FOUNDATION

It gives me great pleasure to be writing my first article for the Ruyton Reporter. Ruyton truly is an inspirational school and it has been a very happy return to my alma mater. It was a coincidental privilege that in January 2020 I visited our namesake, Ruyton-XI-Towns in Shropshire, United Kingdom. I will never forget the depth of history I felt when I visited the town and the church built in 1230 on which our School was named. Ruyton has a strong and proud history starting over 140 years ago, when our inaugural Principal Charlotte Anderson laid the foundations of our School in 1878. Charlotte passionately believed in educating young girls and began a legacy that has been carried by generations of strong women, who all helped to ensure Ruyton’s place in the Victorian education landscape. As the Director of Philanthropy and Engagement, it is my role to work with our community to help advance our School. Through philanthropy and engagement, we can celebrate and achieve so much. I have witnessed how engaged and connected our community is, and it is clear that we want the very best for our girls and School. Our community supports our School in so many ways, whether through giving back or working on committees and associations; the dedication and commitment shown is uplifting. Thank you all for the belief you have in Ruyton, for understanding the importance of giving back, and for having the foresight to ensure we continue to pave a way for all our girls’ futures.

Earlier this year, Linda Douglas, Fiona Griffiths and I were delighted to welcome and thank some of the community that have given back to Ruyton, through a 2019 Speech Night Donors Morning Tea. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet current parents, past parents and old girls, to not only personally acknowledge their support but to also share a little about our current and future plans for the School. We sincerely thank all of you who have made and continue to make such an important mark at Ruyton, as your generosity allows us to continue to invest in the education of our girls through leading educational programmes, buildings and opportunities.

right: 2019 Speech Night Donors Morning Tea. L-R: Larissa Clarke, Fiona Crosby, Sally de Guingand far-right: 2019 Speech Night Donors Morning Tea. L-R: Eric Ponnampalam, Deb Peterson, Deepa Weeraman and Mahlini Ponnampalam

far-left: Sally de Guingand at our namesake, Ruyton-XI-Towns in Shropshire, United Kingdom left: Sally de Guingand and Fiona Griffiths

An integral component of advancing our School and ensuring its future is working with the Foundation to build and develop a culture of philanthropy. Together with Fiona Griffiths, Chair of the Foundation, and the subcommittee, we continue to advocate for the role of philanthropy at Ruyton, as it can and does make a real and significant difference. So much of what is around us was done through the generosity of those who came before us, so it is vital we can continue to develop and build our School for those yet to come. It has been wonderful to witness firsthand the generosity of our community and the difference it has made, notably in 2019 with the Founder’s Scholarship. This financial needs-based Scholarship programme welcomed our first recipient in 2019. What an amazing achievement our community has created. Thank you to every single one of you for helping to make a difference to young girls’lives.

Our hope is to continue to build this Scholarship to $4 million dollars, which will allow us to have six girls in perpetuity receiving this life-changing opportunity. Empowering a girl with an outstanding education – what a gift it would be! Sally de Guingand (‘86) Director of Philanthropy and Engagement

If you are considering the possibility of leaving a bequest to Ruyton and would like to discuss this, please do not hesitate to contact Sally de Guingand (’86), Director of Philanthropy and Engagement on 03 92909318 or email DeguingandS@ruyton.vic.edu.au All discussions are treated in the utmost confidence.

We would love to have the opportunity to acknowledge any bequest or gift and to say thank you.