St Catherine's News - Autumn 2019 by St Catherine's School

Incorporating the Old Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bulletin AUTUMN 2019

Leadership

Senior School

Staff Profiles

Curriculum

Leading Blogs

Our Community

VCE Results

Boarding

Foundation

Trips & Exchanges

Archives

School Captains

Early Learning Centre

Junior School

For the latest St Catherine’s news and regular updates visit www.stcatherines.net.au Editorial Ms Ursula Mooney Assistant Editors Ms Deirdre McDermott, Ms Kerrie Mussert, Ms Narda Edmondson Design Ms Ruth Gavin

Junior School Barbreck Opening

Old Girls’ Bulletin

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A Sense of Community

Cover Photo Isabella Wilkins (Year 2) Contributors Thank you to all Early Learning Centre, Junior School and Senior School staff and SCOGA (St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association). The Bulletin Editor Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79)

For editorial queries, feedback or change of address, please email marketing@stcatherines.net.au For extra photos and video, read St Catherine’s News eMag online at www.stcatherines.net.au/ about-us/publications

Official Junior School – Barbreck Opening: Junior School Captains Chloé Favaloro and Audrey Doan lead Her Excellency, The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria through the newly opened Village Green

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

and have fun with friends and I wish to acknowledge the contribution of the Parents’ and Friends’ Association to this wonderful outdoor space.

From the Chair of Council The commencement of the new school year has been filled with excitement as well as some tremendous opportunities for St Catherine’s students. It has been an absolute honour to welcome several eminent guests through the Heyington gates this term, namely Her Excellency, The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria and The Honourable Julie Bishop MP, Member for Curtin and former Minister for Foreign Affairs. It was a great pleasure to welcome Her Excellency, The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, to officially open our new Junior School – Barbreck on Tuesday 26 February. This was a very special occasion not only for the St Catherine’s School community, but also for Her Excellency who is a past St Catherine’s student and Barbreck girl. Her Excellency reminded us all that the possibilities for our Barbreck girls are infinite. I congratulate our Barbreck girls for performing their duties so admirably, singing so beautifully and speaking so confidently. It was wonderful to see the highly anticipated Village Green completed and able to be enjoyed by our Barbreck girls. The Village Green is a vibrant space to explore, run, climb, kick the footy

I also had the pleasure of announcing the name of the front drive to Barbreck as the ‘Anne Smith Avenue’ in honour of Miss Anne Smith who served as Head of the Junior School between 1980 and 2000. Anne was the longest-serving Head of Junior School in the School’s history. She was instrumental in shaping the educational experience of generations of St Catherine’s women and we are pleased to be able to recognise her significant contribution to St Catherine’s School in this way. I would like to once again express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to members of our school community who have enabled the completion of the new Junior School – Barbreck. Every donation, large or small, assisted and we are grateful to everyone who invested in their daughters and trusted the School to deliver a very special building for very special girls, on time and on budget. A Donor Board acknowledging all contributions is located at the entrance to Barbreck. I would like to warmly welcome Ms Karen McArdle to St Catherine’s School as the new Head of the Junior School. Karen succeeds Mrs Alana Moor who retired from the position at the end of 2018. With over 18 years’ experience as a head of junior school and a wealth of experience in areas of professional learning, Karen brings to the role considerable expertise in school leadership, curriculum development and leading exemplary practice in teaching and learning. Her warm, friendly approach will enable our Barbreck girls to thrive under her leadership. I hope all students, parents and staff had a delightful start to the school year. I look forward to another exciting year ahead as Chair of St Catherine’s School Council. Ms Jane Hodder Chair of Council

From the Principal It has been an honour and a privilege to recently welcome Her Excellency, The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, to officially open the new Junior School – Barbreck and The Honourable Julie Bishop MP, Member for Curtin in the House of Representatives, and until recently, the first female Minister for Foreign Affairs, who delivered inspiring addresses at our Senior School Assembly and our Foundation Breakfast and provided invaluable time to our VCE Global Politics and Legal Studies classes. Our Year 12 students also had the benefit of listening to a highly motivating address by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Ms Sally Capp, who attended as our guest speaker at the Year 12 Breakfast in January. Each woman, in her own right, is more than a shining, exceptional example of women who successfully lead with a style that could only be defined as a ‘feminine strength’. Each woman has exemplified dignity, grace and courage throughout their leadership journey and importantly, each woman is an inspiration for our St Catherine’s students today. In 1962, Eleanor Roosevelt wrote “example is the best lesson there is.” Following her role as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms Bishop, was awarded the inaugural United States Mission Award for

LEADERSHIP

FEMININE STRENGTH The St Catherine’s School year has commenced with the most extraordinary level of opportunity for our girls and community members to hear and learn from some of the most influential women in Australia.

Leadership Excellence, in honour of Eleanor Roosevelt. Ms Bishop was honoured as an exemplar of Roosevelt’s very phrase: “example is the best lesson there is”. More than a half-century after her death, Eleanor Roosevelt continues to inspire women. If you ask female politicians and diplomats whose legacy has most inspired them, Eleanor Roosevelt’s name is often cited. Undoubtedly, girls need to see confidence, leadership and accomplishment in other women in order to envision themselves with these qualities. Such role models can influence how a girl views their own potential and can use them as a reference for whom they will become and the behaviour they will emulate. At the Official Opening of our new Junior School, our young Barbreck girls were in awe of Her Excellency, The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, herself a Barbreck girl and a St Catherine’s graduate. The Governor’s sheer enjoyment of returning to her old school was certainly visible and a touching addition to a beautiful ceremony shared by many in our community. The vision of who a Barbreck girl can grow to become was present for all to see. At St Catherine’s, we continually strive to provide opportunities for our girls to be

inspired by women. Our VCE Global Politics and Legal Studies students, participating in a boardroom style meeting with Ms Bishop, utilised this extraordinary opportunity to strengthen their own understanding of the VCE curriculum with pre-prepared questions focused towards their learning from her extensive experiences, both in parliament and as the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Global Politics student Phoebe Lund said “It was interesting to hear Ms Bishop’s views on major political matters and issues, such as her beliefs on the current refugee debate in Australia, as well as her time on the United Nations Security Council, as she dealt with the missile attack on the Malaysia Airlines Flight in 2014. Additionally, it was also fascinating to hear her passion for the empowerment of women.” As the head prefect of her old school, St Peter’s Girls’ School in Adelaide, Ms Bishop attributed the success of her career to the encouragement and education she received at school. Through her own schooling experience, Ms Bishop shared that she felt an enormous sense of opportunity, optimism and inspiration. She described her teenage self as “busy, active, organising everything, loving sport and enjoying the company of her friends immensely”.

Our Senior School students enjoyed hearing first-hand Ms Bishop’s encouragement to “dream big and aim high and to not allow others to define you.” Each woman shared an admirable work ethic and commendable commitment to service leadership; yet, their career journeys were not without challenge requiring courage and fortitude. Ms Capp told the Year 12 students that through embracing challenge and change as a learning experience, young people importantly understand more about their own capacity. As young women, she implored the girls to develop confidence and the skills to articulate their needs by communicating confidently and with intent. After spending time with our St Catherine’s girls, I trust The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Ms Bishop and Ms Capp walked through the Heyington gates with an understanding of the unique St Catherine’s culture, coupled with a sense of great hope for the young women who will step forward with confidence into the future. Mrs Michelle Carroll Principal

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

CHANGES TO END OF SEMESTER REPORTS To enhance learning, our students receive feedback from their teachers on work they do in class and work completed at home. This work may consist of homework tasks, assignments, tests, essays, research projects and exams. Teachers provide feedback in the form of written comments, verbal feedback and electronic feedback such as embedding comments on students’ work submitted in digital formats. The most traditional form of feedback on student progress is the end of semester and end of year reports. Dr Hilary Hollingsworth from the Australian Council for Educational Research, recently wrote an article titled The End of the Semester Report? Dr Hollingsworth cited the recent Gonski report, which includes the following recommendation: “Introduce new reporting arrangements with a focus on both learning attainment and learning gain, to provide meaningful information to students and their parents and carers about individual achievement and learning growth.” In 2019, St Catherine’s Senior School will no longer provide a traditional end of semester academic report. In its place will be an academic transcript containing the overall grade achieved in each subject and where applicable, the grade achieved in end of semester exams. There will continue to be a form comment and details about cocurricular achievements and awards. The traditional subject based comments can be viewed and downloaded from the School portal at any time. Our learning management system, Schoolbox, has the capacity for teachers to provide information about girls’ learning

in regular instalments in place of semester reports. Teachers will publish feedback on assessments completed at regular intervals during a school term rather than just at the end of a semester. Dr Hollingsworth writes that James Leckie, co-founder and director of Schoolbox, observes that “there is certainly a trend towards schools removing the requirement for teachers to enter any additional information at the end of the semester. The centrality of the traditional semester report as the cornerstone for communicating to parents about their child’s learning, seems to be ‘a paradigm that is changing’”. The traditional end of semester report while pertaining to provide ‘progress’ about students, often focuses on performance – or attainment – rather than learning gain. The continuous feedback model which is provided on the portal, will give feedback about learning and growth in a girl’s studies as well as their performance. By focussing on regular communication to students and families we are moving away from a narrow focus on students’ performance and achievement against year level expectations, rather than the gains that a girl makes over time. We believe this shift in reporting on student progress will provide more effective communication not just to the girls but also their families. Mr Robert Marshall Director of Teaching and Learning Reference: https://www.acer.org/au/cari/articles/continuous-studentreporting-the-next-step (Australian Government Department of Education and Training, 2018, p.31 https://docs.education.gov.au/node/50516).

CURRICULUM

FOCUSSING ON SOFT SKILLS “And the most important skills will be the soft skills, the empathic, personal ways of interaction that set humans apart from digital entities.” – BBC Storyworks, 2019. During the summer break, I spent some time reading articles acknowledging the need for ‘soft skills’ gained both in the classroom and outside the classroom. Soft skills are “the personal attributes, personality traits, inherent social cues, and communication abilities needed for success on the job. Soft skills characterise how a person interacts in his or her relationships with others. Unlike hard skills that are learned, soft skills are similar to emotions or insights that allow people to ‘read’ others. These are much harder to learn, at least in a traditional classroom. They are also much harder to measure and evaluate. Soft skills include attitude, communication, creative thinking, work ethic, teamwork, networking, decision making, positivity, time management, motivation, flexibility, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution.” (What Are Soft Skills? 2019) The St Catherine’s School 2020 Vision outlines our aspiration to prepare our students for the world of the future: “St Catherine’s is committed to nurturing and empowering independent and globally responsive young women, enabling them to approach all their endeavours with confidence, wisdom and integrity.” At St Catherine’s, students develop soft skills in the classroom and through the opportunities and experiences offered through the co-curricular program. One

example of this is our educational travel program which provides students with an opportunity to implement the ‘hard skills’ learnt through the Language curriculum and develop their soft skills through immersing themselves in another culture. In December 2018, three VCE students of Chinese participated in an exchange at the Olive Tree International Academy in Hangzhou. The students immersed themselves in the Chinese culture through attending school classes, speaking in Chinese with their host families and conversing in Chinese in their day to day activities. The exchange enabled students to draw on the hard skills of language learning and the soft skills of collaboration, leadership, teamwork, decision making, positivity, time management, motivation and flexibility. Lauren Lew (Year 12) reflected on the exchange experience, “Being able to attend another school and experience students’ everyday life was amazing. I was able to discover my new found talent at pottery making and have the adventure of kayaking around the school. Making so many new friends has been a joyous and memorable time and I would love to return.” As educators and parents, we need to allow our students and daughters to experience a variety of opportunities that will develop these skills. The start of the school year is a good time to encourage your daughter to become involved in a new activity or one that she has not participated in before. Information about the co-curricular programs is available on the School portal. Mrs Gina Peele Director of Student Programs Reference: What Are Soft Skills? (2019). Retrieved from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-are-soft-skills-2060852/

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

A Bright Future The future is bright for our Class of 2018 with 100% of graduates who applied for a tertiary course, receiving an offer to study in 2019.

23%

LAW / SOCIETY & CULTURE

STEM

100% Received Tertiary Offers

30%

MANAGEMENT & COMMERCE

EDUCATION

33%

ARTS & CREATIVE ARTS

The class of 2018 are commended for their enthusiasm and fearless approach to achieve their best in all aspects of life at St Catherine’s, participating in co-curricular programs and contributing to our School and community. Their commitment has resulted in outstanding performances including:

HEALTH / MEDICINE

MEDIAN STUDY SCORE 35 One hundred per cent of our Class of 2018 who applied for tertiary courses successfully received a tertiary offer to study in 2019. Our graduating class were successful in gaining entry into a range of courses including Law, Medicine, Arts, Design and Business with one-third of our students pursuing studies in STEM and health based areas. Our students will be represented at the University of Melbourne, Swinburne University, RMIT, Monash University, Australian National University, Deakin University, La Trobe University, William Angliss, The Australian National University and Victoria University.

TOP IN THE STATE

20% ATTAINED A STUDY SCORE OF 40 & ABOVE 34% ATTAINED AN ATAR OF 90 & ABOVE 67% ATTAINED AN ATAR OF 80 & ABOVE

V C E R E S U LT S 2 0 1 8

OUR CLASS OF 2018 EMBARK UPON LIFE B E YO N D T H E H E Y I N G TO N G AT E S

Literature

Accounting

English

Health & Human Development

Visual Communication

ISABEL GRAY 2018 GRADUATE

DEMI MARKAKIS 2018 GRADUATE

With an interest in Arts and Business, Dux of the School, Isabel Gray, is studying a double degree in PPE (Politics, Philosophy and Economics) and Commerce at the Australian National University.

Proxime Accessit to the Dux, Demi Markakis is studying a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctor of Medicine at Monash University. “Getting into Medicine has been a goal that I set myself from a very young age,” explains Demi.

Isabel says the caring and nurturing approach of her teachers inspired her to reach her full potential, “It was all of the chats outside of the classroom, where you talk to your teachers as if they are your friends, that made me feel so at home at St Catherine’s and consequently ignited my desire to do well.” Isabel hopes to pursue a career in finance.

“Having watched my mother be able to help others in her field of work – optometry – and also being shaped by personal experiences, I decided a career in Medicine would allow me to nurture my interest in the sciences as well as engage and help people on a day to day basis.”

Media

Maths Methods

ISABELLE GOUGH 2018 GRADUATE With a desire to work for one of the ‘big four’ accounting firms, Isabelle Gough is studying a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Melbourne. “I have always been interested in Accounting at school and I want to work in the financial field once I have completed my university degree,” said Isabelle. Isabelle was grateful for the support that she received from her teachers during her VCE year. “Not only did they mark dozens of practice exams for me, they helped guide me through each subject with weekly meetings and supported me with the various challenges of Year 12.”

Studio Arts

History – Revolutions

CAMILLA BROOME 2018 GRADUATE With a passion for design, Camilla Broome is studying a Bachelor of Design at The University of Melbourne. “I studied the 3/4 VCE subject Visual Communication Design at St Catherine’s and it quickly became one of my favourite subjects. I enjoyed learning and creating various designs, particularly the graphic and environmental tasks. In this regard, the subject has influenced my passions and led me to choose a course that would allow me to be flexible in my choices.” Camilla hopes to pursue a career as an architect or a graphic designer.

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

TERM 1-2 UK EXCHANGE* St Catherine’s – Bramley, UK St George’s – Ascot, UK

TERM 1-2 CANADA EXCHANGE*

YEAR 10

St Catherine’s provides a range of opportunities for students to extend their learning, knowledge and confidence through interstate and overseas travel. Our educational travel program allows students to contribute to the wider community and develop a deeper understanding of their responsibilities within local, national and international contexts.

YEAR 9

TRIPS & EXCHANGES TERM 1-2 USA EXCHANGE* Tower Hill School – Delaware The Ethel Walker School – Connecticut

Shawnigan Lake – British Colombia, Canada

YEAR 8

TERM 2 CENTRAL AUSTRALIA Whole year level program

TERM 2 WELLBEING CAMP Whole year level program

TERM 3 HEYINGTON TO HIGHLANDS Whole year level program

TERM 3 CHINA STUDY TOUR^

*Limited places, but changes depending on School and year demand. ^Places open to interested students.

YEAR 10 OR 11

Year 12 student Emily Sutherland has participated in a wide range of trips and exchanges during her time at St Catherine’s. In Year 9, Emily attended school in the United Kingdom and travelled to Fiji for the Heyington to Highlands program. She visited Nepal in Year 10 for the World Challenge program and at the end of 2018, Emily visited Toulon in the South of France as part of her French studies. Emily loves the personal growth that educational travel offers, “I think it is imperative to broaden your outlook of the world as a student so that you can form your own views, values and passions before you leave school.”

OFFERED EACH YEAR Duke of Edinburgh Expedition (for Silver or Gold)^

The French exchanges experience provided Emily the opportunity to improve her French Language skills, “Learning to communicate with my exchange family was great for the development of my French speaking and comprehension skills. Having spent four weeks surrounded by the language will assist me with my VCE French studies this year.”

Japanese Exchange* Chinese Exchange*

OFFERED EVERY SECOND YEAR Italy Study Tour^ French/History Study Tour^ World Challenge Expedition^ NASA Space Camp^ Japan Study Tour^

YEAR 11

French Exchange*

JUNE/JULY HOLIDAYS GLOBAL YOUNG LEADERS CONFERENCE Washington DC/New York

OXBRIDGE STUDY PROGRAM

Cambridge or Oxford University – UK

Emily has gained some valuable life lessons through her educational travel experiences. “In travelling to Nepal, I gained an appreciation of my home life and was reminded of how lucky I am to have a quality education. My exchange experiences have made me a very independent and organised individual as I often travelled alone and had to explore new and foreign environments.” Emily has this advice for students considering a trip or exchange at St Catherine’s: “The trip will go fast so make sure you do everything, eat everything and see everything you possibly can.”

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

Foundations of Learning & Development It is a very exciting time of year as the children commence their educational journey in the Early Learning Centre. The early years are one of the most important stages in life as this is the time when the foundations for learning, social behaviour and wellbeing are formed. “We see how early childhood experiences are so important to lifelong outcomes, how the early environment literally becomes embedded in the brain and changes its architecture.” – Andrew S. Garner, Paediatrician at University Hospitals Cleveland. Neurological research demonstrates that the early years are the most important time in a child’s life in terms of brain development. In the first five years of life, a child’s brain develops more rapidly than at any other time in their life. Their early experiences, using all of their senses, stimulate the brain, creating millions of connections and thus causing the brain to ‘hard wire’. This is when the foundations are laid for lifelong learning, wellbeing and social behaviour. It is imperative that young children are provided with rich, meaningful learning opportunities, and establish positive,

E A R LY L E A R N I N G C E N T R E

caring relationships during their early years as these factors greatly influence how the brain develops. Our role as educators, in partnership with parents, is to provide a secure learning environment where children can develop a sense of identity and belonging; where children are actively involved in meaningful learning experiences; where children are given opportunities to build positive, caring relationships with other children and adults; and where the uniqueness of each child is respected and embraced. “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson, researcher of children’s play. Young children need opportunities to be in the world doing things. Albert Einstein describes a child’s play as “the highest form of research.” Children need to be actively involved in meaningful play experiences as learning happens best when it is in context.

Young children especially need opportunities to engage in active, hands-on learning. They also need time – time to build relationships, time to have conversations, time to play and explore. We really want to build a lifelong love for learning right from an early age. Our early learning programs at St Catherine’s are designed to optimise opportunities for the children to learn, develop and grow during these fundamental years. Our aim is for the children to reach their potential by providing them with an education and learning environment that is conducive to this. The learning environments are designed to provoke curiosity and wonder. The experiences offered to the children invite inquiry, thinking, questioning and research. There are opportunities for individual learning as well as for children to work collaboratively as a member of a community. All of these learning opportunities work towards building a positive attitude towards learning and a desire to learn from a young age.

Relationships are integral to everything that we do. Relationships between children, families and educators are nurtured and fostered. Children need to feel a sense of identity within, and belonging to, their learning community. They need to feel safe and secure within these relationships. Once this rapport is established, then the children’s learning will flow. The early years are undoubtedly the key to lifelong learning. Therefore, by optimising this stage of a young child’s life, this is the best investment you can make to ensure their future wellbeing and success. We look forward to the children’s educational journeys unfolding at the Early Learning Centre this year, for this will be a year of considerable learning, growth and development. “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey, Educational Theorist.

Ms Sarah Bethune Head of Early Learning Centre

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

Factors Contributing to Success at School As both a teacher and school leader, I am constantly questioning how to help students achieve greater success with their learning. While the question I pose is quite simple, the answer is both complicated and complex. Professor of Education at the University of Melbourne, John Hattie, has found that there are a number of factors that cause variance in how students perform at school. Hattie’s graph (on page 13) shows the biggest influence on success is the student themselves. This variance can be seen when we compare two students. Both are of similar ability, are in the same class, and have had the same teachers for the past five years. If all factors were the same, why would one student achieve greater success in the classroom than the other? Hattie attributes the variance to what each student ‘brings to the table’. This includes the following: culture, prior achievement, pre-term birth weight, capacity to concentrate,

motivation, self-concept, anxiety level, attitude towards Mathematics and Science, creativity, health, personality, gender and diet. While schools have no influence over some of these, we, along with parents, do have some influence over mindset, which in turn, influences potential and success. Mindset can be described as how a learner perceives themselves and their ability, as well as their attitude to the learning and school work they do. Carol Dweck, a world renowned Stanford University psychologist, discovered the notion of ‘mindset’ and its ability to make a positive difference in learning. Dweck believes there are two mindsets: fixed and growth. These are explained in the table below.

Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset Fixed

Growth

Skills

• Something you are born with • Fixed

• Come from hard work • Can always improve

Challenges

• Something to avoid • Could reveal lack of skill • Tend to give up easily

• Should be embraced • An opportunity to grow • Individual is more persistent

Effort

• Is not seen as necessary • Something you do when you are not good enough

• Seen as essential • A path to mastery

Feedback

• Get defensive • Take it personally

• Useful • Something to learn from • Identify areas to improve

Setbacks

• Blame others • Get discouraged

• Use as a wake-up call to work harder next time

Summary of Carol Dweck’s Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset

JUNIOR SCHOOL

As teachers and parents, we can help students to instil greater self-belief and a ‘growth mindset’ – one where they believe they can continually develop and grow their capacity to learn and succeed. First, students need to believe that they can increase their ability through hard work, dedication and learning from initial errors. It is the correlation between hard work and achievement that is key. Many students sadly just give up or refuse to engage in the learning because they do not get it straight away. They do not attempt to try, even when prompted. They might also be the student who raises their hand to seek help without trying to work it out for themselves. These students exhibit a fixed mindset. As teachers and parents, it is important to address these behaviours quickly, so they do not become ingrained as a ‘go to’ habit. Teachers will often not give help straight away, asking students to try and work it out or to a certain point before giving assistance or clues. This is a strategy designed to show students that if they work at it, they can often do it themselves. With school work, we often observe a fixed mindset in children who say, “I cannot do this” or “I am not good at Maths”. We need to move their beliefs and thoughts to “I cannot do this yet” or “If I work hard at it I can improve”. Students need to start with small, simple achievable goals. For example, it might be learning the two times table or, for older students, it might be setting up a revision program and making summaries of worksheets. Success in the beginning is making a start, choosing to try, learning where they are making mistakes, or just increasing marks by a few points. The vital point is that they see the correlation between effort and success. They learn that well-directed effort produces results, and that greater effort in the right places and in the right way will continue to produce ever increasing results. This reinforces the growth mindset and leads to greater success.

Students

50%

Teachers

30%

Ms Karen McArdle Head of Junior School

Factors Inf luencing Student Success Home 5-10% Peer 5-10% Schools 5-10% Principal 5-10%

Percentage of Achievement Variance: Professor John Hattie

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

Dream Big & AIM HIGH

On Friday 22 February, 18 students from the Year 12 Global Politics and Legal Studies classes had the opportunity to participate in a ‘boardroom style’ meeting with former Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, The Honourable Julie Bishop MP.

The students sought to maximise the opportunity of her wealth of experience in leadership, politics and world affairs, asking Ms Bishop a series of pre-prepared questions about her experience as Foreign Affairs Minister and in promoting the interests of Australia at the United Nations Security Council. Ms Bishop shared her unrelenting focus as Minister for Foreign Affairs on empowering women and girls in our neighbouring countries. Her belief of ‘our region, our responsibility’ being a driving force behind the distribution of Australia’s financial aid.

The students asked Ms Bishop for her perspective on a wide range of topics including Australia’s relations with countries in our region to more contentious issues such as the rights of people in offshore detention centres. With each of Ms Bishop’s responses, she emphasised the importance of women and girls taking a central role in political and economic decision making in all communities, whether in the developing world or in high-office in Australia and internationally.

SENIOR SCHOOL

This extraordinary opportunity enabled the Year 12 Global Politics and Legal Studies students to strengthen their understanding of foreign policy issues and parliamentary processes. “To have such an influential woman in such an inclusive environment with the opportunity to ask questions was such an inspiring experience and one that I will carry with me through my future career,” said Flynn O’Brien. For Phoebe Lund, the opportunity has reaffirmed her desire to follow a career in politics or international relations, “It was a unique experience to gain a personal insight into the government, as well as the political issues of today, especially from such an impressive female role model.” “It was a great honour and a privilege to welcome Ms Bishop to St Catherine’s. This extraordinary opportunity has given our Year 12 students insight into a person at the highest level of politics as well as their interaction and relationship with international leaders,” said Mrs Michelle Carroll. Following the round table meeting, Ms Bishop addressed the Senior School Assembly where she encouraged students to ‘dream big and aim high and to not allow others to define you’.

Ms Ursula Mooney Communications Officer

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

LEADING BLOGS Showcasing the expertise of our outstanding educators, our blogs are an ever-increasing means to inspire ideas, creativity and innovation in future-focused education.

Social Influences on Exercise Levels It is widely agreed that regular exercise is important to one’s social, emotional, mental and physical health. So what influences our level of physical activity? In our Unit 2 Physical Education class, students conducted their own research, looking at levels of physical activity at lunchtime in the Senior School. Based on the social-ecological model, physical activity is influenced on four levels: the individual’s knowledge, thoughts and skills, the physical environment and the social environment, for example the influence of friends and family. After collecting baseline data, students devised initiatives targeting different activity spaces and levels of the social-ecological model. They made policy changes to open up new lunchtime spaces, such as the upper courts and hall. The individual level was targeted to increase students’ knowledge of the benefits of physical activity and skill levels in certain activities. Equipment was provided in all sporting spaces, targeting the physical environment. Interestingly, it was not until the social environment was addressed, where games

were run in the hall, that significant increases in participation was experienced. It was clear in our research that social inclusion and interpersonal relationships were an important influence on lunchtime activity. Gretchen Reynolds, columnist for the New York Times, looked at a study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management on the effect of social influences on runners. Five years of data was collected from a worldwide social network devoted to sharing objectively measured exercise routines from approximately 1.1 million runners1. Participants in this social network uploaded data from a GPS activity monitor and became virtual friends with other like-minded people. From this data, researchers tracked exactly how often, how far and how fast each participant had run over a five year period. The results indicated that friends displayed similar training routines, even if they were separated geographically. Furthermore, if one person ran for 10 minutes more than usual on any given day, that runner’s

friends would also lengthen their workout. Similarly, if a friend ran faster than usual, their friends would also increase their pace on the same days. As this study demonstrates, positive social influences increase physical activity levels. So how do we influence students at St Catherine’s to increase their physical activity levels? As a School, we need to increase the opportunities for physical activity within the school day. As families, we must make time to be active as often as possible and as friends, we must support our peers to exercise regularly, join sporting teams and enjoy being active. As individuals, we must surround ourselves with people who challenge us and make us strive to achieve our goals. Mr Bradley Hicks Physical Education and Personal Development Teacher and Years 7 & 8 Program Coordinator Reference: 1. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/19/well/move/ running-may-be-socially-contagious.html

LEADERSHIP

Thinking Like an Economist Behavioural economics is a subset of the study of Economics that challenges some of the assumptions underlying traditional economic models of supply and demand. For example, traditional economics assumes that people always behave rationally, have access to perfect information regarding products and prices and will always act to maximise their income. Behavioural economics argues that an individual’s ability to make rational decisions is influenced by their peers and advertising, their ability to access information regarding prices and quality is bounded and although they do try to maximise their income, they also value characteristics such as fairness and being a good citizen. So in essence, behavioural economics is about how people actually behave in the real world, rather than how economic models assume they will behave. The most famous behavioural economist is Richard Thaler. In his book Misbehaving he provides examples of individuals behaving like normal human beings, but traditional economics would argue that this type of behaviour was irrational and would never occur. For example, Thaler knew a professor who had a firm rule that he would never pay more than

$30 for a bottle of wine. In the professor’s wine cellar were several bottles of wine that he had bought for about $10 but had now aged into $100 bottles of wine. The professor claimed that he would never sell those bottles of wine and preferred to save them to drink on special occasions. Given that he was not prepared to buy a bottle of wine over $30, he should also not be willing to drink a $100 bottle of wine. Given that he has the opportunity to sell the wine for $100, he has effectively paid $100 for something he claimed he would never buy. In 2009, former British Prime Minister David Cameron established the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) or ‘Nudge Unit’. A nudge is a way of encouraging people to make better decisions but without placing any limits or restrictions on those choices. The Nudge Unit’s purpose is to apply behavioural economic theory to try and improve government policy and services. One of the most well known nudges implemented by the BIT was nudging people to pay their taxes on time.

Instead of the standard letter reminding people who had not yet paid their taxes to please do so, the letter was reworded using insights from behavioural economics. It said something along the lines of “Nine out of 10 taxpayers in your area pay their tax on time, you are in the minority”. The newly worded letter used the nudge of peer group comparison and was far more effective. As part of our Unit 1 Economics course at St Catherine’s School, we will be exploring these and other examples of nudges such as opt out versus opt in organ donation and pre-filled income tax forms in Australia. Hopefully, by the end of this unit students will be able to look at the world in a different light because they have started to think like an economist. Mr Timothy Olsen Mathematics Teacher Further reading: http://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/Richard.Thaler/index.html https://www.behaviouralinsights.co.uk/about-us/

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

BOARDING The exploits of the girls of Malory Towers and St Clare’s as portrayed in Enid Blyton’s much loved books shaped the views of a generation about boarding schools. The chance to make lifelong friends, experience different opportunities and build resilience dominated the stories. Thirty years later, the next generation were enthralled by the adventures of Harry, Ron and Hermione at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The positive images depicted in these much loved novels highlight the benefits for students attending a boarding school. The sense of inclusion and identity and being part of a group are hallmarks of boarding. Learning to live amongst your peers, being responsible for completing your homework each evening and ensuring your uniform is washed are important time management and life skills. This all takes place in a supportive community. This year, 12 new boarders embarked on their educational journey at St Catherine’s School. The girls originate from across Australia – from Broome to Darwin to southern New South Wales and western Victoria – and from mainland China. Past boarders often reminisce that although there were challenges when they joined the Boarding House, they feel the life skills they developed at Illawarra have prepared them for life after school. The early weeks at Illawarra are dominated by activities to help the new boarders settle in and to allow the returning boarders the opportunity to develop new friendships. A welcome dinner on the first night, a celebration dinner for Chinese New Year and our Closed Weekend activities are all designed to assist everyone to feel welcome and a part of our boarding community. The Co-Boarding Captains play a vital role in the early weeks and are responsible for coordinating the group activities. This year, in small groups the boarders were given a country of the world and two hours to complete specific tasks related to their country. Working collaboratively and involving everyone gave our senior boarders the chance to lead and coordinate their group. The innovative costumes they created which represented each country and their accompanying dance routines showcased their imagination and creativity as they could only use items from the Boarding House. During Week 4, the boarders were treated to a piano recital from Sofya Vainer. It is important that the boarders are exposed to many different experiences during their years at Illawarra. Although the world has changed since Enid Blyton penned her novels about boarding nearly 70 years ago, many of the experiences, benefits and life skills still resonate for today’s boarders. Mrs Sue Collister Director of Boarding Services

Settling in to a new year

AT I L L AWA R R A

FROM THE ARCHIVES

L I F E I S A G R E AT A D V E N T U R E The 1930s was a turbulent time in Australia. The devastating effects of the Great Depression and the impending threat of the Second World War saw an era of uncertainty for St Catherine’s students. Nonetheless, this period presented a fresh perspective with students observing “a new spirit has most certainly come into being [in the School], a spirit of selfreliance and determination…”1 It was during this time that weekend camps became a regular feature each year, with students visiting local sites such as Chum Creek, The Patch and Britannia Creek. It was not long before students were able to expand their travel destination to Green Island, off far north Queensland. Camps, excursions and

global adventures were soon to become a rite of passage for our senior students. The evacuation to Warburton in 1942 was to have the most lasting impact on the ethos of the School. Upon returning to Heyington Place, Principal Edna Holmes’s message was clear “never lose the determination to use your powers to shape a fairer world... with that as your aim, life will be a great adventure…”2 With renewed growth in the Australian economy in the 1950s, new adventures awaited with travels frequently reported in the School Magazine to China, England, Spain, France, Japan, Malta and Switzerland, the focus remaining firmly on developing a keen social conscience and greater understanding of the world around them.

One Old Girl reflecting on her travels in Newfoundland said, “Now, I am trying to do my bit for humanity. I am in a small village on the coast, trying to help people lead healthier and cleaner lives.” It is, perhaps, this period that marks the beginning of a heightened social awareness, a determination to instil greater cultural understanding, broader perspectives and personal awareness that continues at St Catherine’s today with travel programs exploring Fiji, France, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka. References: 1. St Catherine’s: A Centenary Celebration 1896-1996, page 89. 2. St Catherine’s: A Centenary Celebration 1896-1996, page 93.

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019 2018

Opening BARBRECK

St Catherine’s School was proud to host The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, to officially open the new Junior School – Barbreck on Tuesday 26 February.

Her Excellency congratulated past and present members of the School Council for having “the vision and the courage to deliver this wonderful building” and reminded Barbreck girls of the endless possibilities that lie ahead of them “Amongst you, sitting quietly and patiently there, are our future leaders, our scientists, historians, our mothers and grandmothers, farmers and astronauts and teachers and innovators of things that you cannot yet even imagine.”

As a St Catherine’s and Barbreck Old Girl, the Governor’s sheer delight of returning to her school was clearly visible and a touching addition to this special occasion which was attended by members of the St Catherine’s School community.

Chair of School Council, Ms Jane Hodder, expressed her appreciation to members of the School community who contributed to the building, and announced the naming of the front drive to Barbreck as the ‘Anne Smith Avenue’ in honour of Miss Anne Smith who served as Head of the Junior School between 1980 and 2000.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

St Catherine’s School Principal, Mrs Michelle Carroll, invited Ms Hodder and Her Excellency to unveil a plaque marking the official opening of the building. Mrs Carroll spoke of the plaque embodying much more than the opening of the building, “this new plaque captures the dreams, the hopes and the stories of every Barbreck girl, and for generations of Barbreck girls to come.” “My hope is that we continue to give you, as we have given thousands of girls, the opportunity to venture down previously unimagined paths. Carrying a light, providing a safe and nurturing environment for girls to achieve their full potential,” said Mrs Carroll.

Her Excellency cut a large blue ribbon draped over the main entrance to the building. This was followed by the Junior School Co-Captains, Chloé Favaloro and Audrey Doan, leading a procession of teachers, students and esteemed guests to the Village Green where ceramic garden creatures created by the students were placed in the garden. The girls provided a warm farewell to Her Excellency as she departed St Catherine’s. It was a significant occasion bringing the School community together to celebrate a special moment in the history of St Catherine’s School. Ms Ursula Mooney Communications Officer

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

A Sense of Community Understanding the importance of being good citizens of local and global communities is as vital today than it ever has been. We live in a world where our students regularly hear about global sustainability issues, ones which often feel to be on such a grand unsolvable scale, that they can be left feeling anxious about their future. At St Catherine’s, we find ourselves feeling optimistic as we watch on and participate, with these negative viewpoints being countered by an ever-increasing understanding by the students that their place, role and influence in different communities can play a small but crucial role in shaping the future in meaningful ways.

We see first-hand that when given the right educational tools and resources, school age children can become superb advocates for change in our community. As Sue Elliott, Senior Lecturer from the University of New England, describes “practising sustainability empowers children to construct knowledge, explore values and develop an appreciation of the environment and its relationship to their worlds. Which, in turn, lays the foundations for an environmentally responsible adulthood.” At St Catherine’s, one way in which students gain ‘the right educational tools’ is through the Barbreck Environment Committee. This committee is a high performing, engaged and passionate

group of girls who promote sustainability practices to the betterment of Barbreck, St Catherine’s and the wider world. The students engage in many robust conversations and actively try to solve issues of concern, valuing the opportunity to deal with environmental issues within and beyond our School. The Committee is a source of great excitement for our members from Years 4 to 6 and they complete many activities and projects throughout the year. These include promoting nude food lunches, eliminating waste and educating their peers during assemblies about sustainability. The activities are all student driven and foster collaboration, initiative, creativity and deep thinking.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

An attitude that falls in line with Johann Goethe’s timeless maxim “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” In 2018, St Catherine’s submitted a grant application to The City of Stonnington and was very excited to be selected as one of five schools to participate in the Tomorrow’s Leaders for Sustainability program. This program was designed to help students understand the world around them, live more sustainably, build leadership skills and apply these to a meaningful sustainability project. An expert mentor from the Port Phillip Eco Centre joined our Committee meetings each week during Terms 2 and 3 and guided our students to become sustainability leaders. One result of this was the students becoming proficient energy auditors in the Junior School,

looking at ways to reduce waste and energy usage in our new purpose-built, energy efficient Barbreck. These findings are now guiding our 2019 program where we are increasing our focus on reducing waste while also drawing on Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots program. Another source of community pride for the girls is our new vegetable garden. The growing of herbs and vegetables cause great excitement and it is common for our younger students to gather around our garden watering, weeding and making keen observations while gaining a deeper understanding of the life cycles of plants and the interconnectedness of humans, animals and plants. Though every generation has its own challenges, one of our most pressing ones seems to be the need for a greater understanding of the crucial connection between nature and community,

and the very real benefits that flow from empowering this understanding. It is wonderful to see our students working hard together to acquire the skills and attitudes necessary to care and be actively concerned for the world around us. In the spirit of what is being learned daily, we encourage all girls to share with their families the joys and benefits of this attitude, and of course, the delicious herbs and vegetables that come from the garden. Ms Simone Schilte Year 4 Teacher References: Sue Elliott (2014, p. 52), Senior Lecturer, University of New England NSW World Health Organisation (WHO): Promoting Mental Health: Concepts, Emerging Evidence, Practice. 2015, World Health Organisation; Geneva https://wehearyou.acecqa.gov.au/2016/01/28/sustainability-inchildrens-education-and-care/

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

Ms Karen McArdle HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Karen joined St Catherine’s in January this year as the new Head of Junior School – Barbreck.

She succeeded Mrs Alana Moor who retired from the role in December 2018. Karen is grateful for all the support she has received since commencing in the role.

“The culture of St Catherine’s is inclusive and empowering of all things that represent quality and excellence in girls’ education. The welcoming and supportive School community is quite special.” Karen has a Master of Education (Leadership & Management), a Bachelor of Education (Curriculum Design & Development) and a Diploma of Teaching (Primary). Before joining St Catherine’s, Karen was the Head of Junior School at Aitken College and prior to this was the inaugural Head of Junior School at Ipswich Girls’ Junior Grammar School. With extensive experience in primary years schooling, including 18 years’ experience as a head of junior school, Karen has considerable expertise in school leadership and a deep understanding of curriculum development. “I believe that empowering girls with self-belief, a strong voice, the capacity to learn and explore, and a willingness to participate and lead is at the heart of girls’ education,” explains Karen. A typical day for Karen is usually “hectic but rewarding”. She says: “I arrive at school early and complete some administrative tasks before the girls arrive. At 8.15am, I greet the students and make my way around the classrooms. My day is taken up with meetings, attending

student events and classes, interviewing new enrolments and working on plans to improve student learning and future event organisation. I also enjoy class time, either helping a teacher or teaching a small group.” Karen relishes in seeing “the joy and pride on a student’s face when they finally can do something” and believes that moving students from a ‘fixed’ to a ‘growth’ mindset is a significant challenge for teachers. “Students with a growth mindset achieve more and are generally more successful in their learning.” Growing the capacity of teachers and seeing the results of their efforts is something Karen values in her leadership role. “I love to work with and alongside the teachers on developing ways to improve teaching and learning in the School.” She believes a strong partnership between the home and school is essential for supporting student success. “It is important that we focus on developing strong and enduring partnerships between school and home because the most important goal we all share is to achieve the best outcomes for the girls at St Catherine’s.” In her spare time, Karen enjoys barracking for the Wallabies Rugby Union Team.

S TA F F P R O F I L E S

MS NADIA DURRANT ELC TEACHER, BANKSIA ROOM

MS YU-CHUN WANG JUNIOR SCHOOL, YEAR 6 TEACHER

Nadia joined St Catherine’s at the start of the year as an Educator in the Banksia Room of the Early Learning Centre. With a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and a Master of Education (Student Wellbeing), Nadia has taught in a range of early childhood contexts including a local community kindergarten, independent school early learning centres and in an international preschool in Singapore for over 16 years.

Yu-Chun Wang is new to the School, having joined St Catherine’s as a Year 6 teacher in the Junior School – Barbreck at the start of the year. With a Masters of Education (Major in Literacy), a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Yu-Chun has taught in New Zealand and the United Kingdom and has close to seven years’, teaching experience.

“Children have their greatest growth period in the early years, and it is a privilege to share this time with the children and their families while helping to facilitate, support and develop their foundation of life skills,” explains Nadia. A typical day for Nadia involves engaging the children in a series of learning meetings with a focus on singing songs and rhymes, reading books, discussing plans for the day and revisiting previous learning and dialogue. She guides the children as they share their thoughts and ideas through graphic representation, block construction, and music and dance, and facilitates group reflections at the end of each day. “I believe education is holistic and should develop a child’s identity, social skills, resilience, and problem-solving skills as well as the academic and physical aspects of education,” explains Nadia. Nadia wishes there were more hours in the day to teach the children new and additional content. “There are so many opportunities and possibilities to pursue that it is difficult to select and prioritise those which will fit into the day.”

“I have always liked being around children. The innocent and fascinating conversations you can have with them are so entertaining and an eye-opener to how they perceive the world,” explains Yu-Chun. For Yu-Chun, the greatest reward of teaching is the strong connections she forms with her students. “The relationships we develop with the students and the impact that those positive relationships have on students in the future is really special. It is lovely having a past student come to have a chat, even if it has been years since I taught them.” “Trying to teach everything and teach it well when there is only limited time in the day is the greatest challenge of my role,” explains Yu-Chun. Yu-Chun has been warmly welcomed into the St Catherine’s School community by the teachers, students and parents. “Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming. The staff are approachable and happy to help. The students and their parents are also lovely.”

MR STEPHEN BROWN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS TEACHER For Science, Mathematics and Physics Teacher Stephen Brown, the interactions he has with his Form group each morning is one of the things he enjoys most about working at St Catherine’s. “I have a great relationship with my Form group. I had them last year and they wanted to retain me as a Form teacher this year. It is a fabulous way to start each day.” Stephen commenced at St Catherine’s in 2018. He has a Degree in Physics with Honours from Edinburgh University, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Northern College (Aberdeen) and a Science Degree with First Class Honours in Astronomy from the University of Central Lancashire. The relationships he forms with his students is what Stephen values the most about teaching. “To feature in their lives and know that you are making a difference, even a small one is the main reason I teach. I also love Physics, passing on that knowledge and passion I have for the subject is really important to me.” Stephen says the tendency for students to seek a quick solution to a problem is a challenge for teachers. “Einstein said “It is not that I am so smart, it is just that I stay with problems longer”. Trying to convey that to students and have them appreciate that resolving a difficult problem is the best way to show understanding can be challenging.” Stephen believes the perseverance shown by St Catherine’s students is the School’s greatest asset. “St Catherine’s girls are highly motivated and want to do well in their studies. They show interest and are keen to ask questions. As a scientist this is an important skill and it is great to see that they have this in abundance.”

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

2018 CHRISTM AS FA I R R E P O R T

CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR The St Catherine’s School community joined with our Chinese families on Tuesday 5 February to celebrate the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, welcoming the Year of the Pig. There was great excitement as the School community gathered in front of Sherren House to watch the traditional Lion dance. The occasion brought much joy as the energetic parade made its way towards the gathering crowd. The spectators were amazed at the energy of the performers and musicians mingling with the excited students of all ages. The proud parent community watched the acrobatic performance from the verandah of Sherren House. The Lion dance was followed by a special morning tea for our parents in the School Drawing Room. It was a wonderful opportunity for our families to gather and share New Year good wishes over delicacies from Dainty Sichuan restaurant, generously provided by current parents Tina Li and Ye Shao. A special thank you to Kaixuan (Isabelle) Cao (Year 5), for her beautiful performance on a traditional Chinese zither.

Thank you to all the St Catherine’s community who supported our 2018 Parents’ and Friends’ Association (PFA) Christmas Fair. We were blessed with sunshine and a perfect late spring evening. This year’s fair had something for everyone. Our marketplace hosted a vibrant selection of stalls selling cakes, honey, sustainable wraps, baked Christmas delights, jewellery, plants, candles, clothing and hair accessories. Some of our enterprising Year 10 girls ran philanthropic stalls for Kids Under Cover and a Sri Lankan orphanage. The Creative Arts Auxiliary gave children the opportunity to post a letter to Santa and sold beautiful handcrafted ceramic Christmas decorations and goodies. Mr Tim Collins and his merry band of performers thrilled the crowds with their music. In between singing Christmas carols and dancing, the children enjoyed the jumping castles, rides, animal farm and face painting. It was lovely to see so many happy, smiling faces – not to mention the long queues at the Jolly Bag stall. Thank you to all the Junior School families for making this such a success. Family and friends enjoyed the opportunity to share a champagne, wine or Aperol, whilst sitting at our smartly decked tables surrounding the fountain. The boarders’ families impressed the crowds with their fresh produce, wine and sock stall. Who did not love their packaged smoked trout and home baked doggie treats? The food trucks proved popular as did our new Dainty Sichuan dumpling stall. The dumplings were so in demand they sold out early. There were many new attractions on offer – our farmgate peonies, roses and poinsettias; the inflatable photo booth; the Senior School mum’s cake stall; the second hand books and toys as well as the special lighting of our Christmas Tree and the reading of a story by Santa and our 2019 School Captains. We are incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful group of generous people willing to donate both their time and money to make our fair such a success. We wish to thank the amazing team of Class Rep volunteers and our tireless 2018 PFA Committee – Angelina Barber, Mandy Coupe, Cathryn Dunlop, Susie Farrer, Kirsty Gilmour, Michaela Howitt, Lisa James, Sarah Low, Renee Morton, Rowena Mytton, Danielle Podolak, Lara Stocco, Michelle Wang, Pauline Wang, Jane White, Samantha Wood and Sherrie Zeng. Without your enthusiasm, energy and commitment to make it happen, we would not have enjoyed such a special evening. Ms Ann McAllister 2018 PFA President

OUR COMMUNITY

PA S T PA R E N T S All Years Past Parents’ Cocktails

Green THE VILLAGE

The illustrious names and faces in the portraits hanging on the walls of Sherren House came to life on Tuesday 26 February at the Official Opening of the new Junior School – Barbreck. The ceremony celebrated the support of our alumni and the St Catherine’s School community whom we thank for bringing this project to fruition. For the past three years, the Parents’ and Friends’ Association (PFA) has supported the construction of the Village Green at the new Junior School – Barbreck. Next year we will complete our pledge, bringing the PFA total contribution to $100,000.

Approximately 120 past parents came together on 26 October 2018 at Cranlana for our All Years Past Parents’ Cocktails, an evening celebrating old and new St Catherine’s friendships across the years. Four decades of past parents were represented enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of Cranlana – the garden setting was magnificent and quite a few took advantage of the occasion to enjoy a quiet tour of the beautiful surrounds. As one appreciative guest succinctly commented, “The Cranlana event was such a lovely evening. Thank you for helping us all remain connected to a very happy part of our children’s lives!” Our grateful thanks to Lindy Shelmerdine (’80) and Lady Southey AC (’45) for their generosity in enabling us to experience such a special occasion in the Cranlana gardens and to Lindy particularly for hosting the evening. Thank you to everyone that made the effort to come along and our thanks to both Sophie Gardiner and Meredith Taylor from Development and Community Relations at St Catherine’s for their support in organising the evening. Lindy and Lady Southey AC have been very generous in offering the use of Cranlana for future All Years Past Parents’ Cocktails events and we are delighted to therefore announce that our 2019 All Years Past Parents’ Cocktails will be held on Thursday 17 October, once again at Cranlana. While our current Year Level events at private homes are a very important part of maintaining friendships and relationships, our All Years events have a very special feeling and having multiple years spanning decades is unique and further helps to maintain the special community that is St Catherine’s. Invitations will be circulated via email in September so please ensure the School has your current email address. We would love to see you in October! Mrs Lisa Steven Past Parents’ Network

The PFA chose to support the Village Green because this space is where our daughters play; where our school families meet and get to know one another; and where the staff and families will communicate in a wonderful, green outdoor space. It will become the venue for future PFA Christmas Fairs and many outdoor events. The PFA is thrilled to have supported the creation of the Village Green. Mrs Sarah Low 2019 PFA President

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

Foundation Breakfast I had the privilege of welcoming The Honourable Julie Bishop MP to St Catherine’s in February to address a special Foundation Breakfast attended by members of the Jeanie Hood Society and leading donors of the ‘Her Future Begins Here’ Barbreck campaign. Ms Bishop enlightened guests with highlights of her 20-year career in politics, particularly in her role as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Attributing the success of her career to the encouragement and education she received at school, Ms Bishop concluded her address by encouraging the fathers in the room to ‘invest in your daughters as this will be an investment in our future’. I would like to once again thank the School community for their very generous support of the ‘Her Future Begins Here’ campaign. Your support enabled us to exceed our campaign target of $3 million dollars and assisted the School to deliver an outstanding learning facility for our Barbreck girls. I would also like to thank Member of School Council Mr Jamie Gray and his wife Mrs Rebecca Gray, both generous supporters of St Catherine’s, for facilitating the opportunity for the Foundation and the School to meet with Ms Bishop. Mr Wayne Kent Foundation Chair Top Left: Mr Jamie Gray, Mrs Rebecca Gray, Ms Julie Bishop, Mrs Michelle Carroll; Top Right: Ms Erica Gill, Ms Bishop and Dr Brendan O’Brien; Bottom Left: Ms Bishop, Tracy Li and Mr Xiaoqing Yao in the Selina Yao Auditorium; Bottom Right: Mrs Lisa Hennessy and Ms Bishop reminisce about their Harvard Business School days with Mrs Michelle Carroll

Inspiring STEM Students In Term 1 2019, the completion of the refurbishment of the six Science Laboratories has enabled a state-of-the-art facility for girls to pursue their passion in Science related fields. Year 12 graduate Annabel Joubert (’18) highlights her enjoyment of the new Physics Laboratory, the first of the laboratories to be completed. Annabel has followed her passion for Physics and successfully gained entry into a double degree of Engineering and Commerce. She will commence this study in 2020 after her Gap Year in the United Kingdom in 2019. How did the new Science Laboratory impact your learning in your final year at St Catherine’s? The new Science Laboratory allowed me to delve deeper into the intricacies of Physics, giving my peers and I opportunities that were not previously available in the former laboratory. This included more complicated and interesting experiments that helped us better understand the topic we were learning. What new features assisted you in your Science studies that were not previously available in the old laboratory? The design of the new laboratory allowed us to be surrounded by the learning material and not having to sit facing forward like a typical classroom. Three television screens and white boards are positioned around the entire laboratory, so you are always able to see and be engaged wherever you are seated which makes learning easier. Did the new Science Laboratory influence your decision to study Engineering in any way? I have been interested in Engineering since I first started studying Physics. However, my Science teachers and the new laboratory pushed and inspired me to continue my learning of Engineering into the future. What was your favourite aspect of the new Science Laboratory and why? My favourite aspect was the ability for the room to become totally blacked out, meaning no light can enter the room. This particular feature helped, especially with experiments to do with light and matter.

F O U N DAT I O N

THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 DONORS 1 January – 31 December 2018 Nina (Kirby ’94) & Paul Aberdeen

Anna & John Field

Sarah & George Low

Sally (Watson ’74) & Stephen Ahern

Sarah (Scambler ’93) & Andrew Foote

Susan (Gawler ’64) & Ross Macaw

Chrissy (Condon ’76) & Andrew Skinner

Thea (Coltman ’51) & Ian Manson

Michelle McDade & Dean Sleigh

Pam Fraser (Wallace Smith ’54)

Erica & Peter Marriott

Anne Smith

Caroline & Chris Arnoul

The Rev. Dr Peter French

Robert Marshall

Lady Southey AC (Myer ’45)

Joanne (Carter ’68) & Richard Ashton

Sarah Fulford (’70)

Judy Matear (Spry ’49)

Prue Soutter (Macnaughtan ’62)

Stuart Galbraith

Caroline & Cameron McAllister

Catherine & Jonathon Sprott

Jo Atkins Ann Badger

Michelle (Robertson ’94) & James Gardiner

Susan McDonald (Officer Brown ’50)

St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association (SCOGA)

Kate Barber (’96)

Sophie & Tim Gardiner

Lisa Barker

Rosie (Waite ’78) & Tony Garrisson

Anna Thomas & David Barrington

Lyra & Marco Gattino

Annabel Bowden (Lewis ’80)

Julia Sher & Ian Glaspole

Caroline Brain (Purves ’63)

Jenny Proimos & Nicholas Glenning

Christine & Graeme Bray

Angela Glover (’58)

Diana Brélaz (Deutgen ’44)

Joan Glover (Barwood ’40)

Brockhoff Foundation

Katy & Chris Gobel

Roger Brookes

Gemma Goorjian (’02)

Tracy (Cedzich ’86) & Nicholas Bufé

Suzie & Simon Gough

Elizabeth Burman (Harley ’55)

Alexa Grahame (Rowlands ’96)

Celia Burrell AM (Shelmerdine ’83) & Will Burrell (AM)

John Grant

Ann Butement (’52)

Emma & Richard Green

Gail & Jim Butler

Helen Rofe QC & Rowan Gregory

Noel Calvert (Davidson ’55)

Wendy Hampel (Macdonald ’51)

Clare (Darling ’77) & Andrew Cannon AM

Sam Hayward

Joanna (Nicholas ’86) & Nigel Anderson

Catherine McDowall (’76) Patricia McKenzie Melissa Wang & Yu Meng Fiona Menzies (’87) Dimity & Spencer Millear Paula & Stuart Moir Cassie Monahan

St Catherine’s Parents’ & Friends’ Association St Catherine’s School ‘A Winter’s Night’ Committee St Catherine’s Year 6 Class 2018 Lisa & John Steven

Annabel Montgomery (Darling ’76)

Amanda (Trumble ’69) & Bruce Stewart

Alana Moor

Catherine & Rohan Sutherland

Kate & Roger Motteram

Meredith Taylor (’79)

Georgina & Nicholas Murdoch

Charles Tegner

Kerrie Mussert

Monique Rosshandler & Ion Teska

Heather Mutton (Hewitson ’40)

Vanessa & Geoffrey Thorn

Caroline & Gary Nattrass

Rupali Kashyap & Arjun Thyagarajan

Anthony Nicholas

John Toulantas

David Nicholas

Monique & Dean Treadwell

Lisa Nicoll-Cooke (Nicoll ’63)

Anna & Bill Tymms

Prof John Nieuwenhuysen AM

Caroline Vaillant (Officer Brown ’56)

Annick Houle & Stephen O’Connor

Sofya Vainer

Julie-Anne & Dean Pagnin

June Vose (Mackay ’46)

Karen McKendrick & Sean Hogan

Betty Alexopoulos & Bill Papastergiadis

Sylvia Walton AO

Bill Hogg

Claudette Passon

Mary Hope OAM (Molesworth ’40)

Annie & John Paterson

Michelle & Harry Wang

Noelene Horton AM

Jan Peele

Kim Clemens (’89)

Margaret (Duckett ’48) & Sam Howes

Gina & Stuart Peele

Anne Connellan

Maddie Hunter (’05)

Axi Cooper (’05)

Gina (Shackell ’76) & Peter Israel

Astrida & Craig Cooper

Pamela Jacobson (Sallman ’44)

The Hon. Andrea Coote

Lisa & Martin James

Anne Court (Lowry ’58)

Jennifer Jeffries-Wilson (Ramsay ’47)

Hilary Day (Oliphant ’52)

Sally & Richard Joubert

Elizabeth Douglas (Gillon ’67)

Sonia & Wayne Kent

Sally & Phil Dreaver

Cathy & Peter Kudelka

Tori (Krauss ’92) & John Dryden

Jenny Lansell (Home ’52)

Alison Eaves

Vivian Le

Harriet Edquist (’65)

Lin Lin

Joe Esposito

Marita (Batty ’96) & Julian Lincoln

Jane & Scott Favaloro

Elizabeth Loane (Hayes ’56)

Sarah Cantrill (Cumming ’96) Sherrie Zeng & Gary Cao Louise & Don Carroll Michelle & Justin Carroll May & James Chen Emily Gao & Yi Chen Ivy & Chon Hing Chiam

Lucy Raponi & Albert Ferrali

Rebecca & Jamie Gray

Lisa & Jack Hennessy Christina Michelle & Andrew Herold Liz Addison-Baker & Michael Hill

Samantha Pfeifer (’78) Emma & Ian Pratt Elizabeth Prowse Fiona & Scott Reinke Jill Richards (Sargood ’48) Eliza Ryan (’11) Emma Ryan (’06) Chrissy (Graham ’79) & Paul Ryan Catherine Samuel Fiona Winzar & Robert Sdraulig Tina Li & Ye Shao Letitia Shelton (Cole ’58) Ammy Huang & Hua Shen Masahiro Shinada

Carol Wang Jane Hodder & Murray Ware Penny Watson (’07) Hualu (Lulu) Dai & Li Wei Beth Wilson (Neville ’62) Anne Sculthorpe & Malcolm Wilson Samantha & Stuart Wood QC AM Jenny Woods Emma & Nick Young Chunxin (Tracy) Li & Xiaoqing Yao Gillian Ruan & Paul Yu Mike Zammit Evelyn Dong & BiQing Zhang Katherine Zhao (’16) Joanna Sun & Joe Zhu Anonymous 8

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2019

Meet Our School Captains SENIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS KAVINA KALAICHELVAM & GEORGINA COTTRILL JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAINS AUDREY DOAN & CHLOÉ FAVALORO

Senior School Captains WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN YOUR ROLE AS SCHOOL CAPTAIN?

WHAT DUTIES WILL YOU PERFORM IN YOUR ROLE AS SCHOOL CAPTAIN?

Kavina: I hope I can make the St Catherine’s experience this year one of humour, tenacity and grace; one where every girl can feel comfortable in being themselves, whether that be in the classroom or on the field, and that there is an overriding sense of unity in such diversity.

Kavina: My duty is to ensure that every girl who walks through the Heyington gates knows there is a place for them and that they are heard. Through innovative and creative initiatives, big and small, I hope to champion this privilege of belonging.

Georgina: I aim to be approachable and kind, and ensure that every girl knows they have a place in St Catherine’s – a home away from home. A place where every girl feels a sense of belonging. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED AS A STUDENT LEADER OF ST CATHERINE’S? Kavina: Someone who was humbly determined, passionately light-hearted and persistently reliable; someone who never compromised their sense of self, and someone who inspired others to do the same. Georgina: I hope to be remembered as a leader who is kind, down-to-earth and willing to ‘dive into the deep end’ with enthusiasm. If I am able to make one girl smile, through humour or a kind act, I have done my job well.

Georgina: Kavina and I will work with all students to understand their needs and wants. We will work closely with the Year 12s to execute the visions of our cohort, ensuring the class of 2019 leaves behind an enduring legacy. And of course, we will work with the wonderful teachers who surround us – drawing on their advice and ideas. IS THERE A HIGH-PROFILE INDIVIDUAL OR COMMUNITY LEADER THAT YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? Kavina: I admire Ellen DeGeneres, not because of her fame or success, but for the simple reason that she is able to bring laughter and joy into people’s lives, every single day. I once read that there are people in the world who emanate light and warmth the moment they enter a room and Ellen does exactly this. Talking to prime ministers and children with the same unwavering respect, she makes every person sitting on her couch feel like a celebrity.

Georgina: A good leader is someone who stands by their beliefs and is prepared to go out on a limb for others. While there have been many remarkable, high-profile leaders, I believe some of the most important leadership is carried out by ordinary people who display integrity. In the words of John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL? Kavina: Its ability to let every girl know that there is an entire world to be conquered outside 17 Heyington Place, and that each of us has the very power to do so. Georgina: In my first week at St Catherine’s, as a reserved Year 7, I was repeatedly asked which Girls Sports Victoria (GSV) Sport I would join. When I responded, “Probably Softball, except I am not very good at sport”, I was met with endless encouraging remarks such as “it will be fun” and “that does not matter”. I was overwhelmed by everyone’s inclusivity and the ‘give-it-a-go’ attitude. I think that is what is so special about St Catherine’s; the caring nature of students and teachers alike, which is so deeply embedded that it is a part of the School’s identity.

S C H O O L C A P TA I N S

Junior School Captains WHAT WAS IT LIKE FINDING OUT THAT YOU HAD BEEN ELECTED TO THE ROLE OF JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAIN? Chloé: I was really excited! Audrey: I was very happy and excited. I could not wait to commence the role and to work with Ms McArdle. WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAIN? Chloé: I like presenting in front of large groups and as Captains, we get to speak at the Junior School assemblies and special School events. The Captains MC Assembly and help with special tasks, for example recently we helped Ms McArdle hand out Random Acts of Kindness Awards at Assembly. Audrey: I wanted to be Captain because I really wanted to give back to the Junior School. I think it is important to help others and a key part of being Captain involves helping the other students, especially the younger Barbreck girls. My Dad was also captain of his school and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING CAPTAIN? Chloé: I am looking forward to speaking at School events like the Official Opening of Barbreck. Audrey and I delivered a speech at the Opening where parents, students and members of the School community, and the Governor of Victoria were present. WHAT QUALITIES SHOULD A GOOD LEADER HAVE? Chloé: A good leader should be kind, helpful and show empathy towards others. They should show perseverance and be inclusive of others.

Audrey: A good leader is responsible and believes in equality for all. They should be kind and helpful to others. WHAT MAKES ST CATHERINE’S A GOOD SCHOOL? Chloé: The teachers and students, everyone is so kind and caring. The new Junior School is a wonderful feature of St Catherine’s, the classrooms and spaces are really good to learn in. The School also offers excellent co-curricular activities. I am involved in Swimming, Junior Joggers and Netball. Audrey: St Catherine’s offers excellent co-curricular activities. I am a member of the Junior School Chess Club which meets every Thursday morning. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACHIEVE IN YOUR ROLE AS JUNIOR SCHOOL CAPTAIN? Audrey: I hope to get to know all students in the Junior School and help the other girls wherever possible. I would also like to improve my public speaking skills. WHY IS THE JOB OF SCHOOL CAPTAIN SO IMPORTANT FOR THE JUNIOR SCHOOL? Chloé: The Junior School Captains are role models for the Barbreck girls. They are also there to provide assistance to others. Audrey: The Junior School Captains help Ms McArdle and the teachers lead the Junior School. The role also supports the other girls, especially the younger Barbreck girls.

SENIOR SCHOOL YEAR 12 CAPTAINS School Co-Captains Student Executive Art and Design Boarding Community Service Cultural Diversity Debating & Public Speaking Drama Duke of Edinburgh Music Choral Music Instrumental Spirit & Wellbeing Sport House Beaulieu Blair House Davis House Holmes Kilbride House Langley Templeton School Pianist Jorgenson Orchestra Concert Band Leader Athletics Cross Country Diving Rowing Snowsport Swimming

Kavina Kalaichelvam Georgina Cottrill Clementine Aston Annelise Cody Georgina Cottrill Kavina Kalaichelvam Hope Kudelka Emily Sutherland Lucy Gray Lulu Murrell Ying (Stella) Liu Flynn O’Brien Chloe Manson Yuwei (Sophie) Ying Sophie Turnbull Gabriella Tymms Grace Lloyd Heidi Tokatlidis Madison Hunt Olivia Soong Adrianna Chai Celia Cody Nikita Taylor Clementine Aston Elspeth Cannon Annelise Cody Samantha Osborn Harriette Dryden Eve Rayner Hope Kudelka Emily Sutherland Olivia Soong Sophie Turnbull Clementine Aston Annelise Cody Chloe Manson Matilda Wolton Lily Trosdal Ryan Emily Sutherland Harriette Dryden Celia Cody Heidi Tokatlidis

BARBRECK LEADERSHIP POSITIONS School Captains Music Captains House Captains Langley-Templeton Davis Holmes-Kilbride Beaulieu Blair

Audrey Doan Chloé Favaloro Elisa Wang Heidi Axup Annabel Calvert Portia Gowrie Rose Rush Sophie Farrer Natalie Wang Rachel Carton Chloe Barber Mietta Jenkins

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2018

A Word from the President In life, many things may cross our path. A person, a job, an opportunity.

And for one reason or another you let this slide past with perhaps, at times, a little jolt of ‘what if’ or a reality of bullet dodging. There are other times when things land fairly and squarely in your lap. You might try and shove it away to no avail. You might learn to live with it. Or, in my case with SCOGA, grasp it and embrace it like an old friend. How does one write about something that ‘just is’? St Catherine’s for me is like air, a pulse, and seasons. It’s around me and has been for 52 years. I joined SCOGA two years ago, and have been honoured to be its President for the past 12 months. Surrounded by a dedicated and remarkable group of women, the SCOGA Committee embraced the big picture goals, and set about making them happen. Last year we developed our new 2018 – 2022 Strategic Plan. With this in place, SCOGA developed and delivered some exciting new initiatives in 2018 with more to come this year. Communication and engagement continues to be a focus for us. The SCOGA e-News has been well received by offering a light and chattier blurb about the goings on of our Old Girls. Where St Catherine’s girls end up in their lives is, of course an unknown, and the School does its best to head them all down appropriate paths which will be best for them. This is an area which is of great importance to SCOGA. We have reached out to our Old Girls community and are thrilled to advise that we have been gathering an

impressive list of women, in the plethora of industries, who are keen to assist current and past St Catherine’s girls with their journeys. The Prep Bag Tags were presented to our youngest Old Girls last year and will continue to do so from now on. The swinging blue teddy is to remind their owners that they were so fortunate to have started their schooling at St Catherine’s. The Biennial Lunch was a huge success last year. Numbers were fantastic as we celebrated and honoured Old Girls from each year level who were nominated by their cohort. We have decided that we will be hosting another major event in October. The SCOGA Fellowship was launched last year and grasped with great enthusiasm by our Old Girls. We were inundated by remarkable applications. Two Old Girls, Alexandra Chung (Skinner ’01) and Jessica Martin (’13) were both awarded SCOGA Fellowships. We look forward to both girls becoming SCOGA ambassadors and making themselves available to our current students, Old Girls, and to the wider St Catherine’s community. Our reunion program had a remarkable year in 2018 and will continue this year with nine cohorts gathering. This year will bring some more new initiatives such as the introduction of the Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum Barbreck Project which was installed in February. Currently we have 26 recipients of the Project, and these extraordinary women have their framed

stories, along with a current and Barbreck photo, placed in the new Barbreck building. It is vital that our current students of all ages can see what remarkable women have been educated at our School. I want to thank the incredibly important people whom I work with at SCOGA: Sarah O’Brien (’02), Deb Berry (Manos ’77), Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95), Kate Barber (’96), Kristina Moussalli (’09), Emily Smith (’10), Nicolle McCurdy (Austin ’88), Virginia Edwards AM (Smith ’56), Melissa Sweetland (’86), Olivia Molesworth (Hocking-Brown ’13), Zoe Tsalanidis (’12), Rebecca Simmons (’07), Catherine Stoney (’97). We also thank Melinda Truesdale (’81) and Kate Barber (’96) for being our SCOGA nominees on the School Council. I wish to thank those who have made themselves so available for me to spruik SCOGA and listen to a sometimes overly excited President. To Michelle Carroll, Jane Hodder and Council Members, Community Engagement Committee, Year Group Representatives, and most importantly our Old Girls. Being around SCOGA is an exciting place to be. I have met with hundreds of Old Girls and I am reminded every time that I have one thing in common with every one of these women and every student here today… WE are St Catherine’s Girls. Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79) SCOGA President oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au

St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association

THE BULLETIN

SCOGA Committee President Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79) Vice Presidents Deb Berry (Manos ’77) Sarah O’Brien (’02) Honorary Treasurer Olivia Molesworth (Hocking-Brown ’13) Back Row: Catherine Stoney (’79), Sarah O’Brien (’02), Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95), Emily Smith (’10), Deb Berry (Manos ’77); Front Row: Nicolle McCurdy (Austin ’88), Kristina Moussalli (’09), Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79), Olivia Molesworth (Hocking-Brown ’13); Absent: Melissa Sweetland (’86), Zoe Tsalanidis (’12), Virginia Edwards AM (Smith ’56), Rebecca Simmons (’07), Kate Barber (’96)

Celebrating past students who attended Barbreck The Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum Project was launched in 2010 when SCOGA highlighted the amazing achievements of some of our alumnae. Since then 51 Old Girls have been profiled and recognised. This year, to celebrate the building of the new Barbreck, SCOGA has displayed the profiles of the 26 women who attended Barbreck. They now hang proudly in the main staircase of the building allowing our youngest students to read about

the exceptional achievements of past students who have passed through the Barbreck gates before them. The SCOGA Committee would like to thank Lisa Nicoll-Cooke (Nicoll ’63), for her generous support in the framing and installation, and to the sub-committee, Deb Berry (Manos ’77), Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95) and Louise Lampard (’79) for working on this project.

Honorary Secretary Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95) General Committee Virginia Edwards AM (Smith ’56) Nicolle McCurdy (Austin ’88) Kristina Moussalli (’09) Rebecca Simmons (’07) Emily Smith (’10) Catherine Stoney (’97) Melissa Sweetland (’86) Zoe Tsalanidis (’12) School Council Nominee Kate Barber (’96) Ex Officio Michelle Carroll (Principal) Stephanie Ferrali (2018 School Captain) Annabelle Motteram (2018 School Captain) If you are interested in joining this remarkable group of volunteers and becoming part of the SCOGA Committee, please feel free to contact Chrissy Ryan at oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au

Lisa Nicoll-Cooke (Nicoll ’63), Deb Berry (Manos ’77), Phoebe Norman (Olsen ’95), Louise Lampard (’79)

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2018

Fellowship SCOGA 2018

There are moments in one’s life when a vision becomes clear, and with this clarity actions become louder than words.

The Fellow will act as an ambassador within the SCOGA community and as a role model to current students.

were inundated. Remarkable Old Girls paving their way forward. Applicants crossed decades. Their stories were diverse and inspiring.

Last year, SCOGA embarked on a new major initiative to introduce a Fellowship. This fellowship was established to further an aim of SCOGA to support the professional development of Old Girls and to positively impact our community. The Fellowship offers a financial contribution of up to $5,000 towards further study, a project and/or related travel.

Our vision was clear. We wanted our Fellow to have attributes which aligned with those of the School's values and motto – Integrity, Curiosity, Perseverance, and Empathy. We wanted no age barriers. We dreamt for diversity. We hoped for applicants.

With delight, we read through the applications, ensuring that we continued to focus on what we wanted our Fellow to be, and was our selection covering all the criteria required.

We launched our SCOGA Fellowship in July this year and waited for the unknown. We

As a Committee, we were unable to split two candidates – two Fellowships were awarded. Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79) SCOGA President

St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association

ALEXANDRA CHUNG (Skinner ’01) The SCOGA Fellowship is allowing Alexandra to participate in the 2019 Food Governance Conference which will bring together national experts and decision makers in food policy, nutrition and obesity, and equity and social justice to discuss how policy impacts our food system. This Food Governance Conference directly aligns with Alexandra’s PhD, which aims to identify policies to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in child obesity. By attending this conference, Alexandra will hear the latest research and participate in discussions about the challenges faced in regards to our food system and how food and nutrition policies impact our health. Alexandra believes that this conference attendance will serve as a platform to raise her profile as an early career researcher, establish professional collaborations and be able to build relationships with prominent experts.

THE BULLETIN

JESSICA MARTIN (’13) The SCOGA Fellowship is allowing Jessica to take part in the April 2019 Global Hands Charity project as a volunteer. She will travel to some of the poorest and underprivileged areas in the world in the hope of improving the quality of life to many by providing eye care. She will be providing this care to both the young and the old, and hopes that it will improve the future of individuals and their families. Being part of this project, and working with other optometrists, will allow Jessica to expand her clinical skills and ability to work with limited resources. When working in remote areas, such as the ones planned as part of this project, Jessica will have to work under immense pressure without the clinical luxuries available in Australian cities. Upon her return, Jessica intends to use these skills learned in practice in rural and remote areas in Australia. We look forward to opening the application process again in 2019 and encourage previous applicants and all Old Girls to strongly consider this wonderful opportunity.

Bookmark Her Future SCOGA was given the wonderful opportunity by the School to be part of Bookmark Her Future. As a Foundation member, we became part of a brilliant initiative to have a book framed and hung in the library of the new Barbreck building. With the brief being given to us that we, as a Committee, could choose any children’s book which we felt resonated who we are and what we do, so we gathered heads together and chose…

The Wonderful Things You Will Be written by Emily Winfield Martin An excerpt from this book… “Then you will discover All there is to see And become anybody you’d like to be And then I’ll look at you And you’ll look at me And I’ll love you Whoever you’ve grown up to be”

Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79) SCOGA President

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2018

Back Row: Bec Johnson (’93), Devon Emmanuel, Brooke Irvine (‘95), Libby Rumpff, Loretta Nolan, Cath McCraith, Nat Jugovic; Front Row: Tamara Heffernan, Sophie Hassler, Alex McCauley, Lauren Wilson; Absent: Georgie Gleeson (’16), Krissy Singline (’02), Emily Boyce, Sarah Rise, Fiona Irvine (’93), Clare Gordon (’96)

AND THE WINNERS ARE… SCOGA is so thrilled to be sponsors of a number of Old Girl sporting teams. 2018 produced a number of wonderful results which included an absolutely brilliant Premiership win by the St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Water Polo Team. The team is made up of Old Girls, family and friends of Old Girls and their daughters. Following on from a hard fought and successful season where they finished on top of the ladder, this amazing group found themselves in the Grand Final. With a resounding 9-3 win over NYP, the trophy was held aloft in front of their very excited family and friends. The team wants to give a special mention to their two captains/coaches Bec Johnson and Brooke Irvine who lead them with extraordinary enthusiasm and dedication. It must also be noted that Bec was the highest goal scorer for the league.

Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79), Bridget Leiberman (’17), Indi Balderstone (’15), Eliza Court (’15)

2019 Leavers’ Panel Forewarned is forearmed. Our 2018 Year 12 girls gathered in the Ballroom of Sherren House for their first SCOGA event. The annual Leavers’ Panel this year welcomed back Indi Balderstone (’15), Eliza Court (’15), Bridget Leiberman (’17) with the aim of answering many questions that arise when transitioning from school to the big, wide world. How and where to step when can be daunting for many school leavers, but our Old Girls helped smooth the way by imparting their knowledge of starting at University, heading to College, taking a Gap Year, and making their way to the workforce. Invaluable insider information when embarking on an unfamiliar journey. We thank our Old Girls for giving back. You’re wonderful! Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79) SCOGA President

The team welcomes any new Old Girls who would like to join their team, and would very much like to enter a second team this year. Enquiries can be made to Bec Johnson: 0407 173 953 or surfpod@bigpond.com SCOGA looks forward to its continued sponsorship of our Old Girl teams.

Indi Balderstone (’15)

Bridget Leiberman (’17)

St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association

THE BULLETIN

Dates for

2019 Events & Reunions Saturday 4 May 2019 30 Year Class Reunion – 1989 10.00am, Drawing Room – Sherren House Sophie Paterson (Nicholas) – 0438 710 927 sophie@adgpl.com.au Friday 10 May 2019 40 Year Class Reunion 1979 5.45pm, Venue Drawing Room – Sherren House Louise Lampard – 0400 559 779 gleeson@netspace.net.au Friday 2 August 2019 20 Year Class Reunion – 1999 5.45pm, Drawing Room – Sherren House Georgia Hargreaves – 0411 105 100 georgia@hargreavesfl.com.au

Reunions

Pre ’59 Lunch: Betty Johnson (Shields ’51), Vera Considine (Nauman ’58), Geraldine Shuttleworth (Fanning ’58) and Susan McDonald (Officer Brown ’50)

With zombies running through the grounds of the School and greeting our guests at the main gates, perhaps welcoming back our Pre ’59 Old Girls on Year 12 muck-up day might have been a clash that could have gone pear-shaped. The excitement of the girls provided much entertainment for our Old Girls who loved seeing that not much had changed when celebrating the final days of school.

Friday 13 September 2019 50 Year Class Reunion – 1969 5.45pm, Drawing Room – Sherren House Prue Dobson (Cameron) – 0419 217 646 pruedobson@gmail.com Friday 11 October 2019 5 Year Class Reunion – 2014 5.45pm, Drawing Room – Sherren House Lucinda Davies – 0430 985 098 lucindadavies0@gmail.com Tess Price – 0400 986 327 tepri1@student.monash.edu Friday 18 October 2019 SCOGA Cocktail Party Details TBC oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au Friday 25 October 2019 Pre 1960 Reunion Luncheon 12.00pm, Ballroom – Sherren House oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au

Our Old Girls reminisced about their school years and were in awe of how much the campus had changed. Many grandchildren paid a surprise visit from Barbreck which lit the Ballroom with beaming smiles.

Friday 15 November 2019 25 Year Class Reunion – 1994 5.45pm, Drawing Room – Sherren House Samantha O’Brien – 0408 444 817 sam@notatrace.com.au 1978 Year Group – 40 Year Reunion Year Rep: Rosie Garrison

Saturday 16th November 2019 Children’s Party Early Learning Centre oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au Saturday 23 November 2019 SCOGA Annual General Meeting 10.00am, Ballroom – Sherren House oldgirls@stcatherines.net.au

1968 Year Group – 50 Year Reunion Year Rep: Carol Reid (Gadsden)

2013 Year Group – 5 Year Reunion Year Reps: Zoe Allatson and Nakita Wilson

St Catherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News Autumn 2018

1981

When REMEMBER

1968

1974

1993

We look back through the archives for memories of St Catherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from 1962 to 2002. From camps to sports days and boarding house memories, we remember the camaraderie shared by our Old Girls. This same feeling is still present within the School grounds today, kept alive by returning Old Girls, be it for events or as parents, and the current cohort.

St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association

THE BULLETIN

1982

1971

1983

2002

1994

1962

1994

2002

1981

St Catherine’s News Autumn 2018

Weddings

Madelaine Mountford (’09) married Jeremy Taylor on 6 October 2018 at the Mountford family home, Balnarring.

Xenia Hammon (’01) married James Kimpton on 17 December 2017 at the Chapel of St Peter, Melbourne Grammar School, South Yarra.

Becky Simmons (’07) married Sam Cruickshanks on 23 March 2018 at Littlejohn Chapel, Scotch College.

Morgan Ryan (Lacey ’01), Julia Thomas (Hammon ’00) Phoebe McComas (Hammon ’04), Clotilde Hammon (’07), Harry Kimpton, Angus Forsyth, Sam Orders, Harry George, Xenia (Hammon ’01) and James Kimpton.

Vale & Obituaries Marian Brookes (Clark ’42)

Eleanor (Elly) Cox (Johnstone ’62)

Margaret Ringersma (Vanderkelen ’43)

ANGELA MORGAN (EBBOTT ’61) Angie was born into a very creative family. We met at Barbreck and from very early on her father Rex Ebbott influenced me greatly in the love of the Arts. Music of Mozart and Vivaldi flowed throughout their house, accompanied during my teenage years by vintage wines from France and delicious food generously shared at 37 Washington Street. Angie continued entertaining in this tradition all her life.

Angela Morgan (Ebbott ’61)

Carolyn Williams (McCahon ’54)

Angie’s talents were many. She was a fine artist, but also an accomplished Architect and Archaeologist. After she graduated in Architecture from Melbourne University, she met her husband, Bruce Morgan, when working at his architectural practice in Melbourne. They designed buildings as a team. She was an adoring mother of their three children and her grandchildren were a huge joy to her. Angie taught drawing for many years at Melbourne University. She had many successful exhibitions of her paintings throughout her life. The work she achieved while on a MU project to recreate the Roman fountains at Pompeii is a testimony to Angie’s combined talent as an architect and artist.

She was full of compassion for others and this drew her to many of the less fortunate. Her generosity knew no bounds. Angie’s life ran through many challenges but her sunny optimistic and compassionate nature gave her the strength to surmount them. She wove a golden thread of sunshine in the rich and complex tapestry of her life. Greatly missed by her wonderful family, and her loving partner Pud. She was also my soulmate. Sandra ‘Chiki’ Seddon (Chance ’61) recollects “I do not ever remember the smallest nastiness from her”. Annie Seddon (Tait ’60)

S t C a t h e r i n e ’s O l d G i r l s ’ A s s o c i a t i o n

THE BULLETIN

Babies

1. Chloe Jasmine Panton, a daughter for Atlanta (Sgro ’01) and Andrew Panton.

2. Alfred Vere Mursell, a son for Felicity (Smith ’07) and Andrew Mursell. 3. Finley Thomas Carran, a son for Rowena Martinich (’97) and Geoffrey Carran. 4. Alexander Edward Kimpton, a son for Xenia (Hammon ’01) and James Kimpton. 5. Mila Daisy Lakman, a daughter for Lisa Buxton (’01) and Ari Lakman. 6. Jamieson Osborne Stuart Brooks, a son for Emma Stuart (’01) and Philip Brooks. 7. Olivia Leila Wordsworth, a daughter for Edwina (Fordyce ’97) and Benjamin Wordsworth. 8. Elke Janette Jennifer Elstoft, a daughter for Julia (Stevens ’01) and Nick Elstoft. A sister for Rafferty (ELC).

Also acknowledging:

eorge Patrick Young, a son for Belinda (Simmons '04) G and Luke Young; bigail Marshall Stewart, a daughter for Jessica O’Donnell (’03) A and Damian Stewart; and ara Caroline Lewis, a daughter for Lucia (Harvey ‘01) Z and Edward Lewis.

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T +61 3 9822 1285 E info@stcatherines.net.au CRICOS 00574F ABN 90 004 251 816

www.linkedin.com/company/st-catherines-school Join the St Catherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Old Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association (SCOGA) closed group page on LinkedIn. This page is set up for Old Girls to communicate, network and hear about upcoming alumnae events. Once you are a member you can then share with other Old Girls in your LinkedIn network.