SUMMER 2020–2021
QUAERITE | The Journal of Shelford Girls’ Grammar
12 October Prep to Year 7 and Year 10 to 12 students resume face-to-face lessons onsite at Shelford. Year 8 and 9 students continue with remote learning. The Hood canteen is open for students and staff onsite.
7 October VCE students complete the General Achievement Test on campus.
24 October Victoria currently has 98 active cases statewide, dropping below 100 for the first time since June.
1 November Australia announces its first day of zero cases of community transition nationwide in nearly five months.
Term 4 concludes, ending one of Shelford’s most unique and challenging school years.
3 August The last day of VCE onsite teaching for the foreseeable future. The School and Early Learning Centre are open only for children of permitted workers.
November October September December
24 July The traditional Senior School House Performing Arts event is cancelled. Instead, small groups from each House perform in segments which are video 30recorded.July
15 November Case numbers in Australia jump up as a small outbreak in Adelaide is
2 August Premier Daniel Andrews declares an official State of Disaster for Victoria, introducing a curfew and 5km travel limit. Businesses are limited in their trading capacity.
14tracing.September
5 October The Early Learning Centre recommences regular operations.
29 August The new cases of COVID-19 detected in 24 hours across Australia drops below 100, the majority of which remain in Victoria.
COVID timeline 2020
7 August The Shelford Virtual House Challenge is launched, with students from Prep to Year 12 completing tasks remotely to win points for their House.
COVID-19 cases in Australia peak, with 721 new cases in 24 hours.
4identified.December
6 September The Victorian Government releases a five-step roadmap to re-opening, dependent on case numbers and contact
The Year 9 Enterprise and Innovation Challenge week launches.
27 September The curfew is lifted, childcare resumes and limited public gatherings are allowed. Picnics in local parks become a common sight.
26 October Zero new cases and zero deaths are recorded in Victoria, being labelled the first ‘doughnut day’ since June. Year 8 and 9 students return to onsite learning.
July August
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone in the Shelford community for their support of the School during 2020 amidst the enormous difficulties and challenges COVID has presented us. Our teachers, parents and students took each challenge head on and focused on providing our girls the best possible solutions for their continued learning. I am very proud of our response and focus and I know parents appreciated the massive efforts of teachers and staff under trying circumstances.
Principal’s welcome
Director of Student Wellbeing and Development, Prep to Year 12
Cover photo: Our new Director of Student Wellbeing and Development, Pauline Cutajar (left), is pictured with Deputy Principal, Staff and Operations, Karen Whelan and Deputy Principal, Curriculum and Innovation, Dan Belluz.
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the table many years of experience in girls’ education, a strong advocacy for girls’ education, and a capacity to develop staff and establish a culture of professional learning and growth. I am excited about the future as we leave behind a very challenging year, in so many ways. I have a strong desire to position Shelford as a futurefocused, innovative school, with a strong community in which individuals are respected and valued; the very essence of Shelford values.
Katrina Brennan Principal
In 2021 we welcome Ms Pauline Cutajar to the role of Director of Student Wellbeing and Development for Prep to Year 12. Pauline was previously the Deputy Principal, Wellbeing and Development at St Aloysius College in North Melbourne (an all girls Catholic school). She has over 30 years’ experience in a variety of school leadership positions in girls’ schools. Pauline is passionate about student wellbeing and particularly, girls’ development.
Pauline has a Masters of Education in Human Resource Management and Marketing in Education and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education Studies, Student Welfare, both from the University of Melbourne, along with a Bachelor of Education (Arts). In her former role Pauline organised many activities and programs and devised, implemented and reviewed a bespoke wellbeing program, transition programs and a student leadership program.
Pauline has expertise, warmth and experience. We know she will be able to create a wellbeing and leadership program for Shelford that will help our girls to have the skills and tools they need to be resilient, courageous young women. Being a whole-school role will enable a shared language, approach and resources, staff development opportunities, mentoring programs and student leadership opportunities, which are exciting for all of our community.
As a new principal, and in pursuit of seamlessly implementing current and future initiatives, I am very pleased to advise that the leadership team and I are working with an external expert, Dr Helen Goode, who has extensive educational and change experience as well as a PhD in Principal Leadership (goodeconsulting. Icom.au).bringto
These initiatives provide for the development of skills and capabilities that our girls need in this changing world and allow for experiential, engaging studentcentred learning and spaces that provide opportunities for programs and student recreation. We can all look forward to a very exciting and progressive 2021.
I am excited to be leading Shelford in pursuit of academic excellence, renowned wellbeing programs and the establishment of a multitude of experiences and opportunities that support the holistic development of all our girls. Already, we have Digitech and Technology in the curriculum and a Digitech room for this purpose; an expansion of the Year 9 Challenge Program into areas of Enterprise and Innovation, Arts and STEM; a Year 5 to 8 STEAM week of diverse activities; and an improvement of our facilities.
Debating and public speaking
COVID-19 update
Like everything else in 2020, it was a strange year for debating. After an exciting first round of face-to-face debates, the Debating Association of Victoria (DAV) were forced to move the interschool competitions online. Given the excessive hours of screen time in their lives, most of our team opted out of the new virtual format. However, our Year 11 team comprising of Estie Feith, Isla Clarke, Yasmin Isaacs and Catherine Maticka, persevered through lockdown and experienced an impressive winning streak, taking them through to the Quarter Finals. A special mention also goes out to our Year 10 team (Eleanor Prowd, Holly Husband, Ananya Puranam Sivam and Dishita Garg) who were unbeaten in the first lockdown, but unfortunately unable to participate in the later rounds.
Operation ’re-entry’
Jacqui Green, School Psychologist
2 QUAERITE | Summer 2020–2021
to date and despite school continuing online, many of our students were bursting with excitement to see their friends in person.
Education at Shelford has taken on more new forms than ever, whilst maintaining our values of respect, creativity, passion and integrity. From Junior School computer coding sessions to Senior School virtual debating, Shelford girls have demonstrated their passion and commitment to learning. Key achievements to celebrate include Year 6 student Lucy being awarded a medal for the highest Shelford student score in the Maths Olympiad competition, Year 11 students Veronica and Cara attending the 2020 Australian Olympic Change-Maker Award virtual summit and Year 12 student Tia receiving the Glen Eira Award for her leadership and community involvement. Our students, staff and families have shown resilience and camaraderie, working together to get through these difficult times.
When the Junior Secondary DAV program launched in Term 3, Shelford entered a Year 7 and 8 team, with great success. Their commitment to effort and excellence was impressive, with a standout moment being when the Year 8 team (comprising of Wendy Zhao, Thanya Vijayakumar, Polly Vakrinos, Finley Rowe and Shakira El-Sheikh) gave up their free time on ‘Pop Up Day’ to run a practice debate with the Year 7s and share some tips. The Year 7s (Bella Armstrong, Millie Dee, Stephanie Doliantis, Shreya Janumpally and Ashani Martyn) relished the opportunity, and their preparation paid off, leading to a win. Despite the physical distance, a genuine sense of camaraderie was forged across year levels during the debating season that bodes well for burgeoning participation in 2021.
Shelford staff managed the transition back to face-to-face learning with student wellbeing at the forefront of all planning and preparation. Once the girls walked through the School gates after months of remote learning, for most it was a relief to finally see their friends and teachers in person. Resuming old habits that were once routine, such as using your School locker, ordering food from The Hood and sharing lunchtime with friends became delightful moments. The silver lining of our lockdown experience has been a lasting sense of gratitude for the simplest things in life.
After oflivedMelbourniansclassesreturningveryandmany3almostspendingallofTermremotelearning,studentsstaffwereexcitedtobetoonsiteinTerm4.hadthroughonethetoughestlockdowns
Yet for some students, returning to campus life generated a great deal of anxiety and nervousness leading up to Monday 12 October 2020. Attending school during a pandemic brings up questions from, ’How do I reconnect with my friends whilst maintaining social distancing?’ to ’Wearing masks all day is not comfortable and makes me feel uneasy, when will Victorians be able to stop wearing masks?’. As we moved closer to our return to campus date it became apparent there were two common concerns for some students: COVID-19 safety and friendship changes. Some students were concerned about shifts in friendship dynamics during remote learning and some just really missed hanging out together – and hoped their friends missed them as much as they did. Temperature checking and frequent hand sanitising became a regular feature of school life when on-campus learning returned. Ensuring a COVIDSafe environment was paramount and after such an exhausting period of lockdown, the Shelford community were keen to uphold COVIDSafe standards.
Whilst the Shelford community – along with the rest of Australia – may have thought the worst of the pandemic was over by mid year, the second half of 2020 continued to provide challenges and surprises.
Three of our Year 9 students, Nikki Higgins, Georgia Kent and Alice Cegarra-Fenton also entered the DAV online Public Speaking competition, with Nikki making it through to the final round.
All girls celebrated the end of remote learning by putting on their dancing shoes and having a disco, where they displayed their creative dance moves to some of their favourite songs. The teachers are very proud of the way students participated and coped during the remote learning period, and are so grateful to be back in the classroom.
What have you appreciated about returning to teaching on campus?
How did you shift your 2020 goals due to the changing teaching circumstances?
What do you think are the most important attributes of a teacher? I believe the most important attributes for a teacher – besides a passion to teach – is to have strong communication skills. It is one thing to have a passion, it is something entirely different when a teacher is able to share and express their passion in a way that can inspire and challenge new minds.
How resiliencestudentshaveshowninyour classroom?
What did change was how I maintained this goal. Teaching a class is more than just lecturing and having students write notes. Promoting class discussion in a virtual world and designing hands-on activities that students can do at home was the biggest challenge. Building models with what was in the home and
Remote Learning in the Junior Discovery Centre
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With sudden jumps between remote and onsite learning the girls were impressively adaptable and flexible. They have consistently been willing to engage in classes online, ask questions and share their thoughts. It has been a challenge too for most of us as adults, and I can’t help but reflect on what I was like as a teenager and wonder if I could have coped as well as our girls have. The students have also been very supportive of each other – providing technical assistance when a friend was having issues and being pillars of strength for each other when one was having a difficult time. The VCE girls have really pulled together to help their peers in the lead up to exams. I am extremely proud of them all.
Interview with Adam Boylett
using favourites.becameroomsbreakoutwhileonlinepersonal
Foundation students celebrated 100 days of school and enjoyed virtual excursions to various zoos. Year 1 and 2 students experienced cooking such as making fairy bread and chocolate balls, as part of the procedural writing component of Literacy. Year 2 learnt basic programming skills by participating in ‘An Hour of Code’ lessons.
How much time did you spend in the classroom this year?
Seeing the girls has been the best. We go into teaching to work with students. Even though the students were amazing during remote learning, it will never quite replace the joy and interaction that you get to experience when working face-to-face to help them learn.
Prep to Year 2 students and their parents embraced remote learning, especially during the second lockdown. Students attended daily live literacy, numeracy, inquiry and specialist lessons, often accompanied by their pets! They quickly navigated the school’s Learning Management System and email to access learning tasks. The girls used alternative concrete materials to manipulate numbers and model mathematical stories, such as dried pasta, Ooshies, erasers, bottle tops, beads and more. They created hopscotch courses to practise skip counting and create number equations. Flipgrid proved to be a popular platform for students to record themselves reading.
What is your role at Shelford? I am the Head of Science.
Every day I have been in a ‘classroom’ be it physically onsite or in a virtual classroom working with Year 8 Science students and VCE Chemistry students.
My goals did not particularly shift, as my main aim has always been to inspire young minds and provide them with opportunities to grow and understand the scientific world around them.
Every Year 12 cohort deserves a warm send off and end of year events, but the Class of 2020 are particularly deserving of our well wishes and celebration. They have faced their assessments and changing learning circumstances valiantly, leading the younger students by example. The Senior School Co-Captains Lucy and Jodi thanked the school community in their farewell speeches and reflected on their penultimate year.
– Bec Wright, Year 12 Coordinator
‘To the 2020 cohort, I will never forget you. One thing that stands out about you all is that you know how to have fun, you never take yourselves too seriously and your kindness towards one another never ceases to amaze me. The bonds you have made at Shelford will stay with you for life. You are an incredible group of young adults and I cannot wait to hear about your crazy adventures and life beyond the gates of Hood Crescent.’
‘This year was harder than any other. It was easier to slack off and end up in a place with no motivation. I did recognise though, the level of support we have created in our group. It’s funny to think about us being closer after having spent the year at home, but I am definitely more grateful this year for the friendships I have. While it is sad that the year has ended like this, I know the rest of you are able to think the same of your friendships and how far we’ve come since the start of the Ouryear.’staff, students and wider community wish the class of 2020 the best in their future endeavours, and have provided some tributes on this page.
Class of 2020
you can bring to my day is something that I will always treasure. Whether it is conversations about sport such as the cricket or footy, talking about movies or current reality TV shows or just our daily conversations about our weekends in class or in the yard; it is something I will miss from you all next year. Good luck with your exams and all the best for 2021.’
‘This was always destined to be a unique and special group of young women, I just had not anticipated how very unique their Year 12 experience would be. I have watched with immense pride as the Class of 2020 navigated the normal challenges of VCE, as well as the added pressures of 2020 with resilience, dedication, a desire to learn, grow and develop, and a willingness to better themselves. But also, with the attributes we would hope a graduate of Shelford would possess, a wonderful sense of care, a desire to provide strength to one another, and an ability to be honest –sometimes too honest – and open in their communication.’
– Una Alagic, Head of Humanities
‘To my Psychology classes; I have not stopped enjoying your presence whether it has been in school or online. You girls are the reason why I teach. The joy that
A year to remember
4 QUAERITE | Summer 2020–2021
− Lee Dalton, Psychology Teacher
Other very high achievers include: Mary Gashi (97.65) Madeline Duker (97.5) Yingying Zhong (97.25) Jodi Pang (97.1) Elizabeth Thawley (97.05) Linlin Meng (96.8) Li Dong Xu (96.7) Luwei Lin (96.65) Amy Ferris (96.2) Daena Karamountzos (96.05), Charlotte Read (95.65) Xinwen Cao (95.6) Amy Badger (95.35)
This award is for a student who takes the opportunity that a good Shelford education offers – using one’s talents to the fullest in all facets of Shelford school life, a dedication to truth, courage, kindness and unselfishness and a keen interest in others. The 2020 recipient was Mary Gashi.
Dux of the School is Elise McLeod with an ATAR of 99.5 Proxime Accessit to the Dux is Fanghui Li with an ATAR of 98.5
Board of Governors’ Leadership Award
Shantelle O’Shea (93.3) Lucy McConville (92.3) Baoping Wen (91.65)
This award recognises a student who has made a significant contribution to the musical life of the School through commitment and service throughout her school years. The 2020 recipient was Alex Cornelius.
This award recognises the ability of a student to demonstrate innovation and learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and encourages them to use their talents to pursue further research in these areas. The 2020 recipient was Eliza Thawley.
Lilia Capone (94.2) Chenchen Xu (94.15)
Caryl was a former School Captain (1959).
This award recognises the civic achievement and outstanding contribution of a Year 12 student to her school and her community. This student plays an active role in the School and wider community through activities including artistic, sporting, community service and other activities. The 2020 recipient was Daena Karamountzos
These awards recognise the important contribution the Co-Captains have made to the Shelford community. The 2020 recipients were Jodi Pang and Lucy McConville.
Co-Captains Awards
To say that they were resilient and courageous is an understatement. These girls have shown maturity beyond their years, coping skills beyond measure and fierce bravery. They have worked together as a cohort and collaborated with their teachers, in a productive and meaningful way.
This award recognises a student who has displayed the characteristics of a Shelford woman, displays excellence in all they do and leads others formally and informally. The 2020 recipient was Charlotte Adlard.
3% of our students received an ATAR over 98 24% of our students received an ATAR over 95 41% of our students received an ATAR over 90 68% of our students received ATAR scores above 80 placing them in the top 20% of students across Australia
Joanna Giannis (90.85)
Penelope Tzikas (93.5)
Tahlia-Lilly Reisacher (95.25) Xinran Du (94.55)
Elise McLeod
Katrina Brennan, Principal
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Charlotte Adlard (93.7)
The Caryl Haslem OAM Award
Xinran Yu Annabelle(90.8)Griplas (90.7).
We thank the staff whose talent, dedication and encouragement have contributed to these outstanding results. They went above and beyond during the most challenging year in recent memory and for that, we are incredibly grateful.
Principal’s Award for the Best All-Rounder
The students of 2020 have made history, completing Year 12 during a worldwide pandemic and two periods of remote learning. They have managed their most challenging academic year at a time when Melbourne experienced a lockdown that was the longest and toughest in the world.
Congratulations to our Class of 2020 on their outstanding VCE results.
This award is determined by Ms Katrina Brennan and highlights a student who has demonstrated excellence in all facets of school life, including an exemplary academic record, active contribution to school programs and a keen supporter for those around them. The 2020 recipient was Elise McLeod.
ADF Future Innovators Award
Civics and Citizenship Award
Service to Music Award: The inaugural Mason–McQuarrie Award
Year 12 Award winners
VCE results
My role as the School Chaplain is very centered around student wellbeing and social justice. In Senior School Chapel we have been looking at Black Lives Matter and our own privilege. Junior School this term has looked at kindness and mindfulness. I have continued to help the Mustard lunchtime group that sparked my own faith, and I have also been writing some blog posts answering key questions on Christianity. I check-in weekly with all VCE students via a wellbeing email and have plans to start up a lunchtime group focused around social justice once we all get back to school. Everyone at Shelford has been very warm and welcoming, especially many of my previous teachers. Overall, it’s been a great experience coming back as a staff member.
I think it is important for students to remember that if they don’t get into their dream tertiary course straight away that there are many excellent alternative pathway options available that can help the student reach their goals.
Gary’s excellent careers advice and connection with students has been evident over his 22 years at Shelford. His work with our students in subject and course selection is reflected each year in excellent VCE results and the fact students obtain entry in to tertiary courses of their choice.
Claire ChaplainCheeseman,
One change I have noticed is educational technology. Over the past few months the pandemic has seen this play out. I commend all parents, students and teachers who have embraced and pivoted with us on new technologies, such as Microsoft Teams. Universities too have been pivoting
Shelfordian from the Class of 2017, Claire Cheeseman is currently studying a Bachelor of Science and Commerce at Deakin University, majoring in Environmental Science and Agricultural Economics. She has recently taken up the role as Shelford Chaplain.
What was your favourite part of your job? The intrinsic rewards from being a school careers counsellor are enormous. Helping students to find tertiary courses and explore career options that suit their passions and strengths gives me great satisfaction.
The most important piece of advice you give to students seeking career advice? You are more than your ATAR score. Keep an open mind, find your passion and do your research (such as through attending Open Days or other career events that are It’spromoted).goodto remember the workplace of the future is constantly evolving and many future jobs don’t even exist yet. Ensuring their skill base continuously develops, like communication and problem-solving skills will stand them in good stead to tackle future opportunities as they arise.
Gary CareersGrach,Counsellor
We are delighted to announce the arrival of longstanding art teacher Rebecca Saunders’ third child. Grace Elizabeth was delivered in the morning on Saturday 19 September. Born at just under 4kg she is healthy and growing up quickly already. Grace is going to be very protected by her two older brothers who fell in love the moment they met her.
In 2021 he will be making a tree change to Daylesford and moving to a mentoring and guest speaking role at the School. We will miss having him in the library every day but look forward to continuing to use his wisdom in new ways.
In my role I’m really excited to help break down this information to help students find the pathway that best suits them.
Staff news
The other thing that’s changed is the job and tertiary market. In Victoria there are an enormous number of tertiary options and vocational pathway options available today.
6 QUAERITE | Summer 2020–2021
with some offering innovative ‘Virtual Open Days’ this year in lieu of campus visits. This technology was not available when I first started in this role.
It’s always a joy to reunite with Shelford girls at the various school reunions. I love hearing their success stories or what they have been doing since leaving school both in life and their careers. I find this endlessly rewarding.
Baby news
By the end of the year however, I had found so much peace and clarity in the true teachings of Jesus. I think faith is incredibly important for the modern world. We have so many challenging issues facing us, and for the younger generations a lot of pressure to ‘fix’ the world. Having hope in God helps me to feel I can make a difference and a change for the better.
In Year 12 I was curious about faith and decided I wanted to learn more about it. I went along to the Mustard lunchtime group and asked any question I could think of, determined to work out why so many people believed in Christianity and convince myself it wasn’t for me.
How did your role change over time? I came to Shelford over 22 years ago from the business sector. You could tell right away this was a truly nurturing environment. Since then I’ve been blessed with many wonderful experiences and colourful students, so that hasn’t changed.
We said good bye to Jean McQuarrie and Greg Mason at the end of 2020, wishing Greg good luck in his PhD studies and sending a warm farewell to Jean as she begins her well-deserved retirement. Both Jean and Greg have played integral roles in the School’s Music and Performing Arts departments over the past decades. From perfectly timed presentation evenings to joyous Junior School musicals, they have worked hard on stage and behind the scenes.
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After a brief period of long service leave, Tania left Shelford at the end of 2020. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and enhancing her skills in another educational institution. We all wish Tania the best with her future and thank her for her outstanding legacy.
‘Watching School productions and HPA performances. I was always overwhelmed and in awe of the amazingly talented students we have in the Junior School.
Staff members and students past and present thank Greg and Jean for their time and care as educators.
Farewell Tania
Greg is a delightful presence in the lives of our Junior School students, as he engages them in their music performance and appreciation and ignites their passion for the performing arts. He is a talented pianist and has played at countless musicals and Jeanpresentations.hasmade
For 19 years Tania Whitehead has been a familiar face and a muchloved member of the a–JuniorDeputyShecommunity.ShelfordstartedasHeadofSchoolCurriculum,Year6homeroom
‘Going on school camps and getting to know students and staff in a totally different environment. Watching the students face their fears, challenge themselves and grow!
‘Organising and being part of special days to support and develop the community spirit. Such as the Year 6 event, Grandparent’s, Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations and sports days.’
teacher and Year 5 and 6 cluster leader, and spent nearly 12 years as the Head of Junior School.
Goodbye to Jean and Greg
an exceptional contribution to the Music and Performing Arts area of Shelford for 25 years. She is a renowned music educator, who is passionate, committed and organised. Her VCE students and their exemplary results are testament to her abilities, experience and strong connection with them.
A passionate teacher, with a natural and strong connection to young people, Tania has made a long and valuable contribution to the School. She has fostered a love of learning in all that she does, and has been instrumental in setting up many of the signature programs in the Junior School. Her creation of our Junior Discovery Centre (JDC) has been recognised as a leading exponent of Early Years education.
We asked Tania what the highlights were of her time at Shelford.
‘Digging ditches with the sandpit shovels outside the JDC when the pipes were flooding due to extensive rains with Polly Flanagan. Yes, we are very hands-on!
The closing of the Early Learning Centre has been a difficult decision, but one that will make way for new opportunities for Shelford students, and see the School into its next exciting phase. The ELC has contributed greatly to the Shelford community over the years, and we thank all past staff, parents and students for the role they played in its success. The Early Learning Centre was opened by the Mayor of Caulfield on 7 November 1993, and has seen many changes in the School grounds and community.
The quality of the ELC education was a testament to the excellent staff, evidenced not only by official achievements and awards, but full waiting lists and recommendations.word-of-mouthIn2016and 2017
a wide range of suburbs and backgrounds, and often stayed in touch with staff members after their children left. Many of the staff have enjoyed bumping into past ELC community members, and are always astounded to see how quickly the children grow up and become clever young adults.
the Shelford ELC was recognised as exceeding expectations in all areas of the National Quality Standards, an independent review of education and care services. This was an excellent achievement in such a competitive industry. Well over 100 families came through the ELC gates per year, with full sets of siblings often attending over several years. Whichever school the ELC childern ended up at, their Prep teachers would always comment on how wellprepared they were. Their listening and concentration skills stood out amongst the rest, which longstanding educator Judy took much pride in.
Goodbye ELC
Despite being on a different schedule to the rest of the School, the ELC made the most of the broader knowledge base at Shelford. They often collaborated with Sally and Peter in the library, and joined in on Sports activities. Many Junior and Senior School students will remember seeing the tiny kinder kids walking through the school holding hands on their way to the library – a sight which always brought a smile to their faces.
Many kids have grown and played at the ELC; from staff members’ children to girls who would stay at Shelford all the way to Year 12. Senior and Junior School staff have loved knowing their children are nearby and in safe hands. Paulette says that the Shelford ELC had ‘the most lovely parent group’ who supported the staff throughout the COVID-19 lockdown by sending gifts and messages of encouragement. The families came from
Over its 27-year existence the ELC has had four dedicated and inspiring directors – Phillipa Gillet, Vivian Polak, Barbara Jolly and Paulette Maskell. These women fostered kindness and creativity whilst maintaining the highest of educational Afterstandards.working in the ELC for six years, and leading a team of 18 staff, Paulette remarks on the high quality of educators and the longstanding relationships they formed with families. Educator Judy Farugia had worked across all rooms of the Centre during her 13 years there, and enjoyed the close bonds formed between staff members in a small school setting. The ELC community would also like to pay their respect to two amazing educators who were lost to illness – Cheryl Broderick and Julie Green – and thank them for the legacy they left.
The Shelford Early Learning Centre has much to be proud of and reflect fondly on as we close this chapter of our history. We thank the ELC staff and community for their hard work and kind spirit, and look forward to the next stage for Shelford.
8 QUAERITE | Summer 2020–2021
Soar
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Angelique Hicklin, Year 9
He had given Mara an idea. She took some pencils and stuck tape to the pencils to make wings. A few minutes later, the aircraft had a few substitute wings. “Three, two, one!” She pulled the string and the propeller came off! It rolled towards the plane that she had crashed earlier in the day; this gave Mara another idea. Mara took the plane and stuck it to the aircraft. “Three, two, one!” He was flying!! “AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!”
The boy fell to the ground, rubbing his head, when a sound made him look around. He saw his squadron flying away without him and it was nearly sunset. He buried his hands in his knees as he wiped away a tear. Mara slumped against a rock, defeated at last. Her design blew over. It gave her another idea. She tied some old designs to the aircraft. The boy was very nervous as he said, “Three, two, one.” He was flying, flying!
Caitlin Dubar, Year 3
“Three, two, one.” Mara whispered and launched the plane as far as she could. She thought the plane was flying but then her hopes were dashed as the plane plummeted to the ground. She closed her eyes and turned away as the plane crashed. She cringed at the sound. Her posture sank as she walked towards the square picnic table. She looked at her design with failure in her eyes. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew by and her design nearly flew away! She held on tight to the precious piece of paper. After the wind blew away, she pushed her design onto the grass. She put her head in her hands.
again. He heard a sound and looked up. Lots of aircrafts were flying in the sky and the boy put his hand up, he longed to be with them. He looked at her, fell over and picked up the pencil to protect himself.
Mara jumped as a strange, little, blue bag hit her head and bounced onto the table. Her eyes widened as she felt her head. Mara leaned back in surprise as a mini aircraft zoomed out of control, heading right for the tree next to the table. She was even more shocked when a tiny boy climbed out of the aircraft and ran to the bag, which was as big as him. He stopped when he saw her and gasped. Mara opened her mouth and gasped too. The small boy picked up the pencil with the lead facing her. He vaulted over the bag and jabbed the pencil.
With her mouth still open, Mara grabbed her iPhone and took a snapshot. He quickly tried to grab the bag when she wasn’t watching and pulled it towards his plane. The boy tipped the plane over and the propeller fell off. He rushed towards it, picked up a piece and put it down
Student art and writing
When it was dark, he opened his bag and produced a star. He launched the star into the dark sky. As she packed up, Mara started to wonder why one star was flashing. In no time, she understood. Mara smiled to herself.
Jocelyn Juan, Year 4
Jessica Guan, Year 9 Josie Juan, Year 6
Our precious country is dryer
Animals turning extinct
the animal was a friend. A girl, barely thirteen, delicately placed each foot, wary of snakes. Her hair was short, blonde, cut from slicing her swiss army knife. She was barefoot, her sheep-skin shoes carefully placed beside a kettle, flint and steel and brown dryzabone coat inside a leather backpack, slung across her sturdy shoulders. The brumbies stayed placid, some still blowing bubbles in the pond, some choosing to chew at the thick grass. She did not speak aloud, but instead placed a firm hand on the dun’s shoulder, indicating they needed to move. He did not question her but instead kneeled down, letting her slide onto his silken back. The herd slowly gathered speed, racing into the gathering dusk.
From the grey, dark, smokey sky To the orange flames reaching high Red, blue screaming sirens
The lives lost saving the land As the fires quickly expand It is a nightmare that flashes
Zoe Kovac, Year 5
Fire is new Australia Gumtree to small Azalea It is all alit on fire
tails flicked at flies. Buckskin, roan and bay mares nursed their foals. The foals were gangly and thin. Their mother’s manes were thick and glossy, heavy flanks heaved with each intake of warm air. A dun stallion led them across wiry grass towards a pond, announced by the din of croaking frogs. Hooves tripped as the rush for water began. Splashing through, chest-deep in muddy water they drank. As they sieved water through their teeth, the stallion stood, sweating neck arched, ears flicking at every small noise. He tensed, hearing the steadily cracking twigs, an animal approached. His cream coat outlined every taught muscle, then he relaxed with a twitch of his nostrils,
The hunters crowded the clues, they had found manure and hoof prints. But what they had not expected was the tracks of human, etched into mud beside a murky pool. A weathered faced man, smooth Italian rifle hitched on his back, questioned the group “Who is this person? Out here, running with the brumbies?!” a woman spoke beside a small campfire, her face hidden by the shadows of an akubra,” She, is the Benson’s daughter, disappeared a few years back” “why?” Italian rifle asked, “The people started culling, brumbies became the enemy, she knew otherwise.” The matter of the child was closed.
Rosie Davies, Year 9
The girl, Michelle Benson, was keeping the brumbies moving. Further still, into the snow-capped mountains.
Daisy Martin, Year 5
Bright sunlight trickled through swaying gumtrees. Gnarled Paperbarks stood, restless, their tan coloured coats flaking in a gentle breeze. Kookaburras, kings of the bush, swollen, creamy chests laughing out songs. Below, a marbled gecko closed his eyes to shield them from the rays hitting his rocky perch. His tough skin, golden and flecked in brown lifted slightly with each quick breath. The choir of birds were suddenly silenced, gecko was gone, a flash of whipping tail disappearing into cracked rock. The rifle had sounded from the west, loud, unnatural and ugly. Shouts were heard by the ears of invisible wildlife. The shooters were distant but heavily impacted the peace. Land rovers crushed summerdried ferns and cracked the hard red earth. They were searching for brumbies. The shot had been fired at a magpie, for fun, no brumbies yet. The cars kicked up dust and disappeared, sound slowly
Tahlia-Lilly Reisacher, Year 12
Watching the orange horizon
Twitchingerasing.
Student art and writing
Our country may not be distinct Most caused by bad climate change This is extremely deranged
Iris Zhang, Year 8
Rachel Hutchinson, Year 12
Benson’s girl
10 QUAERITE | Summer 2020–2021
Words
11
They envelop me, Seeping through my pores. I am somehow floating yet plunging Myfurther.eyes are closed. A failed attempt at preventing the pain. And then I am submerged. The world is silenced and still The last few bubbles escape my mouth, A final weak cry for help. Like an ocean, I am pulled deeper Until there is nothing between me and the words.
Daena Karamountzos, Year 12
Viv Smythe, Year 4
Elena Langridge, Year 9
Maggie Roberts, Year 9 Highly Commended in My Brother Jack Awards, Junior Secondary Poetry
Nikki Higgins, Year 9
Georgia Thomas, Year 9
Rebecca Huang, Year 10
Lydia Ballester, Year 9
12 QUAERITE | Summer 2020–2021
Rainy days mean our navy-blue blazers smell like wet dogs and rain droplets glisten against our armoury of badges.
Maya Vijayakumar, Year 1 & Olive Dell, Year 6
If anyone coughs, they get weird looks.
More than 30 girls, side by side, eyes closed and chatting.
Sophia Lu, Year 9
Bathrooms with air conditioning become the most popular place in school.
Holly Husband, Year 10 Takeover Melbourne winner
It reminds us of how we would once sneakily take selfies at school, phones supposedly turned off in our lockers.
Oh no, the wi-fi really isn’t working, it’s totally not that we all woke up a minute before class and spilt tea on the Onekeyboard.day,when it’s warm again outside, we will lie on the tiles beside our lockers.
Ruby Lochhead, Year 7
At home, we angle our computer screens to not pick up on Instagram opened in our hands, as we throw subtle winks towards the camera.
Amelia Davies, Year 11
During recess and lunch, exhausted from doing nothing but breathing, we make paper fans out of test revision notes, we drench the ground with our drink bottles and lie on the cool concrete.
We can squeeze six people under umbrellas on the way to class, but today we can’t huddle together anymore.
Instead of the scrunchies adorning our hastily brushed hair, we compare the patterns on our cloth masks.
Linh Nguyen, Year 7
Meleri Leonard, Year 3
We crowd around my friend as she opens a classroom window, sneaking us all in to watch ‘90s rom-coms during lunch.
The first tests of the year are coming up and my friends and I study among piles of red, orange and yellow.
Winter
Spring
Student art and writing
Brightly coloured leaves hide the Thoseconcrete.ofus with bottom lockers sweep the ground with our feet before we squat to put our bags away.
The navy blue of my ribbon matches the police uniforms at the checkpoint we pass on the way home.
Autumn
Summer
We invent ways to keep cool on 40-degree days.
Lying on the orange slate, we will be invincible.
It sounds like someone is constantly eating a bag of chips.
Book Week
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Julia Lloyd-Bruin, English Faculty
Food plays a major role in Moby Dick. In his wonderful essay ‘Whale as Dish’, Robert Tally explains: ‘Food plays a symbolic role in Melville’s novel, constantly grounding the metaphysical elaborations of the substance of whaling in a material or physical plane of understanding.’ An entire chapter of Moby Dick is taken up with a description of Ishamael and Queequeg’s meal of clam and cod Readchowders.chapter15 of Moby Dick while eating clam chowder. A suggested recipe: pots-chowder.htmlfoodforhunters.blogspot.com/2012/04/try-https://
Reflections on Clare Bowdich’s virtual visit
behalf, Heather for listening and writing her book and Sokolov for experiencing his past pain again. In the short time that Heather spoke to us, she was able to draw us in to the emotional and difficult process of writing such a serious book that would go on to be important for so many people. Though we unfortunately could not meet in person, the session was still very engaging and enjoyable.
Heather Morris’ speech conveyed her passion and need to share an extraordinary story about the second world war; her intimate conversations and the emotions she began to understand from Sokolov. Heather Morris is talented in writing but also in staying with Sokolov, helping him through describing the difficult and tragic memories he had. His experience during the war began to unravel over many weeks, many hours of hard work on both of their
For Book Week the English Faculty brought us five days of literary cooking inspiration on social media. Each day there was some background on a novel, a passage to read, and links to recipes. Day 1 was boeuf en daube from Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse, Day 2 gorgonzola sandwiches from James Joyce’s Ulysses, Day 3 brought us clam chowder from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, Day 4 was pickled limes from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and on the final day madeleines from Marcel Proust’s Swann’s Way. We share the background on Day 3 with you here:
Rosie Davies, Year 9
Doug McClean, writing in The Atlantic, says of the novel: ‘It’s been called a whaling yarn, a theodicy, a Shakespeare-styled political tragedy, an anatomy, a queer confessional, an environmentalist epic; because this novel seems to hold all the world, all these readings are compatible and true.’
The timing of Book Week, aptly themed, Curious Creatures, Wild Minds could not have been better. It coincided with our second week back onsite after many months of remote learning, and everyone relished the opportunity to celebrate the enduring power of storytelling. From daily literary inspired recipes to poetry writing workshops, and acclaimed (virtual) speakers, Book Week sparked creativity and wonder.
Heather Morris’ novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz emerged after many months of conversations with her protagonist, Lale, and many trips to see movies together. Although the story is a work of fiction, much of Lale’s firsthand experiences are described and his story of survival is very real. Joining us at Shelford, Heather spoke generously about her writing process and what has happened since her debut became a best seller. Heather’s presentation was funny and engaging, traits which are also evident in her books. Since meeting Lale, Heather has become determined to share the stories of Holocaust survivors and the sequel, Cilka’s Journey is again a bestseller. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is being made into a six-part television show – one of Heather’s most charming stories was of Lale insisting Brad Pitt was the only man handsome enough to play his role. We were lucky to hear from Heather and look forward to welcoming her back to Shelford in the future.
Reflections on Heather Morris’ virtual visit
The novel tells the tale of Captain Ahab’s obsessive quest for revenge on Moby Dick, a huge white sperm whale who had bitten off his leg. Moby Dick isn’t simply an adventure narrative. The novel draws together diverse literary genres, perspectives, and cultures, and includes history, science, and philosophy. There is also a good deal of humour and satire!
During Book Week we were lucky enough to speak to writer, musician, broadcaster and actor Clare Bowditch who inspired us with her stories and advice. Growing up in Melbourne herself she openly spoke to us about her life and all the difficulties she has faced in her youth and in her career. She talked to us about the way she always knew that she wanted to write and had a passion for music, constantly writing words, stories and songs in her countless journals. From there she followed her dream and turned it into her reality inspiring us to do the same. We learnt about her struggles with low selfesteem after being bullied for her weight, eventually learning to appreciate every part of herself regardless of others critiques. We also learnt about her process in writing her award-winning book Your Own Kind of Girl with the message that you can be any and every type of person you want to be. It was such an honour to hear from her and an experience we will remember.
Five days of literary cooking inspiration
On 29 June 1851 Herman Melville wrote to his friend and hero, the great writer, Nathanial Hawthorne: ‘Shall I send you a fin of the Whale by way of a specimen mouthful? The tail is not yet cooked –though the hell-fire in which the whole book is broiled might not unreasonably have cooked it all ere this.’ Melville’s description of his novel via a culinary analogy made Moby Dick an obvious choice for our Book Week cooking project.
News from around the School
Felt hearts
The Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths week in the Junior School saw our girls participate in a range of experiments and activities. For one learning task, the Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 students joined forces to create a ‘safe bed for an egg’. They needed to plan, gather materials and create a container to protect an egg from cracking when dropped. The eggs were launched from the second storey near the IRC to squeals of delight and disgust! The Years 5 and 6 students engineered windmills, made sound mobiles and used 3D printing to create a pencil holder.
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Prep transition
In November the Junior School staff were lucky enough to meet some of the lovely new prep students for 2021. In their orientation sessions the children read the story We’re going on a bear hunt, drew pictures of their Prep 2021 friends, and had an art lesson with Mrs Lewis inspired by Matisse. We can’t wait to see how the girls settle into the School this year.
Junior School STEAM week
Year 6 Graduation
The Year 6 Graduation celebration held on 24 November was a lovely way to commemorate the end of Junior School for our girls, but not the end of their time at Shelford for many, with a large portion of the cohort continuing on to Year 7 at the School. They each had a delicious pre-packed lunch and cupcake decorated in the School colours. The teachers and students reflected on the amazing achievements of the Year 6 girls and how much they’ve grown and learnt over the past years. The students were also thrilled to receive their Year 6 hoodies in October which quickly became remote learning staples. They are truly incredible young women ready to enter the next phase of their lives.
Lucy, a new Year 6 student to Shelford in 2020 had the lovely idea of creating handmade mementos for the Year 12 students as good luck for their exams. The tiny felt hearts were caringly crafted in lockdown by the Year 6 girls and presented to the graduating year in a ceremony between periods of remote learning. The older girls loved this chance to connect with the Year 6s and appreciated the effort and well wishes for their exams.
Junior Secondary Poetry Category
House Netball
The Year 9 Food Studies students have shown their creativity by creating celebration hampers for the summer holidays. The hampers included jam, lemon curd, almond and orange biscotti, shortbread and beautifully decorated fruit cakes to take home to their families.
First Prize: Greece by Stephanie Kondopoulos, Year 10
Primary Poetry Category
Celebration hampers
For many years Shelford students have been recognised for their writing skills in the Glen Eira My Brother Jack Awards. With more than 600 entries submitted across eight short story and poetry categories, it is a true testament to the creativity of our students and support of our English teachers that several girls won awards this year. Highlights include:
STEAM week
COVID restrictions inevitably presented challenges for all of our sporting teams, however, the rowing squad – lead by Head Coach Julian Whitehead and 2020–2021 Captains of Boats Emily Lendon and Ruby Ashman-Cornish – adapted to the circumstances with ingenuity and enthusiasm. They were thrilled to get back on the water in October and make the most of each moment they get together as a crew.
Highly Commended: Words by Maggie Roberts, Year 9
Making the most of easing restrictions towards the end of Term 4, the Sport faculty organised exciting House Netball competitions for our Year 5 and 6 students, and Years 7 to 9. The girls loved the chance to work together and get to know students from other year levels in their House group, playing matches over several weeks.
Final results of the Years 7 to 9 competition were: Blundell (pictured) in first place, followed by Langley, Thomas and Lloyd
Senior Secondary Poetry Category
Highly Commended: Bushfires by Olivia Meszaros, Year 5
Junior Secondary Short Story Category
Highly Commended: When ‘it’ came to stay by Abbie McLeish, Year 7
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Final results of the Year 5 and 6 competition were: Lloyd in first place, followed by Thomas, Blundell and Langley
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths Week was a great success in Years 5–8, with students working in their House groups to complete physical and mental challenges. A crowd favourite was creating ‘stomp rockets’ fashioned out of old soft drink bottles and other found materials. The girls had to both create the rocket and devise a method of measuring how high they could launch it. Other activities included sewable circuits, escape rooms, Lego challenge and creative thinking blocks.
First Prize: The quiet kid by Imogen Gibson, Year 7
My Brother Jack Awards
Rowing – back on the water
16 QUAERITE | Summer 2020–2021
most of my peers, one of the highlights of the week were the Q&As with Julia Kay, co-founder of The Great Wrap, Grace Bird, advisor to the Minister of Innovation, and Anthony Eisen, co-founder of the now highly successful company AfterPay. It was great listening to these people who knew so much about the world of business and Someenterprise.great
Enterprise Week 2020 introduced the Year 9 students to being an entrepreneur, with a focus on innovation and change. Students participated in a number of workshops and training sessions, working on problem-solving, creativity, financial and digital literacy, critical thinking and presentation skills. The students also collaborated to design, produce and present their very own podcasts which we can’t wait to listen to!
Reflection by Lydia Ballester
Julia and Jordy Kay, founders of The Great Wrap, spoke to us about their reusable cling wrap that is compostable, biodegradable and environmentally friendly. The Australianmade food wrap is made from plants and breaks down into carbon and water in less than 180 days. The product idea took many months to manufacture and the business faced many challenges along the way.
lessons from Julia were to start small and test the market before starting a business and releasing a new product; how an innovative design can start with some simple research online; and to never be afraid to ask around for help or advice. Anthony also had a great answer to a question about his values. Simply put, three of his greatest values were to be brave, to be grounded in reality, and to ‘enjoy the rocket ship’. He explained how business can be tough sometimes, but we must always remember to enjoy the journey or process as Onewell.other
provided us with the opportunity to create podcasts about enterprise and business. Our podcast was a reflection of some of the key takeaways from the Week and included topics from business copyright to the effect COVID-19 has had on small enterprises.
Thepodcast.podcast
Likeone.
lesson I found interesting was an observation Grace Bird shared in response
could be about any topic related to economics. My group talked about why it is harder for people in minority groups to succeed as entrepreneurs and some prominent entrepreneurs who are women of colour. Some key take away points from this task were the experience of creating a podcast and finding effective compromises when working with very different people in one group. I also learned more about my group’s topic, which I was happy about because the success of people of colour in the business place is not commonly talked about. The Week as a whole made me more comfortable with learning about economics, and increased how much I enjoy the subject in school.
Reflection by StamatopoulosMartha
The Tripod Team delivered an online course about enterprise and real-world experiences to equip us with the skills, tools and knowledge for our future success. The Team
Though we had to complete Enterprise Week remotely it was well-organised and successful in terms of the learning experience. We were lucky enough to have two entrepreneurs with prosperous businesses join us, as well as Grace Bird, advisor to the Minister of Innovation, plus the Tripod Team who ran many activities throughout the week.
Reflection by Elena Langridge and Molly Reiger
Enterprise Week was a unique experience I enjoyed and learned a lot from. Although it was online, there were still many great activities that made the Week a captivating
Throughout Enterprise Week we completed different activities linked to economics and business. Although there was a great selection of activities, the main one was a highlight – creating a podcast. We worked with a group called Tripod over two days to learn about making podcasts so we could create our own within small groups. They also took us through some personality and team building activities, such as taking a personality quiz. This allowed us to work in our small groups more cohesively, as we had insight into each other’s personalities, and could better assign roles in making the
to our question on how she thought Australia was doing in terms of innovation compared to other countries. She works closely with the Victorian Premier and the Minister of Innovation (who makes sure Victoria is equipped to have a thriving start-up community and a great research and development sector) – she said that in short, we’re doing ok, but we’re not doing well enough. She explained how as a nation we’ve had good economic growth and are cruising along quite well so far, but as a result of this we don’t seem as motivated to take big risks. Grace also said she is very passionate about our nation’s need to relax less, take more risks and innovate. It was an interesting observation I thought would be worth sharing.
Enterprise Week
Anthony Eisen, the founder of Afterpay, informed us about how our everyday simple ideas can become futuristic goals. Anthony started Afterpay with his neighbour after having a conversation at their dinner table. They came up with the concept together and decided to first test the market to see if buyers would use the system. They also needed to ensure that businesses/ companies would be involved. Over the course of the Week, we learnt about the expansion of small businesses and the key aspects of a successful business. Anthony was the perfect example to support that all businesses have to start somewhere small.
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The Sustainable Solutions enquiry project spanned across the whole week. Each day the students had time to work on
The students participated in a 10km walk to Elwood Beach and partook in a ‘Plog-athon’ (Clean up Australia). There has been a noticeable increase in rubbish around the neighbourhood and this was a great opportunity for the girls to do something practical and physical. What could be better than getting fitter by picking up litter? This activity was followed by beach games as well as fish and chips on the beach before returning to School.
their Sustainability Pitch. The girls went above and beyond in their research, even interviewing the 2040 award-winning director Damon Gameau. On the last day, the finalist presented their ideas to a panel of extra special guest judges who selected the winning pitch. The successful group looked at improving Shelford’s waste system, with a particular focus on paper recycling. In early 2021, Martha, Saskia, Dani, Joyce, Mary and Jovanna will present their ideas to the School Board and work collaboratively to make their project come to fruition.
The aim of this Year 9 Challenge Week was for the students to recognise the impact that each of us has on the environment and therefore the individual responsibilities that come within our community. The focus was to have a positive mindset about our impact and to continue striving to improve the world around us. At the start of the week, each student made a simple pledge to do their part. Working together with the Shelford Environment Group, the activities for the week were designed to be fun, educational and engaging.
Environment Week
regiment in the war was purple and he chose the new colour himself. Working with Shelford up until his death in March 1952, the funeral cortege went past the School and students lined the street to pay their respects. MC’s two daughters Nona and Judy attended Shelford during the 1920s and 30s.
18 QUAERITE | Summer 2020–2021
Shelford history
Governor for the 28th District (1949–1950). He also had interests in the YMCA and golf, regularly seen playing at Kingston Heath.
Moving to 339 Kooyong Road in Elsternwick in 1921 and then 29 Denman Avenue East St Kilda in 1926, MC was a local of the Caulfield area and a parishioner at St Mary’s for most of his post-war life. Joining the St Mary’s Vestry as its secretary around 1920, MC worked closely with Canon Langley to bring Shelford Girls’ School to the church and then secure Helenslea for school purposes. MC is a signatory on the mortgage papers for Helenslea and subsequent loans that were taken to renovate the property. He also sat on the School Council as its secretary and was responsible for the balancing the School’s finances. Shelford’s early years after joining the church (1922–1945) were extremely tough. MC was a major patron of the school during this time and acted as a personal guarantor during the Depression. In 1932, School House was renamed Lloyd in his honour and the house colour changed to purple. MC’s
How we came to have a Lloyd House
Mr Maurice Charles (MC) Lloyd (1890–1952)
MC Lloyd became a very successful businessman after the war. Working originally as a merchant, MC also held the positions of Managing Director of Eliza Tinsley Pty Ltd (1928–1952), Chairman of Tinsley–Lloyd Investments Ltd (1951), Managing Director of the Federation Insurance Ltd, Managing Director of Gaston Bros Pty. Ltd. and Director of Overseas Corportation (Aust.) Ltd. over the course of Duringcareer.his
Maurice Charles Lloyd was born in Broadford, Victoria on 24 December 1890 to Charles Edward Lloyd (1843–1905) and Johanna Wilhelmina Zander (1851–1905). The youngest of eight children (six daughters and two sons), Maurice was known as MC (‘Em-cee’) or ‘Motts’. His father was a successful leather merchant, of the firm Lloyd Brothers and Magennis, and MC was sent to Melbourne Grammar School to board for his education.
After both his parents died in 1905, MC did not go back to Broadford, preferring to stay with his uncle Leonard in Albert Park instead. After graduation, MC joined the parish of St Mary’s Caulfield where he worked as a Sunday school teacher before joining the Vestry. During World War I, MC served in France with the 10th Field Company of Engineers, in the Pay Corps. Returning from service in March 1919, MC was married at St Mary’s (by Reverend Henry Thomas Langley) to Doris Read on 3 August 1920.
this time, MC was andRotaryMelbourneof(1942–1949)Treasurer1940)(1939–PresidentalsoandtheClub,District
In late 2020 the Class of 2015 were set to celebrate five years since graduating. Although the reunion was unable to go ahead, the past Shelfordians have been hard at work, achieving great things in work and study, and continuing to build on their learning.
Class of 2015 update
What I have learnt: A piece of advice I would give to students from my experience, particularly Year 12s, is that it is alright not to know what you want to do – whether that be study or career wise. I was always fond of the idea of studying Law, however, I decided to keep my options open and study an Arts degree first and it was the best decision I have made. It was appealing studying a degree that was less demanding for a few years, particularly following such an intense year such as Year 12. I learnt how to think critically and analytically in a new and exciting way. This experience definitely prepared me for the challenges and demands of studying Law.
be the best at everything (but you can try). Often during school I spent time competing against others to be ‘the best’. Whether it’s Sport, Drama, Music or the most popular, I often feel this is extended into adulthood and we spend our lives believing we need to compete for everything! I believe that’s a lie; we don’t! You can’t please everyone so you may as well please yourself.
Anneke Tykocinski
Current occupation: Legal Assistant for Barristers at Chambers.
Favourite VCE subject: Legal Studies with Ms Aldous.
Further education: I’m in my fourth year of Arts and Law at Monash University.
What I have learnt: At Shelford I learnt how to manage my time and maintain self-motivation, skills which have been important for university. Shelford also encouraged creative thinking, and I learnt lots of creative skills, from playing the saxophone to painting and photography. Since leaving school I’ve also learnt there’s no finish line we are rushing towards. Take your time and enjoy the ride. I have also realised that as a woman, education is your most powerful tool.
Shelfordian news
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Brigette Ciampoli
Favourite VCE subject: Business Management (because of Mr Gary Grach).
What I have learnt: Reflecting on my time at Shelford, the most important thing I learnt was to always challenge yourself, be true to who you are and who you want to Yoube.can’t
Current occupation: I’m currently working for a State Government politician and am also looking forward to spending the summer in the Torres Strait Islands working on Native Title land claims.
Currently occupation: Event and Marketing Coordinator at a marketing agency in Melbourne.
Further education: Straight after graduating school I completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Criminology at the University of Melbourne. Following my graduation, I took a year off to travel for five months across Europe, America and Central America. I have just completed my first year of my Juris Doctor postgraduate degree (Law) also at the University of Melbourne.
Jane Thompson
Favourite VCE subject: Legal Studies. I definitely attribute my passion to enter the legal industry to studying Legal Studies as my teacher was incredible and made the subject so inspiring.
Further education: Bachelor of Marketing and Arts at Monash University.
I also try to instill in everyone I teach the important lessons Shelford taught me. We learnt content of course, but all the other lessons were of equal importance. I am grateful to Shelford for making me a better teacher.
I hope everyone at Shelford is coping through these unprecedented times – a word I hope we can stop using in the near future. This not a letter I thought I would be writing this morning, but I have been wanting to find a way to express my gratitude and this is the best way I could think Thankof.you. Keep doing wonderful things in this world.
Kind Georgiaregards,Lumb (Class of 2011)
Shelford continues to hold a special place in my heart, it is where I learnt resilience, I learnt kindness and I learnt I could do anything I put my mind to. As we enter this pandemic, I was so grateful for these lessons. I noticed a common thread amongst many of my beautiful high school friends – we understood kindness was key to making our way through this. The friendships we formed and nurtured through our high school years and beyond would get us through. I really wanted to write and thank the entire Shelford community. How lucky we are to be Shelford girls.
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Any alumni who are interested in organising an event or connecting with one of our regional or interstate Branches are invited to contact: Jessica Coffey, Community Relations Coordinator Email WeTelephonejcoffey@shelford.vic.edu.au95247467arealsoalwaysinterestedinreceiving donations to our archive collection.
Missing out on their 40 year reunion this year, the ‘original eight’ from the Class of 1980 are looking forward to their rescheduled catch-up and new photo in 2021. Pictured are Sue Waite, Martina Copley, Viv Rosta, Chris Riley, Elizabeth Riley, Shima Chui, Carolyn Wakefield and Christine Trumble. Two of these Shelfordians – Sue and Liz – also had daughters who attended Shelford. The second generation Shelfordians were in the same year level and remain friends to this day.
OurLetterPrincipal received a lovely handwritten letter from former student Georgia Lumb (2011), transcribed below.
Dear Ms Brennan,
Shelfordian news
It has been almost 12 years since I sat in your Year 8 English class at Shelford. I still have memories of that year – of the kindness you showed each and every one of us. I was so excited to hear you are now principal. I hope, even amongst all that is happening, you are loving it!
I am currently in my 5th year teaching Science and VCE Biology at an all girls school. Mr Simpson was definitely the reason I decided to embark on this journey and I enjoy telling the girls stories of the wonderful, creative and inspiring lessons he taught. He is so missed but never forgotten.
Manda lived her non-work life as passionately as she did her work life. During her lifetime she put heart and soul into three great sporting endeavours: firstly horse riding, a passion we shared from age 10; then around the turn of the century it was motorcycle riding, her Yamaha 900 was the favourite; and finally in the last decade it was golf, where she played off a handicap of 15 and last December was chuffed to win her first ever singles Anothertrophy. of Manda’s great loves was animals. Particularly those in need of rescue. For me alone she helped rescue and rehome two dogs who were otherwise doomed. Many creatures big and small had reason to thank Manda for their lives.
walks, bike rides and swimming. Mandy is now a Life Member of the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club which has been a passion since she was a young girl. There are a few Shelford Old Grammarians (including a past Geography teacher) who reside and/or visit the lovely coastal town.
My lifelong best friend left us on Friday 29 May 2020, at the age of 61. Manda and I met in primary school at age eight and came to Shelford in 1970, thanks to the insistence of our grade 6 primary school teacher that we sit for scholarships. It is lucky we were both awarded a scholarship – I’m sure neither of us would have come to Shelford without the other (at least that’s what we told our parents!) and it would have been our loss.
Our time at Shelford was filled with much fun and laughter, fabulous classmates and lots of sport. Manda was an outstanding sportswoman and thrived in Shelford’s sporting environment ... at netball, softball and most stunningly at athletics. We were both in Lloyd and Manda was a great attribute at the intra-school sports day. Manda’s determination, positivity and enthusiasm for life contributed to her sporting successes as they would contribute to her many successes over the Manda’syears.first career after leaving Shelford was in the Army. She served for 10 years and rose to the rank of Major. She was the first female to drive a Leopard tank. Manda made her mark on the Army as she did on so many Manda’sthings.
Mandy Grbac (née Wilson) (1977) has retired from being a Librarian Technician for a seachange with long
Manda was larger than life, exuded positivity and frankly amazed everyone around her. She is sorely missed, not the least by me, but we are all grateful that she was in our lives.
And then of course there was family and friends. Manda has two wonderful sons, Tom (now 35) and Joe (now 30). The wider, and very large, McCallum/ Gray family gather regularly, mostly organised by Manda. The (also very large) Davey family think of Manda as one of us. Manda’s circle of friends is just enormous and from all walks of life. Most importantly, Manda’s constant partner of the past nearly nine years, Colin … who she first dated at 17 and finally re-met and fell in love with all over again 35 years later.
Manda’s third and final career was as co-founder of MAPPEN, an online curriculum and professional learning solution for Australian primary schools. MAPPEN has ensured Manda’s name lives on by creating the AMaC annual award in her honour.
By Lorraine Berends (Davey)
second career was as a primary school teacher. Once again she rose to the pinnacle and was awarded Victorian Teacher of the Year. More importantly to Manda though, her students loved and respected her.
Samantha Coles (1998) was announced as a finalist for Editorial, Fashion & Make-up Artist of the Year for AMIA.
(1998) gave birth to a son, Owen.
During those years at Shelford Manda’s mum Jill was diagnosed with breast cancer. Years down the track, long after Jill passed away in 1991 and some years after Manda had her first bout of breast cancer in 2000, Manda discovered that her family carried the BRCA gene. Despite her best efforts Manda had four subsequent bouts of ‘the big C’. But she was determined not to let it define her, and was quick to point out that over the 20 year period she was only unwell for 3 years in total, the rest of the time she lived life to the very Mandafullest.always liked to be in control and was incredibly grateful she could control the time and place of leaving us. At home, surrounded by family and her dogs, sitting in her favourite multicoloured chair.
21
JosieSnippetsBurt
Kate McLay-Tagney (2004) gave birth to a son Henry.
Vale Amanda Jane McCallum (1975)
Our generous donors
M & A Abramovich
F Martin & K Tuckey
G Jiang
P Albert R
B Lu J Macky
S Maheras
Director of Nuline Charter
T: 03 9532 2225
T: 03 8532 5200
Major Shelford sponsors
W: nulinecharter.com.au
K Jin C Johnson
G Lochhead R Louey
M Orner
A Perkins
M Read C Reboul M Ritchie D Roberts B Rowe M Rowe P Roy V Rubtsov & N Kravtsova O Ruckel F Sachinidis S Seketa
B Jenkinson
A Lambart
ATAPVNDMMcKenzieMcLeishMcLennanMorganNairnNankervisNaughtonNguyenO’Bryan
V Tsyrlin
Shelford Donors 2020
C Walker C Wall B Wang X Wang Y Wang R Want G Waters Z Wen B White B Williams D Wilson M & M Wynne
J WYHLHATWJSJWXiaXiaXiaoXieXuYangYeYoshithYuYuZhangZhangZhou
D Kovacs
SLATCSPQCHMSSEDXCDCKMKFGPCTJJSJTSMAllanbyAndrejevicArmstrongArmstrongAttana&MBakerBallesterBarklaBattersbyBatziosBeareBergBernardBond&RFullerBoultonBoyd-JonesBrydonBurgess&SCameronCaoCarabottCaseyCatt-SmartCegarraGarcia&CFentonChalkChanChangChenChengChristopoulosCohenColquhounCondon&JCorneliusCottle
D Liew C Lin Y Liu
S Pandey C Parks
M Juan
G Aghion
F
M Kent
J Margerison
W O’Shea T Palmer
C Kilbane
A & M Langridge
A Martyn A Maticka G McKenzie J
B Kondopoulos
The School community has generously supported the Shelford Building Fund, Simpson Memorial Scholarship Fund and Bursary Appeal in 2020 and we thank everyone who contributed.
J & S Phillips G Potiris R Prowd
D Purcell A & I Pyman D Raczkowski
F Sheng Fang H Shi G Sigley N Simpson B Sirota
P Smart
D Smyth & N Fogale T Sullivan J Sun L TWJDGSunSvensenSviridovTangTangTerdputham & K Ngamjariyangkul M Thomas
J Thompson & N Carrick
H Le V Lekhtman
Andrew Czarnecki
Marshall Rushford Director of Belle Property Caulfield
R Laging
H Van Dort
Every care has been taken with this list, however if an error has been made, please accept our apologies and contact Ms Cassey Green on 9524 7333 cgreen@shelford.vic.edu.auor
S O’Kane B O’Mara
A Patterson J Peiris T Peng A Perara
K Cowen SGYMJMKPKSZWZDMTMDAJJJDCPABADJAAGAWAWCoyshCramerCrook&ADaoDashwoodDeVincentisDellDenhamDolianitisD’OrazioDubarDunscombeEisenEntenEvansEvansEvansFayFieldingGavanGillardGoddard&MGrantGuazzarottoHarveyHassanHellmannHelmanHengHigginsHigginsHindhaughHodgsonHooperHosfordHuangIsraeliJanumpally
W: caulfieldbelleproperty.com/
A Lendon W Li J Li