Success Semester One 2020
ATHLETICS CARNIVALS SIGNAL A WELCOME RETURN TO NORMAL What a thrill to see students and staff enjoying our Junior and Senior Athletics Carnivals after a year of cancellations. Glorious weather and incredible student participation made for two very enjoyable days. Congratulations to Barrington who held the shield aloft in the Junior School and Liverpool who ran away with the win in the Senior School.
Taj (Year 6, 12 Years Age Champion) takes to the track in the relay event.
Image by Benjamin Dennis (Year 10, HVGS Photography Club)
Success is a Hunter Valley Grammar School publication. Proofreading Jennifer Long Graphic Design Sneddon & Co.
Image by Roseanna Manning Bravo (Year 12, HVGS Photography Club)
42 Norfolk St Ashtonfield NSW 2323 PO Box 458 East Maitland NSW 2323 P 02 4934 2444
E registrar@hvgs.nsw.edu.au
www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au
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Image by Heather Studdy
Image by Heather Studdy
Success 2020 Principal’s Report
REFLECTIONS OF COVID-19
Janelle Kelly, Communications and Publications Manager & Dionne Molina, Marketing Manager
It may seem unusual to find the authors of this article anyone but the Principal. When asked about our reflections of our School’s experience with COVID-19, we thought it fitting to share our observations of how our School so aptly handled a crisis nobody could have predicted, thanks to strong leadership and the courage and trust of our entire community.
Many will say ‘don’t look back’, but particularly in times of crisis, reflection is vital. It’s an integral ingredient to learn and improve, celebrate achievements and move forward.
For HVGS, our community, Australia and the world, COVID-19 was, and remains, a crisis; and will be remembered long into the future as such.
In a time when nothing is certain - except that everything is uncertain - how does a school best navigate a crisis of this proportion, particularly when the very nature of education becomes heavily politicised? How do school leaders respond and react to safeguard the health and wellbeing of students, staff and families while ensuring exceptional teaching and learning and a sense of community connectedness and calm? Reflecting on HVGS and COVID-19, we took a step back to consider our situation as observers of the School, and we saw clear and extraordinary leadership. Not just from an individual but all individuals who make up our community; our staff, our students, our families. During this crisis, our staff became leaders in innovation, and they did so in the most challenging of circumstances drawing on skills not tested before; with their students’ wellbeing and education top of mind, always. Developing a culture
of innovation at HVGS has always been essential; and this was especially apparent as the staff needed to ‘lean in’ to change and challenge, support each other intently, dare to think differently, develop and share new skills, and work in flexible new ways. When HVGS had to transition to a mixed learning platform which meant some students learning at home and some in classrooms, all options were considered. These were difficult decisions, and we saw the weight of their impact. It was the School’s responsibility to ensure that our students received continuity of quality learning necessary to keep them engaged, connected and on the path to fulfilling their goals and aspirations. To ensure the Kindy student can continue to master writing their first sentences or a Year 12 student, only months off graduating can still achieve the ATAR they have worked toward for 13 years. We didn’t ‘follow the leader’ and default to the position of other Schools outside of our context. Instead, our leaders stood by their considered and educated decisions, as real leaders do, knowing what was at stake for our students.
Our School continues to rise to the challenges that COVID-19 presents. We welcomed students back to School when other jurisdictions were paralysed to decide, we reintroduced co-curricular activities, realising the importance of such events to student wellbeing, our athletics carnivals, for example. We could be the only school in the region to run athletic carnivals in 2020, we did and we worked tirelessly to ensure they were successful. We have observed the requirements for health and wellbeing; all scenarios we never imagined would require consideration at the start of 2020. But again,
HVGS leaders stepped up. It is visible when our staff walk students to and from their classrooms knowing that parents can’t get out of vehicles. It is teachers sharing videos and photos from the classroom with parents. It is hours making online presentations to ensure families can make informed decisions about subjects choices, when parents can’t attend information sessions, and it is supporting the most vulnerable students, families and staff to learn from home when they needed to.
While the crisis has born many a leader at HVGS, it has also created a School of shining stars. From the youngest children in the ELC through to the young adults in Senior School, HVGS students have shone in their own leadership, resilience and innovation and with the support of their families and HVGS staff, transitioned back to classroom learning with great enthusiasm. Our ‘new normal’ feels much like our ‘old normal’ with classrooms and playgrounds again filled with youthful energy and vibrancy. From an observers’ view, it’s clear that leadership and success during a crisis at HVGS is a group effort. No matter whether you lead the School, a year, a class or a household, everyone has a paddle in the canoe.
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Success 2020 Thrive
BACK IN MY DAY Celebrating 30 Years
In 1989 a group of passionate people had the vision and tenacity to take on the enormous task of creating an institution of excellence, where the children of our region could flourish. They promised a school that would provide opportunities for all students to reach their full potential. They imagined Hunter Valley Grammar School. The newly appointed Principal, Mr John Weeks told prospective parents; ‘An innovative teaching/learning environment will provide students from Kindergarten to Year 12 with a challenging, disciplined continuum of educational experiences designed to bring out the best in every student.’ At our heart, not a lot has changed…
We were interested to hear from some of our past students about their experience of days gone by. Chris Henry (1996), Lisa Littlewood and Logan (2000) and Pip Francis (2001) shared their reflections.
Favourite memories of HVGS?
The best years of my life! Developing the friendships, embracing rapid change and experiencing a learning environment that was so excited about growth. I loved the school camps, the sport, and social aspects of the School. The integrity of the people was amazing and experiencing the raw transformation of the students was incredible Chris I clearly remember my parents bringing me to the empty lot before the School was built and seeing the 3D model of the School – I was really excited about coming to HVGS once it was built. My orientation day for Year 7 was great because the School matched me up with a friend who already attended the School, and then the first day of Year 7 I was put into Watagan house, in 7H with Mr Kermode, who remains one of the best teachers I’ve ever had! Lisa
Enrolling your kids at the school… My husband and I had always talked about sending any children we had to HVGS, in fact we looked for rural properties in proximity to the School for three years before finding our current home and made the tree change in 2014, moving from Darby Street, Newcastle to Buttai. I was confident that HVGS was the best school for my children. Lisa
There was no question that HVGS was the best choice for us. Coming back to HVGS felt like coming home and we have received a lovely welcome from the HVGS community. It was wonderful to see many familiar faces, including long-standing staff and other previous students who now had children at the School. Logan and Pip
Read the whole story on our website
THEN & NOW:
Number of Students 1990 – 112 | 2020 - 1184
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Number of Staff 1990 – 14 | 2020 - 189
Number of Classrooms 1990 – 12 | 2020 – 98
Success 2020 Thrive
1990 athletics age champions
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1996 B
1990 First IBM compu ters arrive
Presentation Night 1990
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Success 2020 Learn
SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT Sarah Bilton-Smith – Director of the Early Learning Centre The Early Learning Centre children and educators were eager to enter the Scarecrow Competition for this year’s Maitland Show. The theme for exhibits was The Land. Engagement with the local community is extremely valuable for young children, as they begin to demonstrate their connection with and contribution to the world around them. Reflecting on the recent bush fires that affected so many people, we decided to make a firefighter scarecrow. This was to honour and thank all the men and women of the Rural Fire Service who had worked tirelessly to protect our land.
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Early Learning Centre educators view children as confident and capable learners. They worked alongside children throughout this process to foster creativity, imagination, discussion, research and co-construct learning. Their research and discussion led to the sharing of ideas, which inspired and guided this meaningful project.
Bringing ideas to life Educators supported children to use a variety of repurposed and natural materials in our design; facilitating their understanding of sustainability and resourcefulness.
As our scarecrow began to take form, it was interesting to see the children’s views and perspectives change. They demonstrated autonomy and confidence as they added their unique elements to the design through his face, clothes and embellishments. Firefighter Fred is quite the achievement. The children’s sense of pride and accomplishment was evident through the many requests for photos and family introductions. Fred makes a beautiful addition to the Early Learning Centre’s vegetable garden.
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVERS 2019 Part of the tradition at the beginning of each academic year is for the Senior School to recognise and acclaim the HSC students from the previous year who achieved excellent results in their HSC, and to name the Dux based on ATAR results. This year, we had to cancel the ceremony after a severe storm hit the School causing a full school closure to undertake the clean-up. We pay tribute and offer our sincere congratulations to the students we were unable to congratulate in person. Please also enjoy a selection of student profiles written by some of the Distinguished Achievers who share their stories about life after school. Congratulations to the following students who were named on the NSW Education Standards Authority Distinguished Achievers List. Julian Alley Georgia Anderson Alice Arnott Grace Beavis Kyla Borghero Chishan Burch Joshua Cox Jacinta Dockrill Abbey Donaldson James Gill Keenan Groves Jasmin Harvey Alannah Hawkes Jack Holmes Olivia Jones Ivy Korlevic-Spruce Rebecca Levick Luke Lewis Katrina Lukeman
DUX OF 2019
Nathaniel Lynn Edward Marion Deanna Mayled Isabella McGavin Anneliese Menday Alyssa Mitchell Darcy Molan Anya Morris Mackenzie Murphy Alexandra Myers Krishna Nagarajan Jordan Pike Nabeeha Rana Sydney Redgrove Amelia Ross Tanya Swinton Sahara Tu Peta van Camp Oscar Varley
REBECCA LEVICK (99.30)
istinguished Voices
The Class of 2019 should be enjoying all the new beginnings and experience life after school brings. We caught up with five of our Distinguished Achievers to hear more about how things have changed for them since they left school in an uncertain climate.
MACKENZIE MURPHY
SYDNEY REDGROVE
When some things change, but some stay the same…
When you know you made the right choice...
I was upset when my time at HVGS came to an end. Through the chaos of the final year, the sudden freedom was a shock to the system. However, I was looking forward to getting started with life beyond the school gates.
As my school years began to close, I found myself trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life! My first preference was to study a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at the University of Newcastle. Despite the high admission mark and a competitive field, I was ecstatic to be offered a place.
I was selected into my course of choice, and am working through a trying, but rewarding, four-year Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business (Honours) double degree at the University of Newcastle. This had been the goal for me for as long as I can remember. I continue to live with my family and alpacas in Maitland. Living on campus did cross my mind, but the thought of leaving Mum’s cooking and the alpacas reaffirmed my decision to stay home for now. HVGS was a place of tremendous growth. My fondest memories are the Vietnam service trip and the School’s production of Grease. I cannot wait to get back to university face-to-face. As much as I love university in my pyjamas, the constant reminder that my microphone is turned off is starting to get to me!
The first couple of weeks on campus were very exciting, and each day I felt more assured that I had chosen the right career path. Learning is practical, hands-on and fast-paced. Day one had us practising skills on our peers, so we got to know each other very quickly! The move to online study has been particularly challenging as we cannot access the anatomy labs with cadavers, nor can we study for or complete our Physiotherapy Skills practical exams. When I look ahead four years from now, I hope to have a degree and some clinical experience either in a hospital, private practice or possibly a Defence Force base. I am also aspiring to potentially do some work providing treatment with Red Cross Australia.
ISABELLA MCGAVIN
OSCAR VARLEY
KYLA BORGHERO
When all your plans change…
When dreams take you interstate…
When new beginnings are interrupted…
Just prior to the HSC I was accepted into a musical theatre college in New York City. I fully expected to be heading to the “Big Apple” and to be studying there for the next two to eight years. Unfortunately, everything changed, and suddenly the path I thought would start my future, was closed off. I am pursuing my music career independently, and have a new goal to move to Melbourne at the end of 2020.
I’ve always had big dreams, so despite my New York setback, I still see myself performing to an international audience doing what I love and inspiring others.
I am so thankful for the creatives in the Music and Drama faculties at HVGS, and for the opportunity to join the European cultural tour. It was an amazing experience, making new friends, seeing incredible places and enjoying magical experiences – to have that opportunity at the age of 15 really was something else.
The last time things felt “normal” was when I was still back at school.
I left HVGS, knowing that I had everything I needed to start this new chapter of my life away from home. Receiving my acceptance to study at one of the country’s best universities – ANU – was my 2019 highlight. I set off on my journey to Canberra, and it felt like a dream come true. Canberra is a great place to live, and I’ve enjoyed living at Fenner Hall (a residence hall). I hope to go back ASAP. I am home for now doing my study online, which is very chaotic but getting better. The future is quite unclear right now, but studying is very much keeping me focused and will take up a large part of my time over the next few years as I work through my degree. Thank you to my mentor Mrs White. She is one of the cherished people who propelled me into my next life chapter with the readiness I needed.
The most challenging thing about being back at home for the moment is knowing that all of my HVGS friends are so close, but we can’t all catch up! An offer to study a Bachelor of Design/ Media (PR and Advertising) at the University of New South Wales, took me to Sydney and a new home on campus at Basser College. I was busy meeting new people and immersing myself in university life when my short time on campus was interrupted. I am patiently awaiting the return of business as usual for university. Online studies are manageable, but cannot compare to face-to-face learning, particularly for design subjects, which are usually taught at UNSW’s dedicated Art and Design Campus in Paddington. I dearly miss all the fantastic people from HVGS – teachers, staff and, of course, my friends. I hope everyone is staying well during these unusual times.
uture Forward
Ignoring the process of career development occurring in childhood is similar to a gardener disregarding the quality of the soil in which a garden will be planted.* Today’s workplace is ever-changing and complex, with a huge array of employment opportunities for our graduates. However, for many young people, navigating their way through a career path that fulfils their personal and professional needs and goals can be difficult and overwhelming. HVGS students leave us armed with a plethora of valuable educational experiences and ambitions. Helping students access their desired career, while also ensuring that they possess the necessary industry and soft skills required to thrive in their chosen path, requires specialist attention and purposeful structures. The HVGS Futures and Careers Framework provides the structure to support students to thrive beyond the school gates in the everchanging world of work. Careers education and Futures education – what is the difference? The difference between Futures education and Careers education is nuanced. Futures education takes a holistic approach to life after HVGS as staff and students seek to develop and lean upon the critical thinking skills taught in every classroom, utilising these skills to support students as they look at options through the emerging lens of adulthood. These activities might range from interview techniques to the writing of resumes through to the study of personal finance management. The Careers focus provides targeted experiences for individual students to engage with, and access, their selected career pathway. These experiences are designed to support students in defining their path and might include completing work experience in a field of interest or engaging with experts through virtual reality headsets, for example. This progression ensures that students make appropriate course decisions and meet the requirements needed to access their chosen employment, TAFE course or university degree pathway. Why should students engage with Careers and Futures education? Schools must engage with students in Futures and Careers education from a young age. This insight is shared by leading industry and
tertiary education professionals who support the notion of career-based conversations commencing in primary school. The benefits of students engaging with career-related learning are extensive; shifting preconceived biases regarding occupations and roles within various industries, broadening an individual’s horizons and sparking curiosity. HVGS Futures and Careers Counsellor Mr Scott Warnock has developed a Futures Framework purpose-built for the HVGS context. The framework recognises and adapts to the needs of our students and at its core supports students who know their exact career pathway, while also catering for those students who draw a blank on what to do next. “My role is multifaceted and starts with supporting all students in accessing their potential futures and careers pathways,” he says. “I seek to challenge students to access opportunities that they may not have considered as well as counselling students to explore a pathway in which they can flourish.”
Senior students can connect with Scott through a variety of platforms, but most get to know him via an initial year level career discussion. Topics for Year 12 students may include specific state, national and international tertiary education options as well as possible scholarship opportunities, university accommodation and apprenticeship prospects. For other year groups, sessions might entail futuristic opportunities for this generation of learners. Sessions are followed up with individual consultations for students and parents. How HVGS supports Futures and Careers education for students HVGS provides a range of opportunities for students, and the School’s commitment to the HSC, International Baccalaureate and bespoke pathways highlights how we are supporting globally minded, inquiring students. In 2020, we are offering a record number of Technical and Vocational Education
and Training positions through TAFE as well as supporting several students to complete School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships in Business Services, Health Services and Retail. By supporting our students in these endeavours, alongside increasing our connection with HVGS alumni through work experience opportunities, we continue to strive to provide a futurefocused learning experience, which is the catalyst for a love of life-long learning. * Niles, S. G., and Harris-Bowlsbey, J. (2017). Career Development Interventions. (5th ed.). Toronto: Pearson.
MEET MR SCOTT WARNOCK Scott joined Hunter Valley Grammar School in 2018. He is an English and Humanities teacher. As Futures and Careers Counsellor, Scott enjoys working with all staff to motivate identified students to find purpose and real-world connections to their learning. Outside of school, he is mostly found on his five-acre hobby farm cultivating a productive kitchen garden or preparing meals for family and friends with his wife, Mrs Alexandria Warnock, who is a HVGS Geography teacher and Acting Head of Year 7.
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Success 2020 Learn Nurture
SHORT AND SWEET Junior School friends Adam Mills and Jack Ryan had a close shave this year but it was all for a good cause.
“Last year I lost a special family member to leukaemia,” he says. “This was my way to help.”
The Year 6 boys were sporting shaved heads after a close encounter with clippers set to number one for the World’s Greatest Shave.
Jack has been a long supporter of the World’s Greatest Shave. This is Jack’s third year fundraising for this noble cause, raising just over $2000 in 2018 and 2019 combined.
With a goal to raise $2000, they far exceeded their expectations, smashing their target by more than $1000. The $3003.98 raised will now be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation in the fight to conquer blood cancer.
“I was initially inspired (and a little freaked out) after my dad shaved his head a few years back [for the charity]. I wanted to do that too and raise money and awareness as well.”
Adam’s involvement in the World’s Greatest Shave was a deeply personal one.
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Not only will Adam and Jack’s fundraising help the Leukaemia Foundation reach its goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer
by 2035, but they have built on their firm friendship through sharing this experience. Both boys are inspirational to other HVGS students and teachers in how to live the HVGS Values through action. “The boys, and those who have supported them, are great examples of our values of Compassion and Citizenship,” Head of Junior School Mr Daniel McClintock says. “More than that, given the recent cold snap, they are great examples of our IB Learner Profile – Courage!”
Success 2020 Learn
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Ella, Jack and Aidan (all in Year 6) have turned up to our interview with an iPad, a microphone and a ton of enthusiasm. They’re here to discuss their involvement in The Grammar Gazette – a student-led digital news project spreading laughter, joy and connectedness through the Junior School. The Grammar Gazette is a fortnightly news and reviews program, which is produced, filmed and edited by a team of avid Year 6 students. According to Aidan, The Grammar Gazette is a fun activity and a great way to build a sense of community and belonging among students. “The idea of The Grammar Gazette is to produce and film fun video episodes that share upcoming events for the next two
weeks with all students. We film interviews with teachers and other students, create little skits, and we talk about interesting topics, like our PYP Units of Enquiry.” Using technology to share school news creatively is an attractive lure for any student, however Ella was interested in The Grammar Gazette project through the opportunities for peer collaboration. “I wanted to be able to meet and work with other students that I might not usually get a chance to. It also looked really fun!” Ella says. Jack also enjoys the thrill of working with others to bring the next episode to the fore but concedes that it can be a lot of work, and not without challenge. “Finding new people to interview and coming up with interesting topics and things to talk
about can be hard. But it’s a team effort, so it makes it OK,” Jack says. Students are enjoying creating the content but their involvement is also developing skills that are fitting for next-generation learners as they learn to problem solve, communicate and innovate in creative ways.
SEE FOR YOURSELF Watch an episode of the Grammar Gazette here:
www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au/2020/ 03/12/lights-camera-action
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Success 2020 Thrive
CARNIVAL GOES SWIMMINGLY “We are blue, blue, blue. There is nothing we can’t do.”
House spirit was on show at the Junior School Swimming Carnival. Barrington House swam away with the win – that’s four titles in a row!
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SEE FOR YOURSELF Watch the video on our website
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Success 2020 Staff Profiles
STAFF PROFILES
FIONA DEVLIN
Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School
Specialist Music Teacher – Cello
Having arrived in the Hunter Valley from Melbourne late last year, it is fair to say that my first term at HVGS has been a unique, interesting and challenging one. I arrived with my family among the lingering thick smoke from the bushfires, to then experience a few weeks later a frightening storm that caused a full closure of the School for repairs. Shortly after that, COVID-19 hit Australia, and I once again found myself in the thick of important leadership decisions through the crisis. Welcome to the Hunter!
After growing up in London and studying at The Royal Academy of Music, I relocated to Australia in the late ’90s. For many years, I juggled a successful but hectic performing and recording career, with some wonderful teaching jobs too.
Despite the turbulent and unusual circumstances, we as a family could not be happier here. With its picturesque grounds, friendly students, dedicated and talented staff and supportive community, it is indeed quite an honour to lead such a world-class school. Before moving to HVGS, I spent many years teaching across all educational sectors, including state, Catholic and independent in both Victoria and the UK. I love teaching Science to years 7 to 10 and I specialise in teaching Biology in the senior years.
I love seeing children fall in love with music. Learning an instrument is both a magical and rewarding process for all ages. It gives children a sense of wonder and meaning, as well as longevity in a world of “quick fix”.
I am looking forward to continuing getting to know our students and families and to lead the School with care and compassion. Thank you for such a warm welcome.
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SALLY MAER
I have played in professional orchestras, such as the Sydney Symphony, and toured with all manner of pop artists. There was even a stint as a headline act on the Queen Mary 2! I was signed to ABC Classics as a solo artist and had my first album with them in 2006.
I’m passionate about passing on my knowledge and experiences, but most of all, passing on the joy music brings. HVGS has given me the warmest welcome, and I enjoy my work each day immeasurably. It’s a special privilege to be teaching here, and I’m so lucky to be working with such dedicated students and teachers.
JANELLE KELLY
PAULINE LUKS
I have been in communications, PR and marketing roles all my working life and enjoyed being part of a range of government, not-for-profit and private organisations. My roles have focused on just about anything from mining to modelling and from local council to state health. I, along with my husband, also ran a catering business and restaurant for several years.
What a welcome I’ve received to this amazing school! My role at HVGS is not only as chief people hugger but also to support, coach, engage and empower our teaching and support staff to continue to deliver incredible learning experiences for our students. I’ve enjoyed almost 20 years working in Human Resources, from global human resources teams based in London with Deloitte and Barclays Capital, to more local teams with Crowne Plaza Newcastle, the City of Newcastle, Newcastle Permanent and TAFE NSW. Working in such diverse organisations has given me huge insight into the management of people and resources.
Communications and Publications Manager
I have a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Newcastle and also have a Diploma of Graphic Design and Advertising.
Joining the HVGS team has been amazing. The staff and students are so welcoming, and I look forward to working with everyone to get some new, and fun, communication tools working for us. At home I’m kept busy by my two sons and one daughter. Both my husband and I are Newcastle locals and are happy to be working and raising our family in the Hunter.
I love to travel and have visited many baseball fields (for hubby) and many shopping malls (for me) throughout the US. My “me time” is spent at dance or Pilates classes, reliving the dream of taking a starring role in Flashdance.
Human Resources Manager
I have three boys and an ever-loving Labrador named Bingley (who really is my one true love). I enjoy constantly challenging not only myself but the status quo. Organisational optimisation through positive people engagement is my passion, and I’m always hungry to work and learn more. Following a Bachelor of Social Science, I completed a Diploma in Human Resources, then a Masters in Human Resources, graduating with Distinction in 2013. This year, I’ll graduate with a Diploma in Sustainable Practices, furthering my passion for conscious consumption and environmental awareness.
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Success 2020 Thrive
L to R: Michelle McPherson (HVGS Board Director), Cr Loretta Baker (City of Maitland Mayor), Catherine Minifie (HVGS Alumni and Guest Speaker) and Fiona Devlin (HVGS Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School)
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Our first International Women’s Day Breakfast brought together HVGS staff, parents, students, past students and special guests over a meal beautifully prepared by our Year 11 Hospitality students.
Ethiopia to work with the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation. Here she experienced first-hand the trauma and indignity suffered by African women living with the painful childbirth-related injury, obstetric fistula.
The celebration focused on the idea that “an equal world is an empowered and enabled world”. We each have a role to play to address inequality and to advocate for the women and girls around the globe whose fundamental rights are encumbered because of where they are born and where they live.
“Little by little, a little becomes a lot” was Catherine’s mantra in the lead-up to her visit to Ethiopia and has been since.
This global inequality is evident to Catherine Minifie, our International Women’s Day guest speaker and HVGS alumna (2004). Catherine’s passion for women’s health and wellbeing led her on an incredible journey to
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“Little by little, the conversations that we have around gender and equality, are helping to create a gender-equal world, or at least one in which we are more aware of differences,” Catherine says. “When we talk and celebrate days such as these, we start to make a difference; little by little.” Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School Fiona Devlin has also worked with the
vulnerable in developing countries. “While we are making strides in the fight for equality of genders (and all people), we still have a long way to go,” she says. “Catherine is a stunning example of the type of person we want our graduates to be – brave, strong, compassionate and true global citizens of the world that act to make a difference.” A special thank you to our Year 10 and 11 Hospitality students and teachers who prepared the breakfast and served our guests. It was delicious!
Success 2019 Thrive
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Success 2020 Alumni Profile
On the Frontline During COVID-19
Jacquie Hennessy (2011) Jacquie Hennessy is the Director of Clinical and Operational Support and Senior Paramedic Advisor and Flight Paramedic for St John Ambulance in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The impact of the Coronavirus has seen Jacquie move up into the role of Incident Controller while the St John Chief Executive Officer acts as an adviser to the PNG Prime Minister and Police Commissioner during the crisis. She shared her experience and perspective as a healthcare worker during this time in a country without the safety net of Australia’s exceptional health care system. What is the current situation in PNG regarding COVID-19?
There have only been eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 in PNG, and the hope is that restrictions and isolation will keep it that way. The PNG health system will not cope with increased demand. We have built a field hospital at a local netball centre so that we can care for potential cases and not burden the already struggling hospitals here.
COVID-19 is a massive threat to the way of life in PNG as families live in very close quarters and many do not have running water close by to hand wash. If COVID-19 were to spread, it would not just be the close family quarantined but the entire village as they would not be able to control the transmission.
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What is the role of St John PNG during the crisis? The St John PNG mission is to provide healthcare to the community when no one else can, and no one else will.
St John is also supporting the National Department of Health by setting up and staffing the National COVID-19 Hotline as well as assisting with the set-up and running of a field hospital and intensive care and isolation facility to meet the potential demand for critical care. The State of Emergency here has been extended for another two months, but domestic travel restrictions have lessened, and the majority of shops and essential services are opening again.
This means a lot more work. I wish I could clone myself to get everything done! The entire team here are working 14 hours a day on average and have been for the last 44 days straight. How do you take care of yourself in such a demanding role?
It is a challenge to self-care in this situation (especially working 14-16 hours a day). Still, I make sure I take an hour each day to go for a run along the beachfront and watch the sunrise and reflect on how lucky I am to be
here in the right place at the right time to put my experience and skills to incredible use. I’m looked after by my office staff here who have adopted me and supply me with meals, make sure my water bottle is always full and that I eat at reasonable times. What does your role entail (when you’re not in the grips of a pandemic)?
My team and I are responsible for the clinical governance of St John Ambulance: advising the government on prehospital medical standards; development of clinical guidelines and processes; logistics, pharmacy and supply for the ambulance service and the commercial sales team as well as Ambulance education and research.
I am one of two intensive care paramedics who are on call to respond to cases that need higher clinical care such as significant trauma, obstetric emergencies and cardiac arrests. I also attend to mass casualty incidents as the Ambulance Commander and provide clinical and operational management to multiple crews and organisations. As a flight paramedic, I crew aeromedical retrievals of critically unwell or injured patients throughout PNG and the South Pacific in either a fixed-wing aeroplane with a doctor or in a helicopter alone.
Success 2020 Alumni
On track for Toyoko 2021
Aimee Fisher (2019)
They say that every cloud has a silver lining, and this couldn’t be any closer to the truth for national wheelchair sprint champion athlete and past student Aimee Fisher (2019).
While Coronavirus resulted in the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games (and much anguish for participating athletes), it presented an unexpected opportunity for Aimee as she sets her sights on qualification. “The postponement of the Games has given me an extra 12-months’ preparation time,” she says. “I probably would have just missed out on the Games this year, but I’m working towards hopefully qualifying next year.”
Aimee is in her first year at the University of Queensland studying a Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography. We’ll be watching Aimee’s athletic career closely with excitement and anticipation.
Wired for Sound!
DAN NASH (2000)
A career in the music industry seems like every teenagers’ dream job! Dan Nash (2000) also had that teenage dream, and went on to live it!
You graduated in 2000, what have you been doing since leaving school? I’ve spent the last 20 years working in the music industry. I graduated at the top of my class at audio college and was offered an internship at Australia’s leading recording facility, Studio 301. I spent many years managing a studio owned by Col Joye and went onto radio imaging for the Australian Radio Network. A move into live sound seven years ago has me touring with artists as a Front of House (FOH) Engineer and tour manager. Has the Coronavirus impacted you? Yes! Unfortunately due to the nature of the live music industry, events and travel are on hold. I was supposed to be on tour with the artist, Thelma Plum, who had 15 gigs across Europe scheduled during April/May 2020 – hopefully, that will happen in 2021.
Favourite memories from HVGS? The musicals and band performances during assembly are favourite memories. We were also allowed to put on concerts for the other students. In 1999 when I was in Year 11, I played the drums for the whole school production of Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat Read Dan’s full story on our website
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Success 2020 Alumni
Mustang in Maine
Delaying ‘I-do’
Alex McFetridge (2019) is chasing the big baskets all the way to Central Maine (CM) Community College, USA, and a place on the College basketball team, ‘The Mustangs’.
You would think that as an Ambulance Transport Attendant, Gabrielle Dawson (2014) would have been heavily impacted by COVID-19. However, it was the personal impact to her pending nuptials which really upended her year. What have you been up to since leaving HVGS? In 2018 I graduated from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst with a Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) and started working as an Ambulance Transport Attendant with National Patient Transport (NPT). NPT is a private patient transport company that helps to fill in the gap between non-emergency patient transport and emergency ambulances. We help by transporting patients who may not be completely stable to be able to go with non-emergency patient transport but aren’t serious enough to have to go by ambulance, this enables us to keep ambulances on road for the true emergencies. I was also engaged in September 2018, and had planned to marry in April 2020. How did Coronavirus impact your wedding plans? With limits set on weddings during the pandemic, we’ve had to postpone the wedding for twelve months. We were completely devastated when we realised we couldn’t get married as we had planned. On what was meant to be our wedding day, we did shed some tears as I would look at the clock throughout the day thinking about how I was meant to be getting into my dress and driving to the ceremony, or having our first dance. We wanted to have all our family and friends attend safely so while a difficult decision, it was for the best! What are your memories from your school days? I have so many memories from HVGS as I was there from Kindergarten to Year 12. I don’t think I can pinpoint any couple of memories as my favourite, I do know that I always enjoyed the opportunities that I was given. The staff at the School always helped in any way possible no matter the situation and to them I will always be grateful.
ALEX MCFETRIDGE (2019)
Once a Mustang in Maitland, Alex will now be a Mustang in Maine!
United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Hall of Fame coach, Dave Gonyea, says, “Alex is a bright, hardworking player with a strong basketball IQ. He shoots pretty good and has the right personality and mindset to be a Mustang. I’m looking forward to working with him on the court.” Alex will be studying Criminal Justice at CM.
How did you achieve this incredible opportunity?
I applied for IAM360 which is a scouting agency that helps international athletes go to the USA and play the sport of their choice.
An agent approached me and offered me this incredible opportunity. I stayed in contact with him over the years and kept him updated with my accomplishments in basketball and my grades at school. My profile was sent out and luckily for me, CM were interested.
What trait did you learn at school that has helped you achieve this?
I learned to keep pushing towards my dream and not to give in when times are hard. The teachers at HVGS supported me – as well as many other students – to chase their dreams; for that, I am so thankful. Read Alex’s full story on our website
Gabrielle Dawson (2014)
Read Gabrielle’s full story on our website
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Retirement: 30 Years of Service Helen Johnstone
After 30 years of dedicated service, Helen Johnstone (Chief Financial Officer) has decided it’s time to crunch her last number. Helen has been here from the beginning and has seen the School change, grow and thrive over her time here. She shares some of her special memories.
What has changed the most in 30 years? Wow, what hasn’t changed?! When I started I had a desk in the corner of the Principal’s office and when he had an interview I had to pack everything into a box and move into the sick bay (a narrow hallway in a demountable which also served as the kitchen). We didn’t get any government funding for the first two years of operation, so things were pretty tight. What will you miss? I’ll miss all my wonderful colleagues; the magnificent grounds; the peacefulness in the early morning and late afternoon; listening to the birds when everyone has gone for the day. I’ll also miss the work which I really enjoy, and I’ll definitely miss the Friday coffee van!
Parting words…. Being part of the journey of the School from the beginning has been a privilege. I am grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given and particularly to Paul Teys for giving me a chance - I never imagined I would have such a fantastic career. I am grateful to my colleagues and for the lovely friendships I have made.
I have also met so many lovely parents over the years, many who make big sacrifices to have their children at the School because they understand the value of a good education.
I would also like to acknowledge the Board of Directors. The School is so lucky to have such a professional and diverse group of people on the Board who give so selflessly. I know the School is in great hands going forward, strong leadership and governance and an extremely professional and dedicated staff. Best wishes to all.
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42 Norfolk St Ashtonfield NSW 2323 | PO Box 458 East Maitland NSW 2323 P 02 4934 2444 | E registrar@hvgs.nsw.edu.au | www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au