Q magazine Summer 2022-2023

Staff retirements

Flo Fournier

Madam Fournier (or Flo as she is known to so many), came to Shelford after 14 years teaching at a boys’ school. In her words, ‘it didn’t take long to understand that the main difference with girls is the concentration and application.’

As Flo describes it, ‘the opportunity to move to Shelford in October 2005 was my dream job, working alongside Fiona Simondson, and I never looked back, as we became Madame F and Madame S, working as a team to provide the best outcomes for our students.’

Realising the students at Shelford were engaged and focused, in the first week, her lessons plans went out the window, as Flo found the content of a 60-minute lesson with boys, was covered in 15 with her new female students!

‘My most vivid memory of all those years at Shelford has to be the remote learning experience during lockdowns, with all the girls online each and every day without fail, getting me out of bed, keeping my spirits up and amazing me with their resilience and enthusiasm. They will never know how important their commitment was to me.’

Flo credits teamwork and making connections, as most important to her and admits, ‘I will miss having this daily contact with my students and colleagues but I also know that the timing is right for me to move on to a new stage of my life.’

Looking forward to new challenges next year, Flo will be travelling back to Europe for an extended period of time, to catch up with family and friends.

‘Shelford will always hold a special place in my heart and I thank everyone, including staff, parents and students, for giving me the opportunity to do what I’ve always loved…TEACHING.’

We will miss Madam Fournier’s humour, energy and sense of fun, and of course, her flash mobs, singing and cheeky banter. Flo is a very kind- and warmhearted person, and generous with her time, taking on a leading role with the Shelford Staff Association, and always up for some fun. Bon Chance Madam Fournier!

Judith Moore

Judith Moore began teaching piano at Shelford 43 years ago, as friends from Church had mentioned that Shelford needed a piano teacher ‘for a morning’. Judith has stayed long beyond a morning and in that time, she has worked with three Heads of Music: Anne Doggett, Jean McQuarrie and now Frank Blakiston and taught many Shelford students piano.

Throughout that time, Judith has always found the girls to be the highlight for her. ‘They don’t change much, in all that time, I remember students from long, long ago.’ Judith believes Shelford has always been a place of lovely people, parents who are very supportive, and hard working and who wish the best for their girls.

Judith’s memories are many and varied. She has taught students who have newly arrived in Australia, with little English and seen them grow and develop. Teaching Lucy McCormack has brought back memories of working for a long time with her grandmother, Phillipa Gillett, many years ago.

In her time, Judith has enjoyed working with ‘friendly people’ like Annette Linacre, Amy Warner (who still teaches at Shelford), Peg Huggett, a gardener who ‘created beautiful peaceful pockets in the school’, Shane Farley, who was ‘lovely’ and Sally Apokis, a Chaplain at the time Pam Chessell was Principal.

In her retirement, Judith will continue to enjoy playing piano at aged care facilities. Her favourite composer is Chopin and she also enjoys popular music. She looks forward to being at home in her garden, sewing, exploring her spirituality and, as she puts it, ‘going deeper and simpler.’

The vision of Judith, in her floral dresses, velvet coats and lace up boots, chatting to her students, as they walk to and from their lessons, is an image generations of students, teachers and families have grown to be familiar.

We wish Judith all the best for a peaceful and gratifying retirement, full of music and new memories made from moments of caring for others. We thank her wholeheartedly for her long, sustained and important contribution to the musical education of so many of our students.

Deborah Pettigrew

Deborah Pettigrew has worked for over 20 years in Shelford’s Visual Arts Faculty.

In that time, she has taught countless students to draw, paint, sculpt, forge, picture, visualise, sew, print, cut, and paste; guiding students to develop a plethora of skills and techniques.

More than that, in that time, Deb has lit a fire in many students, kindling their passion for creative pursuits and a love and appreciation of art.

As a leader of the Faculty, Deb has mentored teachers, worked with other Faculty heads and developed curriculum from Prep–Year 12.

Through the trips to Mona each year, Deb has provoked her students to think, question and create. To push the boundaries of what they think is possible and to fully realise a distinct vision in an artistic piece.

Over many years, Deb has taught students who have exhibited in Top Arts, achieved full study scores, gained access in to design and art courses and become professional artists. A caring teacher, with a great sense of humour and absolute dedication and commitment to her students, she has connected, cajoled and encouraged many to fulfil their creative potential.

It is now time for Deb to focus on her own health, and pursue her own artistic interests. To have some time to herself! Deb would like to return to work at some stage but will do so in a much-reduced capacity, allowing some space for rest and relaxation – well deserved after such a significant contribution to the lives of so many students.

The Art prize at Presentation Evening this year was presented by Deb to Stephanie Kondopolous, and it has been renamed ‘The Deborah Pettigrew Award’ in honour of the legacy of this fine educator, who has dedicated so much of herself to her students and their achievements. Thank you for your service Deb.

Principal’s welcome

2022 has been an exceptional year for Shelford Girls’ Grammar. We are proud of our many achievements, culminating in wonderful results for our talented Year 12 class. Shelford girls thrive.

On our Speech Night, which returned to Robert Blackwood Hall after a two-year hiatus, we celebrated many different aspects of the year. The list of achievements is long, including our Year 10 Debating team coming first in the DAV state-wide competition. Our Year 9 and 10 coding club students come first and second in the RoboCup competition. The GSV Athletics 1st place for Population trophy and GSV Cross Country seniors 1st place in Division 3. A vibrant Book and Science Week. Bursaries awarded in the Science Talent Search, an awe inspiring Art Projection Night, our sensational inaugural Senior School play, a wonderful production of ‘Little Women’ and House Performing Arts’ resoundingly successful return. The incredible staging of the Junior School Musical, ‘The Lion King Jr.’; Shelford String Orchestra and Corelli String Orchestra both winning a gold medal at the Victorian Schools’ Music Festival. An active and energised SPA group, organising some great celebrations, such as the Mother’s Day lunch and Winter Solstice. Outstanding Naplan results, where our students showed strong outcomes across all domains, at all year levels. Strong student leadership and voice, informing our programs. Year 9 challenges, enabling students to delve deeply in to areas of focus, collaborating and learning together; and a return to camps, excursions and end of year programs, that extended and enriched classroom learning. Exceptional Year 12 results which place us firmly in the top schools in the State.

It has been a busy year but we could not be happier to be back on campus together and learning and growing in person.

As I process what future trends, such as environmental challenges, artificial intelligence, increasing data and digital economies, further geopolitical shifts, the increasing importance of diversity, equity and transparency (CSIRO paper ‘Our Future World –Global megatrends impacting the way we live over coming decades’), mean for education, for schools and more importantly, for Shelford, I am reminded – ‘the future ain’t what it used to be’.

If we are in the early throes of a seismic shift – as the evidence appears to suggest – leaders must both prepare for the possibility of a new era and position themselves to shape it. Our times demand action and I know this community will rise to the challenges of the future together.

To the Shelford students; you are wonderful. You have proven that you are exceptionally agile. You have faced the whirlwind of change of the past three years and are standing at the end; you can speak for yourselves, communicate effectively and hold strong and passionate beliefs. Your strength of character has been tested in recent years and I admire your resilience and courage the most; beyond academic accolades, sporting achievements, performing talent, this is what sets you apart and it is what binds Shelfordian girls together.

May we cherish our heritage and traditions, as we enact the changes, to prepare our students for a constantly changing world.

Katrina Brennan Principal

May we cherish our heritage and traditions, as we enact the changes, we need, to prepare our students for a constantly changing world.

Cover photo: Year 9 student Lauren F enjoyed the Environment Challenge Week excursion to the Caulfield South Community House Garden.

Service Learning

This semester saw the Shelford community contribute to two major service programs.

We started Term 3 with 43 Shelford students, staff and parents working alongside people from the wider community for The Nappy Collective sorting day. Over five hours, volunteers unpacked, sorted and boxed up over 48,000 nappies. Founder, Sandra Jacob and CEO, Sarah Witty, shared personal and heart-breaking stories, providing us with a good understanding of ‘nappy stress’ and how a program like this can often be the difference between a parent spending their last few dollars on nappies or nourishing themselves. The sorted nappies were transported to 31 organisations across Victoria and then into the hands of those in need.

Our Youth in Philanthropy team, consisting of seven Year 10 students, finalised their funding recommendations at the beginning of Term 3. Reflecting upon the funding proposals and their site visits, the team discussed how best to allocate $10,000 provided by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. Ultimately, the team decided Cultivating Communities was to be allocated $7000, inspired by their broad sense of inclusivity and tangible action, whilst incorporating climate change. Friends of the Earth were allocated $2000. The team felt the money allocated would be used to advocate for change in mining communities and assist in building stronger, more sustainable communities. Australian Youth Climate Coalition were allocated $500 to assist in programs that will assist motivated youth in taking action on relevant and important issues. Our Year 11 students were asked to work together to create a school-wide awareness program and food drive, raising much needed supplies for local service, Compass Community Care. CEO, Kym Anderson spoke of the urgent need for support for those vulnerable members of our local community. She spoke of women fleeing domestic violence with little more than the

clothes on their backs, starting a new life without the support of loved ones or the consistency of their own home or funds to support themselves. She also spoke of the haven that Compass Community Care have created. A space that invites people to take what they need and feel valued and empowered when they most need it. Year 11 discussed and planned a range of activities to create awareness for Compass Community Care. They designed newsletter articles, posters and a range of activities for our Junior School students. Over a fortnight, we received more than $5000 worth of non-perishable food donations, sanitary and cleaning products. We also donated dozens of new gifts for children after learning that Compass had been the victim of a recent break and enter, where all donations had been damaged.

Our Junior School students are now the proud sponsors of four animals at Moonlit Sanctuary. The student-led awareness program encouraged all participants to not only dig deep and donate but also vote on their favourite animal. Little did we know we would end up with enough funds to sponsor

our top four choices!

The Year 9 Environment Challenge was a fantastic opportunity for students to work with a range of services throughout Melbourne. With an overarching theme of environmental issues, several groups experienced the links between environmental impacts and social issues. Our local team visited the Australian Books for Children of Africa, where they sorted and packed books and another group spent time at Fareshare, where they learnt about food poverty, waste and rescue, and assisted in preparing meals for those who would otherwise go without. We were delighted to introduce Service Captain roles to Shelford in 2023. Charlotte K is our Year 12 Captain and Olivia B our Year 6 Captain. Shelford will be represented by girls who are eager to lead the student community in an engaging and impactful manner.

Simone Lewis Service Learning Coordinator

Wellbeing

The PosiSchools Program

In Term 4, the Junior School followed the inaugural PosiSchools 21-day Program. The founder of PosiSchools, AFL champion, Trent Cochin, teamed up with tennis superstar, Ash Barty, and former BMX rider, Sam Willoughby, to help young people align purpose with action to achieve a positive mindset. This initiative, designed to improve the mental health of children by educating them on the power of a positive mindset, saw students learning evidence-based strategies, skills, and knowledge to kickstart positive habits and help them navigate life effectively.

Posisocks was born from the idea that if you win the morning, you win the day. The simple action of putting your socks on every morning is one of the most common routines we all have, and so socks are a great reminder to win the day by starting off on the right foot. The Posisocks have a different message for each foot: Try something new, Just give it a go! and How can you show kindness today? The Junior School students were encouraged to wear their Posisocks on Thursdays and to choose which message they wanted to wear on their dominant foot, with that message being their target for that day.

Each year group had a different focus for their 21-day program:

• Prep/Year 1 students learnt that gratitude is a positive emotion that can be grown and developed.

• Year 2 students learnt that being curious involves learning, exploring, and immersing yourself in a task.

• Year 3 students learnt that connection involves having a sense of belonging and feeling close to others, on the premise that believing that other people matter is fundamental to creating positive social connections.

• Year 4 students learnt that caring involves recognising and appreciating the differences in others, feeling empathy for others, showing compassion, and carrying

out acts of kindness.

• Year 5 students learnt that mindset involves the beliefs we hold about our abilities. If we believe our skills and strengths can be grown and developed with persistence and effort, we have a ‘growth’ mindset.

• Year 6 students learnt that mindfulness can be defined as purposefully paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves focusing our conscious attention on the here and now and it is a state that can be learnt with practice.

Glen Eira Youth Services’ School Engagement Program

In 2022, Year 10 students participated in the inaugural Glen Eira Youth Services’ School Engagement Program. This innovative program supports Civics and Citizenship curriculum by providing the opportunity for students to share and discuss contemporary local and community issues with students from other schools in the City of Glen Eira.

In Term 2 Erica S and Evie M focused on sustainability, analysing the sustainable approaches in place at both a school and local community level. Erica noted, ‘The first meeting

allowed us to connect with other likeminded students from different schools around this area.’

Students were asked to design sustainable options for commonly used school equipment, such as refillable cartridge pens made from organic matter. This model was presented at the second meeting, alongside presentations from other groups to Glen Eira Council personnel.

‘I encourage anyone who is offered this opportunity to engage in the community and embrace the extensive knowledge gained from this experience,’ asserted Evie.

In Term 3, Jess O and Ruchi B focused on the theme of Diversity and Inclusion. Students were given the task of thinking of ways to raise awareness around disability inclusion within our community. Jess and Ruchi discussed many ideas and organised for two guest speakers to present at a recent Shelford assembly about living with a disability.

‘Jess and I are grateful for this opportunity and we learnt so much,’ commented Ruchi.

Shelford is also grateful to Glen Eira Youth Services for offering our students the opportunity to be involved in such a valuable program.

Class of 2022

Excerpts from Year 12 Valedictory Service speeches

Grace Fernando, Co-captain

To the Class of 2022, you guys are amazing. I look up to each and every one of you, every single day, feeling so grateful to have navigated the ups and downs of VCE together. I’m beyond excited to continue this journey with you all by my side. Thank you for helping me create the person I am today.

And to the rest of the Shelford students, you are so incredible. I have met so many little sisters through HPA, through Little Women, through House events and waiting in line in The Hood. As Ms Stock and Ms Kafka would say, trust in yourselves, you know yourselves best and stick to it –because, honestly, you’re pretty cool, and I am going to miss seeing you every day, a lot.

Zara Gamba, Co-captain

When asked to share my thoughts on the highlights of Year 12 what immediately came to mind were the fun things, like formal ... or our final HPA or even this past week. And whilst I have absolutely treasured these moments that contribute to the quintessential Year 12 experience which I have been anticipating since my earliest memories at Shelford, I think its runs a little deeper than that.

Let’s be honest, Year 12 is not all unicorns and rainbows. It’s a tough year. Deadlines, late nights, balancing study amongst a job, and a social life and family commitments. It can be incredibly stressful! And whilst the turmoil associated with relentless academic demands is so draining and rarely celebrated, upon reflection, it is these shared experiences which strengthen and bring a certain solidarity to our relationships.

So what was my highlight of Year 12?

The camaraderie that only adversity can foster. As they say, pressure creates a diamond. Year 12 has taught me

resilience, perseverance and most importantly, the value of friendship. I will be forever grateful for the friends who have been with me throughout the journey, as well as the ones I’ve picked up along the way.

Julia Lloyd Bruin, Senior Years Coordinator (Semester 1 2022)

So here are some final thoughts from me, your Senior Years Coordinator for Semester 1, and teacher to some of you. You are a most remarkable group of young people. As teachers, we meet a lot of people and have a lot of conversations, and not always are they memorable or enjoyable. I have, however, enjoyed every single one of the conversations that we have had together. I will remember how you made each other feel. You have made me laugh, think, want to be better, and, quite honestly, look forward to when you are running the country.

And, therefore: Incipit vita nuova, Class of 2022. So begins a new life for all of you. The opportunities and adventures that await you are boundless and within your grasp.

Co-Captains Zara Gamba and Grace Fernando

Year 12 Award winners

The Caryl Haslem OAM Award

Caryl was a former School Captain (1959). 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 2022 recipient was Catherine Anders.

Principal’s Award for the Best All-Rounder

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 2022 recipient was Olivia Evans.

Board of Governors’ Leadership Award

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 2022 recipient was Mia Whiteley.

Civics and Citizenship Award

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 2022 recipient was Tahlia Perzuck.

ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership and Teamwork Award

This award recognises students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and broader local community; and who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and ‘mateship’, characteristics integral to Australian society. The 2022 recipient was Jazi Hall.

ADF Future Innovators Award

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 2022 recipient was Milly Hyde.

Co-Captains Awards

These awards recognise the important contribution the Co-Captains have made to the Shelford community. The 2022 recipients were Grace Fernando and Zara Gamba.

Jean MacQuarrie and Greg Mason Music Award

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 2022 recipient was Raina Roy.

The Dux of the School is Zhengzheng Tang with an ATAR of 99.75.

The Proxime Accessit to the Dux is Xinyue Song with an ATAR of 99.70.

VCE results

We are incredibly proud to announce the exceptional results of the Shelford Girls’ Grammar Class of 2022.

We thank our dedicated staff who have guided, challenged and inspired our students. This remarkable commitment, which involved countless hours of personalised assistance, has enabled our students to aim high and achieve these exemplary results, across an extensive range of subject areas. Shelford’s wellbeing programs and structures have provided extraordinary care and complemented our students’ academic growth. Our expert staff and small class sizes, have ensured that each student is known, valued and cared for, leading up to and through their VCE journey.

In addition to achieving these outstanding results, the Class of 2022 has contributed to the school community over many years. They have led with strength, kindness and compassion and have immersed themselves in many extracurricular areas. We are so proud of the Class of 2022, the legacy they will leave and the mark they will undoubtedly make on our world.

We welcome them as valued alumni of Shelford – once a Shelford girl, always a Shelford girl.

Katrina Brennan, Principal

Other very high achievers include: Olivia Smyth (99.45), Yujin Wang (99.25), Shannon Vo (99.15), Mia Whiteley (98.8), Tahlia Perzuck (98.7), Beiqi Zhang (98.7), Raina Roy (98.5), Amelia Hyde (98.45), Shuhui Yang (97.75), Stephanie Kondopoulos (97.65), Eleanor Prowd (97.65), Julia Urban (97.45), Xinyu Xu (97.3), Grace Smith (97.2), Bethany O’Kane (97.1), Catherine Anders (97), Emily Ye (96.8), Victoria Sun (96.6), Olivia Evans (96.55), Tara Patterson (96.45), Holly Husband (96.1), Abigail Benveniste (95.9), Maja Czelen (95.35), Samantha Ruckel (95.2), Ella O’Bryan (94.95), Apryl Moxham (94.85) and Grace Fernando (93.15). Tahlia Perzuck and Olivia Smyth achieved a perfect study score of 50 for History: Revolutions.

score 90.95

15% of our students received an ATAR score above 98

40% of our students received an ATAR score above 95

Zhengzheng Tang

Stella Nyugen

Stella Nguyen will be our new Head of Faculty for Visual Arts in 2023. In November Stella celebrated her exhibition opening titled ‘Metamorphoses Interrupted’, at Off the Kerb Gallery. Stella’s photographs are dramatic and atmospheric. The exhibition consisted of large prints which were mesmerising with figurative, abstracted tonal movement. Congratulations Stella on a fabulous exhibition and we hope to see further artwork by you in the future.

Professional development: Tristan Hill

Tristan Hill, Middle Years Coordinator and English and Humanities teacher, recently completed a Professional Certificate in Adolescent Counselling through Monash University.

The course focused on the specific needs of young people and techniques to support their mental health. Tristan had the opportunity to study the features of adolescent development, the factors of individuation while considering contemporary challenges, and a range of counselling techniques and micro-skills for supporting young people. Through case-studies, roleplays and activities, he learnt about the mental health challenges relevant to young people and the post-COVID world.

Tristan found the course most valuable and engaging. Working with teams of other teachers and mental health professionals from across Melbourne, he had opportunity to better understand the issues facing young people today from multiple perspectives, consider the importance of connection and resilience in nurturing adolescent mental health, and develop skills to better support the students at Shelford.

New staff

Meet two of our new staff members for 2023.

Shauna Wilson

Shauna joins the Shelford community as our new Year 3 teacher. A highly experienced educator, Shauna brings vast experience and knowledge having taught across a variety of sectors and year levels, both in Victoria and London. During her career Shauna has held numerous middle leadership roles and most recently was a Year 5 and 6 teacher at Toorak College.

Passionate about creating learning environments that value and reflect each child’s contributions, strengths and experiences; Shauna believes students learn best when engaged in learning that is meaningfully connected to their lives and world. As a keen learner herself, she values working collaboratively with her fellow teachers and being involved in professional learning that helps to diversify teaching and learning interests for the benefit of students. Shauna is keen to begin developing the strong relationships that are the foundation of her classroom and becoming part of the wider Shelford community.

Josie Gorman

We welcome Josie to Shelford as our new Global Politics and Humanities teacher. Her strong passion for politics has been developed through completing a Master of International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts and Secondary Education at Monash University. Josie looks forward to igniting a similar passion in her students and developing curriculum that challenges all students to aspire for excellence. She has worked at a variety of government and independent schools, such as Trinity and Ruyton, and comes to us most recently from Xavier College as the senior Politics teacher. Josie is an active contributor within her professional organisations, presenting at the annual conference for Social Education of Victoria (SEV), co-authoring textbooks such as The student survival pack for Australian politics (Units 3 & 4), assessing VCAA examinations and writing trial examinations for SEV. Josie looks forward to working in our community and building upon our culture of excellence.

Vale Jules Aldous

We were very saddened by the news that Ms Jules Aldous passed away on 8 August 2022.

Jules was a teacher, VCE coordinator, Head of Humanities and Head of Curriculum at Shelford, before taking on the role of Deputy Principal, a position she held with distinction for many years.

First and foremost, Jules was an incredible teacher and many students of Shelford benefited from her outstanding teaching over the years. She was an active member of the Victorian Commercial Teachers Associatino (VCTA), mentoring and supporting many teachers over her many years of service to this organisation. Her VCTA Legal Studies materials were treasured by all. At Shelford she did it all – with style, intelligence and wit. A wonderful and kind person, she guided and directed students, started the International Student Program, founded many of the outstanding Humanities courses, wellbeing programs and high academic standards that Shelford is renowned for to this day and led the staff by example. Her capacities across many areas are legendary.

In her personal life, Jules had a wonderful and warm marriage to Grant and was a loving mother to Hugh. A wonderful colleague and friend, Jules will be greatly missed.

Baby news

Jessica Coffey, our Community Engagement Coordinator, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Toby, on 30 September. Weighing a healthy 3.98kg and 54cm long, he is a very welcome addition to the family. Big sister Evie, aged 3 was especially excited to meet her new brother!

Staff profile: Julia Lloyd Bruin

Julia Lloyd Bruin has been at Shelford for three years and held a number of different roles. First and foremost, she is a teacher of English and Literature. She has also coordinated Year 10 and acted as Senior School Coordinator for the first six months of 2022.

In 2023 Julia is delighted to take on the Head of English role. Julia says, ‘I’ve been mentored by brilliant teachers and leaders here at Shelford and feel confident to continue the excellent work in our English classrooms and across the extra-curricular activities available too. Our team in 2023 might look a bit different but it’s a collection of expert educators with myriad skills and knowledge, and of course, relentless enthusiasm.’

Julia has recently started a Master of Educational Leadership at Monash University. Her first subject was about social justice, a focus close to her heart. Julia is looking forward to implementing her learning to continue driving a culture of integrity and passion at Shelford.

Careers and future pathways

It has been exciting to introduce some new events to the Careers Calendar in 2022.

Our first new event was developed in consultation with our STAR partner; Swinburne University. Our Year 11 students were invited onto their campus to participate in a Tertiary Experience Day. Students were able to tour the many different areas of the campus, engage in workshops and presentations in the areas of Health Science, Education. Engineering and Law and learn more about their courses and pathways. This was aimed at extending both the ‘participate’ and ‘engage’ sections of our Career 4sight program, offering students the opportunity to explore career paths and engage with future tertiary providers.

A second opportunity for students to do this was provided with our inaugural Careers Future Insights Day where over 40 speakers from different careers, some of who were Shelfordians, arrived

on campus to present to Year 9–12 students on their work and training experiences. We received wonderful feedback from our students on the value of this opportunity for them in ‘clarifying’ their career plans, another component of our Career 4sight program. Tyson Day from Arrive and Thrive also presented students with some ideas to ponder in planning their career path and tertiary providers were also present to provide students with information on their courses. At the end of 2021, we ran our first Year 11 Tertiary Conference which involved us staying on campus at University College at the University of Melbourne. We had guest speakers who presented on preparing for Year 12, adjusting when plans change and creating a Linkedin profile and using this platform to network. Students also chose to particpate in tours of either ACU, University of Melbourne or RMIT. This was a great way of introducing students to the University residential experience.

We were delighted to be able to run our Year 10 Work Experience program again this year after two years of COVID-19 restrictions preventing this program from running. Our students were placed in a range of different workplaces and were able to learn first hand what the job involved but also some important employability skills, which is an important part of the ‘identify’ section of our Career 4sight program. Students in Year 10 also completed their Morrisby Testing and students from Year 10–12 engaged in career counselling sessions throughout the year.

It was a big year but a very successful one in terms of beginning our introduction of many new elements of our Career4sight program.

Cath Freney Careers and Future Pathways Coordinator

Art Projection Night

The annual art exhibition is a highlight for students, parents and staff to come together and celebrate the hard work and pleasure had in the Art Department at Shelford.

This year was the first time since 2018 that we were able to present student work as a projection exhibition. Staff and families really enjoy Art Projection Night, as it is a time when the school as a whole can come together and be entertained. The projection of art on Helenslea was a beautiful sight, full of colour and movement. A testament to all our Art students’ efforts this year.

The music from the Shelford Jazz band supported by Frank Blakiston and Martin Mackerras greeted all upon entering the school. VCE student folios were on display in the SILC building. This exhibited the hard work, talent and dedication our students have to their Art studies.

Little children and adults all enjoyed our magician Alex who has attended the past four projection nights. He always provides much pleasure for all, involving the children in his tricks, which they love. Children were also treated with face painting – many lions, clowns and butterflies could be seen in the crowd.

Food was plentiful on the night, with hard work and preparation by Melanie Ranieri, Jane Hamer and their students. Everyone enjoyed a sausage or veggie burger, abundant cakes and biscuits, with fairy floss being an absolute favourite.

Cards and calendars made from Junior and Senior School students’ artworks were available for sale, along with earrings and cutting boards from our talented Chaplain, Claire Cheeseman.

A big thankyou goes out to all the staff who gave up their time to assist with the night. It was lovely to see staff and parents enjoying time together, sharing a few tales and jokes. Thanks also to our fabulous students who volunteered on the evening. They all worked so hard and enjoyed themselves in the process. It was a lovely experience for them to remember. We really appreciate the time and effort the

Shelford Parents’ Association made to provide refreshments for the adults. Thank you to the Art Department who worked very hard to put this whole event together. Kara Patrick, Stella Nguyen and Simone Lewis. This is a formidable team of Art teachers who love every moment, nurturing and inspiring the creative minds of their students. Congratulations Shelford Girls’ Grammar.

Deborah Pettigrew Head of Visual Arts

From around the school

2023 leaders

Congratulations to our 2023 leaders. We wish you all the best in your new roles. May you embody our school values and lead with passion, integrity, creativity and respect.

Senior School leaders: Co-Captains: Georgia K & Elena L; Student Voice

Captain: Mia A; Diversity and Inclusion

Captain: Tisya M; Blundell House

Captain: Angelique H; Langley House

Captain: Lia B; Lloyd House Captain: Bianca B; Thomas House Captain: Isabel G; Sport Captain: Molly R;

Drama Captain: Julia C; Music Captain: Martha S; Faith Captain: Dani S; Debating Captain: Angelee S; Rowing

Co-Captains: Bianca B & Georgia K; School Spirit Captain: Lucienne C; Service Learning Captain: Charlotte

100 years of Helenslea

On 15 September, Shelford celebrated 100 years at Helenslea and welcomed the Archbishop of Melbourne, The Most Revered Dr Philip Freier and guests to Oaktree Anglican (formerly St Mary’s Church) for a special service.

Shelford was established by Miss Emily Dixon in 1898. In 1905 Miss Dora Blundell assumed the role as headmistress. When she retired in 1920 Miss Blundell gifted the name and goodwill of the school to St Mary’s Church and Canon Henry Thomas Langley, Vicar. Miss Ada Thomas was appointed Principal of Shelford at the beginning of 1922, which at the time was operating from the church hall. Later in 1922 the church purchased Helenslea and provided Shelford with a permanent home, where it proudly continues today.

Science Week

13–21 August | We hosted a suite of activities to celebrate Science Week this year. Students challenged themselves creating spaghetti towers as part of Design Thinking, building a Mars Rover, making edible glass, discovering lenses and manipulating light, constructing sophisticated Rube Goldberg Machines and creatively painting on glass.

K; Junior School Captain: Scarlett B; Chinese Debating Captain: Grace

W; Environment Captain: Victoria F; Library Captain: Saskia D; Languages

Captain: Maggie R; International

Student Captain: Linfei L; STEM

Captain: Lydia B; Visual Arts Captain: Mia E

Junior School leaders: Co-Captains: Olivia M, Lilli T; Environment Captain: Ivy A; Performing Arts Captain: Sylvie M; Faith Captain: Caitlin D; Wellbeing & Service Learning Captain: Olivia B; Library Captain: Eden S; Sports

Captain: Milly W; Thomas House

Captain: Abbey M; Blundell House

Captain: Lily D; Lloyd House Captain: Stella M; Langley House Captain: Elis S.

Pictured: Katrina Brennan, Principal; The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne; Pam Russell, Chair of the Board of Governors, Shelford Girls’ Grammar; Reverend Karen Winsemius, Generations Pastor, Oaktree Anglican; Reverend Mark Juers, Lead Pastor, Oaktree Anglican; and Claire Cheeseman, School Chaplain.

Book Week

20–26 August | There were many enjoyable activities held during Book Week this year. The official theme was ‘Dreaming with eyes open’. Children’s book author and illustrator Anna Zobel visited Shelford to conduct workshops. She shared her journey as an author and led students through an interactive illustration session and even challenged students to draw certain objects with their eyes closed. Of course, the highlight is always the fun and colourful costume parade. There were some creative and clever outfits!

100 days

In August our Prep and Year 1 students celebrated 100 days of learning for the year. Their Year 6 Buddies formed a guard of honour, created 100 day glasses and necklaces, and enjoyed a shared lunch and dance party!

Year 10 Debating

Our Year 10 Debating team were proud victors of the C Grade Debaters Association of Victoria competition. The team included Thanya V, Wendy Z, Alice J, Finley R, Roshni W and Jessica O, pictured below with Debating Coach Glen Trevaskis.

The debating season began in March, with the grand final held in November, so it was a marathon effort for the entire team. They are commended on their hard work, dedication and determination, which was unwavering. The girls progressed through the initial five rounds, the playoffs, the octo-finals, the quarterfinals and the semi-finals before making it to the much-anticipated grand final!

Student achievement

A talented gymnast, Zoey’s hard work was evident during this Championship. We would like to congratulate Zoey as she received the following accolades:

• 3rd place overall for the Competition

• 2nd place in Ribbon and Clubs events

• 1st place in the Hoops event.

Zoey was also in a team with Olivia E (Year 12, 2022). Their team finished 2nd overall for the competition.

Raina R

Layla B

Year 11, 2022 student Layla B was part of the Australian team that travelled to Leon, Mexico for the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Youth World Championships last year. Layla enjoyed the opportunity to train with athletes from different countries. Competing in the Women’s 64kg class group B, Layla successfully completed all six of her lifts with a 67kg snatch (finishing fourth) and 94kg clean and jerk (finishing second). Layla achieved competition personal bests, beating her previous Victorian records.

Lucy D

In February 2022 Lucy D, then in Year 9, was offered a full scholarship into the Victorian Institute of Sport for her diving. Since then she has competed in Open (senior) competitions against Australia’s top divers, including Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallists, along with her Elite Junior events.

In her first Open event, the Victorian State Championships, Lucy finished 8th overall in the 1-metre springboard and as the top ranked Junior. She also finished 8th in the 3-metre springboard achieving qualifying scores in both events to compete at the Australian Open Championship in June (also Commonwealth Games selection trials). Lucy finished 7th overall on the 1-metre springboard and 13th on the 3-metre springboard.

Injury prevented Lucy from competing in the Junior Elite Championships, however, she recovered in time for the Australian trials for the 2022 FINA World Junior Championships and was selected for the Australian Junior team to travel to Montreal, Canada in November. Lucy won a silver medal in the 3-metre springboard (pictured left), bronze in the 3-metre springboard synchronised and competed in the 1-metre springboard.

Zoey L

In May, then Year 10 student Zoey L competed in the National Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast.

Raina R, Year 12 2022, achieved the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) AMusA Diploma for violin performance, with Distinction. This is an outstanding achievement! Only a handful of students in Victoria each year pass this highly valued Diploma with Distinction, and only one other Shelford student has achieved a Distinction at this level on any musical instrument, in the last 20 years. Raina commenced learning violin in Shelford’s Year 3 and 4 String Program before continuing her violin studies with Ms Ruth Dixon-Lawrence in private lessons. Raina became the leader of Shelford’s Senior String Orchestra and studied Violin for VCE Music Performance.

Eliana R

Eliana R, now Year 9, was selected to attend the Royal Ballet School Spring Intensive at Covent Garden London in April 2022. The program is a unique opportunity to receive the highest levels of coaching from worldrenowned Royal Ballet School faculty and special guests.

Then in Term 3 Eliana competed in the World Ballet Grand Prix Singapore. The World Grand Prix and International Federation of Ballet Competitions partner with the most famous ballet schools and companies in the world to provide scholarships, opportunities and assistance to talented ballet dancers from around the world. Eliana was awarded the ‘Overall Grand Prix Winner’ for ‘Junior A Contemporary Dance’ and a silver prize for ‘Junior A Ballet’. Eliana was also awarded a scholarship to enter the World Ballet Grand Prix Korea in 2023.

Some of our students have had amazing success during 2022 (outside of school). Here are a few of of those achievements.

Student work

The Day of Judgement

i’ll play god today. drowned, entwined within the collapse of flesh and blood, forgotten, old souls.

the sinners rise and repenters fall, for death is a race of the fittest and life; limited anger.

resentment

envy

vengeance

the chill of the sun sings on my skin, travelling to the tips of my fingers, my toes

i envy their mortality

their pain

do they fear the dark?

lost memories of a fruitless lover

their craving

my hand grazes the bloody wrists of saints, desperate for the relief of the sun desperate. for the relief of the rain hope.

creation, birth...

a rev-o-lution!

Riva W, Year 8

Sophia G, Year 7

Grace L, Year 1

Lucia W, Year 3

Daisy M, Year 7

Student work

A Baby’s Memoir

A baby full of enlightenment crawls into her room, And throws her soft blanket into the crib.

She places her teddy on top of the blanket, Kissing it goodnight.

She sprinkles over her memories, Her first shaking steps, Her mother’s brown eyes. Her father’s scratchy beard. She smooths them out on her blanket.

She spreads out the softness of baby powder, The touch of the morning sun, The smile of her favourite brother, The warmth of a family hug.

She puts down her tears and her tantrums, Her giggles and her grins. These days will live forever, Treasures for her kin.

Her crib stands tall, Under all of the weight. The baby takes one more look, At the life that she has made.

Gently she nods, Before quietly shutting her eyes to the world.

Ruby L, Year 9

Environmental

Harder than before, getting weaker each day.

My fur not as thick, to protect me from the cold.

My stomach not as full, less energy to sustain.

My claws not as sharp, Slipping on the ice

Harder than before, searching further than ever.

My home not as safe, no protection.

My habitat breaking, the ice glaciers melting.

My family separated never to be seen again

Living off survival: A polar bear.

Lucy M and Maria D, Year 8

Cheng Cheng Z, Year 8

Tianxin C, Year 7

Aiai W, Year 4

Sylvie M, Year 5

Vanshika G, Year 7

Sarah W, Year 2

Laura B, Year 2

Gabby B, Year 7

Neeva B, Prep

Phoebe M, Year 6

Milly W, Year 5

Student work

Year 6 short form poetry

Always dreaming for equality

Woman constantly being controlled

Always feeling watched, stalked and paroled

Roe-Wade overruled

Choices ridiculed

Sexism must stop, it’s getting old.

Winnie M, Alexandra R and Lila R

Snail mail

I once found this slimy little snail

And it was chomping on my junk mail

When I told it to stop

It jumped on my top

And that’s when my face went all pale

Francesca W, Evie L and Lina A

Books

As soon as I turned the first page

I met with a new world to engage

More people to meet

Brand new food to eat

The book is nearly in its last stage

Francesca W, Evie L and Lina A

End the Racism

This is a very serious case, People are fighting for their race. They’ll continue to fight, Until they get their rights. Racism is such a disgrace.

Bella X, Jane W, Greta A and Anushka G

l’m not invisible

People always look away from me

I feel so small I’m like a bee

I hide my dismay

And feel like I’m betrayed

No one to hear me make my plea

Jocelyn J

Night

Thoughts overflowing my mind at night Nothing friendly catches my sight

Nothing stands in my way Then everything turns grey

Anything I think of there’s no light. Alana L, Milla E and Eloise B

Footy nights

As the umpires lay down the law, The crowd always eagerly wants more The game goes into night, Teams will keep on the fight As the last siren sounds the crowd roars!

Phoebe M, Tarini B and Aaliah V

The lazy house cat

Once there was a lazy house cat Who is never up for a pat She’s sleeping all day, Too lazy to play, And takes up the living room mat.

Amaya P, Zara T, Mandy C and Annabel G

Majestic Melbourne

Might see a light in the city’s sights, See the Southern Cross in the night, Many tourist attractions, Luna Park and more, Sitting in the night flying my kite. Amy F, Viv S and Samaira R

Mad kitty

There once was a man who lived in the city he had a fluffy pet kitty the cat wanted milk so the man brought him silk now the cat is mad what a pity Annie A, Chloe B and Heidi D

Year 9 Food Technology, celebration cakes

Karen Y, Year 6

Sophie M, Year 3

Chloe T, Year 7

Year 9 Challenge

The Year 9 Challenge program was in full swing during 2022, with a new challenge every term.

In Term 2, Year 9 participated in the Arts Alive Challenge. This provided students with unique experiences across all the disciplines in the Visual and Performing Arts. Shelford staff organised workshops in tie-dying, silk screen printing, drama, opera singing, adobe visual design and dance lessons in order for the Year level to perform a lunch time flash mob. The ceramics project organised by Ms Deborah Pettigrew was a favourite amongst the students as the class sculptured native flora and fauna which will form a Wominjeka ceramic sign near the School’s front gate.

Building on their independence and navigation skills, the girls also explored the artistic culture of Melbourne. They visited ACMI, the NGV and Syn Media at RMIT where they ran a radio announcing workshop recording their own demo radio show. The afternoon was topped off with a performance of Cinderella: The Musical on at the Regent Theatre.

Amelie S reflected on the expertise provided to her during the week: ‘Personally I think that the most important thing about Arts Alive week was not just that we experienced the different activities, but we actually learnt techniques and history behind the art, and then we experienced

the activity.’ During National Science Week, the Year 9 students participated in a STEM Challenge. The aim of this week was to introduce students to innovation and design thinking by applying the iterative prototyping process. The year level effectively used their collaborative and problem-solving skills, to code a robot made from Lego and engineer a Mars rover using icy pole sticks, wheels and rubber bands. A key theme in the students’ feedback was their rewarding sense of perseverance. As Sofia W comments, the Year 9 students became more at ease with taking risks and analysing possible points of ‘failure’: ‘Being a part of STEM week encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, and make the most of every opportunity presented to me. In particular, the Mars rover challenge was very engaging, as I was able to work with my group to overcome any challenges we encountered. Towards the end we had very little faith that our rover would work, but being in a room full of people who were encouraging us to keep going, gave my group the motivation to keep trying.’

The year level visited Swinburne University of Technology to undertake some astronomy activities which included exploring the galaxy using

virtual reality headsets and watching 3D movies about the universe. Finally, in Term 4 the Environment Challenge required students to develop their own sustainability project aligned with the climate goals of Glen Eira City Council. Ideas such as a plastic free shopping strip, establishing an urban forest or developing a renewable energy campaign were possible topics they could explore and present as a business pitch to three Glen Eira Council Sustainability experts. To help gather ideas and collect data students were shown how to use a variety of GIS maps and went on various excursions to Fare Share Kitchen, the ANZ Centre in the docklands, Council House 2 in the city, local community gardens, farms and the Melbourne Zoo.

These wonderful inquiry-based learning opportunities have provided memorable experiences for the girls, enhancing their life skills in teamwork, responsibility and independence. Most importantly, the girls frequently commented on the social aspect of each challenge, relishing the chance to be with their friends in new settings, after two years of COVID-19 lockdowns.

Katrina Davey Year 9 Challenge Coordinator

Performing Arts

What a year it’s been! All the things we missed out on for two years were back on. It has been such a joy seeing the students engaging and participating in all aspects of the Performing Arts.

I would like to thank the Performing Arts department for their hard work and dedication across the year. However, it is with a sense of sadness that we farewell Ms Judith Moore. Judith has been a staff member at Shelford for over 40 years; her caring and nature and friendly smile will be greatly missed by staff and students alike.

Victorian School Music Festival

This year has seen the Shelford ensembles shine at the Victorian School Music Festival. Both our Senior Strings Orchestra and Corelli Strings were awarded a Gold Plaque. Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble were awarded Silver plaques. I would like to thank Ms DixonLawrence and Mr Mackerras for their hard work preparing the ensembles. I would also like to thank the students of the ensembles for their hard work and regular attendance at rehearsals.

Junior School musical: The Lion King Jr.

The Lion King Jr. was an event not to forget. Held on 22 and 23 June, our Junior School girls from Prep–Year 6 took part in this lively and joyous performance. Through months of rehearsals, learning choreography, singing and acting, we demonstrated to our Shelford community the many different talents of the Junior School. In our production, the symbol of the circle was embedded in the way the students moved on stage, the choreography reinforcing the circle of life. The power of the lionesses represented empowered female characters who reminded us of the importance of loyalty and community – a fitting show to represent our independent and determined students.

A huge congratulations to the cast of The Lion King Jr. A special thank you to Karla Nyhuis (Director), Kelsey Holden (choreography) and Jenni Thom (singing) for teaching and creating this wonderful performance. The memories of this show will live with us forever.

Senior School play: Little Women

Shelford was proud to present the inaugural Senior School Play this year, Little Women. Originally a novel by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women has been a cherished story for almost 140 years now and is an authentic and substantial memoir about the joys and pains of growing up.

There is no doubt that Shelford’s production captured the humanity of the story, and that the experiences of the March family (albeit distanced in time and context) have resonance with and help make sense of our own lives. At a time when we are craving human connection and struggling to adapt to a world that often feels overwhelming,

this story offered a much-needed dose of compassion and joy. The cast was made up of students from Years 7–12 and they worked together brilliantly, building a beautiful sense of community and belonging between them.

A special thank you to Erin Juers and Kelsey Holden for their work in pulling it all together. It truly was a highlight of the year for many, and an outstanding moment for the Performing Arts at Shelford Girls’ Grammar.

House Performing Arts

For the first time in several years HPA was able to go ahead and what a fantastic evening it was. Congratulations again to all the Houses, especially the House Captains,

for their wonderful performances. It was a fantastic night of singing, dancing and acting, not to mention some very impressive sets! All the students involved in the performances should be extremely proud of their hard work.

Results for the 2022 HPA were:

• 1 – Blundell (84/100)

• 2 – Thomas (80/100)

• 3 – Langley (75/100)

• 4 – Lloyd (70/100)

• Dramatic Interpretation – Blundell

• Music Interpretation – Thomas

• Choreography – Thomas

• Stage Craft Elements – Blundell

Concerts

At the end of Term 3 the Performing Arts department ran a new series of concerts – Band and Strings Concert and Choral Concert. These concerts were held to give these areas of the program a greater opportunity to perform, especially groups such as the Year 5 and Year 7 Band Program, as well as the massed Year 3–8 Choir.

Frank Blakiston Head of Performing Arts

Sport Report

Weekly GSV competition

After a successful Semester 1, Semester 2 GSV Sport certainly did not disappoint. With a major focus on participation and getting back to sport post-lockdowns, the number of girls participating in competitive sport in Term 3 and 4 was spectacular. In particular, we saw over 50 students sign up to play GSV Volleyball (some of the biggest numbers in Shelford’s history), and over 55 sign up to participate in GSV Basketball. Congratulations to all the students who participated in GSV Weekly Sport in 2022, it has been a wonderful year.

GSV Year 6 and 7 Sport Expo

During Term 4, all Year 6 and 7 students were invited to the GSV sports expo at Monash University, Clayton. This was the inaugural event for the Year 6 and gave students the opportunity to try a plethora of sports in a safe, supportive and social environment with specialised coaches. Students were able to mingle with other GSV schools and were challenged to step out of their comfort zone by engaging in activities such as floorball, ultimate frisbee, goalball, tennis, gymnastics and AFL. Congratulations to all students involved for their amazing efforts and sportsmanship.

Senior School GSV Athletics

After six weeks of training on Tuesday and Friday morning and two training meets at Sandringham Athletics Track, it was time to test ourselves at the GSV Preliminary Carnival held at Lakeside Athletics Track. Our first meet in over two years was a successful event, with some amazing individual results, as well as some great team results. We placed 5th out of the eight schools, while also coming home with some silverware, winning the population trophy.

With these results we were placed in Division 3 for our Championship Carnival. Our squad of close to 60 students had a successful day, with the team finishing 2nd out of the eight schools. Several Shelford students were invited to compete at finals night: Sofia D, Ruby L, Grace N, Thanya V, Lia B, Elena L and Cindy T. These students performed and represented the school brilliantly on the night. A special mention to Thanya, who came home with a silver medal in both the 400m and 800m events.

Junior School House Carnivals Athletics

Late in Term 2 we had our JS House Athletics Carnival at Duncan Mackinnon Reserve. With a false start, a big downpour had us huddled in the grandstand where we waited out the rain before getting underway again. The student’s attitudes were fantastic, pushing through rain and very chilly winds. On the Friday after the carnival, we had a House Athletics assembly to announce the winners. Our individual winners were Oriana K-K (9 year old), Lily D (10 year old), Lilli T and Annabel

M (11 year old), Alana L (12 year old). Our overall House winner was Lloyd on 230 points, 2nd Blundell, 3rd Langley and 4th Thomas.

Swimming

After almost three years, we finally had the opportunity to complete our Junior School House Swimming Carnival. All students from Prep–Year 6 attended the carnival held at Mentone Aquatic. Our Year 3–6 students had the opportunity to involve themselves in all four strokes. For the first time our Year

2’s had the opportunity to compete in Freestyle and Backstroke events and the JDC in a range of novelty events with the assistance of Year 9 helpers and the Junior School House Captains. The event ran smoothly with all students having their opportunity in the water to represent their Houses. In the week following the event the overall and individual winners were announced at the Junior School assembly. Our individual age group winners were, Sarah W (8 year old), Rose B (9 year old), Holly H (10 year old), Abbey M (11 year old) and Amaya P (12/13 year old). The overall House winner was Blundell on 111 points, 2nd Thomas, 3rd Langley and 4th Lloyd.

SYDSA Athletics Carnival

After last year’s cancellation, SYDSA Athletics was back. Our squad of close to 40 students ventured out to Box Hill Athletics Track on a beautiful sunny Melbourne day. The carnival was filled with loud cheering from our squad, lots of great individual performances and plenty of ribbons. At the conclusion of the event Shelford placed 4th out of the other SYDSA schools. A special mention to our students who finished in the top two for their events and were invited to attend the Beachside Division Carnival at Duncan Mackinnon athletics track in Term 4 – Milly W, Olivia B, Lina A, Eloise B, Olive B and Alana L.

Year 5 and 6 GSV Swimming Carnival

To finish off our Junior School sports carnivals for the year, we attended the inaugural Year 5 and 6 GSV Swimming Carnival at MSAC. Our squad of 19 students competed against seven other GSV schools. We had some great individual success, with multiple students coming home with ribbons from their events. A special mention to Abbey M in Year 5 who won the A Grade 50m Freestyle and Backstroke, while also placing 3rd in the A Grade Butterfly event on the day. This new opportunity for the students was a great day out and all students enjoyed the experience.

Camps

Year 3 and 4 camp

On Monday 7 November our Year 3 and 4 students attended their first Shelford camp at the beautiful Gundiwindi Lodge in Healesville. Students completed many exciting and adventurous activities such as archery, low ropes and especially the giant swing!

‘The giant swing was thrilling! I could hear my tiny uncontrolled squeals of joy!’ – Lili M

‘My favourite activity on camp was the GIANT swing because I have always been scared of heights and I faced my fear.’ – Shanaya J

Year 8 camp

On 24–27 October, the Year 8 girls attended their annual camp which presented a range of unique opportunities. They attempted tree climbs and two free fall activities which really tested many. Also, they participated in a range of initiative activities, working collaboratively as a team, and exercised a range of skills including navigation. They learnt more about their personal strengths and character traits and were introduced to mindfulness as a wellbeing routine.

A key element of the camp was the overnight hike. Students prepared, packed and hiked to a designated campsite, erecting tents and preparing their dinner, cooking on camp stoves.

The weather conditions, especially on the hike, were genuinely challenging. It started raining 30 minutes into the hike and didn’t stop for four hours and continued to rain on and off for the rest of the camp. The way the girls worked together to support each other was impressive, maintaining an optimistic attitude and a willingness to persevere. Indeed, there was a lot of laughter and joking despite the fact they were all soaked.This says a lot about the Year 8 students – they proved their resilience, camaraderie and humour.

Year 9 camp

Our Year 9 students travelled to Baw Baw National park for three nights on 28 November, then the Rawson caravan park for the final night of this outdoor educational journey. This camp is an important component of the Shelford school experience offering the opportunity to develop life skills in an outdoor setting.

Students participated in a range of adventure activities offering rich experiential learning to develop teamwork, resilience and responsibility. Students hiked, cycled, rock climbed and abseiled, amongst other activities. The presence of La Niña resulted in a richly flowing Thompson River, providing perfect conditions for white water rafting.

This is the most challenging of Shelford’s outdoor education programs, as students spend each night in a different campsite with limited amenities. It captures the spirit of adventure and gives the Year 9s an

opportunity to truly value life’s little luxuries, whilst being away from them.

Year 11 camp

The Year 11 Residential College Experience allowed students to experience University life and further develop their independence. They stayed onsite at the University of Melbourne College and enjoyed dorm life and community dining. Students travelled to several city locations to participate in different events. Highlights included presentations from Shelford Alumni on ‘what they wished they knew before starting Year 12’, visits to tertiary institutions and activities such as visiting The Lume Van Gough Exhibition at South Wharf and Queen Victoria Market. Students enjoyed spending time together and creating meaningful connections before heading into their final year.

Year 9 Year

Year 3 and 4

Coding Club

Year 9 students Isabella A, Freya A, Madison I and Natasha M, and Year 10 students Ruchi B, Jessica O, Thanya V, Roshni W and Wendy Z actively participated in the Shelford Coding Club offered during lunchtimes in Term 2.

The aim of this club was to provide students the opportunity to develop critical STEM skills.

Together the Year 9 and Year 10 teams designed, built and programmed Lego robots to perform in time to the beat of their chosen music. Students devoted their lunchtimes and holidays to perfect their performances and set designs. Students presented their final performance at the annual RoboCup competition at Genezzano on Saturday 23 July 2022. Our Year 10 team ‘Shelford Shepard’s’ were awarded first place and our Year 9 team; ‘Shelford Storm Troopers’ were awarded second place.

Congratulations to the Coding girls on their commitment and perseverance throughout the coding sessions. Students who are interested in further developing their STEM skills and would like to be involved in this opportunity are encouraged to apply for the Year 9 Robotics Elective.

Jessica McKenzie Head of Science

Shelford Parents’ Association

The Shelford Parents’ Association (SPA) made the most of being out of lockdown in 2022 and have been extremely busy.

The SPA continues to build and foster strong relations within the Shelford community engaging parents, teachers, students and the Board. Principal Katrina Brennan has been fantastic in supporting the SPA, meeting monthly to ensure alignment with the school and discuss ideas or issues. SPA also had great commitment from the teaching staff, whom without fail had a representative at our monthly meetings. We continued to work closely with Chair Pam Russell and the rest of the Board, facilitating two Q&A session for parents this year. These sessions provided a great opportunity for the school community to ask questions of the School Executive, Shelford Board and SPA. There continues to be a real willingness and desire to expand the culture of transparency and openness across the Shelford community.

Friend and fund raising within the school community are two of our key objectives and these were achieved through a variety of events and

activities. In 2022, the Events subcommittee was set up to ensure the right people with the right ideas were given the freedom to be creative and focus on some new and different initiatives. Lisa Dawson, Nicola McCormack, Maeve Dubar and Emma Rosen have done a brilliant job and we are so fortunate to have this fantastic, dynamic group creating a number of very exciting new events, which in addition to building the Shelford community spirit, also help to raise funds for the school.

This year, we ran traditional events such as the Parents Welcome Evening,

Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls and breakfasts, and provided gifts to acknowledge our dedicated and hard-working staff for World Teachers’ Day. Some of the team obtained their Responsible Service of Alcohol licences, so beer and wine could be served at functions such as the Art Exhibition and musicals.

In addition, some new events were established which proved successful. These included:

• the Shelford Luncheon Celebrating Mothers (a wonderful event enthusiastically attended by many of

our mums at the picturesque West Beach Pavilion, St Kilda)

• Bop Till You Drop (a Junior School Disco with a remarkable turnout of our junior girls)

• a Walkathon on the school oval which proved a fun event for the children and parents and raised over $3000

• the inaugural Winter Solstice event which featured produce stalls, activities, music and food

• BBQs for a sausage sizzle on election day!

We also involved the students in activities such as the First Aid and CPR Course and our inaugural ‘Shark Tank’ competition, where students identified opportunities to improve the school, and formed part of the judging panel. $500 was donated to support each of the winning Junior and Senior School submissions.

Our Uniform Shop sub-committee has been kicking goals with Fiona White now leading the charge. Fiona has done a fantastic job and helped many parents throughout year by offering additional opening hours. She has been supported by others including Vanitha Kaliyaperumal, Elissa Lidstone, Elowyn Leonard, Fiona Bailey and Ritika Walia.

In terms of other school funding, this year SPA contributed $15,000 to outdoor furniture, the purchase of percussion instruments and equipment for the Robotics and Digitech Lab.

We have been incredibly fortunate to have the expert support of Vijay Shanmugan as Secretary, Andrew Mott as Vice President and Petrie Bernard as Treasurer, all of whom have been extremely busy behind the scenes. A special thank you to Petrie who has been keeping an eye on the purse strings whilst overseas in France with her family.

The Shelford Parents’ Association has set itself an ambitious agenda for 2023 and continues to work hard for our wonderful Shelford school community. Thank you to everyone who has been involved or supported us this year and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Andy Langridge President

Shelford history

During our 125th year we take you on a journey through Shelford’s Principals.

Our first Headmistress, Miss Emily Dixon, opened Shelford Girls’ School in 1898, teaching four pupils in a small house on Glen Eira Road, opposite St Mary’s Church in Caulfield.

Miss Dora Blundell joined Miss Dixon as an assistant when the school moved to Seymour Road, Elsternwick circa 1900.

Travelling to England, with the purpose of studying education systems in 1903, Miss Dixon left Miss Blundell to care for Shelford in her absence. With Miss Dixon unable to resume her role due to ill health upon her return, Miss Blundell, assumed the role of Headmistress and moved the school to her home at Allison Road, Elsternwick.

With her retirement in 1921, Miss Blundell gifted the name and goodwill of the school to St Mary’s Church, maintaining a close association with Shelford, sitting on the School Board, teaching Divinity and attending sports days until the mid-1930s.

At the beginning of 1922, with the school moving to its current site, Miss Ada Mary (AM) Thomas was appointed as Principal of the new Shelford Church of England Girls’ Grammar School.

Without teaching qualifications, but with experience working as a teacher, Miss Thomas quickly developed a reputation for high standards in teaching and learning, leading the school through the Depression, World War 2 and the polio epidemic of 1937 (which closed the School for six months).

After 22 years – Shelford’s longest serving Principal – in 1944, suffering serious illness, Miss Thomas retired.

Fulfilling the role of Acting Principal during Miss Thomas’ illness in the previous year, and having been at the School in a senior position for the previous nine years, Miss Judith Thewlis quietly assumed the role of Principal.

In 1947, to mark the Silver Jubilee of

Shelford as a Church School, the old coach house and loft of the old home was converted into a library, science room and classroom officially named the ‘Thewlis Wing’.

Miss Thewlis resigned from her position as Principal at the end of 1952.

Miss Violet Baddams was appointed Principal in 1953.

‘... one of my major tasks during over 50 years as a teacher and 35 years as a headmistress ... (is) moving education from the classical into the scientific and generally wider era of education, especially for girls, without losing the liberal aspects of the classical education, the humanistic education.’ Interview 1988, for Australian Federation of University Women Oral History Project, State Library of South Australia.

Another notable change was the construction of the Cooper/Baddams wing.

Miss Baddams resigned in 1963. She was awarded an Order of Australia medal on Australia Day 1980 for her service to education, and an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Adelaide in 1988.

Appointed Principal in 1964, Miss Ida Washington found a successful and thriving community at Shelford. Academic results were strong and enrolments steady at 500.

Remembered fondly by her past pupils as being kind, firm and fair, Shelford grew its footprint and reputation under the leadership of Miss Washington. A new science wing was built in 1966 to further the study of science in the School, the Hall was officially opened in 1968 and 1971 saw the opening of the Ida Washington Library Wing.

In 1972, Miss Washington resigned and Miss Jean Myers,

Deputy Principal at The Scots School in Albury was appointed to replace her in 1973.

Students have memories of her dog, which accompanied her around the School.

Miss Myers retired in the first term of 1979 and Miss Elizabeth Britten became Principal.

Miss Britten described inheriting Shelford and its environment as ‘one in which boundaries had been very clearly laid out and strongly enforced’.

Developments under her guidance included the opening of the Cowling Wing in 1987 and the construction of the O’Callaghan Sports Pavilion in 1990.

With Miss Britten retiring in 1991, Mrs Pam Chessell was appointed Principal in 1992, the first Principal in Shelford’s history not to live on site at the School. She converted the old apartment on the first floor of Helenslea into a staff room.

Her tenure was a period of growth and change, guiding the school as it moved into the 21st century. In July 1993, the Early Learning Centre (ELC) and the new Junior School were officially opened.

Mrs Chessell resigned at the end of 2009 and Ms Polly Flanagan was appointed Principal in 2010. Passionate about educating girls, Ms Flanagan worked to build a culture of academic excellence at the School. Retiring at the end of 2019, Ms Flanagan is remembered for knowing every student’s name and her inspiring Presentation Evening speeches.

Ms Katrina Brennan is Shelford’s eleventh Principal. Her breadth of experience, knowledge and passion for educating young girls and women, is matched by her deep connection to the Shelford community and respect for the diversity within it.

Shelfordian news

The Y-House: turning passion into change

The Y-House Foundation was established by Shelfordian Georgia Retallick in 2010, and many Shelford students have since been involved in fundraising and volunteering for the organisation. They are doing incredible work in improving the lives of young people living with high medical care needs.

At age 18, Georgia watched a television interview of a teenager named Angela Barker, who was the victim of a violent attack by her boyfriend. This attack left her with a severe acquired brain injury, and ultimately forced her to live in an aged care facility due to a lack of rehabilitation options. Not much older than Angela herself, Georgia was inspired to address the rising issue of young people being housed in nursing homes.

Georgia says that her time at Shelford instilled in her the knowledge that she could do anything if she put her mind to it and worked hard. As a student she was also avidly involved in the community, sharpening her committee development skills as a member of the School Representative Council. She took this determination and passion and turned it into the initiative now known as Y-House, aiming to increase awareness, and provide support and fundraising to young people living in, or at risk of living in aged care. Along with their long-term advocacy, employment and connection programs, Y-House is currently working to address the additional challenges of Covid. Whilst most people struggled with not being able to leave their 5km radius during lockdown, many of the Y-House clients were unable to leave

their bedrooms for weeks on end as they suffered through Covid outbreaks and lost friends and co-residents. As the world opens up, a lot of aged care facilities still have restrictions in place. During this time, Y-house has focused on supporting young people living in aged care and ensuring they are supported. A major achievement of theirs was providing 58 young people with electronic tablets to keep them connected to family, friends and community.

Georgia’s advice to other Shelford students who want to make a positive impact on the community is to get involved in any causes they are passionate about, no matter how big or small. She says ‘I originally started Y-House because the thought of young people living in aged care unnecessarily made me mad, and I think if you’re going to get mad about something, you need to commit to doing something about it, changing something, whether that’s a lack of bike racks at your school, or climate change.’ If you would like to support Y-House you can donate via their website and sign up for their email updates. They are always looking for volunteers for fundraisers, as well as for design, website, social media and accounting, so no matter your skillset they would love to hear from you!

Baby news

Anastasia Davis (nee Zenin), Class of 2003: Congratulations to Anastasia and Matthew on welcoming their first child on 9 January 2022 at 9.38 pm, a daughter, Harper Elena Davis, weighing 3.994kg and measuring 51cm.

Ladies in London

We heard from three Class of 2005 Shelfordians now living in London with their partners and daughters.

Ellen Lewis (Feely) has recently welcomed baby Penny born on 13 May. She is settling into her home in West Kensington and working as a Product Manager for a boutique newspaper.

Maddie Blackall is juggling busy toddler Ava with her job as Marketing Director at Two Tribes Brewery and settling into her new Balham home.

Jess Connell welcomed Mara just before the pandemic in 2019. She is a television drama producer and lives in Dulwich in South London.

The girls get together as much as possible and spend a lot of time talking about their time at Shelford, when not chasing mad toddlers around!

Any alumni who are interested in organising an event or connecting with one of our regional or interstate Branches are invited to contact:

Briony Hamp-Adams, Alumni & Advancement Coordinator

Email shelfordians@shelford.vic.edu.au

We are also always interested in receiving donations to our archive collection.

Shelfordian news

Vale Betty Joan Jack (nee Dyer)

Born in 1929, Betty attended Shelford from 1934 to 1946, and the school always remained an important part of her life. In early 1950 she married Kenneth Jack at St Mary’s (now Oaktree) Caulfield, and proceeded to have her three children before the end of 1955. From the time she left Shelford until in her late 80’s, she met regularly with her Shelford friends –first for supper nights, then for lunches about 4–6 times per year. These women were friends for over 85 years!

Betty was a great assistant to her husband on his many trips to the outback when he was gathering subjects for his artwork, and a great cook and nurturer for all of the family. She was particularly well known for her pavlovas, apple cakes, chocolate, and orange cakes, her Anzacs and shortbread. She left behind nine beloved grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. Betty is remembered for a life well lived and kindness that was appreciated by many.

Written in loving memory by her daughter Heather Wickstead.

Reunions

In the second half of 2022, we hosted reunions for the Classes of 2012, 2017 and 2021, and the Nepean Branch met for their annual lunch catch up.

Celebrating 125 years at Shelford

Girls’ Grammar in 2023, we are excited to be able to discover new ways to foster ongoing relationships between Shelfordians and the School and at the same time reinvigorate our reunions calendar.

Nepean Branch Lunch

The Nepean Branch were delighted to hold their third annual Shelfordian Nepean Branch Lunch. Alumni from the Class of 1961 through to the Class of 1991 got together at the Sorrento Golf Club. It was a lovely day filled with laughter, memories and a rendition of the school song, Quaerite Primo. Thanks go to Virginia Cable for organising the lunch and to all who came along.

Classes of 2012 and 2017

Our Shelfordian 5 and 10 year reunion for the Classes of 2012 and 2017 was held on 12 August. We sincerely thank all the alumni and teachers who came. We make a special acknowledgement of Ms Walker, a current Shelford teacher, who taught some of these girls in her first year of teaching, over 20 years ago.

Steph from the Class of 2012 said, ‘I have fond memories of Mrs Walker. She was my teacher at the end of Year 1, and in Year 2. She was warm hearted and had a special way of connecting with us. I will always remember that. I am grateful that she came to the reunion. It meant a lot.’

Betty is pictured with some classmates, back row, second from right

Nepean Branch Class of 2021

Reunions and events 2023

• Wednesday 1 March: Classes of 1973 (50 years) and 1983 (40 years)

• Thursday 4 May: Classes of 2013 (10 years) and 2018 (5 years)

• Thursday 8 June: Classes of 1993 (30 years) and 2003 (20 years)

Class of 2021

Class of 2017

Class of 2021

Class of 2012

Class of 2021

Class of 2012

Shelford Donors 2022

The School community has generously supported the Shelford Building Fund in 2022 and we thank everyone who contributed. Thank you also to the Shelford Parents’ Association for their very generous donations to the School.

Every care has been taken with this list, however if an error has been made, please accept our apologies and contact Modina Monaf on 9524 7333 or mmonaf@shelford.vic.edu.au.

Our generous donors

Mr S Ablethorpe and Mrs R Kelly

Mr & Mrs M Abramovich

Mr G Aghion & Ms P Adeney

Mr & Mrs D Aizenstros

Mr & Mrs S Allison

Ms M Ambrose

Prof M Andrejevic & Dr Z Volcic

Mr & Mrs T Armstrong

Mr & Mrs J Attana

Mr & Mrs J Ballester

Mr & Mrs S Banerjee

Ms J Barkla

Mr & Mrs M Bastone

Mr & Mrs M Bates

Ms T Battersby

Mr & Mrs C Batzios

Mr P Beare & Dr N Urquhart

Mr G Berg

Mr & Dr F Bernard

Mr & Mrs J Bloom

Ms K Bond & Ms R Fuller

Mr & Mrs M Boulton

Mr Q Bui & Mrs T Thai

Mr J Buordolone & Ms J Suckling

Mr & Mrs D Burgess

Mr Y Cai & Mrs M Liu

Mr & Mrs E Casey

S Catt-Smart & J Smart

Dr S Cegarra Garcia and Ms C Fenton

Ms H Chan

Mr Q Chen & Ms Q Yang

Mr R Chen & Mrs Y Ge

Mr Z Cheng & Mrs H Xie

Mr C Cohen & Ms J Zantuck

S & S Connaughton

Mr & Ms A Contessotto

Mrs S Cormie

Ms K Cowen

Mr & Mrs J Cowle

A & M Crook

W & A Dao

Mr & Mrs C Dolianitis

Mr & Mrs B Droulez

Mr & Mrs A Dubar

Mr & Mrs B Dunscombe

Ms S Durban

Mrs K El-Sheikh

Mr & Mrs C Evans

Mr D Evans & Ms Y Duan

Mr R Fais & Ms V Graham

Mr & Mrs S Farrar

Mr & Ms S Feiglin

Mrs J Fielding

Mr & Mrs C Fisher

Mr L Fishley & Dr E Molloy

Mr D and Mrs K Freedman

Mr D Gangi & Mrs C Masci

Mr M Garrido

Mr A Gavan & Dr D Louis

Mrs & Mr P Gee

Mr D Gillard & Ms K Dennis

Mr T Gillard & Mrs S Gillard Mrs D Goel & S Pandey

Ms N Greatrex

Mr Y Gu & Ms M Xu

Mr M Guazzarotto

Mr & Mrs M Gupta

Miss M Hafner & Mr C Holdenson

Mr F He & Ms L Chia

Ms Z Helman

Mr S Heng & Mrs C Ti

Ms K Hindhaugh

Ms X Hu

Mr Y Huang & Ms S Wang

A Huang & T Lin

Mr Z Huang & Mrs R Lu

Mr S Hyde and Ms M Pile

Mr K Jin & Ms C Xu

Ms A Jonas

Mr A Joshi & Ms M Prabhu

Mr M Juan & Ms C Fang

Dr S Karuppasami &

Major Shelford sponsor

Mrs V Gurumurthy

Mr & Mrs M Kent

Mr S Kentwell

Mr & Mrs B Keyte

Mr and Mrs C Kilbane

Mr & Mrs P Kirkilis

Mr D Kovacs

Mr D Kurniawan & Mrs C Kang

Mrs & Mr R Kyte

Dr & Dr R Laging

Mr & Mrs A Lambart

Mr & Mrs A Langridge

Mr H Le & Mrs H Nguyen

Mr J Le Souef & Ms C

Scholes

Mr & Mrs D Ley

Mrs C Li & Mr X Wang

Mr J Li & Mrs Z Chen

Y Li & Y Zhang

Ms M Li

Mr T Li & Ms B Cao

Ms W Li & Mr B Ding

Mr C Lim & Ms C Owng

Mr D Liu Mr & Ms S

Wang Ms

Mr Y Liu & Mrs Z Li

Mr & Mrs G Lochhead

Mr R Louey

Mr B Lu & Mrs H Tan

Mr D Maccarone & Ms L Bailey

Mr & Mrs J Macky

Mr M Mainwaring and Ms R Brideson

Mr & Mrs D Mann

Mrs D Mao

Mr F Martin & Ms K Tuckey

Mr A Martyn & Ms A

Jegerajan

Mr & Mrs Y Matsumoto

Mr & Mrs D McCutcheon

Mr M McLeish and Ms F Harris

Mr & Mrs D McShae

Mr D Moreton & Ms K Bader

N Morgan & A Gobbart

Mr & Mrs A Naughton

Ms T Neilson

Mr & Ms G Newitt

Mr & Mrs D Nguyen

G & D Nicholls

D O’Brien

Mr A O’Bryan & Ms J

Firkin

Mr & Mrs B O’Mara

Mr & Mrs M Orner

Mr S Pandey & Ms D Goel

Mr & Mrs A Patterson

Mr & Ms N Pellier-Cuit

Mr & Mrs A Perara

Mr & Dr A Perera

Mr & Ms A Perkins

Mr J Perry & Mrs H

Crockart

Mr & Mrs E Plotkin

Ms K Preski

Mr J Price & Ms L Hoh

Ms C Qian

Mr G Rafaniello & Mrs T Mason

Mr & Mrs R Ray

Mr C Reboul & Ms B Damty

Ms V Reiger

Mr M Ritchie & Ms L Curtis

Mr D Roberts & Ms A Laffy

Mr M Rowe & Ms R Lake

Mr P Roy & Ms N Tigga

Mr & Mrs O Ruckel

Mr F Sachinidis & Ms L Howlett

Mr and Mrs S Sen

Mr W Shan & Ms L Yao

Mr F Sheng Fang & Ms P Xu

Mr Z Shi & Ms Y Wu

Mr & Mrs A Shiffman

Mr & Ms L Shroot

Mr & Dr J Sibia

Mr & Dr G Sigley

Shelford Parents’ Association

Mr D Smyth & Ms N Fogale

Mr H Srivastava & Ms M Khare

Mr J Sun & Ms H Lan

L Sun & J Deng

Mr P Tan & Mrs B Chea

Mr & Mrs J Tang

Mr L Tang & Ms J Liang

Mr W Tang

Mr T Terdputham & Mrs K Ngamjariyangkul

Mr & Mrs M Thomas

Mr J Thompson & Ms N Carrick

Dr & Mrs T Thompson

Mr V Tsyrlin and Mrs I Reznik

Mr & Mrs H Van Dort

Mr I Wade & Ms A Shipp

Mrs H Wan & Mr Z Wu

Mr F Wang & Ms G Liu

Mr M Wang & Mrs C Zhang

Mr X Wang & Ms Y Chen

Mr and Dr R Want

Mr & Mrs C Watt

Mr B Wei & Mrs R Shi

Mrs L Wei

Mr & Mrs J Wewer

Mr & Mrs D White

Mr & Mrs M Whitney

Prof & Dr B Williams

Ms K Williams

Mr D Wilson & Ms N

Stafford

Ms C Wride

Ms M Wu

Mr & Ms M Wynne

Mr J Xia & Mrs J Shen

Mrs S Xia & Mr J Mei

Mr W Yang & Mrs X Li

Mr S Yang & Ms L Jin

Mr S Yang & Mrs J Zhao

Mr D Ying & Ms N Conwell

Mr A Yoshith & Ms V

Karnati

Mr H Yu