QUAERITE | The Journal of Shelford Girls’ Grammar
WINTER 2022
John has practiced law, professionally, for over 40 years (admitted 1980), including as a partner of three national law firms and at the Victorian Bar for over 18 years (signed the Roll 2004).
Paul Runting is an experienced educator with a Master of Educational Studies –Educational Leadership, from Monash PaulUniversity.hashad an esteemed career in education, including the roles of Deputy Principal, Head of Campus, Caulfield Grammar School, Wheelers Hill (2005–2020). Prior to this he worked at Scotch College, Hawthorn (1996–2004) and was the Inaugural Head of Middle School (2000–2004).
Shelford is delighted to welcome two new members to our Board.
John Morgan, who has qualifications: LLB, Bcom (University of Melbourne), also joins our Board at this time.
John Morgan
This has predominantly been in tax law. He lectured in tax law at Monash University and was appointed by the Federal Government twice for specific tax-related tasks. John is also a communicant member of the St Marys Anglican Church (now Oaktree Anglican), with which Shelford shares a long history. This a relevant qualification for at least one member of the Board.
Paul Runting
John Morgan
Paul Runting
In addition to these leadership roles and teaching English, Literature and History, Paul has been President Elect and President for the Victorian Branch of the Australian College of Educators (2016–2020); a Fellow of the Australian College of Educational Leaders; a Member of ASSIS (Association of Senior Staff in Independent Schools) and has previously been a part of the Middle School Network, a Convenor and member of several IARTV Networks, and a member of the Gifted Network and a State Reviewer – English (1993–1997) and State Assessor – English (1993–1997), and State GAT Assessor A(1995–1997).visionaryleader, Paul has strong interpersonal skills, a capacity to build community relations, a deep pedagogical knowledge and welldeveloped management skills. He is looking forward to contributing to our Property and Assets and Governance sub-committees and to the Board more generally and to getting to know the other Board members, the staff and families of Shelford and to contributing to our mission of empowering girls through education.
John is looking forward to working with the Finance sub-committee and developing the foundation at Shelford. In addition, his strong legal and taxation/finance background, will benefit the Board as a whole in its strategic and future-focused thinking.
New Board members
Principal’s welcome
our wonderful families and of course, our amazing students, who ensure there is never a dull moment and that life is full of fun and learning. I would also like to thank our talented and experienced Board members, who work so hard behind the scenes, in a voluntary capacity, to steer the ship of Shelford in the right direction.
Our Junior and Senior students have participated successfully in Cross Country carnivals, with our Year 11 and 12 students coming first in the Division 3 Cross Country for the first time in 21 years. Junior school students have actively engaged in Energy Hub and the walkathon and relished these opportunities to stay fit together.
Cover photo: Our Junior and Senior Co-Captains, Zara, Amy, Chloe and Grace.
Our students are delighted to be back with each other and enjoying the impressive range of activities that are open to them here at Shelford. We have been able to run our usual Performing Arts and Sports programs, and these are expanding and shifting to suit our current cohort of students and their interests. As I write this, the Junior School Musical, the Lion King, is reaching its zenith of excitement and anticipation, as we look forward to the performances to take place at the end of Term 2.
Our Reconciliation Assembly introduced our students to the history of the First Nation’s people in Australia and gave an overview of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. A group of staff are now working on a Reconciliation Action Plan for Shelford.
We have a group of staff and parents reviewing our current Camps, Exchanges and Trips, in order to put in place a scope and sequenced development of skills, environmental education and experiences that will allow for students to be increasingly independent. We look forward to working with the community to put together a program that will add significantly to the broad-ranging experiential experiences all Shelford students will be able to enjoy.
In the Senior School, students are enjoying Dungeons and Dragons, Philosophy, Service Learning, Debating, Public Speaking and Coding.
Whilst there is no doubt that COVID-19 has meant the last couple of years have been challenging for all, it is gratifying to see the community at Shelford working together to ensure that our students are known, nurtured and cared for.
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Our teachers are working hard to ensure that students are showing growth in all subject areas. Being back in the classrooms, enables teachers to work alongside students, re-establishes inperson relationships and ensures any gaps in knowledge or skills or uncertainties from two years of lockdowns, are managed. Our students are doing exceptionally well and are motivated to do so. They love learning and support each other in trying to do their best.
We have already enjoyed an Autumn Concert which was exceptional with a huge range of ensembles and performers represented on the evening. In addition, there have been band concerts, VCE and Scholar’s performances, Jazz Festivals and other performance opportunities for our music students. Our VCE Drama students have also performed their assessment group task.
The first half of 2022 has been characterised by a very happy return to onsite learning. Whilst we are still managing widespread illness and the subsequent frequent absences of both staff and students, it is a joy to be back at Shelford and engaged in the usual activities of school life.
While there is no doubt that COVID-19 has meant the last couple of years have been challenging for all, it is gratifying to see the community at Shelford working together to ensure that our students are known, nurtured and cared for. Thank you to all of our fabulous and dedicated staff,
We have also expanded the clubs available to students in the Junior School and many are involved in Chinese, Cooking, Coding and/or Chess clubs.
Katrina Brennan Principal
Our rowers have had a stellar year and are continuing to grow and flourish – some families have an elder daughter coaching, younger daughter competing and many weekends spent on river banks!
•include:Donations of baby items to St Kilda Mums
Service Learning
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• Easter Raffle to raise funds for Royal Children’s Hospital
• Bake Sale raising funds for breast
‘Shelford wore the colours grey and pink in order to raise awareness and bring attention to the unseen, and unvoiced disease of brain cancer, particularly in young people. The day itself included many fun activities at lunch such as the junior disco, chalk drawings, games and brain teasers to get all of Shelford together and involved in learning about the disease. We were able to raise over $1,000 through donations and merchandise sales! This was all donated to the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation. Thank you to everyone that donated, participated in activities, or even just came to school on that very special day.‘
Programs we have run in Semester 1
• Year 8 Selfless Act Program
Student reflections of Service Programs
• Junior School Kiva Program, donations made to developing businesses in developing countries
• Year 10 and 11 Business Fareshare Program, cooking in the Fareshare kitchen for people in need
Olivia M, Year 7 Eat-Up Program
• Senior Service Committee group
• Go Grey in May Casual Clothes day for brain cancer
• World’s Greatest Shave – Bridget Wilson, Year 12
‘We each had different jobs to try and make as many sandwiches as possible under the time we had. The sandwiches we made are going to under privileged kids whose parents may not have enough money or they may be neglected, the reasons for kids not having lunch in their lunchbox is endless. It is so satisfying knowing that we provided 880 lunches and that those kids would have something to eat and can now focus and learn to the best of their ability. The Eat-Up program really opened our eyes to see how many children are going through this daily.‘
• Winter coat drive for St Kilda Mums
• Year 7 and 8 Eat-Up Program, making sandwiches for those who don’t have lunch at other schools
Wecancer.areproud of our students for their willingness to always get involved and we are grateful for the generosity of our community.
‘I did my selfless act on the ANZAC day long weekend so I baked some ANZAC cookies for my neighbour. After they were cooked, I packaged them up nicely and gave them to my neighbour. When I first gave the cookies to her, she straight away asked how much they were. When I told her it was free she was so grateful. I learnt how much something simple meant to her and it made me feel really kind.’
Annabelle W, Year 8 Selfless Act Program
The Shelford Service Learning program provides students with opportunities to interact with the wider community through service focused activities. The curriculum is flexible, with the ability to be carried out as stand-alone programs or embedded into existing or developing curriculum.
Bella Sardelis Year 11 Service Committee
Annabel
Makerspace at Shelford is a creative environment where students have the opportunity to invent and learn during the lunchtime sessions in the Digitech Lab.
This year, Year 10 English has adopted a dialogue-based learning model. Our evolving model, which we refer to as the ‘Shelford Method’, draws on the traditions of conversational teaching at Oxford University and the Harkness Method, a famous form of round-table class discussion in which each participant poses and responds to questions. Our team of Year 10 English teachers – Julia Martin, Guenter Brook, and Glen Trevaskis – has been working with students to develop disciplined conversations with the intention of understanding ideas, issues and values more deeply. In our Shelford Method, students direct the classroom discussion, and the focus is on the
Clara
exploration of ideas from multiple viewpoints as well as through detailed note-taking. Inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s assertion that ‘the secret of education lies in respecting the pupil’ (Emerson, 1883 [1863], p. 143), our new approach to teaching is designed to support our students individually and as a cohort to develop their confidence in English. From 2023, VCE English classes at Shelford will be dialogue-based, with our current Year 10 English team coaching our VCE teachers. We believe that this pedagogical stance supports deep learning, reinforces knowledge, and sustains collaboration, all of which are necessary for success in the senior years.
Makerspace
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Some students choose to build using Lego, make objects from balsa wood and cardboard or work on mindful colouring. Popular tools include using the mini jigsaw and the hot glue guns. Projects can span over a few weeks or a term.
Eden
‘Makerspace is a place to let out all your creativity and let your imagination run wild. With all the craft supplies you can imagine, you could take home something amazing. I’m currently working on a mini shelf with wood.’
In the Junior school, students in Years 4 to 6 create and work on their own project. The emphasis is on hands-on learning and the space provides a wide variety of craft materials and tools for students to use. The project is only limited by the students’ imagination.
‘I like Makerspace because I can hang out with my friends whilst being creative. I love the aspect of trying new things like the jigsaw.’
‘Makerspace is really fun and is a way to get creative. You can do many things like build with Lego, use a hot glue gun or jigsaw. You can work on a project and when you are finished you can find something different to do.’
Last term, Makerspace was available for Year 7 and 8 students. While it still provides a creative space, the projects for Year 7 and 8 students are structured. Students have created small gift boxes and are now learning how to create designs using the Cricut Maker. Future projects using the Cricut include creating stickers, gift cards and iron-on transfers. Here’s what some of the Junior School students said about Makerspace:
Developing the ‘Shelford Method’ of learning and teaching English
5. Teaching and learning, with a focus on deep thinking, challenge and respect for others
3. Cultivating familiarity
Teen MHFA student feedback: ‘I have always found discussing mental health difficult. I wanted to be there for my friends but, never knew the right things to say or how and when to get help. After this course, I feel more confident in being able to recognise when my friends might need help and what to do.’
On Thursday 2 June Stephanie Silver introduced her amazing ‘I Am Mindful’ Program to our Year 9 students. We are piloting I Am Mindful as part of the Year 9 Wellbeing program, to help create students that can self-manage their mental health. Students were given a box with a toolkit and coping planning
Find out more about I Am Mindful at iammindfulco.com.au
The transition from primary to secondary school is an exciting time: new curriculum, new structures, new teachers and, for many, a new school. Nonetheless, this time can be challenging for students and their families, and so Integr8 has been designed to ensure each student’s transition to Year 7 at Shelford is a positive experience.
Integr8 is a rigorous transition program based on consistent and clear goals. It provides the structure for a range of uplifting activities which support the development of rewarding relationships between students, their families and the school community. Relationships are at the core of Integr8; welcoming families through a variety of events and building collegiate relationships with feeder primary schools deepens Shelford’s
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Interg8: A positive transition to secondary school
Best practice is often multi-faceted and, as such, Integr8 has been developed with eight key aims at its core:
7. Developing partnerships with parents, carers and professionals
2. Building confidence
8. Connecting with community
work with schools across Australia teaching students and their support systems how to manage tough times in a proactive, skilful and healthy way. Post-lockdown, Shelford feels it is important students are able to build resilience and coping skills that they may have missed over the past two years.
1. Knowing our students
Year 10 students participated in the Teen MHFA course in Term 1. This course was offered with the generous support of Glen Eira City Council. Students participated in the training program across three Wellbeing periods and were able to obtain a Certificate in Teen Mental Health First Aid. The course was delivered by accredited MHFA instructors and aims to offer early intervention, increase mental health literacy and to equip students will the practical skills required to identify and support teenage friends who may be dealing with a mental health problem until professional help is received.
6. Exploring Shelford’s values and history
Iresources.AmMindful
Teen Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Students were engaged in the program and noted the experience had equipped them with the skills to discuss big issues within their friendship groups and provided them with a better framework to approach difficult conversations.
Wellbeing
I Am Mindful
understanding of each student.
4. Developing routine and rhythm
In Term 1 the Junior School teachers undertook several hours of Professional Development to learn the concepts and practices behind the Butterfly Foundation’s strength-based and evidence-informed Body Bright Program. In Terms 2 and 3 it has been delivered to Prep–Year 6 students as part of the whole Junior School’s approach to support positive body image in children. Body image, referring to the thoughts, feelings and attitudes we hold about our body and how we look, starts developing during early childhood. It is influenced by many things, including our shape, size, weight, gender identity, and the way our body functions for us. Body Bright reinforces the concept our bodies are determined by our genes and, as such, we have little control over the way we look. The program promotes healthy attitudes and behaviours towards the body, eating and physical activity so that our Shelford students thrive at school and in life.
Senior School financial literacy with Stiletto Staircase
Financial literacy is an essential life skill but too often we overlook its importance until we need it, resulting in our opportunity to approach the world of finance methodically being lost. A young woman with power over her own money is beyond important and femalefounded Stiletto Staircase has provided our students with key knowledge, such as how to pay for university, which will affect them in the very near future.
The students loved building new friendships with students from all year levels, getting to spend some time outdoors and away from their textbooks, and acknowledging the incredible strength that they as independent, capable women possess.
Body Bright Program
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In Term 2, the Year 11 cohort have engaged with two financial literacy sessions, equipping them with vital, confidence-building tools, to negotiate the world outside the gates of Shelford.
Women’sInternationalDay
Later in our lives, as we navigated superannuation, car insurance or negotiating interest rates for bank loans, we might have thought to ourselves, ‘I wish I learnt this at school’. To combat these moments, we’ve made it part of the Senior School curriculum.
The Senior School student leaders worked with their corresponding Junior School leader to design and run these activities for students from Prep to Year 12. They included activities such as chalk drawn affirmations in front of Helenslea, a STEM inspired marshmallow tower challenge, an amazing race and a public speaking style soap box to name but a few!
On 10 March Shelford commemorated the annual International Women’s’ Day celebration through a range of student-led, engaging activities during our Wellbeing periods. The Junior and Senior School leaders collaborated to create a wide scope of activities that celebrated the strengths our students, as the strong female leaders of the future, have to offer.
Although having worked at Shelford for six years previously, this position has still broadened my working relationships. I now collaborate more closely with the Shelford administrative and marketing team as I take on event management duties. It is an exciting opportunity as I get to explore the latest education initiatives and experiences on offer to schools.
For more than three decades, Shane has been the Property Manager here at Shelford. In that time, he worked with Rob Braby and Brenton Smith as Business Managers and more recently, Modina Monaf. He also worked with four Principals; including Pam Chessell and Polly Flanagan.
A kind, generous colleague, Shane enjoyed working with all of the Shelford teachers and professional services staff over the years, particularly the Sport, Health and PE staff, with whom he worked particularly closely.
Shane’sfriends.
contribution to Shelford over many years, is significant; his warmth, energy and care were central to all that he did and meant that he was very much a part of the fabric of this great school.
We wish Shane all the best for the future and look forward to finally being able to host his farewell at Shelford in Term 3.
Always working for the good of the Shelford students, Shane took great pride in presenting the school in its most favourable light and in recent years was delighted to be able to upgrade the landscaping, Food Technology and Art facilities. He was also pleased to improve the Staff facilities in Helenslea and ‘give back’ to the wonderful teachers and his
enjoying his life postShelford and is working in Anglesea and coaching football. He looks forward to more time with his beloved family, especially his mother, and his close
After spending many years at home with my young family, my return to teaching at Shelford has reinvigorated my passion for education. It has been great to see the redevelopment and modernisation of many buildings and facilities, but more so it was incredibly heart-warming to know that the School’s supportive atmosphere was still strong. Shelford girls have such an intrinsic kindness and welcoming spirit that is so rarely seen across an entire student cohort. This was my most precious memory from my previous appointment and when I met the Year 9’s this year, I instantly felt that same positivity and acceptance.
Shane describes attending his original interview with then Principal, Elizabeth Britten, for the role. It was a very brief discussion and when Shane returned home, his mother asked him how it went and he famously replied, ‘I don’t think it is for me Mum’.
Staff news
The interview was actually successful and a job offer made. Shane found it was, in fact ‘for him’ as he stayed happily at the school for many years thereafter!
Katrina Davey returns
Farewell to Shane Farley
Being Year 9 Challenge Coordinator enables great diversity and flexibility. I have found myself contacting businesses and institutions all over Melbourne. One day I booked a virtual reality experience at the Eureka Tower for the City Challenge, a trip to the Regent Theatre for Arts Alive week and an excursion to
Staff member 1989–2021
He had the long-standing support of Fergus, who began working at Shelford as a young boy during his school holidays, and other staff members, over the years. Shane built strong working relationships with many subcontractors, including our cleaners, gardeners, builders and other tradespeople.
Dean’s Award for Megan Downie
Katrina Davey has returned to Shelford this year as the Year 9 Challenge Coordinator after a previously being Head of Humanities 2012–2015. She is also a co-author of the current edition of Oxford Humanities textbooks Years 7–9.
As we start to prepare for STEM week in Term 3, I will enjoy implementing the design thinking curriculum ideas that I have worked on when publishing STEAM projects for Oxford. After two years of interrupted learning at home, I am determined the Year 9s will have many unique learning opportunities which strengthen friendships and independence.
Katrina
Shelfordian and graduate PE Teacher and GSV CoordinatorWeekly at Shelford, Megan Downie, was recently notified she will receive the Dean’sUniversityMonashAward for Academic Excellence after graduating as the top student for the Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary and Secondary Health and Physical Education for 2021. We are so pleased for Megan and very proud of her impressive achievement.
Shanecolleagues.isalready
FareShare for the Environment Challenge.
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Megan has also been nominated for the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation Victoria Award for Most Outstanding Graduating Student by Monash University.
Baby news
First to arrive in early December was a baby girl, Hanxi, the first child for our EAL Assistant Audrey Li. Then PE Teacher AimeeClaire Lees delivered a baby boy, Logan, in the new year on 2 January.
Lulu
EvangelineLoganHanxi
We welcomed two more babies in the school holidays, both girls. Luella (Lulu) joined the family of School Psychologist Mel McInneny (Lulu’s brother and sister are smitten). And baby Evangeline arrived on 18 January to very proud Dad and firsttime parent Dr Simon Chau, Science Teacher. Huge congratulations to Audrey, Aimee-Claire, Mel, Simon and their families on the arrival of these beautiful bundles of joy!
Since the last edition of Q magazine we have welcomed four babies into the Shelford fold.
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Katrina Davey (Year 9 ThisVictoriaAssociationTeacherstheProjectaappointedrecentlyProgram)ChallengehasbeentoroleintheOfficeatGeographyof(GTAV).roleinvolves
writing curriculum for various clients and being the publications officer for the Interaction journal. Katrina also recently co-authored the Year 7–9 Oxford Humanities textbooks and is now writing the digital resources and developing cross-curricular STEAM projects with other authors from Maths and Science.
4 Food Studies. She has greatly enjoyed the process of researching and writing for the text books, as well as working in collaboration with others. These new textbooks will help support our students learning and provide teachers with well researched, evidence-based information that will support the implementation of the new study design in 2023.
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Julie Devine (Head Languages)of is a regular and highly valued and VictoriaAssociationTeacher’sLanguagethepresenterrespectedatJapaneseof(JLTAV)
forlearningprofessionalfirstAustralia’sProgramExcellencelonginparticipantinauguraltheyear-Teaching(TEP),advancedprogramhighlyskilledteachers.
Coalition of Girls’ Schools in North America, and Bright Field Consulting. Part of the program involved being partnered with a fellow international leader to create a collaborative community project. Karen’s collaborative project on the development of a bespoke middle leaders’ leadership program was recently co-presented as a recorded webinar at the Global Forum of Girls Education III in Boston.
Mel Webb (Global textbookGlobalUnitauthoredrecentlynetworkpoliticsofactiveteacher)Politicsisanmembertheglobalteachers’andco-the3and4Politicsforthe
welcomedShelford Peter Skinner to the Science Faculty at the start of 2022. Peter is teaching Year 12 Chemistry, Year 11 enjoyingScienceandChemistryYear10andtheenthusiasm
Offered by the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, the TEP is grounded in practitioner inquiry, teacher agency, reflective practice, and contemporary research. Additionally, Madeleine’s teaching practices have been featured in a chapter of a new book, Leading Learning that Matters (2021), published by Harvard University.
Shelford staff – active members of their profession
At Shelford we have many experienced teachers who are leaders within their subject fields, valued members and mentors within their professional networks, conference presenters, textbook authors and lifelong learners.
Karen Whelan Principal)(Deputy was accepted into the AssociationthepartnershipisProgramNetworkMentoringGlobalthatofferedinwithGirls’Schoolsinthe
of the girls in these classes.
Madeleine Coulombe (Head of English) was selected as an
UK, the National
Welcome Peter Skinner
Peter says an ideal work day ‘will involve seeing the light shine in the eyes of a student as they suddenly comprehend something they have struggled with in one of my classes’.
External to teaching, Peter has been involved in a continual role to develop and implement new Study Designs and in the assessment of Year 12 VCE Chemistry. Not only a passionate educator, Peter enjoys outdoor adventures such as scuba diving, rock climbing, hiking and motorcycle riding, as well as spending time with his family and friends enjoying good food.
Prior to joining Shelford, Peter was at Geelong Grammar School for 14 years, and MacRobertson Girls’ High School for 13 years. He has taught VCE Chemistry, IB Chemistry and University Enhancement Chemistry courses. Prior to this, Peter undertook roles as Scientific Officer at RMIT Department of Chemistry, and Lecturer and Tutor at the Victorian College of Pharmacy (Monash University Parkville campus).
second time.
Staff news
and last year was awarded a Life Membership of the Association in recognition of her significant contribution to JLTAV over many years including author of publications, VCAA assessor, presenter at both state and national level and creator of the website ‘Japanese Grammar Made Easy’.
Melanie Ranieri (Head of Food Studies) has andUnittextbooksbetheco-authoredrecentlysoontoreleasedfor1and2Unit3and
Alana L
Linda W
Years 5 and 6 camp
Years 5 and 6 camp
Annie A
‘My favourite part of camp was going up the escarpment in the morning, because you could see the beautiful scenery and feel the morning sun. I also enjoyed going to Sovereign Hill to see what life was like in the olden days.’
Camps
‘We arrived at school on the day of camp, all packed, RAT tested and ready to go. Once we were on the bus, we started our two-and-a-half-hour journey to Marysville. Along the way, we stopped at a small park for recess, before continuing. Once we arrived at Marysville, we met our cabin buddies and dove straight into fun activities. Other activities we participated in were rock climbing a 22-metre rock wall. It was worth the climb once you were at the top! We also participated in abseiling, which was nerve-racking, exciting and fun all at the same time! It was raining on the second day, yet we pushed through and enjoyed a very muddy bike ride and bush walk.
Year 7 camp
Year 10 camp
developed the students’ resilience, team work and leadership, as they camped in tents, cooked their own meals and survived with minimal personal amenities. They were completely taken out of their comfort zones and yet found a way to enjoy themselves, despite rain, leeches and mutant mosquitos!
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‘It was really nice on the bush walk. It was really fun to make shelters. I also liked meeting new people.’
After missing out on camp at the end of Year 9 due to COVID, the Year 10s were excited to attend an outdoor educational experience in the Baw Baw and Thompson River Region in March. Students participated in hiking, mountain bike riding, abseiling and white-water
‘I loved learning about all the Indigenous Australians’ games that they played when they were kids. I also enjoyed going on a hunt to find critters made out of clay.’
Ruby B, Year 7 Parliamentarian
Chloe B
Year 10 camp
Therafting.week
For two nights and three enjoyable days in Term 1, the Year 7 students participated in the much-anticipated Year 7 camp at Camp Marysville. This camp was an important component of the students’ transition to secondary school and offered opportunities to form new friendships and positive relationships across the year level. Students participated in adventure and other activities which developed teamwork, resilience and responsibility in a safe environment. Students cycled, went bush walking, tackled a rock-climbing wall, and enjoyed other outdoor and initiative activities.
‘My favourite part was going to Sovereign Hill and buying lollies. I thought the food at camp was yummy. My cabin was cold, but I still slept well.’
‘After so many cancelled events over the past few years, Year 7 Camp provided us with a chance to mix together, get to know other girls in our year and further develop our friendships.‘
‘This was my favourite school camp I’ve had yet … I have had some of the most memorable adventures there that I will remember for life. The amount of positivity and persistence all the students in my group, the teachers and the camp leaders showed made my first-time camping so much fun! The entire experience created a feeling of togetherness amongst my group that was so uplifting and something that I will cherish a lot.’
Jessica O
The educational camp Narmbool at Elaine, near Ballarat, is situated on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people. In addition to furthering their learning about early colonised Australia, the Shelford Year 5 and 6s enjoyed the clean, crisp, country air and magnificent views across rolling hills and volcanic escarpments to Mount Buninyong. They participated in lots of activities, learning about the environment and meeting the birds of prey. They also spent a day at Sovereign Hill, attending an Aboriginal Education Session, venturing into the Red Hill Mine and panning for gold.
Year 7 camp
Early in Term 1 a special assembly was held to induct our Year 12 Class of 2022. There were words of wisdom and inspiration from our Principal, Ms Brennan as the cohort took on their role as leaders and role models at Shelford. Co-Captains Grace and Zara talked about legacy, quoting Kalu Ndukwe Kalu: ‘The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.’ The Co-Captains propose the legacy of their cohort will be their acceptance, resilience and enthusiasm.
Fundraising achievement
Shelford students enjoyed some great success at the da Vinci Decathlon State Competition held on 3 May. The ten papers in the da Vinci Decathlon are completed by two students who work together to accurately solve as many questions as possible within a given time limit. Some papers, such as Creative Producers, Art & Poetry and Engineering have a creative component.
Our Year 7 Engineering Design (left) was awarded first place out of 53 schools who competed on the day, and our Year 8 Engineering Design (right) was awarded third place! Congratulations to all of the girls who participated in this amazing competition.
Congratulations to Elena L in Year 11, who was accepted into the University of Melbourne Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program. We were delighted to host Professor Kwong Lee Dow at Shelford where he personally congratulated Elena on her entry into this prestigious program.
Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program
Year 12 Induction
Pictured: Katrina Brennan, Principal, Young Scholar Elena, Professor Kwong Lee Dow and Pam Russell, Chair of the Board of Governors, Shelford Girls’ Grammar.
From around the school
Ruby B (Year 7) and Chloe B (Year 6) and their family fundraised a staggering amount of money at a pre-Easter lemonade stall – $2777.80! Their presentation of this to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal was covered on Channel 7. We congratulate them on their stellar example of generosity and community service.
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da Vinci Decathlon
The competition was held virtually. Though the online nature posed some problems for our teams, our students responded incredibly well to these challenges with grit, perseverance and determination, and they must be commended.
Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program is an academic enrichment program designed to support high-achieving VCE students. Students take part in a range of academic events and activities to kick start their future studies and career. Participants are also offered a guaranteed place in an undergraduate degree and an overseas scholarship during their studies.
To celebrate the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Tiger, students were involved in a range of activities including New Year Couplets or Fu (meaning good luck) Character writing. Chunlian or Couplets are red coloured strips of paper usually with black or golden calligraphy Chinese characters written on them. Our students have enjoyed writing these couplets and decorating the school.
In February we hosted a special assembly to induct our Year 6 Class of Our2022.Principal
Ms Brennan offered encouragement and insights, and presented Co-Captains Chloe and Amy and other office bearers with badges. The Co-Captains read the poem New Day’s Lyric: ‘We steadily vow that no matter how we are weighed down, we must always pave a way forward’.
In March our VCE Visual Arts students went on their annual trip to Tasmania, exploring art, architecture and creative culture. The students enjoyed the range of mediums and concepts on exhibition at MONA, which will influence them and give them confidence in their decisions with their own studies. This year the trip incorporated a live magician and comedy show which everyone enjoyed. Ms Pettigrew and Ms Patrick said it was a great pleasure to take these lovely girls to Tassie, and enjoy their happy faces and open eyes.
VCE Visual Arts Tasmania learning trip
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Lunar New Year
Year 6 Induction
Students also wore and showcased their traditional clothes and two students played traditional Chinese music instruments on campus. Our international students also received a sticky rice cake, a small gift they shared with their family and friends.
From around the school
Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge
In Term 1 52 students in Years 3 to 6 competed in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge. The Challenge is run by CSIRO and engages students’ computational thinking and problem-solving skills. Congratulations to all students who participated. The following students received a Distinction or High Distinction: Katerina B, Christina M, Aiai W, Ariana F, Emily B, Ashleigh M and Sylvie M.
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VCE Physics excursion
Our VCE Physics students enjoyed the Physics Activity Day held at Luna Park in March. Students were able to try out the rides and learn about physics concepts including forces and Newton’s laws of motion. They experienced weightlessness, freefall and the forces associated with constant circular motion. When it comes to finding the sum of multiple forces it helps to have experienced them, and with the use of accelerometers the students had valuable data to analyse when they returned to school, along with a renewed appreciation for physics!
Year 8 Sailing
In March our Year 8 students spent the day at Albert Park Lake learning to sail as part of the Year 8 Strive Program. The program includes adventurous, fun and collaborative activities that provide an opportunity to find new pursuits and passions, and learn new and practical skills. The girls enjoyed a beautiful sunny and windy day on the water, and also participated in a walking mindfulness activity.
National StorytimeSimultaneous
On Wednesday 25 May 2022 at 11am we celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime. Every year a picture book written by an Australian author is read simultaneously in libraries and schools around Australia. Students from our Junior Discover Centre listened to the story ‘Family Tree’ by written by Josh Pyke and illustrated by Ronjoy Ghosh. Our library captain Mandy C (Year 6) read the story to the students and they completed several activities including a word search and maze.
Introductory paragraph to information text on Reconciliation.
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Lauren F, Year 9, Japanese Kuyo poster
Reconciliation
Martha S, Year 11
Alana 6B
Student work
My memories are turning back to me. The horrifying screams of my family, haunting me. Sounds of shooting and my mother holding my arm so tight before large men start fiercely pulling us apart, and I just knew I would never see them again. Every day I think of what life would be like if they didn’t take me away, if I wasn’t at this children’s home, if I was at home with my family. Kevin Rudd apologised for the Stolen Generation when the children of the First Nations People were stolen and taken to children’s homes because people thought that Aboriginal people weren’t eligible to take care of children. They also thought that Aboriginal children would be improved if they came into the white society. Reconciliation Week is a week for strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. It is from the 27th of May to the 3rd of June. These two dates are very significant because it marks the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. It’s important because the First Nations people have been treated differently and extremely unfairly for the past generations. On Reconciliation week, Australia gathers to share, and learn about our history and others.
Jacqueline N, Year 10
Lucy Y, Year 8, French poster
Morning Blues
Laura H, Year 10
Then I leave my room to get ready. Slate tiles with a hint of blue. A white watchband, worn under so many blue clothes that its colour has transformed.
Baby blue on my water bottle, blueberries in my lunchbox. When I leave for school, I enter a murky-blue winter’s day. Icy-blue
Every morning I wake up the same. The screaming of my alarm alerts my body, and before I can adjust to my awakeness, my delirious mind is filled. Filled with the morning blues.
Lucy M, Year 8
Student work
The rich blues, laying on my chair in the shade of my school uniform. So many pieces of apparel, yet all are shades of the same blue hue. Sky-blue shirt, navy-blue skirt and midnight blue jumper, with the slightest amount of yellow so that, you guessed it, you notice the blue.
After sitting on azure blue bus seats, I am subjected to a blue school. Blue rooms, blue chairs, blue carpet, blue doors, blue diaries, lilac-blue buildings. I subject myself to more blue – one light and one dark pencil case; a blue-filtered computer and phone screen; the skydiver blue dictionary sitting in my locker, and my absolute favourite metallic blue pen (although I write in black).
Maybe it’s just the pessimist in me that makes all of this sound miserable. I mean, who wants to live in an all-blue world? But blue gives me such a feeling, a satisfaction. Blue is my happiness, my sadness, my melancholy, my friend. Blue means stability, strength in numbers. Blue is a lifestyle, an endless choice of shades, filled to the brim in my wardrobe. Blue is my everything, without it I would only be left with my one other colour: my opposite of blue, the other twin. Without blue, my world would sit as pink – too purposeful to sit alone. Without blue, my world (the one built inside my head, of course) would not function; I would be thrown into a state of electricity.
wind, leaving my hands ghost-white, my sodalite-blue veins showing.
A royal blue ribbon tied in my hair. Blue toothbrush and toothpaste in my Downstairs,cupboard.
Ruby L, Year 9
an Oxford blue schoolbag.
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The shadowy blues, lurking in my dark room – the first thing my eyes lay sight on after slumber. But it’s weird though. My room has no blue; it’s just the light creeping in under my door, or in the cracks of my blinds that reveal this hidden world.
Claire M, Year 2
I cannot live without my morning blues.
Bella X, Year 6
Lila R, Year 6
Bella A, Year 9
Freya A, Year 9
Sylvie M, Year 5
Alina C, Year 9
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The Dictionary of Lost Words is a feminist text. It is fiction but grounded with history and truth, which creates the feeling that you are a part of the story, living through the events, which I like. Events are accurate, like the women’s suffrage movement and World War One. The timeline of the Oxford Dictionary is true, and some characters are based on real people, such as James Murray and Dita. ‘Bondmaid’ was left out of the first edition of the Oxford Dictionary.
The Dictionary of Lost Words English oral assessment
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is an Australian book, published in March 2020. It was sixth on the Australian fiction bestsellers list of 2020 and has won several awards.
Esme starts to realise that some words in common use are not included in the dictionary – ones relating to women. This challenges her morals – if they are not written down, won’t they get lost and then who will get lost with them? – as she goes through her own personal problems throughout the book.
Some of the characters are Esme, her father, Dita who is like an aunt to Esme, and Lizzie, who is a maid in the Murray’s household. Lizzie looks after and is a friend to Esme. There are other characters like the volunteers and friends … but
Onespoilers!ofmy favourite lines in the book is ‘if the gander can do it, why not the goose’
The Dictionary of Lost Words is set in Oxford, England, from 1887 to 1928, during the height of the women’s suffrage movement and World War One.
– spoken by Tilda who is a friend of Esme. I think it encapsulates a side of the book, and it is spoken at the time when Esme starts to realise the truth behind the words, and the feminist movement is Igrowing.reallyenjoyed the book.
The book follows Esme. Her mum died giving birth and she is raised by her father, who is a lexicographer (a person who studies the dictionary). She spends her childhood under the table of the Scriptorium or Scrippy, where James Murray (her father) and a team of volunteers are producing the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. It is here, where the word ‘bondmaid’, falls off the table into Esme’s lap. Thinking it is to be discarded she keeps it. This is the first word in her dictionary of lost words. ‘Bondmaid’ is left out of the first edition of the Overdictionary.theyears, Esme slowly accumulates more words that are discarded from the dictionary, which she keeps in a trunk, which I have recreated.
Warning: it contains some strong topics like abortion and sex, and some very strong language.
Student work
Year 9 Food Technology, World on a Plate banquet
I liked it because we have all used a dictionary – it is on the school stationary list – but I saw a side of it that not many people know about.
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It is written in parts that represent different months and years, so you can see the development of the characters clearly. It is written from Esme’s point of view, which lets you see her daily life in the strongly male dominated world of the time.
Maya V, Year 3
Phoebe X, Prep
Rosie Z, Year 3
Freya A, Year 9
showed the same level of commitment to their training and racing during the most adverse of times.
Given the challenges faced by our families and the School during this time, Shelford Rowing has been a beacon of light for so many of our students, providing purpose and motivation for our crews that has resulted in some of our best performances in our relatively short history. With approximately a third of our Senior School students choosing to row, Shelford boasts one of the largest boat clubs per school population within the country.
Our reputation for producing highly competitive scullers continues to gain momentum, with both our Senior Double Sculls ranked in the top four crews within Victoria and a Bronze Medal at the State Championships won by Bianca B and Rosie D. This crew combined with Bethany O’K and Olivia S to win the Division 1 Coxed Quad at the Australian Henley Regatta, alongside the Senior Four who won the Under 21 Coxed Sweep
a strong and committed cohort of Intermediate and Junior crews who demonstrated the very best traits required of rowers, the future of Shelford Rowing is exciting and full of promise. Whether cox or rower, our girls train hard, race with courage, showing the greatest support for each other and pride in representing Shelford. In the ‘ultimate team sport’, they have proven themselves to be the ultimate team!
In our 20th year of Rowing, Shelford has won its first Division 1 Medal at the 2022 Head of School Girls Regatta (HOSG). The Senior Coxed Four of Izzy K, Harmony Y, Georgia K, Ava M, coxed by Millie L, produced the race of their season, in the slowest lane on the Barwon River, to clinch the Bronze Medal behind Loreto Ballarat, and the State and National Champion crew from Ballarat and Clarendon College.
The performance of our crews at the 2022 HOSG rounded out what has been an outstanding season for Shelford Rowing, with wins in many regattas and significant improvement shown by all crews along the journey. The Senior crews have led the way as usual, commencing their training online during the lockdowns that defined the Victorian way of life during the past two years. They were well supported by our Intermediate and Junior crews who
WithFour.
One of the unique aspects of Shelford Rowing is the breadth of Boat Classes our girls are able to compete in, giving our students the opportunity to develop both their sculling and sweep skills.
Rowing report
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Whilst Shelford has been highly competitive at both a State and National level over many years, and have been ranked in the Top 10 Schoolgirl Crews in Australia twice within the last four years, winning a medal in the Open 1st Division at the HOSG has eluded us until now. This was a most significant milestone in Shelford Rowing history.
Junior Champions (Years 7–8): Hanna L and Izzy A Intermediate Champion (Years 9–10): Thanya V Senior Champion (Years 11–12): Mia W
Junior House Sport Cross Country Wednesday 30 March
All Senior School students participated in the second annual House Cross Country Carnival around Elsternwick Park. Year 7 and 8 students completed a 3km course, while Year 9–12 students embraced the challenge, completing a 4km course. Once again House spirit was on display with lots of House colours, costumes and cheering.
Team results: 1st place Lloyd, 2nd place Langley, 3rd place Thomas and 4th place Blundell.
Junior Champion (Years 7–8): Hanna L Intermediate Champion (Years 9–10): Sienna S
Athletics Carnival
Team results: 1st place Langley, 2nd place Lloyd, 3rd place Blundell and 4th place Thomas.
Wednesday 30 March
Cross Country Carnival
Junior Champions (Years 7–8): Teannah P and Annabelle W Intermediate Champion (Years 9–10): Octavia T
In Term 1 we had our Junior School House cross country event at Elsternwick Park. As this was our first House carnival of the year students were filled with excitement. House spirit was flowing from the moment students arrived on the bus to the moment the results were announced.
Senior Champion (Years 11–12): Jay L
Senior House Sport Swimming and Diving Carnival
Thomas House took out the win with a close victory over Lloyd, followed by Blundell and Langley. Our individual winners were Maya V (9 years), Holly H (10 years), Roma P (11 years) and Alana L (12 years).
Tuesday 8 February
Sport report
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Thursday 26 May
Held at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, students eagerly participated in the first of the year’s House carnivals with enthusiasm and dressed from head to toe in their House colours. The weather was picture perfect and set the scene for a great day in the pool. Students competed in a number of traditional 50m and 100m events, as well as some new 25m races which were teeming with entrants and bought a new level of excitement and participation. Students’ amazing diving talents were also on display.
Senior Champion (Years 11–12): Charlie G
Team results: 1st place Langley, 2nd place Blundell, 3rd place Lloyd and 4th place Thomas.
After postponing the original date due to the weather forecast, our second attempt at the newly renovated Sandringham Athletics Track was a success and had a very regional carnival feel due to the School being hit by COVID and the flu. However, the show went on and we saw some amazing efforts in both track and field events. Congratulations to all of the competitors and volunteers for their contributions in the rain!
In Term 2 we started our GSV Cross Country program. After our first four weeks of training we challenged ourselves against the seven other schools in a Preliminary Carnival. At the conclusion we finished 7th which meant we competed in Division 3 at the Championship Carnival.
Swimming Carnival
With our first uninterrupted season of GSV Weekly Sport since 2019, Shelford students have come back stronger than ever, with over 100 students participating in Term 1, and a huge 140 students in Term 2. It is these numbers that remind us how pivotal Sport is in the lives of young people and how the GSV program at Shelford continues to support and grow the abilities of the many Studentsparticipants.participated in sports including AFL, Indoor Cricket, Netball, Softball, Triathlon and Tennis. It was not only great to see Shelford students back participating in competitive sport, but to see the continual persistence and determination throughout the season. Congratulations to all involved!
Carnival. The Junior divers overcame their nerves to successfully perform all of their dives to competition standard. A special mention to Lucy D (Year 9, pictured) who won the Intermediate Diving Champion title at the GSV Finals night.
Weekly sport
Swimming and Diving
Cross Country Carnival
Two weeks later we set off to Cruden Farm for our final competition of the season where our Seniors placed 1st and were awarded the Division 3 Senior Trophy, our Intermediates placed 4th, and Juniors finished 8th.
SYDSA Sport (Junior School)
The swim season began differently this year, with students training twice weekly at Caulfield Grammar’s new indoor pool. Students then walked back to school to enjoy breakfast before their classes began. The divers also trained at a new venue this year, using Mentone Girls’ Grammar’s facility. The girls trained with enthusiasm and dedication, demonstrating improvement in their performances.
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GSV Sport (Senior School)
Cross Country
With strong teams across Juniors, Year 9 and Year 12, the girls achieved some fantastic individual and team results in the Division 3 Championship
Charlie G was also one of ten students selected in the GSV representative cross country team to compete on 20 August – she is the first Shelford student to ever be selected!
We took our team of 18 swimmers to the SYDSA swim carnival on 21 February at MSAC where we finished 6th out of all the schools. Although we didn’t get the team results, we did have some individual success with three of our students qualifying for the Division carnival – Jane W in both of her individual events (Freestyle and Butterfly), Abbey M in both of her individual events (Backstroke and Butterfly) and Christina M for Butterfly.
In Term 2 34 Junior School students were selected in our Shelford Cross Country team. The students did an amazing job, pushing through the wind, rain and mud. We had some team success on the day finishing 2nd overall, and individual success with Holly H finishing 6th and advancing through to the Division carnival.
As a combined team we placed 4th overall. We not only saw success as a team, we also celebrated some amazing individual results. In the Seniors Charlie G finished 1st and Elena L finished 4th. In Intermediates Sienna S finished 5th and in Juniors Hannah L finished 9th.
The 2022 Autumn Concert featured the breadth of ensembles across the Junior and Senior School. Ranging from String Quartet’s to Jazz Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble, the evening really had a piece of everything. Being able to run the event in its traditional home, the Shelford Hall, was even more special after the last two years of lockdowns. The evening was a great success and a credit to staff and students.
Soirees
Music Camp
Held at St Leonards College, this was the first year our Jazz Ensemble performed at the All State Jazz Competition. The competition was fierce, but the girls rose to the occasion and performed remarkably well. Year 12 saxophonist, Dishita
For our Music ensembles the year started off with a bang! The inaugural Music Camp ran on the weekend of 29 and 30 January and involved students across the Junior and Senior School. The camp was hosted at Shelford, giving our ensembles the perfect kickstart in preparation for the year ahead.
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Shelford Dance Club
All State CompetitionJazz
Performing Arts
Autumn Concert
Across the year there are many opportunities for students to perform, whether it’s in our informal concert practice’s or in an Instrumental or String Soiree. The soirees have always been a enjoyable afternoon of music, and these were no exception. I would like to congratulate the students that performed.
We have seen the return of all the activities that make the Performing Arts an exciting hub for students across the whole school during 2022. Whether it’s students in a Music ensemble, Dance club or play, there is something for every student to be involved.
G, performed an oboe solo (not a common instrument in jazz) and was given a special note at the end of the performance.
The Shelford Dance Club is a new initiative for 2022, lead by Kelsey Holden. While many of the girls involved have a background in dance, it is certainly not a prerequisite, but a love of dance is! The group practice Thursday mornings before school, working on routines that will be performed a little later in the year. Stay tuned for their performances next semester.
All students in Years 5 and 7 are involved in the Band Program. This gives students an opportunity to learn an orchestral instrument, as well as being able to perform as an ensemble. Recently the Year 5 and Year 7’s presented a concert to friends and family, to showcase what they have learnt so far this year. Performing as both a large ensemble and in sections, the students all performed exceptionally well. To build on the enthusiasm that the students have demonstrated, learning their new instruments in a new ensemble, Junior Concert Band, will be starting up in Term 3.
Year 5 and Year 7
VCE Drama Units 1 and 3 Devised PerformanceEnsemble
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For this year’s VCE Drama Unit 1 and 3, students developed and presented a short Devised Ensemble Performance. For 2022 the stimulus for their Devised Ensemble Performances was ‘Propaganda’. As a part of devising their ensemble performance, students developed a work that incorporated an application of symbol and transformation of character, time and place. Students were also expected to manipulate conventions, dramatic elements and production areas, to create and to communicate meaning in their pieces and to represent character.
Band Program
The aim of the City Challenge week is for students to build their independence, understand the opportunities that exist in the city and develop an understanding of its history and cultural diversity.
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Year 9 City Challenge
In total Shelford girls visited over 25 cultural institutions in four days and were able to hear from three City of Melbourne guest speakers including one of the people leading the Future Melbourne 2026 initiative, Mr Peter Armstrong, CEO of Invest Melbourne. They also experienced a restaurant meal at one of Melbourne’s many multicultural precincts.
After four days exploring the city, on the last day of term, students had just three lessons back at school to create a group presentation or video on their Future Melbourne Goal and launch their ideas about reactivating Melbourne.
During the last week of Term 1, the Year 9 Challenge program commenced with all students participating in the City Challenge.
When asked ‘What was the best feature of the City Challenge?’ over 75% of students said ‘spending time with friends outside of school.’ After two years of learning from home, being able to connect with each other and embark on an adventure was the greatest achievement of the week. While the Year 9 students discussed how to reignite Melbourne, they were actively reigniting their friendships.
Polly KatrinaG Davey Year 9 Challenge Coordinator
‘For me, I found that after all of the time that was taken from us during COVID, this week was really special as I was able to spend time with my friends and explore the city in depth after being away from it for so long.’
This was a highlight for most girls. ‘I personally loved the multicultural lunch. My group selected Korean cuisine and attended a lively restaurant on Swanston Street called Dooboo Korean. We all enjoyed a variety of different plates, and I think this experience added a more diverse and creative feel to city challenge.’
Year 9 explored many prominent places including the Shrine of Remembrance, a tour of Birrarung Marr with the Koorie Heritage Trust, the Immigration Museum, the State Library, the Old Melbourne Gaol and they participated in a courtroom trial at the Old Magistrates Court. In smaller groups they experienced the Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne Metro tunnel, virtual reality, Yarra river cruises, the Melbourne Museum, ice-skating and more.
During the term, students had worked in groups and planned their week ready to investigate one of the nine Future Melbourne Goals 2026. This is a decade long vision created by the City of Melbourne with priorities to maintain Melbourne’s status as one of the most liveable cities in the world. The goals for each group included a prosperous city, a creative city, a connected city, a city for people and more. Students worked as a team to develop a mission statement before they began their inquiry in the city.
Student feedback overwhelmingly mentioned the girls’ new-found independence as stated by Caitlin Y: ‘I think that the most important part of City Challenge was that I was able to take back with me was the sense of growth that I felt after developing a whole new level of independence in the city and expanding my knowledge of the history of the City of Melbourne.’
Manaal TA
Emma Young, Director of Curriculum and Innovation, planned a special presentation event at Oaktree Anglican Church Hall opposite Shelford and each group showcased their work and built confidence in their public speaking skills at a lectern with a microphone. With the
pressure of limited time, working as a team and then leading a presentation, the City Challenge definitely earnt its title!
After two years of COVID-19, our students were given the same challenging question posed to the public last year by the City of Melbourne ‘How can we reactivate the vibrancy of the city and reimagine how we use it?’ This brought a strong sense of authenticity and purpose to the week.
Helenslea is now used as Shelford’s reception and office building and still stands as one of the oldest mansions in Caulfield.
Dedication, 1923
Helenslea was officially opened as part of Shelford on Thursday 22 February 1923, by his Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne. However, the building itself was originally constructed as a mansion for Sir George Stephen in 1863 and was owned by several prominent figures over the years.
100 years of Helenslea
19291954
1972
the grounds, with Miss Blundell being one of the major donors. Miss Blundell went on to be the namesake of the Blundell House now at Shelford. The building was renovated to become suitable for teaching and an official opening ceremony was held in 1923 as the new location for Shelford. Another House namesake, Canon Henry Thomas Langley also attended the ceremony.
After Stephen’s death in 1879, Helenslea and its contents were sold to Mr Sholto Douglas, before being sold again shortly after to Sir Joseph Henry Hood (1846–1992). Hood went to Scotch College, then Melbourne University and became a highly successful lawyer. He was the first barrister born and raised in Melbourne to become a judge of the Supreme Court. Hood was known for being a fair and careful lawyer, but also for throwing amazing parties at Helenslea. The Hood family were also good friends with the Sargood family who owned Ripponlea Estate at the time. When Hood became ill, he divided the Helenslea estate into 48 blocks and sold the land, with the mansion being sold for £2,180. Hood’s legacy now lives on through the naming of Hood Crescent, and students nicknaming the cafeteria ‘the Hood’ for many years.
Sir George Stephen era
Mr Ernest Campbell Ludbrook (1861–1925) was the lucky purchaser of Helenslea in 1916, and by 1922 the value of the property had almost doubled. At that time, Canon Langley of St Mary’s Church wanted to purchase the property to turn it into a school. He initiated a fundraising drive for the deposit to buy
We are coming up to the 100th anniversary of the opening of Helenslea, and whilst the building is used and loved by many members of the Shelford community, not many know about its history.
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Sir George Stephen QC (1794–1879) was a British lawyer, author and anti-slavery proponent. His family were known for being legal and literary experts, and he was the great uncle of famous Author Virginia Woolf, whose work you might be able to find in the library today. When he moved to Victoria in 1855, he worked as a lawyer and was appointed as the third Queen’s Counsel (QC). When Stephen moved to Helenslea it had an entrance fronting Glen Eira Road, with gates near the corner of Glen Eira Road and what is now Helenslea Road. His son also lived close by, near the corner of Orrong Road and Glen Eira Road.
UniformSecondhandShop
It is hard to imagine that we are halfway through 2022 already as we head into the winter break. It’s great that we are all finally free to travel outside Melbourne, and hopefully many Shelford families will have the opportunity to share and enjoy some time together during the break.
• Winter Solstice Event.
• Celebrating Mothers Luncheon
The SPA Secondhand Uniform Shop continues to provide a wonderful service to families. In Term 1 SPA donated $585 from the shop’s sales to Red Cross Flood Relief for New South Wales and FollowingQueensland.this event, Tania Kilbane and Cris Batsios, who had helped create the Secondhand Uniform Sale, stepped down after three years of passion and tireless effort running this service. Tania, Cris and former SPA President, Nikki Carrick identified an opportunity to help Shelford families, and provide the option to purchase second-hand school uniforms. With this initial concept, they established and continuously enhanced the Secondhand Uniform Sale and House t-shirts throughout the last three years.
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Shelford Parents’ Association
After a particularly strange few years, friend-raising within the school community is one of Shelford Parents’ Association’s (SPA) key objectives through its many annual events and activities. This year, SPA is fortunate to have a dynamic team creating a number of exciting new initiatives, which in addition to building community spirit also helps to raise funds to improve the School’s properties and amenities for the benefit and value of the Thisstudents.year, SPA will contribute to outdoor furniture, the purchase of percussion instruments used in band programs and equipment for the Robotics and Digitech Lab. As we are now halfway through the year, it is timely to reflect on some of the key initiatives to date in 2022. In conjunction with the School, SPA has •organised:Welcome Parents Drinks and Nibbles
• Junior School Walkathon
We extend our deepest thanks to Tania and to Cris for their initiative and outstanding work with the Secondhand Uniform Shop. It’s no exaggeration to say hundreds of Shelford families have benefited from this initiative – and will continue to do so.
• Annual Mother’s Day Stall
• Junior School Disco
Thank you to all of our volunteers for their incredible efforts and energies – you make such incredible initiatives possible.
Term 2 was particularly busy for SPA, holding four major inaugural events.
The Junior School Walkathon was a great initiative to raise money while keeping our students fit, active and healthy. The girls had so much fun and were full of energy while completing their laps of the oval. We look forward to announcing the winners in Term 3.
We held our first Winter Solstice Event This whole-school evening celebration attended by around 350 people featured market stalls, a variety of activities, music and food. We were delighted to see a sneak peek of the Lion King Jr. performance at this event and were in awe of the talents displayed by the other musical performances including String and Jazz groups.
Events
The Shelford Parents’ Association has set itself an ambitious agenda for 2022 and continues to work hard for our wonderful Shelford school community. If you would like to get involved in any of our activities, please contact any SPA member, or email us at spa@shelford.vic.edu.au
Andy Langridge and Andrew Mott SPA President and Vice-president
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Our first Celebrating Mothers Luncheon was another successful event held at the picturesque West Beach Pavilion, St Kilda and enthusiastically attended by mothers, grandmothers, special people and supporters from across the School. We were delighted to welcome Chair of the Board, Pam Russell, to attend. It was a beautiful celebration of mothers and all that they achieve and do.
The first Junior School Disco was a huge success, with 100 Junior School students attending. The girls loved dressing up, dancing, wearing glow bands and of course, the karaoke was a huge hit.
From the Class of 2021, 56 students applied to University for 2022. Three students have deferred their study and three students decided to not enrol in the course they were offered.
Where are they now?
students are enrolled in a double degree.
to study in QueenslandCanberra, and New South Wales.
andManagementCommerceHealthCreativeArtsArchitectureandBuildingEducationEngineeringrelatedstudies
Our Year 12 2021 cohort are enrolled in a vast array of courses. The most popular being Arts, and Science/Biomedicine. have deferred their study until
26 QUAERITE | Winter 2022
Commerce/Business
early placement and enrolled in courses before they received their results.examination3 We had students receive interstate
students
17 17 7 3 2 2 2
Society and culture Natural and Physical Sciences
Class of 2021 course areas
Double degrees are proving very popular with our students, giving the option of two different areas of employment. were offered offers
2023. 3
Class of 2021
13 students
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 WeTelephoneshelfordians@shelford.vic.edu.au95247467arealsoalwaysinterestedinreceiving
After leaving Shelford, Belinda went onto study an Arts degree in Geography at La Trobe University. It was around this time that she met her future husband Dave Matthews, a teacher and talented surfer from Jan Juc. They married in 1996 and had two sons, Sam and Max. They shared many happy and devoted years together living on the Surf Coast.
age Belinda showed a talent in Calisthenics. One of her first performances was with sister Jo around age three. It was a love that would continue throughout her life. Around 2005 Belinda combined her two loves, teaching and dancing by founding the Surf Coast Calisthenics Club.
Belinda passed away two weeks after suffering a severe bleed from a brain aneurysm. Her beloved Dave was at her bedside to say goodbye. Losing such a valued, dear friend has been devastating for the Class of ’86. She is survived by her husband Dave, sons Sam and Max, mother June, sister Jo, brother Matt and the extended Pearson family.
Vale Belinda Jane Matthews (Nee Pearson Class of 1986)
A brilliant and devoted teacher and mother, loving and loyal friend, champagne enthusiast and connoisseur of all things pleasurable, Boubie lived life to the full. A true role model for all of us.
Georgia talked about the support that Shelfordians have given Y-House including a governing board that includes multiple Shelfordians.
Belinda (13.01.1969–28.01.2022) entered Shelford at the beginning of Year 9 (1983). Her vivacious and easy-going personality saw her fitting in instantly and she soon was affectionately known as Boubie, Boub (for short) or formally The Boubit. Now there are several versions of how Belinda came to have that name, but no-one can tell you with certainty, all everyone knew was that Boub, was a name that suited her. She was universally loved and stayed close to many Shelford girls over her life.
SOAR program and took on the role of learning design Fromachieveherencouraginglovedjob.abouttalkBelindacoach.wouldpassionatelyherShetrulytoteach,studentstotheirbest.averyyoung
We were delighted to welcome back Georgia Retallick (Class of 2009) to speak to at our International Women’s Day GeorgiaAssembly.is the driving force behind Y-House which she founded as an 18-yearold in 2010. Y-House, a not-for-profit organisation, that creates options for young people currently living in aged care. Georgia started her journey after watching a program on Angela Barker, a 16-year-old in aged care – she realised she couldn’t ‘be mad about this issue without trying to change it’. Georgia faced many barriers and challenges setting up Y-House, due to her young age and gender, and said her Shelford education allowed her to ‘push through’. She encouraged her audience to be resilient and ‘your own cheerleader’.
Huge congratulations to Lauren Lenny (nee James, Class of 2005) who welcomed her second daughter Mia Brooke Lenny on 24 May 2022, weighing 3.4kg. Both Lauren and Mia are doing well. Lara, now two years old, has been particularly excited to welcome her little sister!
donations to our archive collection.
International Women’s day speaker: Georgia Retallick
Baby news
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I am richer for having known Boubie and to have shared many years of loyal friendship. I miss her.
Belinda’s energy as an active member of the local community saw her being involved in many clubs such as the Torquay Cricket Club, Torquay Football Club, Jan Juc Cricket Club, Surf Coast Basketball and the Torquay Board Rider’s Club.
Belinda was the second of three children to single mum June. She had an older sister Jo, younger brother Matt, and grew up in Mt Waverley in the 1970s. Belinda finished her time at Shelford when completing her HSC in 1986. She was in Lloyd house and elected Sports Captain in her final year. Belinda was a very enthusiastic and energetic contributor to the school community. She would participate in most activities the School offered including the combined Drama productions with Caulfield Grammar. It was this involvement in school life that enabled her to reflect and share her loving memories with old school friends and family with regularity.
Belinda drew on her degree to teach part time at various schools including Dandenong High, Queenscliff High and Newcombe Secondary College before settling at Sacred Heart College in Geelong. She taught there for around 14 years teaching VCE Geography and Humanities. She also coordinated the
Shelfordian news
Reflection by Carrie Higgs, School Captain (Class of 1986)
This year we have hosted a suite of reunions, including the last of the catch-up reunions. We were very excited to welcome back former teachers and students alike to our wonderful School. It has been a delight reconnecting with alumni from the Classes of 1962, 1972, 1982, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2019 and 2020.
Our alumni toured the school, reliving many fond memories, then spent time catching up. We look forward to welcoming more Shelfordians back soon!
Class of 1972
Class of 1982
Class of 1962 Class of 1962
Back row from left (using school names): Michelle Dear, Marion Wright, Louise Marks, Lyn Blake, Barbara Godby. Front row from left: Sue Callendar, Elizabeth Landry, Jenny Pitt, Elizabeth Beyer, Kay Webb.
Like many of our year levels, Shelfordians are spread across the world and it was wonderful to have representatives join us at our 20 and 30-year reunions from Singapore and the Northern Territory.
28 QUAERITE | Winter 2022
Class of 1982
Class of 1972
Reunions
The Class of 1969 held their annual reunion at Rococa on Saturday 19 March 2022.
Class of 1990
Class of 2001
2002
Class
Class of 1992 of
Class of 2020
Class of 2019
29 Reunions and events 2022 • Friday 5 August: Nepean Branch Lunch • Friday 12 August: Classes of 2012 (10 years) and 2017 (5 years) • Thursday 20 October: Class of 2021 (1 year)
Class of 2001
Class of 2020
Class of 1992
Victoria F, Year 11 Studio Arts Unit 3 Development Work
