Dovetails #22 Winter 2023

WHAT’S INSIDE

FROM THE OLD SAINTS PRESIDENT

ADVENTURES AND ACHIEVEMENTS EXPERIENCED BY OLD SAINTS ALUMNI.

It is fascinating to see what former students have been up to and rewarding to see that the community service values instilled in us whilst at the College are still being lived out by many alumni after their time at All Saints’. This is what makes the Service and Endeavour Award a unique and important initiative. Created by the Old Saints’ Committee, the purpose of the Award is to support our alumni by providing a financial award to community service-type projects led by alumni. The Old Saints’ Committee is a passionate and dedicated group of former students and this year has seen some changes within our committee structure, and the ways in which we support Old Saints activities. With over 7,000 alumni, we want members to feel connected and engaged. Reunions, which are major events held each year, are now being subsidised significantly by the Old

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EDITOR: Emily Garbett

ART DIRECTION: Sava Hatzi (Design Vault)

CONTRIBUTORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS: Sian Angel, John Beaverstock, Jade Destremau, Ben Fitzpatrick, Myles Keeffe, Wendy Macdougall, Belinda Provis, Alana Sheridan, Adrienne Wright

oldsaints.ascollege.wa.edu.au

CHANGED YOUR DETAILS?

Saints’ Committee, making for even more entertaining and polished events. Held at lively venues with delicious food and drinks, the reunions are always a fun night to reminisce and celebrate with your former classmates, and I highly encourage you to attend.

If you would like to be part of the committee, volunteer your time, or support one of the many Old Saints events held during the year, please do not hesitate to get in touch via oldsaints@allsaints. wa.edu.au.

Sian Angel (née Morgan, Class of 2002) Old Saints President

Have you changed address, phone number, email or name? Update your details by scanning the QR code.

THIS EDITION OF DOVETAILS, LIKE THE OTHERS, PROVIDES AN AMAZING SNAPSHOT OF THE INTERESTING, CHALLENGING AND VARIED

WEDDING NEWS

KATELYN HANN (CLASS OF 2015)

MAKING MONEY MOVES

Jack Sealy (Class of 2012) has experienced a prosperous career in Finance since graduating from ASC and was welcomed back to the College to speak with a Year 12 Economics class, to share his journey and experiences.

After leaving university, Jack worked for five years with the Commonwealth Bank in Corporate Finance and experienced first-hand the chaos of the trading floor.

Jack made the trip from London, where he is currently working for Goldman Sachs, a leading global investment banking firm.

BRIGHT FUTURES

Tiffany Verga (Class of 2015), a graduate of Curtin University, was awarded the 2023 Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship to further support her efforts towards curbing the detrimental effects of climate change.

With this prestigious award, Tiffany (having completed a Bachelor of Arts and Commerce) will pursue a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a focus on Energy and Environment, sharpening her skills in environmental communication.

The Fulbright Program is the world’s largest educational exchange scholarship program, with a 75-year history, sponsored by the US and Australian governments, which aims to increase bi-national research, collaboration and cultural exchange. The Fulbright Program, developed after World War II, has awarded scholarships to 370,000 students, academics and professors across 160 countries.

RED DIRT AND GLASS CEILINGS

Dedicated, diligent and endlessly passionate, Sally Oliver (Class of 2006), has been named Rural, Regional and Remote Woman Lawyer of the Year by the Women Lawyers of Western Australia.

Tiffany has always been passionate about using communications to drive positive change, but her passion for environmental communications was piqued when she attended the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as part of a Global Voices Scholarship in 2021, where she was first introduced to environmental policy.

Tiffany plans to use the opportunity to forge ahead with her plans to help shape Australia’s climate change dialogue and policy.

KATELYN STUBBERFIELD (CLASS OF 2012)

Throughout her career, Sally has spent time working for a commercial firm in Perth and Japan, as well as at the Mental Health Law Centre and the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS).

She has worked in the Perth, Hedland and Kununurra offices for ALS and now runs the remote office of Kununurra. While undertaking her duties, she has appeared and instructed in the Supreme Court and District Court jury trials. While Sally deals with matters across all criminal jurisdictions, she is a fierce advocate for young people in the Children’s Court and cares deeply about access to justice and Indigenous issues.

She is especially knowledgeable about the Mental Health Act, the mental health system and how they interact with clients who experience mental health issues. She has given talks and presented internal sessions for her colleagues to benefit from this expertise.

Congratulations, Sally, on all your remarkable achievements.

This is not the first scholarship Tiffany has been awarded during her studies. In 2020, she won the prestigious Global Voices scholarship for her commitment to tackling the negative effects of climate change.

Experiencing Beijing’s choking smog as a seven-year-old had such a huge impact on Tiffany that it helped shape her career choices 15 years later. She first witnessed the impact of climate change when she visited her extended family in China as a child and realised that clean air was something Australians took for granted.

Like many of her generation, Tiffany refuses to believe the challenges facing the planet are too big for her to make a difference.

Katelyn Hann married her partner Andrew Barras in an untraditional elopement on 5 May 2023 at John Oldham Park. The pair relished a private and special day, with only a photographer, videographers, celebrant and wedding planner joining the two lovebirds. The videographers were Old Saints Olivia Spear and Dee Moore, also from the Class of 2015. Katelyn and Olivia have been friends since Kindergarten and Olivia doubled as Katelyn’s witness. Katelyn and Andrew then jumped on a plane to spend a month travelling around Europe.

Old Saint Katelyn Stubberfield married Shane Young on 12 November 2022 at Coogee Surf Life Saving Club. The bright sunshine and clear water of Coogee Beach made for a stunning backdrop to a delightful day, surrounded by family and friends.

OLD SAINTS’ SCHOLARSHIP

We are delighted to announce the 2024 Old Saints’ Scholarship has been awarded to Leonardo Di Latte (Year 6), son of Lara Reardon (Class of 2001).

Leonardo writes: I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for awarding me the Old Saints’ Scholarship. I was excited to learn of my selection for this honour and am very appreciative of your support.

I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to continue my education at All Saints’ College, and to be able to continue contributing to positive change, sharing my vision, mentoring, and inspiring my fellow students to seek the leader within themselves. Securing this scholarship will enable me to achieve my goals and greatly assist me to pursue my dreams to make a positive difference. hope that one day will be in a position to help others achieve their goals.

Leonardo’s Year 6 teacher, Mr Charlie Stapleton writes: Leonardo has a tremendous sense of humour and is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that needs it. Leo is inquisitive and critically analyses all situations to continuously make sense of the everchanging world around him.

Leo personifies what it means to be an All Saints’ College student and I couldn’t think of a more worthy recipient for the Old Saints’ Scholarship.

Children of Old Saints are eligible and welcome to apply for the Old Saints’ Scholarship.

DELIVERING CHANGE, ONE BICYCLE AT A TIME

Charles Street (Class of 1998) is a former College

Captain and partner in Inkwazi Adventures whose mission is to change lives, one adventure at a time. Inkwazi is a Zulu word that means Fish Eagle. Ask anyone who has heard the call of the majestic African Fish Eagle and they will most likely describe it as the Sound of the African Bushveld.

Inkwazi Adventures was created by lifelong friends, whose passion for outdoor adventure started at a young age. Each of the Inkwazi adventures is specially designed to deliver sustainable change in the communities they visit, while also creating a platform for those on the adventures to reflect, reset and reconnect with what is important in life.

One of the major programs is Impisi 2023, which will see a group of adventurers spend seven days on a life-changing adventure to deliver 90 bicycles to students who would otherwise have to walk up to 20km – just to get to school. The adventure will also see the participants spend four days on an eco-adventure, learning the art of tracking, while having the space and time to pause, reflect and reconnect.

The Old Saints are delighted to support Charles and Impisi 2023 through a grant from the Service and Endeavour Award, which was established in 2018. The grant provides financial support for Old Saints engaging in charitable or humanitarian work nationally or internationally. The Old Saints grant of $1,000 will support the purchase of bicycles for African students.

If you would like to support Impisi 2023 scan the QR code for more information.

OLD SAINTS’ COMMITTEE NEWS

The Annual General Meeting of the Former Students’ Association (Old Saints) was held in February, at which some changes to the 2023 Committee were made.

Long-serving Committee Member Sonia Johnson retired from the role after 28 years of service – a truly remarkable effort. Sonia’s knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for ‘all things Old Saints’ will be missed.

Stepping onto the Committee for the first time is Victoria Philp (Class of 1998) who is relocating back to Perth from the United Kingdom. Chenelle Liyanage (Class of 2022) will also be joining us. Victoria and Chenelle will make great contributions to the efforts of the Committee.

Kirsty Johnson was elected as the Vice President, following constitutional changes to abolish the role of Deputy Vice President; the remaining Executive positions are unchanged. Head to page 17 for a list of all 2023 Committee Members.

OLD SAINTS’ SCHOLARSHIP

The Old Saints’ Scholarship is offered on behalf of the alumni of All Saints’ College and may be awarded to a child of former students entering Year 7 the following year. The recipient of this scholarship will be recognised as having sound academic results and strong community values. The recipient might be a young person who would otherwise not be able to join this community due to financial constraints. The value of the Old Saints’ Scholarship is generally 50% of the College’s academic tuition fee.

HIRING THE CHAPEL

Did you know the All Saints’ College Chapel is available to hire? The Parish of Bull Creek-Leeming warmly welcomes our community to the Chapel, whether you are looking to tie the knot, hold a christening or say goodbye to a loved one.

For more information, please email parish.office@allsaints.wa.edu.au

SERVICE AND ENDEAVOUR AWARD

The Old Saints’ Service and Endeavour Award was first awarded in 2018 and has since supported several Old Saints in their dedicated efforts towards humanitarian causes and initiatives. A grant is provided to Old Saints to support their work.

For more information about the Service and Endeavour Award please email oldsaints@allsaints.wa.edu.au

FORMER STAFF SUNDOWNER

AS PART OF HERITAGE WEEK IN MARCH, ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OLD SAINTS, WELCOMED BACK OVER 90 FORMER STAFF MEMBERS TO A SUNDOWNER EVENT AT THE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS.

The event saw a range of former staff, including those who commenced during the College’s Foundation year, past Principals, and former staff members from more recent years, enjoy a special evening together with delicious food and drinks. For some who had not visited the College for a long time, it was a chance to see first-hand the development and progress that has occurred in recent years.

The acoustic duo from the Class of 2022, James Bingham and Kyan Powell, provided magical music throughout the evening, which was enjoyed by all guests.

Whether their time at the College spanned two or 20 years, it was wonderful to celebrate with the diverse staff members who have contributed to ASC over the years.

The Old Saints were delighted to sponsor this event for former staff to reconnect with each other and the College. We hope this event becomes a regular fixture on the calendar.

ASC WINS PERPETUAL CITY TO SURF CUP

ON A DREARY SUNDAY IN AUGUST 2007, AN ENTHUSIASTIC GROUP OF ALL SAINTS’ STUDENTS, PARENTS AND STAFF TOOK PART IN THE CITY TO SURF RUN.

ASC entered the competition for the first time in 1996 and won the City to Surf cup for the Largest Secondary School entry. All Saints’ College’s involvement was promoted by the P&F and enthusiastically supported by Mrs Jill Angel, Head of Service. This victory continued year after year and, in 2007, the College was presented with the cup in perpetuity and with a second cup to recognise this feat.

The image above showcases Mrs Angel being presented with the new cup, alongside Principal Dr Geoffrey Shaw and students celebrating the award. The two cups now reside proudly in the College Archive.

John Beaverstock HERITAGE COORDINATOR

CLASS OF 2022

PIZZA & COLUMBA

IN FEBRUARY, ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE WAS DELIGHTED TO WELCOME BACK OUR NEWEST OLD SAINTS, THE CLASS OF 2022, TO COLLECT THEIR COPY OF THE 2022 COLUMBA YEARBOOK AND ENJOY SOME PIZZA AND REFRESHMENTS.

Catching up on their exciting adventures over past few months since graduating, the Class of 2022 shared stories about work, travel, university and post-ASC plans! James Bingham and Kyan Powell (Class of 2022) entertained everyone with a fantastic acoustic guitar performance throughout the evening.

WRITING HER OWN STORY

JADE’S JOURNEY

SINCE LEAVING ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE IN 2021, JADE DESTREMAU’S POSTSCHOOL LIFE HAS SEEN HER EMBARK ON SEVERAL REMARKABLE ADVENTURES WHICH HAVE LED HER TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD.

From sailing across the ocean to working with Ukrainian refugees, Jade has now added ‘published author’ to her ever-growing list of accolades. Jade’s inspiring story caught the attention of a French editor and her book, La Route de Jade has since hit the shelves and captivated readers.

In 2021, Jade commenced a 68-day, 18,000km sailing voyage from Fremantle to France with her father Sebastien Destremau (five-time America’s Cup sailor and 1998 SydneyHobart Yacht Race winner), driven by the desire to spend precious time with her dad, following two-years of COVIDinduced separation.

“He needed to take his racing boat from Papua New Guinea to France, passing via Perth to see me and my brother,” said Jade.

“I decided to ask if I could accompany him on his journey. The resulting voyage was the most challenging thing I have ever experienced, pushing me very far out of my comfort zone. Ultimately, I am very thankful for it because it made me a better and more resilient person.”

After arriving in France and spending time exploring the country, Jade (like the rest of the world) became horrified by the crisis in Ukraine. Driven by the simple desire to help people in need, Jade commenced her humanitarian mission to support Ukraine during this dire time in history. Jade, her father and 14 French locals took much-needed supplies to a Ukrainian town before returning with a group of refugees and providing them with safe houses and lodgements.

“We knew that donations had been piling up in local collection centres, yet they were missing drivers,” explained Jade.

“We decided we would start a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for a humanitarian convoy to Ukraine. We raised enough money for eight vehicles with 16 drivers, me

Jade Destremau (Class of 2021)

included. These people fighting for their lives and country were only a three-day drive from where I lived. How could I not want to help them?”

“Overall, we took 40 cubic metres of materials of first necessity to the Ukrainian town of Korolevo, then returned with 24 refugees. Since then, they have been safely relocated in Toulon, my father’s hometown in the South of France. We visit them every two weeks or so, to check on how they are managing with their French, and to spend some time with them. Just recently, we held a dinner party with all the drivers and refugees. We have been to concerts with them, the beach, out on the boat, and even helped them put on a small party for Ukraine’s national day!”

While always grateful for the opportunities afforded her, Jade’s experience helping Ukrainian refugees helped her understand the true meaning of gratitude.

“I think the single most important thing to remember is that we need to be grateful for what we have,” said Jade.

“I was always aware that I was lucky to have the life I did. But seeing first-hand the effects of a war – a real, honest-to-God war – was life-changing.”

“Witnessing refugees carrying their possessions on their backs, hugging their dads and brothers goodbye as they flee the country any way they can, and the suffering that people face, changed my perspective fundamentally. finally understood what gratitude truly means. I will never again take for granted the life into which I was born.”

It would be no surprise to anyone that, after becoming aware of Jade’s remarkable adventures, a French editor proposed the idea of writing a book to Jade and her father. Working with publishing company, XO Editions, La Route de Jade or Jade’s Journey came to life.

Based on the diary entries made by Jade and her father during their sailing voyage, the book details the struggles and triumphs the pair faced during the voyage, as well as stories about Jade’s childhood and her life experiences as she grew up.

“After a lengthy editing process, the book was published in November last year, which was a surreal moment,” said Jade.

“We also took part in various TV and radio appearances to promote the book, which was scary but very fun. I have enjoyed the book salons and signings, where we get to meet the real people who have bought and enjoyed our book. It’s a wonderful experience.”

A true adventure-seeker (and after spending the summer working on a cruise ship), Jade has ventured to Latvia where she now works as a volunteer in a community-run regional school, teaching English to children aged 8-14. This small school in the middle of the countryside has provided Jade with even more incredible experiences and life lessons.

“Since being here, I have learnt to ski, skate, play all manner of games, and explored the history of this country, and have experienced a community – the likes of which I have never seen.”

“I never thought there would be so much to discover and that I would become a student, not a teacher, in a lot of ways. That is just one of the many reasons why being open to new experiences and people brings such blessings.”

“We need to forget the idea of a comfortable, static life, where we stay within our comfort zone, not taking risks. Sure, things can go wrong, and it can be scary, but overall, we can only be better for it. With a bit of common sense, what’s the worst that can happen?”

Jade’s bravery to jump into new experiences headfirst has not only made her more resilient, but has also reshaped her ideas for the future.

“Ultimately, seeing new things and having new experiences outside of our comfort zones enables us to become braver, more resilient, and improves our general understanding of ourselves and the world.”

“After having helped Ukrainian refugees, I decided that I wanted to completely change my idea for tertiary study.”

“Previously, I wished to become an English teacher, but instead I applied to politics and international relations programs with the goal of working in the humanitarian field. Without having embarked on this adventure, I would never have considered this career path. “

Later this year, Jade will commence a double degree, spending two years at Sciences Po, a French university, studying a Bachelor of Political Humanities, and two years at the University of Sydney, studying a Bachelor of International Relations.

Having lived an entire lifetime in just two years with enough stories and experiences to potentially fill many more books, Jade remains incredibly grateful for these, somewhat surprising, opportunities.

“The best and most valuable experiences – such as helping Ukrainian refugees and writing a book – came completely out of the blue, and when I left Perth, had no idea they waited for me.”

“In fact, a year ago, had someone told me that in a year’s time, I would have achieved all that have, I probably would’ve said they were crazy!”

“Embarking into the unknown and leaving behind friends and family is always scary but through challenging myself to have the confidence to say ‘yes, I can do this’, I have learnt that I am capable of much more than I ever imagined.”

Jade was a recipient of the Service and Endeavour Award in 2022. The Old Saints’ Committee proudly donated $5,000 towards Jade’s humanitarian mission.

“I THINK THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS THAT WE NEED TO BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT WE HAVE,” SAID JADE.

OLD SAINTS’ WALK

SAVE THE DATE 2023

• Old Saints’ Committee Meeting 3

Monday 7 August – 6.00pm – 7.30pm

All Saints’ College Boardroom

• Class of 2003 – 20 Year Reunion

Friday 18 August – 6.30pm – late

Venue: Gage Roads Brewery, Fremantle

Tickets: QR Code

• Class of 1993 – 30 Year Reunion

Friday 25 August – 6.30pm – late

Venue: Gage Roads Brewery, Fremantle

Tickets: QR Code

• Class of 2022 – 1 Year Reunion

Friday 20 October – 7.00pm – late

Venue: Gage Roads Brewery, Fremantle

Tickets: QR Code

• Old Saints’ Committee Meeting 4

Monday 6 November – 6.00pm – 7.30pm

All Saints’ College Boardroom

• Beers, Bubbles, Bites and Thank You Function

Friday 17 November – 5.30pm – 9.00pm

The Common, All Saints’ College

*All dates subject to change.

OLD SAINTS’ COMMITTEE 2023

SMYTHE

This process of acknowledgment reminds us that as the current custodians of the College, we owe our today to the yesterday of others.

Old Saints are able to recognise and celebrate their time at the College by purchasing a brick in the OId Saints’ Walk. Bricks are available in three formats for only $50.

President – Sian Angel - Class of 2002

Vice President – Kirsty Johnson - Class of 2016

Secretary – Mark Balding - Class of 1988

Treasurer – Glenn Angel - Class of 2002

Sue Wilson - Class of 1985

Victoria Philp - Class of 1998

Noah Gliosca - Class of 2017

Ellen Smith - Class of 2020

Jared Walkemeyer - Class of 2020

Chenelle Liyanage - Class of 2022

The Committee meets four times a year and is actively looking for new members from across all Peer Groups. If you are interested in helping us take the Old Saints to new and exciting heights, email oldsaints@allsaints.wa.edu.au for details.

Pictured above: Madeleine Greenhalgh (2012), Bryn Greenhalgh (2017) and Hayley Greenhalgh (2015)

AT ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE, WE BELIEVE THAT, BY HONOURING THOSE WHO HAVE COME BEFORE US, WE CAN BETTER DEVELOP A DEEP APPRECIATION OF WHERE WE ARE TODAY, AND THUS EFFECTIVELY SHAPE OUR COLLEGE’S FUTURE DIRECTION.

TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH

ONE TREK AT A TIME

IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, MYLES KEEFFE (CLASS OF 2021) EMBARKED ON A MEANINGFUL ADVENTURE AND TACKLED THE CHALLENGING AND GRUELLING CAPE2CAPE TREK TO SUPPORT THE ZERO2HERO CHARITY.

The trek aims to raise awareness of, and funds for, Zero2Hero’s mental health schools’ programs and leadership camps that empower young people to be mental health heroes in their communities.

The Cape2Cape trek is a 135km long trek which sees participants walk from Western Australia’s Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse across a five-day adventure. Walking 25 to 35km each day, Myles experienced hard surfaces and rough scrambles, as well as a significant amount of challenging beach walking and harsh winds.

As part of the fundraising adventure, Myles was able to enjoy a meal with his fellow trekkers every evening and participated in a range of special experiences that helped connect the group and highlighted Zero2Hero’s mission. Myles and 30 other heroes who took part in the trek raised over $300,000 for youth mental health.

MYLES TELLS HIS STORY BELOW

Over the past two years, have been navigating a new chapter in my life since leaving All Saints’ College.

My personal experiences with mental health inspired me to support the Zero2Hero charity by joining its Cape2Cape trek. The aim is to go beyond raising awareness and focus on education and helping young adults learn how to help themselves, as well as those around them facing mental health challenges. found the work inspiring, and I was excited to push myself out of my comfort zone while learning how to help others and fundraise for a good cause.

I’ve personally struggled with my own mental health challenges and seen many of my friends fight their own hardships too. Australia has alarming figures regarding mental (ill-)health, with suicide being the leading cause of death for those between 15 and 44 years old. Zero2Hero has been working hard to address these statistics.

One of the main challenges I have faced in supporting mental health (my own and others’) is the stigma surrounding the topic and the idea of seeking help. Although the conversation is changing, talking to someone about your problems and facing them can be daunting. There is no magic solution, and everyone struggles in different ways and everyone’s journey to overcoming mental health challenges is different. I believe time is the only common factor, allowing you to find new strategies, therapies and interventions.

The Cape2Cape trek experience really challenged me. Embarking on different adventures or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is crucial for personal growth and selfdiscovery. We are all different, and exploring different avenues allows you to think for yourself and discover who you are. Even the ‘smaller’ challenges in life give you valuable experiences –and help you find out who you are.

Through these experiences, have learnt taking care of your mental health is critical, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness. The current statistics show that about 45% of Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Acknowledging it, reaching out and seeking help isn’t admitting a weakness. We all need help from time to time – mental health is no different.

Myles Keeffe (Class of 2021)

FAMILY TIES: WRIGHT

FAMILY FRENCH EXCHANGE

FAMILY TIES ARE STRONG AMONGST THE ASC COMMUNITY AND EVEN MORE SO AMONGST THE WRIGHT FAMILY.

As a Foundation student, Adrienne Wright’s (Class of 1986) connection to All Saints’ extends over 40 years and her four sons have all donned the ASC uniform. The youngest of the Wright brothers, Oliver, graduates in 2023.

In 1984 Adrienne attended a French exchange program, travelling to La Roche-sur-Yon. Thirty-eight years later Oliver followed in his mum’s footsteps and returned to the quaint French town. Adrienne tells the story of her ‘full circle’ moment.

I attended All Saints’ College between 1982 and 1986 and studied French from Year 8. loved the language and so when the opportunity to participate in the trip to France arose, I was very keen to be involved. It was the first of its kind and we partnered with Bunbury Cathedral Grammar. Two All Saints’ students (myself included) were given the opportunity to go to France.

Our trip began with an afternoon of sightseeing in London, followed by a very uncomfortable overnight ferry trip across the Channel, finally arriving in St Malo where we stayed a few days visiting the famous Mont-Saint-Michel. Paris was next with all the amazing sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Notre Dame, Champs-Élysées, Versailles and the Louvre. On our way down to our host families, we took in the chateaus of the Loire Valley. It was such an incredible experience to actually see everything we had only seen in books – no internet back then!

During the third week of the trip, we arrived in a little town called La Roche-sur-Yon where we stayed with our host families and went to school. On arrival it was clear my two-and-a-half years of French that had taken would be put to the test. There were no mobile phones then, or Google Translate, so making myself understood was quite a challenge, but also a lot of fun. My host family included a mum (Jacqueline), dad (Roger) and one daughter (Sophie), and their dog called Smoke. They were incredibly welcoming and generous. tried foods I had never encountered before, including frogs’ legs, snails and white asparagus. Sophie’s school was a three-storey rectangular building that was about 50 years old. The outdoor area was a concrete quadrangle in the centre, and the gates were locked. As much as All Saints’ was a fairly small school back in the 80s, I appreciated our space and freedom – simple

Adrienne Wright (Class of 1986)

Adrienne Wright (left)

Oliver Wright (right)

things, like a grassed area to sit during lunch and recess. Although the classes were hard to follow with the little amount of French that I knew, I picked up more than I had expected, and it was fun to try out my French and attempt to understand the French students’ limited English as well. Lunch (a hot, two-course meal) was served in the cafeteria. Students had a two-hour break for lunch and sometimes Sophie’s dad, taking his break from work, would pick us up and take us home for lunch. School started at 8.00am and finished at 4.00pm on three days of the week and finished at 12.00pm on the other two days. After 10 days with my host family, I was not only thinking in French, but I was also noticeably understanding and speaking the language a lot more fluently.

My time with my host family was an absolute highlight and it was very sad to say goodbye. We stayed in touch regularly and promised to visit again. This would come true four years later when they invited me to live with them for a year. At the age of 18, I took a year off university and lived in France, attending school, and travelling intermittently through Europe.

It was a challenging year, living away from family. The only contact I had with home included a very expensive international phone call each month from my parents, a letter every week from my parents, and regular letters from friends. Another friend from the year below me at All Saints’, Simone Wheeler (who had been on the French Exchange trip the year after me) ended up in La Rochesur-Yon at exactly the same time as me, and lived just five minutes away with her host sister, Gaelle. This was amazing and certainly meant I was not as home sick as I might have been. My French became fluent in that year and my passion for France was cemented! Over the years, my own parents visited my host family, and we have returned to France on numerous occasions.

In 2013 Sophie’s three boys, who are similar in ages to our four sons, met for the first time. had become good friends with Simone’s host sister, Gaelle, so she and her family have also stayed with us. Her son and our third son, Brendan, have also held a private exchange within our families. All our sons studied French, and my husband is currently learning the language. In our retirement, it is our hope to spend several months in France.

In December last year, our youngest son, Oliver, spent two weeks with my host sister and her family in France. Thirtyeight years since I had first met Sophie, I sent my son to live with her so she could be his host mother. We had come full circle! The differences this time were stark. I could talk to Oliver most days throughout his journey to France and he was able to send me photos of his adventures instantly. Oliver attended school for the two weeks he lived with Sophie and enjoyed simple things like snow in December, Christmas night markets, croissants for breakfast and threecourse dinners! During the final week, he caught a flight to the south of France to stay with Gaelle and her husband. They took him skiing, and explored the coastline close to their home. His French improved dramatically, as did his love for the country and its people.

Little did I know how much the four-week exchange trip in Year 10 would influence my life and the lives of my family. It opened up opportunities for travel and gave me an appreciation of living in a family with a different culture that is unlike any tourist experience. I have made family connections that have endured for nearly 40 years, and it has shaped the education of my children with their studies of French at school, and then university. Our love of France and the French language is part of our everyday life, and my boys often break into French at the dinner table! It is a legacy that has permeated my life.

I would recommend an overseas exchange to any student, regardless of the language they are studying. It is an opportunity to experience another culture, to befriend a family on the other side of the world, and know the generosity and kindness of strangers. It is an opportunity to improve your oral skills in a language that you will never achieve in a classroom, and it is a lot of fun to experience another country with a group of your school friends. The benefits are immediate, and you never know what opportunities it will open up in the future.

When asked to write about my memories of my trip, was thankful that our teacher had insisted we wrote a journal every day. Thirty-nine years later, I can read the reminiscences of my 15-year-old self and laugh at the moments I found funny or quirky and everything that was new to me. I remember a lot of things: the croissants and hot chocolate for breakfast; the nearly raw steak for lunch, which I didn’t appreciate at 15, but love now; the camaraderie of our 15 students from Australia; the hysterics I would have with my family as we attempted to make ourselves understood; the laughter as we relaxed with each other and played on the beach; the tears we shed when we had to say goodbye; the generosity I experienced from total strangers who invited me back into their home time and time again; the loss felt when both my host parents died in the last three years; the joy when Oliver reconnected with my host sister, Sophie, and her son, Oscar; and the hope that this legacy will endure another generation.

CLASS OF 2013 | 10 YEAR REUNION

THE CLASS OF 2013 HELD THEIR REUNION AT LITTLE CREATURES BREWERY FREMANTLE ON FRIDAY 10 MARCH WHICH MARKED 10 YEARS SINCE THEIR GRADUATION.

Over 50 Old Saints attended the event overlooking the Fremantle Boat Harbour, and the venue provided a fantastic atmosphere for stories and good times.

CLASS OF 2018 | 5 YEAR REUNION

THE CLASS OF 2018 REUNION WAS HELD ON FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY AT GAGE ROADS BREWERY FREMANTLE, AND MARKED FIVE YEARS SINCE THE CLASS OF 2018 FAREWELLED THE COLLEGE.

Over 70 attendees came together at the reunion, and the event was filled with laughter, fun, and memories, as the Old Saints reminisced about their College days.