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St Catherine’s News Autumn 2020
From the Chair of Council
From the Principal
The nurturing and supportive environment of St Catherine’s School through its academic program, student wellbeing and co-curricular opportunities underpin a commitment to support its girls navigate the highs and lows of the teenage journey.
Our Teaching for Thinking Agenda, was launched based on the premise that students will have the opportunity to develop a stronger capacity in critical, creative and analytical thinking.
Today’s generation of girls face a contradiction of opportunities mirrored with challenges. The ordinary pressures of growing up are now cluttered with distractions of technology and competitive landscapes. St Catherine’s close-knit community offers a shared journey between students, teachers and parents. Through its age appropriate Wellbeing Programs, St Catherine’s supports our students to navigate the school years with an integrated approach to physical, emotional and social wellbeing. The building blocks start young and are
grounded in the foundations of our values. Under the guidance of highly qualified staff, the programs are tailored for each year level and provide opportunities for students to build on their self-confidence, resilience and self-esteem. We can learn a lot from nature and process of growth. The story of the bamboo tree is one of slow evolution, laying unseen foundations, growth and incredible strength. Once a bamboo seed is planted it appears to be inactive for years. Underground, it is building its foundation and building a network of strong roots. When it is time, this underground supports the plant above the ground. St Catherine’s Wellbeing Program exposes students to a range of experiences and learning, supporting developmental skill building. These skills are essential in preparing our girls to embark on their journey and to face life’s challenges beyond the school gate with confidence and a strong base, which is not shaken in the face of adversity. Ms Jane Hodder Chair of Council
Yet, notwithstanding the most unprecedented and demanding challenges of recent times, our vision developed at the beginning of 2020 continues. We surge ahead in planning for a rapidly changing educational landscape, as we prepare our students with the confidence and capability to embrace the unknown ahead. At the heart of our inclusive and connected School community is the holistic nurturing of young women – intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. It is this richness of relationships that has been developed over many years that stands tall through turbulent times, and it is this unwavering sense of community spirit that has re-emerged during this current global pandemic. I reminded the Senior School girls of St Catherine’s history during World War II, when students and staff were relocated to the country town of Warburton. With the Defence Force acquiring the residence of Sherren House, and without the technology enjoyed in 2020, it was
