her meeting with the Institute. “It’s all been such a surprise and the last thing I expected to be doing following the HSC. But while it is overwhelming, it is also very, very exciting,” Sophie says.
Education and Reconciliation
Wenona School’s first-ever HSC Aboriginal Studies students made a remarkable impact with their major projects, highlighting their deep understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture, history, and current affairs.
In late August, Wenona’s inaugural group of HSC Aboriginal Studies students showcased their major projects, marking an evening of profound learning and cultural appreciation. The course’s emphasis on engaging with the Indigenous community allowed students to gain authentic insights.
Prominent figures such as Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians, and Thomas Mayo, a leading figure in the “Yes” referendum campaign, were consulted. “The course is especially significant as Aboriginal issues gain prominence in Australia’s culture and media, in the year of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice referendum,” said Mr Nick Kovacs, Aboriginal Studies and History Teacher.
Lauren Gumbley collaborated with elders, Aunty Irene Wardle and Aunty Janelle Scott, to develop a fascinating website on Aboriginal education, receiving a perfect score. Her project explored traditional Aboriginal education and ways it can be integrated into today’s curriculum to enhance student retention rates. As an aspiring primary school teacher, her website can be used to enhance learning in the Wenona Junior School and beyond.
Amber Bothwell’s captivating film delved into Indigenous affairs in Australia, featuring footage from the 1965 Freedom Rides, the 1967 referendum, and the 1992 Mabo case. Her work
offered a comprehensive perspective on the ongoing fight for Aboriginal sovereignty and self-determination.
Amelie Suandokmai examined the intricacies of 21st-century reconciliation, arguing it’s the first step in healing Australia’s past injustices and creating better opportunities for Aboriginal Australians.
Eliza Wells’ poster emphasised the cycle of disadvantage faced by Aboriginal peoples and the importance of the Closing the Gap initiative launched in 2008, focusing on improving Aboriginal health and longevity.
Jenny Shin created a magazine celebrating Aboriginal art and artists’ significance in the modern world, connecting culture and identity. The magazine featured interviews with Aboriginal artists, Tylar Saunders, Dean Cross, and Emma Hollingsworth.
“The students’ work was exceptional, with many creating materials beneficial to future Aboriginal Studies students across the Wenona Junior and Senior Schools,” said Mr Kovacs.
The students’ projects also emphasised the importance of engaging with the Indigenous community to promote authentic insights and foster a sense of unity and reconciliation.
Showcase Triumph
Wenona’s Year 12 Academic Dance students achieved an extraordinary feat in 2023, earning six nominations for the prestigious Callback showcase, in the subject’s inaugural year.
Callback highlights exemplary Dance works from across the state. Wenona’s most impressive result came from Hannah McElligott, who was nominated for all three areas of work: Core Composition, Core Performance, and Major Studies Project. Her innovative Core Composition piece, which explored the metamorphosis of a jellyfish, was recognised for its unique narrative structure and the use of unconventional stimuli, such as a plastic bag to represent the jellyfish during its adult life. Hannah’s Core Performance piece, Lovely, explored the emotional journey of overcoming personal challenges and embracing growth after a painful experience. It was set to the hauntingly beautiful song by Billie Eilish, and showcased Hannah’s exceptional ability to convey complex emotions through movement.
Sophie Grattan earned a well-deserved nomination for her Core Performance piece, Secret Love. This passionate dance told the timeless story of forbidden love and the quest for a world where love can flourish without judgement or consequence. Performed to the powerful Little Mix work Secret Love Song, Sophie’s performance transported audiences to a realm of longing, desire, and ultimately, hope. She also earned a nomination for her Major Studies Project.
Olivia Jackson was nominated for her Core Performance piece, Façade of Deceit. This emotionally charged dance explored themes of love, deception, betrayal, and the need for resilience in the face of adversity.
Set to the stirring music of Hans Zimmer’s Lovely to See You Again and Billie Eilish’s No Time to Die, Olivia’s performance captivated with its raw emotion and poignant storytelling.
By exposing students to diverse dance forms and providing opportunities for collaboration and experimentation, Wenona Dance teachers fostered an environment in which creativity, innovation, and artistic expression can thrive. We look forward to watching the students reach new heights, as the subject continues to evolve.
Illuminating Discoveries
The Lucem Sonos exhibition showcased a brilliant fusion of light and sound, encapsulating the creative and scientific talents of Years 9 and 10 students in Science, Visual Arts, and Photomedia.
Deriving its name from the Latin words for light and sound, this innovative event transformed the School Hall into an immersive, Vivid-style experience featuring interactive scientific exhibits and captivating photographic works.
“Research unanimously shows that students engage in learning when they are completing tasks that allow them access to hands-on activities that are relevant and relatable,” says Head of Science, Ms Sandra Woodward. “In Year 9 Science, we cover a unit on the properties of light and sound. This unit allows them to investigate everyday situations that involve light and sound and learn the science that explains how they work.
Light is an intrinsic part of artmaking, while the integration of multisensory experiences is a key component of student learning, according to our Director of Creative Arts, and teacher of Visual Arts and Photography, Ms Juliette Carson. “This year, the girls extended their skills by exploring light in the context of photographic light painting and in a studio and natural
environment. “Working with artists and designers provided real-world experiences to demonstrate how Visual Arts and Photography skills can be transformed and transferred,” Ms Carson says.
In the lead-up to Lucem Sonos, Year 9 Science students spent time researching common phenomena to do with light and sound. These included two-way mirrors, ultrasonic cleaning devices, musical instruments, and 3D imaging.
Year 9 Visual Arts students extended their Semester 1 Unit on Vanitas to work with contemporary photographic artist, Ms Janet Tavener and Visual Arts teacher Ms Emily Sinclair. They produced a series of studio photographs influenced by Ms Taveners’ practice, as they investigated how strobe lighting can be used to capture movement, light and frozen motion.
Year 10 Photomedia students created photographic works based on light painting during a workshop with contemporary photographer, Mr Peter Solness and Ms Carson. Their works were used as projections and were printed and displayed on lightboxes.
Year 10 student, Shan Shan Lai, was among students mentored by Mr Alex Gibson to learn how to use computer software programs to pixel map their own computer drawn artworks. She reflected on her experience, “Working on Lucem Sonos was both challenging and fun. It enabled us to work with others in a small group with lots of freedom,” she said. “It was appealing to follow our own creative direction and experiment with new technology using light. We had to overcome a number of obstacles during the process but I didn’t mind working after school and lunch to ensure it was a success. Overall, I would definitely like to participate in more exhibitions like this in the future.”
Inspiring Future Engineers
The Wenona Car Restoration Club has been widely celebrated for inspiring young women towards engineering degrees. Its ongoing success is in large part due to the foundations laid by two former aviation mechanics. On their retirement from the program, we offer the “Bobbins” our deepest thanks.
“To be honest, we weren’t sure about the Wenona idea at first,” Bob Gill confesses when asked about being approached to help start the Club. “The idea of private school girls taking cars apart and restoring them didn’t seem very realistic. We weren’t sure there would be enough students keen to take it on.”
However, the program quickly exceeded expectations, and at its height, Club meetings have attracted 15-20 girls at a time. “Some students were so passionate they would stay back afterwards to chat to us and follow up later with even more questions,” says Les Whale.
Known to the girls affectionally as “the Bobbins”, Bob and Les were introduced to the Wenona Car Restoration Club through their membership of the Morris Minor Car Club of NSW and their shared deep and abiding love for the small English cars.
Over the years, they have supported the students to restore four vintage cars, which were then sold to fans of the collectible vehicles.
The Club’s most recent achievement is the restoration of a 1949 Morris Minor SMM Lowlight.
Under the watchful eyes of Bob and Les, the girls dismantled the car, learning about its construction and the mechanics of older vehicles. They pulled apart the engine, fitted the clutch, and installed the rear springs, banjo differential, rear shocks, rear axles, and rear brakes and hubs. The steering rack, front torsion bars, front shock absorbers, uprights, front brakes, and hubs followed, along with the wheels, mudguards, boot lid, steering column, and other electrical items. The students also reupholstered the front seat bases using a commercial kit and assembled the bumper bars and valances. Despite COVID19 interruptions, they persevered, completing the upholstery, doors, dash instrument panel, wiring, trim panels, seats, and carpet. The final task – fitting the windscreen, rear, and side glasses – was among the most challenging and required a collective effort from all the students.
The girls’ admiration for Bob and Les is palpable. “Their guidance and support have been amazing,” one student shared. “They are the best teachers and always willing to answer any questions. Installing the front windscreen was a challenging team effort, but it brought our classroom theory lessons to life.”
“The car Club is a great example of the impact of dedicated mentors,” says Director of STEM, Dr Alisha Thompson. “Bob and Les have played an enormous role in inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators. Even our students who will not go on to STEM-based careers have gained practical skills and more of a problem-solving mindset.”
A key feature of the Club and a highlight of the School calendar is the annual Wenona Car Show. This year, as usual, it transformed the Undercroft into a wonderland of eclectic vehicles – something to interest our youngest to our oldest students and staff from the Maintenance Team to every member of the teaching staff. This year’s display included a vintage Alfa Romeo, a late model Ferrari, a Morris Minor light van, two Harley-Davidsons, a Honda motorbike, and even a flight simulator for the girls to try.
Having completed their tenth year with the Club, the Bobbins have decided it is time to move on. They travel long distances to be at the School and have other projects to devote their retirement to. “It has been a wonderful opportunity to see the girls’ knowledge and understanding grow. More and more students are expressing interest in engineering as a degree. It’s great for us to have made that sort of difference,” Les says.
Voices of the Future
Wenona’s Rising Stars in Debate and Public Speaking
At Wenona, enthusiasm for debate and public speaking is sweeping through the corridors, from Kindergarten to Year 12. Inspired by their eloquent Principal Dr Briony Scott, the students have thrown themselves into more than 10 external and internal competitions this year, showcasing their emerging talents.
A standout moment came with the Year 9 Archdale team’s victory in the prestigious Grand Final.
In the Social Debating Network (SDN) competition, Wenona’s excellence was again evident as three of its teams won their respective Grand Finals after five had reached the Semi-Finals –a remarkable feat.
In the Independent Schools Debating Association (ISDA) Competition, Wenona saw two of its teams reach the Grand Final. The Year 6 team included Angelique Nair, who is looking forward to entering the Senior School competitions next year.
“When I started debating around a year ago, I quickly fell in love. I liked its blend of creativity, logical thinking, and teamwork.” Serena Yang (Year 7) likes to adjust her approach depending on the competition.
She shared her insights: “Whether you prioritise content, creativity, or presentation, debating gives you a chance to develop your thinking on important issues. It’s about developing a perspective that matters.”
Beyond debating, Wenona students have made their mark in competitions like Rostrum and Legacy. Jemima Carmody, the 2022-2023 Head Prefect, was a runner-up in Rostrum this year, embodying the School’s ethos of nurturing confident, articulate leaders.
In the Junior School, girls from Kindergarten to Year 6 shared their perspectives by competing in the 2023 Primary School Public Speaking competition. Many of their speeches referenced the Matildas’ football team’s victory over France and explored optimistic, values-driven themes.
A new venture for Wenona in 2023 was the Ethics Olympiad. A team of Year 11 students excelled, securing third place against more experienced competitors while tackling complex ethical dilemmas. They’re already encouraging more students to join in future competitions.
At the Independent Girls Schools Association’s Festival of Speech at Ravenswood, Wenona competed against 26 schools in categories ranging from poetry to current affairs and drama. Year 9’s Annie Stanwell won first place in Soapbox, humorously lamenting morning people, while Year 10 talents Megan Vinalon, Amelie Potts, and Jessica Ellis secured second in the Current Affairs section.
The International Debating Competition allowed Wenona students to engage with global perspectives, competing via Zoom with schools worldwide.
Debating Coordinator Ms Lydia Parker encapsulates the spirit: “In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the importance of learning the art of debate cannot be overstated. It equips students to analyse issues critically, express their thoughts persuasively, and engage in constructive dialogue.”
Whether you prioritise content, creativity, or presentation, debating gives you a chance to develop your thinking on important issues.
Serena Yang
Revenge of the Night Owls
Year 9 student Annie Stanwell won the Soapbox section of the 2023 Festival of Speech with the below “rant” against morning larks.
I am a night-owl. I get up late. I go to sleep late. Now, I can deal with 8am classes, 7:30 cross country and 7am choir. I mean, it hurts… a lot… but I can deal.
What I can’t deal with is morning people. Morning larks are always trying to convince us night owls that we’re lazy, disorganised, self-indulgent … but I refuse to believe I’m any of those things. And science? Is on my side.
It just so happens that your inner clock is genetic. I’m a night owl in exactly the same way that I’m left-handed or of average height. And I’m not alone, studies show about 10% of the population are night owls.
My favourite study was carried out by the London School of Economics. They found the choice to work later in the day is a “novel evolutionary preference” made by those with “a high level of cognitive complexity”. In simple terms: smart people get up late, basic people rise with the dawn.
Now, I know what you morning people are going to say. What morning people always say. You’re going to quote Benjamin Franklin. “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Here’s an interesting and probably quite relevant fact: Benjamin Franklin lived in an agrarian society, wholly reliant on candles and lamp oil for illumination. He doled out these words of wisdom in 1735. 1735!! That’s more than 100 years before Thomas Edison invented the light bulb!
Please. Benjamin Franklin is not the go-to guy for life hacks in 2023.
Morning person superiority is completely unfounded, and more than that – it doesn’t even make sense! It’s a good thing that people have different circadian rhythms. Back in the day, someone needed to guard the tribe at night. These days, someone needs to staff the air traffic control tower or the ICU ward, and don’t we all benefit if that someone is a happy little night owl?! Equally, I can only assume that morning larks are probably out there doing something really important at 6am. And to them, I say: thank you. Keep doing those early morning … things … that you do so well. Just do them quietly. And park the attitude.
So, this is a rallying cry for all us night owls. We’re not broken, we’re not lazy, and we’re not taking it anymore! We’re rising up against this foul and baseless prejudice!! Night owls, we ride at dawn!!!
Or maybe a little later?
Elevating the Student Experience
A Spartan staircase in Central Campus has been transformed into an immersive work of art, adding colour and inspiration to the learning journey.
Titled Bush at Dusk, the mural was created by street artist Helen Proctor who has extensive experience in Europe and is known for her impressive large-scale works.
It is a depiction of the pockets of bush in North Sydney, including the large eucalyptus trees in St Leonards Park. “I wanted the stairwell to feel immersive making the students feel they are climbing from the scrub below up to the trees and sky. I opted for subtle pastel colours to add to the calming experience,” Ms Proctor says. “Seeing art in galleries can be a bit exclusive but murals allow people to see art in their everyday lives. Exposure to different creations allows people to develop their own taste in art, even if it’s on a subconscious level.”
Her collaboration with Wenona came about through Ms Juliette Carson, Director of Creative Arts and a Visual Arts and Photography Teacher, who has been following Ms Proctor’s work for a while. Ms Carson saw potential in a three-week residency that would not only result in a beautiful mural but
artist talks and student workshops, fulfilling Ms Proctor’s personal commitment to inspiring the next generation of young creative minds.
“For me, it was important to talk the students through my practice, show them how I come up with my designs, my installation process and how I transfer large-scale works onto walls - it is not as difficult as it might seem!” she says. “I also like to provide students with a lot of initiative, allowing them to contribute to the mural themselves, even changing up the colours or adding extra elements to make it more engaging.”
“The mural project has been a hugely beneficial experience for the whole School, enriching our Visual Arts students’ educational experience and providing us all with a vibrant, inspiring space that brightens our days,” Ms Carson says.
Empowering Communities
Venturing beyond the confines of their classrooms, a group of Year 9 students travelled to Cambodia and East Kimberley in the September holidays for a unique opportunity to contribute to underprivileged local communities.
Each eight-day trip was designed to offer the students opportunities beyond the reach of ordinary tourists, with a focus on community projects that allowed them to assist small local communities.
In Cambodia, the students worked on two service projects at Kong Maha village primary school, located in the Kampong Cham province, in the Central lowlands of the Mekong River. Their tasks included mixing cement, plastering and concreting, and even teaching at the school. The students were also able to interact with the local children, forging bonds and creating memories. Their last day was made memorable by a village dance party with the local students and a trip to the Kampong Cham markets.
The journey continued in Siem Reap, where the students explored the ancient temples of Angkor, including Angkor Wat, Bayan and Ta Prohm. The archaeological park offered them a glimpse into the past, with its stone corridors, towers, and intricate carvings that narrate tales of heaven and hell.
Meanwhile, another group of students ventured to East Kimberley in outback Australia. Their trip began in Darwin, with a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Museum, where they learned about the history and activities of the staff. In Kununurra, they prepared and delivered meals to those in need, organised clothing and shoes, and prepared hygiene packs for men,
women, and children. The students also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture, with a trip to Emma Gorge in El Questro, a welcome by the Miriwoong clan, an archaeological talk, a lesson in sandalwood manufacture and a visit to the Indigenous art gallery, Artlandish.
They also assisted with a student wellbeing day, which included mindfulness drawing and painting, a hair and beauty workshop, basketball, music, and dancing.
A visit to Roy’s Retreat, a registered charity specialising in the care of fauna and flora in a private wildlife reserve, offered the students an opportunity to learn about the region’s biodiversity.
The retreat is home to various species, including antilopine wallaroos, northern nail-tailed wallabies, sugar glider possums, and northern quolls. The flora includes native grasses, shrubs, and trees on the Long Michael Plain.
The students also visited Lake Argyle, took part in cane toad busting, and engaged in an art workshop painting the nuts from the boab trees. They ended their trip with a hike to El Questro Gorge, camping overnight at El Questro Station, and swimming in the soothing waters of Zebedee Springs. They returned with a newfound appreciation for diverse cultures and the satisfaction of having made a difference.
A Dreamy Confection
Wenona brings the world of Wonka to life.
The 2023 Wenona Senior Musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, at The Concourse Theatre, was a display of artistic and theatrical prowess and celebration of the collaborative efforts of the entire Wenona community.
Adapted from Roald Dahl's beloved book, this modern rendition, interwoven with elements from the original 1971 movie and updated with a new book and score, captivated audiences across four performances.
Under the skilled direction of Mr Declan Moore and choreography from Ms Skye Hodges, along with the musical direction of Ms Emma Gutierrez, the show was imbued with fantastical elements, from the initial scenes in a candy shop to the exploration of Wonka's wonderland, each scene crafted with meticulous attention to detail and creative flair.
The big stage numbers, involving the entire company, were particularly noteworthy, while the smaller, humorous scenes featuring Gum Chompin’ Divas, squirrels, lederhosen, and ballerinas, captured the audience's imagination and showcased the diverse talents of the cast.
Alongside the Wenona cast members were students from St Aloysius’ College and Shore School, who displayed remarkable camaraderie and teamwork, making this first Senior Musical since The Wizard of Oz in 2019, a memorable return to the stage.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of students, staff, parent helpers, and the Wenona theatre and administration team worked tirelessly to bring this production to life. Their efforts in organising costumes, sets, props, and managing backstage activities were integral to its success.
The collaboration with The Concourse Theatre team was also instrumental, and we thank them for their support.
Diving Into Greatness
With their unique and contrasting styles, sisters Lily and Saskia Dunn are carving out their own paths in the world of international water polo as they set their sights on Olympic glory.
Few families can claim the kind of athletic lineage the Dunn sisters Lily (Year 12) and Saskia (Year 10) possess. Their mother, Renee, once dominated New Zealand water polo and earned a coveted spot on the Australian squad prior to the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Their father, Benjamin, is a former rugby union star who represented Australia in rugby sevens and set records for Eastern Suburbs in his youth.
While Renee was careful not to prescribe her daughters’ sporting futures, she did regularly take them to the iconic Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain. As she joined fellow former champions for weekend water polo games, the children played and absorbed a love for the game. “From the age of five, it’s just what we did,” Lily recalls. Sassy agrees, adding that many of their childhood friends from the Baths, affectionately known as the “Dawnies”, have also pursued competitive water polo, fostering a tight-knit community of lifelong friendships.
Lily started playing officially at age 11. Now 18, her training regimen is dictated by the NSW Institute of Sport, and it sees her in the pool every morning, night, and weekend. She also travels interstate to compete in the Australian Water Polo League, representing Balmain – one of Australia’s top clubs –against teams from various states. “The Balmain team boasts three current Australian women’s players, as do our opponents, so I’m constantly playing with and against some of the nation’s best,” she says.
For the past three years, Lily has been a fixture on the team, and she believes that each match offers valuable lessons as she continues to mature and gain exposure to high-level play.
Having represented New South Wales since she was 13, Lily is now gearing up for the Under 19 State Championships in December and the Under 20 World Championships after that. “What do I love about it? The adrenaline, the thrill of winning –I’m fiercely competitive and enjoy the high stakes. There’s something special about the camaraderie that comes from pushing ourselves to the limit and emerging victorious as a team,” she explains.
Lily also spends a lot of time training with players preparing for the Paris Olympics in 2024, as a member of the Institute of Sport’s Road to LA program. Though she would still be quite young for an Olympic water polo player by 2028, the 2032 Brisbane Olympics is a very realistic goal. “It would be an absolute dream to represent my country on home soil,” she says. “I just have to stay injury-free and motivated.”
What is certain, is that in a year and a half, Lily will look to move to Europe. “The top international teams are Spain, Greece and the Netherlands,” she says. “The southern European teams suit my style of play. I am a more reactive, attacking player and more creative than tactical. Sassy started with the Balmain club at age nine and joined Lily in its senior national
representative team last season. “It’s a great atmosphere playing with the older girls,” Sassy says. “Even just watching them teaches you so much, and they take the time to explain ways to expand your game.” But she also loves the time spent with her fellow Dawnies. “At the start of the year, we won the Australian Youth Championships in a team made up of a lot of my Dawnie friends. Before that, we went to Greece for the World Championships, and I played in the Australian Under 16s, while Lily played in the Autralian Under 18s. They treated us like heroes over there. Little kids recognised us and were running up, asking for photos. Even the grandmothers were excited and blowing their horns. At times security had to step in. It was insane. My next goal is to be selected for Australia’s Under 18 World Championships team.”
Her natural style as a player is more considered and tactical. “Lily is definitely crazy in the water, whereas I am a more cool-headed player. I create the plays and only step in if I need to get feisty, which is probably a style more in line with the American water polo teams,” explains Sassy.
Lily’s dream is to earn a sports scholarship to the University of Southern California. For her part, Lily hopes to one day trade water polo for a fast-paced health-related career such as paramedicine.
Rising Star
In the world of athletics, where prodigious talent often emerges early and unmistakably, a new star is rising. Her name is Maya Taber, a Year 9 student who, until recently, was very much under the radar.
It was the 2022 Independent Girls’ Schools Association (IGSA) Athletics Carnival that changed the course of Maya’s life. When she crossed the finish line in the 100 metres, a murmur went through the crowd. “Some friends came up and said, ‘Do you know she just beat the national champion?’” Maya’s mother, Amber, recalls. “Until then, she had just been a kid who played basketball for fun on Saturdays.” From that moment, the possibility of a different path for Maya began to form.
Most young athletes start their training early, some as young as six, honing their skills in Little Athletics. Maya, however, had not had any formal training. “We knew she was fast but didn’t know how fast,” Amber admits, still sounding a bit taken aback.
A fellow athletics parent put Maya’s parents in touch with renowned coach Roger Fabri. His training was rigorous and required a commitment from the whole family. “He requested a minimum of 10 one-on-one sessions to see if she could do the drills and if her time was genuine,” Amber explains. But Maya’s raw talent proved undeniable. After only three sessions, she was accepted into Fabri’s elite training squad.
The young athlete’s performance continued to astound. She competed in athletics season, consistently improving her times. “Even using starting blocks for the first time at a State or Regional meet did not significantly affect her time. Her coach identified so many areas in which she could improve and predicted she would only get better,” Amber notes. It was a
turning point for Maya, who would go on to represent New South Wales at the National Championships in April, where she came first in the 100-metres and second in the 200-metres.
The 200-metres was a surprise for everyone, including Maya and her coach. She reluctantly signed up for the event at Fabri’s suggestion and delivered a personal best. “She was dreading the 200 because she didn’t like the race,” Amber shares. “But she signed up anyway and then got a qualifying time for Nationals.” Maya’s rise in the athletics world has been swift and somewhat overwhelming. Her parents have had to learn to navigate the world of Little Athletics, Club Athletics, and school competitions. “It still does confuse me,” Amber admits. “And trying to balance it all can be hard on weekends.”
Despite the challenges, Maya’s parents are committed to supporting their daughter’s athletic journey while ensuring she remains grounded. “We keep reminding her this isn’t your whole story; you still have to think of a life beyond athletics, no matter how good you are. Your career will have an end time, and you need to prepare for that,” Amber explains.
Maya seems to be taking everything in stride. She trains three days a week, remains self-motivated, and enjoys the camaraderie of the athletics community. “I love the sport, and I really enjoy spending time with the other athletes and families between races,” Maya says. “I’m always talking to other people from different clubs.”
As the fastest girl in her age group in Australia for both the 100-metres and 200-metres, Maya is well on her way to potentially representing her country at the highest level. But for now, she remains focused on her training, her schoolwork, and just being a kid. “She is enjoying the physical side of it. All the family chips in, her grandmother comes down to help take her to training and competitions, if necessary,” Amber says. “We are also indebted to the other mothers who provide us with invaluable support as we navigate the intricacies of the sport. Meanwhile, I am focused on letting her be a kid and not pushing her too much.”
“Maya’s improvement over the past two years has been incredible to watch.” - Mr Tom Hill, Director of Sport and Performance
“The dedication and commitment she demonstrates towards her athletics inspires the other students in the program, which helps to raise the standard across the board. We look forward to continuing to support her on this journey as she progresses through her latter school years and beyond and aspires to reach her goals, whatever they may be.”
Shining on the World Stage
Two exceptional students will be representing Australia in prestigious international sporting events in the northern hemisphere during these school holidays.
Ava McCann, a multi-talented Year 11 biathlete, has achieved her long-held dream of being selected to represent Australia at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea.
She will be part of the nation’s largest-ever winter youth team. “We are so thrilled and proud of Ava’s achievement, which is a testament to her courage, determination and the support of many Wenona staff who encouraged her to achieve this goal while providing a flexible approach to her studies,” said Wenona Director of Sport and Performance, Mr Tom Hill. “The Sports Department works closely with an increasing number of elite and emerging athletes to map out their individual learning plans, ensuring they can balance their studies with their rigorous training and competition schedules.”
In January 2024, Ava will join 1,900 athletes from around the globe, competing in seven sports, 15 disciplines, and 81 events. Ava says she likes the Biathlon, a sport that combines cross-country skiing and shooting because it rewards hard work over natural talent.
Born with dysplasia, her journey to athletic success has been marked by resilience and determination. Despite not walking until age three and initially struggling with karate, Ava became the youngest person to achieve a Kyokushin World Federation Black Belt in 2016. “When I began karate, I was the worst in the class. I couldn’t jump, I couldn’t even run!” Ava continues to have regular physio for her condition and is also a champion fencer. She has been featured in the SBS documentary Limitless and on the Channel 9 Morning Show.
In the same month but in Spain, Year 10 student Lily Roberts will represent the Australian Women’s National Ice Hockey Team at the Women’s World Championships. Competing in Division 1B, the team will play at the highest level ever achieved by an Australian team in the sport’s history. Lily speaks passionately about her sport. “People who play ice hockey put their heart and soul into every training session and every game. We are also very close, not only all the Australians but also the international players.” This will be the third time that Lily has competed at international level.
We will be watching the girls’ progress with very keen interest.
Boarding Journey
Gemma Turkington’s transformative boarding experience has shaped her academic and personal growth and paved the way for an exciting career trajectory.
New Wenona Boarding Captain Gemma Turkington (Year 11) had dreamed of boarding life since early secondary school. “When a friend told me she planned to board from Year 10, I was immediately keen to do the same. I wanted to be surrounded by motivated girls with clear career goals and the drive to achieve them, plus the chance to participate in a broader range of co-curricular activities,” she says.
Her mother had misgivings - she knew how much her daughter would be missed at home. “I quietly investigated the options on my own,” Gemma says. “When I discovered Wenona and its DalCorp Scholarship, I was convinced it would be a good fit. It was such a great feeling when I found out I had been selected. Mum filled my bedroom with balloons to celebrate.”
Gemma describes her experience at Wenona as transformative. Not only has she blossomed academically, but she has embraced the myriad opportunities the school offers, such as Touch Football and Cadets, honing her leadership and organisational skills.
“Just one example of how Wenona has pushed me academically is a recent studentled Geography assignment that required me to use professional methods to test the blue-green algae-infested water at Lake Wyangan, and interview residents about how it has affected their use of water in the area. It gave me a new love of the subject,” she says.
At this stage, Gemma’s aim is to become a forensic psychologist, and she is studying HSC Business to help prepare her to run her own clinic one day. “My mum is now really positive about boarding. She sees how I have benefitted and is as grateful to Wenona as I am. It has been a fantastic outcome.”
Everyday Magic
Wonderment
permeated the Junior School in 2023.
It was not the kind of wonderment or magic you find in fairy tales or fantasy novels, but the quieter, more profound magic found in the minutiae of everyday existence.
The theme emerged from a professional development day for Junior School teachers, during which they contemplated the notion of “everyday magic”, and each sought a fitting symbol to represent it.
Ms Vicki Burkett chose a world globe, representing the magic of united action. She taught her Year 4 class about the power of small, positive changes. This led to the creation of a Clean Up Club that met weekly to tidy the playground – a lesson in environmental stewardship and understanding that every action counts.
Mr Troy Strike shared with his students a book of affirmations, a Christmas gift from his wife. This simple book became a symbol of finding inspiration in everyday acts of kindness, reminding the girls and his colleagues that magic can be found in words of encouragement and gestures of support.
A photo of a beloved dog was Year 4 teacher, Ms Kate Bouterakos’ symbol. To her, it represented the unconditional love and joy that pets bring to our lives, reminding us of the simple pleasures and the magic of companionship.
And then there was a jar full of buttons. To some, just a collection of fasteners, but to Junior School Administrator, Ms Janine Edwards, it represents the connections between us
all. She stood the jar on her bench with a welcoming sign for the girls and enacted the concept through her Button Clinic, sewing buttons back onto the girls’ uniforms during morning tea and lunch.
“Overall, I think it has helped the girls gain more appreciation for the importance of human connections. By listening to the teachers talk about their items of magic in Assembly, they have also been able to build connections with Junior School educators outside of their classroom teacher,” Ms Bouterakos says.
Symbols of magic also became a part of the girls’ daily thinking and conversations. Some brought in their own symbols of everyday magic. Others entered the annual Junior School Public Speaking Competition and spoke eloquently about the magic they have learned to find in sunrises, in laughter, and even in the mundane routines that shape our days.
In Junior School Assemblies, they explored concepts such as perseverance and collaborative endeavour, the magic that happens when we push beyond our comfort zones, when we embrace a growth mindset, and when we recognise that the journey is just as important as the destination.
By year’s end, the students had learned a way of seeing the world that appreciates the profound in the commonplace – the bonds we form, the compassion we show, and the small steps we each take to enhance the world.
A World of Learning
Exploring the vibrancy and variety of international education.
As part of their International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) Unit, Sharing the Planet, Year 4 students were lucky enough to receive a visit from several teachers in the Junior School to find out first-hand about the education systems in Kenya, the Netherlands, England, Finland, and the United States. It was a rich experience to help the girls learn from global differences and seek out the commonalities that unite us as human beings.
Ms Carlie Plummer, Acting Deputy Head of Junior School, has worked at Aberdare Ranges Primary School in Nakuru, Kenya. She shared her experiences with the students through a stunning photographic representation of the school, its pupils and the African landscape. The Kenyan children, many of whom are the offspring of Maasai farmers, live in a fragile built community predominantly consisting of tents and thin-walled shacks. Despite the challenging conditions, Aberdare Ranges Primary School, supported by fundraising dollars and a relationship with UNICEF, educates 960 pupils. Ms Plummer described the sheer joy of the Kenyan children at the chance to learn in a classroom.
Mr Sjoerd van den Bosch, a Year 5 teacher with experience in both the Netherlands and England, presented about the ways location affects access to education. He explained that most schools in the Netherlands are public and do not require uniforms. Mr van den Bosch himself attended school in Helmond, located in the southern region of the Netherlands. He
shared that, like numerous other European nations, children in his country typically have a shorter school day on Wednesdays, concluding at 12pm. Students in the Netherlands learn Dutch, English, and German from Year 1, and there are no all-girls’ schools. Mr van den Bosch also has experience working as a teacher in England and told the Wenona students that the British system, like the Australian system, requires uniforms and has a mix of coeducational and single-sex schools.
Looking at the other side of the world, Acting Head of Curriculum and PYP Coordinator, Ms Kimberley Peck, described to the students her experiences on a fellowship to learn about the educational system of Finland, a country known for its unique and highly successful approach to education. Finnish children start school at age seven, and education is public and free for all. “The Finnish system emphasises stressfree environments and a “less is more” approach to schooling,” she told them. “This cooperative learning approach extends beyond the school campus, with a shared understanding that the external world, from the city to the forests, is an extension of the classroom.”
Finally, Ms Gwyneth Williams, an educator from Miami, Florida, who has been on a teaching practicum at Wenona, shared her experiences as a student and a teacher in the United States. Ms Williams highlighted the significant differences between the American and Australian education systems, such as the higher prevalence of private school attendance in Australia and
the varying demographics of the student populations. The girls were particularly intrigued by the fact that in Miami, 72.3% of the population is Hispanic, and Spanish classes are mandatory throughout a child’s education, fostering a more bilingual environment.
“The children were truly captivated by hearing a first-hand account of these experiences,” said the girls’ Year 4 teacher, Ms Kate Bouterakos. Upon surveying the students afterwards, they reported that learning first-hand from people who have experienced a particular environment or situation can be a more engaging and effective way to learn and retain information. In this instance, it even provided the girls with a deeper understanding of their own educational journey.
It was a rich experience to help the girls learn from global differences and seek out the commonalities that unite us as human beings.
Ms Carlie Plummer
Garbage Band
Year 1 made sweet music in 2023, but not with conventional instruments – instead they used trash.
The initiative was part of their International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Unit, How We Organise Ourselves, in which their teachers employed music as a tool to explore community, cross-cultural understanding, and the power of creativity. “With the help of Junior School Music teacher Ms Emma Gutierrez, we wanted to explore how communities use music as a unifying force,” Mr Strike said.
The students’ interest was piqued by a video of young people in South America who had created instruments from garbage. “Watching the video about the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay,
served as what we call a learning provocation,” Mr Strike said, “The orchestra is made up of children who live in the small town of Asuncion, which is built on landfill. Most people in the town make their living by selling bottles or anything they can recycle. The prospect of purchasing real instruments is unthinkable – a violin costs as much as a house in Paraguay. “
For our Year 1 students, this was an important lesson in the human ability to find joy and connection through exceptional creativity and innovation. This resonated deeply with Mr Strike and the girls. “We were inspired by how a community with so
little could create so much. And we wanted to do the same,” Mr Strike said.
The girls began turning out their recycling bins at home and School. “They brought in a vast array of different things, some tape, rubber bands, boxes, tetra bricks, toilet rolls - anything they could lay their hands on. We were then joined by the company Musical School Incursions which took our inspiration further and empowered the children to experiment freely and imaginatively.”
Once ready, the students used the predominantly percussionbased instruments to begin making music ahead of a performance for the Junior School Assembly.
The experience helped the girls to understand that sometimes, not having everything can bring about better results. “The project was not just about creating music. It was about understanding how different communities use music,” Mr Strike said. “For instance, the girls learned how communities in Greece use music for weddings. They also explored how music brought people together during the COVID-19 lockdowns, including the Italian experience, where people came onto their balconies to play music and bring everyone together.”
The girls’ performance was such a success that it prompted an invitation from Dr Scott to play at the Senior School Principal’s Assembly.
Sailing Beyond Borders
Young sailor, Isabella Taylor (Year 6), battled powerful winds, language barriers, and understandable nerves, as she took on the Lake Garda Optimist in Italy, one of the world’s most unusual sporting competitions.
The 41st Lake Garda Optimist Meeting in April was bustling with over 1,200 sailors from 34 countries in the scenic Italian town of Riva del Garda, surrounded by mountains and the chilly waters of Lake Garda.
At just 12 years old, Isabella is already a seasoned sailor, having navigated the waters of Sydney Harbour with her family since early childhood. But the Optimist Meeting was a completely new experience. “When I arrived, it was a feeling like no other. The atmosphere was exciting and filled with fun, but I also felt some nerves,” she says.
The event posed several challenges, including the powerful Ora wind, which sometimes blew at over 55 kilometres per hour. “I also had to adapt to using a dry suit, which was hard to move in. Plus, the weather was much colder than I thought it would be. Even with the dry suit on, it was freezing!” Isabella says.
The wind threw a twist during the regatta, dropping significantly in the finals. Isabella demonstrated her resilience and versatility as a sailor by adapting her rigging and start strategy.
“Sailing with so many others can be overwhelming and daunting, but it was a great time to push myself and learn new things,” she says. “I also learned that the language barrier can be hard as people have different interpretations of the racing rules.”
Isabella describes the opening ceremony as a highlight of the experience. She took great pride in marching through Riva del Garda with her fellow Australian team members, exchanging souvenirs with sailors from around the world and making connections with her fellow competitors.
“The cheering of ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie’ was the loudest in the very big crowd. As far as the souvenir trading went, blow-up kangaroos were definitely the most popular. It was a great opportunity to meet sailors from all over the world and make some new friends.” Isabella now has her mind set on further international competition. “As for the future, I hope anything is possible!” she says.
It was a great time to push myself and learn knew things
Isabella Taylor
ALUMNAE STORIES
Strengthening Bonds
Meet the dedicated members of the Wenona Alumnae Association, working to foster a strong and active Alumnae connection and enrich the Wenona community.
Wenona’s new President of the Alumnae Association, Ms Olivia Dilanchian (2017), is excited about the future of the organisation and its potential to bring enormous benefits, not only to former students but current ones as well. “It’s beautiful to think that the Alumnae are a bridge between past, present, and future, connecting the generations,” she shares. “My time at Wenona taught me how to give back to my community, and there is no better way than to give back to all the current and former students.”
So, what can we expect from her tenure? “We are working to create opportunities for Alumnae to reunite, share experiences, and support one another,” Olivia explains. “Further efforts will facilitate networking, mentorship and collaborative initiatives to support the younger Alumnae as well.”
Olivia also sees a significant role for the Alumnae Association in the overall development of the School. “We have a strong goal to allow current students to benefit from the wisdom and experience of Alumnae,” she said. “Allowing a connection between the generations that will offer mentorship, guidance and a view into life beyond Wenona.”
When she’s not volunteering time to Wenona, Olivia is an Account Manager at Dell Technologies, managing Queensland utility companies. She also devotes time to Dell’s Women in Action Employee Group, to improve the experience of women in the company and give back to students and young women externally. As for her future career goals? “They say the job you’ll have in ten years doesn’t exist yet, and working in tech with all the changes that have occurred recently, I wholeheartedly believe that,” she shares. “What I don’t think will change, though, is the need for people managers, and in some way or another, I’d love to have the ability to help people grow their careers.”
As for all our Wenona Alumnae, she has a call to action for you: “I would like all Alumnae to feel comfortable as part of the Association and to feel encouraged to reach out if they have any ideas,” she urges. “Please email us at alumnae@wenona.nsw.edu.au if your contact details change and join the Wenona Alumnae group on Facebook and LinkedIn to hear about upcoming events and reunions.”
Reality Check
Now working on some of the highest-rating programs in Australia, Jane Oswald’s (FitzGerald, 1991) journey to media lawyer, is a testament to her focus and adaptability.
For the Secretary of the Wenona Alumnae Association, Jane Oswald, the average day in the office is always full of surprises. “The appeal of working in media law is the constant variety,” she says. “There is never a dull moment – every day presents new challenges and issues, particularly when dealing with television productions.” Over the years, Jane has witnessed the evolution of television, from game shows like Sale of the Century to modern-day reality TV shows. Her career has included stints at the Seven Network, the BBC, and Endemol Shine Australia.
But during her time as a Year 10 student at Wenona, like adolescents the world over, Jane was filled with uncertainty about where her future lay. The fast-paced and complicated world of reality television was the last thing on her mind.
“At School, I imagined my future as a landscape gardener. Then, on graduation, I enrolled in an arts degree, only to transfer to arts law after I discovered a fascination for environmental law and intellectual property law,” she says. Jane’s first role following university was with the Australian Copyright Council, a non-profit
organisation. It gave her the opportunity to hone her skills, giving legal advice, crafting publications on copyright, and presenting seminars. When she spotted a job advertisement for Grundy Television, her career took an exciting turn.
Today, she is employed by ITV Studios Australia, an independent production company owned by the British broadcaster ITV, where they produce programs such as Love Island Australia, The Chase and Alone Australia for local networks.
Jane says that while reality television on screen may appear to lack substance, the legal inner workings behind the scenes are far from trivial. Lawyers play a pivotal role in nearly every facet of reality TV production. Their responsibilities range from routine tasks such as negotiating contracts relating to the production and distribution of programs, ensuring a safe environment for both crew and participants, safeguarding against potential plot leaks, shielding television stations and production houses from lawsuits, and protecting their intellectual property.
Much of Jane’s focus is on the legal aspects of producing a series – ensuring programs are
not defamatory, content is fully cleared, and participants are not entangled in legal issues either before or after filming. Jane is also responsible for managing commercial litigation. The explosion of social media use has also introduced challenges, particularly around the duty of care to participants. Jane also enjoys being part of ITV’s “Green Team”, helping to run sustainability initiatives within the organisation.
Reflecting on her life, Jane credits her time at Wenona for preparing her for the rigours of the workplace and the challenges of balancing family and career. “It provided a well-rounded education, teaching me both academically and socially. It also instilled important moral standards and valuable presentation skills,” she says. Her advice for young people looking to venture into law or specifically media law, is clear: “If you don’t get accepted straight from school, it’s not an issue. Once you get to university, if you perform well, you can transfer into any course you want. Keep an open mind, absorb what others are doing and take on opportunities as they arise.”
Culinary Doyenne
Lyndey Milan OAM (Hall, 1971), the “Queen of Australian food”, has a story as diverse and vibrant as the dishes she creates. Her life has been punctuated by challenge and tragedy, but her indomitable spirit and desire to uplift others always reign supreme.
A proud member of the Class of 1971, Lyndey Milan still has vivid memories of her Wenona days, especially her more colourful teachers. “Mrs Jean Ford was crazy but always inspiring. I loved her subject so much that I received the Modern History Prize. Miss Joyner would open her Mathematics lessons by calling on girls in close succession to solve mental arithmetic problems. The risk of humiliation meant our skills became sharp. I am still thankful - they have proven useful throughout my career.”
But it is her cohort for which Lyndey is most grateful. “Some years can behave like spoiled little rich kids, but ours was without cliques. We won the Tulloch Cup for School Citizenship twice – a rarity. It is remarkable what strong and independent women we have become and the bonds we have maintained 52 years post-graduation.”
Wenona did not offer food technology back then, but for Lyndey, food had always been a big part of life. “My parents were full of fun and great entertainers. They also travelled a lot, bringing back foreign stories and cuisines. In their absence, a friend and I would take over the kitchen, cooking recipes from her mother’s American magazines and a cookbook I bought with my pocket money. When my mother became unwell, I prepared all my father’s meals. I also married at 20, which was stupidly young, so I was also cooking for my husband from an early age.”
Lyndey’s parents were advocates of tertiary education for girls and nudged her towards a fine arts degree. She began her career teaching Visual Arts at secondary level and in her first year, was selected to sit on the Art Inspector’s Teacher’s Committee. Nevertheless, Lyndey soon decided that teaching was not the right fit and left the profession to travel overseas.
Following three years in London and Europe, she returned to Australia. By this time, she had parted ways with her first husband and found love with her second. During this period, food emerged as the dominant thread in her life.
“I found myself working as a personal assistant to the chairman and managing director of an advertising consultancy. I ran the show in many ways, and my responsibilities grew to include recruiting junior staff members.
I was also organising in-house lunches and knew I could easily cook as well as the Cordon Bleu chefs I hired. Before long, I was promoted
to the role of general manager.” Back in Australia, having left advertising and given birth to a son, Blair, she decided to use her growing food passion. “I pitched my services to the chairman’s secretary and the general manager and, to my delight, secured the freelance catering gig for myself. I had already become something of the classic corporate wife while still working, creating six-course business dinner parties complete with hand-lettered menus and gold-painted quail wishbones - yes, really!”
It is remarkable what strong and independent women we have become and the bonds we have maintained.
She has also graced every television network, save for the ABC. At Channel 9, she presented Fresh for eight years, outlasting three co-hosts: Jason Roberts, Geoff Jansz, and Peter Evans.
As a mother of two young children, Lyndey found catering a helpful career for balancing family commitments. Her first catering opportunity soon blossomed into a full-blown business venture providing meals for North Shore housewives to proudly serve as their own creations. “While it may not have been the most thrilling job, it was the perfect fit for that chapter of my life. As word of mouth spread, my business flourished, and I eventually brought on two partners to help manage the growing demand,” Lyndey says.
By 1988, she had begun a radio segment and contributed restaurant reviews to The Good Food Guide, which she continues today as the Guide’s longest-serving reviewer. When her husband left her “spectacularly” in 1989, Lyndey was determined to move forward, not backward. “I didn’t want to return to teaching or advertising, so my partners and I opened a café in addition to our catering business. It felt logical to continue moving in a direction combining media and food.”
A wine connoisseur, she began penning a wine column for the Sun-Herald and focused on food and wine in her segment on Radio 2UE. “On TV, I started with Joannie McGuinnes, now Lady Joan Hardy, on her morning show. My two years with Bert Newton, flying to Melbourne for each episode, were fun. My other commitments included morning TV with John Mangos in the ‘90s and Monday to Friday with Brigitte Duclos. Then, in 1999, I joined Australian Consolidated Press (ACP) to become the Food and Wine Editor of their new magazine, Australian Table.” Eventually, Lyndey succumbed to immense pressure to join The Australian Women’s Weekly as its first Food Director. “Two million people read that magazine monthly, which is extraordinary. Overall, I am probably best known for my ACP years.”
Now credited with “revolutionising Australians’ perception of food and wine”, Lyndey has worked with most of the big names in the Australian culinary scene and written for many publications and publishing houses. She has also graced
every television network, save for the ABC. At Channel 9, she presented Fresh for eight years, outlasting three co-hosts: Jason Roberts, Geoff Jansz, and Peter Evans. For Flame Media, she served as creative director and won numerous awards for her work, including Best Food TV Series for Lyndey Milan’s Taste of Australia. The international names she has worked with include Rick Stein, Jamie Oliver, and Anthony Bourdain. She even conducted a live cross into the top-rating American NBC Today Show during the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
A staunch promoter of the Australian food industry, she has also been on the Council of the Royal Agriculture Society of New South Wales since 1996 and chaired its Dairy, Fine Food, and Wine Committees. “I initiated fine foods because I realised the traditional ways of agriculture were increasingly being challenged, and our eating and drinking habits were evolving. Ultimately, I became the first female Vice-President of the Sydney Royal Easter Show.” Lyndey also began leading popular culinary adventures to exotic locales like Puglia and Morocco, which she continues to do today.
Raised with the ethos of giving back, she has also served as an ambassador for several charities. She established a female mentoring program, Tasting Success, which has been rolled out across NSW. She was also a founding Board Member of Women in Hospitality and a former Tourism Australia Food and Wine Advisory Committee member. With all her commitments, Lyndey still found time to contribute to her alma mater, at one stage conducting cooking demonstrations at the Sydney Seafood School to raise money for Wenona. “I used to secure a wine sponsor and run it professionally. They were very successful,” she shares. Lyndey was also one of the first Alumnae selected to speak at a Women of Spirit Breakfast.
Her most outstanding achievement, however, is her two children, Blair and Lucy, for whom, as a single mum, she was the principal carer. “We shared an incredibly close bond. Though I often went out at night for work, I always cooked
dinner from scratch. Mealtimes together were sacrosanct. No TV, just conversation. And on Sunday nights, we were not allowed to have a friend over. They grew up on goodhome-cooked, colourful food, which introduced them to different aromas and flavours from an early age. They came to restaurant reviews with me, developed discerning palates and were my greatest critics - but also my biggest supporters.”
Blair became a popular actor, recognised for roles in Home and Away and All Saints. One of the happiest times of Lyndey’s life arrived when he freed himself from his acting commitments to join her as co-host of Lyndey and Blair’s Taste of Greece. It is a program particularly close to her heart and has since been seen worldwide.
Blair’s death a short time later, at just 29, due to acute myeloid leukemia, made their time spent together on the project extraordinarily special. “Blair was a beacon of light. He chose to be happy every day of his life and had a knack for making everyone feel better about themselves,” she says. Since his passing, Lyndey has been actively involved in several cancer charities, serving as a Cure Cancer Ambassador and, more recently, as an Ambassador for the Leukaemia Foundation, alongside her work with the Butterfly Foundation for people with eating disorders. She also founded a scholarship fund with Charles Sturt University to keep Blair’s name alive.
Lyndey’s bond with Wenona was strengthened when her daughter, Lucy, was enrolled. Today, the School still holds a place in her heart. “I’ve been involved in organising each of our reunions from the 10th to the 50th. We had to postpone the latter due to COVID-19, but the WhatsApp group we formed to stay connected has developed a life of its own. Many of us felt like misfits as students, but here we are now, connected more closely than ever. It is such a wonderful, supportive, non-judgemental group. The teachers, the subjects, and my friends all contributed to who I am today.”
Navigating Heights
A380
Captain Emily Sidoti (Walker,1995) is breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring a generation of young women.
The first Australian female pilot to captain an A380 fleet for Emirates, Emily has dreamed of flying since she was 12, never giving up despite facing the doubt of many of those around her. “I knew I wanted to be a pilot. My biggest inspiration, and the person who kindled my passion for aviation, was my grandfather,” she says. “As a veteran of the Royal Australian Airforce, he was generous in spirit and demonstrated a deep appreciation for the life he felt blessed to have. Through him, I gained the thrill of flight, which will never leave me.”
On graduating from Wenona, she began her Diploma in Aviation, having funded her studies by working long hours in hospitality and fashion. She began as a flight instructor, then moved on to various charter operations, including flying juvenile offenders with their police escorts and conducting urgent medical transfers between rural and city hospitals. The next 15 years were devoted to flying regional and domestic airlines around Australia. Four years ago, Emily was hired by the world-class airline Emirates.
As Emily says, aviation is not for the faint of heart. Only five per cent of international commercial pilots are women; even her own father did not believe she could succeed. So what sets her apart? “My attitude is to always be one step ahead of the rest, remain committed to high standards and challenge yourself,” she says. “Any judgement is a reflection of someone else’s belief or
opinion, it has no relevance in my ability to succeed in the aviation industry.”
With 27 years in the aviation industry behind her, she continues to set challenging targets. “I am a high achiever. It’s important to set daily, weekly, and yearly goals both personally and professionally and be able to flexibly change direction as there can be many variables. My next short-term goal (12 months) is to become an A380 Training Captain for Emirates, allowing me to offer my expertise and knowledge to pilots around the world.
Emily demonstrated her flexibility most notably when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. She was made redundant, and her family moved back to Australia, giving her the chance to broaden her skills. “I worked with AusgridAustralia’s largest electrical distributor, developing their first commercial drone operation. I also completed my real estate license and worked in high fashion! This reiterated that anything is possible, as long as you trust the process.”
Emily used the setback as a teachable moment for her children. “Resistance doesn’t make problems go away, you need to persevere to find a solution,” she says. “I have learned to be adaptable in all circumstances and took the opportunity to reinvent myself, try new things, practise gratitude, and stimulate growth in my life with a new perspective. I never stopped working hard and kept dreaming big.”
Emily says her strength and determination have been influenced by her time at Wenona. “The School certainly provided me with a strong foundation to thrive in the world with confidence and resilience. I am extremely grateful for my education at Wenona and the opportunities I was fortunate to have. My greatest memory was winning the NSW Schoolgirls Head of the River in 1995, Wenona’s first eight-oared boat race. A special mention to my teammates in that event. Rowing certainly taught me to push boundaries both physically and mentally. It was the toughest sport I’ve ever competed in, and provided a solid base to continue to develop my grit and determination for all goals I’ve set myself since.”
What is her advice for future pilots? She highly recommends the Emirates Flight Training Academy in Dubai for those with a serious ambition to become a pilot. “It offers one of the world’s most sophisticated cadet training programs.”
How does she manage to keep everything in balance? “I have an incredibly supportive husband, who seamlessly assumes the role of solo parent to our three girls when I’m away, whilst managing his own home renovations and carpentry business. It’s also true that my family loves the perks that come with my job, particularly the privilege of flying business class anywhere across the globe.”
“I have learned to be adaptable in all circumstances and took the opportunity to reinvent myself, try new things, practise gratitude, and stimulate growth in my life with a new perspective. I never stopped working hard and kept dreaming big.”
I am not the sort of person who wants to hang around for 10 years doing the same thing at the same place.
Unstoppable Spirit
In the mountainous state of Colorado, Lara Hamilton (2015) is defying the odds and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an athlete. Lara Hamilton is an opera singer, a digital marketing lead, and a champion long-distance runner.
Perhaps most impressively, she is battling a chronic inflammatory condition while simultaneously achieving remarkable feats in gruelling cross-country running events.
Lara says her story of athletic success began at Wenona, where mandatory sports participation sparked a lifelong passion for physical activity. “I think I did a sport every semester,” she recalls. “Hockey, cross country, football, snowsports, cross country skiing – all of it. I learned to be part of a team, to not give up, to set goals, be on time, and embrace change,” she says.
Alongside sport, she also nurtured a talent for singing at School, which led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Music Performance, majoring in Opera.
Following graduation, she threw herself into Nordic skiing and distance running before honing her considerable cross country talent. Yet, amid her impressive achievements, there was a shadow looming. In her early 20s, Lara was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a condition like rheumatoid arthritis but affecting people in their 20s.
It causes inflammation and pain in the joints and was a devastating blow - one that threatened to derail her athletic career just as it was taking off.
“The years of 2017 and 2018 were golden for me. I was the under 20 Australian Cross Country Champion in 2017; in 2018 I came 22nd at the World University Cross Country Championship and achieved third in the Australian Women’s Open Cross Country Championship. I was recruited for college in the United States. But now I don’t know if I will ever run at that level again.”
Nevertheless, Lara has made phenomenal ground since her diagnosis. “I was lucky because I have a family that would not let me give up on my sporting dreams. Dad is a former professional sportsman and mum is a sports physician. She was pretty adamant that this wasn’t it for me, that I wasn’t ‘messed up’ and that I could come back, with the right treatment.”
Together, Lara and her mother searched for answers, pursuing tests and not giving up on a solution. “We tried everything. We went to food and allergen clinics, and organised blood tests and MRIs. It took a long time to get access to the right medication but now I am on a regimen that involves lots of sleep, adjustments to my training, lots of quiet time, and dietary restrictions. The medication is prohibitively expensive – a biologic injection costing a staggering $60,000 a year. Fortunately, I qualify for free access.”
The medication reduces the inflammation to the extent Lara can continue running. “It still means that I have to live a quiet life, foregoing social activities, but the fulfilment of sporting and career achievement will always be a greater reward than social fun,” she says.
So far, Lara’s results have been remarkable. In 2023, she achieved two unprecedented Australian records in the “Classic Up and Down” Mountain Race (a 15km course with 751m of
uphill climb) and the Vertical Kilometre race (covering 7.1km with a 1020m ascent) in June. Additionally, Lara emerged victorious in the 22-kilometre Ultra-Trail Australia (UTA) event held in the Blue Mountains in May. These impressive achievements, which can be found on larahamilton.com, speak volumes about her unwavering grit and determination.
Alongside her competitive athletics, Lara works as a digital lead at a marketing company, bringing equal motivation to her career advancement. She says she has embraced opportunities to network and find high-quality mentors in a constant drive to better herself and further the industry. “It is about change and flexibility. In digital marketing, you can’t be left behind.”
Lara suspects she will one day pivot in her career to make use of her musical skills and qualifications. “I am still young, so I have a few years left to really explore what it is that I want to do. I anticipate that I will have a lot of different careers in my life because I like to swap, change, and move around. I am not the sort of person who wants to hang around for 10 years doing the same thing at the same place.”
Lara hopes to continue defying the odds but also, to inspire others with her story. She says her guiding belief is that “no matter what life throws at me, I have the power to overcome it.”
“I just do my best with what I have,” she says. “Sometimes I have a good day, like winning UTA; sometimes it’s pretty tough. But there is always a flip side to any negative. In my case, my difficulties have made me much stronger and more resilient.”
From the Frontline
Xanthe Gregory (2016) has emerged as a rising star of Australian journalism, after receiving a 2023 Walkley Award for her tenacious coverage of the catastrophic 2022 Eugowra floods.
On 14 November 2022, ABC Radio reporter, Xanthe Gregory, found herself the first journalist to reach the often-overlooked town of Eugowra after an inland tsunami had resulted in what she describes as a “war zone”.
“I had been in Molong near Orange, interviewing the mayor, when he told me to ‘check out what is happening in Eugowra’”, Xanthe says. “I scoured the news and social media for information about the flooding there but found nothing. Then it dawned on me that the residents had lost all communication.”
At the break of dawn and accompanied by an intern with only two days experience at the ABC, Xanthe headed to Eugowra to wait for the road to re-open. “It was like a lawless world. There were no road rules and all the streets, houses, paddocks, and fences had been torn to shreds. Dead animals were everywhere, flipped cars were floating hundreds of metres from their original locations. Most of all, I remember it being eerily quiet. More than a third of the town had been airlifted out.”
The most confronting moment came when she passed a woman wandering lost and dazed, desperately searching for her sister. “We pulled over to speak to her and she just cried in my arms.” Unfortunately, the woman’s sister was found dead two days later. “There is no training for journalists in the face of that sort of thing. It was probably the only time I felt emotional while I was there, but we didn’t have time to be emotional. Journalists are there to do a job, to tell people’s stories. If you can’t handle it, you are probably in the wrong field.”
Despite the challenges, Xanthe stayed in Eugowra for nearly a month, giving a voice to the flood victims. Not only was she reporting but she was filming her own stories, taking photographs for online coverage, and conducting radio crosses. Communication was a significant hurdle. With no phone reception, she had to rely on a sliver of Wi-Fi in the SES shed or drive 40 minutes to the farm where her brother works to get her stories out.
In hindsight though it was the best thing for my career. If I can do that, I can probably do a lot more.
Eighty per cent of homes had been affected by the 11.2 metre peak. “I was exhausted to my very core, just running on adrenaline, but there was no day where I woke up and didn’t want to get out of bed and go back out there because I felt like we had a duty. If the ABC had not stayed faithful to the story, the full details would not have got out. It does catch up to you though. In the weeks after, I just thought oh my God, what on earth just happened? Being so under-resourced makes what is already a hard job so much harder, and so much more exhausting. In hindsight though it was the best thing for my career. If I can do that, I can probably do a lot more.”
Xanthe’s commitment to the story was such that even on her days off she would grab her camera to see what she could record as a stills photographer. Troubled by the question, “How could this happen?” she reached out to hydrologists, emergency personnel, and anyone who could provide insight into the environmental factors that might have contributed to the disaster.
On a day off, she noticed a council employee entering the local museum. Intrigued, she followed him in and discovered a turning point in her story. He showed her flood reports from 1997 and 2010, which suggested that a disaster of this magnitude was possible, but the likelihood was estimated to be once every 5,000 years. This discovery helped turn Xanthe’s story from a series of local reports into an eight-minute investigative piece for the 7.30 Report program, examining whether the town should have heeded the warnings and what potential factors might have contributed to the disaster.
It is rare for a radio journalist to have her footage accepted for use on such a high-profile show, especially an early-career journalist. Xanthe attributes her filming ability to her enduring love of photography, a field she once thought would be her career path. This passion was evident even during her student years at Wenona where she produced several notable videos including the Brave video, created with a friend as a gift to Principal, Dr Scott, in September 2015.
Communications Degree, majoring in Broadcast, at Charles Sturt University. The transition was a natural one for Xanthe, who had always been known for her curiosity and her ability to connect with people.
After university, she took a job reporting in the Central West. “I love the people in the regions, they are so down to earth. As a journalist starting out, there’s no better place to begin your career than in a regional area,” she says. “When a big story hits, you often find yourself the sole reporter on the scene. The higher-ups have no alternative but to entrust you with the coverage. It’s an invaluable experience,” she says.
Travelling on a gap year after her Wenona graduation, Xanthe began to document her experiences, not just through photographs, but through fictional stories she wrote based on the images. “I realised that what I was doing was actually journalism, not just photography,” she recalls. “I thought, why don’t I just speak to these people and get their real stories?”
This realisation led her to exchange her camera for a notepad and embark on a
Xanthe’s exceptional reporting in Eugowra not only garnered her the 2023 John B Fairfax Family Young Australian Journalist of the Year Award for Coverage of Community and Regional Affairs but also caught the attention of the ABC’s Sydney bureau. This led to an 18-month contract in its Ultimo office. Working in the country’s biggest news centre is a logical step. “As much as I love working in the regions, there is a career ceiling there,” she shares. “I feel like the time is right for me to start working on the bigger stories in Sydney, tackling daily court reporting and covering major long-running inquiries.”
Beyond that, Xanthe dreams of one day becoming a foreign correspondent. “That’s definitely the direction I would like my career to take,” while also hinting at a potential comeback to regional news coverage in Orange one day. “Who knows what the future holds?”
What Xanthe does know now is that she does not want to report from a war zone. “I have learned that I feel things too deeply to be confronted by so much intensity every day,” she says.
Advancing Innovation
Despite being brand new to the automotive industry, Bryanna (Bree) Jones (2016) already enjoys a coveted position, contributing to a suite of engineering parts for two globally-recognised vehicles – the award-winning Ford Ranger pickup truck and the Ford Everest SUV.
A pragmatist by nature, Bree Jones embarked on an engineering degree solely as a stepping stone towards a more predictable career in finance. Her goal was to earn an MBA, followed by entry into risk and strategic management. Life as an engineer did not feature in her plans.
Bree’s five-year engineering degree at Wollongong University culminated in an honours thesis on CO2 emissions in school ventilation systems. Then, when COVID-19 arrived, she pivoted to investigate air quality and ventilation, a topic of paramount importance during a pandemic.
The key focus was old demountable classrooms in Canberra, some of which had been in place for 40 years without any upgrades. The findings were worrying – they relied primarily on natural airflow and contained high levels of CO2, raising serious questions about the conditions in which children were learning.
Bree’s research was shared with the schools and published with the i-Hub research team at Wollongong University. After her departure, it was then continued by two subsequent thesis students, extending its impact over two more years.
For Bree, the idea of dedicating her life to improving people’s health and overall lives through engineering began to look more interesting. Rather than moving on to finance, she took a job in the water industry. When she saw an advertisement for a
Ford Development Program position, she knew she was ready for a new challenge. “I hadn’t seen the practical applications of mechanical engineering in the automotive industry. It looked fascinating,” she says.
The selection process was rigorous. “Around five interviews, three aptitude assessments, and a final test where we were given a prompt and expected to respond on the spot,” she recalls. Bree stood out as one of the few women and youngest applicants selected – only nine people were chosen from all over Australia and New Zealand.
Entering her third year of the graduate program in 2024, she has received numerous opportunities to contribute as a valued employee. “We benefit from comprehensive training on a range of skills, from public speaking to crafting pitches and leading a team. In addition, we travel to the company’s offices in the United States and Thailand, broadening our understanding of the industry and helping us build an international network.”
For now, Bree is keen to focus on Australian-made cars. Her most recent achievement was as a suspension engineer on the Ford Ranger and the Everest platforms, specifically the 2022, 2023, and 2024 models. “I liaised closely with a company called ARB with whom we have a partnership for off-roading accessories,” she explains. “The four-wheel drive accessory
customer base is more niche. These could be individuals who are only going to use the vehicle for four-wheel driving or camping or people who are working remotely and driving all around Australia. We are designing for someone who’s going up rocky roads and potentially having to attach a winch and pull themselves out of a hole, as well as tradespeople who carry a lot of weight in their vehicles. It is a fascinating area.”
The future of the industry equally excites her. “We know electric vehicles are coming in, so the question is, ‘How are we going to create an electric ute?’ We know that people are going to want a huge amount of power. We know they will have a lot of weight in the car. How are we going to achieve that? They are goals that really motivate me,” she says.
The fact that Bree now works as an engineer at Ford is a source of pride but also frequent teasing from her family, particularly her grandfather and uncle, who are themselves engineers.”They needle me so much because they know how adamant I was that I would never become an engineer. I constantly hear, ‘Look at you! Who would have thought?!’”
Pioneering Journey
Nikola Bonney’s (1991) journey through finance, aviation, and environmental consultancy embodies a relentless pursuit of growth and transformation.
During her School years, Nikola Bonney excelled in Mathematics and had her sights set firmly on an investment banking career. “Wenona strongly emphasised the value of tertiary education, so I enrolled in a business degree majoring in Finance, only to last a year. My drive to start experiencing the “real world” was too strong, so I left for an entry role at Bankers Trust.”
“I had a great time for a year, but it quite quickly dawned on me that if I wanted career progression, I needed a degree, so I returned to the University of Technology Sydney.” Towards the end of her course, Nikola began a role in investor services at Macquarie Bank, in conjunction with her full-time study. “I loved it. But became increasingly interested in the idea of transitioning to innovation-oriented roles. My personality had tested as strongly peopleoriented, it made sense to seek positions that involved lots of collaboration and teamwork.”
A start-up opportunity in the aviation industry changed Nikola’s career trajectory. She was selected to join the founding team of Virgin Blue, the first Virgin company in Australia. Working with just eight others, she was tasked with building the airline from the ground up, from airport operations to human resources. The challenge was immense in a sector dominated by established airlines Ansett and Qantas. Over just eight months, they had to
establish the new airline, procure aircraft, and recruit and train 250 people, all without a playbook.
Nikola recalls the exhilaration of those days, working as a team into the early hours every night, sourcing planes and navigating the deluge of job applications. “It was pretty wild when I reflect upon it. We were driven by a shared passion to do things differently and to question every aspect of the airline business tirelessly. From the check-in process to menu design, we would ask ourselves, ‘Why do it the established way?’” Over the next nine years, Nikola developed her expertise in human resource (HR) management and, together with her colleagues, grew Virgin Blue from nine to four and a half thousand staff.
However, the demands of the job were not always compatible with family life. Nikola gave birth to two daughters, Amelie (2022) and Chloe (Year 11) while in her role at Virgin Blue, and with the company’s head office based in Brisbane, her role required extensive commuting, ultimately leading her to prioritise motherhood. Her career then journeyed through a variety of senior HR roles, including banking and financial services and the health industry.
Three years ago, Nikola seized an opportunity to channel her zeal for people, culture and innovation into
a new venture at Pollination, a pioneering global climate change investment and advisory firm. She is deeply passionate about her role as Head of Talent and Culture, and the purpose of the firm, which revolves around crafting solutions for clients to accelerate the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive future. Once more, she finds herself in a dynamic team and organisation tackling significant challenges. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a startup’s early stages, where you can establish the HR systems, frameworks, and processes to attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent,” she explains. “Pollination presents a unique chance to shape and influence from a fresh perspective.
The company was designed to be a global entity from its inception, launching simultaneously in Australia, the United States, and Europe.” This international approach excites her, as does the “unique opportunity for our people to work with diverse clients worldwide, including governments, corporates and financial institutions”.
Launching during the pandemic posed unique challenges, but it also provided valuable insights into operating a global team remotely. The Pollination team is drawn from diverse industries and disciplines, comprising individuals with varied backgrounds in finance, law, policy, investment, sustainability, business, and management consulting. This diversity is central to their approach, bringing together distinct perspectives to pollinate bold new ideas to address complex climate and nature-related challenges, and drive systemic change and capital flows.
Nikola emphasises the importance of cultivating a unique talent culture in such a diverse environment. “Creating a cohesive culture when you have people from such varied industries and with their expertise is fascinating and rewarding,” she says. “We are extremely focused on our people who are intrinsically motivated by our purpose and our values. The company also has really ambitious goals, so once again I am experiencing the same fast-paced, hypergrowth environment that I enjoyed at Virgin Blue.”
Though her daughters are older now, Nikola admits it can still be a challenge to balance long hours across different time zones with family life, but she says it is manageable. “Finding the right balance for yourself and your family is crucial, and it varies for everyone,” she explains. “I’m lucky that my husband and I have been able to share parenting responsibilities as we pursue our joint goals for our family.
I think the girls have benefitted from being raised by hardworking parents. We strive to demonstrate that it’s possible to chase your dreams and be proactive,” she says. “I like to think I have also been a really strong female role model for them.”
Leaders on Demand
Julia van Graas (Macdonald, 1998), the co-founder of one of the nation’s most daring business ventures, which caters to billiondollar corporations, credits Wenona with broadening her horizons and awakening her to a world of possibilities.
Business acumen is in Julia van Graas’ veins. Generations of her family have been in the accounting field. She grew up absorbing her parents’ conversations over dinner, building a layered understanding of what leads to success. “The word entrepreneurship wasn’t really used back then, but that was the theme. I developed a passion for business without really thinking about it,” she says.
Julia’s earliest ambitions were also shaped by the Wenona environment, where she regularly sought the wisdom of Economics teacher and Careers Advisor Mrs Judy Cribb. “It was a daunting question – what to do with the rest of my life?
At one point, I was trying to decide between studying business and psychology. Mrs Cribb encouraged me not to lock myself into one career but to focus on what brought me pleasure, explaining that working lives take on different dimensions over time. It was such good advice, especially now that traditional career paths are being relentlessly disrupted and redefined.
Ultimately, I gained a place on the Bachelor of Accounting Co-op Scholarship at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), thanks to the support of Mrs Cribb during the application process. It promised a graduate role with one of their sponsor organisations, a guarantee of work experience, and a paycheck while studying – something of a golden ticket. The program continues today, and I highly recommend it to any girl interested in business.”
By 21, Julia describes herself as having “hit the ground running”, with both a degree and two years’ work experience under her belt. She then gained qualifications as a Chartered Accountant and having discovered a passion for business restructuring and turnaround at university, decided to dedicate her 20s to gaining experience in that field.
“Wenona’s commitment to a global mindset cultivated an ambition to work abroad,” she says. Julia’s recollections of studying economics at Wenona during the 1997 Asian financial crisis and how it shifted the trajectory of history also remained vivid. She relocated to Europe for five years, during which time the Global Financial Crisis unfolded, transforming academic theory into a stark, tangible reality. “There’s a world of difference between studying a crisis and living through one, between reading about it and contextualising it within your own lived experience,” she says. “I continue to use that first-hand knowledge in my current role.”
That current role is as co-founder of Leaders on Demand, a start-up unique in the Australian market, providing CEOs from some of the country’s most valuable companies with mentorship and scalable execution support. “Leadership is about creating a vision and a path forward and guiding your team along that path. It’s challenging and rewarding, but it can also be lonely. Our aim with Leaders on Demand is to ensure that CEOs don’t have to go it alone,” Julia says. The company
also supplies seasoned leaders who can be appointed as interim executives to support a business during periods of change. “There’s no substitute for having been in the trenches, for having faced the challenges and made the tough decisions,” she says. Julia established the business with two colleagues whom she met during their joint tenure at a global consulting firm. They recently celebrated the milestone of five years in operation, with over 50 c-suite leaders having joined their team. Julia’s work has given her unique insights into what leads to successful businesses, particularly amid the constant and evolving challenges the world has seen in recent years. “With every crisis, there’s always an opportunity,” she says. It is a sentiment that echoes her advice for young people starting their careers. “Be open to all the twists and turns. Experiment and follow your heart. And remember that your human leadership skills are more important than your technical skills (these can always be outpaced by technology).”
Julia adds that doing everything simultaneously is not usually feasible. “They say that women can do everything, but we must prioritise. There is wisdom in acknowledging the different phases of our lives and defining success and fulfilment on our own terms,” she says.
Unexpected Journey
An offhand comment from a much-loved Wenona Geography teacher led Julia Frecker (2014), to shift her aspirations 180 degrees, pivoting from a future in acting, to a flourishing career as an urban planner.
“I was a real drama aficionado at Wenona, always rehearsing for the latest play. When I was in Years 10 and 11, acting was all I saw myself doing post-school. I felt quite clear.”
That was, until a casual remark from a beloved Geography teacher.
“We were in class, and she said, ‘If I had my time over again, I would have been an urban planner.’ She made it sound like such a dynamic profession, where you can help mould the way people live for the better and leave an imprint on their daily existence,” Julia says. “I didn’t even know what urban planning was, but it sounded good. Later, when I was exploring Melbourne University with my mum, I saw they had an interesting urban planning course, and that was that!”
Julia moved to Melbourne for her studies and subsequently established her career there. As an urban planner, Julia found her niche in structural planning.
She worked on a variety of projects, including residential homes and apartment blocks, with a particular fondness for heritage issues. “Seeing a project through, watching it rise above the ground, changing the landscape, affecting people’s lives is immensely rewarding,” she enthuses.
Julia attributes her diverse experiences to Wenona, which she believes broadened her horizons and perhaps even inspired her to venture further afield.
In mid-January, she and her partner will be relocating to the UK, where she aims to apply the expertise, she has acquired in the Australian market. “Everything I have accrued so far should be reasonably transferable. I am optimistic that I will quickly adapt and be able to establish myself in the field. I am excited about the valuable experience this move will bring,” she says.
Prior to her move, Julia embarked on a six-month tour of the Americas and discovered the extent of her passion for her field. Despite being on vacation, she could not help but see her surroundings through a planning lens and took time to scan the urban environment for ideas. “It was a really helpful trip and taught me that in some cultures, urban planning might seem more relaxed, but it is by design and extremely well suited to its context.”
In the future, Julia is keen on the idea of exploring strategic planning, working on larger projects, and playing a more significant role in shaping Australia’s built environment.
Seeing a project through, watching it rise above the ground, changing the landscape, affecting people’s lives is immensely rewarding.
Writing Prize
Alumna Aimee Russell, a Year 12 student in 2022, was this year chosen to have her English Extension 2 Major Work featured in the 2022 Young Writers Showcase.
Her writing was a short fiction piece titled ‘The Importance of Being Ignorant’, which looked at philosophical questions in an intricate portrayal of the complexities of the human mind. It was also unusual for its experimental post-modern structure, which challenges traditional fiction writing norms, and demonstrates Aimee’s ability to push the boundaries of her artistic capabilities.
On 15 September, Aimee was invited to attend the prestigious NSW Student Literary Awards, where she was presented with a copy of the 2022 Young Writers Showcase Anthology and a certificate by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning to acknowledge her outstanding achievement.
The following is an excerpt from her piece:
SHE HAS TO EAT THE CEREAL WITH MILK AND BEFORE IT GOES SOGGY –THERE IS ONLY SO
MUCH TIME.
I imagine people to be like this too. The man who worked at the corner store looked older than he actually was. His skin was lined like tree bark and full of the caresses of time, it creased paper-like when he smiled, and he did so often these days.
We have wordless conversations when I enter the shop1. A quick glance up with my eyes, the rudimentary acknowledgement, and a smile because he is a nice old man. I glimpse at myself in the security camera, never understanding why they show it to the customers –they can see themselves in double.
Chocolate digestives, coffee, a book — I think about myself looking back on this moment and remembering when I bought a book from the aisle next to the milk. Smelling of coolness and dusty paper and dairy. I can see myself in double; the future looks back in remembrance, and I look forward in awareness –I am a time traveller
When I get to the register, I pay, and he says thank you. Every time he speaks to someone, it is like he is talking to himself.
“Have a good day”,
“Thanks for coming,”
“You’re not nothing, you’re something”.
Like he was shouting into a mirror that looked different to him but held the same gaze.2
Other people are far more interesting to me than they are to themselves.
Is that narcissistic? We’re told vanity is a sin. Shakespeare said pride and envy leads us to our downfall, but he also said that our fate is written for us, so I think he should make up his mind. Am I destined to live and feel badly about it?
In the midst of my tenth-grade classroom, I felt submerged in beige. School stopped putting coloured pictures on the wall after a while and we gradually learnt to accept that those sorts of things are better left to children. Boredom must be requisite of age.
I’m sick to death of questions.
I want to spend more time with stupid people. They have it all figured out and aren’t even burdened with that knowledge.
I need to learn things so I can graduate—I need to understand so I can move on to the next stage.
“Do you believe that Macbeth is fighting a losing battle against forces that are beyond his control? Explain.”
Aren’t we all? Cleverness has become a complete public nuisance. You can’t go anywhere these days without meeting an intelligent person. I think we could all benefit to go a little more insane. Textual evidence?
“Life is a tale told by an idiot- full of sound and fury. Signifying nothing.”
He had it all figured out. He lost the battle because he was forced to know it.
I once read, that women used to keep diaries full of observations of their daily lives and someday publish them.
She never wanted to live her life in black and white text, so she cast a spell to turn the world.
Dear Writer,
You never talk anything3 but nonsense.
Dear Reader, Nobody ever does.
1 He has worked at this shop his whole life. He used to live in the apartment above with his family. He wanted to be a pilot. He went to university and met a beautiful woman. She was going to have baby. He left to take care of them. He had a daughter, she looked like him. He argued with his wife. He loved her. His Father died. He had a son. His wife left. He loves fishing—he took his kids. He bought the shop from his mother. He keeps a picture of a Boeing 747 next to the cigarette rack. His children moved away. He sends them postcards with fish on them. He visits his Father’s grave. He buys curry and sits outside the airport to watch the planes fly in. He finds he doesn’t have the energy to go fishing. He realises he likes working in the shop because it’s his. He can’t remember who he used to be. He orders fresh flowers to sell outside but they usually droop by the next day and the petals are slightly brown and the plastic wrap leaks water. He thinks they are the most beautiful thing.
2 Later she will ask him about his family, and she will learn that he never had children. She might awkwardly ask to buy some cigarettes and he will say smoking is bad for you and they never sell them. He won’t work the next time she comes in and she doesn’t bother to see if he’s there the time after that.
3 If could live anywhere, it would be in the spaces between words
Rising from Adversity
Vicki Schramko’s unwavering spirit of service has transformed challenges into a legacy of hope and care.
In the 1950s, Wenona’s classrooms served as a fertile ground for nurturing Vicki Schramko’s unwavering commitment to service. At the age of 10, Vicki was already an ardent participant in the Red Cross Youth program. Upon arriving at Wenona, she was thrilled to learn that Principal Miss Ralston and Deputy Principal Miss Mills shared her enthusiasm for the cause. “Miss Ralston was an exceptional woman with a strong sense of commitment, while Miss Mills, the School’s Red Cross Patron, was an inspiring and compassionate figure,” Vicki recalls.
Her involvement with Wenona’s Red Cross initiatives began with organising skipping competitions and establishing a “penny library”. Now entering her eighth decade, Vicki has been a dedicated member of the Red Cross for an impressive 73 years.
A defining moment in her adolescence was her participation in the Red Cross Childcare program. She began volunteering at the Adelaide Walker Children’s Home at 15, where she says she took on the weekend care of 24 children under the age of five. Despite the impoverished conditions, Vicki quickly adapted. “I learned to bathe 13 children in just 15 minutes!” she says. At the Adelaide Walker Children’s Home, Vicki learned the true meaning of inequality. “It opened my eyes to the chasm between the haves and the have-nots in Sydney,” she says. The realisation motivated her to tap
into her network, approaching Trinity Grammar and her friends’ mothers for help with the assembly of essential items for the orphans.
Two years after graduating from school, Vicki was hired by Red Cross Youth to establish their clubs in schools by speaking at assemblies and running leadership courses and training camps, instilling in young minds the spirit of service that had been so deeply ingrained in her. She was often accompanied by her beloved husband Peter who is her biggest fan. “During her time with Red Cross Youth, she visited nearly every school in NSW. She creates such an empathy with her listeners and gets her point across so well,” he says.
The couple relocated to Melbourne for Peter’s work, began their family, and then moved back to Sydney. Vicki continued her support for the Red Cross, including volunteering at its library and holding fundraising events at home. When Peter was diagnosed with cancer, Vicki returned to the Red Cross’ employ to assume the role of primary breadwinner.
Despite further personal challenges, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, Vicki persevered, balancing her recovery with her career and maternal commitments. Eventually, her dedication saw her promoted to Director
It opened my eyes to the chasm between the haves and the have-nots.
of Voluntary and Community Hospital Services, responsible for 30,000 Red Cross volunteers. “I adored every minute of that job. A decade later, they tapped me on the shoulder to lead the charity’s Door Knock Appeal, giving me oversight of 27 government areas in the North Shore and 10 country towns. Over three years, I tripled the amount they raised - I knew how to delegate and organise, and I loved it,” she says.
Amid Peter’s protracted battle with cancer and subsequent clinical depression, Vicki decided she needed to combine work with study in the hope that a degree would leverage a higherpaying job. She chose a course in community organisation management and devoted a third of her precious salary to hiring a cleaner and a nanny so that she could balance it all. “I really believe in getting help. No one can do it all well, and that way, you are also contributing to the employment of others,” she says. Vicki’s efforts paid off – she graduated from her degree with excellent results.
The setbacks continued, however – Vicki suffered a serious fall, leaving her unable to work for months. This was a significant financial blow, and given the modest salaries at the Red Cross,
she decided to seek a higher-paid role. She applied to the Smith Family, where she faced initial scepticism. “The CEO challenged my ability to transition from the Red Cross after 45 years,” Vicki remembers. “But I’ve always been assertive. I not only convinced him I was right for the job, but I also negotiated a top salary and a company car. This new position became essential in providing for my family during a difficult period.”
Peter began to recover and reestablish himself in business. But it was not long before the couple was to suffer another significant challenge. “Following 9/11 and SARS, our three travel agencies folded due to the downturn in international travel. Everything we had, including our superannuation, went with them,” Vicki says, “I don’t regret those businesses, though – they allowed us to travel the world together, creating memories that have enriched our lives.”
In recent years, Vicki has embraced a semi-retired life, taking on various roles such as real estate agent, marriage and funeral celebrant, and even, at one stage, manager of Wenona After School Care. However, she now finds most fulfilment in her voluntary work in the area of mental health. “In our 70s, Peter and I studied for our Certificate 4 in Peer Work. People over 55 with mental health problems are often cut off from their social networks and hobbies. We visit them, take them on picnics, and give them the extra assistance they need.”
Vicki and Peter have now been married for 58 years. “He is my soul mate and best friend. We have faced many trials together but I have always kept front of mind one of my favourite sayings – ‘Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves’. We just keep going.”
As an active member of the Wenona Alumnae Association, Vicki has also been sharing her stories and wisdom with the younger generation. This year, she dropped into Year 3 to tell
the girls about her schoolgirl experiences. The visit greatly impacted the girls, especially Tracey Du (Year 3). “I would like to receive more visits from Wenona Alumnae like Mrs Schramko because it is very fun hearing the things that happened when she was at Wenona and because it is also good for Alumnae to see the changes at the School”.
Vicki’s bond with her own cohort, particularly 1962 Dux Libby Evans, remains strong. “Libby and I have now bought each other mugs and often use them to share afternoon tea together
online, enjoying each other’s company as if we were in the same room,” she shares. Recently, Vicki moved to Queensland to be close to her daughter’s family and is keen to get back into volunteering. “People tell me to put my feet up, but I say why? If you still have the energy and the will to help people, then why not?”
Always a Wenonian
Delivering the keynote speech at Foundation Day 2023, Alumna Hope Feros (2018), shared her journey from a Year 4 student to a successful property executive, highlighting the immense value of a Wenona education and the power of its enduring values.
““It was 13 years ago that I sat in this gym as a Year 4 student at my first Wenona Foundation Day and only five years ago, that I attended my final Foundation Day in Year 12.
Being back here with you today to share a little about my journey brings me great pleasure. As encouragement, I’d like to share with you a few of my achievements, lessons learned, and how the foundations of a Wenona education have helped me navigate my way through School life and beyond.
Instilled in me from a young age, the Wenona values – “to be kind and humble, to act with integrity, to take pride in my education, and to find the strength and courage to be a leader” - were an outstanding platform for my personal development.
I strove to be the best version of myself each and every day, whether academically, on the sporting field, or in the playground. I still carry these values with me every day. I truly believe that they have helped me achieve things I never thought possible.
The five years since I graduated in 2018 have gone incredibly fast.
I commenced tertiary studies at the University of Technology Sydney in 2019 and was lucky enough to begin my career in property at global firm Colliers in 2020, while still in the second year of my degree. COVID-19 proved to be a fortunate time for me – I was lucky enough to be hired by Colliers as an Assistant Valuer during the pandemic.
For those unaware, property is a traditionally male-dominated domain but fortunately, this stereotype is being steadily broken down and women are emerging as an important part of the industry. Now, several senior property executives and chief executive officers are women.
The Wenona philosophy is that a “Renaissance Woman” should be able to conquer any challenge she faces; that as young women, we should not steer away from challenges, but trust that we have been well equipped for what lies ahead.
I continued to work hard and dedicated myself to both my studies and my job, completing my degree at the end of 2021. However, the learning did not stop there. In the true Wenona spirit of “giving everything a go”, I set myself the challenge of obtaining my associate membership to the Australian Property Institute and qualifying as a commercial property valuer.
I achieved this goal at only 21 years of age and became one of the youngest people registered as a Certified Practicing Valuer in the country. This required a lot of strength, self-belief, and the drive to conquer a path not usually walked by young women. It is amazing what you can achieve when you put your mind to it … but these things don’t just happen. We all need a platform and framework to guide us to success. A Wenona education has provided me with the skills, confidence, and values required to set and succeed at challenging tasks.
Fast forward six months and as a continuation of my learning path, I have recently started a new position as an investment analyst at one of Australia’s largest property groups, The GPT Group.
Girls, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect and appreciate the opportunities that a Wenona education will afford you as you continue your journey through life. It is a privilege that I have never taken for granted. At a time when I wasn’t sure of my career choices and wanted to explore options, I was fortunate to be supported by the incredible Wenona staff (Ms Samantha McFetridge in particular), who came along with me to a Women in Property Networking event when I was in Year 12. This opened my eyes to a career in property, something I hadn’t previously considered … and I am so grateful.
I was the only girl in my cohort to choose this path, which was quite a daunting. Many of my friends were either going to the same universities and colleges together or studying commerce, business or medicine. Would the property field be right for me? Would I be lonely? Would I make friends? I put my fears aside, knowing full well that I was prepared to take on the world. Everything at Wenona sets you up for the real world – the structured lessons, the variety of teachers, debating, sport, performing arts, music, social experiences, excursions, school camps - all contribute to your personal development.
I worked extremely hard at School and received strong support from the incredible academic staff. I often fondly reminisce with my school friends about the hours we spent at the library together late into the afternoon and evening. Many of our teachers were there too, wanting the best for us and helping us prepare for our futures. I had a tendency to overthink the little things and psych myself out of exams. My grades didn’t reflect the amount of effort that I put in. However, what Wenona provided me was a foundation of a strong work ethic, to be an independent woman and to always put pride into everything I set to achieve. If you too can do these things, everything else will work out.
As I progressed to university and started my career, I truly began to understand that a strong work ethic is integral to success. There will always be bumps along the road, but the most important thing is to not become disillusioned. Keep doing the hard work and it will often pay off when you least expect it. As students, you should realise no matter your age, your effort now, counts. Every bit of involvement you have now in all aspects of School life, matters. How you treat your peers and how you hold yourselves at School, matters. How disciplined you are with your studies, matters.
In my nine years as a Wenona girl, I played touch football,
netball, basketball, soccer, and cricket. I was a dancer, a musician, a debater and in Year 9, I travelled with 15 of my peers to Kununurra and Katherine in the Northern Territory on a Service Learning Trip. I was Hooke House Vice Captain, Student Representative Council Captain, and a Prefect. I did my best to align my actions to the School motto, Ut Prosim, that I may serve.
At Wenona, you are encouraged to explore your identity, both within the School and outside of it. Continue to be encouraged by Dr Scott and your teachers. Listen to their wisdom, take their encouragement, and you will grow into a “Renaissance Woman”.
The most important thing to remember though, is that “once a Wenonian, always a Wenonian”. This philosophy has stood true for me. I have connected with Alumnae from many year groups, both professionally and personally. I am truly proud to call myself a Wenonian. We are enthusiastically encouraged to connect with our peers, not just in our year groups but girls who are both older and younger, whether through sporting teams or musical groups. I truly believe it is so important that we invest in each other. My friends outside of the Wenona community do not have networks like we have. I cannot stress to you enough how important all your friendships are.
So, look after the girls around you - they will be some of the most important women in your life one day.
Thank you.”
Alumnae Award
In 2023, the Alumnae Association bestowed its annual Alumnae Spirit Award on a passionate driver of environmental action who works tirelessly to change attitudes about climate change.
Hailing from the NSW town of Scone and a long-time advocate of climate action, Eleanor Wyndham (Year 11) is the Captain of the Wenona Environmental Club.
“Regardless of our respective demographic or geographic locations, human beings will all experience the consequences of climate change to some degree or another,” she says. “Like everyone in the movement around the world, I am very concerned about current inaction on the issue but I am determined to maintain my drive to champion the urgency for action.”
This year, Eleanor’s efforts have taken the form of recruiting runners and leading a Wenona team in the City 2 Surf to raise money for the World Wildlife Fund. “After running in the event last year for the Stroke Foundation, I thought it would be a good opportunity this year to engage Wenona’s Ut Prosim spirit by encouraging some fellow Wenona ‘Renaissance women’ up the infamous ‘Heartbreak Hill’ with me,” Eleanor says.
As a former boarder, Eleanor’s other environmental efforts include introducing a composting system in the Boarding House in 2022. “A number of girls, particularly the city and international boarders, were not familiar with the concept of separating waste, so I worked to create a bridge between urban, rural and international boarders to start the practice of composting,” she says.
She also drove participation in Earth Hour in both the Boarding House and broader school, encouraging teachers to turn off their lights and electronic equipment during Period 5.
Also in 2022, Eleanor became part of the Student Learning in the Community Program (SLIC), volunteering in a community garden to help create sustainable harvests and work to convert garden waste.
“Even though I’m no longer part of the SLIC Program, I visit the Milson Community Garden every Sunday for at least two hours. The ages of the volunteers span from five to 75, and I’m usually the youngest one there. Together, we plant seasonal harvests to pass on to visitors. Working alongside such a diverse group of people has taught me a lot.”
Eleanor has also joined School Strike 4 Climate Australia, attending three protest rallies in the past year, but always making up any missed class time. “It’s a peaceful protest group, a chance to talk with like-minded people who are equally concerned about the future. I took another member of the Environment Group with me recently to show her the ropes. That is the same commitment that Mimi (Year 12) gave me – passing down her commitment, drive and enthusiasm and helping me to build up my contribution in tangible ways.”
As Environment Captain, she is also deeply committed to Schoolwide efforts to reduce the number of one-use cups at the Garden Café. “It is still a work in progress, but I’m very determined. After conducting research that revealed the Café goes through around 500 paper cups a week, we ran a campaign during Environment Week this year, to cut down by 200 cups. I believe we can do even better in the future, considering we achieved such a significant reduction in our first year.”
Eleanor says the Environment Group’s aim is to begin to operate as less of a club and more of a task force. “Money helps, but more hands-on action is needed. Focusing on what everyone is doing at home and teaching people to act environmentally every day will have a bigger long-term impact. I am so glad to be working in an environment where students and teachers are supportive of these initiatives. I would like to see Wenona become one of the most environmentally aware schools in the country and even inspire better environmental attitudes in other schools. Receiving the Alumnae Spirit Award was an honour. I won’t stop here, hopefully even carrying many more people on the journey with me.”
Wenona Foundation
Introducing Our New Executive Director.
We are excited to announce the appointment of the Wenona Foundation’s Executive Director, who brings with her a profound love for Wenona and a long history of working with its community.
Ms Marie Soghomonian (Seferian, 1992) has served as Chair of the Wenona Foundation for four years and played a crucial role in the successful fundraising efforts that united the community to create the beautiful Athenaeum Building. This stunning addition to our campus has significantly enhanced life at the school in numerous ways.
As Executive Director, Ms Soghomonian is applying her expertise and determination, along with her double master’s degrees in Management and Not-For-Profit and Social Enterprise Management, to guide the Foundation strategically.
Drawing from her experience in chairing various boards and serving in charity directorship roles, she is preparing for an ambitious 2024, focused on fostering relationships and raising funds.
These efforts will support the School’s ongoing commitment to providing state-of-the-art teaching and facilities, ensuring a thriving educational environment for both today and tomorrow.
We strive to ensure that today’s generation benefits from the foresight of past generations.
Ms Soghomonian shares her deep connection to the Wenona community: “As a member of the Alumnae, along with my daughters, sister, and thousands of other passionate, talented women, it has been my privilege to serve as Chair of the Wenona Foundation Board for the past four years.” She further emphasises the importance of the Foundation’s work: “We strive to ensure that today’s generation benefits from the foresight of past generations. We are immensely grateful to the hundreds of donors and volunteers whose generosity enables the Foundation to continue growing and supporting its objectives. I would also like to thank Dr Scott for her inspiring leadership, the Board of Governors, and the Executive team for their unwavering support of the Foundation’s mission.”
Keep an eye on this space as the Foundation embarks on this exciting new chapter, and together, we continue to strengthen and celebrate the Wenona community and its commitment to empowering the next generation of exceptional young women.
There are many ways to contribute to the Wenona Foundation.
We encourage you to visit the Wenona School website at www.wenona.nsw.edu.au/wenona/ foundation-and-giving to find out how you can help.
A Year of Reconnection
This has proved to be another dynamic year as we continued our enthusiastic efforts to connect as a community. The Wenona Parents’ Association (WPA) played a pivotal role in organising a huge array of fabulous functions and events throughout 2023.
Meet and Greet at St Leonards Park
The year kicked off with a Meet and Greet at St Leonards Park. Fortuitously, the rain paused just in time for the picnicstyle gathering. While aimed at families in the intake years of Kindergarten, Years 3, 5 and 7, new families from all year groups joined in the fun for a chance to socialise before the academic year began.
Term 1 Welcome Morning Teas and WPA Events
The momentum continued with a series of welcome morning teas in Term 1. In fact, the WPA organised over 50 get-toknow-you style events this year, emphasising inclusivity and catering to a wide range of interests. Popular activities, such as Burger and Bowls, united our families and fostered a sense of community.
The Wenona Walkers’ Triumph
The Mother’s Day Classic remains one of the WPA’s most cherished events. This year, around 150 participants clad from head to toe in shades of pink, joined the Wenona Walkers for the journey. The impressive turnout helped the School win the Largest School Team Award for the fifth consecutive year. Complimentary coffee was on hand, and a fantastic sense of camaraderie was in the air, as we raised money for breast cancer research.
Yee Haw! The Family Bush Dance
Term 3 saw the arrival of the inaugural WPA Family Bush Dance for Years 3 to 6. Blending cultural tradition with family fun, it was a big hit and featured bush dances, a sausage sizzle, slushies, and awards for best-dressed and best dancers. The students, in particular, were fans of the concept and why not? It was a fantastic way to connect through music and dance.
The W Masquerade Gala Ball
The splendid 2023 Masquerade Gala Ball, hosted by the WPA, was a fantastic way to laugh, relax and dance the night away among friends. The beauty of the masks and gowns was something to behold, and due to the overwhelming generosity of our local businesses and families, the silent auction was a highlight. Best of all, by keeping the ticket prices within reach, we were able to ensure widespread participation.
WPA Fundraising
As a result of the WPA’s enormous efforts this year, we took great pride in donating $100,000 to the Wenona Foundation. The funds will support various community initiatives and contribute to Wenona’s building program, particularly the planned works at Hooke House.
Class of 2008
It is 15 years since the graduation of the Class of 2008, and a sizeable group of Wenonians gathered this year for a tour of the campus. It took in the new Athenaeum construction, and we all enjoyed the chance to rejoice in the new structures and remember the parts of the School that remain unchanged. We followed this by heading to So Cal in Neutral Bay (owned by an Alumna) for dinner. By all accounts, it was a great event, as we caught up and shared stories.
Class of 2013
On Saturday, 28 October, the Class of 2013 reunited at the elegant Glenmore Hotel to reminisce and celebrate their journey since graduation. The atmosphere was filled with joy and nostalgia as old friends reconnected and shared their experiences from the intervening years. The evening was filled with laughter, memories, and a sense of camaraderie that only comes from sharing such a formative time together. The Glenmore Hotel provided the perfect setting for this special occasion, allowing the Class of 2013 to reconnect and create new memories that will last a lifetime.
Class of 2003
The Class of 2003 from Wenona recently returned to their alma mater for a nostalgic tour of the campus, eager to witness the remarkable changes that have taken place over the years. Held on Saturday 21 October, it brought together former classmates to reconnect and reminisce. The day culminated in a fantastic night at the East Village Rooftop, where laughter, stories, and memories filled the air. The Class of 2003 celebrated their enduring bond and their unforgettable journey together.
Class of 1993
The Class of 1993 gathered for a fantastic reunion at the Green Moustache on Saturday night, with everyone in high spirits and eager to catch up with old friends. The atmosphere was buzzing with laughter and reminiscences as we poured over old photos of our fellow Wenonians, which brought back a flood of cherished memories. The evening even included an impromptu rendition of “Three Cheers for Old Wenona,” highlighting our strong bond and camaraderie after all these years. It was truly a night to remember for the Class of 1993!
Class of 1988
The thirty-five years since our graduation have resulted in busy lives, absent friendships, and, in some cases, vast distances between us, so our reunion brought nothing but genuine joy. Reuniting as though we had never been apart, we thrived on one another’s successes and remembered those no longer with us. Some toured the campus and were in awe of the facilities and heartened to find the core of what makes it a fantastic school was ever-present. We said goodbye with the knowledge that we have lifelong friendships thanks to Wenona.
Class of 1983
The Class of 1983 met for our 40-year reunion in October, with 43 Alumnae attending overall. The prize for the furthest commute went to Cathy Mah (Liebman), who now lives in Portugal. Many others came from interstate and regional NSW.
The event opened with a School tour. For many, it was the first time they’d entered Wenona grounds since graduation and all were amazed by the transformation. We then joined for a casual and joy-filled meet-up at the Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay - another trip down memory lane for many! Though everyone has explored their own unique paths since Wenona, we were united not just by shared memories, but, more importantly, by our mutual experiences of life’s joys and losses in the decades since.
Class of 1973
On Saturday, 28 October, 23 Alumnae from the Class of 1973 celebrated 50 years since leaving Wenona. After a fabulous tour of the campus (some girls had not been back since graduation), we headed to Percy’s North Sydney Hotel for a relaxed and fun lunch. Conversation flourished over a steady flow of bubbles and food, with many laughs generated by the rolling PowerPoint slideshow of School memories. As a small group, we managed to hear the journeys of all and had such an enjoyable time we agreed to get together again in 12 months. The highlights of the event were seeing the two members of our group who travelled from the United States and New Zealand to join us, and the cupcakes embossed with the Wenona logo to celebrate our 50 years.
Class of 1968
Twenty students from the Class of 1968 met at Northbridge Club on Saturday 14 October for High Tea to celebrate 55 years since leaving Wenona. It was a very happy afternoon with many girls travelling long distances for the chance to catch up, reminisce and share news of their current lives and families. It was a very special reunion, which we hope to repeat soon.
Class of 1963
The Class of 1963 commemorated their 50th reunion by attending the 2023 Wenona Foundation Day Service, where they were guests of honour. They revelled in the chance to experience a glimpse of contemporary School life, including the insightful speeches delivered by Dr Scott and the current crop of Student Leaders. A highlight was joining the community to sing the School song and a memorable morning tea, alongside other distinguished guests in the new West Commons area, following the service.
Class of 1950
On Wednesday, 8 November, seven former classmates, six from the Class of 1950 and one from 1949, gathered for a delightful lunch in Narrabeen. We were commemorating 73 years since graduation, but as we are all approaching the age of 90, our group has unfortunately diminished over the years. We were late to the reunion scene – our first gathering as Alumnae took place in 1990, so this was our 14th lunch gathering. Except for Robin, who journeyed from Bomaderry, we all reside on the North Shore, making it convenient to stay connected. Our day was filled with non-stop conversation, reminiscing, and beautiful weather. We believe we still look quite good for our age!
Class of 1958
On Monday 30 October, the Class of 1958 celebrated 65 years since leaving Wenona. We had 18 Wenonians in attendance. Though many were unable to be with us, none were forgotten in the celebrations. There was lots of chatter, laughter, and memories shared of our days at the School. We all enjoyed the day so much that we will gather again next year, and more will join us for our monthly lunch at The Blue Gum.
A Tribute to Mrs Denise Thomas AM (1944 – 2023)
In June, Wenona paused to remember and deeply appreciate our former Deputy Principal and one-time Interim Principal, Mrs Denise Carole Thomas AM, for her indelible imprint on Wenona and Australian education.
Mrs Thomas began her Wenona journey in 1976 as Head of the History Department. Her brilliance and passion for the subject by all accounts infectious, inspiring students throughout the 70s and 80s.
Mrs Thomas was a woman of many talents and qualifications, holding a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Diploma of Education (DipEd), Master of Education (M Ed), and a Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE).
Responsible for starting the Wenona Archives, she had an equal dedication to preserving Wenona’s heritage. From 1977 until 1984, she built an archive that continues to provide invaluable knowledge about our past. One of her legacies is the authoring of the extremely engaging UT PROSIM That I May Serve, a 140-page book released to mark Wenona’s 125-year anniversary in 2011.
The influence of Mrs Thomas extended well beyond Wenona.
From 1985 to 2002, she served as Principal at Meriden Anglican School for Girls. Her love for Wenona drew her back to us in 2007 when she returned as Interim Principal, a role she reprised at Meriden in 2008.
Mrs Thomas’ contributions to education were not confined to the classroom or the Principal’s Office and earned her an Order of Australia in 2001. Her notable achievements included the convening of a committee to support General Studies, aiming to broaden students’ understanding of contemporary issues using a historian’s skill set; serving as a Member of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools from 1985 to 2002, during which she chaired the association for two years; presiding over the Association of Heads of Independent Girls Schools from 1990 to 1991; and serving on the Sydney Diocesan Education Committees.
Her love for history was unwavering and her scholarly prowess was undeniable. The meticulous research and clear writing of Mrs Thomas have enriched the historical records of several institutions, including Roseville College and St Luke’s Anglican Church in Mosman. Her most recent research endeavour was an exploration of the history of Tildesley Tennis.
Mrs Thomas’ loss is deeply felt by Wenona and her legacy is etched in the heart of our community, helping guide us into the future.
Weddings
Alyssa Statham-James (2017) married Jack James on 25 June 2022 at the beautiful Shore School Chapel, followed by a reception at the Grounds of Alexandria.
“It was a wonderful day!” says Alyssa, whose Maid of Honour was Georgia McDonald (2017), whom she met as a Year 7 student. Also in attendance were the Groom and Collister families, including Georgina Groom and Teigan Collister, both from the Class of 2017.
VALE
Wenona regrets to announce the passing of the following alumnae:
Dr Dorothy Mary Butt (Morrison, 1944) 5 February, 2022
Mrs Valerie Beatrice Laws (Symons, 1944) 19 April, 2022
