SCOGA Bulletin

2019 brought enormous highs to SCOGA, but with the dawning of 2020 and the smoke billowing across the state, we are reminded about the fragility of our land and the torment it has brought to so many. Our hearts go out to those who are directly affected by these tragic events brought on by the fires, and to those fights being fought by so many. To those within our SCOGA family and the wider community as a whole – we embrace you.

Planning started early this year for SCOGA with our centenary only 12 months away. Not only do we need to cement our core program, we also feel that some areas need refinement. Old Girls communications will be a key element of focus this year, along with setting out how we want to celebrate our 100 years of SCOGA in 2021.

SCOGA continues to flourish and evolve, and with this comes the need for diversity within our Committee. We are thrilled to head into 2020 with an extraordinary group of 17 committee members whose ages spread across the decades, and have skills to match our plans and programs.

2020 will see a continuation of the incredibly successful, and much sort after, Mentor Program. We are in the process of securing our mentors for the year and will be giving plenty of notice prior to the release of the 6 golden seats for each industry sector. Overseas and interstate SCOGA chapters have come into our line of sight. With St Catherine’s Old Girls spread over the globe, we feel that wherever we dwell, sometimes there is no place like home… well at least a feeling of it. As a committee we are keen to commence this project and for it to become a regular part of our SCOGA program.

In October last year, SCOGA donated the magnificent sculpture named ‘The Hands’ to St Catherine’s. Installed into the gardens outside the Mary Davis Centre, we are once again reminded about our remarkable Old Girls. A chance meeting with Lisa Roet (’84) when Dr Jane Goodall visited the school, led to an opportunity for us to purchase this extraordinary piece of work. I must wholeheartedly thank the SCOGA Committee of 2019 who unanimously voted ‘YES’ to acquire this gift for St Catherine’s.

SCOGA social media will be ramped up in 2020. We will be developing Instagram and Facebook pages dedicated to Old Girls, as well as active promotion of the current LinkedIn group. We will advise the community once these are ready for you to ‘follow’.

Year Group Representatives are a conduit from SCOGA to our Old Girls community. We appreciate their work on continuing to encapsulate their cohort. SCOGA continues

to work with the school to refine and improve its database, and one way to do this is with all Old Girls updating their details. This can be done via email to us (see address below), or by visiting stcatherines.net.au – clicking on the SCOGA tab, then the Update Your Details button, and filling in the form. Alternatively, you can advise your Year Group Representative of any changes.

Our e-News will continue to be emailed out each quarter. Please feel free to forward stories about what you are up to scoga@stcatherines.net.au

We look forward to hosting nine Reunions this year – 2015, 2010, 2005, 2000, 1995, 1990, 1980, 1970 and Pre 1961. We had sensational attendances last year, and look forward to filling Sherren House with laughter, memories, connections and reconnections.

Thank you to the SCOGA Committee of 2020 who are embracing our direction. To Principal, Michelle Carroll – your open door and open ears are greatly appreciated. To Jane Hodder, Chair of School Council and her team – thank you for enabling us to be relevant, and worthy of delivering a voice on behalf of all St Catherine’s Old Girls.

Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79) SCOGA President scoga@stcatherines.net.au

Main photo: L-R Patrick Cody (St Catherine’s School Council), Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79), Lisa Roet (’84)

The Hands I have always encouraged people including children to physically interact with my work as it is only then that the works, for me, truly come to life. My sculptures are highly textured, with the skins of the fingers and hands made to be touched and experienced close up. When a child’s hand is placed on the bronze hand of a chimp or a child is placed within the palm of the Chimpanzees hand, the relevance and meaning of the work becomes apparent. The differences and similarities between ‘us and them’ through comparison can be seen, and subsequently empathy takes a part in the artworks ability to educate. I hope for ‘The Hands’ is to became a meeting point for the girls, a destination reaffirming our interconnection with nature and each other. St Catherine’s School proved to be an important turning point in my life sending me on my lifetime journey in art making and raising awareness about Humans relationship with nature. My connection with the school has been strengthened by SCOGA and our mutual connection with esteemed scientist and female role model Dr Goodall with whom I am working on a large scale art project to tour globally during 2020-2021, celebrate the anniversary of her seminal scientific research at Gombe National Park.

I am so touched that my bronze sculpture, titled ‘The Hands’ has been purchased by SCOGA and donated by them to St Catherine’s School, offering the same pertinent message that we need to interconnect with nature to create a sustainable future.

Fellowship SCOGA 2019

It was an honour (and shock) to be awarded the 2019 SCOGA Fellowship and I am excited to be able to pursue my studies and research in a field that I am very passionate about.

Since leaving St Catherine’s in 1990, almost 30 years ago now, I have continued my relationship with the school and have returned on occasion to speak for NAIDOC week assembly as well as to provide Indigenous cultural support and advice. When the opportunity came up to apply for the SCOGA Fellowship last year, I jumped at the opportunity. I knew I would have some tough competition, but I figured there was no harm in trying!

I have been doing my own research and reading on anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion for many years and it is an area I am very passionate about. I come from a family of strong social justice activists, so advocating for equity and equality is in my blood.

I have wanted to study anti-racism in the United States for many years. The area of racism prevention in Australia is still in its infancy compared to the USA, and the USA has a long history of consistent, well-funded racial justice programs and research that has led to a very evolved approach to antiracism focusing on long-term solutions. This is not the case in Australia. There are some very effective initiatives to be found in the USA that Australia can learn from. New York, USA to attend the Leadership for Diversity Institute and the AntiRacist Alliance in August this year.

As Australia continues to become more of a multi-cultural and diverse society, there is an increased need for us as a society to value and welcome similarities and differences among others as well as the ability to examine our own unconscious biases that impact our interactions with others.

We live in a diverse society that still struggles with daily practices of racism and bias. Systemic racism persists because privilege and oppression are built into the social institutions of our society. As an Indigenous woman, I have experienced first-hand the impact of racism on an individual, community and systemic level.

This fellowship will enable me the opportunity to develop my leadership in the area of anti-racism, diversity, equity and Inclusion. I look forward to creating a platform that fosters culturally competent, inclusive and safe spaces in schools, organisations, and government departments.

It is my greatest intention to make a meaningful and impactful contribution to my community and the greater community at large.

COCKTA IL PARTY CRANLANA

An excerpt taken from SCOGA President Chrissy Ryan’s (Graham ’79) speech at the Cranlana event, in October 2019.

“When the idea came about to merge a function with SCOGA, the Past Parents and Friends Network and past teachers… it seemed like a great concept. But me being me… I needed to be sure that there was commonality between us all, besides that of St Catherine’s School. Having been a past parent and being an Old Girl and having a great respect for our teachers – despite the fact that many here either didn’t teach me or perhaps wished they hadn’t; I came up with a list.

Parent – bought the uniform; Student – wore the uniform; Teacher – put the uniform in lost property.

Parent – helped with the homework; Student – handed in the homework; Teacher – corrected

the homework and knew the parents had done the homework; Parent – made the lunches; Student – binned the lunches; Teachers – sorted the queues in the tuckshop.

Parent – paid the fees; Student – no idea why they had to eat so many sausages, mince and potato gems four times a year; Teachers – good numbers for the exchange program.

Parent – oh god oral reports, Students – oh god oral reports, Teachers – oh god oral reports.

So to finish… I want you to imagine this… Old Girls are chicken. Past Parents are avo. Past teachers are lettuce. Delicious individually. But if we were to add St Catherine’s as mayo and bind it all together we end up with a sensational Heyington sandwich.”

Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79) SCOGA President

Leavers Panel

On Monday 10th of February three old girls, Mackenzie Leyden (’17), Meg Jansen (’16) and Hannah Wentworth (’16), were invited to attend a leavers panel with the 2019 year 12 cohort.

The old girls discussed the many challenges of university including timetabling and enrolment, university workload and joining clubs/societies, how to maintain a work-life balance involving friendships, part-time jobs or internships and volunteering.

It was an invaluable opportunity for the girls to learn about how to make the most out of their post-school life by participating in networking opportunities through SCOGA, being involved with their university through O-week, making new friends and attending classes whilst at university and making time to travel and make new university friends.

It was also great to see how SCOGA still remains a large support system in the girls lives during and after their education at St Catherine’s. With SCOGA organising numerous initiatives to encourage unity between girls of different ages and by developing resources, organising mentorships and fellowships and hosting reunions, SCOGA is an imperative part of all St Catherine's girls lives.

Overall, the girls garnered knowledge regarding how some things don’t go to plan, but how it works out in the end as long as they remain determined and show resilience.

REUNIONS

TOP LEFT: 2014 Year Group – 5 Year Reunion, Year Rep: Lucinda Davies and Tess Price; BOTTOM LEFT: 1994 Year Group – 25 Year Reunion, Year Rep: Samantha O’Brien; TOP RIGHT: 1969 Year Group – 50 Year Reunion, Year Rep: Prue Dobson (Cameron); BOTTOM RIGHT: 2010 Year Group – 10 Year Reunion. Year Reps: Amy Wilson and Lucy Cameron

2020 Events & Reunions

Saturday 2 May POSTPONED 30 Year – 1990 Lucy Fortey (King) lucy.fortey@pdsgroup.com

Friday 8 May POSTPONED 40 Year – 1980 Annabel Bowden (Lewis) acmbowden@gmail.com

Friday 7 August 20 Year – 2000 Tour 5.45pm Drinks in Drawing Room 6.15pm Megan McDonald (Benson) meganbenson99@hotmail.com Angela Johnson angejohnson@gmail.com

Wednesday 9 September 50 Year – 1970 Tour 5.45pm Drinks in Drawing Room 6.15pm Barb O’Brien (Whiting) barb@notrace.com.au

Friday 9 October 5 Year – 2015 Tour 5.45pm Drinks in Drawing Room 6.15pm Nicola Sitch sitchnicola@gmail.com Jacquelin Cantarella jacquelincantarella@gmail.com

Friday 23 October Pre 1961 Luncheon Noon – 2.00 pm

Friday 13 November 25 Year – 1995 Tour 5.45pm Drinks in Drawing Room 6.15pm Phoebe Norman (Olsen) phoebe_norman@icloud.com

Pre '60 Luncheon

At SCOGA we love a reunion and the Pre ’60 Luncheon in October was no exception. We were thrilled to welcome back so many Old Girls to this fabulous event. Drinks in the Drawing Room followed by lunch in the Ballroom. Rolling

memories of times past scrolled across the screen of St Catherine’s girls at play prior to 1959. Sensational hampers were won, SCOGA keyrings were hot property, grandchildren and great-grandchildren popped up from Barbeck to

give Granny a hug, and the beautiful floral table centres went home with their lucky winners.

A truly wonderful event, which we hope will continue to attract great numbers to celebrate life and times at St Catherine’s.

W hen REMEMBER

We look back through the archives for memories of St Catherine’s from 1955 to 2002. From camps to sports days and boarding house memories, we remember the camaraderie shared by our Old Girls.

1955

1962

1998

2002

1961

MENTOR PROGRAM

SCOGA is passionate about connecting Old Girls’ and understands the significance of facilitating professional development between women in similar industries. In October 2019, SCOGA launched a new initiative – the Mentor Program. This was developed to allow Old Girls to come together in the hope of building strong networks and developing professional connections.

We were incredibly fortunate to open this program with our first Mentor – Jane Hodder, a Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills. Our Old Girls snapped up the opportunity to sit down with Jane to discuss their careers, and are looking forward to meeting with her again in 3 and 6 months’ time.

Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79) SCOGA President

Jane Hodder is currently a Partner in the real estate group of Herbert Smith Freehills. Jane has a depth of commercial experience in professional services and holds a Batchelor of Arts (Hons) and a Batchelor of Law from Monash University. She possesses knowledge of and familiarity with the building and real estate industries acquired over the last twenty five plus years through advising clients and bringing together parties on a range of transactions and is committed to the betterment of those industries.

Jane has significant expertise serving on boards. She is currently the chair of the St Catherine’s School Council (and member of building and property sub-committee), chair of the Centre for Contemporary Photography, a board member of the Queen Victoria Market,

a board member of the Committee for Melbourne, a member of the Advisory Board to the Dean of Monash University Law School and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, as well as a Williamson fellow and Cranlana fellow. She is also a past member of the Herbert Smith Freehills Global Council and Australian Freehills Board prior to the merger with Herbert Smith, former Global Partner Head of Diversity and former chair of the Monash Law School Foundation.

Jane is a proud and passionate Melbournian with a strong interest in our education community and the arts, current business issues and matters affecting Melbourne, the State of Victoria and Australia.

Weddings

Emma Ryan (’06) married Peter Antonopoulos on 24th July 2019 in Glyfada, Greece. Maid of Honour was her sister, Eliza Ryan (’11), Mother of the Bride, Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79), Grandmother of the Bride, Angela Graham (Tolhurst ’53)

Stephanie Spring (’03) married Ryan Rupert in Alaska, where they are currently residing, in 2019. The Bridal party included Jen Szuster (Matthies ’03) and Emily Dawson (’03).

SCOGA Committee

President Chrissy Ryan (Graham ’79)

Vice Presidents Sarah O’Brien (’02) Deb Berry (Manos ’77)

Honorary Treasurer Liv Molesworth (Hocking-Brown ’13)

Honorary Secretary Steph Lazar (John ’86)

General Committee Nicolle McCurdy (Austin ’88) Melissa Sweetland (’86) Becky Simmons (’07) Virginia Edwards AM (Smith ’56) Persephone Holdenson (’16) Brooke Maat (’16) Sally Hartmanis (’10) Alison Owen (’67) Roz Mackay (Kirk ’75) Prue Pisani (Gerritsen ’97)

School Council Nominees Kate Barber (’96) Melinda Truesdale (’81)

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 scoga@stcatherines.net.au

Babies

2

4

6

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Reuben James Clark, a son for Monique (Watson ’10) and Stuart Clark. A brother for Oliver and Emelia.

Angelica Róisín King, a girl for Kara Maisano (’00) and Bradley King.

Lucy Susan Heather Ryan, a daughter for Morgan Lacey (’01). A sister to Mary, Patrick and William.

William (Billy) Jack Mahon, a son for Kristina Moussalli (’09) and Tom Mahon.

Phoebe Melin, a daughter to Sarah (Munckton ’99) and Ben Melin. A sister for Charlie and Sophie.

Miles Ahern Mitchell, a son for Sophie Ahern (’04) and Nick Mitchell.

Olive Grace Taylor, a daughter for Madelaine (Mountford ’09) and Jeremy Taylor.

Lachlan Samual West, a son to Penrose (Burge ’03) and Edward West. A brother for Clementine and Arthur.

Also acknowledging:

Charles Alexander John Carah, a son for Catherine Hutton (’04) and Alex Carah.

Vale

Mrs Sheila Lyall (McCallum ’39) Mrs Suzanne (Susie) Hastie (Holden ’50) Mrs Mioko Wood (Past Teacher ’76-’96 & Honorary Old Girl) Mrs Elizabeth Joy Douglas (Gillon ’67) Ms Alison Margaret Storey (’64)

Ms Suzanne (Sue) Bird Ms Joan Florence Ingram (Carr ’37) Ms Beth Wilson (Neville ’62) Ms Elizabeth (Anne) Bishop (’51)