Old Collegians

PLC OCA President Ailsa Wilson (1978) welcomes our new OCA Committee members Nita Eng (1979) and Dr Yvonne Ho AM (1983). It is exciting to be starting 2021 with a committee of 16 with strategic direction by our sub-committees for Communications headed up by our new Vice President Phoebe Costello (2011), Finance and Investment, and PLC Women Mentoring.

Our PLC Women Mentoring sub-committee are proceeding to roll out our mentoring program for all Old Collegians for all the key stages we all transition through during our whole life. In 2017 we piloted PLC Women Panels of Old Collegians sharing their experiences with topics such as Teaching and Transitions, Allied Health, Hot Tips for thriving in male dominated professions, Story Telling for Social Change, and Health and Wellbeing.

I am very excited about the many talented Old Collegians who have already volunteered to mentor other Old Collegians. Many have already listed themselves and their professional skills in our new Blue Black and Gold Pages (BB&G Pages) on our new PLC Melbourne OCA Facebook page. This is a great tool to help us find each other and know when we are connecting with or choosing Old Collegians’ skills and services.

Please join us on Zoom for our next PLC Women event on Saturday 24 April 2021 from 3-5pm to hear Lisa Leong (1989) ABC Radio “This Working Life” introduce her classmate Pen Lewin (1989) from Microsoft to share how, after training and practise, she has built confidence networking which is a huge asset in her current role. Then after some practical tips from Fiona Krautil (Pagram 1973) “Diversity Know How”, we will let you choose a Zoom break out room to meet and chat to other Old Collegians who share your interests. Please watch for the Flyers and live links to our PLC Women Zoom online booking systems to book in and join us.

Above: Back Row L to R Nikki Hamilton (1978) Ailsa Wilson (1978) Phoebe Costello (2011) Robyn Byrne OAM (1973) Anne Neil (1963) Front Row L to R Nita Eng (1979) Dr Yvonne Ho AM (1983), Denise Poon (1978) Terri McKenzie (1976) Belinda Steel (1979) Tang Li (2007) Mabel Yan (2011) Absent Lucy Munanto (2008), Amy Nhan (2006), Lauris Murnane (1955)

Twelve of our 2021 OCA Committee came masked and ready for action for our February meeting in the Hethersett conference room–one for the history books! Spanning seven decades of PLC history we are all proud to represent our many members to run the sort of events you want to enjoy.

Twenty Old Collegians gathered at Heide on 6 February 2021 to experience the Joy Hester Exhibition and Performance and acknowledge the talent of writer Christine Croyden (1978) and musician Rosie Westbrook.

OCA Program for 2021

24 April PLC Women 15 May OCA AGM with Speaker 17 May OCA Golf Day 15 June PLC Driver Cup 24 July PLC Women 31 August Scholarship Luncheon 13 November November Spring Luncheon

“Inspired by a retrospective 1981 exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria of Joy Hester’s works, Christine Croyden chose to create a one-person play “Joy”, in collaboration with Rosie Westbrook who composed and performs the musical score. It is a haunting work, performed by Claire Larisse Nicholls, delving into many aspects of Joy’s troubled life. The experience is made all the richer as you sit in Heide, where much of the action takes place, and in a room surrounded by her works that form part of the “Joy Hester, Remember Me” exhibition.

All three performances of “Joy” have sold out. It was eagerly anticipated after two COVID cancellations. It is a tribute to the artistic endeavours not only of Joy, but of those who created and performed the work.”

Heather Ritter (Forster 1978)

The next AGM of the PLC OCA will be held on Saturday 15 May 2021 by Zoom. The 2021 Women Out There Fellow (WOTF) will be announced at our AGM and will describe their winning project for us. Please add this to your diary as there is some important business issues for the OCA to pass at our next AGM

Ailsa Wilson (1978) OCA President

Vimeo

The OCA spent lock down increasing our online communication tools. We now have our own Vimeo page where we are routinely storing our online offerings. Please take a few minutes to visit us with this live link https://vimeo.com/plcoca

You will be able to enjoy the March 2020 OCA Melba Music Concert and hear our talented Old Collegian musicians.

You can also see the recording of our last PLC Women Event with Dr Deborah Seifert AM (1970) and Dr Yvonne Ho AM (1983) on “Achieving Gender Equity in Australian Honours.” Take the time to listen to their tips and find the time with some friends to recommend more women for Australian Honours. Robyn Byrne OAM (1973) and Yvonne Ho AM (1983) would both be pleased to guide application processes and take on your suggestions of other Old Collegians that we could nominate for future years. Email us on plc.melb.oca@gmail.com or reach out on our OCA Facebook page.

Over summer I hope you have enjoyed the shared memories and photos on our Facebook page with boarders from the 1950s and our newest members with the Class of 2020 all sharing their PLC memories. Bronwyn Ondracek (Hodges 1974) now retired from teaching and leading Glamis and enjoying her Marysville garden, has been sharing photos of her crops of fruit, vegetables and new chickens. So please enjoy these and post your own photos of your own lock down gardens, crafts and other hobbies.

PLC OCA Facebook Page A place for Old Collegians to share photos and thoughts. We look forward to sharing with you at the PLC Melbourne OCA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ plcmelbourneoca/

News of Old Collegian Groups

Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula Friendship Group was delighted to finally join together for lunch in February. Having tried three times last year, to find COVID-19 thwarting our plans, we were delighted to see each other again and also to welcome School Principal, Cheryl Penberthy. Cheryl talked briefly about the effects of COVID-19 on the school last year and their relief that the House Concerts this year were held – particularly being the 60th annual performance of these. One of our 1963 members pointed out that we were in the first House Concerts in 1961. Cheryl also drew the winning tickets in the raffle to raise funds for the Helen Hailes Scholarship Fund. Overall the day was counted a great success and we look forward to the next.

Janet Kirchner (Morrison 1963) Pam Booth (1959)

Sydney

Despite lockdowns and restricted numbers of patrons in venues, a keen group of Sydney Old Collegians held five coffee mornings between February and November in 2020. These provided a welcome reason to leave social isolation and catch up with old friends.

The luncheon at “Sous le Soleil” was held prior to any restrictions and a delightful meal was enjoyed by all in this idyllic parkland setting.

The 2021 program is now underway and new members are warmly invited to join us. We are always on the lookout for Old Collegians who have moved to Sydney to join our group.

North East

The North East Group of PLC Old Collegians recently met for the first time this year after a break of a year due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The 24 members who attended were all so pleased to meet again after an abnormally long break for this group, as we usually meet 3 times each year.

The lunch was held at King River Café at Oxley on a beautiful North East autumn day and there was so much chatter after a long break. We were served alternate meals of roast chicken or atlantic salmon with delicious desserts to follow.

We were delighted to welcome Julie Schroeder and Wendy Fishley from Melbourne as well as a new member who has come to live at Milawa – Barb Vial. Julie told us of events at the school as well as some Old Collegians’ news.

We were also happy to hear that Mrs Cheryl Pemberthy has been appointed as Principal for a further two years.

The members decided to meet at the same venue for our next lunch which will hopefully be held on Wednesday 2 June.

Judy Cuddon (Clezy 1957) jcuddon@outlook.com

New Zealand

Calling Old Collegians living in New Zealand!

The New Zealand branch is hoping to provide local Old Collegians the opportunity to connect and come together in the Auckland area.

If you would be interested in joining, please contact Jane Foster.

Jane Foster (1985) jane04@bigpond.com

Reunions Class

Class of 2020 Graduation Dinner 29 May Reunion Class of 2019 1st Year Out 6 August Class of 2010 10 Year Reunion 1 May Class of 2011 10 Year Reunion 1 May Class of 2005 15 Year Reunion 8 May Class of 2006 15 Year Reunion 8 May Class of 2000 20 Year Reunion 17 July Class of 2001 20 Year Reunion 17 July Class of 1995 25 Year Reunion 31 July Class of 1996 25 Year Reunion 31 July Class of 1990 30 Year Reunion 2 October Class of 1991 30 Year Reunion 2 October Class of 1985 35 Year Reunion 9 October Class of 1986 35 Year Reunion 9 October Class of 1980 40 Year Reunion 23 October Class of 1981 40 Year Reunion 23 October Class of 1975 45 Year Reunion 6 November Class of 1976 45 Year Reunion 6 November Class of 1970 50 Year Reunion 20 November Class of 1971 50 Year Reunion 20 November Class of 1965 55 Year Reunion 27 November Class of 1966 55 Year Reunion 27 November Class of 1961 60 Years On 4 September

News of Old Collegians

Engagements

Rosie Francis (2011) became engaged on 10 November 2020 to Russell George.

Rosie is currently a lawyer and Russell is an engineer, and they met at an Arts ball in 2013 while both were completing undergraduate studies at the University of Melbourne. Seven years later, Russell proposed to Rosie at her parents’ property in Talbot, Victoria, in front of a heart-shaped dam.

Weddings

Jane Foster (1985) married Grant Andrews on 7 March 2020 in a beautiful ceremony at Passage Rock Winery on picturesque Waiheke Island, New Zealand. Leanne Grills (Douglas,1985) travelled to New Zealand to attend the wedding. Jane is now living on Waiheke Island with her husband. Sue-Lee Seng (1998) married Rowan Theel on 28 November 2020 at Barfold Community Church in Barfold with a reception lunch at the Social Foundry cafe in Kyneton where they met. Sue-Lee did her own hair and her Social Foundry volunteers did her flowers, makeup, photography, videography and served lunch. Despite the wedding being postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the couple were finally able to celebrate with their 25 guests.

Sheree Wood (2011) married James McLaren (Scotch College, 2011) on 30 January 2021 in beautiful Kinglake surrounded by forest, food trucks, live music and of course a well stock bar filled with cocktails, craft beer and wines.

This was a long awaited event after being together for over 10 years. The Wedstival continued the next day with breakfast and swinging through the trees on the high ropes course. PLC and Scotch were well represented with Andrea Pereira (2011) and Laura Dickason (2011), as well as a close friend Kelly Martin as bridesmaids, and Adam Harris (Scotch College, 2011), Hugh Christian and James Davies as the groomsmen.

Elaine Kwong (2014) married Benjamen Wang at Lygon Street Christian Chapel on 1 January 2021. This date was chosen to signify a new beginning. Sister Yvonne Kwong (2012) was the bride’s escort while Andrea Shah (2014) was a bridesmaid.

Births

Georgina Stickels (1990) and Anthony Cundall welcomed a son, Henry in October 2020. A brother to Edward.

Victoria (Northam 2000) and Laszlo Konya welcomed a daughter, Clara Heidi Konya on 9 April 2020. A sister to Henrik Laszlo Konya.

Ashleigh Hamilton (2001) and Trent Cilento welcomed a son, Jasper Hamilton Cilento on 23 January 2021.

Emily Cheung (2002) and Matthew Davenport welcomed a girl, Darcy Coco on 24 July 2020. A sister to Mason and Indianna.

Pip (Dutton 2002) and Trent Lyons welcomed a girl, Gwendolyn Skye (Winnie) on 29 October 2020.

Chrissy Muttiah (2005) and Vinay Daniel welcomed a son, Ezekiel Daniel on 29 December 2020.

Cecile (Vaughan 2006) and Simon Wise welcomed a son, Gordy Paul on 6 May 2020. Brother to Percy Daniel and Henry Simon in Heaven.

Gayathri (Srinivasan 2008) and Shyam Gomatam welcomed a son, Raghuveer on 25 June 2020. A brother to Siddharth.

Ellen (Davies 2009) and Jamin Kenner welcomed a son, Samuel Blake Kenner on 22 January 2021. First grandson to Janet (Stone, 1980) and Chris Davies.

Anniversary

Mary Ramsay (Burbury 1960)

On 13 February, the Ramsay family celebrated the Golden wedding anniversary of Mary and Richard. Of the occasion, Mary wrote; “One of our children said in his speech that I had given up my career to marry. Some days later, after stewing over this remark, I sat him down and told him that I had not given up my career to marry. Rather I had changed my career from librarianship to farming. As a farmer’s wife and mother of five, I lead a useful life both on the farm ‘directing the traffic’ as I termed it and in the three country communities in which we lived during our farming career.”

Obituaries The PLC Community is saddened to learn of the passing of the following Old Collegians.

The following obituaries have been supplied by family and friends of the deceased.

June Figg (Latimer 1939) passed away on 4 August 2020.

June was born in Lismore, Victoria, the eldest child of Stanley Latimer and Catherine (Katie) Barbara White who boarded at PLC from 1905-1908. The young June attended Lilydale Base School, then Tintern in Hawthorn and finally PLC in East Melbourne where she was a boarder from 1935 to 1939.

The year after leaving PLC, June began her three years of nursing training at the Alfred. She was always proud to have been an Alfred nurse, and delighted to be invited back to nurse there, later becoming the Charge Sister of Casualty for six years. She then completed her Midwifery training in 1947. In 1953 she became Assistant Matron at the newly opened Footscray Hospital where she opened four wards including the surgical and children’s wards. She held this position until she married Norman Figg in July 1957 when she had to resign her position, as married women were unable to work in a senior position as a nurse or stay in at the hospital.

Whilst training and nursing, June worked in New Zealand and travelled to the UK. In her many years working for the Victorian Nurses’ Council (until late 1980s), she visited China and attended the International Nursing Conference in Japan. She travelled extensively throughout the world with Norman and also her nursing friends. June and Norman also owned and operated Allison’s Reception Rooms in Williams Road, Windsor for many years. June was always well organised, fastidious in everything she put her hand to and viewed life in the most positive manner.

She was a devoted daughter, wife, sister and aunt to all members of her family. She was a caring friend to many, a great supporter of PLC, the Alfred and Legacy to name a few.

Her nieces Karen Latimer (1969) and Sarah Moodie (Latimer 1973) also attended PLC.

June spent her final years in Broughton Hall, Camberwell where she remained active, interested and involved in life until the end - “A life well lived” June was 98 years old.

Anne Chisholm (Wells 1946) passed away on 17 December 2020.

Shirley Irene Dixon (Ford 1953) passed away on 30 May 2020. Shirley had fond memories of her time at PLC and maintained strong friendships with some of the girls from her school years that lasted her lifetime. They held regular luncheons over the years and attended PLC functions on numerous occasions.

Deborah Rutherford (1991) passed away on 6 August 2020.

Much loved daughter and step-daughter of Elizabeth and Max and Douglas and Greer. A life lived in search of social justice, a better life for vulnerable children and as a passionate advocate for the underdog.

Alison Sheppard (Macvean 1951) passed away 22 May 2020

Mum was one of a long line of old Collegians Starting with Mary, Petrena and Jemima in 1875 Dorothea in 1910 Big sister Margie in 1945 Little sister Heather in 1963 Kirsty, Steph and many more A child of the Great Depression It never left you Waste not, want not Keep on keeping-on This won’t buy the baby a new dress Six o’clock and no bones in the cart Improve the shining hour In your second year of matric You would show your Latin teacher that it doesn’t pay To sell you short You would top the state this time! But they died suddenly and with them your motivation So you asked Auntie D to tutor you She who was newly returned from helping the British rebuild Germany And in one year you added German to your quiver Ohne hast, ohne rast! A scholarship to Melbourne and you were proud to be among the first Women admitted to Ormond Your father died Having lived an Odyssey returning from each war but laid low By the peacetime pains he dismissed Plans for the new Burwood campus still unfurled on the dining-room table Your mother bereft Your beloved Ron Your three beloved children How many miscarriages though? At least three before me One didn’t talk about such things Sometimes you would say by way of explanation I always dreamt of having a big family In the sixties This young family moved to hydro-electric Boomtown Hot summers Snowy winters The Mt Beauty pool The Kiewa river That broad valley open to the enormous sky Tawonga Crescent and Bogong Avenue Currawongs singing as they fly Back to Melbourne Uni for a second degree, this time in Social Work The seventies full of promises For a more just, equitable world No more ‘I’m alright Jack’ Dilige et quod vis fac You devoured the new psychology and the new openness Hungry for ideas about social progress Choosing the invisible métier of the career public servant Working for the welfare of children and the differentlyabled Your ambition was to be without ambition So you could speak truth to power Realpolitik was as anathema to you As spending money on take-away coffee Come the 80’s and Economic Rationalism The Abstemiousness That you learned as a child and vaunted as a personal virtue They made you inflict on the vulnerable You knew you had been privileged with an education That granted you long sightedness So you gave it your all Working hard from within the machine to sow dignity and compassion Until you felt you had earned the right to rest Welcoming Loving Guiding And knitting for The grandchildren who started to arrive Wise Sensible Clear-headed An amazing vocabulary Is what your colleagues said about you Children kept coming At last the large family you dreamt of New lifetimes bestowed on yours In the end all your learning And all your experience Evaporated Like dew on a clear winter’s day Leaving a simple equanimity And warmth without conversation In hindsight Gifts that appeared from who knows where To ease the Long Goodbye for us You told me many times That you treasured your time at PLC because You were never taught to be anything less Than a high-achieving Working Woman Married maybe Subservient no All of you ahead of your times Your family was And is Full of such women Mum was one of a long line of old Collegians Are you all now somewhere New again?

Ben Sheppard wrote this poem dedicated to his mother.

PLC Council

“Vale Mr John McArthur”

Mr John George Rennie McArthur, passed away on 29 October 2019. He had faithfully served on the PLC Council from November 1975 to October 1981.

He is survived by his wife Beverly (Laughton 1954), his daughters Jacquelyn (1978) and Susan (1980) and son David.

News of Old Collegians

Amongst old girls, we have a long list of immunologists, Lord Mayors, scientists, doctors, nurses and midwives who have worked beyond their scope in fighting the Covid Pandemic.

I’d like to recognise one Old Collegian, Lisa Lockwood, (Heathcote 1978) who is currently employed as a quarantine official, (hotel quarantine) by Department of Justice.

Lisa has never worked in this type of industry before, never worked night shift, and is facing huge challenges in this job, but is part of our front line defence, protecting all Victorians.

My hat goes off to her, she is showing bravery, endurance, facing new infection control learning curves, to perform her job.

Congratulations to her, and I think we all need to thank her and recognise her efforts, in protecting us. Natalie Lynch (Meyer 1978)

Alisa Bunbury (1986) is the Curator of the Grimwade Collection at the Ian Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne.

She recently spoke with Phillip Adams on ABC Late Night Live about her latest book, “Pride Of Place: Exploring the Grimwade Collection”. This visually rich and informative book explores the colonial artefacts, paintings and objects in the Collection which relate to the European exploration of the Pacific and the British colonisation and settlement of Australia. You can listen to this fascinating discussion on the “ABC Listen” app.

Alisa, a noted researcher, writer and curator, now specialises in early colonial Australian art and was previously Curator of Prints and Drawing at National Gallery of Victoria and the Art Gallery of South Australia. She has curated exhibitions on the work of many artists, including, “From the Earth I Arise” in 1998, celebrating the work of Old Collegian and acclaimed ceramicist Marguerite Mahood (Callaway 1915).

In November 2020 Claire Harvey (1994) was elected to Frankston City Council as a first-time candidate, having lived in the area for 14 years. Her particular passions include resource recovery, action on climate change and the development of housing, transport and community infrastructure that facilitates a smaller carbon footprint. “Strengthening our community fabric, increasing civic participation and the creation of meaningful and secure employment opportunities for young people were other key campaign platforms, especially as we navigate our way forward in response to the various challenges of COVID-19.”

Monique diMattina (1989) is releasing her sixth music album, TIDES - ten compositions for solo piano. Monique is touring the album to regional Victoria and launching at Jazzlab, Brunswick on Saturday 27 March 2021.

A Fulbright scholar, Monique teaches at VCA (Melbourne Conservatorium) and Monash University Jazz departments and performs regularly around Australia and internationally. Monique has two children and, following years in NYC, is now based in Melbourne.

Further details at www.moniquedimattina.com

Joy Chiang (Chen 2005)

Joy was fortunate to be chosen last year to be one of 100 artists selected to paint a ‘UooUoo’ (pronounced you-you) for the 150th anniversary art trail fundraiser for The Royal Children’s Hospital.

The Me and UooUoo art trail encourages communities to be active and reconnect with their cities by visiting one hundred unusual art sculptures. You can also track and ‘collect’ them through an app.

They are currently exhibited across Melbourne’s laneways, streets, parks and public spaces and form a walking trail throughout Melbourne and Geelong. When the art trail finishes, the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital.

Her UooUoo is named ‘Nana’ and is currently located in Grattan Gardens in Prahran.

Her design was inspired by her daughter’s stay at the RCH. At only seven months, she was admitted to the hospital for seven days. Between the heartache and procedures, unimaginable resilience and joy shone through. What brought her most joy and entertainment was a helium balloon, whenever she saw it, she said her happy word ‘nana’. The colours and movement in this UooUoo capture the lightness of the balloon and the positivity of a baby’s innocence.

Jemima Knox (2006)

Jemima used her unexpected time away from her work as an outdoor education teacher this year to bake free delicious treats for her community in Grovedale. She set up an eyecatching stall where people could take a muffin or cookie to brighten up their day during these often financially difficult COVID-19 times.

Her local community have been very supportive and grateful for her creativity and generosity and Jemima, now back at work, is continuing her baking and still bringing people of all ages, cheer and pleasure. You can follow her wonderful baking initiative on her Instagram Account, “geelongcommunitycookies.” Julia Howarth (Caldwell 2009)

Julia graduated from PLC in 2009 and absolutely loved being involved in the rowing program at PLC. She was the Captain of Boats, and after graduation she worked as a Coach, Junior Coordinator and Director of Rowing for the PLC Rowing Program until 2014. She now resides in New Jersey, USA. She is the Head Novice Girls Rowing Coach at Princeton National Rowing Association. PNRA is a non-for-profit organization, operating the Finn M.W. Caspersen Rowing Center. PNRA is dedicated to providing a venue where athletes of all ages, talents and backgrounds have the opportunity to develop their rowing abilities to their highest potential. It is also a United States Olympic Training Site, and home to the US Rowing National Team, as well as community rowing programs. PNRA runs the Mercer Junior and Masters Rowing Programs and conducts outreach activities seeking to expand community involvement in rowing. In her role as Head Coach, Julia oversees 90+ high school aged athletes and four assistant coaches on her team, which rows year round. As well, she coordinates the Summer Learn to Row Camps that draw over 200 campers from the surrounding area and has 35+ staff members working under her direction. Her passion for the sport of rowing, providing an engaging and positive learning experience and contributing to the rowing community began at PLC and lives on!

Zoe Ranganathan (2017) from the Australian National University has been elected 2021 President of the National Union of Students.

“The National Union of Students will enter into a post-pandemic rebuild,” said Zoe. “In the midst of the biggest crisis of our lifetime, the most vulnerable of us have been left behind… COVID-19 has shown all of us that the Australian higher education system is failing students.”

In order to address this, Zoe’s priorities include ensuring that course cuts, reduction of staff pay and corporatisation of universities are tackled through the democratisation of the campuses, and the protection of student representation through legislated funding minimums. She emphasises that the voices of International students, regional and low SES students must be platformed so that universities can return to a place of fair, accessible and equitable learning.

Julia Howarth (Caldwell 2009)

Zoe Ranganathan (2017)