Genazzano Gen-Narrations - May - Jun 2015 by Genazzano

THE ALUMNAE MAGA ZINE OF GENA ZZ ANO FCJ COLLEGE

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Sarah Banting

WORLD CHAMPION ROWER & OLYMPIC HOPEFUL CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF GEN ROWING A LOOK BACK AT OUR COLLEGE’S HISTORY ON THE WATER THE SOUND OF MUSIC BELOVED CLASSIC MARKS 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF GENAZZANO & XAVIER MUSICALS

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May / June 2015 Contents

A Message from the Principal

A Message from the Chair of Council

Faith & Mission

Marie Madeleine d’Houët Pilgrimage

Academic Awards Ceremony

Investing in Education Bequests and Donations

GenWelcomes 10 ANZAC Centenary Plaque

Reflections 14 Celebrating 30 Years of Rowing

Genazzano Rowing In the beginning...

Alumna Profile: Sarah Banting

Alumna Profile: Jennifer Brown

Alumnae Graduates

Catherine Worsnop’s Wedding

Class of 1985 Reunion

Community News

Genazzano Mothers’ Association

Genazzano Fathers’ Association

The Sound of Music

Hopetoun Hall

Past Mothers’ Association

Friends of Sport

Editors Amanda Presta (Casabene, 2002) 03 8862 1200

Centre Experience Together

Lara Antonelli-Leorke (2000) 03 8862 1242

2015 Dates

Two Sisters Share the Early Learning

College Association Contacts Genazzano Mothers’ Association

Gen-narrations is a publication of Genazzano FCJ College. Articles are provided by staff, students and alumnae for the information of our College family and friends.

Design Three’s A Crowd 03 9326 9133 Genazzano FCJ College 301 Cotham Road Kew, VIC 3101 Telephone: +61 3 8862 1200 Facsimile: +61 3 8862 1133 Email: advancement@genazzano.vic.edu.au www.genazzano.vic.edu.au

Debbie O’Halloran GMA.President@genazzano.vic.edu.au Genazzano Fathers’ Association

Rob Bischof GFA.President@genazzano.vic.edu.au Gen Aquatics

Kerry Miles kmiles001@bigpond.com Genazzano Rowing Committee

Vic Sibillin vsibillin@lineatecnica.com.au Genazzano Alumnae Association

Catherine Etty-Leal (Worsnop) c.worsnop89@gmail.com Friends of Sport Committee

John King john.king@pharmacysales.com.au Friends of Hopetoun Hall Committee

Johanna Nesbitt johanna@nesbitt.net.au Past Mothers’ Association

Pamela Ricardo pamricardo@outlook.com

A Message from the Principal PATRICIA A COWLING

This year our College theme is Companionship in Service. We are encouraged by the life of Marie Madeleine d’Houët who was herself inspired by the Holy Women of the Gospel – those women who companioned Jesus on his final journey and were influenced by his words on the cross, “I Thirst”. As Easter people, we look for that cry of Jesus today in the needs of so many throughout our society and the wider world. At Genazzano we are privileged to educate new generations of women who in their turn will respond to that call and live lives distinguished by companionship, leadership and service to others. We were reminded of the potential of our graduates to shape and change the world in February, when the College community came together for the 2014 Year 12 Academic Awards Assembly. These exceptional and articulate young women all spoke inspiringly of their experiences in learning and their hopes and dreams for the future. This assembly is a reminder of the power of companionship and the strength for good and positive growth in society that exists within our College community. Two significant milestones are being celebrated at the College this year. The first of these occurred in early March as we took great delight in the fortieth combined Genazzano/Xavier musical, The Sound of Music.

The quality of the production was of the highest calibre – and the students are to be commended for their professionalism and talent, both on stage and behind the scenes. My congratulations and thanks also go to the outstanding work of a highly committed staff team: Director – Peter Robert; Musical Director – Richard O’Shaughnessy; Choreographer – Andrea Hamilton; Voice Coach – Janet Dawson; and Producer – Katie Sabel. From small beginnings with the first Gilbert and Sullivan Production in 1975 this partnership between our two Colleges has brought great joy to generations of students and staff and we value highly the collaboration between Genazzano and Xavier College. Secondly, the current Rowing season represents an exciting chapter in Genazzano’s history, as our College celebrates 30 years since the establishment of our first crew in 1985. Sister Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ was Principal of the College at that time, and a great supporter of the Rowing program. We are delighted to have witnessed the growth of the rowing program, enjoying considerable success on the river at local and national level. There are few sports that can offer the students such outstanding opportunities to develop in mind, body and spirit.

Rowing is a wonderful sport to assist in the building of a growth mindset, along with physical and psychological resilience, stamina, courage and tenacity. This year, we sponsored and co-hosted the 2015 Junior Girls State Championship Regatta for Rowing Victoria on the Barwon River and our rowers performed well at the Head of School Girls Regatta in Geelong. There will be a formal celebration of the 30 years of Rowing at Genazzano in September and we look forward to inviting all Rowing alumnae to this great event. The College was delighted to host three FCJ Sisters recently. Sister Sisca from Myanmar; Sister Van from the Philippines; and Sister Inez from Indonesia were interviewed by students for the International Women’s Day breakfast. The Sisters also visited classes to talk about their vocation and work. It was a privilege to spend time with these three outstanding young women who have dedicated their lives to serving others as Faithful Companions of Jesus.

e are delighted to have W witnessed Genazzano growing into an outstanding Rowing school, enjoying considerable success on the river at local and national level.

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A Message from the Chair of Council LINDY PRIEST (LEE , 1967)

As we enter another major milestone year for Genazzano, the College Council are mindful that the appointment of a new Principal for 2016 and beyond is one of the most important tasks that is undertaken by any governance group. Genazzano FCJ College Council has engaged David Campbell of Egon Zehnder to guide the Council to find the best person to be our Principal from 2016. The process has already commenced, and through the newsletter and our website we will continue to inform you of our progress. The role of a Principal has changed dramatically over the years, and in a climate of greater expectations the demands on a Principal are not only to be a visionary educationalist, but also to have skills in community building; public relations; financial analysis; master planning; strategic administration; and an understanding of the complex legal, contractual, and policy mandates of a modern school environment. They are expected to broker the often-conflicting interests of parents, teachers, students, outside agencies, and to be ever sensitive to the widening range of student needs. In looking for another inspirational Principal from 2016 we are seeking a visionary leader, one who will maximise Genazzano’s 126 year history and considerable strengths to continue to develop the College as one of the leading educational establishments in the country. This role will advance the spiritual, educational and cultural heritage of Genazzano which provides a holistic and contemporary FCJ education for all its students. As a Council we are confident that the next Principal of Genazzano will build upon the existing platform of success and lead the College confidently into the next exciting chapter of change.

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In these early months of the 2015 school year, it is good to pause and reflect upon the remarkable outcomes of all of our students in so many academic and extracurricular activities; our students strive to “perform at their best”, and as a Council we wish to express our gratitude to all staff on their contributions in the lives of our girls. In these early months of the 2015 school year, it is good to pause and reflect upon the remarkable outcomes of all of our students in so many academic and extracurricular activities; our students strive to “perform at their best”, and as a Council we wish to express our gratitude to all staff on their contributions in the lives of our girls. A number of changes have taken place in Council, and we thank the following people who have joined the Council recently to give so generously of their time and skills: Sister Frances Kennedy, fcJ, and Mr. Luke Sayers, CEO of PwC, and in early 2014 Dr Katherine McGrath, former Deputy Director General – Health System Performance NSW were approved by our Province FCJ leader, Sister Judith Routier. We sadly farewelled Sister Maryrose Dennehy, fcJ at the end of 2014 after her many years on Council. To my fellow Councillors, thank you for your commitment of time and your continuing willingness to offer your services for the ongoing growth of our school. Genazzano is on a constant pathway of growth and change, ever mindful of its history and our FCJ heritage. There will be a number of opportunities during the year to come together as a community to celebrate the enormous contribution of our current Principal of 15 years, Mrs. Patricia Cowling.

Faith & Mission Sisters FCJ Visit: Year of Consecrated Life Sisters FCJ from Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines visit Genazzano students.

LIL A MCINERNEY DEPUT Y PRINCIPAL: FAITH AND MISSION

Pope Francis announced that 2015 would be a year dedicated to the promotion of consecrated life, and has asked the church’s religious sisters, brothers and priests to, “wake up the world”, with their testimony of faith, holiness and hope. At the beginning of March at Genazzano we were blessed to welcome from Indonesia, Sister Inez, fcJ; from Myanmar, Sister Sisca, fcJ; and from the Philippines, Sister Van, fcJ. They were our guests at our International Women’s Day Breakfast and visited classes, speaking to students about their vocation and ministry. It was very moving to hear the students respond to the Sister’s stories. Some of the students’ reflections are featured below.

Year 6B We were lucky to have some of the FCJ Sisters from the missions in Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines come and share their stories. Sister Sisca (Myanmar), Sister Inez (Indonesia) and Sister Van (Philippines) talked about their countries and about where they lived. They also answered our many questions. The money that we raise helps the Sisters improve shelters that have been ruined by natural disasters, provide education in schools, and help educate and teach women everyday skills so that they can earn money for their families. We think that the work that the FCJ Sisters do is very similar to what Caritas does. It was great fun getting the inside story of what happens in other countries, instead of watching videos on YouTube. We hope that we can stay in touch with the Sisters. Sarah Servello, Georgia Panagiotou and Sofia Licciardello

Year 8B We are thankful for the opportunity to have Sister Van, Sister Sisca and Sister Inez come and speak to us about their work for the FCJ missions. It was inspiring to hear about the work and support the Sisters give to many families in Asia. We were told interesting information about how the Sisters use the Year 8 mission funds to help and support people in villages. Now, when we raise money in the future, it will give us a good understanding of how the money helps families. The Sisters showed great dedication, commitment and faith in their mission.

Year 9 Stock

Year 11

On Thursday 5 March, three inspirational women from Indonesia and the Philippines came to All Hallows to talk to our class – Sisters Van, Inez and Sisca. From the minute they walked in the door, these three women were smiling and laughing; kindness radiating off them.

Hearing from the Sisters was a valuable opportunity to learn about the work of the FCJ Sisters overseas, and the projects which are funded by our donations and fundraising events. Hearing from the women who are directly involved in working with people who are underprivileged or in need of assistance gave new meaning to our endeavours to raise money and support FCJ missions.

They began speaking about their personal stories and their countries. They told us a lot about what life is like in the places that they live, and what kinds of things really need to be improved upon. The things they do in their countries really make a difference to people. In education, the Sisters help young people to find a pathway – they are the real difference that we need to see more of. The funds that we raise at school go to supporting these Sisters to help people who have less. Our little donations make a massive difference – the Sisters told us about how they use the money to run youth programs and obtain valuable resources for their schools and churches. They shared with us some beautiful photos of the children they help, and this further proved the importance of our funding. The FCJ Sisters are hardworking people, and they follow in the footsteps of Jesus every day of their lives. They are literal examples of how we can dedicate our lives to God and how we can really change people’s lives.

Amy Catanzariti It was lovely hearing the stories of the Sisters; what inspired them to join the FCJ community, and the work they do to help those in need to have a better life. From the photos that they shared, we were reminded of how people can be happy even when they don’t have much and that inspired us to be more grateful for what we have. We have been inspired by the braveness of the Sisters to listen to their vocation; not to turn away from God, but to venture towards those in need. Jessica Ting

Brianna Mercer

Victoria Makris and Alana Benetti MAY/JUNE 2015 3

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Marie Madeleine d'Houët Pilgrimage ANN RENNIE ENGLISH AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEACHER

A pilgrimage is both an inner and outer journey; a body and soul experience that takes a person beyond the daily routine into new terrain. A pilgrimage can be a time of discovery and renewal, a reinvigoration of the truths and stories that have sent you searching in the first place. And so it was that 10 Victorians, five each from Melbourne and Benalla, recently experienced the surprises, solaces, serendipities and spirit of pilgrimage in the footsteps of the Venerable Marie Madeleine d’Houët, the devout and inspirational foundress of the Faithful Companions of Jesus. We would be walking where she had walked and in doing so, seeing some of what she had seen throughout her lifetime. This pilgrimage would carry us back across the years and around the globe. People are often surprised when told that Marie Madeleine was both a wife and mother before she came to found the Society in Amiens, France in 1820. The fact that she was a wife and mother informs much of the founding story and to visit the places where she was born, married, educated her son with the Jesuits, began and ended her apostolic ministry is to be invited to reconsider her story. It is a story that is nearly two hundred years old, yet refreshed every day by FCJ communities all over the world. Thirty six pilgrims, working in various FCJ communities globally met at the Gare du Nord, Paris in late June to begin a week’s pilgrimage to places of significance in the FCJ story. We were guided by four FCJ Sisters whose wealth of knowledge, spiritual insights and good humour set the tone for the tour of important sites relevant to all those who value the founding story and wish to make it more meaningful. Having good weather was a blessing that boded well for a week that included the visiting of many churches, the saying of many prayers and the seeing of an inordinate number of beautiful stained glass windows. First stop was Amiens where Marie Madeleine, aghast at the poverty of the cotton-picking children who collected threads from the factory floors, established her first house. A doting mother to her son Eugene, it broke her heart to see other children terribly deprived, so she established schools and welcome centres for the poor of the town. Her faith was the driving force for all her work and in the course of her 4 g e nna r r at i ons

A pilgrimage can be a time of discovery and renewal, a reinvigoration of the truths and stories that have sent you searching in the first place.

life she established 29 schools in France and Europe. The oldest Catholic school in London, Maria Fidelis, near Euston station, was founded by Marie Madeleine in 1830 after she had been advised to leave France during a period of anti-clericalism. Of particular interest was the World Heritage Listed Amiens Cathedral, where a recently laid plaque commemorated the founding of the FCJ Society.

remains were placed in a beautiful reliquary in a moving ceremony on 21 September, 2012, the anniversary of her birth. For many FCJs this was her homecoming, as prior to this she had been interred in Wirral and Broadstairs in England at the former FCJ Generalate. For the pilgrims, it was an opportunity to pray in an especially sacred place and to come home to the woman whose story we continue to revere.

We visited her birthplace in Châteauroux in central France and the areas of sunflower and vine growing, Parassy and Pouplain, where the De Bengy family were raised during the time of the French Revolution. To visit the site of her parents’ graves was particularly poignant for members of the group who recognised that the faith we inherit is often enriched by our own parents' devotion. Marie Madeleine was a child of her faith and social class, knowing both the elegance of polite society and the hardships of the poor. We visited Issoudun and the Hospice of St. Roch where as a young woman she developed her social conscience, and perhaps even became something of a young whistle-blower, when she reported that the patients’ food was being stolen by those meant to care for them. To see Bourges Cathedral and the beautiful chandeliers donated to the cathedral on the occasion of her marriage in 1804 to Joseph de Bonnault d’houët (a suitable young man who died from typhus in the eighth month of her pregnancy), was to recognise the family fidelity to faith. We were delighted by the gracious hospitality shown by Marie Madeleine’s descendants who welcomed us to morning tea. Their family pride shone brightly as they greeted us with wine from Parassy and other gastronomic delectables. A pilgrim after all, must feed the body as well as the soul!

We are reminded in Gaudium et Spes that we as Christians are on a pilgrimage towards the heavenly city and that while on Earth we should seek out and think of things which are above. We are also reminded that our obligation is to build a more human world. Marie Madeleine d’Houët was doing just that, two centuries ago when she cared for those least cared about, for those on the fringes, those who were deprived and despairing. In fact, she often reminded the teachers in her schools that every ‘little urchin’ was to be treated as if he or she was the little Jesus sitting right in front of them – a lesson for today’s teachers in Catholic schools, too, no doubt.

In Paris, we visited the FCJ school, Notre Dame de France, to greet the Sisters and see the Heritage Room where Marie Madeleine died and where the Society keeps many of their spiritual and historical heirlooms. We saw the harp she played as a young woman, her wedding shawl and the crucifix at which she knelt to hear the words, “I thirst”, which would become integral to her work for the glory of God and the good of others. We celebrated a number of Masses during our pilgrimage but none was as important as the one at St. Dominique in Rue de la Tombe Issoire in the 7th Arrondissement. Here, Marie Madeleine’s

The Irish poet, John O’ Donoghue writes the following in, ‘The Traveller’ for those who are abroad, sojourning, a stranger in a strange land, or on pilgrimage. What meets you Touches that part of your heart That lies low at home. Back home now, our pilgrim hearts have been replenished. We have a new understanding of our founding story and our hearts will not lie low. They will be lifted up and find joy in a story of faith that we hold dear. Like Marie Madeleine d’Houët whose mission we share today, wherever we are and whatever we do back in the dailiness of our lives, we too can be faithful companions of Jesus.

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Academic Awards Ceremony ROBERT TASSONI DEPUT Y PRINCIPAL: CURRICULUM, STANDARDS & INNOVATION

One of the great privileges of my role as Deputy Principal: Curriculum, Standards and Innovation here at Genazzano FCJ College is that at the commencement of every academic school year I assist in the organisation of our annual Academic Awards Ceremony. In doing so, I get to work with students who achieved outstanding academic results in the previous year. The aim of the Academic Awards Ceremony is to showcase the outstanding achievement by students who accomplished an exceptional Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) and students who achieved equally exceptional results in individual studies. In 2014, seven of our students achieved an outstanding Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank of 99 and above. This score placed these students within the top 1% of all students across Victoria. Those students are as follows: College Dux: Bridget Hollitt, 99.9 Zara Fitzgerald, 99.5 Chloe Alexander, 99.15 Grace Lewis, 99.15 Catherine Fitzgerald, 99.05 Renee Rostolis, 99.05 Prue Lescai, 99 As part of the Academic Awards Ceremony students with an Australian Tertiary Entrance Rank of 99 and above are required to address our special guests, staff and students. Prior to the ceremony I meet with the students to discuss their speeches and provide them with guidelines. The guidelines ask students to construct their speech around the following: “My most significant learning experience of Year 12”; "My learning highlight” “My learning challenge”; or “The best advice I would give”. All students gave remarkable speeches, highlighting how they approached one of the most significant years of their secondary education. It was wonderful to see how all the students focused on the need to work hard and consistently throughout the year to achieve success. It was also great to see all students acknowledge the important role their family and teachers played in helping them to achieve at such a high level of scholarship. 6 g e nna r r at i ons

I believe the content of the speeches provided by our students was exemplary and I have taken the privilege of highlighting some of these below. “Knowing yourself also includes knowing how to challenge yourself. Focus on specific areas you know you need to work on. I broke Year 12 down into tiny little bite-sized pieces; each sac into areas and each area into singular concepts or types of questions… giving extra attention to the ones I found most challenging. If you look at the big goals you aim to achieve it can get pretty overwhelming. To re-use the running analogy… when I’m running up a massive, long hill [as I so often am…] I always just focus on the next step, and don’t look up to see how far I have to go. However, some people like to keep their eye on the prize in order to motivate them to keep going.” – Bridget Hollit, College Dux “My journey through VCE started well before Year 11 and 12. You hear people say things such as, “Year 10 isn’t important”, or, “I just need to pass my subjects; it won’t matter if I play Tetris every class… right?” The truth is, building a strong work ethic BEFORE you make it to VCE is incredibly important.” – Prue Lescai

“Lean on those around you. They are sharing the journey with you, so be kind. To my teachers, thank you for meeting my endless questions with enthusiasm, even if it was feigned. Your dedication and investment in my study helped me maintain mine. Remember girls, you are all more than numbers and you can only do your best.” – Catherine Fitzgerald In closing, I look forward to working with our current Year 12 cohort for the 2016 awards ceremony.

1 College Principal, Patricia Cowling with the high achieving ATAR students. 2

College Captain 2014, Zara Fitzgerald.

Renee Rostolis.

Catherine Fitzgerald.

5 Left to right: Kathleen Harker, Nadia Dimattina, Annabelle Sim, Annie Sartori, Olivia Bunting. 6

Prue Lescai.

7 Deputy Principal: Curriculum Standards & Innovation, Robert Tassoni. 8 Zara and Catherine Fitzgerald with family. 9

Chloe Alexander.

10 2015 College Captains, Annabelle Freeman and Jessica Landy. 11 Genazzano FCJ College Dux 2014, Bridget Hollitt.

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Investing in Education Bequests and Donations

“Our wonderful Genazzano FCJ College community is something of which I am very proud. It is in this community that generations of outstanding young women have grown, developed and acquired the knowledge and capabilities that have set them on their pathway to future success. Ours is a strong and vibrant Catholic community that has flourished for 126 years. It remains today a generous community whose members have, over the years, contributed significantly to ensure that our College continues to excel and to thrive. Together, we can maintain the strength of our College and community and build the future of all students who laugh, love and learn within it.” Patricia A Cowling Genazzano FCJ College Principal

The inclusion of Genazzano FCJ College in your Will is an important, wonderful and lasting way to contribute to the future generations of Gen girls. It is a valuable way to support furtherance of the College and maintain your link with the educational philosophy of the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus. The generosity of past Genazzano community members has widely contributed to the ongoing educational excellence of the College. Throughout its history, Genazzano has worked towards financial security and independence, and a gift in your Will – irrespective of its size – can assist the College confidently plan for the future. Bequests to Genazzano FCJ College typically support the following areas: Our mission at Genazzano is to ensure we continue to challenge our young Catholic women to live and act with discernment through an excellent academic program, quality religious education, intensive co-curriculum and active engagement with issues of social justice. While tuition fees and government funding contribute significantly to the College’s day-to-day operating costs, these funds do not extend to the following areas:

• The College Building Fund To ensure that our magnificent buildings can be maintained for future generations and allows us to invest in new capital developments and projects supporting the College Master Plan.

The Will to Give If you are considering making a bequest to Genazzano, we invite you to contact the Director of College Advancement, Linda Sprott. All discussions about bequests are in the strictest confidence.

• Scholarships and Bursaries Fund Allows students, who would otherwise be unable to do so, attend the College.

Once you have made your decision, your solicitor can help you to include or add the appropriate clauses to your Will. When your bequest is finalised, please contact the College so we can acknowledge your gift during your lifetime. Informing the College of your current Will is non-binding and you are free to change your intentions at any stage in the future.

• Libraries Fund Allows for library resources to be increased, with named book plates marking your gift to the College. • General Purposes Enables the College Council to support the areas of greatest need. All donations of $2.00 or more are fully tax-deductible as gifts to the Genazzano FCJ College Building Fund or Library Fund (excluding Scholarships and Bursaries Fund). How do I make a bequest in my Will? Making a gift to Genazzano in your Will is a simple procedure and ensures a lasting and tangible benefit for future generations of Gen girls. After you have provided for the needs of your family and loved ones, please consider making a gift to the College in your Will. To make a gift in your Will as a bequest, you should consult your solicitor or trustee to have a Will prepared or add a codicil to an existing Will. Bequests to the College can take the form of: • A percentage of your estate • The residue of your estate • A specific amount • Property, shares or articles of value • A trust in perpetuity • A life interest

Donations and Giving – With your Support, We Can Achieve The College has undertaken an extensive capital works program over the past 7 years with almost every building on the Kew Campus having been impacted upon by the 2023 Master Plan. The College Council is excited by the planned works that will take place over the next 10 year period. It is a significant program of works which will continue to transform the main campus, whilst maintaining the integrity of the beautiful green landscape that the College is renowned for. How can you support the College Vision and 2023 Master Plan? The giving program at Genazzano draws together a wide range of supporters and friends for small and large projects, including new buildings, teaching and learning spaces, staff development and scholarships. You can join the Principal’s Network, which recognises gifts and pledges over $5000. Principal’s Network members benefit from a unique relationship with the College, receiving invitations to a number of special events and functions. Our vision is ambitious and important for the education of all our students now and into the future, with careful planning and wide community support, we will achieve it. For more information on Bequests and Donations, please contact Linda Sprott, Director of College Advancement on 8862 1204 or linda.sprott@genazzano.vic.edu.au Please kindly donate to our 2015 Annual Giving Program by visiting our website at: www.annualgiving.genazzano.vic.edu.au

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GenWelcomes CATHY FR AWLEY CURRENT PARENT AND ALUMNA (BEER, 1980)

Saturday 14 February was the date for yet another outstanding ‘GenWelcomes’ event. This annual dinner brings together parents, staff, members of Council and Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus, and it is definitely a highlight of the College’s social calendar. It is a magical evening of wonderful company, fine food, wine and music. It is relaxed, happy and pleasantly noisy with the buzz of over 600 people talking and making connections. For many, it is the perfect opportunity to establish new friendships, and for others it is their last year of school. So many people contribute to the success of the night. The Grounds Staff have the gardens and surrounding areas looking immaculate; the Advancement Office and Maintenance Team handle the incredible logistics; the catering is top notch; and the GMA and the GFA work tirelessly on the day to make sure everything is perfect. The College’s Circular Driveway is transformed into an open air event of beautiful simplicity; a hot day followed by a warm and rain free evening completed the canvas. As is the tradition, the evening commences with mass at OLGC led by our College Chaplain, Fr Brendan Reed. Pre-dinner drinks and canapés are enjoyed on the lawns accompanied by the extremely talented Genazzano musicians. Mrs Patricia Cowling, College Principal and Mrs Lindy Priest, College Chair handle the “formality” of the evening and then the night continues. The sun sets and a stunning lightshow highlights the truly impressive buildings of our College; the Wardell and d’Houët Buildings as well as the magnificent Madeleine Centre for Music and the Performing Arts. The music of the DeGenerates provides a delightful backdrop and people have the option of dancing or just enjoying the music. Coffee carts roll in after dinner and more conversations are started with people queuing for their latte, short black or cappuccino to cap off the evening. It is a night of adjectives – wonderful, fun, engaging and relaxed. If you haven’t experienced the warmth and generosity of the evening, you need to save the date for 2016 and be welcomed into the Genazzano community!

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Stay connected!

Stay informed of all things Alumnae by joining our growing Facebook and LinkedIn communities.

facebook.com/genazzanoalumnae

linkedin.com/groups/Genazzano–Alumnae–4625826

While online, you can also update your address, email and telephone number by visiting: genazzano.vic.edu.au/our-community/alumnae/update-your-details Let’s stay connected!

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ANZAC Centenary Plaque BY L AR A ANTONELLI-LEORKE (2000)

To commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli in 1915, Genazzano FCJ College created a significant Anzac Centenary Plaque. Placed at the foot of one of the College’s splendid Lone Pine trees housed within the beautiful Circular Drive at the entrance to the historic Wardell Building, the plaque was accompanied by a time capsule that contained many items of significance. Amongst the treasures to be opened in a century’s time was a memory stick containing this year’s Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Award recipient, Natalie Barbazza’s submission and speech; today’s newspaper (dated 22 April, 2015); photograph of the plaque’s unveiling; writing reflections from the Year 9 cohort; and College Principal, Mrs Patricia Cowling’s reflection of College life today and her hope for the future. The ceremony began with a flute ensemble, conducted by Ms Mandy Lyle, playing beautiful music to greet guests, staff and students, and create a wonderful atmosphere despite the overcast Autumn morning. 1 2 ge nna rrat i ons

The College’s Head of Humanities, Mrs Debra Everitt opened the proceedings with a welcome to those in attendance, which included Deputy Principal Cathy Jenkins, Sister Maryrose Dennehy, fcJ, Kooyong Electorate Officer Maria Benedetti and executive staff. Mrs Everitt also reflected on the Spirit of Anzac and the importance of history not just being about remembering dates but about being able to relate to, be a part of, and understand what those before us experienced – remembering to keep their memory alive. Following on, our College Principal, Patricia Cowling, delivered a very poignant and moving tribute to the personal ties we share with war. Mrs Cowling reflected on her own Father’s difficulties on returning from World War II, and how her family would look to soothe his despair and comfort him in his grief, although the heartache of war is always a great feat in which to try to recover. Mrs Cowling spoke of Anzac Day being a time to remember those who fought in all wars, and those men and women that are still fighting today.

It is also a time not to glorify war, but to always seek to honour the memory and sacrifice of those that served. Here is an excerpt from Mrs Cowling’s stirring speech: “Today we are not here to glorify war – and I want to make that clear. We ARE honouring the memory of these brave Australians and the sacrifices that they made – but always at the same time we are reminding ourselves that we must not forget how terrible war is and how we must avoid it at all costs. That is what Lest We Forget means, girls – such a significant message often added to the last line of the Ode of Remembrance on Anzac Day. It is right and proper that we remember those who have died in defence of our country. We dare not forget, we must learn from the past and we must remember what is important – life, liberty and the freedom to enjoy our right to have beliefs, creeds, faiths and opinions that may differ from others. The great danger that we live with today is the danger of extremism. People who believe that those who don’t share their ideology have no right to exist,

5 1 The capsule about to be buried for one century. 2 Mr Josh Frydenberg MP talking to Genazzano students. 3 The Last Post performed by Samantha Miller. 4

Ella Menzies on flute.

The Anzac centenary plaque.

6 (L–R): Mrs Debra Everitt, Mr Josh Frydenberg MP, Rachael Kay, Lorena Stents, Principal Patricia Cowling. 7

no right to a different view, have brought war into the everyday. So you are urged to learn as much as you can, to think deeply about these issues and develop the ability to be able to stand up for liberty and for justice, for you will be the politicians and the leaders in our society into the future.” Mrs Cowling finished with a quote from former Governor-General of Australia, Sir William Deane, where he reminded us that, “Anzac is not merely about loss. It is about courage, and endurance, and duty, and love of country, and mateship, and good humour and the survival of a sense of self-worth and decency in the face of dreadful odds.” Prayer was led by the College’s Deputy Principal: Faith & Mission, Mrs Lila McInerney, accompanied by Year 11 students, Gabriella Morgan and Samantha Weston.

Natalia Barbazza.

8 (L–R) Alyssa Lo Giudice, Maddison Casey, Lucy Jones, Allegra Mattioli, Kate Cooper, Mary Henry.

We were then introduced to the Hon. Josh Frydenberg, MP for Kooyong who recounted a detailed description of what the Anzacs back in 1915 would have experienced at the Gallipoli landing and how important it is for the community, and indeed the nation, to continue to preserve the memory of those who perished for our country. Mr Frydenberg and his Kooyong electorate have worked to support local centenary grants for schools, museums, churches and other organisations. Genazzano was the recipient of an Anzac Centenary Local Commemoration program in March of this year, which helped to then fund the creation of our book of poetry and reflection for inclusion in the time capsule beneath the commemorative plaque.

The time capsule was then buried and the plaque unveiled – a moving moment in the history of our College, which will be reflected upon in the next century to come. And as with the Anzacs and the commemoration of the First World War, we will always reflect and hold in our hearts and minds the sacrifices of all the men and women that served, for which we will be forever grateful.

Next to take to the lectern was Year 10 student and Spirit of Anzac award recipient, Natalie Barbazza. Natalie spoke with conviction and sentiment of her time in Gallipoli, Lemnos and the Western Front as part of her award, and displayed a true understanding of the meaning of Anzac in our everyday lives and the importance that these places still hold today. MAY/JUNE 2015 1 3

Reflections BY GENA ZZ ANO BOARDER

CONNIE GORMAN DURING WARTIME: EXCERPT FROM AND THE SPIRIT LINGERS…

Explicator Pageant with Rita McLean

1 Explicator Pageant with Patricia San Miguel. 2 Connie Gorman and her First Four tennis team. 3 Leaders of the Allies Pagaent, 1917.

The school diary for 14 September 1915 says that, ‘Connie Gorman, a new boarder, came to be initiated by her sister Agnes, into the ways of school life.’ I would not have known the exact date, but I remember very well all the preparations and the feelings of that time. I was just thirteen, I came from Warmatta, New South Wales, and I had almost no experience of school life. My ideas of what it would be like came mostly from books. Mother used to read to us every night, and I had some frightening ideas drawn from Dickens about David Copperfield, whose mother dies when he is at boarding school, and about Dotheboys Hall in Nicholas Nickleby, where the boys are bullied and starved. Of course, I knew Genazzano would not be like that, because my sister Agnes, whom we called Nesta, had been very happy there for the last four years. Still, I was uneasy, and I did not want to leave home, my pony and my two younger brothers, with whom I was used to sharing all the pleasures of outdoor life on a country property. Mother had chosen Genazzano for Nesta and me, partly because it was conveniently near Xavier College where my older brothers were at school. Mother’s family background was partly Irish, but her mother was English and a Protestant. After my father died in 1907, leaving her a young widow with seven children, I think Mother felt rather an outsider in the Irish-Catholic environment of our part of the world. So it was an advantage for her that Genazzano had nuns from England, France and Germany, and that among the girls there were some Protestants. There were plenty of names on the roll that were Irish, but also Belgian, French, Spanish, Jewish and English… and not all were Catholics.

It was certainly true that the convent in my time had a wide range of nationalities and it accepted non-Catholics without any difficulty, and although they did not have to go to Mass, I think some of them did. Being at school from 1915 until after the Armistice as I was, meant that I was made aware of what was happening overseas – not that I could have been unaware, since my oldest brother had gone to England to volunteer. And many of the other girls had fathers and brothers in the army. The nuns used to read us letters from their other convents, which included several in France and Belgium. We prayed for the nuns and the children at Namur, and when there was a Zeppelin raid on London, we had a first hand account from the FCJ convent at Poplar, which, as far as I can remember, just escaped damage. When we did our mending on Saturday evenings, one of the nuns always read aloud to us, and one of the books in 1917 was Mary Grant Bruce’s wartime story, Jim and Wally. Closer to home, but rather like a novel, were the experiences of the two Verney-Smith girls, Joan and Kathleen, who had been at a convent in Belgium. They escaped with some of the nuns and other children when the Germans came, and made their way to the coast and were picked up by a British warship. Because they had an aunt in Melbourne, they were sent out here and came to Genazzano in 1916. They had originally lived in South Africa, and spoke three languages – English, French and Swahili. There must have been tensions amongst the nuns, because of their own family backgrounds, but I do not remember any surfacing.

I think we did not quite realise that the nuns would have family loyalties; being a nun would cancel out being German or French, we probably would have reasoned. We saw newspapers with black-edged casualty lists, and most of us knew someone who had been killed. We all knitted khaki socks and arranged riffles and little concerts for the war charities. There were no school prizes given in 1916 and 1917; they were replaced with certificates as a wartime economy. In 1918, because of paper shortages, there was no school magazine. A good deal has been written in recent years about convent education as repressive and over-disciplined. I do not think that was true of Genazzano in my time. It was a small school, and the nuns had time to take an interest in us as individuals. The nuns knew all about our families and had a friendly interest in our brothers. When I was catching the early train at the end of term back to Yarrawonga, my brothers and a cousin from Xavier were invited to have breakfast with me in the parlour before leaving. They were welcome to come and see me, and we went to the Xavier Sports and other functions. Boys were not an alien species, or to be treated with caution and formality – not in my memory of wartime Genazzano, which was a very friendly place. I think the fact that so many past pupils used to come and see the nuns and maintain close friendships, was helpful. There was no obvious gap between the ordinary world and the community. I am glad that I was there in those early days, near the beginning of the Genazzano tradition.

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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF ROWING AT GENAZZANO

Three decades have passed since the Rowing pioneers of Genazzano took up oars and competed in the inaugural Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta on Lake Wendouree in Ballarat, 1985. The first crew, which was made up of Selina Handley, Dianne Summers, Sarah Reynolds, Danielle van Prooyen and cox Monique Taylor, with coaches Lloyd Cosgrove and Paul van Prooyen, could not have imagined the scale to which this sport would develop and grow at the College. Rowing at Genazzano has developed into much more than just a sport – it is a time honoured institution. Encouraged by her father and Lloyd Cosgrove, Danielle van Prooyen, who had been rowing in a pair with fellow Gen girl, Ursula Doyle at the Hawthorn Rowing Club, approached the then College Principal, Sister Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ, with a plan to introduce Rowing as an official College sport. Permission was granted and Danielle was appointed the College’s first ever Rowing Captain. Supported by Sister Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ, the 1985 crew raced the Head of the Schoolgirls, coming fourth in the D Division final. But this was only the beginning for Gen Rowing. Soon after, students from Years 8, 9 and 10

were approached to join squads, and by the end of the 1984–85 Season there were two Senior and three Junior crews rowing for Genazzano and the seemingly limitless resource of borrowed boats, thanks to Lloyd Cosgrove, meant that Gen girls were continually racing. In 1986, the Year 10 crews began winning and with these crews Genazzano raced at Henley and were victorious. In the same year, only one year after Genazzano Rowing had been born, both Senior crews won their divisions at the second Head of the Schoolgirl Regatta, securing Genazzano Rowing’s illustrious and long history that continues as strong as ever today. Genazzano Rowing has celebrated many accolades throughout its 30 year tenure. As we look forward to the future of Rowing at our College, we take some time to reminisce and remember the forerunners of the sport, including Genazzano’s first Rowing Captain, Danielle van Prooyen (now Karis) and World Championship rower and 2016 Olympic Rowing hopeful, Sarah Banting.

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Genazzano Rowing In the beginning… DANIELLE K ARIS ( VAN PROOYAN, 1985) GENA ZZ ANO'S FIRST ROWING CAPTAIN

As the daughter of a rower, the riverbank was my home. We, the kids of rowers, used to dare one another to go deeper into storm-water drains and further out along the web of steel girders under the Bridge Road bridge. We coxed our fathers’ crews wearing oversized club singlet tops and at Christmas, our Santa arrived in a coach’s boat. We grew from balancing on medicine balls and weights to lifting them, until of course one of the boys dropped a barbell through the hull of an eight and our games were subsequently banned. Fortunately, this incident coincided with Lloyd Cosgrove’s push to, “put young people into boats”, and Lloyd was determined to include girls. Paul van Prooyen, my Dad, had always encouraged me to, “get Gen involved”, and so we began recruiting for Genazzano rowers – the first to join was Ursula Doyle. Ursula and I trained and raced through a miserable Winter Season, but something about our blistered hands and regatta tales drew enough Gen girls to build three crews in 1984. While we initially wore Hawthorn colours, it was a time when schoolgirl Rowing was growing at a pace that demanded its own title and if Genazzano was to be present at the Inaugural Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta planned for 1985, we had to register the College with the VRA. I arranged a meeting with Sister Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ and presented the case for two crews of Gen girls to race in the College’s name and thus ensure Genazzano’s place in the history of Victorian Schoolgirl Rowing. The decision was not a light one to make – both at the time and presently, I very much appreciate the trust that Sister Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ placed in our crews to lead the College in this significant step into an intense, high profile and often expensive sport. We had neither uniforms nor boats, but our classmate, Edwina Bolger, had recently established Cross Country Running as a College sport and devised a singlet that we rowers adopted. In boats borrowed from St Patrick’s College Ballarat, with Lloyd Cosgrove and Paul van Prooyen as our coaches and with Sister Margaret Mary Kennedy, fcJ lakeside to cheer us on, we pushed out into the choppy waters of Lake Wendouree. We did not win on the day, but we were aware that we had begun something new and highly significant.

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Our participation in the HOSG earned regard for Genazzano Rowing both at the College and Hawthorn Rowing Club. With our initial crews leaving the river for HSC, Lloyd Cosgrove was ready for the next batch of newcomers. Schoolgirl divisions began at Year 9 and my sister Micah was in Year 8 at the time. It was to her friends that I went with the proposal of becoming the first set of crews to race from Years 9 to 12 – with a five year plan for HOSG 1989. The Year 8’s were eager, as were their families (perhaps the most essential element of Rowing success) and with that, Genazzano Rowing was firmly established and set to grow into the impressive and successful community that it has become today.

1 Inaugural Head of the School Girls Regatta, Ballarat 1985. Genazzano First Rowing Crew. Left to right: Dani van Prooyen (bow), Dianne Summers (3), Selina Handley (stroke), Sarah Renyolds (2), Monique Taylor (cox).

Coaches: Lloyd Cosgrove and Paul van Prooyen.

2 Ladies from the Class of 1985’s 30 Year Reunion who were part of Genazzano’s first Rowing program. Front row of 5: Danielle van Prooyen, Selina Handley, Celia Horgan, Amanda Raymond, Ursula Doyle. Mid-row in white: Sarah Reynolds. Back row of 3: Christine Walsh, Monique Taylor, Rachel Juracich.

CEL EB R AT IN G 3 0 Y E A RS O F ROW IN G AT G EN A Z Z A N O

We need your help! To mark the 30th anniversary of the beginning of Genazzanoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rowing Program, the College is collating a history of Gen Rowing from its inception back in 1985. One of our current parents, Mr Anthony Jackson, is helping coordinate this task. Anthony is currently seeking help in locating photographs of the rowing program, especially in its earlier years. We welcome the contributions of our Genazzano community and would also like to hear from alumnae who participated in the Gen Rowing Program and their parents, as to their recollections of the Program and how it has influenced their later life. If you would like to contribute to this publication, Anthony Jackson can be contacted by email on: anthony.jackson@mutualtrust.com.au Please ensure you contact him before 22 June, 2015.

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ALUMNAE PROFILE

Sarah Banting (2011)

As a child, Sarah Banting (2011) would get dragged from regatta to regatta to watch her older brothers row, something that fostered within her an intense dislike of the sport. So it’s quite a remarkable turnaround to find the now 21-year-old on the cusp of Olympic selection as coxswain for the Australian Women’s Eights. Whilst the change from loathing the sport to loving it was gradual, Banting identifies the Learn to Row program at Genazzano FCJ College as an important juncture. “I enjoyed playing netball, tennis and swimming in my younger years. But then I gave Learn to Row a go at the end of Year 8. When I started, I was a rower and at that stage I didn’t really understand the value of the cox. But because I was small I wasn’t given a choice! Luckily, within the first few weeks of starting, I really began enjoying the role.” Banting is quick to point out that while Rowing became an enormous part of her life during her school years, she never lost focus on her studies and the other Cocurricular opportunities presented to her. Outside of Rowing, Banting was a keen debater and flautist. “I tried to involve myself in as much as possible so I was very busy, but that helped me become more organised as a student and in life. It helps when you move into adulthood and you’re trying to balance things on a much larger scale. I was quite heavily involved in Music, and that stems from Years 5 and 6 where it is compulsory to learn an instrument at the College. After that period it becomes optional, however there are lots of different bands to get involved with – I was in a flute quintet. The College makes it possible to have a very wellrounded education.” However, as her schooling progressed it became clear that Rowing was Banting’s great love. She is grateful to Director of Rowing,

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Alastair Isherwood with whom she considered to be “an inspiration”, and David McGrath who helped her excel past the school level of Rowing. Both Isherwood and McGrath recognised Banting’s talent and invested many hours developing her coxing skills. With Rowing practice occasioning six sessions per week, Banting was advised to put the sport on hold to complete Year 12. Instead, she revelled in the additional activity and found that having to manage her time carefully was a challenge she delighted in. So much so, that she retained her Rowing involvement and was Dux of her year. In fact, Banting states in reflection, “That kind of advice inspired me to keep Rowing. I actually think the heavy amount of training made me more effective with my studies. I was confident that I could maintain academic excellence and Rowing.” Banting pays credit to the College for its support during that year and makes particular mention of specialist maths teacher, Mrs Urma. “She looked after me really well and took me under her wing. She had taught me in previous years and we had a really great rapport, throughout Year 12 especially. I really enjoyed working with her.” Banting says that through Rowing she has met some of her closest friends, and admits she may not have forged those friendships had she not discovered a common love of Rowing with the girls in the Co-curricular program. “Rowing is where I formed friendships with some of my best friends; you spend so much time training together. You become friends with people who you thought you might never cross paths with throughout school. But that’s the great thing about a sport like Rowing; it brings people together from lots of different backgrounds.

“And it was the same with the flute too. I went overseas on the European Music Tour and that was another great opportunity to meet people that were very different to me. “I really enjoyed all of those different aspects to school. It keeps it interesting and you meet so many diverse people.” In 2012, Banting began a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne while at the same time continuing to compete in Rowing. In 2013, she won a silver medal for Victoria at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival and also came second in the Youth Eights at the U21 National Championships. Later in the year, Banting was coxing for the National U23 Eights, which ran a creditable fourth competing in Austria at the World Rowing Championships. When they returned to Europe and the same event in 2014, the team came fourth again, a hair’s breadth from winning a place on the dais. A hectic way of life seems to suit Banting just fine, but even she has had to draw the line recently, with a three-month intensive training stint in Canberra with the Senior Women’s Eights putting paid to her plans to commence a doctor of medicine degree this year. But the reward could be very special indeed. If her Eights team can finish in the top five at the World Championships, it will qualify them to row at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. For someone who took her time to warm to the sport, that would indeed complete a remarkable transformation.

" Rowing is where I formed friendships with some of my best friends; you spend so much time training together. You become friends with people who you thought you might never cross paths with throughout school."

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ALUMNAE PROFILE

Jennifer Brown (2006)

When Genazzano Alumna and former boarder, Jennifer Brown (2006) was completing her VCE nearly a decade ago, she received first and second round offers for visual and graphic arts at Monash University. However, she accepted entry to a double degree, Industrial Design and International Studies at University of Technology in Sydney. During that time, and along with sorting out some of her asthma problems, Jen also qualified as a ski instructor for young children at Mount Hotham and worked in the holidays at Big White in Canada, and Aspen in Colorado. At University, Jen found some of the structured designs tedious, so she brightened her interests with art courses at the Julian Ashton Art School. During the International Studies part of her University course, Jen did a twelve month exchange at Fribourg, Switzerland. Jen chose this University because it gave her the opportunity to brush up on her French, as well as her studies in German, and a little Spanish thrown in. For the Industrial Design part of her course, Jen did another University exchange for six months in Delft, Holland. After returning to Sydney and completing her fourth and final year at UTS, Jen worked for one year with a start-up company called YoYo Button, who designed surveys in apps. Jen then decided that to join large design companies, she needed to have her Masters. With appropriate courses difficult to find in Australia, Jen applied and was accepted back at Delft, Holland. For a little time while in Delft, Jen continued to do part-time work online for YoYo Button. During the long European University mid-year break, Jen scored an eight-week fully paid internship with a design company in Sydney, which also contributed points toward her Delft Masters course.

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Recently, for her Delft University group project, Jen has worked on designing prosthetic equipment for people in Colombia. Jen says, “My team and I worked for a Dutch company that set up social enterprises around the world and we worked on a product-service system for the Colombia context. We designed the equipment to make prostheses using a new (and already tested) technology. We also designed a service and business around it, so it fit into the Colombian healthcare system. There are a huge number of amputees in Colombia and many of them don’t have access to prosthesis because the healthcare and insurance system is most often corrupt. We’ve done extensive research into why existing lowcost prostheses don’t work in the Colombian system, and we’re doing it better. Our productservice system is designed so that low-income people in rural areas will have better access to quality prostheses. Three people from my team travelled to Colombia to test our prototype and validate the viability of our business model. The company we are working for will implement the product-service system in the next phase.”

Designing prosthetic equipment using new technology to help those in need.

Jen was among the first three of her group to visit Colombia (covered by the Foundation), working twelve hours every day to get the project going (and brushing up on her Spanish). The group also designed a crowd funding website to cover some of their material, prototype and testing costs – which has now been successfully achieved. Jen and her team were also extremely excited to have Delft University report their project on the University website. Now to complete her Masters, Jen must do a six-month industry-based research design project and she gained an internship with Bupa in London. The stream of Industrial Design that Jen enjoys and has specialised in is quite new and not in Australia yet, so we look forward to what else this amazing trail blazer can achieve!

Jennifer Brown (bottom left) with her Delft University project group.

Alumnae Graduates the Next Generation of Doctors On Saturday 6 December 2014, Jessica De Bortoli (2007), Melissa Kelly (2003), Angela Ryan (2006), and Lauren Smith (2007) graduated from the inaugural cohort of the Doctor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne. All of the admirable Genazzano Alumnae graduates have now begun working as doctors in various fields and institutions and we wish them all the very best with their careers in Medicine.

Alumnae Graduates Left to Right: Lauren Smith (2007) Jessica De Bortoli (2007) Melissa Kelly (2003) Angela Ryan (2006)

Catherine Worsnop’s Wedding Catherine Worsnop’s wedding to John Etty-Leal on Saturday 28 February at Xavier Chapel was the most wonderful and amazing ceremony, full to the brim with relatives and friends wishing the couple well. There was a beautiful choir and Catherine’s brother, James, led the singing which was outstanding. It was such a happy occasion for Catherine, the Alumnae President and Vice President of OXAGEN, along with her new husband John, the Treasurer for OXAGEN. It was an occasion they and their families will treasure forever!

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Class of 1985 Reunion

The Class of 1985 held their 30 Year Reunion on Saturday 21 March, 2015, at the Terminus Hotel in Abbotsford. A group of ladies also attended a College Tour prior to the reunion and had a great time wandering the corridors and reminiscing about their days at Gen. The night was a huge success and enjoyed by all 52 attendees; it was a great testament to the school and the friendships formed there. The Class of 1985 should stay tuned for another reunion in five years, as a decade was clearly too long a wait!

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Community News We remember prayerfully the following people who have passed away recently. Deaths

Kay Hatch (1947)

Jim Mulcahy

Eileen Baillache

wife of Robert, mother and mother-in-law of David and Carol, Adrian and Angela, Brian, Mary Louise and Sandy, Naomi (1984), Rob and Sonya, sister of William (dec), Julia (1949, dec), Caroline (1952) and Evan.

husband of Mary, brother of Betty Dixon (1949), Mary Murphy (1953), Sr Denise fcJ (1954) and Clare Riordan (1958)

mother of Beryl Miller (staff), grandmother of Susan Anderson (1998) and Michelle Miller (1999).

Georgina May Bain (1944) wife of Alex (dec), mother of Chris (dec), Andrew, Kerry (1971) and Megan (1973).

Jan Bitcon (past parent) wife of James, mother of Charles, Alexandra (2005, dec) and Sarah (2002).

Dr Peter Brown husband of Virginia Brown (Ross, 1958)

Dr Richard Case husband of Brenda (McMahon, 1947), father of Fiona (1975) and Kathryn (1977).

Yvette Chen (1993) daughter of Kit and Leslie, wife of Brendan O'Malley and mother of Finnigan.

Lisa Ciantar mother of Hayley (2014), Sally-Anne (Y10) and Melissa (Y8).

Jacqueline Cowling wife of Josh Cowling, mother of Matilda, daughter of Janet and Michael Richards, sister of Kelly (dec) dearly loved daughterin-law of Trish and Paul Cowling.

Anna Dickson (1961) wife of Arthur, mother of Simon, David and Alexandra, sister of John (dec), Margaret (1963) and Andrew.

Moussa El-Fakhri grandfather of Layla (Y11).

Mary Felstead (Gallagher, 1951) sister of Joan Bowler (1953) and Angela Burns (1958).

Isobel Giuffrida wife of Tino, mother of Daniel, former Head of Grange Hill and FCJ Companion in Mission.

Sr Mary Teresa Hennessy fcJ (1946) alumna and former member of staff.

Barbara Elizabeth Hehir (Connolly) past pupil of Vaucluse FCJ College, wife of Michael, mother of Mark, Michael, Jacinta, Genevieve, Martin, Leo, Gerard, Sophia and Benedict, sister of Sr Anne Mary Connolly, fcJ (former staff).

Patricia Naismith mother of Dianne Ward (1966) and Pamela Harrington (alumna)

Anna Mayo Norgard (Conroy, 1964) wife of Nick, sister of Christine Martin (1956, dec), Jane Carolan (1966)

Marie O’Connor

mother of Phoebe, Kate, Nick and Emmeline.

former staff at Vaucluse FCJ College, mother of Elizabeth and Anne (both alumnae) and seven other children, grandmother of 27, great-grandmother of 25.

Anne O'Keefe (1941)

Carole Prestney

Sue Hymans (Niven, 1958)

aunt of Susan Mary, Elizabeth, Karen and Jane (all alumnae).

Peter Kerrins grandfather of Bridget Connelly (Y12) and Grace Connelly (Y9).

Ellen Patricia Leonard (1936) wife of Vincent (dec), mother of Gabrielle Walsh (1964) and Michele (both alumnae), John (dec), Peter (past parent) and Bernard (dec), grandmother of Julia, Clare, Sarah, Emma, Laura, Caroline and Belinda (all alumnae).

sister of Susan Danckert (Genazzano Council member).

Lawrence John Robinson grandfather of Eugenie Dessent (Year 10).

Dorothy Santamaria former wife of Bob Santamaria and step-mother of Cristina Shannon (1957), Mary-Helen Woods (1959), Bernadette Tobin (1963), Anne McIlroy (1968), Joseph, Bob and Paul (all past parents).

William Scott

brother of Elaine Hopkins (1955).

father and father-in-law of Andrew and Vicky (current parents), grandfather of Miranda (Year 8) and Lucinda (Year7).

June Mackey

Nicholas Tonti-Filippini

Ian Alexander MacIssac

mother of Denise Falconer (1976).

Leo Maher husband of Margaret (1960) and father of Jane Maree (1982) and Catherine (1987), grandfather of Alice Alexander (2009), Lily (2012) and Chloe (2014).

son of Coralie (1938) and brother of Mary Rose (alumna).

Jai Welch husband of Rebecca (Buckley, 2003).

June McClelland wife of Frank (dec), mother of Noel (past parent), Sr Marian SSS (alumna and former staff), Julia Shackleton Fergus (1972 and former staff), Paul and Beth Draper (1968), motherin-law of Catherine (Fitzgerald, 1963), Paula, Lachlan and Mick, sister of Fr Noel Bradford SJ. Grandmother of Ruth (1995).

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Community News

Births

Weddings & Engagements

Brad Sutcliffe (staff) and Cara welcomed a daughter Cleo, born February 2015.

Josie Loughman (2002) got engaged to Daniel Tutton in October 2014 at Axil Coffee Roasters, owned by Zoe Delany (2002) and husband David Makin.

Kate McKenzie (staff) welcomed a grandson Kelly, born February 2015. Mary Miller (staff) welcomed a grandson Tomo, born February 2015.

Jessica Reifschneider (2002) married Andrew Hergott at Myponga Beach Adelaide, on 13 December 2014.

Allirra King (2002) and Nick Duffy welcomed a daughter Emma Louisa, born October 2014.

Virginia West (2002) married Andrew Hughes on 1 November 2014.

1 Marriage – Virginia West 2 Marriage – Tom Coolledge 3 Marriage – Jessica Reifschneider 4 Engagement – Josie Loughman 5 Birth – Emma Louisa Duffy 6 Birth – Kelly McKenzie 7 Birth – Sophie Ella Henneman 8 Birth – Archer David Constantinou 9 Birth – Emily Grace 10 Birth – Cleo Sutcliffe

Tom Coolledge (staff) married Tess Alexis at the International of Brighton on 6 March 2015.

Olivia Constantinou (Freemantle, 2002) and David welcomed a son Archer David, born September 2014. Catherine Henneman (Virgou, 2002) and Damian welcomed a daughter Sophie Ella, born October 2014. Claire Andrewartha (staff) and David welcomed a daughter Emily Grace, born March 2015.

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Inspiring stories start here

Enrol now in our co-educational ELC 3 and 4 year old kindergarten program. Visit genazzano.vic.edu.au/enrolment or contact our registrar on 03 8862 1000.

301 Cotham Road Kew VIC 3101

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Genazzano Mothers’ Association DEBBIE O’HALLOR AN GMA PRESIDENT

At the end of 2014, the GMA were proud to hand over a cheque to the College for $75,000 as a result of fundraising efforts throughout the year. I would like to once again thank all of those involved in the various fundraising activities. We look forward to continuing to support the College in its activities this year and work towards building friendships throughout our year level events and various functions. 2015 began with a Year 12 Parent/Daughter Paella Night held on the eve of the first day back. Coordinated by the Year 12 Class Reps, this has become a tradition with over 200 parents, girls and members of staff enjoying the beautiful weather and fabulous food on the grounds overlooking the Madeleine Centre for Music and the Performing Arts. The three morning teas both at the Kew Campus and All Hallows were once again very well attended and enjoyed by all. It is wonderful to see so many new faces at our College and it is always great to catch up with our friends after the summer holidays. The new GMA committee for 2015 have already supported the College in many activities. They work tirelessly to make sure everything we are involved in runs smoothly. The executive committee and coordinators are:

Other dates have been set for the year. Please see below:

Vice President Early Years, Clare Hughes Vice President Middle Years, Karen King

GMA Ball Saturday 29 August

Vice President Later Years, Cathy Frawley Secretary, Jenny Moscatelli

GMA Father’s Day Stall (Grange Hill) Thursday 3 September

Assistant Secretary, Marie-Anne Fitt Treasurer, Lisa Scully In mid-February, GenWelcomes was again a beautiful night. We started with a lovely Mass at OLGC celebrated by Fr. Brendan, followed by a dinner celebration. We experienced gourmet food within the stunning venue of our own circular drive, great music from The DeGenerates, and most importantly, over 600 parents and guests who soaked up the magical atmosphere and had a fantastic time!

GMA AGM Monday 9 November

Our 70 Class Reps from ELC to Year 12 have enjoyed their first meetings of the year and the level of enthusiasm is incredible. They are organising Year level functions across the whole year to make sure that all parents have the opportunity to come along. Our Class Reps are supported by our Class Rep Coordinators: Senior Years, Sonya Morrissey Middle Years, Libby Meaden Junior Years, Adriana Bianco Planning has begun for this year’s GMA Ball, to be held on Saturday 29 August. The GMA Ball is the greatest social and fundraising event of the year. Please mark this date in your diary as high importance!

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Please feel welcome to come to any of our day or evening meetings – an agenda is sent out prior to each meeting, so contact Debbie O’Halloran via GMA.President@genazzano.vic.edu.au.

Genazzano Fathers’ Association ROB BISCHOF GFA PRESIDENT

The year began with a great turnout of more than 50 dads at the GFA Greetings event on 13 February, a time to enjoy a gourmet BBQ and refreshments courtesy of the GFA. The venue was the Courtyard near the location of ‘The Fathers’ Steps’ and afforded the opportunity to welcome GFA Fathers into the new year, and for both old and new dads from all year levels to get to know each other.

The GFA theme for 2015 is, ‘On a Journey Together’, and we certainly are looking forward to the many opportunities ahead for us all to share some really special times with our daughters through their formative years, and along with other Gen dads and the College community, make a real difference for our girls.

“Remember, to be a Father is a gift, to be a Genazzano dad is a rare privilege that we celebrate by Loving, Laughing and Making a Difference.”

In Term 1 we have all seen tremendous progress in the building of 'The Fathers' Steps' over the past few months, and with anticipated completion early in Term 2, this will be a fitting testimony to the mighty efforts of every Father that has supported the GFA and College in any way – a gift to our girls of today and tomorrow from all Genazzano dads; past, present and future. So far in 2015, we have also enjoyed GFA Father/Daughter masses for ELC to Year 4 and Years 9 to 12. Both occasions were well attended as daughters invited their dads, mums, grandparents and siblings into their College to share both the spiritual side of life and show their families around their ‘second home’. The GFA army of volunteers continued to make its presence felt at GFA events and in support of the outstanding events organised by the College, which have included GenWelcomes and Open Day. We look forward early in Term 2 to the final Father/Daughter Mass (Years 5 to 8) for 2015, and Father/Daughter Camps for Years 5/6 and Year 8 students. These are events that will provide a unique opportunity to build on already strong relationships between the girls and their dads. On Monday 11 May, we held our 4th annual Winemaker's Dinner at Yiannis Tavern; with magnificent Greek cuisine to complement our premium GFA wines, together with a traditional Greek band for our enjoyment. It was a fabulous night. In this, my 17th year as a Genazzano parent and current President of the GFA, it gives me a feeling of tremendous privilege and pride to be part of an amazing and dynamic group of committed Fathers that make up the GFA.

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The Sound of Music CL AIRE WARRILLOW ( YEAR 12)

One of the most exciting and highly anticipated events of the Genazzano calendar is undoubtedly the annual Musical, in collaboration with Xavier College. This year came with great expectations as both Colleges celebrated the 40th Gen/Xavier production. An iconic choice of musical was made with The Sound of Music. This timeless classic about the vivacious Maria and the Von Trapp family features famous tunes such as, ‘Do Re Mi’, ‘Edelweiss’ and of course, ‘Climb Every Mountain’. To capture the joy and depth of this well-loved show was no small task, but thankfully we were blessed to have had the incredible creative team from both schools including, Peter Robert (Director), Richard O’Shaughnessy (Musical Director), Andrea Hamilton (Choreographer) and Janet Dawson (Vocal Coach). Alongside these wonderful members of staff, the cast were full of enthusiasm and talent and featured Genazzano girls, Teresa Lamana (Elsa Schrader), Jacinta Ryan (Mother Abbess) and Lorena Stents (Liesl).

I was privileged to undertake the role of Maria – a challenge that I loved and thoroughly enjoyed in what was to be my last Genazzano/Xavier production. The part of Maria was daunting; how can anyone compete with the classic performance of Julie Andrews? But having the wonderful support and guidance of all the staff and cast, in particular Mr Robert and Ms Dawson, made this experience unforgettable. The rehearsal process began in October 2014 and culminated in a busy week of dress rehearsals and performances in February 2015. The cast, crew and staff worked tirelessly to create the world of 1930’s Austria on the EHPAC stage at Xavier. The music was, at times, difficult but the reward of hearing a cast of 50 students sing 6 part harmonies in Latin ensured we stayed motivated! Our hard work was rewarded, when the show sold out two weeks prior to opening. The magic of performing to a full house each evening was truly inspiring for the cast, making it a memorable and breath-taking week.

The experience of being in three Genazzano/ Xavier Musicals (Beauty and the Beast, 2013 and Seussical 2014) has been a highlight of my time at the College. As I hope to pursue Musical Theatre as a career, my involvement in these productions has been so important to me and truly life changing. The opportunity to perform and work with these incredible staff members and make such beautiful music for the community is something that every student involved will always cherish.

“The experience of being in three Genazzano/Xavier Musicals has been a highlight of my time at the College. As I hope to pursue Musical Theatre as a career, my involvement in these productions has been so important to me and truly life changing.”

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Hopetoun Hall L AUREN KENNEDY DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

This year, we welcomed boarders to Hopetoun Hall from around Australia and overseas. The start of the year is always a very exciting and nervous time for our girls, especially our new boarders.

Supported by their families and dedicated staff, all boarders settle into life in the boarding house enabling them to enjoy the many educational and co-curricular opportunities on offer at the College.

There are a number of orientation and induction opportunities for new boarders, designed to support them make a smooth transition into boarding school life.

Our Boarding Captain, Alice Kelly and Boarding Prefect, Catie Nesbitt have prepared a report below on our 2015 Boarder’s Closed Weekend.

The ‘Closed Weekend’ is one very important induction event for all boarders held at the start of the year. This weekend includes team activities, crafts and an outing. The goal is for all girls to get to know one another and have some fun. Daily life at Hopetoun Hall involves all girls travelling to and from school by tram and participating in the many co-curricular activities on offer at the College. Meals are shared together and our girls attend Mass at Our Lady of Victories Basilica each weekend. Throughout Term 1, the boarders have been involved in a number of activities including, a BBQ and Mass with Xavier boarders, and attendance at the Genazzano and Xavier performance of The Sound of Music.

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‘‘2015 started off with a bang in the boarding house. A week after our 40 boarders moved into the house, the Annual Closed Weekend was held. The purpose of this event is to create opportunities for all girls to form bonds with each other, get a grasp of city life and have some fun. The dress up theme chosen by the Senior boarders was ‘Barbies v Bogans’. This was well received by all and created an exciting atmosphere in the House prior to the event as girls began designing their costumes. There were lots of creative and enjoyable activities throughout the night that introduced the girls to one another and the fun nature of Hopetoun Hall. Saturday morning was an early start, with a quick bus trip around the city to show all of our new boarders the many sights of Melbourne.

There are a number of orientation and induction opportunities for new boarders, designed to support them make a smooth transition into boarding school life. We arrived at Luna Park, where we eagerly headed to the rides – the scenic railway was definitely a favorite for all. After the adventures at Luna Park we trekked back to St. Kilda beach where stand-up paddle boarding lessons awaited us. Despite some nerves and uncertainty we were all practically ‘professionals’ by the end of the session. Most had nailed standing up on the boards, while others had excelled in yoga and head stands whilst balancing. A good hour and a half later, we jumped back onto the bus satisfied with our achievements and the new friendships that we had formed. This weekend was a great way for all boarders, particularly the new ones, to interact and bond with one another; learning names and hidden talents of the new and old alike.’’

Past Mothers’ Association— Staying Connected! PAM RICARDO PAST MOTHERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

The Genazzano FCJ College family is a fantastic community and one that isn’t only limited to our daughter’s time attending the College, but for life! Parents, past and present, are a vital part of this community and we would love for you to be a part of it. Whether your daughter left Genazzano last year or 25 years ago, the Past Mothers’ Association is a great way to remain connected to the College community, catch up with old friends and meet others that enjoy being part of the Genazzano family, even if their girls have left the school. The Past Mothers’ Association provides opportunities for past mothers of the College to continue their association with Genazzano by interacting with each other and the College for mutual benefit and enjoyment. As mothers and members of the Genazzano community, you have had vital interaction with the College and we would like to maintain these strong links with you, so we can also keep you informed of developments. Similarly, you may have ideas and suggestions of value to the College. The Genazzano Past Mother’s Association is a small but enthusiastic group that intends to get together regularly at functions such as the Annual Mothers’ Day Lunch, Annual College Ball, Caulfield Race Day, Past Mothers’ Luncheon and Christmas Get Together. The activities and events are supported by the College Advancement Office. Appropriate events will be planned, to which you will be warmly invited to attend. All activities and events undertaken will be in line with the direction from the College.

The Past Mothers’ Association aims to provide opportunities for past mothers of the College to continue their association with Genazzano by interacting with each other and the College for mutual benefit and enjoyment.

If you are interested in becoming involved, have any other suggestions or simply would like to attend a particular function please do not hesitate to contact me on 0457 252 665.

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Friends of Sport JOHN KING CHAIR, GENA ZZ ANO FRIENDS OF SPORT

2015 – “Our aim is greater physical activity for all.” This year commenced with the usual strong commitment to the many sports on offer at Genazzano including, Rowing, Tennis, Swimming, Diving, Indoor Cricket, Softball and Triathlon – to name but a few. Other sports supported by our parent groups have begun the necessary planning to be prepared for the start of their Sports’ season. Netball trials have been held and teams posted with more than 430 students involved. The parent support group for Snowsports has already met to begin planning for the season. Last year, Friends of Sport (FOS) focused on ‘promoting greater physical activity’ and included injury prevention and sporting pathways in life after school. It is clear that more work is required in these areas with particular attention to the continued promotion of physical activity. Therefore, in preparation for the 2015 school year, the FOS began planning in December 2014 with the aim of improving the feedback to the school and offering suggestions to add value to existing programs. This may include raising awareness of possible new opportunities to encourage greater physical activity by ALL students; not just the students who are already enthusiastically involved in many school sports. With the Director of Sport and College Sports Co-Captains, we have begun to investigate areas where we can offer support to the school community to improve the use of facilities. This may enable students to participate in physical activities in ways where they might have felt reluctant to do so in the past.

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To enable the committee to add value and present opportunities to the school we have commenced some research into students’ physical activity and its correlation to student wellbeing, performance and motivation towards their academic achievements. This research is in four parts and includes: • Use of available data • General surveys • Questions raised and • Higher level research conducted by Catherine Brandon, Director of Programs, Research and Performance at Genazzano. These findings have now been collated and our results will be presented shortly. The recent Junior State Championships Regatta, co-hosted by Genazzano, was an outstanding success thanks to the hard work and long hours provided by the parents together with the support of key College staff. It was a great representation of our College and the strength of parent support. The FOS group warmly acknowledge and congratulate the Rowing committee on the success of the event. It is clear that Rowing continues to enjoy great support from all involved. Providing opportunities to those students who wish to experience Rowing but cannot be selected in the formal Rowing Squad continues to be a discussion point. The College Rowing Committee is aware of this and it will receive further consideration moving forward. Participating in sports without having to necessarily ‘make the team’ is a general area of great interest to the FOS and will be considered across all sports and physical activities currently available. Information gathered will be used to raise new opportunities to support students in this regard.

With the Director of Sport and College Sports Co-Captains, we have begun to investigate areas where we can offer support to the school community to improve the use of facilities. This may enable students to participate in physical activities in ways where they might have felt reluctant to do so in the past.

The FOS Committee are motivated to providing constructive useful feedback and ideas to the College. As we progress this year, we want to improve the performance of the committee by encouraging a greater spread of parents to join us along with representations from some of the major sports at Genazzano. Currently 90% of active committee members have a daughter in Year 9 or above. Meanwhile, we are sourcing a guest speaker for the annual Celebration of Sport Evening held in October.

Two Sisters Share the Early Learning Centre Experience Together JUDY JOHNSTON DIRECTOR EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

The Genazzano Early Learning Centre educational experience began in February 2013 for 17 three year-olds and 12 four yearolds, made up of 15 little girls and 14 little boys. Our new additions to Grange Hill commenced Kindergarten with excitement and personality, coupled with some trepidation. Skipping into class each morning, their sometimes noisy exchanges and obliviousness to the older students already deep in learning, was indeed a delight and the sight of boys in our College grounds and uniform was a joy. Amongst our first arrivals were three families with a Genazzano connection. One child in particular, Evanthia, was the daughter of two current and long-serving staff members in the Senior School. Their younger daughter, Yianna, was a toddler at the time, but also booked in to the ELC and ready to commence in 2014. Great faith was placed in the ELC in those early days, by all families. Being a new Early Learning Centre, we had yet to build a reputation. The fact that we received full enrolments in our second year for ELC 3 and now full enrolments for our ELC 4 is a testament to the passionate and hardworking teaching staff, who endeavor to gain the trust of every family, collaborating closely with parents to ensure the happiness and rounded education of their children. At Genazzano’s ELC, we place great emphasis on the importance of positive ‘settling in’ periods and transition programs for each child. Each year, new families to the ELC receive a home visit in the first weeks of February to support and strengthen bonds between teacher and child. This also allows a relaxed opportunity for conversation with each child’s parents or guardians. I remember my home visit to Evanthia in February 2013. With a beautiful Greek family culture, Evanthia and her sister Yianna spoke only Greek to their mum, and only English to their dad and I. We spent time visiting Evanthia and Yianna’s shared bedroom, their playthings, and the family vegetable garden, which included an abundance of tomatoes that were picked for me to take home. Then we sat in the front lounge and had morning tea with special Greek delicacies as we chatted about the girls and what to expect at the ELC. One of the joys of attending Genazzano’s ELC for Evanthia was walking to Kindergarten each day across the beautiful College gardens and chatting to mum or dad about her excitement for the day ahead.

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On some occasions, Evanthia was brought to Kinder by her special teacher friends – Jo Saville (Curriculum Leader of Creative Arts) or Cathy Jenkins (Deputy College Principal). Being a ‘Gen Girl’ came instinctively to Evanthia; wearing the uniform, attending the College each week with her parents, and moving confidently around the College zones. Then there were the special Genazzano events to participate in. Gen Day early in Term 2 was a time of growing confidence for our ELC children who were keen participants. The children dressed up for Gen Day and attended the main event in Centenary Hall, then picnicked near the Madeleine Centre for Music and the Performing Arts, where the sounds of the band music floated through the air while the children enjoyed morning tea.

Every Kinder day was full of engaging and rich learning in a warm, safe and supportive environment. Evanthia talked often during her Kinder days about being a ‘Gen Girl’ and looking forward to being in Prep. During 2014, now that Evanthia had progressed into the ELC 4 program and was attending four days a week, it was time for her sister, Yianna to join the program. Yianna became an ELC 3 girl and her transition was seamless. Now in 2015, Evanthia has completed her Early Childhood Education and is now a proud and confident Prep girl. Her sister Yianna is now an ELC 4 girl and thriving in the new found leader role of being part of the older Kinder kids at our ELC.

1 Evanthia with friends, Zara and Imogen. 2 Yianna cooking with Oliver. 3 Evanthia and Yianna at school together. 4 Yianna enjoying her art creation.

A big thank you to Penelope Karasavidis and Bill Acklin for the great honour of entrusting us with your daughters, and for the joy we have shared in their journey of early learning. We rejoice at the knowledge that we can continue a friendship as both girls grow and move through their Genazzano College life together. We will be there at their Year 12 graduations in 2027 and 2028! MAY/JUNE 2015 3 9

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Reunions in 2015

2015 dates

Becoming a Genazzano girl is the beginning of a lifelong connection and reunions are a fantastic way to strengthen friendships and bonds.

Open Mornings 2015

Potential reunions to occur in 2015: • 5 Year Reunion – Class of 2010

Time: 9.30am – 11.00am Tuesday 26 May Friday 17 July Thursday 13 August Tuesday 8 September

• 10 Year Reunion – Class of 2005 • 25 Year Reunion – Class of 1990 • 35 Year Reunion – Class of 1980 • 40 Year Reunion – Class of 1975 • 45 Year Reunion – Class of 1970 The following reunions have been organised for 2015:

Alumnae Events

GLS Breakfast Wednesday 2 September Outstanding Alumnae Awards Evening Tuesday 15 September Memorial Mass Sunday Sunday 8 November

• Class of 1965‘s 50 Year Reunion Saturday 20 June • Class of 1995’s 20 Year Reunion Saturday 28 November • Class of 2014’s One Year Reunion Friday 4 December Alumnae from the peer years above will be emailed and mailed an invitation. If your class year is celebrating a milestone in 2015 and you would like to put up your hand to help organise your reunion, please contact the Alumnae Relations Manager on 8862 1200 or via email: alumnae@genazzano.vic.edu.au. The Alumnae Relations Manager will support organising committees by providing promotional and organisational support including: class lists, invitation design and mail out, venue and catering suggestions, online and print promotion, plus financial support.

Alumnae Playgroup

A facilitated co-educational playgroup for Alumnae and friends will commence in Term 3. The Playgroup will be held on Wednesday mornings in Grange Hill Hall. Please register your interest by emailing the Alumnae Relations Manager: alumnae@genazzano.vic.edu.au

Volunteers Needed

The Friends of Romania and The Philippines need your help to keep their Christmas Cake Project in support of the FCJ Missions alive. Many and varied volunteer roles available with the main baking period 17 September to 1 October 2015. Enquiries to Julie Chamberlin 9853 6527.

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2015 Annual Giving Building our future Please kindly donate by visiting our website at annualgiving.genazzano.vic.edu.au

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