Whole College
PLC Environment Club: Gardens for Wildlife Program
In 2023, the PLC Environment Club was actively involved in a native plantation project in collaboration with Whitehorse Council. The program, widely known across Whitehorse and Monash communities as Gardens for Wildlife, is a council initiative designed to assist local residents and schools in creating inviting and supportive habitats for local wildlife.
During a visit from the dedicated staff at Whitehorse Council, we received insightful advice about our SWC (selfwatering container) planter boxes and identified several untapped areas in the surroundings that could be transformed into thriving gardens.
Following the visit, the green team at Whitehorse Council provided us with a curated list of indigenous species for our gardens. Based on the list, the volunteer gardeners at Greenlink Box Hill generously gifted us an array of indigenous plants well suited to our available green spaces.
Through Gardens for Wildlife, our gardens have been transformed into vibrant ecosystems, ensuring that PLC’s green spaces actively contribute to the flourishing biodiversity of our local environment. Serving as a wildlife stepping stone for numerous species in the area, the garden provides a welcoming habitat for birds, insects, butterflies, lizards and more. The plant species are also used in Indigenous cultures for food, medicine, basketweaving and various other purposes. Some of the featured plants include:
• Austral Stork’s Bill
• Curling Everlasting
• Cut Leaf Daisy
• BlueBells
• Hope Goodenia
• Victorian Christmas Bushes
• Yam Daisy, Kangaroo Grass
• River Mint
• Common Apple-Berry
• Native Raspberry
By incorporating indigenous plants, you can create a garden that attracts a diverse range of fauna, forming a richer ecosystem. Engaging in the Gardens for Wildlife program can help foster a sense of stewardship and strengthen connections to community and nature.
Anyone can easily participate in the Gardens for Wildlife initiative. If you reside in the Whitehorse or Monash Council, you can reach out to your local council for a Garden Guide visit, a personalised garden report and a range of free indigenous plants. By considering wildlife in our gardens, we enrich the biodiversity of our communities.
A huge thanks to everyone involved in the PLC Environment Club and Jindi Worabak Club and also to Whitehorse Council for their support. Join us in the Gardens for Wildlife network, a community dedicated to boosting local biodiversity!
Melody Zhang
Year 10 Student and Environment Club Representative
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It was with profound sadness that PLC learnt of the recent passing of Miss Joan Montgomery AM OBE. Joan was the much-loved and revered 7th Principal of PLC from 1969 - 1985. During this time, she led the College with vision, dignity and compassion, inspiring generations of young women and staff through her humility, wisdom and total commitment to providing the best education for the students in her care.
Joan was formerly a student at PLC, graduating in 1943, and she continued the College’s strong commitment to increasing the range of educational opportunities available for young women.
She believed in a fully rounded, stimulating education and was a highly respected and nationally acknowledged educator for her progressive attitudes to education. She embraced new trends and inspired her staff to expand their expertise and fulfil their potential as significant educators.
Vale Miss Joan Montgomery AM OBE (1943)
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Joan believed strongly in the value of international exchanges and travel to give students and staff increased global understanding and compassion. Her deep Christian faith included a respect for all religious traditions and gave her strength for the challenges she encountered during her career.
Her genuine and sincere respect for the individual was underpinned by her warmth and kindness. Students felt known by her personally and were disciplined, when necessary, with understanding and fairness. Joan, or ‘Monty’, as she was affectionally known, was always a great encourager, helping girls to reach their full potential.
During her long and influential career, Joan was recognised as a significant leader and was a board member of many prestigious educational and medical institutions and professional organisations. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1976 for her services to education and became a Member of the Order of Australia in 1986. She was placed on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women Inductees in 2004.
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After her retirement in 1985, there was a great outpouring of love and gratitude for all she had contributed to PLC and the wider community as a legendary educator and leader.
We will so miss her sustained interest and special involvement in our College
life. Her past students, forging new paths as women in many different fields throughout the world, are her enormous legacy.
This piece is a reproduction of part of the death notice provided by PLC which appeared in The Age on 8 February 2024.
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Celebrating the life of Miss Joan Montgomery AM OBE 1925 - 2024
On Saturday 2 March 2024, PLC warmly welcomed the community in a celebration to honour the remarkable legacy of Miss Joan Montgomery AM OBE. The moving service was held in Wyselaskie Hall where touching tributes were shared by key members of the community, including Ms Fiona McLeod AO SC (1981), Dr Deborah Seifert AM (1970) and Mr Anthony Mackay AM.
The Yarra Valley Trio presented Mendelssohn's Piano Trio in D minor, Movement 2, Andante con moto tranquillo, and Dr Ros McMillan AM (1959) delivered a rendition on the organ of Bach’s arrangement of the Adagio from Concerto for Two Violins in A minor (Vivaldi). Each of these moving performances created beautiful reflective moments. Additionally, the student group Vocalease performed a poignant rendition of Lauper’s ‘True Colours’.
The service culminated in a superb photo montage, chronicling Miss Joan Montgomery's profound influence at PLC, where she inspired generations of young women and staff with her humility, wisdom and unwavering dedication to education.
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Following the service, guests were invited to continue the celebration over refreshments, exchanging cherished memories and reflecting on the enduring impact of Miss Joan Montgomery's legacy. Every term, Miss Montgomery, finished with this Bible reading, so it is fitting we conclude with it for her.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
We extend an invitation to enjoy the recording (via the QR code) and photographs capturing the essence of the day, as well as a selection of reflections shared by members of our community via various digital media avenues.
"An outstanding educator, champion of girls’ education and a wonderful human being."
Rachael Falloon
Principal of Fintona Girls' School
"Had l been to another school, l would probably have been a very different woman. I believe l owe my career and my fulfilling life to Joan. She showed me that we could contribute to the world, not hide in its far reaches where we happened to have been born. She inspired us to be strong and resilient and to aim high."
Mary Stewart (1974)
Old Collegian
"I was lucky enough to be a student under her care and she was so supportive of me when I returned to PLC in a teaching role. I recall her ability ‘to part the waters’ as she walked down the school corridors. She was much loved and respected for her skills and genuine warmth and interest in people."
Vicki Linker (Bond 1970)
Old Collegian, Former Teacher and Parent
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"Miss Montgomery was an exceptional leader, fostering a culture that allowed students and staff alike to try their best, to be persistent and to expect that women could, and should, do everything. A kind and gracious woman who inspired so many women. A legend who will be remembered very fondly."
Helen Haysom (Miller 1978) Old Collegian
"When I arrived in Melbourne in 1976, I looked at my fellow principals and quickly identified Joan as the one I needed to emulate. She ran the top school on any metrics. She was established, professionally smart, had sorted out her priorities for the school and was confident in the future she was building."
David Loader Past principal of Methodist Ladies’ College and Wesley College
"I was so lucky to have been at PLC during her time, and experienced her visionary leadership, when there were no limits on what girls could do or aspire to, including extracurricular activities. There was broad tolerance of multiculturalism, including other faiths at the school and the school was supportive, united and ran so efficiently."
Meileen Tan (1984) Old Collegian
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"Her portrait in Wyselaskie Hall captures her grace, dignity and poise so perfectly. I love to reflect on her sharp mind –even in her 90s, her wit, her passion for educating, her willingness to stand up for what she believed in, her strong faith which was encompassing not rigid, and the opportunities and encouragement she provided several generations of women."
Bronwyn Ondracek (1974) Old Collegian and Former Teacher
"It was the best of times’ being at PLC under Miss Montgomery's leadership. She was an inspiration in innumerable ways. The indelible mark she left on so many and the sense of personal gratitude she engendered, both of which endure all these decades later, is a thumping testimony to this person and her contributions."
Caroline Angoorly (1981) Old Collegian
"Miss Montgomery provided an environment which was safe and stable, where girls felt empowered that they could achieve anything, and inspired by her trailblazing leadership of being at the forefront of education. She was the epitome of grace, integrity and humility. I feel proud and privileged to have been at PLC during the ‘Monty years’."
Li-Leen Tan (1986) Old Collegian
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The Pawsitive Effects of Odin
Odin the cavoodle was welcomed into the PLC community during the first COVID lockdown of 2020. With the Deputy Principals moving into the Boarding House, Odin was invited to accompany his owner, Mrs Anne-Marie Williams (Deputy Principal – Wellbeing). He very quickly
stole the hearts of the boarders, offering endless cuddles and hours of play.
By the time the College resumed a seminormal school day in October 2021, Odin had become a daily visitor and friend to many. Now in 2024, Odin frequents many classes, sitting quietly listening or sleeping during the lesson being taught. He loves a pat, a cuddle and playing
with his tennis ball in the corridor. He is even often seen sporting his special PLC uniform! Odin is an adored member of the College and loved by all. A few members of the PLC community shared their fondest memories of Odin and what he has meant to them.
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"During Term 4 of 2023, when Anne-Marie was the Acting Principal in Cheryl’s absence, Odin visited our Friday Junior School assemblies. The girls were enthralled by his presence. It did not take long for Odin to own the stage as he confidently explored his new environment, much to the amusement of the audience. Many staff and girls connected with him after assembly and eagerly looked forward to his return the following week. Odin’s gentle and friendly nature created a sense of calm and delight for our Junior School girls."
Melissa Voce Head of Junior School
"One of the highlights of each day at PLC is being greeted by Odin. It is lovely that he seems to know who I am and his tail wags with excitement when he sees me. His emotional intelligence is off the charts – he knows when I need comfort and helps me to reset when the day gets a bit too stressful. He also gives me a great excuse for throwing balls down the corridor as hard and as far as I can!"
David
MacGregor Director of Staff Development
"From my personal experience, and from watching the bright smiles and laughs of other girls, Odin has made a huge impact on the girls’ wellbeing and joy by purely being himself! Particularly in my final year, I often sought him out and appreciated his patience in enduring many pats and cuddles as I made an excited fuss over him. His enthusiastic greetings on the mornings before my sports reports in assembly cheered me up greatly. I even admit to occasionally taking the long route to my classes just in the hope of being able to give him a cuddle along the way!"
Rachel Langford (2023) Old Collegian
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'Hold Fast':
A History of Houses at PLC
A sense of belonging is important to our wellbeing. One way we create this sense of belonging at PLC is through the House system. In Senior School, this commences at the start of Year 7, when girls are organised into form groups according to their House. They therefore begin their school career by connecting with girls with whom they will prepare House Concerts and share sporting experiences for the remainder of their time at PLC.
The role of Houses in PLC life has changed over time. The first Houses were actual buildings inhabited by boarders at the school’s East Melbourne campus. To begin with, all boarders lived in ‘School House’, but as demand for places grew in the early 1900s, the school purchased two neighbouring houses for boarders to live in. PLC named the first ‘Junior House,’ later renaming it ‘Koorinya,’ and the second building brought its own name, ‘Woollahra’. The origins of these names are unclear, although Woollahra had previously been called ‘Don Juan’ after its owner’s racehorse.
While the Houses did not then have a signature colour, each had its own motto: 'Together' for Woollahra, 'Hold Fast' for School House and 'Play the Game' for Koorinya. Boarders played tennis, baseball and hockey for their Houses.
Day students did not belong to a House until 1929. In that year, all students were divided alphabetically into four ‘sides’ named ‘A’ through ‘D’, renamed the following year after four Scottish castles. Although many PLC founders and families were Scottish, it is not clear why the school chose the names of castles rather than those of people.
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A
PLC Houses have not remained the same over time. In 1966, two additions were made: Stirling and Balmoral. The colours of the Houses have also been altered.
Whilst Rosslyn has always been red and Glamis, green, Leven was originally grey and Atholl, brown, perhaps reflecting the more limited palette of everyday clothing in the 1930s. Leven and Atholl’s current colours, purple and pale blue, were introduced in the 1950s.
While the Junior School initially shared the Senior School’s Houses, in 1990, it replaced them with its own.
It introduced ‘Woollahra’ and ‘Koorinya’ in acknowledgment of some of the first PLC houses, with the addition of ‘Hethersett’ after the historic house on campus, and ‘Wyselaskie’, after a significant early donor.
Each of PLC’s Houses continue to provide the sense of belonging and connection that contributes to the wellbeing of each student.
Anna Drummond Heritage Gallery Manager
A. School House Sports Committee, 1932
B. School House Sports Captain, Jean Lawson, with House mascots, 1930
C. Leven supporters at a PLC Sports Carnival, 1980
D. Balmoral supporters at House Athletics Carnival, 2023
E. Glamis Captains, 2019
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Fun facts about our Scottish Castles
A | Rosslyn Castle and its magnificent 500-year-old chapel are still owned by the Earl of Rosslyn but the castle is today leased as holiday accommodation.
B | The Atholl Estates are home to Blair Castle, which has a dramatic Jacobean history and now describes itself as a museum and ‘perfect fairytale wedding venue’ powered by its own century-old hydroelectric system.
C | Balmoral Castle has been a holiday home for the British Royal Family for nearly two centuries. Today it also hosts a gift shop and an annual fun run and its squirrels even have a dedicated webcam.
D | Events at Glamis Castle in 1034 seem to have inspired Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Almost 900 years later, Princess Margaret was born within its walls.
E |While 500-year-old Stirling Castle has a dramatic history of sieges, coronations, royal births and deaths, today the public can visit and learn about Renaissance life in the palace, chapel, vaults, kitchens and gardens.
F | Accessible only by boat, the ruins of Leven Castle are in the middle of the eponymous loch and have not been inhabited for 350 years.
Enriching the PLC Archives: Contributions Welcome!
The PLC Archives are constantly enriched by donations from current and former staff and students, as well as their descendants. The Archives welcomes offers of materials that help to tell the history of the school, its students and staff, including:
• Objects and documents that offer insight into school life such as publications, schoolwork, documents, teaching materials, books and memorabilia
• PLC uniforms and related clothing in good condition
• Items illustrating Old Collegians’ exceptional contributions to their community or public life beyond school
For more information, please visit our website via the QR code.
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Senior School
Students Took the Court as AO Ballkids
While the world watched the best players in action at the Australian Open earlier in the year, the other heroes on court were the amazing AO Ballkids.
A total of 360 Ballkids were selected to be a part of the Australian Open event and PLC was thrilled to have four avid GSV Tennis Squad members part of the program: Helin Herede (Year 7), Isabel Zhu (Year 7), Clare Zhu (Year 9) and Amelia Paynter (Year 9).
It was impressive to see PLC girls opting to be involved in this world event right here in Melbourne as they showcased
their ball retrieving skills to thousands of fans in the stands and millions watching the broadcast around the world. These dedicated students also represented PLC in our GSV A Grade Tennis teams during the 2024 GSV Term 1 season. They too were finalists playing on the Melbourne Park courts themselves, alas without Ballkids.
Being part of the AO Ballkids program was an amazing experience for the girls as they were able to meet players up close and it was also a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet new friends.
Registrations are now open for the 2025 AO Ballkids and Helin, Isabel, Clare and Amelia have been great role models for others to take part in this adventure.
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Left to right: Isabel Zhu, Helin Herede, Amelia Paynter and Clare Zhu.
Productions
In the forthcoming PLC productions for 2024, a sense of collaboration takes centre stage as Senior School students prepare to unveil two distinctive productions. This year, the spotlight is on two captivating productions that promise not only to entertain but also to showcase the immense talent within our student community, both on and off stage.
The first, a contemporary adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, promises a nuanced exploration of the timeless tale. The collaborative landscape extends beyond the actors. Lighting, set, props and sound designers and creators collaborate to enhance the atmospheric elements. Students are offered the opportunity to design and create costumes for each production. The challenges for this year will be the intricate transformations of costumes which happen on stage, right in front of the audience!
Similarly, our second production, Radium Girls, set against the historical backdrop of 1920s America, serves as a canvas for another form of co-operation. Guided by Ms Bowman, the Drama Studio transforms into an intimate stage where actors navigate the complexities of their roles. Collaborative efforts extend to the stage managers who will ensure smooth transitions, along with makeup and hairstyling teams who will delicately craft the visual elements to evoke the era's authenticity. Again, costumiers will work on creating the context as well as using colour and texture to focus on the major themes of this play.
Beyond the spotlight, working together is essential. Students are not merely participants; they are contributors to a collective effort. The collaborative ethos extends to mentorship opportunities, where Senior School students guide their younger counterparts, fostering a culture of shared learning and growth. Every aspect of each production is an opportunity for students to work together but also where we foster and celebrate each individual’s personal best.
As we approach PLC Productions 2024, the emphasis lies not just on exuberant excitement but on the quiet yet profound impact of students working seamlessly together. Engaging in the performing arts at PLC moves beyond gaining valuable skills in performance and theatrical design; it is an experience that fosters a culture of belonging, shared accomplishment and promotes overall
health and wellbeing. Students will find themselves not only managing their time effectively but also making thoughtful choices in balancing co-curricular and curricular activities. The collaborative spirit within a theatrical company is a place for personal and collective growth,
as students navigate challenges and celebrate successes, ultimately fostering both individual and collective wellbeing.
Cath Garrett Head of Drama
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Wellness at PLC
At PLC, we want our students to thrive and to achieve their full potential. Each day, we strive to cultivate a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes connection, self-regulation and delight. Nurturing the wellbeing of our students is a top priority for staff. It is a key pillar of PLC’s ‘Empowering Girls Strategic Plan 2023 - 2027’ and an integral element of the College’s mission to deliver an outstanding education within a Christian context that prioritises care and holistic development.
Wellbeing underpins effective learning and personal growth. Being well is a life skill. The overarching aims of wellbeing programs are that students achieve a sustainable state of positive mindset, develop resilience, and value self, relationships and experiences at the College. Age appropriate and evidence-based wellbeing programs are developed with student input and implemented at each year level. Two examples of this, Project Wayfinder and Wellness in Motion, are outlined below:
Project Wayfinder (Years 7 - 10)
Project Wayfinder is an innovative curriculum program that explicitly teaches social and emotional skills in personal development classes in Years 7 - 10. Social and emotional learning helps
our students to acquire and apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes to manage emotions, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships and make responsible and caring decisions. Project Wayfinder focuses on six core skills as shown in the diagram above.
Wellness in Motion (Year 11)
Wellness in Motion is an exciting new wellbeing initiative for Year 11 students. It is a combined health, physical wellbeing and personal development program held on Wednesday afternoons. The emphasis is on enjoyable physical activity which provides a balance to the demands of the academic program. Activities include self-defence, aquatics, lawn games, team games and Zumba. Students are excited to be able to choose activities with their friends.
New Wellbeing Hub
A highlight for the start of 2024 has been the opening of The Hub in the Student Wellbeing Centre. A joint initiative by the Head of Learning Enhancement, Sandra Hanson, and the Head of Counselling, Anna Taranto, this space incorporates study and conversation areas as well as a quiet zone/sensory space. Students can take some time during the day to take a break and practise the emotional regulation skills that they have been
learning about in personal development classes or working on in counselling sessions. The Hub has been extremely well received by students and is an exciting new development.
Connecting with Parents
Engaging with parents and carers in the wellbeing journey of their young person is an important aspect of PLC’s culture of care and support. Parents are encouraged to make contact with their child’s Year Level Co-ordinator if they have any concerns. They are also invited to parent forums during the year to participate in sessions facilitated by wellbeing experts. In Term 1, cyber safety expert Susan McLean, presented The Reality of Your Child’s Online World. In April, child psychologist, Judith Locke, presents Helping Your Child Become Confident and Capable in sessions for parents and staff in the Early Learning Centre, Junior School and the Senior School. These whole-college sessions reflect our evidence-based and preventative approach to wellbeing at the College.
We look forward to continuing to collaborate with our students, their families, staff and the PLC community as we nurture our students’ wellbeing through their educational journey at PLC.
Kim Watkins Director of Student Wellbeing
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George Watson’s College Cultural Immersion Experience
Haggis, neeps and tatties loaded onto my plate, I shot an uneasy glance to Freya, my exchange partner, and shared a nervous chuckle with Jamie and Arjun, fellow exchange partners. It was my penultimate night in Edinburgh, where I spent three and a half weeks participating in the George Watson’s College Cultural Immersion Program. Freya’s family were hosting a Burns Supper, in a Scottish farewell to Arjun and I. Robbie Burns’ poems were recited, Freya played the bagpipes and her brother, the drums. We were all laughing and chatting, remembering our favourite moments of our all-too-short time together in Melbourne and Scotland.
The George Watson’s College Cultural Immersion Program involves students from PLC, Scotch College (Arjun) and George Watson’s College, Edinburgh (Freya and Jamie). This program was
developed to create links between Presbyterian schools and students in Melbourne and Edinburgh. This experience is offered to one Year 11 student who is selected to participate in the program. Students gain a sense of independence as they travel across the globe to their exchange country to stay with their host partner.
Freya arrived in Melbourne early in Term 3 ready to spend some of her summer holidays at PLC. She brought her bagpipes and attended the PLC Pipes and Drums band rehearsals. She participated in my classes and especially enjoyed Latin, the only subject we have in common! I introduced her to Melbourne life as we attended a football match at the MCG, walked the sights of the Melbourne CBD, came face-to-face with Australian wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary and experienced a classic Melbourne café brunch. To fulfil Freya’s dream of swimming at Australian beaches, we visited the Middle Brighton Baths, Lorne, the Great Ocean Road and the Bondi Icebergs Pool.
It has been a long-held dream of mine to experience school life in another country. It was fascinating to note similarities; subjects, uniform, extensive school grounds and co-curricular activities. There were also differences in the co-educational environment, school lunch system, assemblies and school excursions. Edinburgh’s historical architecture captivated me as we visited landmarks such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the University of St Andrews, Victoria Street, Forth Bridge and Edinburgh Castle. PLC was never very far from me in Edinburgh as we visited Stirling Castle and Rosslyn Castle ruins and Chapel, which inspired the names of our House system, reflecting our Scottish heritage. It was an immense privilege to be chosen for this experience; it has taught me to think more broadly, discover history and traditions of Edinburgh and gain lifelong friends and experiences.
Sophie Caldwell
Year 12 Student
A. Sophie Caldwell in Victoria Street, Edinburgh.
B. L to R: Miss Katy Everett, Freya McKenzie, Sophie Caldwell, Arjun Yellap, Jamie Brown and Mr Gordon Boyd in front of George Watson’s College.
C. L to R: Sophie Caldwell and Freya McKenzie in PLC uniform on the first day of school.
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Community
PLC Foundation
Our mission is to support the development of major new facilities at the College and provide students with exceptional educational resources.
Did you know that by becoming a Foundation Member, you can have a positive impact on the future educational experience of every Presbyterian Ladies’ College girl?
By joining the PLC Foundation, you will be officially recognised on the Foundation Honour List, in College publications and across the life of our community.
You will also receive invitations to Foundation events throughout the year and opportunities to meet our Principal, Board and our many other members.
For more information about the PLC Foundation, scan the QR code to visit our website.
To make a tax deductable gift, please call +613 9805 7875 or scan the QR code to visit our Donation Hub online.
To discuss specific donation opportunities, please contact our Director of Advancement, Marina Johnson, on +613 9805 7860 or at marina.johnson@plc.vic.edu.au
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Foundation Update
As we are well and truly into the school year, the Foundation Board is thrilled to share exciting updates regarding the progress of the Sports, Aquatic and Fitness Centre (SAFC). This is a project that embodies our commitment to fostering health and wellbeing within our community. Recently, all PLC Foundation board members had the privilege of viewing the construction site, particularly the impressive Olympic-sized swimming pool area. It is a truly magnificent viewpoint from the grandstand overlooking the 50-metre pool and adjoining diving pool. It felt like we were in the middle of the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre! The site visit provided a first-hand look at the remarkable progress made in the construction of this amazing facility. Witnessing the pool area take shape was truly inspiring. The attention to detail, adherence to quality standards and the dedication of the construction team were evident at every corner. This state-of-the-art facility will not only promote physical fitness but will also serve as a hub for community engagement and athletic excellence.
We extend our gratitude to all members, donors and partners who have supported this initiative. Your contributions have
played a crucial role in turning PLC’s vision into a tangible reality. As we stand on the brink of a new chapter, let us continue working together to create a legacy that will benefit generations to come. We look forward to a future filled with milestones, achievements and the shared joy of witnessing our SAFC come to life.
We are also excited for you to join us at the PLC Foundation and Council Winter
Ball at Carousel in Albert Park on 10 August 2024. This will be a wonderful opportunity to come together as a school community to fundraise for the SAFC and celebrate the much-anticipated opening of PLC’s newest building!
Li-Leen
Tan Chair
of Foundation Project and Programs and Foundation Board Member
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PLC Foundation and PLC College Council invite you to the
Go for Gold
Save the Date
Saturday 10 August 2024
Carousel, Albert Park
A PLC community fundraising effort for the new Sports, Aquatic and Fitness Centre
Unleashing girls’ potential through sports and fitness
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The Lampas Society
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the passing of our esteemed past Principal, Miss Joan Montgomery. She was greatly respected by her staff and colleagues as an outstanding leader and advocate for girls’ education. Many of the strong friendships within Lampas were forged in her era. Joan supported many Lampas events over the years and will be very much missed.
Our most recent event was the visit to the Geelong Gallery in February. The small group of Lampas members (pictured above) who braved the hot, wild weather enjoyed a wonderful and very colourful exhibition of art from the APY lands of
Central Australia, entitled Kunga Kunpu (Strong Women) – very appropriate!
This year is significant as it is the 20th anniversary of the first AGM of Lampas. We are looking forward to celebrating this event during our AGM on Saturday 1 June. It would be wonderful to see as many past staff, parents and friends there as possible. Please use your networks to let people know.
We are also concentrating on updating our database, so please feel free to contact lampas@plc.vic.edu.au with any relevant information.
Janet Driver President of the Lampas Society
Community Prayer Group
The PLC Prayer Community Group has made a strong start to 2024. The weekly prayer meetings on campus remain the backbone of our various activities and continue to grow as more parents take advantage of this opportunity to support the wellbeing of the College community. Feel free to connect with us via prayergroup@plc.vic.edu.au
Ian Mann Co-Convenor of the Community Prayer Group
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Old Collegians
OCA President's Report
Miss Joan Montgomery AM OBE (1943)
As Old Collegians, we are a community. This year we have been reminded of this by the sharing of memories after the death of our 7th Principal and Old Collegian, Miss Joan Montgomery AM OBE (1943). At 98 years old, Joan lived a long life of inspiration and influence. Students from 1969 - 1985 and beyond have profound memories of Joan (or Monty as she was affectionately known) intertwined with their own PLC memories, some of which have been shared on social media. Some of my own memories are of the five dogs that Joan owned while she was Principal. In the late 1970s, many assemblies seemed to end with an apology for what her dog, Min (Minerva), had recently eaten, including school lunches and jumpers, along with instructions that her secretary would pay for replacements. Joan’s dogs brought out a side of her that we all saw regularly and could easily relate to.
I encourage you all to reach out to your PLC friends and share your memories of those PLC times. I know with my own 1978 friends, each time we gather for a small annual dinner, we invariably come back to how grateful we still are for the broad education that we received with Joan as our Principal. The assemblies that she led and the way she thoughtfully explained ethics have proven to be invaluable assets in our lives.
Additionally, the introduction of new breadth subjects, such as those delving into Ancient Greece, kibbutz living in Israel, China's Open Door policy and urban Melbourne, broadened our perspectives significantly. We also benefited from the comparative religion course led by Mrs Boyd in Year 10, which not only explained Christian principles but also provided fundamental insights into Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Jewish faiths. Armed with this robust foundation, we have ventured into
the world, each contributing to projects aimed at fostering positive change.
Joan consistently demonstrated her enthusiasm for attending OCA events, extending warm congratulations to Old Collegian speakers and engaging in friendly conversations with her peers from East Melbourne, past staff and students from her era. We all admired the dignity and respect that she showed everyone throughout her long life. This has been echoed by the wider community who also greatly appreciated her leadership on other school councils and hospital boards in her career after PLC.
OCA Dinner in Wyselaskie Hall
Join us for our first OCA dinner in Wyselaskie Hall on Saturday 1 June 2024 from 6.30pm. Our guest speaker, Judge Suzanne Kirton (1983), who is known as a very entertaining dinner speaker, will be introduced by her Judge’s Associate, Tracy Huong (2014). This is a great opportunity to gather in the heart of PLC, surrounded by the portraits of our principals and to share a great evening and our journey with other PLC women. Make sure you round up your friends to enjoy this night together.
Community Events
The OCA is always looking for opportunities to stay connected with our community to foster new and existing relationships. Many Old Collegians have reached out inviting the community to visit their cafes, vineyards and art galleries. If you are involved in a venture where Old Collegians can gather and tour, we would love to hear from you and feature these events in the future.
We are all getting ready to celebrate 150 years together during 2025. It is going to be a very memorable time with many opportunities for Old Collegians to return and join the whole community in celebration.
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PLC Women of Influence
It was great to be back in Wyselaskie Hall for our inspirational PLC Women of Influence event on Saturday 18 November 2023 featuring three outstanding Old Collegians. Hosted by Anna Svenson (Hall 2004), our guest speakers Ash London (2004), Nat Edwards (2004) and Lisa Teh (2001) shared insights into their journeys towards success in the media industry. From navigating the complexities of the media world to strategies and tips for leveraging social media for personal and
business branding, they left us truly inspired. One of the highlights was their candid discussion on overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry. They emphasised the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself. Their stories of resilience and determination had our guests captivated, reminding us that authenticity is not just a key to success but also a powerful tool for breaking barriers. We are extremely proud to see PLC Alumni such as Ash, Nat and Lisa making waves in their respective fields and paving the way for others. We thank these incredible women for sharing
their time, experiences and expertise with us. We then enjoyed a delicious brunch and many took part in a tour of the campus. Anna and Lisa have been sharing their insights on LinkedIn and helped connect women with similar business interests together. If you are looking for the next PLC Women opportunity, join our new LinkedIn group Presbyterian Ladies' College (Melbourne) - PLC Old Collegians
Ailsa Wilson (1978)
President of the Old Collegians' Association plc.melb.oca@gmail.com
Anna Svenson (Hall 2004), Ash London (2004), Nat Edwards (2004) and Lisa Teh (2001)
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1978 Group
Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship has been awarded since 1959 to students who would not otherwise be able to attend PLC. This scholarship was set up to honour Miss Hailes, a greatly loved Vice Principal (1933 - 1954) and Acting Principal, after her sudden death in 1958.
Please join with other Old Collegians who have for many years donated to support this scholarship, helping girls attend PLC in honour of Helen Hailes and the value we place on the importance of educating
Birthday League Donors
women. One of the most important offerings by the OCA is the provision of scholarships. The OCA actively encourages the community to give back and donate to support these ongoing scholarships, providing an opportunity to change the lives of the next generation of girls so that they may benefit from all that a PLC education has to offer.
Pictured above on the right, our Birthday League Governor, Ms Denise Poon (1978), is keen to welcome you into the Birthday League and send you a birthday greeting as you donate each year to support our OCA Scholarships. Donations are acknowledged by the OCA in PLC in Print.
Bank Details for EFT Donations
Bank: CommBank
Account name: PLCOCA
Account BSB: 063 197
Account Number: 00900486
Reference Details: ‘HH’, and the name you wish to be acknowledged by in PLC in Print, or ‘anonymous’.
Denise Poon Contact Details
Address: 499 Neerim Road
Murrumbeena Victoria 3163
Email: mimosacarnegie@gmail.com
Home Phone: 03 9571 1197
Mobile Phone: 0438 365 277
The PLC OCA wish to thank all Birthday League Donors for their kind and thoughtful support of the Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship fund. This fund supports talented students, usually the daughters or granddaughters of Old Collegians, who would otherwise be unable to attend PLC for financial reasons.
Dr Kate Cherry
Mrs Dawn Best
Mrs Deborah Williams
Mrs Roselyn Muir
Mrs Alison Rechner
Mrs Helen Bailey
Mrs Judith Boucher
Mrs Leonore McClintock
Miss Anne Smith, In Loving Memory
Dr Rosalind McMillan AM
Mrs Lois McKay
Mrs Janet Davies
Ms Robin Perrin
Mrs Helen Haysom
Mrs Natalie Cronin
Dr Tabathia Pettitt
Mrs Bronwyn Tacey
Mrs Joan Andrew
Mrs Wendy Fishley
Dr Bev Hookey
Mrs June Noble
Mrs Yvonne Knowles
Mrs Helen Carson
Mrs Dorothy Ramsay
Mrs Anne Neil
Miss Joan Montgomery AM OBE, In Loving Memory
Mrs Christine Wilson
Mrs Alison Kidman
Mrs Helen Guilfoyle
Mrs Elspeth Arnold
Miss Lauris Murnane
Ms Helen Beanham
Mrs Jean Oldfield
Mrs Claire Douglas
Mrs Val Reid
Mrs Claire Macmillan
Mrs Helen Dent
Mrs Peg Randell
Mrs Anne Hoadley
Dr Merrilyn Murnane AM
Mrs Janet Brown
Dr Jennifer Henry
Mrs Diana Cherry
Dr Glenys French
Mrs Belinda Steele
Mrs Christine Gorrie
Mrs Jean Garrow
Mornington Branch
North East Branch
Geelong Branch
Ms Nita Eng
Ms Robyn Byrne
Ms Terri Mackenzie
Dr Sam Richardson
Mrs Nikki Hamilton
36 | PLC in Print - Issue 120 | April 2024
OCA Podcast
The start of the year always holds the promise of new endeavours and the flurry certainly continues post graduation. Heading into 2024, I am excited to share that I will be hosting a new podcast, which is already in the process of being planned and recorded, inviting our Old Collegians to share their experiences beyond secondary school. I hope to dive into the topics of womanhood, leadership and personal development, drawing from everything we have learnt in our time as PLC girls. Please keep an eye out for the podcast’s release – it will be a wonderful way to meet and celebrate the unique pathways that our Old Collegians have taken. If you have graduated with a story to share, I would be thrilled to get in touch and interview you!
Britney Pham (2020)
Vice President of the Old Collegians’ Association
Back to Wyselaskie - The OCA invites you to return and reconnect
Experience a captivating evening at our first ever OCA dinner in Wyselaskie Hall. Hear from our guest speakers Judge Suzanne Kirton (1983) and her Associate Tracey Huong (2014) for a night of connections and insights. Scan to book!
Details
Saturday 1 June 2024 6.30 - 10.30pm
Wyselaskie Hall, PLC
Let's Connect - OCA Facebook and LinkedIn
Scan the QR Codes to join our closed OCA Facebook group and our new LinkedIn group to stay in touch with old school friends and make wonderful new connections.
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Mornington Peninsula Friendship Group
The Mornington Peninsula Old Collegians have been shocked to learn of the death of Pam Booth (1959). Pam was a foundation member of this branch of the PLC OCA and our co-convenor for the past four years. Her enthusiasm for the school and Old Collegians was obvious and many have commented on her smile, her friendliness and her positivity. She was always welcoming and ready for a stimulating conversation. We all will miss her at future meetings. We will mark Pam’s passing and
celebrate her life and contribution over lunch at our next group meeting.
If you would like to join us at future lunches, please contact either of the group convenors; Jan Kirchner (Morrison 1963), on 0418 550 446 or at lemonjam.lj@gmail.com or Robyn Byrne (1973) on 0417 241 772 or at robynbyrne39@gmail.com. I am delighted that Robyn Byrne has kindly agreed to join me in this role.
Jan Kirchner (Morrison 1963)
North East Group
The North East Group will only hold one outing per year in March due to some members being unable to drive long distances. Our last meeting was a delightful lunch at King River Café in Oxley. If you would like to be on our mailing list, please contact me at jcuddon@outlook.com
We look forward to having you join us for our next outing in March 2025.
Judy Cuddon (Clezy 1957)
President
of the North East Group
Group
Organiser of the Mornington Peninsula Friendship
Sydney Group
At our end-of-year lunch at Sous le Soleil, we welcomed a new member to our group, Doris Li (2012). We do hope in the next 12 months to encourage more Old Collegians
in the Sydney area to attend our functions. These consist of five coffee mornings and two lunches throughout the year. Our times together bring us friendship and many laughs. Contact Susanne Crotty (1960) at susanne.crotty@gmail.com
L to R: Prue Brinsmead (Kent 1961), Julie Phillips (Rank, 1961), Patricia Ellis (Stevens, 1962), Nette South (Weller, 1962), Frances Miller (Alchin, 1970), Doris Li (2012), Susanne Crotty (Cohen, 1960) and Anthea Gorfin (Adams 1962).
38 | PLC in Print - Issue 120 | April 2024
2002 Catch Up
A handful of girls (pictured above) from the class of 2002 enjoyed a lovely catch up last year.
L to R: Emily Cheung (2002), Amy Winch (2002), Stephanie Loupelis (2002), Talia Lynch (Cameron 2002), Genevieve BevanJohn (2002).
German Stopover
Heike Kainer (1985) is currently living in Frankfurt am Main, Germany and works in structured finance at a law firm dealing with international transactions. She welcomes anyone planning to travel to Europe or transferring at Frankfurt's airport to contact her via PLC if they wish to meet.
Junior Scholar at Cambridge
Wenting Han (2021) has been elected a Junior Scholar of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. Wenting achieved a first in Part IA of the English Tripos and was invited to the Admission of Scholars Ceremony in the presence of the College Council in January.
Chairing Climate Change
As elected councillor with Frankston City Council, Claire Harvey (1994) (pictured on the far left in the photo below), has been appointed as Chair of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) for 2024. She is also the Uniting Church Vic/Tas representative on the
board of CoPower, a co-operative energy retailer committed to fostering democratic participation and climate action. Claire continues to be highly engaged in trying to raise climate change awareness, including as a vocational coach. She welcomes contact from Old Collegians and current students who are also active in this space.
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Collective Success
Angela Brown (1993), along with her sister, Eliza Brown (1991), and their brother, Nicholas Brown, shared wonderful success last year in their businesses.
Their combined ownership and running of the Saints Collective brands –All Saints Estate, St Leonards Vineyard, Thousand Pound Wine Bar & Store and KIN – garnered notable accolades with various prestigious awards.
For KIN, the establishment achieved significant recognition in the form of a Chef Hat at the 2024 Good Food Awards, solidifying its culinary excellence. Additionally, KIN was honoured as the Best New Regional Restaurant of the Year at the same awards ceremony.
In the realm of winemaking, All Saints Estate received the Fortified of the Year title at the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Awards, highlighting the exceptional quality of their fortified wines. The winery also secured a nomination for Winery of the Year at the same awards.
All Saints Estate further excelled in the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Awards with the All Saints Estate NV Museum Muscat, receiving a perfect score of 100 points. The winery also achieved a remarkable 5 Red Stars, signifying consistent excellence in their wine offerings.
Thousand Pound Wine Bar & Store earned distinction by receiving two Wine Glasses at Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards, showcasing the venue's commitment to an outstanding selection of wines.
St Leonards Vineyard was recognised with 5 Black Stars at the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion Awards, underlining the exceptional quality of their wines.
Moreover, the accomplishment of securing a dedicated episode on MasterChef Australia adds to the shared success of Saints Collective, showcasing the widespread recognition and appeal of not only the picturesque All Saints Estate, but the local and estate produce and wines that were featured during the episode.
40 | PLC in Print - Issue 120 | April 2024
Piping and Drumming Abroad
Stephanie Scott (2008), Gabriella Pereira (2012) and Katherine Gekas (2006), currently with the City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band, travelled to Lorient in France in August 2023 to perform at the world's largest Celtic gathering,
Le Festival Interceltique de Lorient. They also met with fellow Old Collegian, Sally-Anne Richter (2005), who was playing with the Queensland Irish Pipe Band.
L to R: Stephanie Scott (2008), Gabriella Pereira (2012), Katherine Gekas (2006) and Sally-Anne Richter (2005).
Hidden Thoughts II
In 2013, prompted by Julian Burnside AO KC's call, Australians wrote letters of support to Asylum Seekers on Nauru Island. Most were returned unopened. Katy Abbott (Lardy 1988), Composer in Residence 2024 at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, joined by writer Maureen Johnson, curated these letters for her Hidden Thoughts series.
Katy's composition exclusively uses the words contained in the letters which reflect the generous heart of Australians. The letters blend kindness, compassion and humour, weaving stories of home amidst injustice.
Hidden Thoughts II: Return To Sender begins on Thursday 1 August 2024.
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Two of Few
Professor Robyn Guymer AM (1978), who became the first female full Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Melbourne in 2008, recently was honoured to welcome Professor Lyndell Lim (1990) as the second female full professor of Ophthalmology at Melbourne University in 2023. Their collaboration spans over a decade as senior clinicians
at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, and at the Centre for Eye Research Australia, where they both lead successful research units and serve on its Executive Committee. With only a few female full Professors of Ophthalmology across Australia and New Zealand, the outstanding achievements of Professor Guymer and Professor Lim deserve recognition and applause.
Austrian Honour
Tamara Friebel (1993), composer and artist, received the Austrian (Staatsstipendium) State Scholarship for composition for 2024. This award allows Tamara funding for a year to compose works of her choice. She was delighted to be part of the community in this prestigious acknowledgement, particularly as she arrived in Austria many years ago to study at the Vienna University of Music and Dramatic Arts.
Tamara, who was Music Captain (1993), fondly remembers the many happy and humorous musical moments in the PLC Music School with Peter Ross, who was always ready to encourage and make various chamber music projects with all the instruments that she aspired to learn.
Exploring Anxiety Through Art
Emma Lyn Winkler (2017) is currently practising as an artist, working in collage, painting and video. Through large-scale oil, acrylic and spray paintings and handpainted stop motion animations, she uses humour and absurdism to explore themes of anxiety, death and failure. After being encouraged and inspired by Mrs Locke’s art classes, Emma undertook a Bachelor of Fine Art at Monash. She completed her Honours in 2022 and her graduate work was shortlisted for Arts Thread and Gucci’s Global Design Graduate Show. More recently, Emma exhibited with Platform Arts in Geelong, Sauerbier House in Adelaide, and Library at The Dock in Melbourne. Emma’s current exhibition, Down the Drain, features at the Monash Civic Centre until 14 June. Scan the QR code opposite for further details or follow @emmalynwinkler
A 42 | PLC in Print - Issue 120 | April 2024
A. Installation View 1: ‘A Mere Passing Thing’ at Platform Arts, Geelong, Entropy, Spiralling and Disintegration, Emma Lyn Winkler, 2022, oil and acrylic paint on canvas and hand painted animation, dimensions variable. Photo by Leiko Lopez.
B. Installation View 2: ‘A Mere Passing Thing’ at Platform Arts, Geelong, TNT and Target, Emma Lyn Winkler, 2023, oil and acrylic paint on canvas and hand painted animation, dimensions variable. Photo by Leiko Lopez.
C. Emma at opening of Worm Food, Library at the Dock, Melbourne.
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Bridging Cultures through Japanese Studies and Music
In 2023, Alison Tokita (McQueen 1964) was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, from the Emperor of Japan. The Consulate-General of Japan wrote:
The conferral by His Majesty the Emperor is in recognition of her significant contribution to academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia. Professor Tokita worked hard to promote Japanese studies as Director of the Japanese Studies Centre at Monash University for over a decade. She continues to this day to research Japanese traditional music and promote its appeal worldwide.
Following studies of French and German at the University of Melbourne, and a period of teaching, Alison began studying
Japanese at the Sorbonne in Paris, and at Monash University, where she worked as a lecturer, then associate professor, from 1988 to 2010. She then took up professorial posts in Japan: at the Tokyo Institute of Technology from 2010 - 2012, Doshisha University in 2013, and as Director of the Research Centre for Japanese Traditional Music at the Kyoto City University of Arts from 2014 - 2018.
Alison has an international reputation as a researcher and has published on many aspects of Japanese music, popular culture in East Asia, and AustraliaJapan relations. Her most significant contribution has been the application of oral narrative theory to Japanese musical narratives, such as kabuki dance music and naniwa-bushi story-singing.
Alison’s daughter, Miyama McQueenTokita (2003), is a professional performer of the Japanese koto (board zither) and has been based in Tokyo since 2008.
44 | PLC in Print - Issue 120 | April 2024
Premier’s NSW Export Awards Gala
Pictured above on the right, Morag Donaldson (1987), Acting Assistant Secretary, Agricultural Traceability Branch, Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, attended the Export Council of Australia’s 61st Premier’s NSW Export Awards Gala on 23 October 2023.
The event hosted over 500 guests to recognise NSW exporters of all sizes and industries, who are making their mark in global markets, significantly contributing to the state’s economy and business community, and carrying the NSW torch of innovation globally.
Morag spoke about the first ever National Agricultural Traceability Strategy 2023 to 2033, before presenting the National Agribusiness, Food and Beverages Award and announcing the SunRice Group as the
winner for 2023. The award recognises outstanding international success in the field of agricultural products, services or technology, including farm production, manufactured foods and beverages, forestry and fisheries. It also recognises the huge number of fabulous Australian businesses who are working tirelessly to achieve the agricultural industry’s goal of growing the sector to over $100 billion a year by 2030.
The NSW winners of the 13 national categories were put forward to the Australian Export Awards for consideration in the National Awards Program, with national winners (including SunRice) subsequently announced in Canberra on 30 November.
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Sustainable and Progressive Food Production
Louise Paltridge (Taylor 1990) and her husband, Tom, run an 1,800-acre dairy and beef operation at Eight Mile Creek on the beautiful Limestone Coast in south-east South Australia. Together, they milk 450 dairy cows and run another 500 head of dairy/beef cross cattle. Every calf born to the dairy herd is hand reared on the property by Louise. The calves grow out to become dairy replacements, beef mothers or dairy/beef steers fattened on coastal peat flats and channelled into the manufacturing meat market. Life is very busy but rewarding, producing clean, green pasture-based milk and beef.
Louise was recently elected to the board of the South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association, an industry body that advocates for South Australian dairy farmers and South Australian-produced dairy products. She is passionate about the importance of local and sustainable food production and is keen to help communicate the benefits of a robust, sustainable and progressive dairy industry for rural and regional communities, state and federal economies, the environment and the general Australian population’s physical and mental health.
Louise and Tom also run a second business, Muckrunner Pty Ltd, importing agricultural machinery from a leading European manufacturer in France and distributing Australia wide.
In her spare time, Louise plays and umpires netball at the Mount Gambier Netball Association, is secretary of her netball club, plays tennis, and supports Tom and their 13-year-old son, Lachlan, in competitive sailing at Port MacDonnell Sailing Club and Robe Yacht Club.
Louise still keeps in regular contact with her PLC friends, all of whom try to get together several times a year. 2023 was a great year for catching up as there were multiple special birthdays to celebrate!
Pictured above: Louise and her working dog, Maggie, an Australian cattle dog on the farm at Eight Mile Creek.
Canberra Catch Up
Morag Donaldson (1987) and Doris Li (2012), pictured on the right, caught up in Canberra in December 2023. Doris was a regular attendee at PLC events in Canberra for about 10 years before moving to Sydney for work.
46 | PLC in Print - Issue 120 | April 2024
Artist interview with Marrisa Christina (2011)
Marrisa is an artist and scale modeller based in Canberra. After graduating from PLC in 2011, she pursued many different careers before running her own hobby store in Canberra. She has been a prominent creative force in the ACT Scale Modellers’ Society, as well as the international Gundam plastic models scene.
When she is not creating scale models, she can be seen speaking at mental health events or conducting workshops at local and interstate scale model shows. We spoke with Marrisa to gain more of an insight about her passion.
How did you first become interested in scale modelling and what inspired you to pursue this hobby?
When I was young, my dad gifted me a scale model Titanic, however I didn’t think much of it until around 2016 - 2017. During my senior school years, I was
interested in art but struggled to find the right medium. It’s not until I saw Vichayuth Eiam-Ong’s GBWC 2016 entry, Love Lost, that I decided to give scale modelling another crack, focusing on mecha models.
Where do you find inspiration?
Mainly through Instagram and scale model expos. I also check out airline liveries for colour scheme ideas. Sometimes airlines release special liveries that just look too good not to try on some of my models!
What is the most interesting piece that you’ve created?
It is a tie between the Edritch Rising diorama and the Elton John-inspired Rocketgeese display.
Have you faced any challenges in your scale modelling journey and how did you overcome them?
All artists face challenges in their artistic journey, and scale modelling is no different. One of the biggest
challenges is learning how to overcome an art block! Sometimes we can feel unmotivated to continue or start a new project. I’ve learnt that the best way to get around this is to take a break and simply take some time to enjoy other people’s works. It also helps to divide my current work into bite-sized pieces, so it doesn’t look or feel so overwhelming.
How has scale modelling impacted your life?
Scale modelling is the creative outlet I needed and it has helped me through tough times by grounding myself – forcing me to focus on the present moment. Scale modelling has also helped me learn to stay organised and meet deadlines. On top of these, just the fact that I get to meet so many different people and form friendships with so many brings me joy daily. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
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Kenyan Mission
My mission journey began, amazingly, when I was in Year 5 at PLC during a school assembly in 1988. Mrs Stratford, then Head of Junior School, was reading a story about an anthropologist working with a tribe in Africa. I remember so clearly walking out of the doors of the Junior School Hall at the conclusion of the assembly and feeling something drop into my spirit – a call to the mission field. I was 10 years old. Mrs Stratford could have had no idea of the impact that story would have on my life. I went home and said, ‘Mum I’m going to be an anthropologist’. She said: ‘That’s nice. What’s an anthropologist?’ I said I had no idea but that’s what I wanted to do.
And here we are, three decades later, preparing to relocate with our beautiful
children, Trinity, 9 and Oliver, 6, to serve some of the poorest people living in urban slums in Kenya with SIM mission. We hope to mobilise in April 2024.
I will work with a Christian NGO, Banda Health, supporting over 80 clinics situated in low-resource settings. The clinics are often the only access the community have to obtain any health care. They have enormous clinical scope and responsibility, including antenatal care, maternal child health, infectious diseases, mental health, and dental care. Some nurses even perform operations as hospital care is not affordable or available to the slum communities.
I am a paediatric nurse by profession and have been working as a lecturer of nursing. I will use these skills to empower the amazing nurses staffing
these clinics. What a privilege to see the love and light of Christ reaching out to these communities! Our heart is to see community transformation.
Theano Ratcliff (Theophilos 1995) Old Collegian
For more information, or if you would like to partner with us in serving, scan the QR code to visit our page.
For more information on the incredible work of Banda Health, scan the QR code to visit their website.
48 | PLC in Print - Issue 120 | April 2024
From PLC to Biochemistry at Oxford
Gracie (Jiayi) Wu (2023) has been accepted into the University of Oxford to study Biochemistry. Gracie is greatly appreciative of the educational experience provided during her years at PLC, which nurtured her love for science. Gracie feels abundantly blessed by God for her PLC journey, during which she received so much support from friends, the careers office and many teachers who taught and encouraged her along the way.
Births
A | Clare Strong (Johnston 2010) and her husband, Roger, welcomed a baby boy, Robert Alexander, in November 2023.
B | Ainsley Thompson (2010) and her partner Anthony Dryden welcomed their first baby, Aurora, in June 2023.
C | Bridget Howell (2007) and partner Matthew Thiessen welcomed a son, Frederick (Freddie) Ian Thiessen on 24 September 2023. Freddie is very fortunate to have many doting aunties from the PLC class of 2007.
D | Charli Hope Crocket, new baby sister for Hannah and Rachel, was born in December to Tom and Laura Crocket (Wong 2007).
Katherine Laura Rennick Crosbie (Markham 2005) and Derek Warren Crosbie welcomed a son, Beau Derek Warren Crosbie, on Thursday 30 November 2023 in Benalla, Victoria. Nephew to Jennifer Clare Markham (2000) and second grandchild to Joe (dec.) and Janet Markham (Rennick 1969).
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Engagements
A| Sheridan Spencer (2015) was engaged to Sebastian Licciardi in January 2024.
Marriages
B | Emma Wentworth (Sampson 2016) married Samuel Wentworth on 16 December 2023.
C & D | Amy-Jayne Ilango (Schnerring 2016) married Derek Ilango in October 2023. Her bridesmaids, all Old Collegians, were Laura Cumming (Schnerring 2013), Georgina Kerferd (2017), Rachael Macaulay (2017), Emira Grbac (2017) and Serena Grbac (2017). A
50 | PLC in Print - Issue 120 | April 2024
B A D C | 51
Obituaries
The PLC Community was saddened to learn of the passing of the following staff members and Old Collegians.
Margaret Jean Garrow (Simpson 1941)
Margaret Jean Garrow (Simpson 1941), known as Jean, was born on 27 December 1924 and began her education at a tiny school in the Mallee, near to the family's Berriwillock farm. Indeed, so small was the school that to keep it open with eight students, her three-year-old brother was also enrolled. Jean retained fond memories of riding her horse to school and cherished her Mallee roots. There being no local high school, arrangements were made for her to board with her uncle’s family in Donald. During this time, her father, Hugh Leslie Simpson (known as Les), accepted an appointment to head up the Victorian Farmers Debts Adjustment Board, forerunner to the Soldiers Settlement Commission. Jean joined the family when they relocated to Melbourne and after initially attending Hampton High School, she was enrolled at PLC in East Melbourne.
Jean’s years at PLC were very formative. In addition to her academic studies (she loved geography), attending PLC and meeting girls from around Melbourne enabled the country girl to be comfortable and confident in all settings, a skill that would be valuable in later years when she lived overseas.
It was while attending PLC that the stories of Jean’s sporting prowess began to emerge. Such was her reputation that her sister Barbara, at Jean’s 90th birthday, hilariously recounted the story of attending PLC thirteen years after Jean and they were still telling the story of the day Jean hit the softball so far that it sailed out of the school yard, across Victoria Parade and was seen disappearing into Fitzroy. Jean was also part of the netball team, but her favourite sport was tennis at which she excelled
and played into her 90s. For many years a favourite event was the annual Kellet Cup where PLC Old Collegians played against current students. It was an additional pleasure for Jean to meet up there with her contemporary, and former PLC Principal, Joan Montgomery.
After leaving PLC, Jean began working in a secretarial role in Melbourne at what later became CSIRO. Her talents for accuracy, speed and planning were recognised and she quickly became what we would now call an executive assistant to a member of the leadership team. Importantly, at CSIRO, Jean met Clyde Garrow and so began a lifelong partnership that led to five children, 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and living in England and the USA.
All through Jean’s adult life, she was a very active member of the community. She was a member of the St Leonard’s Uniting Church in Brighton for more than 70 years where her roles included serving on the Board of Management and as Secretary of the Church Tennis Club for almost 50 years! She played
competitive tennis twice a week and in her 60s, became an avid golfer at Victoria Golf Club. Somehow amongst all that, she managed to fit in 15 years of working at her brother's successful engineering firm.
Family life, community and creating connections were very important to Jean. She had a keen interest in all her children’s friends and later, the families of their spouses. Add to that her tennis, golf and church communities, and living in the same home in East Brighton for more than 70 years, and it seemed that Jean knew or was connected to everyone in Bayside. As a result, there was a packed St Leonard’s Uniting Church at her funeral on 10 November 2023 where we acknowledged her wonderful, ‘connected’ life.
Provided by Malcolm Garrow and Anne Garrow
Jean's son and daughter
Photographed above, Clyde Garrow and Jean Garrow (Simpson 1941).
Below, PLC Netball team with Jean Garrow (Simpson 1941) at bottom right.
52 | PLC in Print - Issue 120 | April 2024
Adrienne Nancy Shaw (Carter 1947)
We remember with love and affection Adrienne Nancy Shaw, born 11 July 1930, who left this physical world from natural causes on 25 February 2023 with family by her side.
Family and friends remember Adrienne as a strong and determined woman who lived her life with elegance, grace, generosity and selflessness.
Adrienne had a great love for animals, particularly horses and deer. She had been an avid horse rider as a young girl and later in life, owned and managed a deer farm. When taking a break from tending to her deer and extensive rose garden Adrienne created beautiful floral arrangements and flower pressings, with an eye for detail.
She had a love and appreciation for the arts and was a regular supporter of the NGV and the theatre. Her generous philanthropic spirit also meant she supported countless charitable organisations throughout her lifetime. It could be said that Adrienne's love language was acts of service, evidenced by her capacity to go out of her way to assist those in need. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and friend.
Adrienne attended PLC in East Melbourne from 1935. Not only was she a talented athlete, excelling at running, softball and swimming, Adrienne was also a prefect and editor of the school magazine.
Following in the footsteps of her parents, Ross and Beryl Carter, Adrienne studied pharmacy, graduating in 1952. Naturally, she went on to work in her parents' business – Oggs Pharmacy in Collins Street, Melbourne.
Adrienne met her soon-to-be-husband, Vernon Mursell, whilst traveling with her parents on a boat from Melbourne to Perth. Vernon was an Army officer on leave. Vernon and Adrienne subsequently married and had four children, Ross, Graeme, David and Helen.
They separated in 1976 and divorced amicably in 1980. It was during this time that she returned to tertiary studies at Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences and later took on a role as medical record administrator at what was then the Anti-Cancer Council. Adrienne loved travel and her medical administration qualifications enabled her to travel to conferences all over the world.
Adrienne’s interest in sailing began in the 1980s and it was through sailing that she met Stan Shaw. They married in 1982
and it was their shared love for the sport which led to many years both racing and cruising around Australia and the world. Over their sailing years, they owned three yachts and raced in numerous Melbourne to Hobarts and one Sydney to Hobart.
We remember with sadness, but also with love, the life of Adrienne. We are thankful her life was primarily active and full of activities, people, animals and hobbies she adored. Adrienne is remembered as a kind, generous and selfless woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. Her legacy will live on through such memories of the unconditional love she shared with her family and friends. We remember with gratitude her generous character and qualities.
Provided by Helen Mursell (1979) Adrienne’s daughter
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Pam Booth (1959)
As I was driving to the Mornington Peninsula Old Collegians’ lunch in February, a feeling of sadness and loneliness swept over me. The thought that Pam would not be waiting for me at the venue with her ever-ready smile and eagerness to have everything ready when the members arrived was hard to bear. For the last four years, Pam and I led the Friendship Group, arranging our lunches and fundraisers for the Helen Hailes Scholarship Fund. She died suddenly and unexpectedly just before Christmas 2023.
Pam grew up in the Essendon region, attending Penleigh Junior School until commencing at PLC Senior School in East Melbourne. By then, her parents considered she was old enough to travel to PLC by public transport. She greatly enjoyed her school days and the wonderful PLC teachers, particularly Vice Principal
Helen Hailes. She was in the Class of 1959. After PLC, she followed her interests and passions to complete a fashion design course, working with a Melbourne fashion designer until she married.
As a young married couple, Pam and her husband, Jeremy Atkinson, moved to Mt Eliza where their only daughter, Kate, was born. She was one of the foundation members of the Mornington Peninsula Old Collegians’ Branch and spoke with great affection of their early lunches when they would gather in private homes for lunch, swapping recipes, enjoying the antics of their children and generally keeping in touch with each other.
She enthusiastically supported the ‘Bring and Buy Tables’ to raise money for the Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship. Pam was usually the first there, always keen to welcome everyone with her warm smile and effervescent personality. Even when she moved to live at Albert Park to be
near her daughter and 3 grandchildren, she always drove back to these lunches.
Post COVID, she also joined the PLC OCA Committee in Melbourne for a couple of years to add her enthusiasm and energy to our fund raising for the Helen Hailes Memorial Scholarship.
She will always be very fondly remembered for her ability to engage with Old Collegians of all ages, making them feel welcome and part of the group, for her enthusiastic support of every event, her wonderful sense of fashion and positive uplifting attitude. One always felt better after speaking with Pam.
Jan Kirchner (Morrison 1963) Organiser of the Mornington Peninsula Friendship Group
Photographed above, Pam Booth (1959), Cheryl Penberthy and Jan Kirchner (Morrison 1963).
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Norma Pilling
We were saddened to hear of the death of Norma Pilling late last year after a brief illness.
Norma was a much-loved teacher of English and Latin, and especially within the IB Diploma Programme.
A more significant tribute to Norma will appear in the next edition of PLC in Print.
Gladys Florence Watkins (Hinrichsen 1946)
Dr Gladys Florence Watkins (Hinrichsen 1946), also known as Karen, succumbed to COVID on 19 December 2022. Loving wife of William C. Watkins, mother of William R. Donald and Susan, and grandmother to eight.
Gladys attended PLC in East Melbourne then went on to the University of Melbourne. She served the community as a general practitioner in Blackburn until she retired. Many happy hours were spent as a volunteer official at swimming meets, watching and supporting her children.
Always a keen gardener, Gladys enjoyed time with friends and family, playing cards and traveling. Gladys will be missed.
Susan Terpin (Watkins 1985)
Gladys’s daughter
Debbie Juchno
It was with much sadness that we acknowledged the passing of Debbie Juchno in February this year, as the result of an extended illness.
Debbie, pictured on the right, embarked on her teaching career in 1979 at the age of 21, fresh out of university. Her initial assignment was at Kew Cottages where she found herself teaching physically disabled children who no longer had contact with their families. Despite the challenges, Debbie’s passion for teaching shone through as she dedicated herself to nurturing and educating these students who were often overlooked.
Following this formative experience, Debbie moved on to Wantirna Primary School where she was employed to support reading and writing through targeted intervention with individuals and small groups of students. This approach to learning is now commonplace in schools, but it was much less common at the time. Debbie’s role in implementing and refining this approach showcased her commitment to meeting the diverse needs of all learners.
In 1981, Debbie moved to Greenhorn Primary School, where she spent the next 21 years of her teaching career, teaching primarily in Years 3 to 6. Beyond her classroom duties, Debbie took on the responsibility of overseeing the integration of ICT into the school curriculum. Greythorn, along with only a few other schools at the time, was a pioneer in this field in embracing a new era of technology and learning.
In 2005, Debbie began a new chapter by joining the teaching team in the Junior School at PLC. Throughout her tenure in the Junior School, until she retired in 2023, Debbie continued to exemplify passion for teaching and learning. She spent most of her time teaching in Years 3 to 6 and was a collaborative colleague and a mentor to new staff members. She served as the English co-ordinator for several years, further demonstrating her leadership abilities.
Debbie not only lived her life with an unshakeable confidence in God, but she also approached her illness in the same way. She fought a courageous battle and faced her challenges head on, strengthened by her faith in Christ.
Debbie was a much-loved teacher, colleague and friend and we will miss her passion for teaching, her friendship and collegiality and her unwavering dedication to every girl she taught.
Provided by Melissa Voce Head of Junior School
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Miss Joan Montgomery (1948)
Miss Joan Montgomery sweeping onto the stage on a Monday morning will be a poignant memory for those fortunate to have attended PLC from 1969 to 1985. These assemblies were crafted to reflect her Christian faith, upbringing and experience as part of the ‘Greatest Generation’. Whether through a Bible reading, poem or story, they, along with her wisdom and strength, guided many of our lives as we were empowered to believe in ourselves and to strive and excel.
Born in 1925 to Beryl and William Montgomery, sister to Elizabeth, Margaret and Helen, Joan enjoyed country life before the family settled in Brighton. Joan loved the outdoors and sport with stories recalling the girls playing happily at Brighton Beach.
In 1938, Joan commenced at PLC as a student, the same year as the first female principal, Miss Neilsen. It may surprise many that Joan was not the perfect pupil. On one occasion, she was informed that her position at the school was ‘in jeopardy’ and her often worried father had to explain why she should not be looking under ‘i’ in the dictionary. Perhaps her adventurous spirit assisted her understanding of students who explored the limits. Joan often credited her Geography teacher, Miss Wilkinson, as fostering her transition to a successful student and esteemed sportswoman.
Studying a BA Dip Ed at Melbourne University, Joan excelled in baseball and tennis. As a student teacher (often petrified), Joan prepared lessons at both Tintern and later Frensham (NSW). Graduating in 1948, she taught at both schools, where the incumbent headmistresses were a formative influence. Joan taught twice in England; the second occasion with Jean Ford. Jean and Joan purchased a small van and travelled through Europe and the United Kingdom camping and exploring. This love of travel continued into her retirement, with Joan exploring many corners of the world.
Returning from England, Joan commenced as Headmistress at Clyde from 1960 - 1968 in a demanding dual role of teacher and Principal. Joan adored her time at Clyde and it was wonderful preparation for PLC where she commenced as Principal in 1969.
Joan modernised PLC through changes to the dress code, scope of studies and importantly, through her leadership. Her grace, dignity, style and expectation
of nothing but the highest standards created great respect. This commanding presence was softened by her wit, profound care for others and an everpresent twinkle in her eye.
Never married, Joan would have loved to raise a family. Instead, she influenced a huge family of girls and colleagues. She was proud of her students’ accomplishments whether public achievements or community contributions. It was noted by her friend and colleague, Ruth Bunyan, that ‘at least seven of her (staff) appointments… became Heads of AHISA schools and many others…
(progressed to hold) senior education positions’. Following her retirement, her astute presence and huge work ethic were appreciated by the many boards and committees to which she was appointed.
Kim Rubenstein's book, The Vetting of Wisdom, documents Joan’s life, including the non-renewal of her contract at PLC. It is a thorough and readable story that documents this period of the school and the grace and dignity which Joan displayed throughout.
Joan gifted much to many and while my family will never share sausages and
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mash without thinking of her, we will also remember her at times of challenge and ask ourselves, ‘what would Joan do?’. Others too may continue to be influenced by her life of service, humility and caring and perhaps ask ‘what would Monty do?’.
Joan died at assembly time on a Monday morning listening to birds in the adjacent park. I am sure her goodbye was accompanied with a twinkling eye and similar to her assemblies, her farewell would set the tone for the weeks ahead.
Kirsty Knox (1979)
Joan’s niece and School Captain (1979)
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Presbyterian Ladies’ College Melbourne 141 Burwood Highway Burwood VIC 3125 AUS Telephone +61 3 9808 5811 Email enquiries@plc.vic.edu.au www.plc.vic.edu.au ABN 16 005 650 386 CRICOS 00334M
