Ut Prosim 2021

UT PROSIM 2021 A Year in Review

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“The history of our School matters because Wenona has given us all a common framework and a language that continues to define the way we understand our world and think about ourselves and others.”

Dr Briony Scott, Principal

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CONTENTS

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WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR

WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL

LIFE AT WENONA

CONGRATULATIONS

Wenona has endured times of hardship before, says Mr Gary Turner, and COVID-19 has been a catalyst for growth and innovation.

Principal Dr Briony Scott reflects over the past 135 years and the importance of connection and community.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our School community has shown a capacity to evolve, innovate and thrive.

Throughout the year, our staff and students have excelled in many different areas, which is a reflection of their broad range of talents, interests, and passions.

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CELEBRATING OUR ALUMNAE

A COMMUNITY THAT CARES

WENONA FOUNDATION

Our students’ commitment to service underpins everything they do, driving them to make a positive impact on the people and world around them.

Our alumnae lead at all levels of society and provide insight, guidance and inspiration for our current students.

The ongoing support and contribution of our parents and alumnae are invaluable in helping our students to flourish.

The Wenona Foundation is celebrating a big birthday this year and we take a look at its contribution to Wenona over the past 21 years.

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WELCOME FROM THE CHAIRMAN “ This edition of Ut Prosim tells the story of a community that has demonstrated incredible kindness, generosity and grace as COVID-19 has challenged everyone in unique ways,” writes Chair of the Board, Mr Gary Turner. “The way in which our staff and families have rallied around the needs of our students at a time of national crisis commands the greatest respect and admiration. Ut Prosim 2021 is testimony to the brilliance of Wenonians - past and present - and to the dedication of the community that surrounds them.”

On the last day of Term 2, I had the privilege of welcoming the broader Wenona community to a significant event in our School calendar: Wenona’s 135th Foundation Day. This milestone birthday celebration felt even more special because it was the first time our extended community had been able to come together since March 2020, when the outbreak of the pandemic ushered in profound social changes with strict health and safety restrictions.

The Big Gym was filled with a spirit of excitement and optimism as our staff and students, friends and family, alumnae and distinguished guests reflected on the meaning of Foundation Day. As we proudly sang the School song, we honoured the pioneering vision of Miss Edith Hooke, who founded Wenona in 1886.

Through speeches and readings, we celebrated Wenona’s history over the past 135 years: the extraordinary Principals who’ve led the School through smooth

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“On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our staff for their commitment, particularly as the COVID-19 crisis dominated our lives once more. The wonders of modern technology have helped to keep us connected, but they can never replace the warm camaraderie of face-to-face teaching and learning.”

and turbulent times; the brilliant teachers and professional services staff whose passion and enthusiasm contribute to Wenona’s continued success today; our dedicated families who stand in partnership with the School, supporting their daughters to thrive; and our magnificent students – past and present – who are a never-ending source of pride, joy and inspiration to us all.

Just one week later, Greater Sydney was plunged into a ‘two-week lockdown’ that lasted for the whole of Term 3 and part of Term 4. Although the pandemic understandably dominated the agenda throughout 2021, the ‘business of education’ has continued apace. Despite the challenges of remote teaching and learning, Wenona’s staff continued to work with their customary diligence and dedication, charting new pathways forward for the benefit of all our students.

Wenona’s vision is to educate and empower young women to serve and shape their world. It is why parents choose our School for their daughters, and this has been reflected in Wenona’s outstanding achievements over the past 12 months.

It was a source of great pride that the Class of 2020 was ranked 15th in the 2020 HSC School Ranking, and 5th in the Independent Sector. This is testament to both the intellectual spark of these incredible young women and the outstanding leadership of Senior College staff, as well as the dedication of teachers, who worked tirelessly to adjust their pedagogy to navigate the challenges of 2020.

This year, our staff have continued to display exemplary teamwork, innovation, and goodwill, with the launch of an Upper School program for our Year 9 and Year 10 students, and our Junior School being awarded authorisation to deliver the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our staff for their commitment, particularly as the COVID-19 crisis dominated our lives once more.

The wonders of modern technology have helped to keep us connected, but they can never replace the warm camaraderie of face-to-face teaching and learning.

Our staff have worked tirelessly to maintain the highest possible educational standards, as well as boosting the morale and wellbeing of our students through a varied program of activities, fostering connection at a time of dislocation.

All this has been done at a time when each individual has also had to navigate their own set of personal challenges. Thank you.

It is human nature to seek to belong to a group of people who both inform our values and reflect those we hold dear. For the Wenona community, our values of courage, strength, grace, and wisdom underpin the unique sense of connection we share with our School and one another. Perhaps one of the most positive outcomes of this pandemic and its associated lockdowns is a renewed sense of appreciation for the bonds of community, along with an even greater determination to empower our young women to flourish in a world in flux. I would like to thank you, the entire Wenona community, for remaining steadfast in the face of adversity and for role modelling the importance of optimism and stable, supportive relationships to our students.

At the height of the pandemic’s first wave last year, it was evident how pivotal schools are in the lives of their community. I especially would like to thank our Principal, Dr Briony Scott who, along with the Executive Team, has once again offered bold leadership, agility and decisive action to cushion the impact of lockdown, acting swiftly to refocus resources around the most pressing needs of our community. Importantly, at a time of broader societal awakening and change, Dr Scott has also joined other national leaders to proactively advocate on the issue of consent, reflecting our commitment as a School to be a leader in the rights of women.

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to my fellow board members for their clear focus and strategic thinking in helping the School to mitigate the risks and navigate the challenges associated with COVID-19. As you will read in the pages of this magazine, Wenona has strong foundations and despite the buffeting of the past two years, we remain a resilient and future-oriented School. I commend this edition of Ut Prosim to you.

Mr Gary Turner

Chair, Board of Governors

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WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL

This year, Wenona celebrated its 135th birthday. A lot has happened since Miss Edith Hooke first founded our School in 1866. Since then, Wenona has witnessed the Spanish Flu, two world wars, the Industrial Revolution – and more recently, the creation of the internet, which has changed both our School and the world forever.

Throughout it all, Wenona has endured, not just educating and empowering girls, but producing young women of substance, who – as you will read in the pages of this magazine – graduate from our School to serve and shape their world in a multitude of inspirational ways.

In the words of writer, Bill Bryson: “History matters because it reminds us of who we are, what we’ve done and what we might do better.” For our students, staff, families, alumnae, and indeed, all those who share a bond with our community, the history of our School matters because Wenona has given us all a common framework and a language that continues to define the way we understand our world and think about ourselves and others.

Over the past 135 years, many different influences have been woven into the fabric of our School, but our fundamental beliefs about girls’ education, equality, service, selfresponsibility, and the importance of connection and community remain unchanged.

Throughout its history, Wenona has weathered war, disease, and natural disaster, but the School’s values of courage, strength, grace, wisdom, and kindness continue to inform how we relate to one another and the world around us.

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As you will discover in Ut Prosim, the bonds forged at Wenona – in the Boarding House, the classrooms, the tennis court, the stage, the Athletics field, and swimming pool – continue to play a central role in our alumnae’s lives. There’s a legacy of friendship and endeavour that will always transcend time and place, and Wenona’s 135th birthday celebrations have been an opportunity for us all to reflect on where we have come from, what we stand for, and where we are going.

Our School has always been a trailblazer, born from the need to challenge the status quo, and – as this year has shown – to be a standard-bearer for girls’ education. As we look to the future, we will continue to re-examine what we do and explore alternatives to ensure that what, and how, we are educating our young women is as inspiring, relevant, and future-focused as it has always been. And if we do make changes, it will be because they will deliver improved educational experiences for our students, equipping them for a life of service and leadership in whatever pathway they choose to follow.

I am deeply grateful to all those who have provided a network of care to our students during Wenona’s 135th year. Your ongoing support is a reminder to me of how fortunate I am to serve and lead this remarkable community. Thank you.

I commend this edition of Ut Prosim to you.

Dr Briony Scott, Principal

“ There’s a legacy of friendship and endeavour that will always transcend time and place, and Wenona’s 135th birthday celebrations have been an opportunity for us all to reflect on where we have come from, what we stand for, and where we are going.”

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LIFE AT WENONA 6 6 I UT I UT PROSIM PROSIM 2021 2021

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JUNIOR SCHOOL 8 I UT PROSIM 2021

Wenona’s IB-credentialled Junior School In Term 3, after two years of hard work, Wenona’s Junior School was awarded International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) authorisation.

Wenona became a candidate for PYP in 2020, attracted by its focus on international-mindedness and its inquiry approach to teaching and learning, both of which align with the strategic direction of the School. PYP offers Wenona a framework in which to inspire our Junior School students to learn more about different cultures in innovative ways, to explore new ideas and concepts, and to respect and understand how people with different belief systems, languages and traditions experience the world – all invaluable skills in our increasingly interconnected world.

Wenona’s transition to PYP also reflects the changing fabric of our School community, with an increasing number of parents and students who speak more than one language and/or come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. PYP is underpinned by a commitment to cherish our common humanity and it has helped our students to explore, incorporate and celebrate the growing cultural diversity of our School in rich and meaningful ways. In doing so, it supports Wenona’s aim to empower our students to be open-minded, principled, and caring global citizens of the future.

Even before the introduction of PYP, our Junior School classrooms offered rich opportunities for integrated inquiry, enabling teachers to naturally link ideas and activities between subject areas. For example, reading The Three Little Pigs to our Kindergarten students was an opportunity to develop literacy and numeracy skills, as well as introduce scientific concepts such as force and motion, push and pull. The Junior School’s learning framework already placed an emphasis on inquiry-based learning and prioritised the students’ role in the learning process.

The beauty of PYP is that it has formalised this process, drawing on the six PYP transdisciplinary themes to provide context and relevance to student inquiry. It has enabled our students to make practical connections between their learning and the real world and it has given the Junior School a rigorous framework to provide rich and imaginative teaching both within and beyond the NSW curriculum.

Adapting to a new way of teaching and learning amid a global pandemic has not been easy, but our teachers, students and their families have been resilient, open-minded and capable, and it has been wonderful to see the depth and scale of learning across the Junior School. At Wenona, we want our students to be responsible, empathetic and outward-looking global citizens. The transition to

PYP has been exciting and transformative for our Junior School community.

Above all, it has inspired our students to take charge of their learning and given them greater independence to discover their talents and passions in order to critically engage in the world around them.

Ms Diana Drummond, Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning) and Ms Justine Lind, Head of Junior School

“ Congratulations to Head of Junior School, Ms Lind, Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning), Ms Drummond, Head of Curriculum (K to 6), Ms Cameron and Ms Plummer, and all the teachers who have worked tirelessly towards certification. I’d also like to thank the parents who generously gave of their time to participate in forums, surveys, and education sessions about PYP. Your contribution made a significant impact on the team of assessors. I am proud that Wenona was recognised as ‘already very closely aligned’ with the global and inclusive mindset that dominates so many international schools around the world.”

Dr Briony Scott, Principal

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Everybody Dance Now In Term 2, Executive Assistant to the Principal, Ms Wendy Wickham spoke to Year 2 about her ballet career. She also took them through some basic dance steps. It was all part of their PYP unit of inquiry into ‘How We Express Ourselves’, starting with the central idea: ‘The Arts and figurative language are tools for communicating and expressing ourselves’. Exploring different forms of verbal and nonverbal communication, Year 2 thought critically about how literary devices like metaphor and alliteration enrich their favourite stories and they experimented with green screen technology to bring their creative writing to life. But it was dance and its ability to tell stories that captured their imaginations. Guided by their teacher, Ms Peck, Year 2 embarked on their own research into a genre of dance of their choosing. Researching Russian ballet, Spanish flamenco and American hip hop, they furthered their knowledge about the Arts and challenged their perceptions about perspective, communication and self-expression.

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Parents’ Snapshot into Learning

Books in Space

It was Year 3’s time to shine when they presented their research on role models in their Snapshot into Learning Exhibition in Term 2. They introduced their Role Model Hall of Fame, featuring women who they believed had made a significant impact in their chosen field. They included Turia Pitt, Cathy Freeman, Greta Thunberg, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Year 3 then proudly presented their research projects on a role model of their choice. Some had used their green screen technology skills to make videos. Others had used their creativity to design posters, games, books or PowerPoint presentations. Parents then had an opportunity to circulate and it was fantastic to see Year 3 present on their chosen person with confidence and authority.

It’s not every day that a real-life astronaut takes story time. As part of this year’s National Simultaneous Storytime, our Woodstock students had an opportunity to listen to NASA astronaut, Dr Shannon Walker read Give me some Space! by Philip Bunting. Dr Walker read the book live from the International Space Station, which is currently orbiting the Earth.

Woodstock joined more than 1.5 million students from around the world to listen to her.

Channelling Aesop

Kindergarten to Year 2 Retreat Day

In Term 3, Ms Christofa’s Year 1 students finished writing and creating their own fables, before videoing their dramatic performances for their peers to enjoy! It was part of their PYP unit of inquiry into ‘How We Express Ourselves’, exploring the central idea: ‘Morals can be expressed through fables using the dramatic arts’.

Celebrating the Year of the Ox

From bliss balls, to yoga, to drumming, to mindfulness, our Woodstock students had a fantastic time on their Retreat Day in Term 2. Heading over to The Athenaeum to cook in the Food Technology kitchen was undoubtedly one of the highlights of their day.

Woodstock were very excited about Chinese New Year, making origami Oxen, before writing wishes to post in their Wishing Well. They are also made Chinese dragons and zodiacs. And best of all, they had an opportunity to dress up and parade around the playground.

Dr Scott reads to Kindergarten

MCA Family Art Day Our Junior School families had a fantastic day at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Family Art Day, learning all about how flight and the sky are communicated in art.

Kindergarten were besides themselves with joy when Dr Scott made a guest appearance in the Piazza and read one of her favourite books to them.

Families that paint together…

In May, Artist-in-Residence and Wenona alumna, Xanthe Muston (2017PY) led a wonderful painting workshop for our Junior School students and their parents, with budding artists of all ages coming together to paint beautiful birds and foliage.

Happy Mother’s Day

The Joys of Virtual Camp What to do when you can’t go off on camp because you’re on lockdown?

Have a virtual camp that’s what! Year 3 and Year 4 students loved every minute of it, pitching tents in lounge rooms and back gardens, complete with teddy bears and pets for company. They had an action-packed two days, including scavenger hunts, online yoga, and a cookery class to learn how to make damper. They also competed in lots of different challenges, such as the Toilet Paper Flip, the Get Up ‘N Down Challenge, the Arm Twist Challenge, and the Equilibrium Challenge to test their resilience, persistence and risk-taking. Year 3 Teacher, Mr Robson said, “What an amazing couple of days! Listening to the girls create and perform their very own camp songs was such a joy and it was awesome to see their creativity soar!”

Kindergarten couldn’t wait for Mother’s Day this year. They’d created their own story books to give to their mums as a special present, complete with illustrations and very neat handwriting!

International Women’s Day On 6 March, Wenona celebrated International Women’s Day, with students of all ages embracing this year’s theme: Choose to Challenge.

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Toes on the Nose

Year 6 PYP Exhibition 2021 In November 2021, Wenona held its second Year 6 PYP Exhibition. In exploring the unit of inquiry, ‘Sharing the Planet’, the students researched an issue of their choice starting with the central idea: ‘Responsible actions can change the world.’

The diversity of their topics reflected their personal interests, experiences, and passions. Topics included women in sport, the glass ceiling, body image, animal welfare, the LGBTQI+ community, depression, and COVID-19. As part of their exhibition, Year 6 also worked on a collaborative artwork to raise awareness about the plight of coral reefs, and the delicate ecosystems they support. The exhibition highlighted the incredible growth of our Year 6 students as independent and internationallyminded learners, as well as their obvious commitment to inspiring hope and positive change in the world. It was clear that many of the students had a strong personal connection to their chosen topic and learnt a lot about themselves and each other - in the process.

Fortunately, the weather was beautiful when Year 6 ventured to Manly to master the art of surfing.

Reading the Menu at the Genre Café In Term 1, Junior School Teacher Librarian, Ms Porter acted as Maître d’, serving up a delicious menu to suit all tastes at the Junior School’s Genre Café in the Library.

With fancy flowers, red gingham tablecloths and a different ‘genre’ of books for the students to try out each week, the Genre Café was a big hit with readers of all shapes and sizes.

Cyber Safety

Stitching our Family Tree During lockdown, Junior School worked on a Community Family Tree Bunting project to be displayed at the Junior School Art Show. To kickstart the project, each family was given a calico triangle. Visual Arts Teachers, Ms Lewington and Ms Sinclair provided a video with instructions and ideas, providing virtual guidance when needed. Kindergarten Administration Assistant, Ms Edwards used her incredible sewing skills to bring the bunting to life. The idea for the Family Tree Bunting came out of a desire to find a communitybased arts projects that would reflect each student’s family background, culture, identity and aspirations. It is a colourful representation of our closely connected learning community that reflects our shared heritage and brings every student – and her family – together.

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We believe we can fly There are no such thing as ‘boys’ toys’. Just ask the members of Wenona’s Drone Club, who along with our Robotics Club, are reaching for the skies when it comes to technology! Drone club aims to teach our Year 5 and Year 6 students about the basic principles of flying drones. This includes rules/laws, the basics of how they work, flight-related terminology, and an introduction to automating drones through coding. The students are learning block coding, developing their handto-eye coordination through manual flight of the drone, and developing their mathematical skills in determining angles and distance. And they’re building on their ICT skills and technology skills as they learn to code. But most importantly, they’re having fun.

In Term 1, one of Australia’s leading experts in the area of cyber safety, Ms Susan McClean visited Wenona to speak with Year 5. As a former member of Victoria Police, Susan has earned a reputation as the ‘cyber cop’. She gave the students plenty of advice about smart internet habits that will keep them safe online.

Year 6 slow down fast fashion Year 6 explored the negative impacts of fast fashion, researching how the industry can move towards a more sustainable, ethical future. Year 3 pursued the central idea: ‘Fashion is a tool to express yourself, beliefs and cultures’, examining how fashion trends have changed over the course of the past 100 years, from the Flappers of the 1920s, to the miniskirts of the Swinging 60s.

Revisiting the First Fleet

Year 5 Camp

In Term 2, Year 4 headed down to The Rocks and the State Library where they learnt all about early settlement. The excursion served to further their knowledge and understanding of colonisation, helping them to gain a more critical insight into all sides of the narrative, from the arrival of the First Fleet, to the life of the convicts, to the impact this had on Australia’s First Peoples.

In Term 1, Year 5 and their teachers headed off to camp at Attunga in the Southern Highlands for three days of fresh air and adventure with horses, bushwalks, mountain bikes, abseiling, cabins, kangaroos, and canoes. The students had an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, impressing themselves and their teachers with their capabilities and courage! They cemented friendships and made new ones, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Mission Year 6 Jersey Drop Off During lockdown, Head of Junior School, Ms Lind and Dr Scott had to come up with a plan for the traditional Year 6 jersey presentation.

Dr Scott said, “Receiving a Year 6 jersey is a rite of passage at Wenona, so we had to think of a creative way to present our Year 6 students with their jerseys that was fun, but also gave them that special sense of celebration and excitement at a time when we could not be together at School. With help from our fantastic Year 6 parents, we organised a top-secret mission: Operation Jersey Drop.” The Year 6 jerseys were sent home in plain parcels, marked ‘Confidential’.

They contained numbered envelopes with clues, as well as the mission essentials: chocolate for energy and the jersey. Parents placed the envelopes in three locations: the front door, bookshelf and freezer. Finally, they put the jersey package in the letterbox. It was a very special moment for Year 6 – and their families – when they completed the mission and found their jerseys to the delight of their peers watching via Zoom. Mission completed!

Winangali Workshop As part of their unit of inquiry, ‘Where We Are in Place and Time’, Year 4 pursued the central idea: ‘Actions of the past and present have consequences for the future’. It made Year 4 reflect on Australia’s history of colonisation and how it continues to impact on First Peoples.

They headed off to the MCA to attend the Winangali program. ‘Winangali’ means ‘to hear, to know’ in the language of the Gadigal people. Attending the workshop was a great way for our students to explore the richness of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture.

Junior School Athletics Carnival In May, the park was awash with colour as our Junior School students proudly wore their House colours at the Junior School Athletics Carnival, with fantastic performances both on and off the field.

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Goodwill Hunting

By Sonia Brennan Director of Foundation and Community Engagement

Loneliness wore heavily on some members of our community during Australia’s first lockdown, so Wenona’s Community Engagement Team worked with Year 2 students to connect with alumnae, setting up an initiative that has worked equally well in 2021.

I grew up writing letters. As a child, Christmas and birthdays were always followed by the inevitable thank you letters, written with my Parker fountain pen on thick, white Basildon Bond notepaper. In my family, it was non-negotiable, a sign of the civility and common courtesy that binds people together.

Like Polaroid photographs and vinyl records, there’s a sense of nostalgia about the art of letter writing, but it’s a form of communication that I still value and cherish today.

What I love more than anything about receiving a letter from someone is the knowledge that it arrives from the past. There’s a waiting. An anticipation. In the time it takes for a letter to land in your letterbox, anything can happen. Babies can be born, lives lost, minds changed. And of course, so much of a person’s personality is opened to the world in the flow and contour of their handwriting, the stories and anecdotes they choose to share, the observations they make.

cancelled. COVID-restrictions have meant parents aren’t allowed on site. And border closures have made interstate travel impossible.

Zoom has become an invaluable tool for our community. It enabled us to host the Wenona Parents’ Association and the Wenona Alumnae Association General Meetings each term. We worked with Ms Samantha McFetridge, Director of Student Opportunity and Career Development, to organise Twilight Insight Sessions via Zoom between Senior College students and alumnae. It was an opportunity to inspire students by showcasing the varied career paths of our alumnae, including a nurse working on the frontline in Scotland, and a finance advisor working for PwC in the Netherlands.

In 2021, our world was transformed by a global pandemic and many of us have leaned even more heavily on technology to engage with one another. Along with social media platforms like iMessage, WhatsApp and Snapchat, we’ve embraced video technology platforms like Zoom. But as the pandemic has continued and communication fatigue has started to set in, being ‘Zoomed out’ has become a thing. For many of us, the desire to hear people’s voices, but not actually see them has grown exponentially, along with our beards, roots and waistlines.

We also hosted a virtual White and Blue Alumnae Afternoon Tea (for alumnae who left the School more than 40 years ago) with Dr Scott. More than 80 alumnae joined us for this event, sharing a cup of Wenona-branded tea and a Melting Moment over the ether, swapping stories and listening to Dr Scott as she updated them on Wenona’s journey through the pandemic. We were so grateful to the alumnae who stepped out of their comfort zones to embrace this new technology, and to the family members who travelled long distances to set up the Zoom call so our alumnae could join us. This event was so successful, enabling alumnae to join us from far and wide, that we will consider using it as an engagement tool moving forward.

For the Community Engagement Team at Wenona, finding creative ways to communicate and engage with a wide variety of people – parents, alumnae, donors and supporters – all with different technology skills and communication preferences, has proven to be challenging over the past two years. Face-to-face events have been

But Zoom didn’t work for everyone, particularly those who weren’t technically proficient or didn’t have access to the right technology. As the weeks ticked by, a couple of quietly unassuming communication tools also began to flourish: the oldfashioned telephone and letter writing.

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Loneliness wore heavily on older members of our community during lockdown, both this year and in 2020. Being apart from family and friends, missing out on normal social activities, and often unable to leave their home because of the risk of infection, left many feeling isolated – physically and mentally. Picking up the phone to chat with alumnae – particularly those living in Victoria who have experienced multiple lockdowns – was a great way to maintain connection and check in on their mental health and wellbeing. Hearing a friendly voice on the other end of the phone and knowing that the Wenona community was thinking of them was a joy. But it was also rewarding for our team to talk to these beautiful women, to listen to their resilience and their optimism, and their hilarious stories of schooldays at Wenona. There were tales of mischievous classmates, inedible school dinners, unforgettable school excursions, and the inspiring teachers who’d touched their lives irrevocably.

“Project Connect introduced the art of letter writing to Ms Peck’s students. They were each given an alumna to write to, and using their best handwriting, they sat down to compose their letters.”

We were already sending birthday cards to our alumnae to celebrate special milestone birthdays pre-COVID. We now followed this up with a phone call and a chat. The positive feedback we received was overwhelming. Many had experienced one of the toughest years of their lives, but they retained their humour and their interest in allthings Wenona. It prompted us to think of innovative ways to forge connection between our current students and alumnae at a time when they were forced to be apart. This was the genesis for Project Connect.

As part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Year’s Programme, Ms Peck’s Year 2 students were looking at a Unit of Inquiry on ‘How we organise ourselves’. They were exploring different education systems around the world to see how children experienced school and how it compared to Wenona. As part of their inquiry, Year 2 were also looking at how the education system had evolved over time. And what better way to discover what Wenona was like in the past than by asking some of the students that had been here!

Project Connect introduced the art of letter writing to Ms Peck’s students. They were each given an alumna to write to, and using their best handwriting, they sat down to compose their letters. They introduced themselves and shared a little of their personal experience of remote learning during lockdown. And they asked questions about what schooling was like at Wenona in the past. They were funny, insightful and curious.

With great excitement and anticipation, they posted their letters, along with pre-paid envelopes so that our alumnae could write back to them.

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Within weeks, piles of handwritten letters arrived at Wenona – a visual cacophony of spiked and looped handwriting, slants and flourishes from far north Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and Perth. They made physical journeys from places some of our students had never been, bringing them fascinating titbits of news from elsewhere.

Through these letters, our students learnt a little about the corners of the world our alumnae inhabited. But they also painted a vivid picture of a bygone era at Wenona, a time when students wore gloves to school, dressed for dinner, and ate off china plates. There was no Woodstock, no Garden Café, no fish ponds and flowers. But there were tennis courts, where matches were fiercely contested every lunchtime.

It was like instant time travel and tapped into Year 2’s innate curiosity about Wenona in ‘the olden days’. And for alumnae, it was a window into a world of STEM and Robotics, Touch Football and Water Polo, and endless possibilities to defy gender norms and stereotypes.

People are happier when they do things with and for each other. As Project Connect has shown, a small social overture like a letter can have a huge impact. Project Connect started a conversation across the generations, generating a special bond between our Year 2 students and alumnae. For a community of people fragmented by COVID, Project Connect, along with the other Community Engagement initiatives we launched last year and have continued this year, forged deeper insight and understanding, connection and collaboration across the Wenona community. Despite the immense challenges posed by lockdown, the Community Engagement Team have been heartened by the generosity of our community in coming together to turn the tide of the pandemic.

Wenona’s Home Fit Program In Term 3, as Wenona entered an extended period of remote learning, the School’s online fitness and sport programs kicked into full swing.

The launch of the Home Fit Hub gave students a central location with which to access online sessions, focusing on general fitness, flexibility and strength.

It also provided a way for us to connect as a community. One of the highlights was the themed ‘Cooking with Coach’ sessions led by Head Swim Coach, Mr Michael Creighton every Friday morning.

As part of the approach to keep our students active at home, the Sport and PDHPE Departments combined forces to provide a small equipment and wellbeing pack for each student in Kindergarten to Year 8, to assist with their sport sessions and classes at home, and subsequently with their return to on-campus learning and the sporting field.

Mr Tom Hill Director of Sport and Performance

“The Home Fit sessions have given me the opportunity to stay fit during lockdown and to see my teammates each morning. It’s so easy to access them on the Portal page and the range of activities available have been so beneficial and fun.”

COURTNEY (YEAR 9)

“The Home Fit Hub was such a great way to stay active and motivated at home. Getting to see my teammates as well as meet new people has been so much fun and something I look forward to each week. It has ensured that we were putting ourselves in the best position heading back for Term 4 and preventing injuries along the way.”

LAURA (YEAR 11)

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Wenona Boarders Gratitude Project Isolation and lockdown have made us appreciate the things that previously, we might have taken for granted. The Gratitude Project was born out of this idea. We gave each boarder a letter of the alphabet and asked them to take a photograph of something beginning with this letter that they were grateful for. We then collated their photos to make a collage to hang in the Boarding House. It will serve as a reminder to us of the positive things, events and people in our lives.

Mrs Nonie Ayling, Head of Boarding

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The Gratitude Project was a way to change our thinking and help us look at the positive side of life.

It’s good to appreciate how lucky we are in having so many people who care about us. And it’s rewarding to see what we can do for others to help make their lives better.

I miss being at Wenona and the Boarding House and talking to my fellow students and my teachers face-to-face. It’s quite different connecting with them via Zoom, text or FaceTime. I think I’ve managed to endure this lockdown better as I had the experience of remote learning last year. I’ve found it been much easier this time round to use Zoom and other technologies, and I’ve adapted to online learning much quicker.

The hardest thing about online learning is keeping the momentum going. It requires a higher level of selfdiscipline and time management skills to study online.

The greatest challenge for me is that sometimes I leave my work to the last minute, which means, I have to stay up late to finish it. This affects my learning the next day, as I struggle to wake up on time. The way I overcome this is to use planners to break down tasks, so that I can plan my time better.

The best thing about being at home is that I have more personal time and I save time in not having to travel to and from School. The worst thing for me is that I don’t tend to get enough exercise every day and I’m on a screen too much. Having said that, I do go for walks and try to do a workout in my room.

Lockdown has made me realise how important it is to have something to look forward to. It helps you get through hard times. For me, it’s being able to travel internationally and see my parents and friends back in China.

My cooking skills have definitely improved during lockdown. I’ve even learned a new French dish called French Onion Soup, which I’ve made for the whole family.

I’m really looking forward to returning to the Boarding House at Wenona, chatting with the other girls and the staff and sharing all our lockdown experiences together.

Ivy Wang , Boarder (Year 10) From Tianjin, China, currently staying with a guardian in Camden

Last year’s lockdown helped to prepare me for this one.

Although it was unexpected, I knew how to handle it and have been able to do things that have kept me healthy and happy. I’ve missed Wenona’s sense of community, both in the Boarding House and the Day School. Nothing compares to the atmosphere that Wenona fosters.

I’ve made lifelong friends across all the year groups. I try my best to keep in contact with everyone, but I do miss bumping into the girls in the hallway and just having a laugh.

The hardest thing about online learning is having full back-to-back days on Zoom. This can be challenging as too much screen time can be tiring. To overcome this, I set myself limits and make sure I’m getting time in the sun with my family. I’ve absolutely loved being at home and spending time with my little siblings. Before Rural NSW went into lockdown, I spent every weekend watching my younger siblings play football. Although I miss all my friends in Sydney, it’s great to be back with them again.

Phone calls, FaceTime and Zoom have been excellent ways to stay connected with my friends, but nothing can match the face-to-face experience. We’ve still managed to create amazing memories in this challenging time. The online Zoom Formal that my group did is a great example of this.

I’ve been staying active by spending time with my little siblings on the farm. We’ve been playing games of tag and learning new tricks on the trampoline. I’ve also taken up running to keep up my cardio fitness. I’ve participated in all the Wenona Challenges so far as it’s a great way to stay connected. My favourite would have to be the ABSA Poster Competition because this showcased how boarders are tackling lockdown. I’ve also taken up a Keto diet and have found some great Keto-friendly recipes, including a quick and easy Keto Mug Cake.

This lockdown has changed me. I’ve realised how important it is to check up on my friends and reach out to them. I can’t wait to see everyone when I get back to Wenona. Although we’ve stayed in contact, nothing compares to being together!

This year’s lockdown, in my eyes has been much easier because we learnt from last year what worked and what did not work, not only the students, but the teachers too. I think that going in to lockdown this year, everyone knew what to expect and how online school works.

The things that I miss the most about Wenona is being able to see my friends every day in the Day School and being able to live with my friends in the Boarding House. I miss the structure of the Boarding House. It’s hard to stay motivated with online learning and I get easily distracted. This has made me realise how useful things like prep are in helping to keep me up to date with my work.

The best thing about being at home has been the flexibility of my days, I love that I can go swimming during my lunch break or play with my dogs at recess. Living at home has allowed me to spend so much more time with my family. I stay connected with my school friends by having a Zoom call with everyone, going for walks, and regularly checking in on each other. I think that in such isolating times, it is so important to check in with all your mates.

I’ve been doing lots of cooking, walking the dogs and swimming in the pool. It’s important to stay active, it can be a good break from school work and can be used as a time to pick up a few new hobbies and skills.

I don’t think that this pandemic has changed me, however I do think that it has changed my view on so many things. Prior to the pandemic, I took so many things for granted, things such as socialising, school resources, and boarding. I have been doing lots of cooking, almost every day. One of my favourite new recipes is making gnocchi from scratch and making lemon meringue pies!

I am looking forward to going back to the Boarding House to see my friends and to be able to live in a house with such a good community and structure as it allows me to continuously be on top of all my work while making such lasting friendships.

Zoe Scott, Boarder (Year 11) From Mosman, Sydney

Annelise Watkins, Boarder (Year 11) From Tumut, regional New South Wales THAT I MAY SERVE I 19

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Starting Senior School Year 7 had completed a semester at Wenona when their year was disrupted by lockdown. When I look back, I’m so grateful that we were able to have Year 7 camp, even though health restrictions prevented us from inviting our dads along. Camp was the perfect opportunity for Year 7 to build connections with their Wellbeing groups. They’ve become an important part of their social support network during lockdown. I’m also grateful that Year 7 had a semester of undisrupted learning and time on campus. It gave them a chance to learn the ‘ins and outs’ of School and form strong relationships with their peers and teachers.

Although we all wanted to be back on campus in Term 3, Year 7 have found so many silver linings, which is testament to their outlook on life! They’ve enjoyed their pets, home-cooked meals, the lack of commuting, slowing down, and technology, which has enabled us to connect for our ‘Just Dance’, exercise and trivia sessions. They’ve held the situation lightly and with good humour and for this I’m thankful. We’ve set challenges along the way, with Rose Baird-Petroni taking out the Star Jump Challenge, with an incredible 96 star jumps in 1 minute!

Most of Year 7 completed their 10,000-Step Wednesday Challenge with a beautiful long walk! Of course, there are things they miss too, which comes in ebbs and flows. They miss their friends and face-to-face interactions with their teachers and other year groups, but we know normality is just around the corner.

Year 7 have adapted to the Athenaeum Learning Pathway (ALP) seamlessly and as a result, they’ve become more independent and responsible for their learning and organisation – excellent traits which often takes a little while to build, but this cohort has nailed it! They can tackle anything.

Ms Noosha Jalili Year 7 Coordinator

Before I started at Wenona, I was looking forward to the freedom and being treated like a young adult. I was also excited about the opportunities in Senior School and meeting new friends. I was very excited to wear my Wenona uniform on the first day. It’s quite different from my previous uniform, but I like it because it has nice colours and doesn’t restrict you from doing different activities.

My first week was a mixture of excitement and fear, but everyone was so friendly and kind to me and the teachers were very welcoming and comforting, which made me feel excited about going to School. I met many of my friends in the first week. Once I found them, I felt like I belonged at Wenona. I’m in Jackson House, which is the ‘pink’ House.

I like how everyone has so much spirit to try hard in everything. The House chants encourage us to participate in every Carnival activity.

My favourite subject is PE because it keeps us fit and healthy by actively participating in fun games or sports. It’s also a subject that gets us off our screens and devices, making us communicate with each other properly without any distractions. PE helps everyone to make new friends and gain teamwork skills.

I enjoyed Year 7 camp. I liked being in tents with my friends and getting closer with my Wellbeing group. Although camp pushed me completely out of my comfort zone, it was fun, cold, tiring, interesting and beneficial.

Learning in lockdown is hard, not seeing friends, teachers and family.

Although I’ve had more sleep, I miss everything about School. Wenona is so much more interesting. I have lots of friends who entertain me there, in comparison to my annoying brothers! Lockdown has definitely made my family closer. We now play sport and go for walks together.

I’m forever grateful for my friends. Lockdown has really made me appreciate them. Without them, I wouldn’t enjoy School. They make me happy, are always there for me and help me when I’m down.

Without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I call them almost every day and try to walk with friends who live locally. COVID might have physically separated us, but we’ve all stayed connected.

Uma Astill Uma joined Wenona this year from Neutral Bay Public School

When I joined Wenona in 2014, I was so nervous that my dad had to walk me into School every day. However, my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs Collier was so supportive and made me feel safe, so I started to enjoy School.

The best thing about Year 7 has been having different teachers for each subject. They’re all experts in their field, so you can ask them more specific questions, explore more challenging topics and really extend your thinking. Even though it’s a bit controversial, I enjoy the homework and assessments. I think they help us stay engaged in our learning and I find the tasks fun. I also love moving between classrooms, as it helps me to differentiate between subjects. You get a lot more opportunities in Senior School, so I’ve been able to do more activities. I also love the Senior Campus. The classrooms and the gardens are really nice and of course, there’s the Garden Café!

My favourite subjects are Science, Maths, English and Art. I love to engage my brain, so Science is a great way to feed my curiosity. I love Maths because it can be really challenging. I love that it involves logic and uses knowledge of the world to construct principles and theories. English allows me to be creative and think outside the box. I especially like poetry and writing because I can convey a message through my words.

And I enjoy Art because it’s a way of expressing myself and art theory helps us to broaden our perception of the world and understand other people’s perspectives.

The summer uniform for Senior School, is the same as Junior School, but it still felt special when I wore it on the first day of Year 7. However, it was when I wore my Senior School winter uniform and put on my tie for the first time, that I felt different. I’d always seen the Senior girls wearing the winter uniform and now I was one of the older girls I’d always looked up to.

The biggest challenge so far has been planning my time effectively. The workload is heavier than Junior School, so at first, I struggled to keep on top of things and get my assessments done on time. Even now I struggle sometimes, but I’ve worked to overcome this by thinking ahead, planning out my time and prioritising.

Our grade practically doubled in size in Year 7, and although all the new girls were incredibly nice, the amount of people took some getting used to. I think Year 7 is a great year group to be in. Everyone is very kind and friendly. I’m in School House. Dr Langan is our Head of House and she’s really encouraging. I like the House challenges and quizzes that the House leaders and Dr Langan set out for us. These activities are fun and help to connect everyone - even someone like me who is not the most social of people!

I’m so grateful to go to Wenona during a global pandemic. Dr Scott has done an amazing job, as have my teachers. Learning from home is not the same, but they’ve done everything in their power to make our lessons engaging and interesting. I’m grateful for my family, who’ve been so supportive. We’ve all found COVID difficult at times, but they’ve helped me overcome every challenge. My pets are amazing too. Even though they can’t talk to me, they calm me down when I’m stressed. Finally, I’m grateful for being given the opportunity to lease a horse during lockdown, which means twice a week, I can ride and take care of it. It’s my passion, but I do realise how lucky I am!

Anika Yee Anika has been at Wenona since Kindergarten

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Visiting Warragamba Dam

Robotics and Coding Club

There was water, water everywhere for our Year 8 Geography students when they visited the spectacular Warragamba Dam as part of their studies into Water in the World. It helped them to think more deeply about water scarcity and the importance of sustainable water management. The students also reviewed the Warragamba Dam Raising Proposal and assessed the differing viewpoints towards it. They learnt a lot from seeing some of the processes and consultation involved in matters relating to significant public works and infrastructure.

Making Wildlife Feeders In Term 2, our Year 7 TAS students made timber and laser-etched wildlife feeders, which we hope will attract even more birds to the Wenona gardens. They also grew their own vegetables in Wenona’s Vegepods, using their knowledge and understanding of nutrition to make a healthy dish!

Wenona’s weekly Robotics and Coding Club has proved to be a popular way to foster our students in Year 7 to Year 9’s love of discovery and investigation, whilst also bringing abstract STEM concepts to life, such as computational thinking, engineering, science and maths. Using Lego, sensors, motors, and block-based coding, the students have been given free rein to imagine, create and build their own robots. It’s been a fun and engaging way of helping them to develop the technology skills that they’ll almost certainly be using in the future.

What fun!

Channelling Egypt Egypt came to Wenona in Term 2, with our Year 7 History students taking part in a fantastic incursion that taught them all about mummification, archaeological digs and ancient artefacts.

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Celebrating Languages Day

Camping on the Coast

In Term 2, Year 8 practised their languages skills and had fun experiencing different intercultural activities. Languages Day was a chance for them to play the traditional Chinese sport of Jianzi, use their French to order pain au chocolat, croissants and chocolat chaud at Le Café Français, make the Japanese carp-shaped windsocks called Koinobori, and take part in a lively Spanish salsa dancing lesson.

Year 8 loved their camp down the south coast, making the most of the ocean to go fishing, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and swimming.

Roll on Year 9 PASS When our Year 9 PASS students began studying ‘The Australian Sporting Experience’, it was the perfect opportunity to try lawn bowls. They attended two lawn bowls masterclasses at The Greens in North Sydney to examine its role in shaping Australia’s identity and reputation. They learnt about the history of the sport, and they also discovered that lawn bowls is not a sport for the faint-hearted! It’s a game of skill, challenge and lots of fun!

Soggy smiles at camp Okay so the Weather Gods were not favourable for Year 9 Camp. But despite the rain, the students had lots of fun and made some fantastic memories. We had to call an early mark (for the first time in Wenona history) but staff, parents and students were amazing, with all hands on deck at School to make sure our soggy travellers and their belongings got home safely. Thanks everyone!

Settling into boarding life

Adventuring Bronze DOE-style Our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh students felt very lucky to have experienced the beauty of Kangaroo Valley just before lockdown! They hiked, kayaked, camped and built fires.

Arriving at the Boarding House after the summer holidays can be daunting, so Head of Boarding, Mrs Nonie Ayling organised activities to bring everyone together, starting with a Brushes and Burgers Night. On Saturday night, the boarders made dinner with Year 7 to Year 9 responsible for bread and dessert, Year 10 on ‘nibblies’ and Year 11 and Year 12 on barbeque duties and salad.

The boarders also held a pool party, complete with a synchronised swimming competition! On Sunday, the boarders held their own version of the Amazing Race, searching for clues around the harbour. All great fun!

Project Inertia Visitors to our Science labs in The Athenaeum always admire the stunning artwork of Australian contemporary artist, Janet Tavener.

So, imagine how thrilled our Year 9 Visual Arts and Photography and Digital Media students were to attend all-day immersive workshop with her, exploring different ways to arrest time in an ‘Art meets Science’ conceptual collaboration. They learnt about some of the photographic techniques Janet uses in her work, including how to shoot through water, oil and light. The students then experimented with different techniques, exploring light and reflection.

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Welcoming our inaugural Head of Upper School In 2021, Wenona welcomed its inaugural Head of Upper School and alumna, Ms Laura Stewart (1996PY).

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Ms Stewart, who was previously Deputy Principal (Year 6 to 12) of the Vienna International School, joined Wenona in January to lead our Year 9 and Year 10 students and their families. She said, “It’s a great privilege to be appointed as the inaugural Head of Upper School. Year 9 and Year 10 can be a challenging and enjoyable time, as students move towards their final years of Senior School and beyond. I’m so excited to be a part of this journey, alongside our staff, students and their families. We’re developing a great culture in the Upper School, and I’m really looking forward to building on this over the years to come.

Wenona gave me the confidence and self-belief that anything was possible. I was involved in sport, music and debating at School, and now I’m coaching some of those activities. I love encouraging students to push themselves, to learn new skills and to achieve their personal best.”

Building Transferable Skills One of the ways we prepare our students for life beyond Wenona is by helping them to develop a portfolio of transferable skills. In Term 4, Director of Student Opportunity and Career Education, Ms McFetridge organised an incredible workshop for our Year 10 students, drawing on the hidden talents and skills of some of our staff. They learnt to change tyres, plan events, arrange flowers, make barista-style coffee, embroider, budget, make podcasts, and develop a digital portfolio. And they had great fun doing it!

Launching Foundational Skills Program Learning to learn well is a core focus of Wenona’s Teaching and Learning program in Middle School. The emphasis is on trialling new learning techniques and routines in order to build our students’ academic capacity and resilience. This year, we launched our fortnightly Foundational Skills program for Year 7, with the aim of helping every student to start their Senior School academic journey well. In Term 1, Year 7 learnt key skills such as organisation, note taking, and preparing effectively for assessment. In Term 2, the focus was on literacy and academic resilience, using OneNote to encourage students to reflect on their work, their learning habits and how to respond to feedback. Throughout Term 3 and Term 4, the students have been supported to build on their literacy within specific subjects.

Ms Natasha Isbel Head of Teaching and Learning, Middle School THAT I MAY SERVE I 25

Year 10 conquer Kosciuszko Weather conditions were challenging at Year 10 camp in the Snowy Mountains this year. But even though the fog was heavy, making it impossible to see anything from the summit, staff and students enjoyed the adventure, made the most of the environment and supported one another every step of the way!

An ‘Oarsome’ Lecture In March, former Olympic rower, Mr Tom Laurich came to Wenona to talk to our Year 10 Psychology students about his Olympic journey. It was a fascinating insight into overcoming setbacks at the highest level of sport, as well as setting goals, and staying resilient.

Chinese Garden of Friendship In June, our Upper School Language students had a fantastic excursion to the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour, where they learnt about the historical philosophies and design principles behind this unique cultural landscape.

Connecting with Yashiro High School, Japan When Wenona’s Director of STEM, Dr Alisha Thompson was e-introduced to Mr Koki Nagayama, a Biology Teacher at Yashiro High School, it was a great opportunity for their students to collaborate about their STEM-related activities and research, as well as share a little about their lives, cultures, and traditions. Our students made a video to explain why Dr Thompson calls them her ‘Number 1 Year 10 STEM Class’. They showcased some of the STEM activities they’ve worked on this year, including making Rube Goldberg machines at home. They spoke about Wenona’s Car Restoration Club, the Wenona Car Show, the Engineering Challenge, Robotics Club and more. Yashiro students then spoke about their school and the popular Hato Festival, before presenting on their research into the Nano Hot Springs Onsen.

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Celebrating Book Week Students in Senior School had an opportunity to listen to author/poet Steven Herrick perform from his campervan whilst in Victoria’s lockdown. His engaging poetry sparked interest in the girls and his theme of growing up in Australia resonated with most of them!

Meeting Legal Eagles

Mad Scientists Unite!

It’s not every day that our Year 11 and Year 12 Legal Studies students have the privilege of meeting with three titans of the Law, but in Term 2 they met with the former Director of Public Prosecutions, a Supreme Court Judge and a leading barrister. It was a fantastic learning experience for our budding legal eagles!

Even though the School was on lockdown for National Science Week in August, our Science Department organised virtual daily challenges for students to enjoy, along with a Mad Scientist Dress Up Day. Drawing on this year’s theme, Food – Different by Design, our Science Teachers found novel ways for our students to do experiments at home, helping to further their knowledge and understanding about the world around them. This included homemade volcanoes, teabag rockets, balloon kebabs, and a challenge to create the best food-related memes. Undoubtedly, Mad Scientist Dress Up Day was the highlight of the week, with lots of eccentric outfits on display.

Year 10’s Market Day Running a small business is a lot harder than it looks. Just ask our Year 10 Commerce students, who have been putting their classroom theory into practice by launching a business and selling their wares at Market Day. After conducting market research – surveys, focus groups, vox pox, word of mouth – to find out more about their target audiences, Year 10 chose a product to sell. On Market Day, they sold tacos, pasta, ice cream, candy pizza, mocktails, freaky shakes, chocolate dipped food, acai bowls and cupcakes. It was a lesson in risk-taking, planning, communication, teamwork and persistence.

They then filed a business report, complete with executive summary, financial statements and business insights. All profits went to a charity of their choice.

Revving up Wenona Our resident rev-heads and tech-heads lapped up the excitement at Wenona’s annual Car Show. Thanks to our resident STEMinists, Chloe Grace and Constance Panos (Year 11), this year’s show had automative experiences to suit all tastes, with racing cars, motorbikes, a Tesla, and vintage cars on display.

Masterchefs Abound Our new Food Tech kitchen in The Athenaeum proved to be very popular this year, with our Food Tech students whipping up all sorts of amazing culinary creations each day, including san choy bau, scones, lemon tarts and brownies. During lockdown, our students showed how resourceful they are by making great use of their kitchens at home to produce mouthwatering goodies that undoubtedly kept their families happy and well fed!

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Celebrating the Class of 2021 As I reflect on this year, I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the strength and resilience of our Year 12 cohort during these tumultuous times. With the everchanging circumstances brought about by the COVID pandemic, the courage demonstrated by our students to remain diligent has not gone unnoticed. One of the clearest examples of this must be their preparation and completion of the online Trial Higher School Certificate Examinations. It was nothing short of extraordinary. None of us ever imagined the second semester would end up in lockdown with remote learning. I am very proud of the way that they have banded together and focused on the job at hand.

The emotions experienced by this year group were understandable, acknowledged, and to a large extent, expected by us. We had ongoing discussions how the feelings could be distracting and the potential for negative impacts on their health. Worrying about the future can get in the way of being productive in the moment and it was wonderful to witness them continue concentrate on the task at hand. Our Wellbeing theme was courage: the courage to remain in control of the things they can control, with the right attitude whilst staying strong and focused.

There are numerous stories, events and shared memories from the Class of 2021 that will remain dear to me for a very long time. When interviewing staff and students to create a farewell video to celebrate their very last Year Assembly at Wenona, the admiration felt by the Wenona community for this group was palpable. They spoke highly of their camaraderie, good humour and strong leadership qualities, but also their ability to enjoy the moment whilst including others.

I have every confidence that the Class of 2021 will do amazing things after their time at Wenona. Upholding the Wenona core values of strength, courage, grace and wisdom will serve them well in shaping their world. We are sure that they will remain confident, voicing their opinions, challenging the world in which they live and making the most of every opportunity for positive change. The Class of 2021 will be sorely missed and from the words of Paulo Coelho, “Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.” Go chase your dreams, Class of 2021!

Mr Steve Kapsalis Year 12 Coordinator

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Wild West Day The Wild West came to Wenona in Term 4 as we finally had a time to say goodbye to our Year 12 students. There was lots of laughter, singing and dancing, as our teachers farewelled the Class of 2021, celebrating their last day of formal School with a sausage sizzle.

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A Message from the School Captain 2020/2021 I’ve been at Wenona since Kindergarten – my mum, aunt, and sister are all alumnae – so it’s impossible to choose my favourite thing about the School.

But after 13 years here, Wenona has instilled values in me that have helped to shape me into the young Renaissance woman I am today. And it has empowered and educated me to stand up for my beliefs and embrace equality. As School Captain of Wenona for 2020/2021, my goal was to create initiatives that helped to promote diversity and inclusion, so all students felt valued for their individuality.

It’s why we chose ‘Make the Ordinary Extraordinary’ as the theme for our Prefect Initiative.

Being a leader during a global pandemic was challenging. It was hard to develop and maintain trust at a time of great uncertainty. However, trust in leadership was essential for transformative and collective action. As Head Girl, I learnt several things about myself, which have helped me to become the confident young leader I am today. As COVID-19 continued to play out across the globe, I saw how important it was to offer hope, spread kindness, and create a credible vision of our lives for the future, as well as ways to achieve this.

At the end of Term 2, we left Wenona for the School holidays, saying goodbye to our friends and teachers, expecting to see them all soon.

Little did we know that Greater Sydney’s ‘two-week lockdown’ would last a whole term and beyond. It was challenging to be a Year 12 student, knowing that we’d had a whole term of in-person experiences taken away due to COVID. However, I am so proud of how we persisted as a School in such difficult circumstances! We worked incredibly hard to support and connect with our cohort during lockdown and especially during our HSC Trial Examinations. We could not have got through such a difficult time without the immense support from our amazing classroom teachers and Senior College team.

As a cohort, we’ve gone through something the world has never experienced before. It’s been a rollercoaster ride of lockdowns, quarantine,

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distance learning, facemasks, and countless Zoom sessions! Despite the challenges, there have been silver linings too. Living in such unprecedented times has made us all cherish the small things. The one thing I looked forward to most after lockdown was simply walking through the Miller Street Gate. Seeing my peers and teachers in the West Commons area again was incredible and I was grateful to have had the opportunity to go back to Wenona and make the most of the short time we had left.

One thing I will miss is the sense of unity Wenona creates. There’s such a positive and inclusive environment. I feel at home at Wenona and can embrace who I am as a person. Participating in musicals, going on camps, playing a different sport each term, and taking part in dance parties for fundraisers have all had a lasting impact on me. I’m particularly grateful for our new West Commons area. Not only has this created an environment where we Senior College students can become closer, but it has made studying and being together as a cohort so much more enjoyable.

I am studying Modern History, Legal Studies, Drama, Economics, Advanced Maths and Advanced English for the HSC. My passion for global peace and prosperity, and tackling injustice, has influenced my decision to study Law next year. Of course, my passions and desires may change, but whether I study Law or not, I will follow a path of international relations to uphold human rights.

The only advice I could give to the new Student Leadership Team is to enjoy it. Each girl is deserving of their role, so they should never doubt themselves but rather be proud. Never be afraid to ask for help, and most importantly, don’t change yourself to be the ‘perfect’ leader. A great leader is not someone who is perfect and never makes mistakes, but someone who is willing to take chances, is kind, and does what is right regardless of the outcome. As a leader, you will meet your fair share of challenges, you will encounter obstacles and stumbling blocks along your journey of leadership. But we reflect on these obstacles and see them as learning opportunities for improvement. It’s okay to make mistakes. You were born to make mistakes.

Georgia Soghomonian

A Rap on Connection Jesica Shroff in Year 12 was one of the Service and Community Captains for 2020/2021. She wrote this rap to highlight the importance of making strong connections with peers.

Ok let’s be real, Lots of you girls know the deal, The connection of a year group is important, its surreal.

So, before you roll your eyes, Take a listen, you’ll be surprised Get your diary, memorise.

Here’s some tips to utilise.

To begin have some fun.

Your year group is THE one, You are with them from the start, Make a difference, do not part.

This is more than just a claim, This is more than just a game, Know their lives not just their names, Cause you’ll always feel the shame.

Respect, dignity, This is what makes, A strong community.

Respect, dignity, This is what makes, A strong community.

Now I gotta fly, So, before I say bye bye, Shout out to my cohort.

You’ve all been by my side, You guys have made these years, So unforgettable.

So, before the end nears I wanted you to hear.

Respect, dignity, This is what makes, A strong community.

Thanks for making these years so much fun.

All of you guys deserve the world, I value each and every one of you.

Respect, dignity, This is what makes, A strong community.

Respect, dignity, This is what makes, A strong community

Let’s be swift, point number two, I know you girls gossip too, This point is overdue, So, come on let’s get this through.

Respect, dignity, Thanks to Mr Kap, And my community

Lots of girls are picking fights, We gotta stop, this is not right, This might seem abrupt But, before I wrap this up, Include do not exclude Discrimination too, that’s really gotta stop Otherwise, you’ll have to cop!

I’m out.

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Farewell to Michele Ginswick Michele Ginswick has witnessed an incredible period of change since she began her teaching career in 1969. But at the end of Term 2, our former Deputy Principal who most recently worked as Wenona’s Archivist, hung up her mortarboard and academic gown and bid farewell to Wenona.

Michele Ginswick graduated from ANU and UNSW as a History and English Teacher during the 1960s, when the teaching profession had only just achieved equal pay status. In 1968, she began her teaching career at Campbell High School in Canberra, before moving to the heritage town of West Wyalong in the Riverina to join her husband. At the end of the year, they decided to indulge their wanderlust and travel to London to work as supply teachers.

“You could write a book about teaching in London in the 1970s,” laughs Michele. “It was a shock to the system, going from teaching in a country NSW school to teaching in inner-city London. I was able to understand the students’ accents, but they couldn’t always understand me! Teachers had to deal with all sorts of social issues, stemming from the impact of immigration, economic upheaval and poverty. We taught kids from the tower blocks, where the support networks of the neighbourhood had been ripped away, along with all the social problems of unsupported, one-parent families, a lack of home resources, and kids with no sense of discipline or respect for education.”

Despite the challenges, Michele loved her time overseas, capitalising on her proximity to Europe to travel as much as possible. On her return to Australia

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in 1972, Michele was thrilled to get a job as an English and History Teacher at Fort Street Girls. “After London, it was like stepping back in time. All the older teachers still wore hats and gloves. Once I got dreadfully sunburnt on a school excursion and I had to ask the headmistress’s permission not to wear stockings to work! Even so, it was a lovely environment. There were a lot of Greek girls at the school, who were a pleasure to teach. I remember their brothers had to accompany them if we went on school theatre excursions after dark.”

After taking a career break to raise her family, Michele took on a maternity cover at Barker, before successfully applying for a role as a History Teacher at Wenona in 1982. “Miss Jackson was firmly ensconced as the Principal of Wenona when I began working there. She’d taught my sister Geography at Canberra Girls’ Grammar and knew my mum and dad, so that personal connection definitely helped me get the job.”

Michele remembers Miss Jackson as a formidable presence. “She was so glamorous.

She could seem quite imposing, but once you got to know her, she had quite a sense of humour! You’d never dream of waylaying her in the playground to ask her a question. You’d have to write a note, which was always embarrassing for me because my handwriting is terrible! She was very innovative in curriculum, but still very much tied to convention and old-fashioned values. She was very strict about manners and uniform – all the students had to wear hats and gloves.”

The 1990s brought a whirlwind of change both to Wenona and to Michele. Miss Jackson retired to be replaced by Mrs Margaret Hadley, and Michele was appointed Deputy Principal. “Working with Margaret was a big highlight in my career,” says Michele. “She was only 45 when she arrived at Wenona and was the School’s first married Principal. She was a physicist and very clever, very forward-thinking.

She was also a great hockey player and would go to watch sport matches in her tracksuit, which was very unconventional at the time. She introduced laptops and made changes to the uniform. Staff were given every opportunity for professional development. It was a very exciting time. She really provided the framework for the modern School that Wenona has become today.”

“Michele’s background as a historian, combined with her sharp memory and her knowledge of Wenona has proved invaluable in helping the School to assemble, catalogue, preserve and manage its rich and extensive collection.”

At the end of 2005, Michele retired, with the intention of travelling the world and spending time with her grandchildren. But Mrs Hadley had other plans. “I only managed six months off before Margaret talked me into coming back as the School Archivist.” Since its foundation in 1886, Wenona has built up a considerable archive

“Michele has left an indelible mark on Wenona.

Not only on the many students she taught as a History teacher here, but also on her colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside her, and in more recent years, as the keeper of our alumnae’s stories and memorabilia. We are so grateful for her meticulous work in establishing and preserving Wenona’s archives. On behalf of the Wenona community, I would like thank her for her contribution to our School and wish her health, happiness and adventure for her retirement.”

Dr Briony Scott, Principal

of historical material, as well as documents, personal memorabilia, letters and photographs donated to the School by its alumnae and their families. Michele’s background as a historian, combined with her sharp memory and her knowledge of Wenona has proved invaluable in helping the School to assemble, catalogue, preserve and manage its rich and extensive collection. So, what does retirement hold for Michele? “Well, I’ll continue to volunteer for the Jessie Street National Women’s Library, which is dedicated to keeping women’s works and words alive and powerful. And of course, when life permits, my husband and I would like to travel overseas again.”

If it hadn’t been for travel restrictions due to the pandemic, the first stop on Michele’s travel agenda would have been the Outer Hebrides. “I really want to visit the Isle of Lewis, which is where they discovered the Lewis Chessmen. And I’d like to go to the Isle of Mull to visit Major General Macquarie’s grave.” For now, Michele is staying closer to home. “We keep saying how lucky we are. We’re not trying to teach kids from home while holding down a full-time job like so many other people. We have no employment worries and we have decent coffee in walking distance.”

Enjoy your retirement Michele. You will be missed!

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CONGRATULATIONS

Throughout the year, our staff and students have excelled in many different areas, which is a reflection of their broad range of talents, interests, and passions. Here is a small snapshot of some of them.

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Award-winning Violist We were delighted that Hayley Lau in Year 9 was a finalist in the NSW Secondary Students Concerto Competition in June. Hayley had the privilege of playing her viola, accompanied by the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra.

Science and Engineering Champions Dr Thompson’s STEM students were delighted to be awarded 1st place in the Science and Engineering Challenge.

Medal-winning performances Wenona’s Cross Country team did brilliantly at the CIS Cross Country Championships in June, with seven top 10 finishes, some individual medals and our 13yrs Team winning gold! Brilliant effort everyone!

FIRST LEGO Champions We were delighted that for the second year in a row, Wenona’s Senior FIRST LEGO team won the Breakout Award at the FIRST LEGO League Championship Day in November. This award celebrates a team that has made significant progress in their confidence and capability in both the Robot Game and Innovation Project and exemplify excellent values.

They demonstrate that they understand that what they discover is more important than what they win. Go Wenona!

ABE Master Teacher Fellowship We are delighted that our Director of STEM, Dr Alisha Thompson has been chosen to join the 2021/22 cohort of the ABE Master Teacher Fellowship. As one of 12 teachers selected from a variety of international sites, this program will support Dr Thompson to collaborate with experts from STEM fields, develop curriculum infusing research-based pedagogy, inclusive classroom practices, and cutting-edge biotech concepts and technologies. Dr Thompson will work with other Fellows from around the world to develop classroom curriculum and resources in areas of personal interest, serve as an ambassador to other teachers, and provide peer advice and guidance.

NGS Scholarship Award

Eureka Matilda!

A huge congratulations to English, Psychology and English as an Additional Language / Dialect (EAL/D) Teacher, Ms Evette Wenlock who received an NGS scholarship award in the Navigating life category, for her project to raise awareness about mental health. Her program provides strategies for young people as they navigate challenges in their own lives, or their friends’ lives, helping them to develop empathy, open-mindedness, and awareness in relation to mental health issues.

Matilda Effeney in Year 5 took part in The Australian Museum’s Sleek Greek Science Eureka Prize and received a Highly Commended award for her submission on whale poo.

Dame Marie Bashir Peace Award

HeadOn Photography Competition A huge congratulations to Holly Houssarini (Year 11), who placed 2nd in the HeadOn photo festival student section for her artwork, Contemplation, against stiff competition from students across Australia.

National History Champion

Jessica Nam - Future You

A huge congratulations to Sophie Ingham in Year 10 for winning the Australian History Competition.

Sophie was named the joint National History Champion for students in Year 10.

In June, Jessica in Year 3 was awarded a prize for her Future You STEM project from Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley.

Zahra Chan in Year 11 received the Dame Marie Bashir Award, which is awarded to young women who have shown outstanding commitment to social justice. Zahra has been involved in extensive community work throughout her time at Wenona, raising awareness about human rights issues, delivering care packages to homeless people in her native Hong Kong, tutoring underprivileged students to help them with their English, repacking donated excess food to help those in need, as well as being the leading individual fundraiser for One Girl Ambassador.

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Service continues to underpin everything we do at Wenona, with students across every year group helping to support causes that matter to our community.

Crazy and Cosy Book and Bake Sale In Term 2, the Wenona community came together to donate books and bake cakes for our Crazy and Cosy initiative. Organised by our Senior Library Captain 2020/2021, Alexandra Angus, Community and Service Learning Captains 2020/2021, Brooke Wallis, Jess Shroff and Matilda Kingsmill, and the 2021 Junior Library Captains, Charlotte Doyle and Tahlia Beattie, the initiative raised $1,407 for the Pyjama Foundation, helping to fund Pyjama Angels for children in foster care. All the leftover books were sent to Wenona’s book supplier, James Bennett to sell, with all proceeds going to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

Molly makes her art matter In Term 1, Dr Scott presented Molly Ferguson in Year 12 with the 2020 Wenona Alumnae Spirit Award for her outstanding fundraising efforts in support of last summer’s bushfires and the Black Lives Matter movement. Molly was in Auckland with her family when the bushfires happened. “We watched Auckland’s sky turn bright orange from the blazes in Australia, even though they were over 2,000km away.” A talented artist, Molly decided to put her skills to good use, reaching out to friends and asking them to commission an artwork, with all proceeds going directly to bushfire relief charities. After attending the Black Lives Matter protest, Molly also produce artwork with a friend to raise funds for the Bridging the Gap Foundation for Indigenous Health and Education and Australian for Native Title and Reconciliation.

Hooke’s Facemasks for Kids Cancer Centre As facemasks are now part of our daily routine, Hooke House Captains for Hooke for 2021/2022, Emily Hamilton, Phoebe Henry and Maddie Windeyer came up with a fantastic fundraising initiative: selling custom-designed, House-themed face masks to raise money for the Kids Cancer Centre. Emily said, “We chose to support the Kids Cancer Centre as both myself and Phoebe have had first-hand experience of the life-changing work they do.” Head of Hooke House, Ms Grün loved the idea, so the House Captains worked with a company to come up a range of fun designs for each House to choose from. Emily said, “I hope that everyone enjoys their House face mask! They will keep our School community safe, but I also hope they promote House spirit.” Maddie said, “This initiative has raised awareness that everyone has a different story to tell and we can never assume to know a person’s story.” And Phoebe said, “As this cause is extremely important and personal to me, I am really excited that I have been given the opportunity to give back to the Kids Cancer Centre.” A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, raising an incredible $7,100 for the Kids Cancer Centre.

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Jeans for Genes Day It’s the question that divides the nation: should you or should you not double up on your denim?

On Jeans for Genes Day in Term 3 organised by our fantastic SRC Captains, most of our staff and students decided that twice the denim was twice as good. Some even wore triple denim on Zoom.

It was all for a fantastic cause, raising funds for research, treatment and cures for the 1 in 20 kids who face a birth defect or genetic disease, such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and life-threatening metabolic disorders.

Barnados Red Stocking appeal

Anzac Day

In Term 4, our Junior School students and their families donated gifts to the annual Barnados Christmas Red Stocking appeal for the children in their programs, some of whom have experienced abuse, neglect, poverty and homelessness and do not normally get the chance to receive Christmas gifts. There were so many ‘red stockings’ for Barnados staff to pick up, they had to make two trips!

Wenona marked Anzac Day with our Cadets laying a wreath at the Cenotaph and Year 11 students, Constance Panos, Bella Adney and Kate Ahuja, speaking movingly at Assembly about the contribution of the Royal Australian Air Force. Constance said, “Acknowledging how such a horrific event has shaped and changed our national identity has become a pivotal part of describing who Australians are. I recognise that Australian history and its people are intrinsically linked to one another through this day, a day that brings our nation together each year on 25 April. We pay tribute to those across time who have fought and served our country past and present, including those operating in The Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian navy.” Lest we forget.

Pink Lady Socks for Breast Cancer Sumo Wrestling Day In April, Sumo wrestling once again came to Wenona. This popular School House fundraising initiative raised funds for the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF).

In May, PDHPE Teacher Ms Chrissie Grün organised for every girl representing Wenona at sport to wear Pink Lady socks in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)’s PLAY4BCNA campaign. BCNA works tirelessly to ensure that all Australians who have been affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support available. Ms Grün knows only too well the impact of breast cancer on a family, having lost her own mum to the disease in 2005. “Every day, 57 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer and that figure is way too high.” Wenona embraced the PLAY4BCNA campaign, raising more than $11,000 for BCNA. Whether it was Hockey, Netball, Basketball or Football, every Wenona student proudly wore their Pink Lady socks. There were flashes of pink on the sidelines too thanks to our parents, and in the pool, our Water Polo players donned pink caps. Even Dr Scott wore her Pink Lady socks at Assembly! The CEO of BCNA, Ms Kirsten Pilatti was overwhelmed by the support from the Wenona community and recorded a personal thank you message, which was played to rapturous applause at Assembly.

Year 7’s Bushcare

Pride Day

As our Year 7 students have discovered, bushcare is fun! This year as part of their contribution to service, they’ve been helping to maintain the environment surrounding Wenona by weeding, pruning, sweeping and planting. They’ve enjoyed getting together outside and helping to improve the gardens at the same time!

In June, Wenona celebrated Pride Day, which centred around this year’s theme of ‘Diversity, Inclusion, Equality’. Our students dressed up in rainbow colours, sold rainbow ribbons and cupcakes, and held a rainbow-themed dance party in the Undercroft to raise funds for organisations that support students in the LGBTQI community.

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CELEBRATING OUR ALUMNAE As you will read in the following pages, our alumnae have represented their country at the highest level of sport, they’ve dominated the fashion and beauty industry, been awarded prestigious scholarships and set up charitable foundations. It is inspiring for our current students to see how many of them credit their school years as the foundation for their success, and to hear them expressing their deep appreciation for the ongoing bonds of friendship they forged during their years at Wenona.

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Wenona’s past, present and future sporting stars

GOING FOR GOLD

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“Whether it is your first Olympics or your last, the pride in representing your country at the highest level is something that never fades.”

HANNAH BUCKLING (2009PY)

Hannah Buckling (2009PY) WATER POLO I TOKYO OLYMPICS 2021

It’s billed as one of the world’s toughest sports, but the physical demands of water polo were part of the attraction for Hannah Buckling, who has just competed in her second Olympics as part of the Australian Water Polo team – more commonly known as the ‘Aussie Stingers’. “I struggled to pick it up at first, but the challenge just made me even more determined to improve. My grandfather, Ron Bridle played schoolboy rugby for Wales and I always wanted to make him proud. It’s always such an honour to be selected for an Olympic team. Whether it is your first Olympics or your last, the pride in representing your country at the highest level is something that never fades.”

there to support us, ultimately the games still stayed (mostly) the same. We still got to play, and I never really noticed the crowd, or lack thereof, anyway. The big difference was mask wearing, daily COVID testing and constant hand sanitising. Coming from Australia, we were not used to being so diligent, so we were very conscious of being COVID-safe!”

Hannah took a break from studying Medicine at the University of Sydney to undertake a rigorous Olympic training schedule. “We trained in the pool twice a day, almost every day except for Sunday. On top of this, we completed three weights sessions in the gym. Partly why I love the sport is because the training varies so much. It consists of swimming, legwork, skills, drills and game play, so while it’s challenging, it also provides a lot of variety. On top of this, we watched footage of other teams and analysed their tactics. Training for the Olympics is also about what you do between sessions, so physio, ice baths and recovery were also important!”

Returning from Tokyo and having to spend two weeks in quarantine was difficult but Hannah used it as an opportunity to process the games and re-adjust to the next phase of her life. “I was ready to return to my studies. I like to stay busy! While it’s been challenging to combine medicine and water polo, I am so lucky I’ve had the opportunity to balance both my passions. You can always find time to do the things that you are passionate about!”

Given that the Tokyo Olympics took place during a global pandemic, the Aussie Stingers had to modify their preparation. “With 18 months without games leading into Tokyo, it was incredibly challenging. We did our best to mitigate this by scrimmaging U18 boys and playing training games against each other, but it was very different to international quality water polo. By the time we arrived in Tokyo, we were so excited to finally play some games!”

Having represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Hannah wasn’t sure what to expect at Tokyo. “To be honest, while it was disappointing not having family and friends

For Hannah, the highlight of the Tokyo Olympics was being able to play the game she loves after such a long break from international competition. “We always say we train to play, so after an 18-month hiatus, I was just so excited to put on the green and gold.

Singing the National Anthem is always a highlight for me – more than a few happy tears were shed!” Her proudest moment was the team’s 5th vs 6th match against the Netherlands. “That was my last game for Australia, as I have now retired from international competition. It was truly incredible the way the team managed to bounce back from our devastating quarter-final loss and perform so well. I was just so proud to play alongside such incredible teammates!”

Another silver lining for Hannah was the Australian television coverage. “The water polo coverage and commentary were excellent. For those new to the game, it was an excellent way of highlighting the sport and it will hopefully inspire a new generation of water polo players!”

Her advice to current water polo players is to enjoy the game. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and remember it is just a game intended to be fun! For those who perhaps dream of pursuing sport outside of Wenona, one thing I wish I had known earlier was the importance of having the courage to fail and the bravery to keep trying.”

Hannah is still firm friends with her Wenona schoolmates. “I’m so lucky to have the most amazing group of friends from Wenona. We’ve all gone in different directions since school, but we are still close. I don’t have much spare time outside study and training, but when I do, I love to read. I’m a part of a book club with my group of friends from Wenona. I also really enjoy hiking and doing most outdoor activities, as I am not great at sitting still!”

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Alison Ross-Edwards (HODGSON 1970PY) SPRINTER I MUNICH OLYMPICS 1972

Sprinter, Alison RossEdwards has always been a trailblazer. She overcame considerable challenges to represent Australia at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, at a time when women’s representation and participation in sport was very different.

As she entered her Senior year in 1970, Alison RossEdwards faced a difficult decision. “I was going to be Sports Captain and Prefect, but I wanted to pursue athletics. I was torn – I couldn’t do it all.” Alison’s decision to leave Wenona and train as a sprinter resulted in the ultimate reward. It sent her to the Olympics.

“It wasn’t the ‘in’ thing in my day to be a runner.

It wasn’t considered to be ‘ladylike’. We couldn’t wear spikes and my tunic was just above my knees.”

Principal Barbara Jackson recognised Alison’s athletic abilities and her Sports teacher was also very encouraging. “I didn’t talk about running – most of the girls in my year didn’t know I was a runner until reunions!” Alison held every record in the All Schools competition. “One record held for a very long time.

Then they changed yards to metres and eventually, they all disappeared.”

As athletics was an amateur sport, and corporate sponsorship yet unheard of, Alison enrolled in a secretarial course and life consisted of training and working. “I hoped to be selected for the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, and was disappointed not to be, but my main aim was the Olympics.”

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Alison was notified that she had been selected to represent Australia in the 400m at the 1972 Munich Olympics in the daily newspaper. “It was very exciting. Travel was a big deal in those days as it was very expensive.” Prior to the Olympics, Alison competed in events in the USA, Italy and Poland.

“Athletes have much more experience now before going to the Games with junior programs and competitions.”

Alison gave it everything she had during her 400m race in Munich, clocking 53.6 seconds to finish 6th in the quarter final. “The 400m is a tough race. It’s much harder than the 100m or 200m. You need to build strength.” She also ran in the 400m relay team, finishing 6th in the final.

In 1974, Alison decided she needed a break and withdrew from the Christchurch Commonwealth Games team. In 1979, she re-joined the Northern Suburbs Athletic Club to improve fitness and ended up running at interclub competitions. “I requested a low grade, but was put in A grade and won! Then, before I knew it, I won the State 400m championship and was selected to go to Perth for the Australian Championships. I came 6th in the final. I could hardly walk!” Alison realised then she would have to train properly, or give it away.

Alison has enjoyed connectivity with Wenona over the years. “Barbara Jackson invited me to speak after the Olympics. I was so nervous I couldn’t eat my dinner,” she says. Alison reflects that Wenona was a much smaller school when she was a student, which made it much easier for everyone to get to know one another. “Our 50-year reunion was to be held last year, but COVID got in the way,” said Alison.

Recently, she lent her cherished Australian Olympics blazer to Wenona’s Athletics Team. “The team was photographed with it. It was very special.”

Brooke East (2018PY) HEPTATHLETE

Hurdler, Sally Pearson and sprinter, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor have inspired Brooke East’s sporting dreams. “I remember getting up at 1.30am to watch Sally win the 100m hurdles at the 2012 London Olympics and break the Olympic record. I’ve read her book multiple times, and her grit and determination continue to inspire me. I’ve been training with Mel since I was seven years old. I love her advice, which is to smile and enjoy the journey regardless of results.”

When Brooke joined Wenona in Year 7, she was overwhelmed by the sporting opportunities. In Middle School, she played water polo, swimming, netball, and cross country, before deciding to focus on athletics. “One thing Wenona does well is recognise the achievements of hard-working girls. There’s a strong culture of girls encouraging each other to do better and aim high.”

In 2017, Brooke won gold in javelin at the Oceania Championships in Fiji. “I was also training for 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 400m and discus. I decided to focus on javelin during my HSC, but this still meant six training sessions a week.” On reflection, Brooke felt her rigorous training schedule helped her. “I didn’t have time to waste on my phone when I came home. The endorphins helped me to stay positive and gave me an outlet. Having Nationals on the last day of exams was probably not ideal. I think I was fuelled by Diet Coke!”

Brooke went on to win ‘Athlete of the Meet’ at her final IGSSA Athletics Championships in Year 12, competing alongside her Wenona teammates.

Her hard work paid off and Brooke was accepted into her preferred course: Bachelor of Arts/Advanced Studies (Media and Communications) at the University of Sydney.

She is currently in her third year and will do honours next year. “I was lucky to be selected for the Dalyell Scholar program and I’m also undertaking an internship at Channel 10 as a Sports Reporter, which I’d like to pursue when I graduate.”

Since leaving Wenona, Brooke has focused on the heptathlon, which involves 100m hurdles, 200m, 800m, long jump, high jump, shot put and javelin. It requires

power, strength, speed and resilience to endure the two-day competition. “My javelin helps me, but I also do well in the 200m, which is my favourite event. It’s at the end of the first day when everyone is getting tired, which is usually when I run my best. For me, the 800m is the hardest because it’s the last event. No elite heptathlete really trains for the 800m. It comes down to grit. The person who wants it most usually wins.”

In 2021, Brooke was diagnosed with RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome). “I’d been struggling to finish training sessions and competitions. I was getting injured regularly and had to withdraw from Nationals on doctors’ orders. I finished the season physically and mentally exhausted. I’ve taken time to rest and recover and worked with a central coach and a nutritionist to rebuild myself. I now feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in.” Brooke trains three days at the track, two days in the gym and one day boxing. “I structure work, university and social life around my training schedule. I’ve learnt that balance is key.”

Brooke’s focus is on making the 2022 World University Games in China. “My aim is to keep getting stronger and technically improve across events, which takes time. I would love to make the Commonwealth Games or World Championships at some point. Last year’s lockdown threw me because I really didn’t like training on my own.

However, this lockdown has been different. I’ve seen it as an opportunity to give everything to training, so I’ve bought Airpods and listen to a playlist of ‘blood pumper’ songs to motivate me!”

Brooke followed the Tokyo Olympics closely. “I was actually cutting some of the Olympic footage for the Channel 10, 5pm news, so I quite literally watched everything! I loved seeing so many of our Aussie girls dominate in their chosen field, but athletics was my favourite to watch. The moral support that Australians give to their athletes is unrivalled in my opinion. I hope it encourages more young athletes to follow their dreams.”

Brooke’s advice to current students is to make the most of every opportunity. “Go for it! You are surrounded by the best people. Enjoy the process but remember, medals and trophies are rewarding, but having fun along the way is the best reward of all.”

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Celebrating Green and Gold TOM HILL DIRECTOR OF SPORT AND PERFORMANCE

“Meeting with alumnae who have achieved success in their chosen sport, and getting to know their stories, is inspiring for our students and is something the Sport Department continues to foster.”

TOM HILL

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With the School on lockdown for Term 3, and everyone teaching and learning from home, the Tokyo Olympics provided the perfect opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate the Games with a Wenona Green and Gold Day. Staff and students dressed up on Zoom, proudly displaying our nation’s colours – along with a collection of kangaroos, koalas and plenty of zinc! It was a fun way to show support for the Australian athletes who were competing in Tokyo and celebrate sport at its finest. The timing of this event coincided with a House Challenge, which included a challenge to find the most creative way of supporting our Olympians.

One of the highlights for our students was that we had an alumna competing at the Olympics. Hannah Buckling (2009PY) was representing Australia in the Women’s Water Polo, and the whole School enthusiastically followed her progress, watching every game that the Aussie Stingers played. The history of Olympic representation runs deep at Wenona. In Term 2, our Athletics team were thrilled to visit the School Archives to see the original Australian team blazer worn by sprinter and alumna, Alison Ross-Edwards (1969PY) at the Munich Olympics in 1972.

Meeting with alumnae who have achieved success in their chosen sport, and getting to know their stories, is inspiring for our students and is something the Sport Department continues to foster. In recent years, we have facilitated talks with other

guest speakers from elite sport, who have provided their insight, knowledge and experience of what it takes to achieve goals and overcome setback on the journey to success. Olympians Steve Solomon (Athletics), Brad Newley (Basketball), Bronte Campbell (Swimming), Molly Goodman (Rowing) and aspiring Olympians within our Alumnae community like Brooke East (Athletics) have all shared their stories with our students, with more guest speakers on the horizon.

Often the biggest challenge that students who excel at sport (or other co-curricular activities) face is how to successfully combine their training commitments with their academic workload and family life. The Sport Department works collaboratively with teachers, tutors, coaches and parents to help students find a healthy balance. The Athenaeum building, which opened last year, has given our students access to state-ofthe-art facilities, as well as fitness programs that are tailored to each individual girl. This, combined with planning tools and academic support for talented athletes, is providing enhanced opportunities for students who excel at sport to ensure they receive a holistic education at Wenona. This includes students like Lily Dunn (Year 10), Ava McCann (Year 9) and Georgia Bealing (Year 8), who all compete at a high level in their chosen sport.

Ultimately, the aim of the Sport program at Wenona is to provide an environment in which every student thrives. Our objective is to encourage each girl to engage in an activity or sport that she enjoys. The Sport Department will work alongside her, supporting her progress and helping her to develop a healthy and active lifestyle at Wenona – and beyond – in the knowledge that the skills she learns through active participation in sport will enable her to thrive professionally, socially and emotionally.

For those students with aspirations to pursue their sport at the highest level, Wenona has the infrastructure, resources and expertise to help them on their journey.

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Ava McCann (YEAR 9) BIATHLETE

How long have you been skiing?

I had my first ski lesson when I turned three, I hated it until I joined Hotham Race Club three years later. I really love it now! My mum made me take up cross country in Year 5 to help make up a Wenona team. I was told that I could have two lessons on snow and get a gold medal and that’s exactly what happened, thanks to my amazing Wenona teammates!

Where do you train?

I train at Mount Hotham in the winter school holidays.

In the summer holidays, I normally train in Europe. I’m really good at ordering dessert in French and German!

What is your favourite ski resort and why?

I love Mount Hotham because my family has had a house there for 22 years. It’s also the only ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere with an airport and a biathlon range. It has the highest proportion of advanced ski runs of all the Australian resorts.

What attracted you to Biathlon?

I like how you don’t have to be the fastest to win. It’s a sport that favours people who work hard over people who are naturally talented. My Downhill training partner from Scots was doing Biathlon. I picked up a laser rifle and hit everything! Lucy Glanville, an Olympic Biathlete who is now one of my coaches, told me I could make the Youth Olympics in 2024! Biathlon involves cross country skiing – the most cardio-intense sport in the world – then slowing down your breathing to shoot.

Under 12 years, use a laser rifle, but then you can apply for your minor’s firearm license, which means you can shoot the .22 calibre rimfire Biathlon rifle under adult supervision.

What skills do you need to succeed?

“ I would like to compete in the 2024 Youth Olympics.

It’s especially important to me because it will be in South Korea, where my mum was born.”

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You need to be incredibly fit for the skiing part and you need to have very good concentration and fine motor skills. If you play a musical instrument, you will probably be good at shooting. You need stamina, determination, perseverance and patience. It’s not worth rushing your shots and missing!

Who is your role model?

My role model is Tiril Eckhoff. I like the way she stepturns to keep her speed up around corners. And she has the biggest grin on her face, whether she wins or not! I also look up to Mikaela Shiffrin, the number one

female skier in the world. I saw her training in Mammoth and was so excited to get her autograph on my helmet!

Darcie Morton is currently Australia’s top female Biathlete.

I’ve had the privilege of training with her in Australia and Austria. She trains incredibly hard, which is very inspiring.

What do you do in the summer to keep up your fitness and skills?

In summer, I usually train overseas, but lately, I have been rollerskiing and doing some parkour. Wenona Cadets is pretty good training, too! I keep up my dryland training, where I work on strength and agility. I also do karate and fencing, target shooting at Sydney International Shooting Centre and Biathlon shooting at metal targets at ANZAC Rifle Range in Maroubra.

What are your goals?

I would like to compete in the 2024 Youth Olympics. It’s especially important to me because it will be in South Korea, where my mum was born. I skied in Pyeongchang a few years ago. I’m also very lucky to be born in a year that’s eligible for the Youth Olympics. Lots of talented young athletes miss out.

If you weren’t a skier, what sport would you do?

My first love is Kyokushin karate. It’s the most brutal form - full contact, no protection. I wanted to try for the Summer Youth Olympics in karate, but it has been postponed until 2026 and I will be too old. I think it’s important for girls to know some self-defence. I also love Fencing - we are so lucky at Wenona to train with the Riverview boys. It keeps the standard high and the competition diverse.

Fencing at Wenona. I loved being able to contribute to team gold for Wenona in Alpine and Cross Country Interschools. I made the finals of the Rising Star Junior Sports Star Awards, was on the Morning Show, and an SBS documentary called Limitless.

Since I’ve been old enough to hold a minor’s licence, most of my Biathlon races have been cancelled.

I’ve won a few, but there have been hardly any participants in my age category, so it doesn’t really count!

What have been the biggest challenges?

I was born with hip dysplasia, and it still affects me today. I couldn’t walk until I was three years old.

When I started Karate, I was the worst in the class.

I couldn’t jump, I couldn’t even run! I have regular physio and see a chiropractor.

How would you encourage Wenona students to take up Biathlon?

It’s rewarding to be part of a team, with the camaraderie, support and encouragement that comes with teamwork. I was shocked to discover that together, three or four of us could beat individual medallists, including schools with on-snow training programs. Wenona’s Snowsports team spirit is strong. We’re not a ‘Snowsports School’ but we do well. Sliding on snow is the best feeling in the world, but if you don’t like the cold, why don’t you give Fencing a go? It’s also great cross-training for Snowsports

How did you keep up with training during lockdown?

I was at Mount Hotham during the NSW lockdown, so I was able to train. During regional Victorian lockdowns, I was on the snow every afternoon after school. Luckily, I don’t need lifts for cross-country skiing. I’ve also been learning to snowboard. My coaches ran dryland Zoom fitness and dry-fire sessions almost every evening.

What have been your biggest highlights so far?

I’ve won 15 national Kyokushin Karate titles in noncontact, semi-contact, full-contact and kata. I was the youngest Kyokushin World Federation Black belt in 2016. Last year, I won both of my mixed gender Fencing club competitions, and I’m the defending champion in

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Lily Dunn (YEAR 10) WATER POLO My mum played Water Polo for New Zealand for 10 years and was part of the Australian squad. In fact, being poolside at Water Polo games are some of my earliest memories. My dad also played Rugby Sevens for Australia – Water Polo is a bit like rugby in the water!

I grew up 200 metres away from Dawnies (Dawn Fraser Baths), the home of Balmain Water Polo, but I held off joining the UTS Balmain Tigers to play competitively until I was 11 years old.

I currently play for the Wenona 1sts, the UTS Balmain Tigers U16, U18 and National League teams, as well as having team commitments for NSW and Australia. It can be difficult to balance training with schoolwork and social events. I write down my training schedule each week and arrangements with friends, which I sometimes have to say no to. When things clash, I decide which training will have the biggest impact on me as an improving player with future aspirations in the sport. During lockdown, I kept up with my fitness by doing ocean swims, despite the freezing temperatures! I also did weight sessions three times a week, converting our garage to a gym! This made a significant difference to my fitness, improving my leg strength and my shooting power.

My primary position is a right-hand drive, which requires speed and agility through the water, as well as the ability to read the play and manipulate opposing players. I change positions depending on which team I’m playing for. It’s important for smaller players like me to be versatile as the opposition often takes advantage of you.

I like to watch European Women’s Water Polo because they play in a similar way to me. They are often smaller than the Americans and Australians. I love their patriotism and how fierce they are in the water. I particularly admire American Water Polo Captain, Maggie Steffens who is also a smaller player. She has an incredible training ethic and leadership ability, which is reflected in the success of the US team. Obviously, I would have loved the Australian Stingers to get gold at Tokyo, but I saw how pressure can impact a team and how mastering the fundamentals

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makes a dramatic difference, especially finishing shots.

To be selected for the Australian squad – which is first step to making the Australian team – you need to make an impact at club, state and national championship-level.

You then need to attend training camps before the team is chosen. In 2020, I was the youngest athlete to make the Australian squad, but unfortunately the pandemic meant we couldn’t tour. This year, I was named in the Cadet Australian squad for girls born in 2005. We attended a week-long training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. Out of 50 athletes from all over Australia, I was the youngest of 12 athletes to make the final team. This was a big step in my Water Polo journey, but then our tour was cancelled due to lockdown. Therefore, even though I’ve been selected for two Australian squads and the Australian team, I have yet to represent Australia.

It’s been challenging to sacrifice so much and train so hard and not reap the rewards. However, I was delighted to have been selected for Water Polo Australia’s Paris and Beyond squad preparing for the 2024 Paris and 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. My dream is to win an Olympic gold medal for Water Polo. I believe that anything is possible if you are willing to put in the hard work.

The improvement in Wenona’s Water Polo is astounding.

When I first joined the School in Year 5, we struggled to make a team, but now we have incredible coaches and facilities, as well as a large Water Polo community. The Athenaeum has helped us to improve our skills and it’s great to have the gym facilities for training.

I’ve played many sports, including Swimming, Touch, Soccer and Hockey. I was competitive in all of them, playing Touch for Balmain Tigers and Wenona Junior 1sts, swimming at IGSSA and CIS, and representing Wenona Junior 1sts in Hockey and Water Polo. However, in Year 9 I decided to prioritise Water Polo, which obviously still involves swimming. I don’t swim train to succeed in swimming, but I take the opportunity to do well if I make it to IGSSA and CIS.

Georgia Bealing (YEAR 8) SWIMMER How long have you been swimming and what attracted you to swimming in the first place? I first got in the pool when I was 6 months

old. However, I started swimming competitively in Year 4 when Wenona’s Head Swimming Coach, Mr Creighton encouraged me to start swimming. I had major orthopaedic surgery that year and used swimming to help my recovery. I started swimming for fun and fitness and an opportunity to make my body stronger. I swim for the Wenona Swim Club.

What was it like to go to Nationals?

Nationals was an unforgettable experience. I got to swim with the best Multi Class people in the nation.

I had the opportunity to compete in four different races across two days and I achieved two PBs. I wouldn’t have got there without the support of Mr Creighton and his great team and I couldn’t be more grateful to them.

What has been your biggest disappointment and how did you get over it?

What is your preferred race and why?

I like 50m Freestyle, because it is fast, but I get the best results in 100m Freestyle.

One event I was truly shattered by was the CIS Swimming Carnival when I was in Year 6. I didn’t hit any of my targets and I was really upset and hard on myself.

The next day I got back in the pool and trained harder.

Who are your role models and why?

What are your goals for swimming?

My swimming role model is Paralympian Ellie Cole.

I am inspired by Ellie. She speaks with such poise and dignity and has a ‘never give up’ attitude.

She swims with an abled body team daily and doesn’t ask for special treatment because of her impairment. She is also a twin, just like me!

What did you enjoy about the Tokyo Paralympics?

My favourite event at the Paralympics was the Women’s 34 points 4x100m relay. The relay members were Ellie Cole, Isabella Vincent, Emily Beecroft and Ashleigh McConnell. They won a silver medal in a very tough field. They had so much courage and determination and threw everything at this event.

How often do you train?

I train around seven hours per week with a mix of dryland and swimming. It has been difficult to keep up with training during lockdown. At the beginning of Term 3, I had a surgery on my right leg. My recovery has been slower as I haven’t been able to get into the pool. It has been a little hard to get back to it. Our coaches have created programs to make sure the team stayed active during lockdown.

I have multiple goals and dreams I hope to achieve.

I hope to place in 2023 in the top three at Nationals for my races in my classification and in 2024, I hope to make the Olympic Trials.

What is it like to swim in The Athenaeum pool?

It’s a state-of-the-art pool with amazing features. I’m always motivated to swim there. Also, Mr Creighton and the coaches make it a fun environment to train in!

Where is your favourite place to swim?

There are multiple places I love to swim at, but if I were to choose one it would have to be Shoal Bay in Port Stephens. Shoal Bay is a gorgeous beach and I always have a fun time.

How would you encourage our Woodstock students to take up swimming?

I think swimming is a great opportunity to have fun and get your body moving. It’s a sport that you can do throughout your life and it’s a great life skill to have.

If you weren’t a swimmer, what other sport would you choose?

Honestly, I would give anything a go to create new experiences.

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Award-winning Wenonians across every field

HONOUR ROLL

Pippa Mott (2008PY) FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Dynamic, intuitive, insightful and expressive, Pippa Mott is a gift to cultural enlightenment and fulfillment. As Curator for the past seven years at the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Tasmania, Pippa has curated and produced a range of museum exhibitions, site-specific installations, festival projects and public programs. “My greatest passion lies in opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the process of working closely with artists to facilitate the creation of new work.”

Pippa was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study her Master of Arts in Art History at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University this year. Having just passed the one-month mark, Pippa is zealously immersing herself in art galleries and museums and writing for Artist Profile Magazine in between university classes. “We are delving into the big topics from the start, exploring the ethical dimensions of museology and curating, and the philosophy of art history. My ‘Introduction to Museums’ seminar is being taught by Philipe de Montebello, who was the Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art here in New York for over 30 years.”

included an exchange year at the University of Edinburgh studying Classical Art History. “I always wanted to work in museums and galleries – I feel most comfortable there. However, there are few curatorial roles, so you need to be tenacious.”

In curating an exhibition, Pip draws on a range of sources. “I’m not traditional in my approach, nor dedicated to an art form, period or artist. The starting point is often a conversation with an artist.” Pip counts the time-based ephemeral sculpture project ‘Rueremus’, by Lucy Bleach, produced for Mona Foma festival, as one of her highlights. “We froze seven large blocks of ice, containing layers of sediments and minerals, and suspended them from the ceiling of an abandoned workshop.

As the blocks melted, the sediments dropped onto the concrete floor and produced a sensational acoustic experience. The sculpture touched on ideas of climate change, collapse and decay.”

Pippa is optimistic about the potential for exhibitions to explore, enact and incite social change, illuminating issues facing humanity. “Art can provide moments of beauty and reflection whilst also sparking serious dialogue and eliciting action.”

Pippa’s motivation to study in the USA was born from a desire to be at the forefront of discussions on the role of museums in society and to be in contact with the innovators in the field. “We need to challenge the idea of a museum being an impenetrably didactic and authoritarian institution with only one story to tell. The industry is going through a monumental shift and it’s a really exciting time for the art world, as issues around sustainability, representation, repatriation and accessibility come to the fore.”

Visual Arts was Pippa’s favourite subject at Wenona, spending many hours working in the Art Studios. Pippa furthered her love of the arts at The University of Sydney, studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Ancient History and Archaeology, which

“My greatest passion lies in opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the process of working closely with artists to facilitate the creation of new work.”

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Robyn Richmond AM (1962PY) APPOINTED MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

Professor Emeritus Robyn Richmond has dedicated her career to research, teaching and training – including humanitarian work – and has made an indelible mark on public health in Australia and overseas. “My academic career is characterised by undertaking large studies in different public health contexts, such as in general practice, the prison system and police service, and among high-risk, disadvantaged and vulnerable people, including those with mental illness, prisoners and First Nations People.”

Robyn’s immeasurable contribution to public health was acknowledged this year when she was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM). “My role is all about service to the community – Ut Prosim, that I may serve – and I feel honoured that my work has been recognised.”

Robyn attended Wenona at a time when girls were not encouraged to pursue academic careers. She recalls Principal Miss Ralston as a mighty figure who was greatly respected, and Miss Mills as having a more tender side. Robyn and close friend Ashley Dawson-Damer enjoyed challenging authority and exploring their potential. “Ashley and I enjoy a 64-year friendship, forged during our time at Wenona.”

With a prodigious academic career boasting two Masters degrees and two Doctorates – a PhD and Doctor of Science, both in public health – Robyn’s academic work in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has been groundbreaking, and had great impact. Through her research in general practice, Robyn developed a smoking cessation training program for GPs to assist their patients in quitting tobacco, contributing to the reduction of tobacco use in Australia.

Robyn has also developed, evaluated and delivered programs aimed at reducing high risk alcohol consumption and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

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Robyn has educated thousands of medical students, doctors and nurses, and trained more than 11,000 GPs and health professionals. Over 40 years, Robyn has taught and mentored medical and postgraduate students and supervised research of her PhD and Masters students. “When I was Associate Dean in the Faculty of Medicine, I oversaw the postgraduate program, developing the coursework of 3,000 students, particularly online teaching programs. This has proved serendipitous, given the changes in learning and teaching during COVID.” In recognition of her outstanding innovations, Robyn was awarded the Australian Public Health Mentoring Award.

“Over 40 years, Robyn has taught and mentored medical and postgraduate students and supervised research of her PhD and Masters students.”

In 2012 and 2013, Robyn led a group of academic staff, postgraduate and medical students to Kenya to work in internally displaced person’s camps, studying reproductive and sexual health among women, and cardiovascular risk factors in men.

“It was rewarding, we learned a great deal. Health officials were keen to learn about our public health research.”

Since 2016, Robyn has travelled and worked in northern Uganda. Partnering with Gulu University, Robyn led a group of clinicians, academics and postgraduate students in screening women for cervical and breast cancer and a study on gender-based violence. “We offered a 1kg bar of soap as an incentive and were surprised that so many women turned up. Staff and students interviewed the women under mango trees at the village health centres about their experiences – physical, psychological and sexual.” Robyn enjoyed going on safari and getting up close to elephants, giraffes and other African animals.

Currently, Robyn is leading a research project on domestic and family violence among women refugees and migrants from African countries living in Australia. “Violence is exacerbated by relocating to a different country and by COVID.” Robyn is also undertaking a research program on reducing smoking among pregnant women across NSW and Queensland.

Jane MacAdam AO (1992PY) APPOINTED AN OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AO) FOR HER SERVICE TO INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE LAW

The protracted closure of Australia’s borders and subsequent cessation of international travel, uncompromising domestic restrictions and the persistent lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have led Scientia Professor Jane McAdam to novel areas of research she would not have otherwise contemplated. “If you had said to me two years ago that, as an Australian, I didn’t have the right to leave the country and return again, I would not have believed it.”

A world expert in human displacement due to the impacts of disasters and climate change, Jane founded the Andrew & Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at the University of New South Wales in 2013 and serves as its Director. The centre is dedicated to the study of international refugee law, with the mission to inform change through the development of rigorous, cutting-edge research.

Guest speaker at the Wenona Alumnae Women of Spirit Breakfast earlier this year, Jane shared her passion for advocating for marginalised communities and the impact of her work. “We opened the Kaldor Centre just as Tony Abbott won the Federal election on the back of the ‘stop the boats’ campaign. It was a challenging time to launch the world’s first research centre on international refugee law, but we wanted to bring evidence, rationality and expertise to a discussion that so often lacked it. Academic rigour is essential for research to be taken seriously by policymakers. We needed to show we weren’t stuck in an ivory tower, and that our work could have realworld impact.”

With forced migration a colossal challenge currently facing the world, Jane’s sustained influence has been profound. Over the course of her career, Jane’s research has informed policies and strategies across the globe in relation to disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, planned migration practices and the availability of humanitarian assistance. “My work has taken me to communities directly affected by displacement, people who couldn’t make a living from their flooded rice crops, to riverbank communities whose homes had collapsed, and citizens affected by drought.”

Earlier this year, Jane was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her service to international refugee law, in particular to climate change and the displacement of people. “It heartens me that the issues affecting refugees are being recognised as a priority.”

Whilst Jane is currently enjoying a temporary respite from international travel due to the pandemic, it has guided her research locally to the history of internal border controls in Australia, the right of Australians to leave and return home, and the protection of refugees on temporary protection visas who have been denied financial and other support. “From an international perspective, Australia has taken an extreme approach. The right to return home is a core element of human rights law. Some of the restrictions imposed by Australia are not proportionate to the risk.” She argues that while hardships experienced by Australians during COVID-19 mean that many people are looking inwards, rather than outwards. “This is not an excuse for our policy makers.”

“My work has taken me to communities directly affected by displacement, people who couldn’t make a living from their f looded rice crops, to riverbank communities whose homes had collapsed, and citizens affected by drought.”

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Paige Taylor (2012PY) RG MENZIES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Established in 1967 by the Harvard Club of Australia, the Robert Gordon Menzies Scholarship is awarded annually to talented Australians who have gained admission to a Harvard graduate school. Previous recipients have achieved outstanding progress and recognition in their chosen fields, making major contributions to Australia. Paige Taylor was awarded the RG Menzies Scholarship this year.

When Paige Taylor walked through the gates of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts in August, she started a new and much-anticipated chapter in her academic journey. “I always knew I wanted to come back to university. It is such a privilege to be here.”

A passionate, incisive, and erudite young Wenonian, Paige embodies the ethos of Ut Prosim, that I may serve. Earlier this year, Paige’s academic achievements and desire to make a difference were acknowledged by the Harvard Club of Australia in awarding her the 2021 RG Menzies Scholarship.

From 57 applications to a shortlist of 15, then a formal interview with the final nine candidates, Paige was one of just two applicants to be awarded this prestigious two-year scholarship. The scholarship recognises the potential to make a significant contribution to Australia in terms of leadership, intellectual ability and vision. Page elected to study a Master in Public Administration in International Development at the Harvard Kennedy School. “In my first year I will study core classes: macro and microeconomics and statistics. It is PhD-level economic content with an applied lens.”

Growing up on a farm in the Snowy Mountains and boarding at Wenona, Paige credits her drive to ‘have a go’ with the wealth of opportunities she was offered at School. “I always felt supported to try new things, even activities I was terrible at, such as gymnastics and clarinet! The support is always there at Wenona. When I won the scholarship, one of the first congratulatory messages I received was from Dr Scott.”

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An outstanding student, Paige achieved a perfect ATAR score, as well as gaining first place in NSW for German Continuers and fifth for German Extension.

After graduating from Wenona, Paige completed a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) at The University of Sydney, attaining the Honours Scholarship, The University Medal and the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence. “I am interested in education and public policy, so in my Honours year, I studied the intergenerational impact of alcohol consumption in the Northern Territory. I went there for a week, working with the Menzies School of Health and community health advocates. You can undertake analysis but getting solutions over the line is hard. I like using data and economics to try and solve policy problems, but I know that getting things to happen takes a lot more than having the ‘right’ answer.”

“Education is an effective way of offering people an equal chance in life. I am so excited about using this degree to gain the tools to make change happen.”

Experiencing exchange semesters in Germany, both at the end of Year 11 and during the fourth year of her degree, gave Paige a taste of education away from home. Currently on leave from her role as Management Consultant for McKinsey and Company while she studies at Harvard, Paige harbours future hopes of applying her skills to accord access to equality of opportunity. “Education is an effective way of offering people an equal chance in life. I am so excited about using this degree to gain the tools to make change happen.”

“The support is always there at Wenona.

When I won the scholarship, one of the first congratulatory messages I received was from Dr Scott.”

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Wenonians in the Media, Modelling and PR

FASHION FORWARD

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Edwina McCann (1990PY) VOGUE AUSTRALIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With global headlines heralding the decimation of businesses and industries as a result of the restrictions and lockdowns caused by the pandemic, Vogue Australia’s Editor-in-Chief, Edwina McCann has experienced quite a different story.

“We have seen an increase in sales of Vogue magazine during the pandemic. With so many in lockdown, buying a copy of Vogue is a welcome distraction from screen fatigue and restricted freedoms. It’s a treat for themselves. From a print point of view, the luxury sector has done well. People haven’t been able to spend money on travel, so they have spent it on luxury items instead.”

Edwina also attributes the stability of Vogue and its success in weathering the pandemic storm to the breadth of the business and navigation of customer channels. “When people think of Vogue, they think of the magazine as a stand-alone.

The magazine is one part of our business. We have different revenue streams that reflect engagement with our audiences across multiple platforms.” In addition to the increased magazine sales, Vogue’s e-commerce and digital traffic has been the highest in its history. Vogue VIP, the customer loyalty program launched in 2019, offers subscribers access to event tickets, shopping evenings and industry networking opportunities. Edwina reveals that a vast number of subscribers have redeemed product offers whilst at home and

“When people think of Vogue, they think of the magazine as a stand-alone. The magazine is one part of our business.

We have different revenue streams that reflect engagement with our audiences across multiple platforms.”

on screens. Vogue Codes is another triumph for the brand in 2021.

A series of live and virtual events featuring innovators and entrepreneurs, Vogue Codes aims to empower female innovation through technology, and has seen an uplift in engagement since its inception in 2017.

Travel restrictions have also encouraged alternative thinking in an industry dependant on global access. “It has had the benefit of dollars saved, and it has been nice to be grounded for a while with the family. It is wonderful to see the shows and launches and catch up with friends - and all the luxury brands!

While I enjoy travelling, I now question the sustainability and necessity of attending three-day shows all over the world.”

A highlight for Edwina in a year overshadowed by the pandemic was Australian Fashion Week, held in Sydney in May. In an Australian first, runways were dedicated to First Nations designers, models and make-up artists. “It was a tear-jerking, emotional show. Indigenous designers were telling their own stories. I was so moved by how authentic and real it was – it dwarfed anything else I have seen. Indigenous Australian culture is complex and varied, modern and ancient. We need to profile urban Australians who want to make it and be recognised globally.”

Reflecting on current fashion trends, Edwina maintains there is a keen focus on sustainable fashion. “High Street fashion has polluted the industry. There is a push to re-use clothes, rather than see them ending up as landfill. Scientists are developing sustainable fabrics, such as making ‘leather’ from orange peel.

Generation Z is very aware of how things are made.”

In advising young Wenonians on career opportunities at Vogue, Edwina places significance on technology skills. “Many of the roles are in digital – requiring search engine expertise and data analytics skills. I have 17 digital journalists in a team of 60. My team is diverse, with mixed backgrounds. Vogue values are strongly articulated and aligned to - it certainly isn’t about what shoes you are wearing.”

Victoria Baker (LLOYD, 1990) PROJECT-BASED WRITER AND EDITOR OF VOGUE CODES

Victoria Baker began her career as a lawyer, armed with an Arts/Law degree from the University of Sydney. She worked overseas as an intellectual property lawyer specialising in copyright, trademarks, and advertising law. Returning to Australia with a young family, Victoria enrolled in a course at the Sydney Writing Centre and began her writing career by volunteering at the Arts/Law Centre.

A chance catch-up with an old university colleague led to her big break: Editor of online furniture and homewares start-up, Temple & Webster.

Victoria was immediately plunged into the world of digital retail marketing, using her communication skills to increase brand awareness, drive traffic and reach different audiences. It was a huge learning curve, but Victoria successfully established and managed all the brand’s social media channels from its launch in 2011 until its IPO on the ASX in 2015.

She then left the digital world to take on the role of Associate Editor of leading interiors magazine, Inside Out, before going on to become its Acting Editor. Today, Victoria is a project-based writer and editor, as well as the Editor of Vogue Codes, where she has reconnected with one of her former classmates from Wenona, Vogue Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Director of the Conde Nast brands in Australia, Edwina McCann (1990PY).

Victoria attributes her success to four soft skills: communication, adaptability, networking and confidence. “It can be daunting when you are starting out in a career, but nobody expects you to have all the answers straight away. Instead, focus on maintaining a positive outlook and a belief in your own abilities to listen, learn, seek out information and problem solve. If you know that you have the capabilities to carry out your job, it will positively affect your career potential and your relationships with others.”

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April Pengilly (2005PY) ACTRESS AND MODEL

Former international model, April Pengilly now has a leading role on Neighbours, but her passion for acting began at Wenona.

Vibrant and vivacious, with a sunny personality and optimistic outlook, April Pengilly has a thoroughly infectious zest for life and all that it promises. Having achieved, accomplished and experienced ample for several lifetimes, April has always enthusiastically embraced new and enticing opportunities.

Unsurprisingly, April excelled at Music and Drama during her years at Wenona. “I loved being a part of the musical Footloose in Year 11. It sparked a real interest for me. I studied Drama right through to HSC. I loved being the class clown and having a laugh.” A talented musician, April played the piano and violin, and the drums in the Rock Concerts at School. “Loving fashion, I also enjoyed studying Textiles and Design.

I designed and created my own garments, which I modelled at Fashion Parades. They were my first experiences on the catwalk!”

Whilst still at School, April was signed to a modelling agency. After graduating, April was chosen to be the Youth Ambassador for David Jones and the face of the 2009 Melbourne Fashion Festival. Her modelling career flourishing, April lived and worked in Tokyo, Osaka, New York and London, appearing at fashion shows, on the front covers of magazines and in advertising campaigns.

Keen to pursue and develop her acting talents, April enrolled in classes at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and Actors Centre Australia (ACA). “I took short courses so I could continue

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working. I had roles in the Peter Allen: Not the Boy Next Door miniseries and Brock, as well as in a number of short films. I was also auditioning in the USA.” Just three weeks prior to relocating to America, April was offered the part of Chloe Brennan in the hugely popular, long-running Australian soap opera, Neighbours. Filming in Melbourne, April’s days are fulfilling, but exacting. “The hours can vary, and the days can be long. We are always on call in case we’re needed. It can be mentally draining – there are scripts to read and lines to learn. It’s hard to plan social events and have a life.”

On weekends off, April often races home to Sydney to see family and friends, which has now become challenging due to restrictions.

COVID-19 has also drastically affected how Neighbours scenes are filmed. “We are tested every week and there are many measures in place to ensure safety. We split the cast in two, so if one half became sick, the other half could keep filming.” April is known on set for her immaculate presentation. “My School reports used to say I was always well-groomed and had neat hair. My mum was a hairdresser – she is very fussy about appearance!”

Despite her hectic schedule, April remains in contact with her Wenonian friends, attending the 10-Year Reunion in 2015 and catching up whenever she can. “I have lovely memories of School. In the Miller Street courtyard, there are bricks featuring the names of Alumnae members.

I love that I have one.”

Ellie Ross (2007PY) INTERNATIONAL MODEL

There is so much room for diversity, inclusivity and body positivity in the fashion industry, and finally, that room and positive changes are being made.

All it took was a stroll down her street for Ellie Ross’s life as she knew it to change forever.

A fashion designer noticed Ellie walking home, approached her, and asked Ellie to model her designs in a photo shoot. “I was approached on the street several times over the next year, before signing with an agency when I was in Year 10 at Wenona.” As School was the priority, Ellie’s modelling career started slowly, with shoots on weekends and during holidays.

Pausing in Year 12 to focus on the HSC, Ellie packed her bags soon after graduating and headed for the bright lights of New York.

“I had planned to go to New York for a few months but stayed for 11 years. I had been signed before I left Australia, heading off on my own, knowing no one.”

Staying in modelling apartments and attending castings and photo shoots all week, Ellie laughs that it was far from glamorous. “Four or five girls shared two-bedroom flats, sleeping in bunk beds. There was no Facetime or social media. I had a phone card to call my parents and I just desperately hoped they picked up!”

Living in New York offered Ellie a dazzling breadth of opportunity. “New York is a big market, which, in turn, gave me access to other fashion markets. I lived in London, Paris and Milan, working with the best photographers in the world. I went to incredible locations for shoots such as the Bahamas and Barbados, experiencing rich cultures and wonderful people.”

Having put her plans for further study on hold when she left School, Ellie enrolled in a Bachelor of Psychology through Swinburne University Online, studying in New York between modelling jobs. “Psychology was something I was passionate about studying. For many models, modelling can be a career without any real longevity, and I wanted to start on the next chapter.”

Ellie’s studies assisted her in developing a much-needed skill in the modelling world: resilience. “Fashion modelling involves rejection on a daily basis. There could be 100 girls at a casting and the client is only looking for one. I have learned not to take this personally, however, it takes time to foster and develop resilience.”

Now back in Australia, Ellie plans to continue her studies, completing a Master of Clinical Psychology, but hasn’t ruled out a return to her second home. “New York is an incredible

city. It has so much energy, day and night. I have spent my entire adult life there.” Ellie notes the Australian fashion industry has experienced much change since she has been away. “There is so much room for diversity, inclusivity and body positivity in the fashion industry. It is great that positive changes are finally being made.”

“My parents say that School years are the best of your life. It’s hard to comprehend when you are young, but I look back now and realise they were right.”

Ellie is keen to go back and see her old School. “My sister told me Wenona had acquired the Independent Theatre, which I thought was fantastic. My favourite subject was Drama – I have fond memories of productions we performed. My parents say that School years are the best of your life. It’s hard to comprehend when you are young, but I look back now and realise they were right.”

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Heidi Schmatloch (2019PY) MODEL

Heidi Schmatloch was 14 years old and watching a surf competition in Manly when she was scouted by a modelling agency.

Since then, she has walked at Australian Fashion Week, modelled for brands like Camilla and Marc, Tigerlily, Bec + Bridge, and Lee Mathews, and is currently signed with leading Australian agency Chadwick Models, as well as an agency in Queensland.

“I hadn’t considered modelling before, but I saw it as an opportunity to explore the fashion industry. I convinced my parents to arrange a meeting. The agency told me that I needed to grow a few more centimetres to meet the industry criteria. After a year, I’d reached 179cm, so I officially signed with them when I was 15.”

Heidi wasn’t an avid fashionista growing up and credits her older sister Jaz (2017PY) for shaping her fashion sense. The modelling world was also a complete enigma to her. “When I was sent to my first casting, I brought along a big bag of food and different clothes to wear throughout the day.

The casting lasted five minutes – just long enough for the client to write down my details and take a photo. Now all I take is my portfolio and my car keys!” Her first booking was for a bridal company, accompanied by her mum, Cath (Leverrier,1983). Even though she was only 15-years-old, she had to pretend she was getting married. “Fortunately, the photographer was lovely and put me at ease. To this day, he’s still one of my favourite people to work with.”

The support and advice of her modelling agency has been invaluable to Heidi. “Chadwick’s are like a family to me. They constantly check in with

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me, find me work and encourage me to be true to myself. The modelling industry promotes a healthy lifestyle, so I’ve incorporated exercise and healthy eating into my daily routine, but my number one rule is to have balance. I still enjoy going out for dinners with my friends and treating myself to an ice-cream.”

Heidi has also learnt a lot about digital marketing and the importance of creating and promoting her personal brand identity through social media. “You have to remember that the first thing a prospective client will do is go to your social media accounts to understand your look, personality, values and lifestyle. You have to be very aware of what you are posting to make sure it is a true reflection of who you are.”

Achieving her academic goals has always been a priority for Heidi and she credits her agency for being supportive in this regard. “They encouraged me to do well at school and made sure my castings were after hours. The only time it was hard to balance the two was during Australian Fashion Week. I’m so grateful to Wenona for granting me leave so I could have that opportunity.”

As Heidi knows, the road to becoming a successful model is paved with hard work, challenge, and plenty of rejection. “Modelling has definitely made me resilient.

Rejection can be hard, but as my agency always reminds me, each brand is looking for a different look, so it’s important to see it as an opportunity to meet more designers

and make a good impression. Backstage is not as glamourous as it sounds either.

Hair and make-up usually take about three hours and it takes an hour to practise the runway routine. Swimwear shoots might look incredible, but you are normally freezing as they are shot during the winter months so brands can launch their campaign in time for summer.”

The pandemic has affected Heidi’s modelling plans, but she has capitalised on the time to start her Business degree at UTS. “I was going to move to London last year but instead I’m studying and modelling here. A lot of my classes are online, so I can take my laptop to shoots or go to tutorials in between castings. I can also watch the pre-recorded lectures and tutorials at any point in the day. And I’ve been able to work for some fantastic Australian brands!”

For Heidi, the opportunity to meet so many diverse and creative people in the fashion industry has been a highlight. When she finishes her degree, she hopes to forge a career in either advertising or marketing, perhaps incorporating her knowledge and love of the fashion industry. “Ultimately, I would like to head up marketing in an organisation. Wenona always taught us to aim high and to stand up for what we believe in. I didn’t realise it at the time, but Wenona empowered me to stand up for my values in the workplace and I’m so grateful for that.”

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Sakurako Suzuki (2013PY) ASSISTANT DIGITAL EDITOR AT VOGUE, JAPAN

For Assistant Digital Editor at Vogue, Sakurako Suzuki, a ‘Sliding Doors’ moment with the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue led her in a different direction to a career in fashion media.

It was a chance encounter at Wenona with the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Australia, Edwina McCann (1990PY) that ignited Sakurako Suzuki’s curiosity and interest in pursuing a career in fashion magazines. It also emboldened her to imagine ‘the bigger picture’ in terms of her future. “I was a boarder at Wenona. In Year 7, the boarders attended a Careers Night, and one of the Alumnae panellists was Edwina McCann. It really opened my eyes to the world of magazines.

I started buying Vogue!”

After spending a gap year on the ski fields of Japan, Sakurako decided to stay and reconnect with her Japanese heritage.

Enrolling in a Liberal Arts degree at Waseda University in Tokyo, Sakurako was keen to get involved. Honing her skills in textiles – which she excelled in at School – Sakurako joined a student group designing and making clothes.

“One of the students was interning at GQ magazine, so I applied too. I did the hard yards whilst at university.” Sakurako spent a year as an intern at GQ, organising events and photo shoots, and translating articles into Japanese.

Selecting French as an elective subject enabled Sakurako to spend a year studying humanities subjects at the Universitè Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris. “I really wanted to explore opportunities in magazines and media, so I interned at design houses, gaining experience in press, PR and videography.”

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Upon her return to Tokyo, Sakurako knocked on the door of Condé Nast and was thrilled to be offered a part-time position in the Editorial Department at Vogue Japan until she finished her degree at the end of 2018. Driven and goalfocused, Sakurako applied her skills wherever she was needed. “I looked after our social media content on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Japanese is my second language, so I translated a lot of content from the US and UK magazines.”

Currently, Sakurako is in a full-time role as Assistant Digital Editor at Vogue and will move to a new role as Adaptation Editor later in the year.

Attending Paris Fashion Week in 2019 was a career highlight for Sakurako. “I had front row seats! I met (Former Vogue US Creative Director) Grace Coddington – it was the most exciting experience. Anna Wintour hosted a meeting for Vogue staff from all over the world. I saw Edwina McCann and told her I had listened to her speak years before at Wenona.”

Sakurako always keeps her ear to the ground for new and enticing opportunities. “I have a lot of space to grow. I’d like to be a fashion writer, finding new creatives and collaborating with them. I need to invest time in my portfolio and side projects. The media landscape is changing fast. It is not about your age, the degree you studied or who you have worked for. Hands-on experience and completing internships are key to getting the ‘big boost.’ I don’t want to get stuck in a bubble. Big change is exciting.”

Sigourney Cantelo (1999PY) FORMER BEAUTY AND HEALTH DIRECTOR OF VOGUE AUSTRALIA

There are literally thousands of products in the skincare aisle. They promise radiance and hydration, defy age, minimise pores and plump the skin. But it can be an intimidating market for consumers, so former Beauty and Health Director of Vogue Australia, Sigourney Cantelo is parlaying her knowledge and experience of the beauty industry to support them.

Sigourney Cantelo has enjoyed an impactful, enviable and varied career as a health and beauty journalist, regarded as a leading industry expert in Australia. Sigourney has forged her own path, effecting and pursuing opportunities, cultivating her skills and launching through new doors when finding others closed.

Both Sigourney’s parents started out as journalists and ended up in the media world – her father in public relations and her mother a television producer - so the literary apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. “We travelled frequently due to my parents’ work. Wenona was the seventh school I attended.”

Sigourney excelled in humanities subjects – English, Drama and Art – and relished her role as Drama Vice Captain at Wenona. Achieving a high UAI score, the world was at Sigourney’s feet. “I was torn between acting and a career as an art critic. I couldn’t decide. I chose to work in an industry before tying myself to a degree.”

Sigourney completed an extension program at a creative advertising school, which lead to an agency role. “It was a boys’ club. I realised I would have to change myself, so I moved on.”

After reaching out to a contact from ACP magazines, Sigourney worked on the health and beauty sections for Our House, New Woman and TV Week. “I felt at home in the magazine world. It’s a real sisterhood. I discovered what a Beauty Editor does. My fate was set!” Having deferred her course, Sigourney completed a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) at The University of Technology in Sydney part-time whilst working in magazines.

The launch of Glamour Australia magazine provided an exciting opportunity for Sigourney as Beauty Director. “Unfortunately, the magazine was pulled at the eleventh hour. I was devastated. It was my dream job. I decided the only job better than this would be with Vogue. The morning after redundancies were announced, I had this feeling. I arrived at work early, CV in hand, and was lucky to score an interview, and subsequently, the role of Beauty Editor of Vogue Australia.’ Sigourney then spent three years conceptualising and creating content for the magazine and website before being promoted to Beauty and Health Director in 2011. “I was at Vogue during the magazine’s heyday. I went to the Bahamas and interviewed Rihanna, Cyndi Lauper in New York and was thrilled to meet Lady Gaga.”

In 2014, Sigourney decided to consolidate her media experience with her fashion, beauty and entertainment industry knowledge and expertise, founding beauticate.com, a website devoted to helping women navigate the often overwhelming world of beauty. A clever fusion of ‘beauty’ and ‘educate,’ Beauticate offers tutorials, product reviews and a glimpse into the beauty cabinets of celebrities and high-profile industry experts. “I wanted to have flexibility for my family. I also saw what was happening in the digital landscape and thought I had better get on board.”

For Wenonians considering their career options, Sigourney advises against making decisions in haste. “Don’t rush. Take time to experience the world and understand your place in it.”

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Lara Carter

Twins, Lara and Tamara Carter both attended Wenona as boarders, but have forged very different career paths.

(2016PY) INTERNATIONAL MODEL

At six feet tall, with long, lustrous hair and a strikingly photogenic face, Lara Carter is hard to miss. On her first boarders’ weekend out when she started in Year 9 at Wenona, Lara was participating in ‘The ‘Amazing Race’ at Westfield when she was approached by a modelling scout. She was too young to sign then. But a year later, she was spotted for a second time when she was at her brother’s basketball game. It changed her life.

“I signed with the agency the next week. After developing my portfolio and learning how to move in front of a camera, my first job was to walk for Prada at Milan Fashion Week. It was all very sudden.” So sudden, that Lara had only purchased her first pair of stilettos the week before. “I had never worn high heels, so I learned to walk in them while I was in Milan!” Her first time in Europe, Lara’s career soared, heading straight on to Paris from Milan to walk for Louis Vuitton. “It was a total shock. I was always an active kid, but now thrust into a different world. I am introverted, so it pushed me out of my comfort zone.”

At just 16 years of age, Lara had to balance her studies and extra-curricular activities with modelling jobs. “Wenona was very supportive.

Often, I would get back to School late after a shoot, but our Boarding Mistress was always up waiting for me.”

Taking a gap year after School, Lara lived and worked in Milan, London and New York, staying in modelling apartments. “Boarding School

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life had definitely prepared me for that!” Lara modelled for two years before returning to Sydney to study a Bachelor of Business at the University of Technology, majoring in Human Resource Management and Chinese. “It was a hard decision, but it was too difficult to combine modelling and study. I needed to think about where I wanted to be long term.” Currently completing an internship at Coca Cola in the Talent Acquisition team, Lara has been offered a graduate role at Amazon Web Services in their Human Resources team, commencing next year.

Refreshingly grounded about her modelling career, Lara appreciates an amazing opportunity presented itself when she least expected it.

Rubbing shoulders with celebrities such as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Anna Wintour and Selena Gomez, as well as lead designers for Prada, Louis Vuitton and Toni Maticevski. Lara is a country girl at heart. “My go-to outfit is jeans, t-shirt and a leather jacket. I’m not fashionable – I just model the clothes!”

Lara credits her success with a strong support system, consisting of her family, friends and School. “You can experience rejection in the fashion industry, so you need to persevere.” Now living close to Wenona with her identical twin sister Tamara, Lara feels at home. “I walk past School all the time, see the girls in their uniforms and occasionally run into teachers. I feel like I never left!”

Tamara Carter

“Geography allowed me to develop an interest in urban planning, which was the beginning of my eventual career path.”

(2016PY) ASSISTANT PROPERTY VALUER

For Tamara Carter, it was the close bonds and friendships formed at Wenona that made her years so special and memorable. Commencing School in Year 9, Tamara and her identical twin sister Lara moved from country Dubbo to Wenona’s boarding house in 2013. “It was great to have Lara with me, not knowing anyone at first. It was such an enjoyable place to live. We socialised and studied together, forming close bonds across the year groups. There were only 50 boarders, so we knew everyone. I loved being a buddy to the younger girls.”

A Humanities student, Tamara studied English, Ancient History, Legal Studies and Geography.

“Geography allowed me to develop an interest in urban planning, which was the beginning of my eventual career path.”

At the end of Year 12, Tamara found herself in a sea of indecision about the university degree she wanted to enrol in. “I had no idea what I wanted to do. I decided to take a gap year, explore the world and take the time to think about it.”

Travelling overseas on her own, Tamara worked as a Teaching Assistant at an all-boys school just outside London. “It was the best year of my life. I loved my job at the school and travelled to so many countries.”

Tamara caught up with many Wenona girls who were also travelling overseas that year. “It was funny.

I bought a ticket for the Top Deck open bus tour across Europe, and the first person I bumped into was from Wenona!”

Tamara was thrilled to immerse herself in the life, culture and architecture of so many European countries. Travelling across thirteen countries in a year, including Spain, France, Germany, Hungary and Ireland, Tamara also spent the summer sailing around the Greek Islands. “Another highlight for me was Montenegro. It was amazing – like going back in time.

It was so different.”

Upon her return home, Tamara completed one year of a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) degree at The University of Sydney before transferring to Property Economics at the University of Technology. “I had started working in property management which initiated the change. It is such a broad industry with many options available, such as planning, valuations and advisory.” Currently working part-time as an Assistant Valuer with property advisory firm Charter Keck Cramer until she finishes her degree at the end of the year, Tamara’s career path is set. “I didn’t know this degree existed when I was at School. I specialise in residential development but have enjoyed exposure to commercial and industrial property too, having looked at a variety of developments across Sydney, including master-planned communities.”

When considering life after school, Tamara recommends exploring careers outside the mainstream. “Wenona alumnae came and spoke to us when I was at Wenona – many women in a diverse range of professions. I now have a passion for property and a clear idea of my future, but it did take some navigating.”

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Wenonians making Art and Music

CREATIVE THINKING

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Julianne Ross Allcorn (JENNINGS, 1977) PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST

Since 1921, the Archibald Prize has attracted entries from both prominent and emerging artists in Australia and New Zealand, and featured people from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes. This year marks 100 years of Australia’s oldest portrait award, and artist Julianne Ross Allcorn was thrilled to have one of her artworks selected for Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize. Julianne was also selected as a finalist for the Wynne Prize 2021.

Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. 100 artworks were selected from more than 6,000 entries over the decades.

With the rugged topography of Papua New Guinea as a backdrop, artist Julianne Ross Allcorn spent the first 10 years of her childhood surrounded by the textures and shades of this landscape and the vivid colours of sea life and coral. These images planted an early artistic seed in Julianne, which continued to flourish in Australia over five decades later, resulting in her recent selection as finalist for both the Archibald and Wynne Prizes 2021 and the Wynne in 2020 [Trustees Watercolour Prize].

Relocating to Sydney from Papua New Guinea in 1970, Julianne boarded at Wenona for three years before attending as a day girl after her father passed away. “Miss Jackson was the Principal. There was a strength in her that was unique.” Julianne felt at home in the art studios at Wenona. “They embellished something in me,” she says.

“It was a huge shock to be selected for the Archibald,” says Julianne. “I’m not a portrait painter. I wanted to paint a self-portrait that showed my imperfections in a situation where I am safest – in the bush.” Well-known for her colourful depictions of Australian flora and fauna, I listen and they tell me the bush news brings the colours, sounds and vibrancy of the bush to life, using watercolours and pencil etched into a wooden panel. “I think I am the only mad artist who does this, scratching into the wood with a pencil and colouring three times. It is time consuming, but using multiple panels is the ‘wow’ factor.”

Julianne’s artwork has received the additional accolade of inclusion in this year’s

Julianne’s Wynne Prize artwork, Thesaurium insula (treasured island) was one of just 39 landscape paintings selected from nearly 700 entries. Describing her painting as ‘a visual story,’ Julianne has underscored the beauty of Australia’s native vegetation and wildlife. A dual finalist for both prizes is a rarity and warranted recognition of Julianne’s thriving career in art. “There were five dual finalists this year – I think there are usually only about three.”

After graduating, Julianne furthered her artistic talents at Shillito Design School. Julianne credits founder Phyllis Shillito with her love of colour. “In the first year, we only used black and white and then introduced colour gradually. This gave me a good foundational knowledge of colour.” Now an accomplished art teacher in her own right, Julianne nurtures the talents of more than 100 art students in her home studio. “My students are well trained.

I have had three accepted to the National Art School over the past few years and my HSC students have all scored above 95.”

Currently, Julianne feels most at home in her makeshift studio at her bush retreat in Burralong Valley in the Lower Hunter region. Sitting on her long 12ft verandah, Julianne looks down at the valley for creative inspiration. “I am looking at the yellow wattle, heavy with rain. It’s beautiful.”

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Annette Inwood (JACOB, 1957) A CREATIVE LIFE

Annette Inwood went against advice to pursue her passion for music, carving a highly successful career in music education, before channeling her creativity into art.

Artist and musician, Annette Inwood recalls that when she was at Wenona, the then Headmistress, Miss Ralston wanted her to become a journalist. “All I wanted was to teach music.

Miss Ralston told me that music teachers were not as important in the staff room as other teachers, and that I should become a journalist instead! She gave me more than a nudge in this area, by asking me to keep the diary and write essays for Ut Prosim. One of these essays was about a swarm of bees invading the washbasins!

I both ran and conducted the choir, played the hymn accompaniment and the march for the girls to file in to.

Miss Ralston was very happy for me to do that! But I still admired her immensely.”

A keen artist from a young age, Annette would have loved to take art classes at School.

“I drew the Mona Lisa. A newspaper wanted to publish it, but my father said, ‘absolutely not’.’” Annette also remembers studying Elizabethan History in Year 4. “I taught our class to sing Elizabethan songs and make paper ruffs to wear while performing in Assembly.”

A two-week visit with cousins when young initiated Annette’s lifelong love of music.

“I learned to read, play and memorise their beginners’ piano book, so a musician friend of my father’s said I should have lessons.” After graduating from Wenona in 1957, Annette taught piano at a music school.

Annette and her husband lived in Papua New Guinea for nine years, where Annette taught piano, established an AMEB Centre, gained her A.Mus.A.(T) qualification, and had three children. Returning to Sydney, she resumed teaching in Catholic schools.

“I attended workshops with world-renowned conductor Richard Gill, who taught the Orff Schulwerk approach to musical education.” Moving to Adelaide in 1975, Annette founded the South Australian Orff Schulwerk Association, ran conferences regularly, and gained her Diploma of Teaching and Bachelor of Education. She studied at the Orff Institute in Salzburg for a year on a scholarship. Later, with her husband, she celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Paris.

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For Annette, music provided a natural progression for her interest in art. ‘I studied drawing and painting, with watercolours and oils, but pastels are my great love.”

Over the years, Annette has been involved with countless creative art projects, such as painting a large crown on the hill for Tour Down Under – an inaugural event in Adelaide – exhibiting in galleries and painting a 40ft mural on a shipping container. “I designed the mural and created grids on the container, numbering the squares and outlining the design. Using numbered copies on paper, volunteers painted the ‘under’ painting.

I then completed it.”

Annette has found numerous avenues to express her creativity, establishing the Off the Slate Gallery. Building a large log cabin – with an art studio – Annette painted, raised alpacas, created ‘Mini Musicians’ for small children and ran a B&B. She now lives in an Arts Eco Village, teaching painting and playing duets. “I have always walked into things at the right time. I have been very lucky.”

Frances Chaffey (2014PY) CELLIST

Talented cellist, Frances Chaffey is currently living in Vienna, Austria after being accepted into the Master of Music program at The University of Music and Performing Arts (MDW).

Music has been an intrinsic part of Frances Chaffey’s life for as long as she can remember.

“I grew up in the Blue Mountains. There was a piano teacher who lived close by, so I began lessons when I was three. The next year, I started learning to play the cello. My mother played the violin and my brothers learned, too.”

During her years at Wenona, Frances played cello in the Orchestra and String Quartet, but her subjects were oriented towards the sciences, studying Maths, Chemistry, Biology, English and Visual Arts. “Halfway through Year 12, I decided I needed to study music. My mother asked me whether, if I stopped playing cello now, I had achieved all I wanted to? It was now or never.”

After School, Frances enrolled in a Bachelor of Music at The University of Melbourne, graduating in 2019 with First Class Honours. “In my first year, I had to study a subject outside the faculty.

I chose German, thinking I may apply for an exchange in my Honours year.” Frances completed her final year at The University of Music and Performing Arts (MDW) in Vienna, Austria, before returning to The University of Melbourne to tutor undergraduate music students at the Janet Clarke Hall.

In the Wenonian spirit of service to others, Frances spent a delightful year as the Lead Teaching Artist for the Pizzicato Effect – Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s community music program, providing free tuition to children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn. “It was so rewarding. I taught students aged between eight and ten years, giving them instruments to learn on. They were so keen to study music. During the COVID lockdown last year, we were worried their enthusiasm might fade with online learning, but attendance was through the roof which was fantastic.”

Currently back in Vienna after being accepted into the Master of Music program at MDW, Frances is in her element. ‘We practise for two hours before lunch each day, spending time during the week with cello and piano teachers. Lectures on Music Psychology and Physiology are scattered throughout the day. I also have Orchestra and Quartet rehearsals on top of that.’ Frances is enchanted by the magic and charm of living in Vienna. My accommodation is in a beautiful old nunnery next to the University. I can go and listen to operas for just four euro. My dream job would be to play Baroque and Classical music, working with a small Chamber Orchestra of just two to four cellos.’

Home is never too far from Frances’ thoughts though, thanks to her beloved cello. “It was commissioned for me from a cello maker in the Blue Mountains, near where I grew up.

It is beautiful.”

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Past and Present Environmental Warriors

EARTH SHAKERS

Alison Russell-French OAM (1967PY) CHAMPIONING BIODIVERSITY

After an exemplary career in the Australian Public Service, Alison Russell-French OAM has parlayed her passion for the environment and ornithology to safeguard wetlands, nesting sites, and endangered species of birds. She has also made a submission on bushfire management to the Royal Commission into Natural Disaster Arrangements.

The Wenonian tenet of community endeavour has exemplified Alison RussellFrench’s 32-year career in the public sector, recognised in 2018 with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the environment and conservation.

Alison’s career spans environment, natural resource and heritage areas within the Australian Public Service, as well as involvement in the non-government organisations she chairs. “I love what I do. I began my career by applying for Foreign Affairs and got into Fisheries! It was fascinating.”

Attending Wenona in the 1960s and finishing Dux of her Senior year in 1967, Alison believes she was there at a time of pivotal change, steered by new Principal Barbara Jackson. “Miss Mills was just lovely – an ‘old school’ Principal, preparing students for life ahead. Miss Jackson was a turning point for Wenona, focusing on academic achievement and standing, as well as advancing education for girls.”

Completing a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) at The University of Sydney, Alison studied language, literature and linguistics. Alison’s role at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries sparked an interest in constitutional law, resulting in a partial law degree completion at the Australian National University. After a decade with Fisheries, Alison moved to the Department of the Environment in 1990.

Representing the Commonwealth Government, Alison capitalised on opportunities to become active in the international arena, with Australia regarded as a leader in the field, along with Canada, Japan and the USA. “I travelled extensively, consulting with experts in the Netherlands, New Zealand, China, Singapore, Malaysia and the UK,” she says.

Alison contributed to the Commission on Sustainable Development, the Global Environment Facility, APEC, the Ramsar Convention, Wetlands International and the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership. On home soil, Alison was responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs in relation to conservation, Indigenous resource management and National and World Heritage.

Post retirement, Alison has continued her long association with non-government organisations, lending her expertise to the Canberra Ornithological Group, Australasian Wader Studies Group, Birds Australia and the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, for which Alison currently serves as President. The Trust manages and safeguards Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary and Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve. “It is a partnership between the Trust, academia, government and our corporate sponsors. We have protected nesting habitats and reintroduced species such as the Eastern Bettong and the Eastern Quoll. Both species were extinct on the Australian mainland until their reintroduction to Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary.”

“ It is a partnership between the Trust, academia, government and our corporate sponsors. We have protected nesting habitats and reintroduced species such as the Eastern Bettong and the Eastern Quoll. Both species were extinct on the Australian mainland until their reintroduction to Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary.”

Last year, Alison delivered a submission on bushfire management to the Royal Commission into Natural Disaster Arrangements. “Our vegetation mapping is piecemeal – there is no real overview. We haven’t invested enough in biodiversity.” One of the Royal Commissioners was her good friend and former Wenonian, Dr Annabelle Bennett. “We love to catch up whenever we can, along with Vicky Lampe and Di Crebbin– we have all kept in contact over the years.”

A keen bird lover, Alison is most interested in nature and natural systems. “I like to observe and study the bigger picture around the species. I have a large garden here in Canberra, and the crested cockatoos are among many species that love to visit.”

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Eileen and Joan Burton Bradley (1911-1976)

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(1916-1982)

The fulfilling lives of sisters Eileen and Joan Burton Bradley were devoted to the principles of Ut Prosim: that I may serve. Leaving a legacy of environmental preservation and enjoyment, Eileen and Joan were the early pioneers of the Australian bush regeneration program in the 1960s, laying the foundations for methods still in use today.

“ We shall never get as big a kick out of something sown or planted as we get out of the plants which we have simply allowed to grow themselves; true natural regeneration, in all its beautiful variety.”

Joan Bradley from the book “Bush Regeneration”

After attending Wenona in the 1930s, Joan completed a Bachelor of Science at The University of Sydney in 1938 and worked as an industrial chemist, and Eileen worked for a dentist. Women that were ahead of their time, they travelled around England, Scotland and Wales on bicycles. Keen gardeners, they loved spending time in forests and woodlands.

Returning home, the sisters settled in Mosman. They enjoyed walks in Ashton Park and on Chowder Head, studying the habitats of their beloved blue fairy wren. When the birds started to disappear, Joan believed it was likely that pesticides were causing sterility in young birds.

Joan and Eileen loved to weed as they walked, using only small hand tools, taking care to replace the topsoil and natural bush litter they believed would encourage natural regeneration. They were opposed to the use of chemicals, slashing and clearing and controlled burning. They recorded their work, and in 1967, published Weeds and Their Control, and in 1971, Bush Regeneration. In 1988, Bringing Back the Bush: the Bradley Method of Bush Regeneration, a handbook still used today, was published. These books outlined the three principles of the Bradley method of bush regeneration: work outwards from less infested to more seriously infested areas, minimise disturbance and replace topsoil and litter, and allow regeneration to set the pace of the work.

In 1964, the Ashton Park Association, now the Mosman Parks & Bushland Association, was formed to protest against a road being bulldozed through bushland on Bradleys Head. The sisters were among the founding members, and their groundbreaking work on weed control continues to be a major objective of the association.

Current President, Kate Eccles OAM, says the bush regeneration principles developed by the sisters are still followed, but have been modified for suburban practices. “In urban areas, we often start work on the bad areas instead of the good, as that is where people are walking. In national parks, we can still start in the good areas.”

Kate reflects that Former Mayor of Mosman, the late Barry O’Keefe, loved telling stories about the sisters. “He went on weeding expeditions with them and sang Latin dirges!

He recalled that Joan would go into the bush with a cigarette dangling on her lips and a calico bag on her hip.”

Kate maintains it is imperative that the next generation continue to participate in bush regeneration. “We have continued the work of the Bradley sisters. They made an important point in their book – if the bush is full of weeds, it looks unattractive and will tempt use for other purposes. Beautiful bushland is more likely to remain protected. No bushland, no matter how degraded, should ever be destroyed. We are the descendants of Joan and Eileen. There is a real torch here to hand on to younger people.”

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Wenonians Making a Difference

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Lara Husselbee (2005PY) HUMAN-CENTRED DESIGN CONSULTANT

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Human-Centred Design Consultant, Lara Husselbee uses her passion, talents and experience to support LGBTQIA+ youth.

‘Access to opportunity’ is how Lara Husselbee distinguishes her years at Wenona.

“Failure was not a bad word at Wenona. We were encouraged to pursue and lean into different areas, even if we weren’t good at them – like saxophone for me! I have tried to maintain this mindset beyond the School gates.”

Embracing this breadth of opportunity, Lara was a talented sportswoman, received her gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and participated in House Drama plays. “I studied Drama with Mrs Scott. I loved designing costumes and creating and editing photos. It’s how visual communications started to emerge for me as an interest.” Passionate and sincere, Lara showed her flair for leadership as School Vice-Captain, Captain of Hooke House and Captain of Swimming and Water Polo in her Senior years.

After School, a Rotary Youth Exchange saw Lara spending a year in a small town in Austria.

“I really had to be brave and challenge myself living in an area where not much English was spoken. It was isolating, yet immensely rewarding.” Upon her return to Sydney, Lara completed a Bachelor of Visual Communication and Bachelor of International Studies at UTS, which included spending a year living, studying and working in Berlin.

Since graduating from UTS, Lara’s sought-after skills as a Human-Centred Design Consultant have enhanced and redefined the customer/employee experience at major banks, insurers and retail organisations in Australia and overseas. “Through my little business, I help organisations attract new talent and keep it, as well as underscoring the benefits to the business of listening to their customers and employees and investing in improving their experience.”

Lara also lends her expertise to not-for-profit organisations and is on the Board of Directors for Wear It Purple, a charity supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, which is of personal significance to Lara. “In my Senior year, I felt I was different. I wasn’t sure if I was a lesbian, but just didn’t have the support or reassurance in place to navigate this. I found the rumours and stigma soul-destroying. There was no talk of gender outside of a very binary textbook. Teachers, parents and friends – let alone me – did not have the educational resources around them to support people who were different, so there was a lot of silence.”

According to statistics, 59.1% of queer teens aged between 16 to 17 years have had suicidal ideations in the last 12 months. “This is an epidemic,” says Lara. “Discussions about mental health come with a stigma. Being different adds pressure, especially in your teens. Wear It Purple creates a safe space in schools and encourages young people to be brave. We provide support and resources for schools and universities to celebrate difference and foster inclusivity.”

Lara believes her 20-year Wenonian friendships are a privilege. “They are my challengers, confidantes and some of my best friends. I’ve travelled across the globe with them, volunteering in Malawi, sailing boats in Turkey and attending weddings in Ireland. They now accept me for who I am, and that includes my relentless advocacy for minority groups and change. This year, I’m participating in Mullets for Mental Health.”

Carol Langsford OAM (EASY 1962)

Accomplished tennis player, Carol Langsford OAM has played at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the French Open. But a devastating personal tragedy changed the course of her life and has led to Carol and her husband working tirelessly to fund research into multiple sclerosis.

Carol Langsford remembers former Principal, Miss Ralston, like it was yesterday. “I was in awe of her. She was a beautiful person. I can still see her, standing up at Assembly, singing the anthem. I have such wonderful memories of my time at Wenona.”

Reminiscent of today’s drive for COVID-19 immunisation, Carol recalls the polio campaign in the 1950s. “We were given our polio vaccines in the School Hall. I remember lining up and feeling really nervous.”

Carol’s Mathematics teacher, Mrs Watson-Brown, left a lasting impression. “She was a brilliant teacher. I remember laughing in the classroom one day and one of the girls shrieking, ‘WB is coming!’ She walked into the classroom and said, ‘WB has arrived!’”

Carol’s tennis prowess saw her contest the Women’s Singles at the Australian Open in 1966 and 1970, while also working as a professional coach and selector. Travelling overseas to play at Wimbledon and in the French Open was a special time for Carol.

In 1994, the world was cruelly turned upside down for Carol and her husband, Roy. Their daughter, Trish, was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis, aged just 23. “No one should ever go through what Trish endured. She was in a nursing home, lying there, completely paralysed, tube-fed and given morphine every four hours. We knew there was nothing we could do to save her, so became passionate about saving others.” Despairingly, Trish passed away in 2002, aged 30.

Carol’s enthusiasm for tennis was sparked at an early age. “We used to hit the ball against the wall in the top playground. We played in the Tildesley Shield at White City.

I won my match but lost a few games and was worried I had let the team down. Miss Ralston comforted me, wearing her black gloves. She was so compassionate.”

An elite sportswoman, Trish represented New South Wales and Australia playing cricket, as well as competing as an A1 tennis and first grade hockey player. Having their daughter’s life cut so tragically short inspired Carol and Roy to establish the Trish MS Research Foundation. Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has raised over $5.9 million for MS research.

Eager to further develop her tennis skills, Carol graduated from Wenona after completing her Intermediate Certificate. “I enrolled in a secretarial course and trained.

Training was nothing like it is today, but I played whenever I could. I went into the family jewellery business and managed the accounts. I went to Malaysia for two years with my husband for his job and still did the books!”

Awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2009 for services to people with multiple sclerosis, and the John Studdy Award in 2013 – the highest honour from MS Australia – Carol has dedicated her life to finding cures and preventative strategies.

“I could not have done it without the help of our volunteers, supporters and sponsors.

I share all accolades with our wonderful team. We feel so blessed.”

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THE TIES THAT BIND

A lifelong Connection

Lillian Bullard reflects that the role and lives of women were evolving during her years at Wenona in the 1950s. “A woman’s place was changing. Getting married and having a family was not our only option anymore – opportunities were starting to emerge for careers.”

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Lillian’s parents arrived in Australia from Hungary before the Second World War. “Although I was born here, my cultural background was different. Wenona represented a stable and enjoyable time in my life. Coming from an immigrant family, I needed to find my feet. My friends and I would congregate on the top playground, sitting on our suitcases, discussing every topic under the sun. We are still friends today, meeting for lunch and putting the world to rights.”

Aside from her education and friendships, Lillian is also grateful to Wenona for introducing her to her husband. “Miss Ralston ran ballroom dancing classes on Saturday evenings, and I met Peter there. He was from an English family and went back to join the Royal Navy as a submarine engineer after finishing the Leaving Certificate. We corresponded for four years before I travelled to England, and two years later, we married.”

With her husband in the Royal Navy, a love of sailing was inevitable. Obtaining her sailing certificates through the Royal Naval Sailing Association, Lillian harboured grand ambitions of sailing the world. Shortly after retiring, Lillian and her husband waved goodbye to their two adult children and set sail from Falmouth in 1995, onboard their yacht, Angelique. Their sailing adventure would go on to last 16 years. “We had planned to spend two years sailing in the Mediterranean, and then on to the rest of the world. However, we loved ‘the Med’ and making friends of different nationalities. It was difficult to tear ourselves away.”

Lillian Bullard (UPTON 1959)

Spending six years in Antalya, Southern Turkey, Lillian and Peter spent non-sailing months living with the locals, hiring cars and visiting the interior. “Eastern Turkey was reopening after the Kurdish discord. It was fascinating. We also travelled to Istanbul on our way to the Black Sea. Sailing through the Dardanelles and watching the sunset silhouetting the Hagia Sophia Mosque was magical.”

After leaving Turkey and establishing a base in Corfu, Lillian and Peter explored the Adriatic Coast, Albania, and Greece. “Albania was chaotic as it was just opening up after years of conflict. We enjoyed exploring the archaeological sites at Sarander.”

“ Wenona represented a stable and enjoyable time in my life. Coming from an immigrant family, I needed to find my feet. My friends and I would congregate on the top playground, sitting on our suitcases, discussing every topic under the sun. We are still friends today, meeting for lunch and putting the world to rights.”

Approaching their seventies and finding the physicality of sailing strenuous, Lillian and Peter pondered what to do next. They were used to the summer life, so decided to relocate to Australia. The urge to travel still strong, they bought a four-wheel-drive and camper and set off. “We have circumnavigated Australia by heading north to Cape York, west through Queensland and the Northern Territory and on to the Kimberleys. We travelled down the Western Australian coast, crossed the Nullarbor and saw the wildflowers in the Stony Desert. We have loved exploring this wonderful country of ours.”

Undeterred by COVID restrictions hampering their travels, Lillian is planning future trips.

“The Flinders Ranges is next. I like having travel projects to plan. We have always said that if we grew tired of the scenery in the backyard, we just changed it.”

Margaret Cameron (SPAIN 1955)

Margaret Cameron is still in close contact with her Wenona friends from the Class of 1955. Before the pandemic hit, they looked forward to their regular reunions at the Harbord Beach Hotel.

Wartime shapes Margaret Cameron’s early memories of Wenona, starting School in September 1942. “There were sandbags on the driveway and trenches dug on the top playground, underneath what is now the Library,” reflects Margaret. “We used to practise going into the trenches. My mother took me to School on a bike, due to the petrol shortages.”

Margaret remembers that Kindergarten, Primary and First Class were housed in one building. “In those days, there were four boys in Kindergarten, my brother being one of them.” Under the auspices of the revered Miss Ralston, Margaret loved her years at Wenona. “I can still hear Miss Ralston coming down the corridor, clapping her hands. If you were summoned to the Monk’s Bench in the hall, you knew you were in trouble!”

out memory. “Mrs Jacobs and Mrs Beaumont ran the tuckshop, and sold sweets, milk and rolls. It was a penny ha’penny for a peanut butter roll!”

Boarding in Third Year was a highlight. “We were together all day, we didn’t have to travel and I enjoyed a wonderful camaraderie with the girls. By the end, I had three hatbands - day girl, boarder and Allard House Prefect.”

In addition to hatbands, Margaret’s School wardrobe was significant. “We had summer and winter outfits for outings, church and tea. We wore bloomers which had a hidden pocket for a handkerchief. We had regular uniform inspections – our hair couldn’t touch our collars.”

A keen sportswoman, Margaret represented Wenona in basketball and tennis from Second Year. “We couldn’t play hockey, high jump or hurdle, because it wasn’t ladylike, but we could play cricket! Our tunics were 21.5 inches from the ground with an 8-inch split. We won the Tildesley Shield for the first time. Miss Ralston asked a Sports mistress to come back in 1955 to help us win!”

After School, Margaret was keen to study Accountancy.

“I was taken on by a firm that had never employed a female. I worked there until I married in 1959.”

Although subject choice was limited compared to today’s variety, Margaret recalls that Geology was Miss Ralston’s favourite. “We couldn’t study Physics, and Chemistry was studied by a few after School hours. We were an ‘all-rounder’ year – we were good at both sports and academics.” Lunch-time treats are also a stand-

In the spirit of Ut Prosim, Margaret was President of the Old Girls Union. From 1980 to 1992, Margaret served on the School Board. She has interviewed numerous Wenonians, recorded for the archives. Close to former Principal, Miss Barbara Jackson, Margaret marvels at her ability to remember all who crossed her path. “She was an

“We have had a meeting of the 1955 leavers at the Harbord Hotel every month for years.” amazing woman. She remembered everyone’s names – the girls and parents. When she died, her sister asked me about her MBE award. I said to her that there was nowhere for it to go except for Wenona. It is now hanging in Jackson House.”

Now living in Orange, the friendships Margaret fostered at Wenona have been a mainstay in her life. “We have had a meeting of the 1955 leavers at the Harbord Hotel every month for years, including Judy Beardsmore, Margot Joule (dec), Margaret Ferguson, Jennifer Joyce (dec), Norma Bell, Bev Webb, Leona Wilkins, Jennifer Illingworth, Joan Kennard, Jude Dean and Geraldine Wilson. We met regularly before COVID hit. We call it the ‘Harbord Hilton’.’’

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Dianna Crebbin (1967PY)

The number three holds special significance for Dianna Crebbin. She joined Wenona in Year 3 and her years there spanned three Principals: Miss Ralston, Miss Mills and Miss Jackson.

Dianna’s three daughters also attended Wenona, and her granddaughter, Isabella Mills (Year 7) is a current student here, making her the third generation of this proud Wenonian family.

Dianna recalls Miss Ralston as larger than life. “She had a big impact on us all. She was stern, but warm.

She knew everyone personally and insisted we did, too. When we started the year, we wore placards around our necks featuring our name and class in capital letters. It was very much ‘her’ School and the powerful bonds of the Wenona community have their origins here – belonging to a community and finding a comfortable place in it.”

When Miss Ralston retired, Miss Mills stepped in as Principal. “Miss Mills had a strong sense of duty.

She was disciplined and led by example.” Dianna’s year group was the first year of the Wyndham Scheme – the first Sixth Form class and first HSC year. Barbara Jackson commenced Principalship in this year. “Under the new scheme, Science became a compulsory subject up to Year 4 and sparked an interest for me.” Mr Andrew Parker was the first full-time male Science teacher at the School. He was very encouraging. “He told us it was a wonderful opportunity to go to university. I was thrilled to be awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship and enrolled in a Bachelor of Science at The University of Sydney.

Sadly, Andrew Parker passed away earlier this year.”

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After working in medical research for a decade, Dianna established DC Conferences, where she has been Managing Director for over 30 years. The conference management company services many medical and healthcare clients and felt like a natural place for Dianna to start. “The business has grown to a team of around 20 people. We had to pivot during COVID and became accredited in virtual conferences and 3D exhibitions. We have run many and haven’t lost a single staff member.”

Dianna has remained close to the Wenona community, serving on the Board of Governors as Member and Chair and was President of the Alumnae Assocation. Her daughters Emilie (1992), Rosanna (1997) and Georgia (1999) Ditton, and now granddaughter Isabella, have all provided opportunities for Dianna to remain involved. “I loved attending the Junior School Music Awards. The girls were amazing. They are so accomplished and have such confidence. My daughters were all very different, and Wenona provided for these differences, grounding them with self-confidence.” A special highlight was when Dianna’s middle daughter, Rosanna was nominated Head Prefect in 1997.

“It was 30 years to the day that I was given the honour of being named Head Prefect in 1967.”

Dianna reflects that the School has seen great change. “The transformation of women’s education has been dramatic. Today, the girls receive a much broader education and have vastly more opportunities to participate. The girls are so articulate and so accomplished now at such a young age.”

“The transformation of women’s education has been dramatic. Today, the girls receive a much broader education and have vastly more opportunities to participate. The girls are so articulate and so accomplished now at such a young age.”

Ketha Malcom

“There was only a small number of boarders then, so we all knew each other well. The day girls used to call the boarders the ‘Head’s pets!’ Miss Ralston used to say ‘ we were all her children’ and certainly knew our characters and personalities.”

(PRIMROSE, 1958)

When Ketha Malcolm attended Foundation Day this year, she marvelled at how much Wenona had advanced and flourished in the years since she was a boarder there in the 1950s. “I was absolutely amazed by how the School looks now. It all looks so different. It is just wonderful for the girls. Standing in the Assembly Hall, though, I could just picture Miss Ralston coming in and clapping her hands at the noise.

You could always hear her coming, so you had plenty of warning!”

Ketha lived in three different Boarding Houses during her time at Wenona. “I remember there was a block of flats opposite Hooke House. The lights in the windows were such a nuisance at night-time!” In Allard House, Ketha shared a room with two other girls, with the primary boarders next to them in the enclosed verandah ‘sleep out’. Ketha remembers the closeness she shared with the girls. “There was only a small number of boarders then, so we all knew each other well. The day girls used to call the boarders the ‘Head’s pets!’ Miss Ralston used to say ‘we were all her children’ and certainly knew our characters and personalities.”

Ketha recalls parents had much more say in subject selection in those days. “I studied Maths I and II, French, and Latin. I enjoyed Geography – my father did too. Our Science classes were held in a tiny room next to the Tuckshop – there were just four or five of us. I did not have a clue about Geology, but I enjoyed the excursions to Glenbrook!”

After leaving Wenona, Ketha went back to Goolgowi to her family’s property. Having enjoyed sewing at Wenona, Ketha participated in a local dressmaking course for a year. She then completed a secretarial course and worked for two doctors in Griffith.

Ketha was delighted to re-establish contact with the School when her daughter, Joanna, started in 1987.

“It was lovely to come back. Joanna was a boarder too and loved her years at Wenona. There were so many opportunities for her.” A third generation of Ketha’s family is preserving this longstanding connection with the School, with her granddaughter Elise currently in Year 12 at Wenona. ‘It was special being photographed with Elise at Foundation Day earlier in the year. It was held on the cusp of lockdown – we were lucky to have had it.” Ketha can look forward to another granddaughter starting at Wenona when Joanna’s daughter, Amber, commences in 2026.

Ketha’s familial connection is broad, as her cousin, Joan Axtens, also attended Wenona, graduating in 1952. Joan’s granddaughter Dominique is currently in Year 8, with another granddaughter, Bronte, due to start next year. Reaching back even further into the family tree, a cousin of Ketha’s mother attended Wenona in the 1920s.

Ketha has also maintained her connection with her boarder friends from Wenona, sharing letters to each other over the years and attending year group reunions.

“We have had lunch booked in on the last Monday of every month for years – I always try to get there.”

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Nancy Bundle AM (1952PY)

Nancy Bundle’s life-changing decision to become a nurse was made at Wynyard Station on her way to work as a secretary for a barrister in the city.

She got off the train and was overwhelmed by the rush of people. She asked herself, “Am I going to do this for the rest of my life?” She decided at that moment to train as a nurse.

Nancy attended Wenona for three years, leaving at the end of 1952. In particular, she enjoyed Maths, taught by Mrs Watson-Brown. Geology and French were her other favourite subjects. After leaving School, Nancy completed four years’ nursing at Royal North Shore Hospital and then trained as a midwife at Hornsby Hospital. Unsure what to do next, Nancy went to a vocational guidance bureau. She was asked if she would like to work in a factory and was offered a job as the industrial nurse at British Automotive Industries. Little did Nancy know it was to be the first step in a career that would eventually lead to the transformation of industrial nursing in Australia.

“I was thrown in at the deep end from day one. There was no job description, prepared procedures or protocols.

I treated wounds, burns and removed foreign bodies from eyes. Unlike nurses in hospitals, the majority of industry nurses worked alone, without a doctor, treating injured and ill workers. It was challenging, demanding and responsible work and I loved it.” Workers were exposed to hazards such as asbestos, chemicals and loud noise.

“Unfortunately, in those days, nurses weren’t trained to recognise and initiate safety procedures to protect workers.”

Nancy then moved to a larger factory, Email Ltd in Waterloo with 1,000 employees and the advantage of

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working with an industrial physician. Training was not available in Australia for industrial nurses, so in 1966, Nancy attended the Royal College of Nursing in London.

Returning to Email, Nancy won a scholarship to attend the International Congress on Occupational Health in Tokyo. This opened the door to Nancy representing Australia at many international conferences and professional meetings.

In 1970, Nancy was appointed Occupational Health Nursing Adviser to the NSW Health Commission. The title ‘Occupational Health Nurse’ replacing ‘Industrial Nurse,’ Nancy enacted a change of focus for nurses from first aid to the prevention of ill health at work. Although it required specialist training, there were still many barriers.

Eventually, TAFE established a Higher Certificate for Occupational Health Nurses which Nancy then taught fulltime. In recognition of Nancy’s service to nursing, she was appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 1981.

Over three decades, Nancy collected volumes of archival material on occupational health nursing, leading to the 2017 publication of NURSES AT WORK: A History of Industrial and Occupational Health Nurses in New South Wales. Co-authored by writer and sociologist Jim Kitay, the book reflects the evolution and transformation of occupational health nursing. Nancy gifted a copy to the Wenona Library.

In addition to writing, Nancy has also spent her retirement travelling around the country. “I saw an advertisement for a campervan, so I bought it! For 28 years, I have loved seeing Australia and meeting people. After a demanding working life, I can now be free to go wherever I like, and just do whatever turns up.”

Margaret Buckingham (BURT, 1951)

“Wartime at Wenona changed life dramatically for the boarders. “We got out of bed at midnight when the sirens went off and filed into the air raid shelters.

I remember when the submarines came into Sydney Harbour and the sound of the aircraft flying over.”

At nearly 88, Margaret Buckingham still holds the memories of her time at Wenona dear, especially those of her adored Principal, Miss Ralston. “My sister Jan and I moved from the country to live with our grandmother in Miller Street. We started at Wenona when I was seven and she was five.”

I remember when the submarines came into Sydney Harbour and the sound of the aircraft flying over.

During the gas strike in 1946, we had to have our baths in metal laundry tubs.” Margaret’s family assisted the School in supplying fuel in drums as it was scarce in the city.

Soon after, Margaret called the Wenona Boarding House home, where she shared a room opposite Miss Ralston’s office with three other girls. “There were strict rules, but we were naughty. I remember midnight feasts and climbing out the window at night! I was Miss Ralston’s pet, so I could get away with everything. I once threw a ruler at a Maths teacher.” Spending more time at Wenona than home with her family, Margaret recalls always being keen to return to School at the end of the holidays. “I couldn’t wait to get back. At home I had to do all the chores!” The dances with Shore School were a highlight on the social calendar. “I met a lovely boy called Brian, and he used to telephone Miss Ralston to ask if he could take me out.”

Margaret believes her time at Wenona moulded her into the person she is today. “Miss Ralston instilled strength in us. We were encouraged to think of others, not be selfish and to show resilience. I remember she had to tell Jan and I that our younger sister had drowned in the water tank on our property. She was just wonderful to us. She was like our grandmother. We were so young.”

A talented sportswoman, Margaret rose at 6:15am every morning and ran laps around North Sydney Oval. “I was desperate to beat the champion in a running race. I ended up winning.” Margaret played in the Netball A Team, which was unbeaten in 1949, and in the Tennis A Team, playing in the Tildesley Shield, and was named runner up NSW Tennis Champion. “I became very good at tennis by playing with the men on our property. They hit hard. We also used to hit against the back wall of the tuckshop and then enjoyed buying cream buns!”

Margaret has led a colourful life, travelling overseas for a year, and on her return, working for an ENT specialist, Grace Brothers in retail, WC Penfolds stationers and modelling hats for Sydney’s top milliner. Margaret was often photographed for newspapers at social events. After marrying at 22 and having two daughters, Margaret has lived most of her married life on the North Shore and has been very committed to doing charity work.

Wartime at Wenona changed life dramatically for the boarders. “We got out of bed at midnight when the sirens went off and filed into the air raid shelters.

After School, Margaret harboured dreams of becoming a concert pianist, but found the nerves at concerts overwhelming. She enrolled in Miss Hales’ Business College in the city and completed her course but was pining to go home to the country. “My father was home from the war and I wanted to be there.”

Now living in Wagga Wagga near her sister, Margaret reflects that “Wenona equipped me to cope with the rollercoaster life I have had. I have also learned an enormous amount over my lifetime by simply talking to people from all walks of life and listening to their stories.”

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CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY Beyond the School gates there is a strong and vibrant Wenona community made up of parents, alumnae, volunteers, major donors and local community members who generously give of their time, knowledge and support to help our current students thrive. In a typical School year, Wenona’s calendar is jam-packed with events that celebrate the friendliness and solidarity of our tight-knit community: alumnae reunions, career events, leadership mentoring opportunities, morning teas, sporting carnivals, fairs, graduation ceremonies, parent evenings and much, much more.

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WENONA PARENTS ASSOCIATION 84 UT I UT PROSIM PROSIM 2020 2021

With a focus on connectivity and inclusivity, the WPA offered a series of events in 2021 to bring the School community together. WPA President, Trish Lunn and the WPA Committee were delighted the events were so well attended. “We organised two Quiz Nights earlier in the year at the Willoughby Bowls Club, one for Junior School and one for the Senior School,” said Trish. “The events sold out in a matter of hours. We tried to make it easy for people to just turn up and have fun.”

Trish and her hardworking Committee members feel that welcoming families to the School is key to forging connections in the Wenona community. “I am proud of the Welcome Morning Teas we held at the beginning of the year. We organised them in a COVID-safe way – in the park opposite the School and in local coffee shops. We delivered coffee and cupcakes and whatever else the year groups wanted. They were well-attended and provided much-needed face-to-face contact. I am so happy we were able to achieve that.”

Trish credits the Wenona community with resilience and positivity in facing challenges posed by COVID again this year. “Parents and year representatives have been fantastic. They accepted the cancellations and disappointments and immediately embraced alternatives. Our Facebook page has been phenomenal. We posted each week, aiming for consistent messaging. We also injected some light entertainment into our Term 3 General Meeting held via Zoom by holding a Mad Hatter event – everyone had to wear their craziest hat.”

“One of my many highlights was that for the past two years, Wenona has had the highest number of registrations for the Mother’s Day Classic in NSW. Another highlight was World Teachers’ Day, with parents (and students) baking treats and delivering them to the School. We had so many contributions. It was a great way to celebrate our teachers. Boarder birthday baking was a highlight too. The boarders were so delighted to receive and share a birthday cake baked by a city family.”

“My two-year tenure as President comes to an end this year. Both years were affected

by COVID, but I was continually amazed by our phenomenal parents and their ability to pivot at short notice and work around restrictions. I hope that next year we will see the Welcome Morning Teas move back on campus, the return of the Spring Fair and many more opportunities for face-to-face connections. I wish the Committee the very best of luck.”

Mrs Trish Lunn

Wenona Parents’ Association President

I would like to thank the WPA Executive Committee for their dedication and support. Members include: Sylvia Krassas (VP), Bridget O’Brien (Secretary), Marnie Devereaux (Treasurer), Georgie Dixon (Communications) and Justine Keir (Boarder Rep), as well as Michele Baric (Rees, 1985), Carrie Gray, Karen Stephens, Paul Dearlove and Sharmila Soorian.

WPA Events Mother’s Day Classic The Wenona Walkers have been loyal supporters of the annual Mother’s Day Classic, with Wenona fielding the biggest school team in Australia since 2019, with 325 people registered. This year, Wenona took part in the annual fun run and walk… albeit, a little differently.

This year, due to the health and safety guidelines around COVID-19, the Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) Foundation made the decision to hold all MDC events virtually. The virtual MDC had something for everyone, including fitness and dancing competitions, Pilates and yoga classes. So, the Wenona Parents’ Association called on the Wenona community to rally around the idea. And they did!

The Mother’s Day Classic has been raising funds and awareness for breast cancer research since 1998.

This popular event normally brings together people of all ages and abilities to complete a fun run or walk in Sydney’s Domain. And Wenona Walkers are among its most loyal supporters.

Staying fit and healthy at home was a key focus for the Wenona community during lockdown. And the MDC Virtual 2021 program was another opportunity for the community to exercise, while fundraising for a fantastic cause. Wenona Walkers registered to run or walk 4km, anytime, anywhere. They walked in their gardens,

Wenona Cookbook The Wenona Cookbook was inspired by the cooking and baking enjoyed in households all over the country during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. “Everyone was baking sourdough and banana breads and trying new recipes,” says co-editor Sylvia Krassas. “The idea started there and evolved into a celebration of family and community recipes.”

Featuring more than 200 recipes across a variety of cuisines, the cookbook is a compilation of contributions from parents, students, teachers and community members. “People have included stories too, giving a lovely snapshot of holiday recipes, generational classics and family favourites. It will be a wonderful keepsake for Wenona families.”

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Year Group Welcome Events Early in Term 1, the WPA held its Welcome Lunches hosted by parent volunteers, enabling each year group to come together informally and share conversation and laughter.

Thank you to our wonderful parents for helping us to kick off another great year at Wenona!

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WENONA ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION

This is Luisa Horton’s second year as Wenona Alumnae Association President and although it’s been challenging due to COVID-19 restrictions, both she and her hardworking committee members have remained optimistic and determined. “In many ways 2021 was a repeat of last year,” says Luisa. “We were unable to hold large-scale events and connect person-to-person, but much of the groundwork done this year – for the Spring Fair and Art Show for example – will be able to be put into action in 2022.”

What activities were undertaken by the Association this year?

“The Mother/Daughter Alumnae Breakfast was held at Wenona on 26 May and attended by 38 mothers and 50 daughters. It was a lovely event, and wonderful to see everyone together,” says Luisa. On Foundation Day, the Alumnae Association Scholarship Awards were presented to recipients. There were 34 members of the alumnae in attendance, including 6 families who are third generation Wenonians. The Alumnae Women of Spirit Award was won by Eleanor Shuetrim, the Barbara Jackson Scholarship was awarded to Constance Panos and the Wenona Alumnae Scholarship was presented to Karoy Guo and Runner-Up India Fergusson. “It is a privilege to present these awards to such incredible young women and to get to know them and understand how the award will assist them academically. It means the world to us to be able to support them.”

How did the Association encourage connectivity?

“We post regularly on social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn. LinkedIn fosters professional networking and mentoring relationships, with Facebook featuring more social news. We recently followed alumna Hannah Buckling’s progress in the Australian Water Polo Team at the recent Tokyo Olympics. The whole community got behind her which was incredible to see.”

What are your plans and hopes for 2022?

“Committee members worked very hard laying the foundations for the Spring Fair, Alumnae Café and Art Show. When it became clear that the Spring Fair was not going to be viable this year, we made the call early to cancel. All the hard work is not lost though, we are looking forward to putting it into next year’s event. I would like to thank our committee members for their support, pragmatism and resilience in adapting quickly to ever-evolving changes. One of my highlights of the year was being able to have our Alumnae Association meeting in-person earlier this year, for the first time in 12 months. It was so exciting to see everyone and be able to plan together.”

Ms Luisa Horton

Wenona Alumnae Association President

Committee Members Thank you to the 2021 Committee Members for your contribution this year: Stephanie Anderson, Lucy Basten, Kirsten Collier, Melissa Colwell, Natalie Craig, Olivia Dilanchian, Victoria Erkisson, Caroline McLean- Foldes, Sally Hopkins, Luisa Horton, Fiona Hudson, Jennifer Mildren, Jane Oswald, Elly Paterson, Merrianne Sinclair, Emma Snodgrass, Marie Soghomonian, Allison Treffry.

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Celebrating our Women of Spirit The Wenona Alumnae Association held the 11th Women of Spirit Breakfast at Luna Park in May, with Professor Jane McAdam (1992PY) as guest speaker. More than 185 alumnae, parents, staff, and students gathered in the Crystal Ballroom for the event, which was hosted by Wenona Alumnae Association President Luisa Horton (Brown, 2005).

In her welcome address, Principal Dr Scott acknowledged the joy of community and highlighted the importance of alumnae in inspiring our young women to challenge gender norms, expand their horizons and aspire to more – particularly at a time when the topic of consent is forcing us to reflect on how cultures are created and how they can be changed.

Scientia Professor of Law and Director of the Andrew & Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at UNSW, Jane McAdam (1992PY) praised Dr Scott for her public leadership over the issue of consent.

She said, “I truly am delighted to be back at Dr Scott’s ‘raging feminist bootcamp’, as she described Wenona on Q+A last week… Your sensible, intelligent and much-needed contribution to the conversation about consent, interpersonal relationships and the role of those in positions of authority have made me feel particularly proud to be associated with Wenona.”

Professor McAdam said that the pandemic had resulted in some positive benefits for her, enabling her to spend more time with her young child and engage in different work projects in Australia. “It’s actually led me to new research projects about subjects I had never contemplated would be a thing – like the history of internal border controls in Australia, or the right of Australians to return home from overseas, or the protection of would-be refugees who cannot cross a border, or who are discriminated against in medical care and vaccine rollouts.”

Professor McAdam also spoke about the importance of her work as an international lawyer, a message that resonated powerfully across the room. “With academia comes both privilege and responsibility. It’s clear why forced migration is one of the biggest challenges the world faces today, and why it demands clear, strategic thinking.”

Director of Foundation and Community Engagement, Mrs Sonia Brennan said, “The speeches highlighted how fortunate we are to be part of such an inspirational group of people and the value of our relationships with one another and the School more broadly. Thank you to everyone who supported this event and helped to make it such a success.”

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Mother and Daughter Breakfast In May, 38 mothers who had attended Wenona, came back to School to have a very special breakfast with their daughters in the Hall.

Deputy Principal (Staff and Strategy), Mr Staker – who was Acting Principal at the time as Dr Scott was on sabattical leave – was slightly perturbed to discover that he’d actually taught some of the mothers and was now teaching some of their daughters! The event was hosted

by Ms Luisa Horton (Brown, 2005), Wenona Alumnae President. Chair of the Wenona Foundation, Marie Soghomonian (Seferian,1992) was also in attendance with daughter Georgia (Year 12 and School Captain 2020/2021). It was a bittersweet moment for her as this is her final year as a Wenona parent.

All in all, it was a relaxed morning and a great opportunity for mums and daughters to bond over their special connection to Wenona.

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Happy 135th Birthday Wenona!

On the last day of Term 2, the Wenona community came together for Foundation Day to mark the School’s 135th birthday, with a heartfelt speech from alumna, Emily Scott (2009PY). Foundation Day felt extra special this year as it was the first time in at least 18 months that we’d been able to welcome our extended community on site.

Our Community Engagement Team, Mrs Sonia Brennan and Ms Maryanne Lang helped to organise the event. Mrs Brennan said, “We welcomed 60 guests on site, including 38 alumnae. Some of them joined us for a cup of tea before the service in the new Cardio Studio.

Alumnae couldn’t believe the facilities that are now available to staff and students, particularly the swimming pool and the gym equipment.

As many of them remarked, the School has changed dramatically since their day! It was great that we were able to livestream the event, so that alumnae from near and far could also share in the occasion.”

Alumna Ms Emily Scott (2009PY) was this year’s guest speaker. As the former CEO for Out for Australia, Emily has been an incredible advocate for the LGBTIQ+ community and works tirelessly to raise awareness and understanding about mental health issues. She was recently recognised as one of the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence. As is tradition, Emily helped to cut the ceremonial cake with the youngest student in the School, Remi from Kindergarten.

President of the Wenona Alumnae Association, Ms Luisa Horton (Brown, 2005) presented Eleanor Shuetrim in Year 12 with the Alumnae Association Spirit Award. This is awarded to a student who exhibits outstanding School spirit and epitomises the School motto Ut Prosim, that I may serve. Ms Horton highlighted Eleanor’s extraordinary commitment to environmental issues, both at School and beyond.

Eleanor played a pivotal role in organising for Professor Tim Flannery to come to the School to speak about climate change, brought native bees to Wenona and has implemented waste-free initiatives across the School.

After the service, guests moved to the West Commons area for a delicious morning tea, as well as the traditional generational photo featuring alumnae, their daughters and granddaughters, who are current students at the School. It was wonderful to see so many generations of Wenonians together.

Mrs Brennan said, “Our alumnae were thrilled to see The Athenaeum.

For many, it was their first opportunity to walk around the building and they were blown away by the university-style study spaces, the kitchen area and the outdoor balcony garden. Foundation Day was a truly special day, culminating in cupcakes for all the students. Happy 135th Birthday Wenona!”

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WENONA ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION

SPIRIT AWARD Eleanor Shuetrim, Year 12

Ellie received this award in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to environmental initiatives, both within and beyond the Wenona community.

Ellie Shuetrim is thrilled to win the Spirit Award and is grateful to the Alumnae Association for the support. “It was a lovely experience and wonderful to be recognised for my hard work over the years.”

Currently studying Biology, Extension 2 Maths, Textiles, Geography and Advanced English, Ellie plans to take a gap year to upskill in areas related to ecology and conservation science. “I am going to participate in an outdoor education program offered through St Andrew’s Cathedral School, perfecting abseiling and ropework.’ Hoping to study ecology at the Australian National University in 2022, Ellie says her dream job would be ‘to work in national parks, an NGO or in research, following an academic path.’

“With a sense of longevity and commitment to causes, particularly in the Environmental group, Ellie has done initiative after initiative for this School community. This includes setting up the native bee hives at Wenona, organising for Professor Tim Flannery to speak to students, making and selling honey and beeswax lip balms and using funds to help out WIRES after the bushfires. She’s also spearheaded the campaign to recycle soft plastics. She’s amazing!”

Ms Luisa Horton (Brown 2005) President of the Wenona Alumnae Association

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ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP RUNNER UP

BARBARA JACKSON SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

Karoy Guo, Year 11

India Fergusson, Year 11

Constance Panos, Year 11

Karoy Guo’s passion for service aligns perfectly with the purpose of the Alumnae Scholarship. “Service is part of my life and Wenona has supported me with opportunities to turn this passion into action.”

India Fergusson was thrilled to be awarded the Alumnae Association Scholarship Runner-Up prize. “It was incredible – so unexpected.” Attending the Alumnae breakfast this year, India relished being able to talk to former Wenonians.

Constance Panos embraces life at Wenona and all it has to offer. Involved in sports, music, service and leadership activities, public speaking and Duke of Edinburgh, the Barbara Jackson Scholarship win was a cause for self-reflection. “The scholarship helped me realise my sense of self-worth and potential. I’m a silent achiever and proud of how hard I have worked and how far I have come.”

In Year 9, Karoy fundraised for students in her home country of China. “This gave me an example of the power of the individual to make change.” This year, Karoy completed her captaincy of the Global Diversity Club, and is now one of Wenona’s Community and Service Captain (2021/2022). She is also Ambassador for One Girl Organisation, raising funds for girls’ education in East Africa.

“Service is open to everyone, every action matters, and it thrills me to see the mutual benefits achieved.”

Committed to service, India started her own charity in Year 5, Dream Out Loud, as her grandmother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. For Service Learning, India travelled to Laos in South East Asia, which was an amazing experience. “I find service very rewarding - I love to get involved.”

India plans to take a gap year after she finishes School next year and travel overseas, before returning home to study business or commerce.

“I want to make an impact after I graduate - a genuine difference in the world. I also want to give back to the School that gave me countless opportunities, support networks and valuable skills that I will carry with me throughout my life.”

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WENONA FOUNDATION The Wenona Foundation was established in 1999 as the vehicle for administering the School’s development programs and philanthropic endeavours. Since then, with the very generous support of the Wenona community including the Wenona Parents’ Association and the Wenona Alumnae Association, the Foundation has raised more than $9million to assist the School in funding for building projects. The Foundation has also raised more than $4million for scholarships, enabling talented students to benefit from the opportunities that a Wenona education provides. Thank you to all those who have supported the Wenona Foundation.

Mrs Sonia Brennan Director of Foundation and Community Engagement

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A

B

C

Over the past five years, the Foundation has assisted with the following: The Athenaeum Building

$5m Foundation Scholarships

$432k (3 students)

Wenona Alumnae Inc. Scholarships

$89k

(8 students)

DalCorp Scholarships

$616k (5 students)

Barbara Jackson Scholarships

$117k (7 students)

Hardship

$220k

(40+ students)

Thank you for your generosity On behalf of Dr Scott, the Wenona Board of Governors and the Wenona Foundation Board, thank you to the following who have given to the Wenona Giving 2021 Appeal.

To date, we have raised more than $180,000, which will assist in providing an endowed scholarship to a deserving young student, who would not otherwise have the opportunity of a Wenona education. The value of a Wenona education is life changing.

Your generosity is very much appreciated.

Mrs Marie Soghomonian (Seferian, 1992) Chair, Wenona Fondation Board Judy Campbell (Beardsmore,1955)

Stephen and Emma Klineberg

David and Caroline (Tommie) Champion (Thompson,1956)

Prue Maguire (1981PY)

Michael and Rhiannon Chisholm

McDonnell Family

Class of 1962

Nam Family

Barbara Cotton (1944PY)

Rosemary Norgate

Shaun and Lauren Cousins

Ingrid Nott and David Parker

Graeme Cuthbert and Caroline Reed

Robert and Susie Nugan

Sally Douvis (Crennan,1993)

Brendan O’Brien

Wayne and Stephanie Driver

Robertson Family

James and Helen Eldershaw

Ken and Jane Saurajen

Richard Elmslie and Leslie Tilly

Mark and Holly Sewell

Raymond Fung and Peggy Leung

Antony and Alex Shaw

Garling Family

Soghomonian Family

Angus and Danielle Gluskie

Andrew and Carolyn Thomas

Christopher and Nadine Gokbas

Terrance and Andrea Tran

Charles and Wallis Graham

Karl and Paula Turner

Jamie Hong and Yuna Zhang

Nigel and Visa Virgo

Tommy Jiang and Fiona Wang

Xirui Yang and Kaina Shu

Geoff and Anna Joyce

Kevin Li and Julia Zhou

Todd and Lara Karamian

Anonymous x 11

Ben and Rebecca Keeble Elisabeth Kingsford Smith (Francis,1951)

THAT I MAY SERVE I 95

COMMUNITY NEWS AND EVENTS 96 UT I UT PROSIM PROSIM 2020 2021

Marriages

Isabelle Macarian (2012PY) who married Daniel der Tateossian on 26 January 2020.

Arabella Searle (2010PY) who married James Tuck on 20 November 2020.

Ally Adler (2010PY) who married David Anstice on 17 April 2021.

Kate Murray (2010PY) who married Will MacInnes on 12 June 2021.

Births

Vale

Congratulations to:

Mrs Carol Rowe (Forbes, 1948)

1 April 2018

Mr S and Mrs C McLean (Foldes,1990) on the birth of their son Charles, born on 15 October 2020

Mrs Natalie Vogan (Weir, 1946)

20 February 2020

Mr E Joseph and Miss L Meacock (2013PY) on the birth of their daughter Aria, born on 4 January 2021

Mrs Jennifer Dakin (Gifford, 1950)

28 March 2020

Mr C Knight and Dr E Sutherland (2006PY) on the birth of their daughter Lucy, born on 4 January 2021

Mrs June McSweeney (Burgess, 1940)

3 October 2020

Mr C and Mrs L Wakeham (Starrat, 2005) on the birth of their daughter Emilia, born on 14 January 2021

Mr John Rollason (1963PY)

10 November 2020

Mr S and Dr F Connor (Kerr, 2002) on the birth of their daughter Millicent, born on 1 February 2021

Mrs Joy Carol Legge (Sheidow, 1957)

27 December 2020

Mrs Phillipa Poole (Curlewis, 1950)

10 January 2021

Mrs Sue Tetley (Rhead, 1953)

24 January 2021

Mrs Helen Dawkins (Robinson, 1959)

19 February 2021

Mrs Terry Hinxman (Henderson, 1950)

22 February 2021

Mrs Helen Russell (Catto 1950)

13 March 2021

Mr J Browne and Ms I Fahey (2006PY) on the birth of their daughter Giselle, born on 25 May 2021

Mrs Jennifer de Forest (Joyce, 1955)

4 April 2021

Dr N Kerr and Dr K Kerr (Hungerford, 2000) on the birth of their daughter Lucy, born on 16 June 2021

Mrs Sue Crawford OAM (Herron, 1949)

3 June 2021

Mr J Curtis and Ms S Tepper (2006PY) on the birth of their daughter Leah, on 22 June 2021

Mrs Judy Cribb (Past Staff 1984-2007)

11 June 2021

Mr T and Miss L Cooper (Ellis, 2006) on the birth of their daughter Florence, born on 4 September 2021

Mrs Tiffany Atkins (Hutchings, 1989)

16 June 2021

Mr N and Mrs S Rosen (Jones, 1998) on the birth of their daughter Zoe, on 22 September 2021

Mrs Lucille Seale (Lepervance, 1950)

1 July 2021

Mrs Belinda Roberts (Elliot, 1979)

10 September 2021

Mr T and Mrs S McNamee (Whiteway, 2003) on the birth of their daughter Hannah, born on 11 February 2021 Mr C and Mrs B Davies (Allan, 2008) on the birth of their daughter Pia, born on 15 February 2021 Mr H Piana and Ms S Archbold (2000PY) on the birth of their daughter Estelle, born on 7 March 2021 Mr A and Ms G Hewson (Fennel, 2004) on the birth of their daughter Mia, born on 31 March 2021 Mr B and Mrs K Whitford (Slatyer, 2006) on the birth of their daughter Matilda, born on 2 April 2021 Mr A Paine and Ms H Caldwell (2002PY) on the birth of their daughter Olivia, born on 10 April 2021

Mr H and Mrs V Eriksson (Johns, 2004) on the birth of their daughter Adelaide, born on 28 September 2021

Congratulations to…

Dr Michelle Cretikos (1990PY) who received the Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service to community health

Professor Jane McAdam (1992PY) who was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to International Refugee Law

Miss Rosemary Morrow (1960PY) who received an Order of Australia (OAM) for services to Permaculture

Professor Robyn Richmond (Adelstein, 1962) who was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to tertiary medical education

UT PROSIM 2021 I Editor: Lisa Broad I Writers: Lisa Broad, Jude Morahan I Photography: Mike Bell - Raw Life Studios, Ian Barnes, Rowena Clarke Photography, Anthony Khoury Photography I Designer: Janine Stieger

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That I may serve

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Wenona School Ltd 176 Walker Street North Sydney NSW 2060

Founded 1886 wenona.nsw.edu.au (02) 9409 4400

ABN 83 000 250 304

CRICOS 02275A176