Collegiate 2019

ISSUE 2 — February 2019

CELEBRATING OUR OLD GIRLS

CONTENTS

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03 04 06 11 12 14 15 16 20 22 23

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From the Principal OGU President's Welcome Old Girls Making Their Mark 100 Years of Tildesley Tennis Celebrations

Old Girl Calls Out Generations of Old Girls Helping Kids Six Degrees of Separation

26 28 32 36 38 39

Sapphires’ Luncheon

Reunions

14 Vale

Current students

Letters to the Editor

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Dates for 2019

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Old Girls on Staff ‘Who was Your Favourite Teacher?’

MLC School Uniform Shop Manager Retires MLC School House System

Editor: Michele Dunn, Head of Marketing and Communications Editorial Team: Barbara Hoffman, Archivist; Shelley Kirkwood, Production Manager, Julianne Sheedy, Content Writer Photography: Nicole Anderson, Jillian Avramis, Barbara Hoffman, Julianne Sheedy, Hanh Nguyen

Contact Us Ph | 02 9747 1266 General enquiries | enquiries@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au Collegiate magazine | oldgirlsunion@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au MLC School Archives | Barbara Hoffman on 02 8741 3214 or bhoffman@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Office Hours MLC School hours are 8am to 4pm week days

Cover: Nola Hewitt (Freeson, 1938), our oldest Old Girl at the 2018 Sapphires' Luncheon, celebrating her 80‑year reunion.

Disclaimer: The editor has compiled Collegiate from various sources. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the information published is accurate, the editor cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies in the content or the authenticity of that information.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL My first year as Principal has been a year filled with joy, challenge and learning. One of the greatest highlights has been the many opportunities I have had to meet the Old Girls of MLC School. I have been struck by their passion and love for MLC School and their ongoing connection with each other.

My first Old Girls event was the Back to College evening. It was wonderful to meet old girls from so many year groups and to hear their stories. This event, along with the numerous reunions that we host each year, provide a fabulous opportunity for year-group catch-ups and lots of reminiscing, along with the opportunity to marvel at the many changes that have taken place at the School.

The Old Girls who attended the 1978 and 2008 Reunions were amongst the first visitors to take a tour of our beautiful new Senior School building. The building is a visible testament to our commitment of MLC School being at the forefront of education.

This year, our Back to College evening will be held on Friday 3 May in this beautiful new building. I do urge you all to come along to enjoy the opportunity to see this wonderful new learning space and the associated landscaping and lawns.

The 2018 Sapphire’s Luncheon for Old Girls who left school over fifty-five years ago, was exceptionally well attended. Chatter and excitement filled the room as our Old Girls celebrated their 60, 70, and 80-year reunions, and we also welcomed an Old Boy, Mr Greg Higgins (1954) who attended MLC School between 1940 and 1942. Our Oldest Old Girl, Nola Hewitt (Freeson, 1938), who was celebrating her 80-year reunion, was presented with flowers by Poppy Frederick, current Pre-Kindergarten and our first fifth generation MLC School girl. This was a most touching moment for everyone at the Luncheon.

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I have also been fortunate to meet some of our Old Girls at Reunions in Adelaide, London and New York. Although there were differences in age and the length of time since they left the School, there is a special ‘something’ that binds our Old Girls and many new friendships and connections were forged.

It is my intention to meet as many Old Girls as possible and to host reunions both nationally and internationally when I travel.

MLC School Old Girls continue to make significant contributions to society, both professionally and personally. In this edition of Collegiate you can read just a few stories of these achievements. There is no doubt that the School’s mission to educate women to be agents of change in their own lives and the lives of others is indeed very real.

They are determined, spirited women who share a passion for life and a drive to make a difference.

I am truly honoured to be playing my part in leading the next generation of women who will carry forth these values.

I look forward to meeting many of you at an event in 2019.

With best wishes,

Ms Lisa Moloney Principal

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OGU PRESIDENT'S WELCOME We are happy to welcome you to the second issue of our Collegiate magazine – a magazine for you, a member of our MLC School community. You will find as you move through the pages, this magazine is a place to share your news and read stories from Old Girls across the MLC School generations.

A short while ago I asked our new School Principal, Ms Lisa Moloney, about her thoughts on her first year at MLC School. Ms Moloney said what has impressed her deeply is the strong sense of unity and friendship between MLC School Old Girls as well as their great love and appreciation for the School.

When meeting Old Girls at events such as the 100 Year Tildesley celebrations in March, the Back to College reunion, the Sapphires’ Luncheon, and get-togethers with Old Girls overseas, Ms Moloney was delighted to see the conversations flow effortlessly between Old Girls from all cohorts as they shared stories and experiences. She said that over and over she witnessed the affinity that MLC School Old Girls have for each other, and that regardless of when a girl leaves MLC School, they share a connection that lasts throughout their lives.

I truly loved my time at MLC School, and even though I wasn’t one of the high achievers, MLC School always felt like a safe place, an extension of my family, and a place where I knew that I could achieve all that I wanted to achieve in a supportive and progressive environment.

I invite you to share with us: share your stories, share your suggestions and even share your time by coming along to OGU meetings or attend a Reunion or Back to

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College, or any of the School concerts, showcases, service or exhibitions listed at the end of this magazine. You are always welcome at MLC School.

Old Girls’ Union 2018 Projects The MLC School Old Girls’ Union is committed to revitalising the heritage of our School.

This ongoing project commenced with the MLC School Chapel restoration and upgrade.

The first OGU Chapel restoration project was the French polishing of all wooden furnishings. The Chapel now has a cohesion that has been missing. The French polish finish, a labour-intensive process, is considered by many to be among the most beautiful ways to finish wood. It has certainly added harmony and beauty to the Chapel already. The Schofield Cabinet at the rear of the Chapel has also been polished and the backing mat replaced with a new, MLC School blue-coloured fabric.

This year the table that once stood on the Potts Hall stage was moved to the Chapel by the OGU and is now the Chapel Altar.

This table, a 1954 tribute to Frederick Hetherington’s devotion to Burwood Methodist Church where it once resided, has made a beautiful addition to the Chapel.

The OGU is ensuring that the heritage of all the Chapel objects is maintained and recorded.

One of the discoveries was the Principal’s Chair.

We have commissioned the School Archivist to research the provenance of each object, record the information in the MLC School Archives and have it engraved on plaques and attached to each object for posterity.

The history of the space that is now our Chapel is being memorialised with the printing and framing of three photos taken between the 1930s and 1950s when the ground floor of Schofield Hall was used as the Boarders’ Dining Room. This tribute will hang in the Chapel vestibule and allow generations that follow a glimpse into the history of the Chapel space.

Another major work that is being funded by the OGU is the much-needed installation of air conditioning into the Chapel. This is a large and delicate project that will ensure the Chapel can be comfortably used even on the warmest of days.

Next we will move our attention to Potts Hall where the OGU will invest in new stage curtains.

But we do not only look back, we look to the future growth of this great school. And to that end your Old Girls Union established a teaching fellowship last year to add value and recognition to teachers who show vision and want to grow their commitment to the

girls in different ways. In 2017 and 2018 the first recipient of the Old Girls’ Union Fellowship, Dr Joanna Drimatis, MLC School Head of Strings, travelled to the United States to attend Midwest Clinic Annual Conference.

Dr Drimatis has a vision for MLC School music and this event has been the first step to seeing it play out on the world stage.

The 2018 recipient is David Latimer, Head of Human Society in Its Environment. David will be investigating the innovative use of information technology in schools.

The OGU is committed to preserving and revitalising the history, heritage and beauty of our beloved School, honouring its past and looking to the future – we may not see them but we can endow, this place with beauty for them here and now. If you have any suggestions for future projects, we would love to hear about them. Join us at your OGU meeting anytime. Everyone is welcome.

Helena Grahame (1959) Vice President

Sue Cartwright (nee Packham 1981) OGU President Abirami Ravichandra (Senthilkumaran, 1996) Secretary, 2018

2019 OGU meetings (all welcome) 20 February, 6pm 15 May, 6pm 7 August, 6pm 30 October, 6pm

2019 Chocolate Recess to farewell Year 12 17 September, 10.30am

Ingrid Zhang (2001) Treasurer

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OLD GIRLS

MAKING THEIR MARK Gail is Patient Advocate and Board Director at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, the world-class, fully integrated and comprehensive cancer care facility located across the road from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and named for Gail’s husband, the late Professor Chris O’Brien, AO, whose vision it was.

Gail O’Brien AO (Bamford, 1972) – Honoured with AO Gail O’Brien (Bamford, 1972) was awarded Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Australia Day 2018 Honours for ‘Distinguished service to community health as an advocate for and supporter of cancer sufferers and their families through comprehensive research and treatment programs’.

Gail is Patient Advocate and Board Director at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, the world-class, fully integrated and comprehensive cancer care facility located across the road from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and named for Gail’s husband, the late Professor Chris O’Brien, AO, whose vision it was. Gail was integral in realising her husband’s dream.

Chris O’Brien was the founder of the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute and was a specialist with an international reputation.

Gail was with Chris when he was diagnosed with an aggressive

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and malignant brain tumour in late 2006. He had five rounds of brain surgery and underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but eventually died in June 2009, with his wife and family at his side.

After her husband’s death, and the tragedy that followed two years later with the death of her son Adam after a series of seizures, Gail found the strength to carry on and has worked tirelessly to enhance the care given to patients and their families; to provide a better future for others.

The AO recognises Gail’s service and dedication to those whose lives are touched by cancer and is a testament to her incredible generosity and fortitude. We are proud to call Gail one of our Old Girls and offer our congratulations.

We were honoured to have Gail as our guest speaker at the 2018 Speech Night. Her inspirational story captivated the audience.

Three MLC School Old Girls Awarded Order of Australia Medals in 2018

Principal, Ms Lisa Moloney with Jocelyn Maughan and her portrait of Rev Kenneth Cornwell (MLC School Principal, 1970-1989)

Principal, Lisa Moloney, Rev Marion Gledhill and Rev Viniana Ravetali

Ms Jocelyn Maughan (1955) was recognised with an OAM for service to the visual arts, and to education. Jocelyn has won a number of art prizes throughout her career and her works can be found in various private collections, including commissioned portraits at the Grafton Municipal Gallery, MLC School, Ravenswood College, Royal Agricultural Society, Mitchell Library, Sydney, Reserve Bank, Sydney, and Eryldene Trust, Gordon.

Rev Marion Gledhill (Triglone, 1958) was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her service to the Uniting Church in Australia and to social welfare. The OAM recognised Rev Marion’s work in Uniting Church in Australia as Convenor of Advisors for Complaints of Sexual Misconduct as well as her being a Member of the Board for Social Responsibility with the NSW Synod.

The OAM also recognises Rev Marion’s work as a Uniting World volunteer with the Methodist Church of Fiji (2013–2015).

Mrs Margaret Keech (Champion, 1975) was awarded an OAM for her service to the community of Bendigo. Margaret was recognised for a long list of community service, including chairing the Bendigo Academy of Sport since 2007 and holding positions with Scouts Victoria at the local and district levels, as well as managing Forever Young Choir since 2011. ‘I’m very pleased and humbled. I am involved in a lot of different areas and have been for a long time’, says Margaret.

Margaret Keech with Ms Lisa Moloney

Australia’s new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Old Girl Marise Payne (1981) Congratulations to Old Girl Marise Payne (1981) who was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs in August. A Senator since 1997, Marise Payne was the Minister for Defence from 2015 to 2018.

After leaving MLC School, Marise graduated from the University of NSW with a Bachelor of Arts and Laws. In 1987 she became NSW Young Liberal President before going on to become the first female Federal President in 1989.

MLC SCHOOL OLD GIRL S’ MAGA ZI NE

Outside parliament, Marise continues to work in the community on issues as diverse as human rights, emerging technologies and the implications of our ageing population.

Away from politics, Marise is a huge fan of the St George/Illawarra NRL team and the Geelong Cats AFL team, a supporter of the arts in Australia, and spends as much time as she can in the Southern Highlands. Marise says her grand passion is cooking and that it is a form of therapy for her.

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Old Girl, Professor Elizabeth New (2000), wins Eureka Prize We are thrilled to announce that Old Girl Professor Elizabeth New (2000) won the 2018 3M Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science in September. The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes reward excellence in the fields of research and innovation, leadership, science engagement and school science.

The Award reads: ‘Regarded as one of Australia’s brightest young inorganic chemists, Dr Elizabeth New’s leadership extends beyond her research to encompass teaching, outreach and mentoring. Committed to developing the next generation of scientists, she has built a strong network of collaborators and works tirelessly to improve research culture and environments.’

After MLC School, Elizabeth completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney and postgraduate and postdoctoral studies at Durham University in the UK and the University of California, Berkeley, in the US.

“We have this idea that scientists are the ones who perform best in school or have a focused personality. For me, the scientific personality is simply anyone who is curious enough to ask questions.”

What Elizabeth loves about working in science is that you “consider the questions you want to answer and then design experiments to do this. It’s amazing. And it’s not one of those jobs where you have to work your way to the top before you can make an impact.

In science you can be interacting with amazing people as soon as you start working.”

For girls who have a interest in science but feel that they may not fit in, Elizabeth offers this inspiring advise: “We have this idea that scientists are the ones who perform best in school or have a focused personality. For me, the scientific personality is simply anyone who is curious enough to ask questions.”

Outside the laboratory Elizabeth likes to read widely, “about history, for example”, and play music. She has played in voila quartets for many years.

To hear more about Professor Elizabeth New’s award-winning work in her own words, see: bit.ly/2zhw61M

Fiona Lin (2003) powering through her Law studies In 2017, Fiona completed her Undergraduate Law degree at Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, completing a dissertation about the implications of privatisation for the judicial review of schools in England. Recently in 2018 she completed her Masters in Law (LLM) at Harvard in the USA. Apart from the higher level studies, Fiona says she found the law teaching methods quite different between the two countries, which took some getting used to.

As well as taking classes on education law and policy, she has taken courses regarding issues of gender and family, and constitutional law. Beyond the academic perspective, Fiona is interested in understanding the practical issues affecting teaching and learning, and has volunteered in local Cambridge schools.

Fiona now heads back to London to do undergo professional studies to prepare her for the practicalities of being a practicing lawyer.

This is a huge achievement, accomplished so quickly, and MLC School is proud of Fiona’s success.

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MLC SCHOOL OLD GIRL S’ MAGA ZI NE

Keesja Gofers (2007) achieving in the world of water polo We congratulate Old Girl Keesja Gofers (2007) who in September 2018 was part of the FINA World Cup Australian Women’s Water Polo team who took a 9-8 win over Spain to win the bronze medal. Keesja herself scored a goal in the second quarter. In April, Keesja was part of the Australian silver medal team at the Women Inter-Continental Cup in Auckland. She was one of the overall best scorers in the Australian team.

When not in the water, Keesja works as a florist. Talent in many areas runs through the family. Her sister, Old Girl Taniele Gofers (2003) won Bronze at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in water polo, and her other sister, Old Girl Chivonne Gofers (2001) is a talented opera singer.

In an interview in ‘Total Waterpolo’ Keesja said that as the youngest sibling by five years, she was always in attendance at her sisters’ school sporting events. When she was about six years old, her sisters

were playing U14s water polo and were one player short so they recruited Keesja to make up the numbers. Keesja said she just hung on to the lane ropes and screamed for her life. She was clearly not too traumatised by the event and has since progressed through the different pathways of water polo in Australia to be where she is now.

At 28 year old, Keesja has achieved a lot. She regards the biggest achievements in her career as: being a part of the Australian team for the last 10 years, being a part of the 2013 Silver medal team in the World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona as well as 2016 and 2017 Australian National league Champions with her club Sydney University.

But it was making the 2016 Rio Olympic team that was her dream come true.

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Taylor Hill (2014) is building a future for women in set construction At the National Institute of Drama Art (NIDA) workshop, if you follow the sounds of power tools and welding torches, you will find Old Girl Taylor Hill (2014).

Taylor is paving the way for women in the scenery construction industry as the first woman at NIDA to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Staging) degree.

Taylor credits her Design Technology teachers in Year 11 and Year 12 at MLC School for getting her curious about building and introducing her to the intricacies of mechanics.

This, combined with the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in-school VET Entertainment Training Package, allowed Taylor to delve into the world of welding, laser cutting, and building.

NIDA published an article about Taylor and her achievements throughout her course and she was also interviewed by Richard Glover on ABC Radio on Monday 30 October 2017.

2018 Young Journalist of the Year: Lucy Cormack (2009) We met Old Girl Lucy Cormack (2009) earlier this year when she was one of the generous Old Girls who gave of their time and skills to present at this year’s MLC School Careers Conversation.

Violinist Emily Sun (2009) wins the 2018 ABC Young Performers Award In July 2018, MLC School Old Girl and rising violin soloist, Emily Sun (2009), won the title of 2018 ABC Young Performer of the Year with her delivery of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto performed with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in the Sydney Opera House.

The prize includes a scholarship fund to assist with study and musical activity, as well as the position of the ABC Classic FM Artist in Residence, with the opportunity to record an album, plus appear in features on air and through the station’s digital platforms.

In 2016 at the Royal Overseas League Music Competition UK, Emily was awarded the Gold Medal and named Commonwealth Musician of the Year – the first violinist to win the award since 1981.

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The School was delighted to hear that in August, at the Kennedy Awards for Excellence in Journalism, Lucy Cormack took home a coveted Spirax trophy, as the 2018 Young Journalist of the Year.

Lucy Cormack is currently a crime reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald. Over the last five years at the SMH she has also held the positions of Consumer Affairs reporter and Environment reporter.

Jessica Ashwood’s success at the Commonwealth Games In April 2018, MLC School Old Girl, Jessica Ashwood (2011) won a silver medal in the 800m Freestyle, and a gold medal in the Women’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Jessica also currently holds the Australian record for 800m Freestyle.

On top of her sporting successes, Jessica also recently completed her Criminology and Criminal Justice, Psychological Science Degree at Griffith University, Gold Coast.

100 YEARS OF TILDESLEY TENNIS CELEBRATIONS Miss Evelyn Mary Tildesley (1882–1976) joined the staff at Normanhurst School, an Anglican girls’ boarding school in Orpington Street, Ashfield, in 1913 and was the Headmistress from 1914 until she left to return to Britain in 1923.

In 1918 Evelyn Tildesley donated ‘a beautiful oak and bronze shield’ to encourage a tennis competition between independent girls’ schools which emphasised team spirit, not individual competition. This became known as the Tildesley Shield Tournament and has been played annually ever since. It is the longest running tennis tournament in Australian history.

The Tournament is run by the Independent Girls Schools Sports Association (IGSSA) and there are 30 independent girls’ schools who compete each year for the Tildesley Shield. The Shield was won by MLC School seven times: 1940, 1941, 1947, 1959, 1960, 1961 and 1964 and we have come very close to winning the Shield a quite few other times.

This year, the 100 Year Celebration of the Tildesley Shield Tournament was held on the 21–22 March 2018 in Pennant Hills Park. MLC School Principal, Lisa Moloney, current MLC School players and staff mingled with our Old Girls who had represented the school in this prestigious tournament.

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Ms Lisa Moloney, was reminded that sometimes it is not the game itself but the lessons learned from being involved that matter most.

One of the Old Girls described her immense disappointment at not managing to win the Shield for the School, nor earn a pocket for herself despite having competed strongly for many years. In her final year at the School, she guaranteed the Headmistress that ‘this was their year’, yet they were unexpectedly defeated in the final game.

The Old Girl spoke of how competing in sports helped her learn to manage both the humility involved in returning to School after winning, as well as the disappointment she experienced on that day.

She said the inner strength she developed by overcoming that moment gave her the strength to help her achieve in so many other areas of her life. She was thrilled to receive her ‘100 Years of Tildesley’ badge, saying that it was ‘almost as good as receiving a pocket’.

It was also evident to Ms Moloney, as the conversations flowed amongst the group from a range of cohorts, that there is a strong sense of unity and friendship between all Old Girls as well as a great love and appreciation for MLC School.

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OLD GIRL CALLS OUT AND THE SCHOOL RALLIES TO HELP

In August, an email came into the general MLC School Enquiries address, with a subject line:

OLD GIRL SEEKING DROUGHT SUPPORT- PLEASE READ XX Good afternoon, My name is Sarah-Jane Bonner (Ballard 1999). I was an MLC School girl for all of my school life, from preschool in 1986 to Yr 12 1999. Some of my best memories were formed in my years at MLC School.

I am contacting you with what might seem an extremely left-of-field request, I hope someone can take the time to read on and bear with me...

During my time at MLC School I was extremely privileged to enjoy both a rich academic learning culture and also the very best of extracurricular activities. While I played every sport going, I also had a great passion for music, learning the trombone and tuba and performing with the Concert Band, Orchestra and Brass Ensemble.

I donated my trombone to the School on graduation, never thinking that music would find me once more later in life.

I am married to a wonderful man, a farmer and grazier named Paul, and we live on the Breeza Plains about 27km from the village of Currabubula in NW NSW. We have 4 children, our younger 3 all attend Currabubula School. There are just 26 students at our little 'bush' school. We certainly don't have the opportunities of our city counterparts, but we make up for this with passion in spades!

We are very lucky to have a retired primary school principal, the amazing Mr Wilf MacBeth, who travels to us each week to teach a diverse and dedicated music program. Some years ago, Wilf procured a bashed up old trombone for me, and along with other adult members of the local area, we support the clarinet ensemble at Currabubula that Mr MacBeth carefully and kindly leads.

As I am sure you have all heard, we are experiencing the most traumatic drought since records began across NSW. We as a family have been hit very hard, and we struggle daily, looking out at empty paddocks where wheat and chick peas would normally flourish, and hand feeding our core remaining herd of Angus beef cattle.

All our school families at 'Curra' are affected by this awful drought- we are a passionate, proud and supportive community. We work as hard as we can to fundraise for the extras our children really deserve. Unfortunately with the weather as it is, going the extra mile to fund 3 clarinets for our little band is woefully beyond us.

And this is why I am reaching out to MLC School.

I am hoping with your strong tradition of community and sense of spirit, that the School Music department, staff and/or students might be able to support Currabubula Public School with the donation of some clarinets (perhaps some that are towards the end of their lives), or with some financial assistance towards the purchase of 3 instruments for our children.

I know this is a really big ask, and I completely understand if this is not something the School would normally consider doing.

I fondly remember selling daffodils for Whitley House's Cancer Council charity. I was so honoured to lead the girls in this endeavour as House Captain in 1999.

It is a very hard time for families in the bush, and harder still to find the courage to reach out so boldly for support, Thank you for taking the time to read this, Kindest regards, Sarah-Jane

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What to do? The email was passed to the Principal, Director of Music, Head of Marketing and Community Relations, President of the Old Girls Union – everyone wanted to help.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, JAMES ALLINGTON REPLIED: Your heartfelt plea and description of the drought conditions puts lots of things in perspective for us here in Sydney!

I have asked MLC School’s Head of Bands to advise me about the instruments that you request. Ironically Richard Coward is also Head of Whitley which I note is your House from your days at MLC School.

It is a terrible situation that you are facing at the moment and I hope that I will be able to advise you soon of how the Music Centre can support you and the Currabubula community. As you say music greatly enriches lives of students and you’ll be pleased to hear that MLC School continues the rich tradition with its music programme.

Thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time.

Emma Bourke, Assistant Director of Music found out a little more, “When I spoke to Sarah-Jane she explained that whilst they were asking for two clarinets there are actually 15 students in the class and that they would look at a roster for students to be able to play/practice. As such it would be good to see if we can help with more than two.”

Many parts of the School were marshalled into action. Emma led the charge. She looked for instruments that could be salvaged and reached out to her connections at Turramurra Instruments. The School Nurse, Anne Shearman donated two clarinets herself.

Emma’s husband John took on the task of reconditioning instruments that Emma described as Frankenstein-like, but they could be made to work. The OGU donated $2,000 towards new instruments and other equipment. In the end, with this combined effort MLC School was able to supply five new clarinets and four reconditioned ones, so that Currabubula Public School now has enough clarinets for every student in the class!

Sarah-Jane has thanked the MLC School Community on behalf of Currabubula Public School. The students are delighted with their new instruments and played them in their Term 4 Concert. Sarah-Jane and Emma are now looking at projects for MLC School students to work with Currabubula Public School in 2019 to further support and grow their Music program.

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GENERATIONS OF OLD GIRLS HELPING KIDS JODIE THOMPSON (LEWIS, 1991) Jodie Thompson (Lewis, 1991) wrote to Collegiate to tell us about the MLC School Old Girls working together at Westmead Hospital.

Out of a staff of around 45 who work in rehabilitation at The Childrens' Hospital in Westmead, four of us are MLC Old Girls.

The four of us work alongside each other in multiple services in our department and represent almost four generations (and that adds up to quite a lot of experience!).

In the spirit of sharing, we thought we might let you know a little of what the four of us are up to within our Kids Rehab work.

Jennifer Roncone (Lewis, 1980) What you studied: Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, and Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Paediatric Physiotherapy) at Cumberland College, Lidcombe.

Where you work: Kids Rehab at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in the Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorder Service.

Interesting work things you’re doing currently: Co-ordinator of the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy program in NSW and working with Kirsty Stewart (Ellis, 1985) on the neuromodulation program.

Interesting work things you’re doing currently: Completing a research fellowship through Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in dyskinetic cerebral palsy, helping establish a new neuromodulation service at the Children’s Hospital with Jenny Roncone (Lewis, 1980) Family: Married with three daughters.

Jodie Thompson (Lewis, 1991) (whose mother Margaret Lewis (Pitt, 1961) is also an MLC School Old Girl) What you studied: Bachelor of Nursing at University of Western Sydney, Nepean; Diploma of Photography, The Photography Institute.

Where you work: Clinical Nurse Consultant in Kids Rehab at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in the Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Injury Services. I am also the owner of Chocolate Photography & Design – Family and Children’s Portraits.

Interesting things you’re doing currently: Working with children who have sustained a spinal cord injury or a brain injury and their families once they leave hospital.

This year I will be undertaking a research project looking at the Psychosocial Outcomes following Paediatric Transverse Myelitis.

I complement my work at the hospital with some creative work which involves family and children’s portraits – a love I have had since MLC School.

Family: Married with two children

Tracy Tate (Sing Key, 1998) What you studied: Bachelor of Applied Science, Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney.

Where you work: Kids Rehab at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in the Complex Musculoskeletal Service.

Interesting work things you’re doing currently: I’m enjoying being involved in research with kids with Skeletal Dysplasia.

Family: Married with two young children.

MLC School Old Girls dedicated to kids health.

From left to right: Jennifer Roncone (Lewis, 1980), Kirsty Stewart (Ellis,

Family: Married with three children.

1985), Jodie

Kirsty Stewart (Ellis, 1985)

(Lewis, 1991)

What you studied: Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy at Cumberland College of Health Sciences, Lidcombe; Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy; and Doctor of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney.

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Where you work: Kids Rehab at The Children’s Hospital in the Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorder Service

Thompson and Tracy Tate (Sing Key, 1998)

SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION

FROM ALISON ROBERTS (HOY, 1980) is highly likely to be very different to their own, and undertaking a rigorous study program simultaneously. My job, as an Academic Mentor for ACU, was to meet with Renata and assess various competencies around her teaching practice. This was the first time I had met Renata and, by way of casual conversation, we discovered we both attended MLC School – Renata Robinson is from the 2009 MLC School cohort.

We walked across to her Year 7 Italian (portable) classroom and set up for 20 students so they could be seated in groups of four instead of traditional rows. Renata started her lesson in an orderly and well prepared manner and spent the next 50 minutes working with these students to unpack various components of the Italian language. Renata was patient, clearly knew her content and had developed mutually respectful relationships with her students.

MLC School Old Girls Renata Robinson (2009) left, and Alison Roberts (Hoy, 1980) connect through their passion for educating young people. Lessons they learned at MLC School

The temperature on my car’s dashboard was rocketing up to six degrees as I pulled into the car park at Lalor Secondary College in the northern suburban growth corridor of Melbourne’s outskirts.

I was here to visit a beginning teacher, Renata Robinson, who is in her first year of a program offered by Teach for Australia. Renata was one of only 125 successful candidates from about 1500 Australia-wide applicants last year, who made a decision to start a journey towards becoming a secondary school teacher.

The Teach for Australia program partners with ‘hard to staff’ schools and provides them with beginning teachers, who have been extremely successful in their chosen fields of study or profession, and places them in schools across a number of states. The Australian Catholic University is the Registered Training Organisation that supports the beginning teachers as they concurrently study for their Masters in Teaching.

In talking further with Renata after her class, I discovered her passion for education had been fostered from the experiences and opportunities provided to her by MLC School. I think back on my own time at MLC School, a decade before her, and remember teachers who made a difference in my life through their support and encouraging approach to me as an individual.

Renata was replicating these traits in her classroom and making a difference to the lives of these young people. Her students may not have the same access to the state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technologies that are available to students at MLC School, but they have access to a high quality teacher who is passing on the passion for education she learned at MLC School.

I think back on my own time at MLC School, a decade before her, and remember teachers who made a difference in my life through their support and encouraging approach to me as an individual.

There is a lot the beginning teachers are attempting to manage, being away from family and friends, experiencing an education system that

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OLD GIRLS ON STAFF

There are currently over 75 Old Girls on staff in various roles at the School.

Some are sports coaches and some music tutors.

Here we take a closer look at a few of our Old Girl teachers.

Susan Rowley (1977) Head of Science How long have you been teaching?

21 years How long have you been teaching at MLC School?

Six years and then 10 years Did you ever envisage that you would be a teacher here?

I never envisaged I would be a teacher. I did my practicum at MLC School and really never thought a job would come up. I was a young mother and first year out but when a PT position became available, I applied. I really thought there would be plenty of better qualified and more experienced applicants than me, so I guess the answer is no – and it wasn’t my ‘plan’.

Was there a teacher who inspired you when you were a student here?

Miss Mitchell (later Mrs Talbot) and Dr Denise Cole without a doubt.

What do your MLC School friends think about you being a teacher here?

They think it is wonderful and they are pretty amused as I was a bit naughty at school – but always good at Science.

What is the best part of being a teacher here?

When I come to work every day it just feels like I belong here. I have so many memories of my education, my sisters, my mother and my daughters embedded in every nook and cranny. It’s a very special place to me. I have had the opportunity to be involved in a range of challenging projects which have allowed me to give back. The Science staff are an outstanding team and my colleagues make each day loads of fun and a good intellectual challenge!

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MLC SCHOOL OLD GIRL S’ MAGA ZI NE

Moira Gaha (Paton, 1982) Science How long have you been teaching?

I started teaching in 1987 and have worked in several schools to gain experience prior to moving to MLC School, in Term 2, 2013.

Did you ever envisage that you would be a teacher here?

Yes , I did my last Practical Teaching block at MLC School in the Science department, so I knew it would be wonderful to teach at MLC School, however, I wanted to gain experience teaching in a variety of schools instead of going straight from being a student to teaching at MLC School. Coming to teach at MLC School, after gaining a lot of experience has been like coming home.

The connection to the School makes me feel very comfortable. It is lots of fun, and I have fond memories from my school days here with friends.

Was there a teacher who inspired you when you were a student here?

There were many inspirational teachers – obviously Science teachers such as Mike Hayes, Dr Cole, Patricia Broadbent and Ruth Gray had a great impact and gave me a love of Science.

What do your MLC School friends think about you being a teacher here?

I know that there are many of my friends who have chosen to send their daughters to MLC School based on their experience at the School and they are happy for me to be here.

Sometimes they ask if it feels funny to be back in this space as a teacher not a schoolgirl.

The friendships from my school days are still strong and a large number of us catch up each year as well as at official reunions.

What is the best part of being a teacher here?

The staff and students that I work with, there is always something new to work on; the encouragement of ongoing professional development growth.

Moira Gaha

Monica Lee (2011) Maths How long have you been teaching at MLC School?

I finished up my combined Bachelor of Education and Science degree by completing my seven-week internship at MLC School last term. It was like a dream come true when I was offered a job to officially return as a teacher in Term 4. When the HSC Results were released in my graduating year of 2011, Monica Lee I was asked by MLC School where I was headed next. My exact response was to study secondary education and hopefully return to teach at MLC School. This had always been the end goal for me and for it to happen so early in my career still feels surreal at times.

Was there a teacher who inspired you when you were a student here?

Of course, as a Maths teacher, my own Maths teacher–Mrs Green–greatly inspired me.

I had always wanted to be a primary school teacher but she made Maths so interesting and enjoyable for me that I decided to pursue secondary education instead. It was so nice to see her again and even though we’re colleagues now, I still can’t seem to call her by her first name!

What is the best part of being a teacher here?

I would definitely have to say the people. The girls are lovely and so talented, it has been a joy getting to know them as I teach. The staff have been incredibly welcoming, supportive and were always willing to answer my many questions since the first day of my internship.

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teaching practicum at MLC School in 2013 and began to envisage teaching at MLC School since then.

Emily Cribb

Emily Cribb (2009) Art How long have you been teaching?

Five and a half years, and one year at MLC School.

Did you ever envisage that you would be a teacher here?

As a student no. However, I completed my last

Was there a teacher who inspired you when you were a student here?

Yes, there were many teachers who inspired me while I was a student at MLC School.

There are still many inspiring teachers on staff at MLC School that were here when I was a student; Ms G Green, Mr Klamka, Ms Brown, Ms Layman, Ms Conway, Mr Starr, Mr Donley, Ms Neligan and Ms McGowan. However, the teacher who inspired me most was Mr Malyon. Mr Malyon taught at MLC School for over a decade. I selected Visual Arts in Year 11 with every intention of dropping the subject by Year 12. However, his knowledge and passion for Visual Arts was infectious.

at MLC School when I first graduated high school. My research led me back to MLC School, and so did the opportunity to teach here. It’s such a beautiful and exciting environment to work in!

Eleni Smyrnis

Eleni Smyrnis (2010) Junior School How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching for three years, and at MLC School for five months.

Did you ever envisage that you would be a teacher here?

After I finished high school, I came back to MLC School and coached basketball, netball and tennis for primary and high school girls.

I am currently doing my PhD in Educational Psychology at the University of Sydney.

I didn’t envisage that I would be teaching

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Was there a teacher who inspired you when you were a student here?

Everyone has at least one teacher who inspired them to be the best that they could be. During my time at MLC School, I have been lucky enough to have not just one, but many teachers who have inspired me all the way through my years of education. I admire and respect the profession of teaching very much. It takes dedication to get up every morning and teach students; I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all of my amazing teachers during my time at MLC School. The teachers here always took the extra mile for each and every student.

What do your MLC School friends think about you being a teacher here?

When I think about my school friends, I think of is how far each and every one of them have progressed. The first time my picture (with

He authored several Visual Arts curriculum text books and is still an active member Visual Arts professional development networks.

What do your MLC School friends think about you being a teacher here?

Most of my MLC School friends were surprised by my choice to select a career in teaching.

What is the best part of being a teacher here?

The fact that most aspects of my job don’t feel like work in the conventional sense.

I am part of a fabulous community and it is exceptionally rewarding to encourage students to value and enjoy their educational opportunities that I once took for granted.

two other old girls teaching Year 3) appeared on MLC School's website, my best friend who now teaches in Italy called me immediately.

She was absolutely ecstatic and said she almost didn’t recognise me! My other school friends (some of whom are teachers) are happy I pursued my passion to teach and kept my connection to MLC School.

What is the best part of being a teacher here?

The best part of being a teacher at MLC School is watching the girls learn, hearing them laugh, and seeing them smile because they are enjoying the environment they are in. Without the community of dedicated and supportive teachers, this wouldn’t be possible. I love having a positive impact on the girls, and pride myself on being able to educate them to be the best they can be and make something of themselves. Teaching is never the same from day to day, which makes working at MLC School a never-ending kaleidoscope of variety and change!

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Victoria Rouhliadeff

Caitlin White

Victoria Rouhliadeff (2008)

Caitlin White (2005)

Junior School

Assistant Head of Design, Art and Technology

How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching for six years. I started my teaching career in London, then taught in Germany for four years and returned to Australia mid last year. I have been teaching in Australia since.

How long have you been teaching?

Six years, and the whole time at MLC School.

How long have you been teaching at MLC School?

Since January this year.

Did you ever envisage that you would be a teacher here?

No but the opportunity came up and I was pleased to take it.

Was there a teacher who inspired you when you were a student here?

My Year 3 teacher taught me my love of reading.

What do your MLC School friends think about you being a teacher here?

They are surprised and think it is funny.

What is the best part of being a teacher here?

The connection with my past and getting to work with some really amazing people.

Did you ever envisage that you would be a teacher here?

I did not, but it was an opportunity too good to say no to.

Was there a teacher who inspired you when you were a student here?

There were two in particular. Ms Gayle Osborne, she was our head of Middle Year and the pioneer of the Broken Hill experience. She made Maths make sense and knew how to communicate to each girl. The other is Mr Craig Malyon, and Visual Arts was an adventure because of him. We were all challenged, encouraged and enabled to take meaningful risks with our art making. He ensured that every girl reached their potential.

He told me not to be a teacher. This was the best advice as I went out and became an Interior Architect and then became a teacher. This has made me the teacher I am today.

What do your MLC School friends think about you being a teacher here?

Not too sure, it is just a part of who I am. They are more amazed that I work beside people who taught us. "Doesn't that feel weird?" is what I get asked. And the answer is not at all, it makes it all the more meaningful.

What is the best part of being a teacher here?

The students and opportunities. This has never changed. We are able to teach in ways we wouldn't be able to in other schools. The girls are excited to try new things and be challenged by their education. The opportunities we provide and are provided with have enabled me to discover that there is more within me as a teacher and person than I ever realised.

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‘WHO WAS YOUR FAVOURITE TEACHER?’ In the last issue of Collegiate, we asked you, who was your favourite teacher?

The responses we received revealed that a ‘favourite’ teacher is many things. They may be a teacher in class, but some part of them is always a student; everything around them can be learned from. They are an effective teacher because they are enthusiastic and passionate, not just about teaching but also about learning, and their students feel it too.

A favourite teacher not only knows and understands their subject, but they are able to communicate it to each and every student they teach. They don’t just tell the students what they need to know, but help them engage, practice, and discover it themselves and encourage the student to analyse, critique, and reflect on what they are learning and how they are learning it.

The response we got showed that MLC School Old Girl ‘favourite teachers’ were kind, passionate, reflective, enthusiastic, with great integrity, and enjoyed the experience of teaching.

For these Old Girls, the connection with their favourite teacher didn’t end when they finished school – it has clearly lasted a lifetime.

At school my name was Jennifer Dare and I was in the leaving class of 1952, 6A2.

My favourite teacher at MLC School was Miss Sutherland and she took us for Geography.

She was tall, with great posture, carried herself very elegantly – and she was always very well dressed.

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Miss Sutherland took our imaginations on a journey as we studied various cities around the world – it was very interesting and engaging. I got an ‘A’ in Geography in the Leaving Certificate which was a tribute to her teaching.

Jennifer Matheson (Dare, 1952) You asked us to remember our favourite teacher during our time at MLC School; for me it was Miss Morris who taught us Geography in the early 1950s; and who had also taught my mother, Kylie Maughan (Morgan, 1923) Mathematics at MLC School in the early 1920s.

In each case, she showed us the logical relations between the components of her subject. She taught us to think logically and comparatively; a skill that lasted all our lives.

I remember my Mother also mentioned with great reverence Miss Godfrey who taught English in the 1920s, and Mr Robinson for Music (piano), as well as the Headmistress, Miss Mabel Sutton. These were all excellent teachers who left lasting impressions.

Jocelyn Maughan, OAM (1955) Ms Fitzpatrick was one of my favourite teachers, despite the fact that I was always in trouble with her for talking in class!

I too have worked as an English teacher for many years and have often reflected on how passionate Ms Fitzpatrick was about teaching and how her poetry reading held the attention of all the students in her class. I can still picture her sitting on the corner of the desk, reading The Charge of the Light Brigade, feeling the rhythm of the horses during the charge and sensing the atmosphere. It is one of very few poems that

I can remember word for word, and perhaps because of Ms Fitzpatrick, poetry has also been my passion.

I also remember we were always fascinated with Ms Fitzpatrick’s car, perhaps because she talked about it a great deal?

However, my absolutely favourite teacher was Miss Baumer. Despite perhaps not having spelled her name correctly, I can picture her in my mind and which music room belonged to her after the Misses Simpsons occupied the two front music rooms.

She had endless patience and she certainly encouraged my love of music (playing the piano and singing) and she was also extremely kind and compassionate, especially to me as a Boarder when I was concerned about what was going on at home.

Gwllynes Axe (Morris, 1960) Miss Stark is the most outstanding memory I have of teachers from MLC School. She was a teacher who changed our lives – not just mine, but also the lives of many other students.

Miss Stark believed in me and I was always left, then as now, with the feeling of having been listened to and heard. This continued after I finished school. She always responded to my letters and encouraged me in my ambition to pursue Medicine as a career. I did do Medicine at university and became a doctor, which has remained one of my greatest passions in life.

At school I studied English Honours under Miss Stark’s direction and was lucky to achieve first class honours. That gave me the confidence first to do a BA degree at the University of Sydney and then an MB BS degree.

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After graduating as a doctor, confident in my ability to write, (thank you again Miss Stark!), I wrote two books; the first of which won the Queensland 2006 Premier’s Award for Science Writing.

Miss Stark told us that she had studied Botany at the University of Sydney with a Scottish man who was a ‘laird and gentleman’. Even to this day, when I pass the Botany School at the University of Sydney, I think of Miss Stark as a young woman, taking those first steps in her education and her love of learning that she would later share with her students at MLC School.

I will always remember Miss Stark as the teacher who helped change my life.

Dr Carole Hungerford (Bavinton, 1962) The MLC School Senior English teacher, and my class teacher in my Leaving Certificate year, Miss Stark, was without a doubt my favourite teacher in the nine years I spent at MLC School.

I have continually appreciated Miss Stark’s role in my life. She was influential in a quiet and understanding way. She provided me with opportunities to develop that otherwise weren’t available to me. I particularly remember how if she believed she was right, she would stand her ground, and this left a lasting impression on me.

I look back on Miss Stark often; ever grateful for her caring support. She was the best teacher in my many years at MLC School.

Elissa Buttsworth (1962) I studied Geography at MLC School from 1966–1971, and I fondly remember Mrs Wayne, the teacher who inspired me and engaged the whole class.

What I clearly remember was her enthusiasm at presenting the topics we studied and her

understanding of all the subject content.

The one topic that really stands out was our study of dairy farming in New Zealand. In fact, all the work covered on New Zealand was accompanied with copious slides – something I looked forward to each time we came to class. This cemented in me the reality of what we studied, as all aspects of study were backed up with visual evidence.

My admiration of Mrs Wayne led me to study Geography at the University of Sydney and then on to teach for a period of time.

Teachers such as Mrs Wayne inspire students with their enthusiasm and understanding of what they are teaching. Over fifty years have passed and I still remember her and her passion clearly.

Helen Psarakis (Samios, 1971) Yesterday I read the inaugural issue of Collegiate and was thrilled to see an article about Roslyn (Ros) Pesman (Cooper, 1954).

Ros is an Old Girl, not a past teacher at MLC School, but I felt compelled to tell you that she was a very significant teacher during my time at the University of Sydney. Until reading Collegiate I had no idea that we are both Old Girls from the same school.

I idolised Professor Pesman – she was an incredibly sophisticated intellectual that I fantasised I could become one day. (However, the need to earn an income to educate children overrode that fantasy!)

I loved the early modern European history and the Honours stream that I did under Professor Pesman and it has been my fantasy to return to history when I retire as a lawyer.

(As an aside, I met my husband of nearly 40 years in her tutorials!)

Kim Smith (1974)

From top to bottom: Miss Sheila Sutherland (centre) at her wedding with MLC School staff, 1956; Miss Morris, Mathematics and Geography Form Mistress, 1938; Ms Fitzpatrick, 1960s; Miss Stark, 1954; Mrs Wayne, Geography Form Mistress, 1964

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MLC SCHOOL UNIFORM SHOP MANAGER RETIRES Margaret Orpwood’s long commitment to MLC School commenced when her eldest daughter Joanne Armfield (Orpwood, 1994) began Year 4 in 1986. Not long after, in 1990, her youngest daughter, Elizabeth Neal (Orpwood, 1998) entered Year 4.

More recent staff and students at MLC School will know Margaret as our dedicated Uniform Shop Manager. You will be interested to find out that apart from this role, Margaret has held a number of prestigious voluntary positions within the School.

From 1993 to 1995, Margaret was the President of the P&F Ladies Auxiliary; the P&F subcommittee in charge of canteens, catering and establishing our first onpremises uniform shop. Then from 1995 to 1998 she was elected to be the P&F Representative on the MLC School Council. Margaret’s contributions to the Council were so highly regarded that she became a School Council member in 1998, and was elected Secretary of the Council in 2001. Margaret held this role until her retirement from Council in 2003.

At the same time, Margaret also worked in the Uniform Shop. Her first six years were in a voluntary capacity, and then in 1998, she took on the role as Uniform Shop Manager and has been in that role for 20 years.

Margaret says the Uniform Shop Manager role was perfect for her she always loved working in retail, and the part-time work fitted in around her life. She says that she stayed longer than she originally intended because coming to the Uniform Shop ‘never really felt like a job’.

She says there was no pressure and that she ‘enjoyed the work, the environment and the people, so it hardly felt like a job’.

Margaret says she truly enjoyed being involved in everything she did at the School, and was especially grateful to have been able to be at the school while her daughters were here. She says that one of her fondest memories was ‘being part of the great group of passionate P&F parents who collaborated and worked hard to improve the School and make things easier for students, staff and families’.

With tremendous gratitude, we bid a very fond farewell to Margaret who has dedicated more than 26 years to MLC School. She may be ‘retiring’ but does not intend to stop; she looks forward to spending

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more time with her 11 grandchildren and to doing volunteer work through her church to help improve conditions for refugees.

Midford has taken over the operations of our Uniform Shop and provides a full online service to our parents. Midford is part of the Georges Apparel group and have a long and proud history of providing quality uniforms tailored to the needs of schools across Australia.

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MLC SCHOOL HOUSE SYSTEM

BY ARCHIVIST, BARBARA HOFFMAN The House system commenced at MLC School in 1942 with the introduction of four Houses: Mooramoora, Leawarra, Churunga, and Booralee. In MLC School’s centenary history Walk in the Light, Dr Wade (1942) describes the aims of the original House system as: ‘giving students interests wider than those of their own class or age group and creating a greater feeling of belonging to the school as a whole. It also allowed more students to become involved in organising and decision making... The system would permeate almost every aspect of school life, providing a basis for friendly, but nevertheless intense competition’ (pp. 123-125).

The House names were chosen from Aboriginal words commencing with MLCB to correlate with the first letters of Methodist Ladies’ College Burwood, and their emblems were drawn from the MLC School crest.

As the School population grew, Dr Wade’s vision began to erode as each of the four Houses grew to over 200 students. At this level, the House system had little meaning other than as a convenient way of dividing the School for sporting and debating competitions.

In 1992, the addition of six new Houses, was an attempt to restore the system to its original intent. Of the six new Houses introduced, five take their names from eminent leaders in the School’s history: Lester, Prescott, Sutton, Wade, and Whitley, while Abbeythorpe House takes its name from one of the original homes on the School site.

With 10 Houses, each student is able to operate within a unit of about 80 students and participation becomes a necessity rather than an option. The impact of this is evident with greater involvement in swimming, sports and gymnastics competitions.

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1941-1959 Gladys Wade

The new House system also became the backbone of the Pastoral Care program. The prime responsibility of each Head of House is to ensure that each girl in their House is well known and encouraged and supported in every facet: academically, spiritually,

socially, morally, artistically, athletically and intellectually. MLC School believes very strongly in the education of the whole person. The House system is a key strategy by which this is achieved.

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Miss Lester circa 1880

Rev Dr Charles Prescott (Principal 1886-1899)

Miss Mabel Sutton MBE, Old Girl (1893-1896) and Headmistress (1912-1940)

Dr Alice Whitley BSc PhD MBE, Old Girl (1921-1930) and Headmistress (1960-1972)

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Mooramoora means ‘good spirit’, its emblem is The Book and its colour is light green (emerald) representing ‘initiative’.

Leawarra means ‘uprising’, its emblem is The Shield and its colour is purple (violet) representing ‘conviction’.

Churunga means ‘sacred place or thing’, its emblem is The Cross and its colour is yellow (gold) representing ‘worship’.

Booralee means ‘an ideal to which we must aspire’, its emblem is The Star and its colour is red (scarlet) representing ‘chivalry’.

Abbeythorpe The site of Abbeythorpe played an important role in the life of the School for almost 50 years from 1923 when it was purchased by the College Council to accommodate Kindergarten and Primary classes.

Lester One of the earliest private colleges for girls was run by Miss Sarah Eliza Lester.

In 1879 she established a ladies’ college

(her fifth) in the 1855-built ‘Kent House’ on the corner of Park Road and Rowley Street, Burwood. This was purchased by the Wesleyan Conference in December 1885 and opened as the Wesleyan Ladies’ College on 27 January 1886. (Over the years the School’s name changed from Wesleyan Ladies’ College to Burwood Ladies’ College in 1899, Methodist Ladies’ College in 1914, and then, with the formation of the Uniting Church, MLC School in 1977).

Prescott Prescott is named after the Founding Principal of the Wesleyan Ladies’ College, Rev Dr Charles Prescott.

Sutton Miss Mabel Sutton, MBE, an MLC School Old Girl (cohort approximately 1896) joined the staff of Burwood Ladies’ College as First Assistant in 1910 and was appointed Headmistress in 1912. In 28 years she left her mark on education both at the School and in the community. She retired in 1940.

Wade Dr Gladys Wade, MBE, was Headmistress of MLC School from 1941 until 1959. Earlier in her distinguished academic and teaching career she had been a Form Mistress at MLC School (1918–1924). Dr Wade instigated many of the traditions of the School such as the House system and the School Community Service. She was known for her understanding, fine judgement, morality and honesty.

Whitley Dr Alice Whitley, MBE, was MLC School’s last Headmistress from 1960 to 1972. A former student of MLC School (Dux in 1930), Dr Whitley brought to the School’s leadership a blend of tradition and progressiveness and made a valuable and lasting contribution to science education across NSW.

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SAPPHIRES’ LUNCHEON

On 16 October 2018 we welcomed 125 of our Old Girls for the annual Sapphires’ Luncheon. For the first time this year we had an ‘Old Boy’ attend the Luncheon – Greg Higgins was a student at MLC School from Nursery in 1940 to Kindergarten in 1942 and we were delighted he could join us.

Ten of our newest Sapphires, the Class of 1963, were in attendance as were 14 Old Girls celebrating 60 years since leaving MLC School (Class of 1958), five Old Girls celebrating 70 years since leaving MLC School (Class of 1948) and one, Nola Hewitt (Freeson, 1938), who finished school 80 years ago, and was our oldest Old Girl present.

The highlight of the day was when our ten oldest Sapphires were presented with flowers by our Junior School students who are the daughters of Old Girls. Then Nola Hewitt (Freeson, 1938) and little Poppy Frederick (PreK), our first 5th generation student directly through the matriarchal line, joined hands to cut the ceremonial cake together.

Potts Hall was full of excitement and laughter as our Old Girls renewed acquaintances and shared memories. The strength of the connections between our Old Girls, and their continuing love for their School was inspiring to all the MLC School students and staff who were present that day.

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REUNIONS

The Savoy, London

New York and London In September, MLC School Principal, Lisa Moloney hosted two wonderful events for our Old Girls living in the northern hemisphere.

On 24 September at The Plaza, New York, Lisa Moloney welcomed eight Old Girls from cohorts ranging from 1972 to 2015. Then on 26 September, Lisa Moloney was joined

by MLC School’s Head of Marketing and Community Relations, Michele Dunn, at The Savoy, London where they hosted 14 Old Girls from the cohorts of 1957 to 2017.

The Plaza, New York

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At both Reunions, age had no meaning and Old Girls from all cohorts mingled, shared stories and swapped contact details. Lisa Moloney was delighted to again witness the affinity that MLC School Old Girls have for each other and that regardless of when a girl leaves MLC School they share a connection that lasts forever.

1958

1958... 6A1 Old Girls annual get together Rosemary Maclean (Graham, 1958) has written to tell us that each year MLC School Old Girls from the 6A1 class of 1958 come together for a luncheon at The Queen’s Club in Sydney.

In November 2017, 15 Old Girls attended and this year in October, for their 60th anniversary

since leaving MLC School, 16 Old Girls came together to celebrate.

‘We spent a number of hours chatting and reminiscing over our young years which were spent growing up in Kent House, Abbeythorpe and the Senior School.

For most of us they were very happy years, and although 60 years have passed, we still very much enjoy gathering together each year.’

1968

1968 – 50 Year Reunion On Saturday 16 June 2018, Old Girls from the class of 1968 celebrated 50 years since they left high school.Many had travelled from afar to reconnect with old friends.

It was a riotous afternoon with many Old Girls sharing stories with those present about rambunctious escapades and hilarious gossip from days gone by, all with a feeling of companionship and shared experiences.

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Back to College On 4 May 2018, MLC School and the Old Girls’ Union welcomed 65 Old Girls from the classes of 1955 to 2017 to a relaxed and convivial evening filled with stories and laughter. It was an evening that defined ‘collegial’, with all ages mixing effortlessly, highlighting that regardless of when a girl leaves MLC School, they all share an affinity that lasts throughout their lives.

After Principal Lisa Moloney warmly introduced herself to all the Old Girls present, Old Girl Helena Grahame (1959) presented her with a bouquet and declared ‘Long may she reign!’. From the response of all those present there was unanimous agreement with the sentiment.

1978 and 2008 Reunions Late November saw just under 40 Old Girls from 1978 return for their 40th Reunion. They shared the occasion with the Old Girls from 2008, who had gathered for their 10 year Reunion.

It was an afternoon of great fun and laughter, and ended with a tour of the new Senior School building.

2008

1978

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1998

1988

1998 – 20 Year Reunion

1988 – 30 Year Reunion

On a very windy afternoon on Saturday 18 August, the class of 1998 gathered for a lively and loving reunion.

The class of 1988 Reunion, held on Saturday 28 July, was a fun and relaxed afternoon.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming and the volume of the excited conversations reflected the happiness of all those present.

The afternoon was filled with many conversations and many hugs as old friends reconnected and laughed over stories and photos from their time at school.

Some old friends hadn’t seen each other for many years and enjoyed learning of the different paths each had taken over the past 20 years. They told stories of their travels, their jobs and their children (one tiny baby was in attendance, and at least a couple more were present in utero).

Upon leaving, one Old Girl marvelled that any divisions that had existed between them at school had dissolved and that what they had in common were the traits that MLC School had instilled in them: confidence, resilience and kindness.

The Old Girls toured both new and familiar old buildings, noting that while the physical structures might have changed, the values of the MLC School that they knew live on.

The get together kicked on for hours after the Reunion at another venue. The warmth and companionship continued as old friendships were rekindled and new ones made.

After the Reunion, one Old Girl said ‘It is a well-worn adage but it’s true; you can take the girl out of MLC School but you can’t take MLC School out of the girl’.

1998

It is a well-worn adage but it’s true; you can take the girl out of MLC School but you can’t take MLC School out of the girl.

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VALE The MLC School Community extends condolences to the family and friends of our recently departed Old Girls.

Constance (Connie) Cowper (Webster, 1930) Newington College has kindly shared with us the news of the sad passing of one of our oldest Old Girls, Constance Cowper (Webster, 1930) on 3 May 2018 at the age of 105. Connie’s death was reported to Newington by her nephew Robert Webster (an Old Newingtonian and a member of the Newington College Council).

Connie and her sister Gwen Webster (1924) were both students at MLC School. Connie was an outstanding sports woman, winning many awards and excelling in Netball, Athletics and Tennis while at school. Both girls were born and raised in Goonoongla at Bigga, NSW, but as the family had a home in Marrickville, the girls attended school as day girls.

Connie and Gwen had seven brothers who attended Newington and Connie went on to marry Dennis (Dave) Cowper who was one of Newington’s most talented athletes.

(After school he went on to captain the Wallabies against South Africa and the All Blacks and he also ran for Australia in the Empire Games.)

Elsa Mayo (Wentzel, 1939) Elsa Mayo (Wentzel, 1939) died on 13 September 2017. Elsa’s three daughters, Sharlie Young (Mayo, 1965), Stephanie Knudsen (Mayo, 1969) and Fiona Scott (Mayo, 1972) attended MLC School, as did her niece Anne Wentzel (1964), and greatniece Juliana Boyter (Wentzel, 1998).

Elsa served in the Australian Women’s Army Service during WWII and is commemorated on the MLC School WWII Honour Board.

Elsa’s daughter Stephanie proudly told us that her mum was an ambulance driver during the War stationed at Bathurst, and who, at the age of 18, had learned how to strip down an engine and do her own vehicle maintenance.

Elsa is sadly missed by her daughters Sharlie, Stephanie, Fiona, her sons Timothy and Hugh and her extended family.

Marion Sharp (Claydon, 1941) Marion Sharp (Claydon, 1941) passed away peacefully on 23 May 2018 at the age of 92.

Elizabeth Kitto (1959) has written to let us know that her dear Aunt, Lilian Joyce Hinchcliffe (Kitto 1936) died in October 2017.

Lilian enrolled at MLC School as a Boarder in 1927 at the age of eight.

She was 98 when she died, and had led a long and happy life. Lilian leaves behind her loving husband, Bruce, daughter Bronwyn and son, Robert.

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Helen’s family have a long and storied connection to MLC School. As well as her three sisters, two daughters and a niece all attending MLC School, Helen’s grandfather was Frederick Morley. Mr Morley was appointed in 1888 by Rev. Prescott as the first Music and Singing Master of the then Weslayan Ladies’ College (now MLC School).

He was a much loved and admired member of staff at MLC School for 33 years. Also, Helen’s aunt Irene (her father’s sister) married the brother of Mabel Sutton – MLC School Old Girl (1896) who went on to become a much lauded and beloved MLC School Headmistress for 30 years.

Audrey Arthy-Stevens (Clifton, 1944) Audrey’s daughter, Annabel, has sent us the sad news that her dear mother passed away on 23 February 2017.

Audrey loved her school and always enjoyed attending reunions, particularly in her last decade. After one reunion she stuck the MLC School Song Here In This House on her fridge and asked that her granddaughter read the words at her funeral.

Dave and Connie had three sons and their youngest son, Bob Cowper, played cricket for Australia and was the first cricketer to score a Test triple century in Australia, 307 runs v England in Melbourne in 1965-66.

Lilian Hinchcliffe (Kitto 1936)

A keen sportswoman, Helen played tennis, was a member of the Tildesley Shield team, and was an excellent hockey player – she was on the Senior A Hockey Team from 1938 to 1942. Helen was also a member of the School’s Sports Committee in 1941 and 1942.

Helen Naylor (Morley, 1942) Alison Carter (Naylor, 1974), Helen’s daughter, has written to us to tell us of the sad passing of her mother on Saturday 25 August 2018 at the age of 94.

Helen attended MLC School from 1936 to 1942. In 1942, she was the first House Captain of Booralee, Head of House (Boarding), the School Captain and the winner of the School Prize.

The Minister officiating at Audrey’s funeral, Rev Peter Wilson, also used the words of our School Song in his eulogy. As Rev Wilson’s wife is also an MLC School Old Girl, the words were both familiar and important to his family as well.

Annabel told us that Audrey’s sister, Old Girl Enid Crowther (Clifton, 1945) has celebrated her 88th birthday and is still very active.

Mary Dutton, OAM (Dewhurst, 1947) Jill Bootle (Moxham, 1947) has written to tell us of the death of her life-long MLC School friend, Mary Dutton, OAM (Dewhurst, 1947).

Jill says that Mary’s passing on 1 Feburary 2017 “left a gap in the ranks of MLC School Old Girls in our western NSW district.”

Enclosed with Jill’s letter were tributes to Mary’s life in the ‘Nyngan Observer’.

These have given us an insight into Mary’s active and courageous life. Mary grew up in Hermidale in western NSW where her early schooling was via correspondence. It must have been quite something for Mary to arrive at MLC School in 1943 as she had no experience of a city, or even of a classroom, but she settled in quickly and thrived at the school. Her fond memories of MLC School were something she spoke of through her life.

Part of a multi-generational MLC School family, Audrey’s Mum, Ruby Wye (Heckendorf, 1921), her aunt Elizabeth Jackson (Wye, 1956), and her daughters Rueleen Weeks (Volkofsky, 1973) and Jenelle Sullivan (Volkofsky, 1976) attended the Shool.

Rueleen says that her although her Mum is sadly missed by all her family and friends, they take some consolation knowing that Audrey was blessed with the life-long friendship of her MLC School friends and fellow boarders, Jennifer Uhr (Ross) and Lesley Hammond (Ross, 1950).

Dorothy Crowe (Tulloch, 1950) Old Girl Dorothy Crowe (Tulloch, 1950) passed away on 7 April 2014, aged 80 years.

Dorothy had two sons and was the adored Nan to her two beloved grandchildren Cassie and Jamie.

After school, Mary returned to the Hermidale/ Nyngan District and immediately became involved in the local community.

Her marriage to Peter in 1952 gave her a life partner who shared all her many interests and he became just as actively involved in the district organisations and events as she. They were very proud to both receive an Order of Australia Medal in 2005 for their efforts over a life time of community service.

Margaret Goode (Gietz, 1949) Senior Prefect, Margaret Goode (Gietz, 1949), who returned to the School as a member of staff, passed away peacefully on 18 December 2017 at the age of 85.

Margaret spent four years at MLC School as a student, and then returned in 1973 to become our Science Laboratory Assistant for the next 17 years.

Audrey Volkofsky (Wye, 1949) Old Girl Rueleen Weeks (Volkofsky, 1973) has sent us the sad news that her dear Mum, Audrey Volkofsky (Wye, 1949) passed away on 5 January 2018.

Prior to developing dementia, Audrey had fond memories of her ‘finishing’ year at MLC School.

Jennifer White (Stone, 1951) Cynthia White, daughter of Jennifer White (Stone, 1951) and mother of Frankie HowardWhite (2017) and Queenie Howard-White (current Year 10 student), sent this loving tribute to her dear Mother.

My beautiful, kind, determined Mum, a proud MLC School Old Girl, passed away on 16 March 2018.

Mum started MLC School in Grade 7 travelling on the train from Harris Park to Burwood with her friend Bronwyn. Also, on the train was her dear friend Liz (Elizabeth Moxham) from Nyngan. Liz became Mum’s very best friend and my sister’s godmother. Along with Liz and Bronwyn, Mum remained life-long friends with Jeanette, Evangelyn, Barbara, Anne, Rhonda, Joan and Helen from school.

Mum was proud of how well she did academically and always said “MLC School made me who I am today”. She was devastated on the last day of school and cried for hours when she came home that day.

Mum trained as a nurse and became a midwife. She met her husband Ken at her cousin’s wedding and they lived in Wagga before moving out to a beautiful property at Book Book.

Mum stayed connected with MLC School all her life, attending functions and fundraisers and later the Sapphires’ Luncheons. When my children were young, Mum told me about the brand-new Aquatic Centre at MLC School and that swimming lessons would be starting soon. My children all learned to swim at there and all became strong swimmers like their grandmother. In 2011, my eldest daughter, Frankie, started at MLC School in Year 7, as did my third child, Queenie, four years later. Mum came to every school concert and celebration that she could.

Around eight years ago she moved to Sydney to be near her daughters. We were so sad to lose Mum but she had been very unwell with Scleroderma, an auto immune rheumatic disease that tested Mum’s gentle, tolerant nature.

Mum’s beautiful funeral was held in Annandale and we were very appreciative to have MLC School’s Director of Music, James Allington, conduct senior members of the MLC School Chamber Choir who sung the hymn The Lord Bless you and Keep You. It was a moving and appropriate gesture by the School and would have meant so much to Mum. We miss Mum very much. She was always so proud of her granddaughters Frankie and Queenie, and of being an MLC School Old Girl.

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to be the godmother to friends’ children and always interested in whatever they were doing. She loved people and she loved life and never wanted to miss one bit of it – a great friend and a great person!”

A Tribute to Pauline Thomas by Geoffrey Robertson, AO, QC was read at her funeral.

Pauline Thomas (1951) Pauline Thomas (1951), died on 2 February 2018.

Pauline was at MLC School for most of her school life. She was a Senior Prefect, part of the Tildesley Tennis team, the Senior B Tennis team and on the Sports Committee.

MLC School was a very important part of Pauline’s life; so much so that she returned to serve on the MLC School Council for 17 years from 1992 to 2009.

Ruth Ferguson (Johnson, 1951) Roy Ferguson, the husband of Ruth Ferguson (Johnson, 1951), has written to let us know that his dear wife passed away peacefully on Sunday 26 November 2017, aged 83 years. Ruth was beloved by her three daughters, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Pauline’s funeral service was one of beautiful choral music and loving tributes from family, friends and colleagues. She maintained deep, life-long friendships with her school friends and colleagues; once a friend, Pauline remained a loyal friend.

Music played an enormous part of Pauline’s life. After finishing at MLC School she attended the Conservatorium of Music with dreams of being a concert pianist. She could sing beautifully, as well as play the piano and the organ, and in 1989 she became involved in the establishment of The Cathedral Singers choir. Pauline was also a long-time member of St Paul’s (Burwood) choir. Both of these prestigious choirs, of which Pauline was extremely proud, were a big part of Pauline’s funeral service.

Pauline’s family and friends described her as an all-rounder. She had a long and highlyregarded career at the ABC, was wellrespected in her music circles, she enjoyed playing tennis, going to the cricket, and attending the opera and concerts.

One of Pauline’s oldest friends, Pam Scott (Latham, 1951) who was friends with Pauline since they met at MLC School when they were 12, wrote “Pauline was always very sociable and never forgot a friend – kept friendships alive with cards, letters and phone calls, she never missed a birthday and was always present at every occasion, the first to arrive and the last to leave. She was often chosen

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Dianne Nicol (Vout, 1953) Ngairetta Brennan, AM (Vout 1946) has written to tell us the sad news that her youngest sister Dianne Nicol (Vout, 1953) passed away on 25 October 2017.

Dianne enrolled at MLC School in 1948 in 6th class in the primary school. During her time at school, she was actively involved in all school life: she was on the Athletics team, the Swimming Team and the ‘A’ Hockey Team. In her final year at school, Dianne was the Head House Prefect and winner of the House Prize.

Many residents attended the celebration of Maggie Grey’s life on 2 March 2018, a week after her passing. It was a moving occasion with a good deal of laughter and tears, and with a huge amount of humour, befitting the Maggie that they knew and loved. The large, overcrowded room was testament to the many friends and family who had been touched by Maggie’s love, kindness and friendship.

Maggie was always a positive ball of energy who lived a productive life and was involved in everything: Citizen’s Advice Bureau, local historical society, Probus, to name a few.

She was especially passionate about helping others less fortunate than herself. She was also one of the first women to become a real estate agent in Australia, something that is common now but when she worked for Marshall’s in Sandringham, Melbourne, it was very unusual to find a female agent.

When Maggie moved into her residential community, she immediately got involved in all sorts of activities and joined the entertainment committee, organising events for others to enjoy. Last year Maggie realised the need to organise a ‘Friendship’ table at the resident’s restaurant. In her practical, friendly manner anyone and everyone was welcome, particularly new residents who were settling into the community. Because of Maggie’s efforts, new friendships formed at the ‘Friendship’ weekly dinners.

Even after the devastating diagnosis of motor neuron disease Maggie continued to enjoy life and work for others. She is remembered as a very courageous dynamo and an inspiration to all around her.

All four Vout sisters attended MLC School: Ngairetta Brennan, AM (Vout 1946), Margaret Messenger (Vout, 1949), Judith Willis (Vout, 1952) and Dianne Nicol (Vout, 1953). The sisters were close and remained actively involved in Old Girl activities and school friendships groups long after they had finished school.

Margaret (Maggie) Grey (McLachlan 1953)

Marilyn Faye Nikoloff (Matthews, 1953)

Lauchlan, the son of Margaret (Maggie) Grey (McLachlan 1953) as well as Maggie’s dear friend Laura Wilson (Sokes, 1951), have sent a beautiful tribute to Maggie written by her friends at her residential community.

Marilyn’s daughter, Donna, contacted us to tell us the sad news that her dear Mum, Marilyn Faye Nikoloff (Matthews, 1953) passed away on 25 December 2017 at the age of 81.

Marilyn was a radiographer as well as a lay pastor, who completed a Masters degree in Philosophy. She had two daughters (Donna and Lara) and three grandchildren (Joel, Andrew & Rebekah). Marilyn was widowed 30 years ago, but she continued to work hard, travel extensively, and shower her family and friends with love.

Her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis 10 years ago impacted her independence, but not her spirit and Marilyn was her loving, kind self to the end.

After leaving school, Mee-Na studied physiotherapy at the University of Sydney.

Mee-Na worked as a physiotherapist with asthma patients as well as working as a sports physio for the boys at Riverview (where her sons went to school). Having survived breast cancer many years ago, MeeNa also spent years working with the Cancer Council helping other breast cancer survivors.

After retirement, Mee-Na and Frank lived a very full life of sport, travel and watching the wonderful progress of their sons and grandchildren.

Gold Medal, which recognises stand-alone contributions that an individual has made to improving quality health.

Rosemary had a natural empathy for people and her 'can I help?' attitude and generous hospitality won her many friends. For Rosemary, dedication to her work, her friends and her family were paramount.

Those who knew Rosemary Snodgrass have indeed lost a good friend.

Mee-Na’s vitality and caring presence will be sorely missed by so many who experienced life with her.

One life lived, many lives touched.

Rosemary Snodgrass (1960) Mee-Na Cheok (Young Lee, 1956) This tribute to Mee-Na was written by her 1956 MLC School friends.

The MLC School class of 1956 were shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of our dear, life-long friend Mee-Na Young Lee on 6 December 2017.

Mee-Na was influential to not only our class mates, but also to the School staff and many other students who experienced her leadership qualities during her five years at MLC School.

Mee-Na’s graceful, inclusive leadership style, along with her sporting prowess led her to be voted Class Captain each year from 1952 to 1956, Captain of the 1954 to 1956 Basketball teams as well as the 1952 to 1956 Athletics teams. (Her style as a hurdler was admired by all who watched her effortless wins.) This culminated in Mee-Na being elected Head Girl of the School in 1956 – our first student from Asian heritage in that position!

Mee-Na’s interest in the School and keeping our year group together resulted in many happy reunions over the years ably assisted

by Beverley Wilson (Blight, 1956) who was her Deputy in 1956. Our last reunion was only months after her death, again organised in the months preceding her death by Mee-Na and Beverly.

This tribute to Rosemary was sent to us by one of her dearest friends, Cynthia Gunn (1960)

Rosemary entered MLC School in 1959 and graduated with the then Leaving Certificate in 1960.

In May of that year the senior classes were offered a trip to Central Australia. This is where Jeanne Hogbin (Ercole, 1960) and I got to know Rosemary well. Rosemary, Jeanne, Mee Mee Lee (1960) and I had a friendship that has endured throughout our lives.

Rosemary was a born nurse and in 1962, after a year’s travelling in Europe with her sister Betty, she began training at St George Hospital, Kogarah.

In 1989, Rosemary was offered the position of Director of Nursing and Community Health Care at Royal North Shore where she remained for a decade.

It was during her tenure at Royal North Shore that Rosemary was awarded a place at Wharton Business School for Executives in Philadelphia, USA. In her posts as Director of Nursing, Rosemary contributed significantly to the development of health care standards and co-authored a book on this subject.

Rosemary's work led to her being awarded the Johnson & Johnson Wharton Fellow in 1997, and in 2017 she was awarded the highest and most prestigious award of the Australian Council Health Standards, the

Lesley Allen (Morrow, 1970) Lesley’s niece Liz Robertson sent us this tribute to her beloved aunt.

Lesley was born on the 22 April 1952 and was adopted by Albert and Edna Morrow as a newborn making her their long awaited second daughter and much loved sister to Pam. In 1965 Les started at MLC School. She completed MLC Commercial School Course in 1969.

She worked at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Xray, Radiology and Emergency as a medical typist.

Les married Ron Allen in 1982. She was a very loved mother to his son David and David’s wife Claudia, and a wonderful and beloved grandmother to their two daughters Madison and Sophie.

Throughout her life Les had many passions.

Travel, watching sports, cooking, and she was a volunteer for the National Parks and Wildlife Service and also the Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, but her greatest passion of all were her animals.

After living with Crohn's Disease for 44 years, sadly, due to complications, she lost her battle.

On Friday 8 June 2018, surrounded by her family, we lost our beautiful wife, sister, mum, grandma, aunt and cousin. Les will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts.

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CURRENT STUDENTS WITH OLD GIRL MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS AND GREAT-GRANDMOTHERS

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STUDENT

YEAR

MOTHER

Estella Tran

Pre-K

Catherine Vu (1998)

Eve Hutchison

Pre-K

Danielle Hutchison (Oag, 2002)

Hannah Girgis

Pre-K

Christina Girgis (Salib, 2001)

Kyrani Countouris

Pre-K

Sandra Countouris (Loupis, 1997)

Olivia Smith

Pre-K

Emma Munro (1991)

GRANDMOTHER

GREAT-GRANDMOTHER

Susan Munro (Burgess 1965) Heather Prince (Walker, 1965)

OTHER

Aunt Heather Walker (Scott, 1928)

Great-Great-Grandmother**, Aunt, Great Aunts

Poppy Frederick*

Pre-K

Sarah Prince (1996)

Vera Papaluca

Pre-K

Virginia Papaluca (Sim, 2000)

Victoria Cassar

Pre-K

Marie Cassar (Kazacos, 2002)

Alicia Suen

K

Valerie Cheung (1995)

Evelyn Tran

K

Catherine Vu (1998)

Fedra Nikolakopoulos

K

Stephanie Kazacos (2004)

Halimah Bokhari

K

Sakinah Ahmad (1998)

Aunts

Zoe Fotoulis

K

Amber Fotoulis (Pardy, 1997)

Aunt

Amara Sivagurunathan

1

Vicki Sivagurunathan (Sathasivam, 1993)

Anastasia Countouris

1

Sandra Countouris (Loupis, 1997)

Eloise Wong

1

Polly Chan (1990)

Emilia Sarayar

1

Natalie Sarayar (Yong, 1995)

Imogen Bush

1

Marion Bush (Jones, 1994)

Lucia Cicinelli

1

Mellissa Cicinelli (Manikas, 1989)

Olivia Burke

1

Jodie Burke (Moate, 1994)

Sophie Hong

1

Angela Hong (Au, 1999)

Ethelia Cassar

2

Marie Cassar (Kazacos, 2002)

Jade Scott-Rogers

2

Lara Scott (1992)

Jasmin Srisathkurunathan

2

Manjula Srisathkurunathan (Kumar, 1998)

Joanna Williams

2

Nicole Williams (Papamanuel, 1998)

Madeleine Girgis

2

Christina Girgis (Salib, 2001)

Milla Papaluca

2

Virginia Papaluca (Sim, 2000)

Pip McGuire

2

Dee McGuire (Seeto, 1992)

Amritha Ravichandra

3

Abirami Ravichandra (Senthilkumaran, 1996)

Chloe Miller

3

Tamara Carlin (1985)

Eleanor McKeough

3

Zoe McKeough (Barker-Whittle, 1994)

Imogen Wong

3

Polly Chan (1990)

Inez Prince

3

Kyra Narang

3

Baneesha Narang (Chugh, 1999)

Rose Lin

3

Lillian Tsai (1995)

Anisha Sivagurunathan

4

Vicki Sivagurunathan (Sathasivam, 1993)

Ava Roins

4

Helene Roins (Dracos, 1997)

Chloe Kypreos

4

Mariel Kypreos (Pinfold, 1997)

Elyssa Ghaly

4

Yostina Ghaly (Guirguis, 2000)

Gauri Nathan

4

Ranita Nathan (Sungaran, 1991)

Abigail Bush

5

Marion Bush (Jones, 1994)

Amaya Karunakaran

5

Nirosha Karunakaran (Ganeswaran, 1996)

Evie Papamanuel

5

Francene Papamanuel (Dracos, 1995)

Amelia Norton

6

Amanda Rowe (Clayton, 1993)

Chloe Arnold

6

Nirusha Arnold (Olegasegarem, 1990)

Isabel Baudille

6

Carolina Baudille (Moll, 1993)

Isabelle Lin

6

Lillian Tsai (1995)

Keira O’Connor

6

Pennie O’Connor (Ypsilantis, 1985)

Samantha Brady

6

Joanne Brady (Foster, 1989)

Tiana Roins

6

Helene Roins (Dracos, 1997)

Vishaalini Ravichandra

6

Abirami Ravichandra (Senthilkumaran, 1996)

Zara Constance

6

Ainslie Constance (Thomas, 1991)

Heather Prince (Walker, 1965)

Alexandra Scherf

7

Helen Scherf (McFadzean, 1988)

Athena Nikolakopoulos

7

Joanne Nikolakopoulos (Ronis, 1994)

Chantelle Wan

7

Claire Lam (1992)

Claire van der Stel

7

Nicole van der Stel (Tebbet, 1993)

Grace Scanlon

7

Joanne Scanlon (Dent, 1988)

Heather Walker (Scott, 1928)

Great-Great-Grandmother**, Aunts, Great Aunts

Aunts

Aunt Gwen McFadzean (Marshman, 1928)

Aunts, Great-Aunts

Aunts

MLC SCHOOL OLD GIRL S’ MAGA ZI NE

STUDENT

YEAR

MOTHER

Isabel McKeough

7

Zoe McKeough (Barker-Whittle, 1994)

GRANDMOTHER

GREAT-GRANDMOTHER

Indigo Devlin

7

Helen Devlin (Blunden, 1963)

Gwynthelyn Blunden (Richardson, 1932)

Jasmine Talbot

7

Shelly Talbot (Harrington, 1990)

Layla Hamdan

7

Sarah Hamdan (Chehab, 1993)

Lucinda King

7

Kristi Jones (1984)

Romy Dobbie

7

Yvette Dobbie (Clarkson, 1982)

Seetha Nathan

7

Ranita Nathan (Sungaran, 1991)

Yianna Mitropoulos

7

Alexandra Mitropoulos (Tzavellas, 1988)

Zara Kilborn

7

Kimberley Pressick-Kilborn (Pressick, 1990)

Anna Gough

8

Kylie Smith (1987)

Annabelle Banfield

8

Shannen Banfield (Lubrano, 1991)

Hannah Bathgate

8

Julia Gough

8

Kylie Smith (1987)

Juliette Beattie

8

Kylie Beattie (Smith, 1989)

Laryssa Latt

8

Sophie Chan (1989)

Madison Clemens

8

Felicity Clemens (Hill, 1991)

Renae Varvaris

8

Dorette Varvaris (Mitrothanasis, 1994)

Sophie Thomas

8

Michelle Thomas (Crowhurst, 1990)

Tina Papamanuel

8

Francene Papamanuel (Dracos, 1995)

Ana Trigg

9

Annabelle Bailey

9

Jeanette Bailey (Horley, 1958)

Charlotte Bathgate

9

Beatrice Bathgate (Black, 1951)

Claudine Talbot

9

Shelly Talbot (Harrington, 1990)

Emma Webb

9

Melissa Webb (Allum, 1986)

Rhoda King (Davis, 1954)

OTHER

Aunt, Great-Aunts

Aunt

Beatrice Bathgate (Black, 1951)

Great Aunt

Aunt Julienne Hill (Cush, 1964)

Margaret Trigg (Waterhouse, 1925)

Freya D’Mello

9

Amanda D’Mello (Navin, 1998)

Holly Herden

9

Jane Herden (Adams, 1991)

Lily Scanlon

9

Joanne Scanlon (Dent, 1988)

Maya Simpson

9

Rani Sachdev (1982)

Miranda Norton

9

Amanda Rowe (Clayton, 1993)

Queenie Howard-White

9

Anastasia Giannakakos

10

Elpida Giannakakos (Vlach, 1982)

Anika Lammers

10

Melissa Lammers (Bush, 1989)

Annaliese Konidaris

10

Tina Konidaris (Countouris, 1992)

Brianna Chapman

10

Charlie Kairaitis

10

Heather Kairaitis (Knox, 1986)

Ellena Hartzenberg

10

Jacqui Hartzenberg (Cameron, 1989)

Erin Glover

10

Nicolle Glover (Haseldine, 1986)

Gabrielle Cadena

10

Rosemary Cadena (Empson, 1982)

Hannah Arnold

10

Nirusha Arnold (Olegasegarem, 1990)

Kate Cartwright

10

Mia Novati Olivia Hempel

Janet Horley (Martin, 1933)

Great Aunt

Barbara Allum (Jay 1958) Vikki Navin (Martin, 1973)

Great Aunt

Aunt Marilyn Martin (Dobson 1950) Aunts Aunt

Jennifer White (Stone, 1951) Olga Bush (Makaroff, 1969) Patricia Chapman (Binns, 1959)

Dorothy Binns (Hume, 1927)

Aunt, Great Aunt

Faye Knox (Turner 1965)

Aunt

Pamela Empson (Waters, 1954)

Aunts

Sue Cartwright (Packham, 1981)

Val Packham (Hedge, 1955)

Aunt, Great Aunt, Grandfather ex Council Chair

10

Sarah Novati (Trollope, 1988)

Beryl Trollope (Houston 1962

Aunt, Great-Aunts

10

Katherine Hempel (Pittendrigh, 1987)

Paris Mitropoulos

10

Alexandra Mitropoulos (Tzavellas, 1988)

Rahni Ong

10

Sughan Ramakrishna (1989)

Danielle Mikhael

11

Ina Mikhael (Torrisi, 1988)

Eleni Kaloterakis

11

Yvonne Kaloterakis (Kostopoulos, 1986)

Georgia Ventouris

11

Hellan Ventouris (Tzavellas, 1991)

Lily Rodgers

11

Rachael Rodgers (Musgrave, 1990)

Madeleine Aitken

11

Karen Aitken (Ludlow, 1982)

Tayla Casey

11

Jodie Kelleher (1980)

Zoe Scoufis

11

Natasha Burtenshaw (1989)

Emily Hart

12

Pamela Henderson (1987)

Jaya Ong

12

Sughan Ramakrishna (1989)

Jessica Tippett

12

Sienna Prowse

12

Sancha Prowse (Smith, 1990)

Stella Kochanowicz

12

Mary-Anne Kochanowicz (Radovan, 1984)

Aunt

Aunt

Judith Chapman (Leben, 1949) Aunt

* MLC School’s first fifth generation student through the matriarchal line. ** The Great-Great-Grandmother of Poppy Frederick (PreK) and Inez Prince (Y3) is Sarah Matilda Scott (Evans, 1894) who was known as Tilly. Tilly enrolled into MLC School (then know as Wesleyan Ladies’ College) at the age of 10 in approximately 1886 or 1887.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We very much encourage and welcome your news and would love to receive photos.

To get in touch please call Barbara Hoffman, MLC School Archivist on 02 8741 3214, or email bhoffman@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

An inspiring message from Judy Erskine (Love, 1958)

The spirit of gratitude is alive in our Old Girls

Earlier this year Judy Erskine (Love, 1958) sent us an inspiring message that we wanted to share with both Old Girls and current students.

She says she looks forward to receiving both Lucis and Collegiate magazines; Lucis so she can learn about the current MLC School students and marvel at their achievements and Collegiate to catch up on Old Girl news.

Judy says she had a hard time at school in the early 1950s; that she was shy, timid, not good at sports and not scholastically inclined.

In those by-gone days, she says, there was no encouragement given to those for whom academic achievement did not come easily.

The spirit of gratitude expressed by Wendy is echoed by Julie Sadleir (1972) who wrote to thank us for sending Lucis magazine to her. She says that she keeps returning to the recent Winter 2018 edition because so much of it touched her heart and reminded her of “all the sacrifices my parents made so I could go to MLC School; and my gratefulness to them and to MLC School.”

Things changed for Judy when MLC School’s Headmistress, Dr Wade, told her that everyone has a place in the jigsaw, somewhere where they will fit in, that it may take years but one day they will find their place.

After Judy left school, she worked and saved and went overseas for years and fell in love with travelling and meeting people from all walks of life. These experiences helped her overcome her shyness and led to her working within the travel industry, a job that she loved.

Reflecting back on her school days now she realises that Dr Wade’s words of encouragement meant the world to her, and that Dr Wade was right, everyone does eventually find their place in the jigsaw.

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Share your news!

Wendy George (Burrell, 1964) tells us that she is now retired and is in frequent touch with her year group and has been regularly involved in their catchup reunions.

Wendy says “I have always appreciated the good fortune that allowed me to share in the history of such a ground-breaking institution as MLC School… long may it continue.”

Friends for over 70 years and still going strong!

Marion Fisher (Gardner, 1949) has written to let us know that she and five of her friends from the MLC School class of 1949 are all still great friends and are in regular contact.

Marion says she and Stephanie Magee (Havard, 1949), Beris Chapman (Corben, 1949), Audrey Smith (Cunningham, 1949), Lesley Goldberg (Kolts, 1949) and Barbara Jackson (Hansen, 1949) met at MLC School and have kept in touch regularly ever since.

It is something we hear time and time again, that friendships made at MLC School last a lifetime.

Call out to all 1964 Old Girls – Join Us! Kerrie Nogrady (Hilder, 1964) wants all of her 1964 classmates to know that since their 50 Year Reunion in 2014, a number of Class of 1964 Old Girls have continued to meet up a couple of times a year.

The 1964 Old Girls meet at 10am on a Saturday morning at the Opera Bar, Circular Quay and usually start going their many ways in the early afternoon. At each get-together the date for the next event is decided by general consensus.

Kerrie and the Old Girls who attend these regular get-together wanted to get the word out to all 1964 Old Girls that everyone is welcome.

If you are a 1964 MLC School Old Girl and are interested in being on the invitation list for these get-togethers, please contact Barbara Hoffman, MLC School Archivist, at bhoffman@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or on 02 8741 3214 and she will get you in contact with Kerrie.

MLC SCHOOL OLD GIRL S’ MAGA ZI NE

BACK TO COLLEGE

MLC School tours 2019 Girls discover their wings and learn to fly at MLC School.

Join one of our tours of both the Junior and Senior School, where you will see classes in full swing, and also have an opportunity to meet the girls and teachers.

Thursday 21 March 10.30am Tuesday 28 May 10.30am Thursday 1 August 10.30am

You are invited to attend the 2019 Back to College evening to be held in the new Senior School building.

Tuesday 12 November 10.30am To join a tour, visit mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or email enrol@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Drinks and Canapés

Friday 3 May, 6pm – 7.30pm RSVP: Visit mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or email Jillian Avramis on javramis@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

DATES FOR 2019 Our Old Girls are warmly invited to attend these events.

More information will be emailed to you in the coming months.

Wednesday 27 March

Drinks with the Principal

Hong Kong

Friday 29 March

Drinks with the Principal

Singapore

Friday 3 May

Back to College

6pm – 7.30pm

Tuesday 21 May

Opera House Concert

7pm – 9.30pm

Saturday 15 June

1969 - 50 Year Reunion

2pm – 4.30pm

Saturday 15 June

2014 - 5 Year Reunion

2pm – 4.30pm

Saturday 27 July

1979 - 40 Year Reunion

2pm – 4.30pm

Saturday 27 July

1999 - 20 Year Reunion

2pm – 4.30pm

Saturday 17 August

1989 - 30 Year Reunion

2pm – 4.30pm

Saturday 17 August

2009 - 10 Year Reunion

2pm – 4.30pm

Tuesday 15 October

Sapphires Luncheon

12.30pm – 2.30pm

Visit mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au to book online or contact Jillian Avramis on 02 8741 3180 or email javramis@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

MLC SCHOOL OLD GIRL S’ MAGA ZI NE

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A UNITING CHURCH DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, PRE-KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR 12 Rowley Street, Burwood NSW 2134 Australia PO Box 643 Burwood 1805 Ph +61 2 9747 1266 Fax +61 2 9745 3254 enquiries@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au ABN 75 549 644 535 CRICOS No. 02328D The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (NSW) (trading as MLC School)

mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au