BEQUESTS

The Moreton Bay Fig Society was established in 2018 in conjunction with Ruyton’s 140th Anniversary. The Society honours all of our benefactors who have chosen to support the School directly through a gift in their will. We are incredibly grateful to the following Old Ruytonians whose bequest will forever support Ruyton and its girls.

MICKEY ASHTON (MARSHALL, 1965) Both Micky and her daughter Cathy Ashton (1995) attended Ruyton for seven years. Micky volunteers with Ruyton’s Archivist (when Covid-19 permits). Ruyton’s archives are housed in Wardynski’s House which was bequeathed to the School by a generous neighbour. ‘I have been working for four years as a volunteer in the Ruyton Archives with Cathy Dodson the Archivist. I decided to leave a modest bequest to be used specifically by the Archivist as there are many projects that could be done if we only had more money. As a former professional librarian and archivist I know the value of archives and I am happy to think my bequest might play a small part in furthering the work of the Archives.’

SUE A’BECKETT (VAUTIER, 1962) A boarder and passionate Old Ruytonian, Sue is a member of the Moreton Bay Fig Society Committee. She was a prefect in 1963, the same year that the inaugural boarders’ dance was held, and a television purchased for boarders as a gift by the School Council. ‘Having been a boarder at Ruyton from the age of nine, I have many happy memories of my home in Henty House beside the Moreton Bay Fig tree. These memories are shared by my life-long friends from those years. I am pleased to leave a gift through the Moreton Bay Fig Society in the hope that the historic features of Ruyton will be maintained in the future.’

Micky Ashton: seated, bottom right

SALLY DEAN (1970) A long time Ruyton girl, Sally was a student for 13 years and remains very connected to the School today. Sally has been both a member of the ORA Committee, including a period as President and a School Board member since leaving in 1970. She recently attended her 50 Year (belated) reunion in March 2021. ‘I enjoyed my school days, all 13 years, the friendships made have endured. I have had a close relationship with Ruyton and can see how committed the staff are to their girls. The goal to bring each student to be the best she can, appeals to me, rather than pure academic excellence. By not being a purely academic driven school, the range of student abilities enhances their experiences. This is why I have made a bequest in my will.’

FIONA GRIFFITHS (1987) A past student and current parent, Fiona is a huge supporter of Ruyton. She is past Foundation Chair, a current School Board member and sits on the Moreton Bay Fig Society committee. Fiona’s sister Dr Leonie Griffiths (1986) also attended Ruyton. ‘Providing gifts from my estate to the people and institutions that have played a significant role in the journey of my life gives me immense satisfaction. Ruyton gave me the grounding for a career in the law, friends who I will cherish all my life, a belief I could do anything and a wonderful community for my daughter to thrive and learn in. I know my gift will play a role in securing the future of our great School’.

If you are considering leaving a bequest to Ruyton Girls’ School, please contact Kate Nixon confidentially on (03) 9290 9345 or email nixonk@ruyton.vic.edu.au.

Sue a’Beckett: Second from left

Sally Dean: front row, far right Fiona Griffiths: middle row, second from right

ROBYN KANAT (BATE, 1980) Robyn is the President of the Moreton Bay Fig Society and a Ruyton girl through and through. Her sister Wendy Bull (Bate, 1975), both daughters Zoe (2011) and Sarah (2014) and niece Clare Bull (2004) are Old Ruytonians. ‘Ruyton Girls’ School has been a major part of my life, and still is. For me, the importance of girls’ education and the empowering of women is something which my parents also felt passionate about. As a family, we recognise the importance and power of philanthropy. I want to give back to Ruyton as a way of saying thank you and so that it can remain as a strong school, meeting the needs of girls and empowering them to be their best for future generations.’

JANE TEASDALE (1957) Jane was at Ruyton for three years, arriving in Year 7. She had the most wonderful time as a student and has many treasured memories and friends that she catches up with regularly. ‘My time at Ruyton allowed me the opportunity to pursue my musical studies and my Bequest reflects very much upon this fact. It gives me great pleasure to do this in the hope that another student will benefit.’ MARGARET SMITH OAM (INGRAM, 1965) Margaret was at Ruyton for two years, a boarder and in Anderson House. Margaret’s two girls attended Ruyton, Belinda Sharpe (Smith, 1991) and Natalie Langlands (Smith, 1994) and it appears her granddaughters may soon follow suit. Margaret received her Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the community, particularly children and youth. ‘My small bequest to Ruyton will be given because I believe in girls receiving the best possible education, in both academic and co-curricular activities. I feel Ruyton gave me a solid foundation, positive outlook and strong work ethic to go forward in my career and I’m very grateful for those opportunities.’

Margaret Smith: second row from the top, fifth from left