Class of 2022 - Academic Excellence

#1 Girls School Victoria 2021 & 2022

Celebrating the Class of 2022

From the Principal

subjects. The Median ATAR for the School is an exemplary 92.35 with a Median Study Score of 37, for a second consecutive year and over a third of the students (33%) achieving a Study Score above 40. These results replicate the outstanding achievements of the 2021 Cohort.

As a School community we are thrilled to acknowledge the outstanding academic achievements of our Class of 2022.

This year, our Year 12 students have shown wisdom, perseverance, and courage through a most unique period of time. Emerging from two years of COVIDinterrupted schooling, requiring extended periods of remote learning across Years 10 and 11, our Class of 2022 stepped into their final year of School with passion, resilience, and enthusiasm.

Our 2022 Year 12 Cohort have achieved outstanding academic results across a broad range of

The finer details of the 2022 exemplary results reveal 11% of students achieved an ATAR above 99; placing them in the top 1% of the State; 36% of students achieved an ATAR above 95; placing them in the top 5% of the State; 55% of students achieved an ATAR above 90; placing them in the top 10% of the State; and 70% of the cohort achieved above an ATAR of 85.

I extend congratulations to our 2022 St Catherine’s School Dux, Angela Yu, who achieved the highest score possible, a remarkable perfect ATAR of 99.95.

I also extend congratulations to St Catherine’s School’s Proxime Accessit to the Dux, Paula Chen, who achieved a remarkable ATAR of 99.9.

The following students are also to be congratulated for achieving outstanding ATAR results above 99: Madeleine Farrer, Madeline Powell, Wing Man (Cecilia) Lau, Emilia Searby, Lan-Tian Yen-West and Charlotte Myer.

Led by their Head of Year, Ms Vasiliki Spanos, our Year 12 girls have supported and encouraged each other with compassion, good-humour, and humility. They are a remarkable group of young women whose balanced sense of leadership and self-worth will leave a positive legacy within St Catherine’s School. I also acknowledge and thank our St Catherine’s teachers for their academic and professional expertise. Their wisdom in preparing, nurturing, and empowering our Class of 2022 for their futures was nothing short of exemplary.

Through the implementation of our School’s Strategic Plan, Towards 2025, we have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to cultivating the ‘thinking classroom’ at St Catherine’s. This key component of the Strategy is purposefully shaped by our partnership with the University of Queensland’s Teaching for Thinking Program and designed to place meaningful learning and intellectual endeavour at the core of all teaching and learning experiences.

At the heart of this focus is a learning culture that values and nurtures deep learning through high levels of student engagement, coupled with authenticity in the

development of resources used to stimulate classroom discussion. As a School, we look forward to exciting students with our Thinking Agenda, and to ultimately reduce the passivity of students working to only rote learn content. Greater emphasis on cognitive skills (thinking skills) aligns with the requirements of each new VCE syllabus, in addition to tertiary study and for a working life beyond school.

In my Speech Night address to the Class of 2022, I reminded the girls as they embark on their individual journeys that life is a tapestry woven by the decisions they make. Whilst at times it may feel like a jumble of thread – frayed, tangled, and occasionally knotted – with nothing making sense –look for a glimpse of the blue ribbon, woven into their tapestry years ago – and soon, the rich colours, textures and patterns of their St Catherine’s past and future will become clear. Their intelligence, insight, and commitment, born out of their School days will guide them. As their current St Catherine’s chapter concludes, we now welcome them forever, as Old Girl ambassadors.

Michelle Carroll BEd UB GrDipHealth QUT MEd UQ AFAIM Principal

From the Head of Year 12

Our Year 12s emerged so beautifully in 2022. They are a force to be reckoned with in the most positive sense. As they move into the next chapter of their lives, I encourage them to continue their passionate advocacy for issues that remain close to their hearts.

I was humbled and so proud to be Head of Year for this remarkable Year 12 Cohort. Every moment of our journey together was an absolute joy. I would like to think that in moving through this chapter of our lives and indeed through this most extraordinary chapter in human history together, we have learnt. We have learnt about inner strength and discovered boundless resilience, we have learnt about the power of perspective and the need to show empathy and compassion. We have appreciated the power and wisdom that hindsight offers and the need for forgiveness as nobody is perfect, and we have learnt about the importance of our voice and the absolute imperative of inclusion, acceptance, and service to others.

From the get-go they were ready for action. Ready to learn, ready to participate and make a difference to the world around them. Whether it was mobilising their efforts to support the victims of the 2022 NSW floods, or raising awareness of women’s issues, such as the inequities that exist in girls’ education through One Girl, or supporting local organisations like IMPACT to assist families and communities to live, prosper and grow, or deciding to launch the first student driven St Catherine’s School publication, The Stentorian, they have all quietly persisted, pushing themselves and making their dreams come true! Our Class of 2022 are proof of the power and strength that girls, young women, are capable of when belief and purposeful action merge.

So, to our Class of 2022, as you embark upon the life that lies ahead, I simply say – be your beautiful self that defines you and is so inspiring to those of us who love you. Be kind in everything you do, and you will enjoy yourselves more than you could ever possibly imagine.

Ms Vasiliki Spanos Head of Year 12

From Our Co-Captains

What was

the year 2022?

A set interval of time between two arbitrarily assigned days, a stream of smiles and tears that blur within each other as time passes… but from within this concoction, we have ‘plucked the day,’ taken the risk, and harvested some truly inspiring lessons and achievements.

In 2022, we climbed onto the stage, knees a bit shaky, and we said, ‘Emerge.’ We wanted to focus on the process of things. In our minds, we had bears coming out of hibernation, turtles emerging from their shells, and phoenixes rising from the ashes.

Just like the word, it’s hard to grasp. It’s ephemeral. Yet, it’s our determination to emerge that manifests hope. It draws out hope from the darkest corners. From the disorienting abyss of the past few years, we had to crawl out on hands and knees if we had to. But we didn’t. We flew.

The co-curriculars this year, in all areas, have unfolded themselves in even more extensive and collaborative ways, being able to continue completely uninterrupted. The awards glitter in our collective memory, puffing our chests with pride, but it is the girls who sign up for everything, try everything, who make these co-curriculars buzz

with activity. We are also proud to confirm that we have taken student run assemblies to the next level. From our first dance performance with an awesome audience chorus to an inspiring line-up of guest speakers and enlightening quizzes, the Student Executive powerhouse has had a good run with Mr Brown’s vital support. Intertwined with the days at School is our sharing of music, and we have taken it literally this year. Every Friday, we hope that you sung or danced your way out of School with the bell, because over our time here, music has connected so many of us. Whether it’s Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas in Year 8 Music class, and periodically every December when we were rehearsing our Christmas classics for the Church Service, or any and every song for hours as we drove around the Northern Territory, singing any lyrics we could remember (often stemming from the Pitch Perfect soundtrack)… or even after the first assembly this year, giving our collective, rousing rendition of Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten. These songs have filled our lives with such elevating joy. Even watching a video of the students singing Shake It Off by Taylor Swift on the bus from Music Camp this year takes us back. The soundtrack of our

School life reminds us of the brilliance, the strength, the enthusiasm, and the determination that defines us, and that will lead us beyond, to our passions, our purpose, and our people. This playlist of songs is so different for everyone, but its feeling of belonging and community binds us to the history of St Catherine’s, and ties us to every St Cath’s girl, past and present, along the ‘thread of gold and blue.’ The Ode, of course, is the title track.

How do we begin to end the year that was 2022? To dig into our pockets, rummage for that piece of fabric, and tie it all off with an impeccable blue ribbon? Well, it was so iconic that it will live on in our recollections. Like the remixes of The Ode, it will echo in the halls, in the future generations’ conversations, and maybe reappear in spirit with the lotuses in the Fountain one day.

We both feel very grateful and honoured to have been your Co-Captains for 2022. Thank you for laughing at our jokes, and… peace out.

Angela Yu and Madeline (Maddie) Powell 2022 School Co-Captains

SCHOOL CAPTAINS 2022

School Co-Captains

Madeline Powell

Angela Yu

Student Executive

Summer Balla-Kellett

Ciara Jenkins

Arabella Llewelyn

Madeline Powell

Eloise Rudge

Angela Yu

House – Beaulieu Blair

Summer Balla-Kellett

Emma Froomes

House – Davis

Madeleine Farrer

Sarah Marriott

House – Holmes Kilbride

Maggie Dryden

Ciara Jenkins

House – Langley Templeton

Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

Olivia Cunningham

Art & Design

Scarlett Davis

Claudia Bryant

Boarding

Jasmine Glass

Annabelle Green

Community Service

Sarah Pratt

Cultural Diversity

Haneen Ashmeel

Debating & Public Speaking

Eloise Rudge

Lan Tian Yen-West

Drama

Charlotte Aston

Duke of Edinburgh

Mikayla Lee

Environment

Arabella Llewelyn

GSA

Val Plastow

Human Rights

Lara Thorn

Music Choral

Charlotte Myer

Music Instrumental

Catherine Chen

Spirit & Wellbeing

Holly Landrigan

Sport

Lilli Holmes

Adelaide Mitchell

STEM

Wing Man (Cecilia) Lau

Sport – Track & Field

Sarah Marriott

Olivia Nigido-Scott

Sport – Cross Country

Mikayla Lee

Sport – Rowing

Zara Bongiorno

Bronte Cullen

Sport – Snowsports

Arabella (Bella) Hall

Pippa (Pippi) Shergold

Sport – Aquatics

Lan-Tian Yen-West

Sport – Waterpolo

Georgia Stoupas and Lily McNeill

Sport – Softball

Olivia Nigido-Scott

Sport – Netball

India Marner and Abbie Bond

Sport – Hockey

Scarlett Davis

Sport – AFL

Ruby Wake

Music – School Pianist

Catherine Chen

Music – Leader of the Orchestra

Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

Music – Leader of the Concert Band

Eloise Rudge

A Bright Future

In 2022, our Year 12 students displayed wisdom, perseverance, and courage through a most unique period of time. Emerging from two years of COVID-interrupted schooling, requiring extended periods of remote learning across Years 10 and 11, our Class of 2022 stepped into their final year of School with passion, resilience, and enthusiasm.

#1 Girls School Victoria 2021 & 2022

2023 Tertiary Institutes

Arts/Creative Arts

12%

The University Of Melbourne

Monash University

RMIT University

Law/Society & Culture

3%

Deakin University

Swinburne University of Technology

Australian National University

2%

2023 Tertiary Places

33% Management & Commerce

15% STEM Environment

26% 8%

STEM

Brown University (USA)

University of Michigan (USA)

University of Oxford (UK)

Stanford University (USA)

Monash College

Box Hill Institute

Health & Medicine

Australian Catholic University

Our graduating students will be represented in institutes including The University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT, The Australian Catholic University, Deakin University and Swinburne University. Our students also received global opportunities from universities across the world including Oxford, Stanford, Brown, Michigan, Bristol and Manchester.

TOP 2% IN THE STATE Study Scores of 45+ were achieved in these subjects:

Median Study Score 37

MEDIAN ATAR 92.5

At St Catherine’s, our teachers are recognised as great activators of change for girls. They inspire girls to be fearless, teaching them how to harness the storm of adolescence, and encourage them to discover their individual passions, interests, and talents.

These VCE results are testament to this and could not have been achieved without the wisdom, dedication and passion of our teachers. Their inspiration, encouragement and energy enabled our Class of 2022 to flourish.

Top Performers

Our 2022 Dux

Congratulations to St Catherine’s School’s 2022 Dux, Angela Yu, who achieved the highest score possible, a remarkable perfect ATAR of 99.95.

Along with outstanding results across her VCE subjects, including a perfect Study Score in English, Angela was School Co-Captain and Co-Editor of the student-led newspaper, as well as participating in a wide range of co-curricular activities across her Senior School years including Debating and Public Speaking, Music, Writers’ Club, Outdoor Education, Human Rights Club, Cultural Diversity Club, GSA and GSV Sport.

Angela’s perfect ATAR is a direct result of her mature and proactive approach to learning and involvement in School life. Angela flourished in her role as School Co-Captain, leading the School admirably with her approachable and inclusive nature. In 2022, Angela was

also accepted into the Yale Young Global Scholars Program. The highly respected Program involves a two-week intensive seminar course, collaboration and networking opportunities and a real-world simulation under the guidance of Yale scholars.

“Enjoying my subjects was definitely the most important thing for me. Building a solid foundation from previous years was vital because Year 12 was tiring; what saved me was the reliability of the skills I already had from previous years, and my eagerness to explore each subject beyond the course.”

“All my teachers were very, very supportive. They would go out of their way to make time to see me, answer my questions, and give life advice on the way. There was a good combination of friendly motivation and harsh wake-up calls. Every teacher I had loved the subject they were teaching, which made it very easy for me to enjoy studying them.”

ANGELA YU

We recognise and congratulate the following students who achieved first place in each subject:

Accounting Madeline Powell (Perfect Study Score 50)

Biology Freya Cantwell

Business Management Katharine Carter (Perfect Study Score 50) and Amanda Shen (Perfect Study Score 50)

Chemistry Paula Chen

Drama Charlotte Aston

English (EAL) Wing Man (Cecilia) Lau

Our 2021 Proxime Accessit to the Dux

Congratulations to St Catherine’s School’s Proxime Accessit to the Dux, Paula Chen, who achieved a remarkable ATAR of 99.9.

Paula achieved a perfect Study Score in English, along with outstanding results in Chemistry, Physics, Specialist Maths and Maths Methods, which she undertook in 2021. Paula approached all her learning and co-curricular activities at St Catherine’s with curiosity, independence, and organisation. The outstanding results she has achieved are testament to her purposeful approach to her studies. Paula also contributed to life at St Catherine’s through her involvement in Debating and Public Speaking, Music, House events, Chess Club and Cultural Diversity Club.

Paula was also the 2022 recipient of the Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award this year and received Full Colours in Debating.

English Angela Yu (Perfect Study Score 50); Penelope Glenning (Perfect Study Score 50); Paula Chen (Perfect Study Score 50) and Rosie Osborn (Perfect Study Score 50)

Geography Annabelle Green and Sophie Simons

Global Politics Leanne Hiew and Sophie Simons

Health and Human Development Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

History: Revolutions Emilia Searby

Language: Chinese Second

Language Advanced Zixuan (Grace) Yang

Language: Chinese Second Language Christina Wu

Language: French Angela Yu

Language: Japanese Xinglu (Yuki) Tang

Legal Studies Rosie Osborn and Amanda Shen

Literature Ciara Jenkins

Maths: Further Mathematics Madeleine Farrer

Maths: Mathematical Methods Xiaoying (Selina) Weng

Maths: Specialist Mathematics Wing Man (Cecilia) Lau

Music Performance Charlotte Aston

Physical Education Bronte Cullen

Physics Paula Chen

Philosophy Ciara Jenkins

Psychology Tahlia Guzzardi and Audrey Rose

Studio Arts Clarence Houle-O’Connor

Visual Communication Design Yui Hay (Hazel) Wong

S tudent Insights

As their time as students closed, we asked a number of our Class of 2022 to reflect on their St Catherine’s experiences; co-curricular pursuits, academic studies, friendships, and memories. We are delighted to share the following student insights.

Arabella Llewelyn ENVIRONMENT CAPTAIN

“The cohesion of our Year 12 Cohort, after two years separated due to COVID, was stronger than ever and the biggest highlight for me. I really enjoyed this part of my time at School.

“I am extremely passionate about sustainability and all things environmentally friendly. In the future I would like to move into the sustainability industry in the hope that it will lead to something in fashion – perhaps tackling fast fashion or working with high-end fashion brands to become more environmentally aware.

“One event that led directly to my passion was when Ms Jackson-McRae and the School organised for Dr Jane Goodall to speak to us. The passion that Dr Goodall ignited in me about sustainability led to major lifestyle changes and eventuated with my application for the Environment Captain position. This position allowed me to put my passion into action and realise that this is what I want to do with my life.”

Clarence (Clara) Houle-O’Connor

“I really feel that the teachers at St Catherine’s are so deeply passionate about their areas and go above and beyond to accommodate the nuances of each student’s needs. Every one of my teachers has generously extended themselves to give me every opportunity for success, welcoming my ambitions with support and expertise.

“In the next five years I hope to have finished my Design degree and find some gravitation towards a particular career. I know my interests lie in the architecture and building design fields, but I’d like to use my degree to experience the various aspects of design, and other fields, to really home in on what I want to do the most.

“I would really like to travel to widen my perspectives and gain insight into the lives and ways of life of others, as I feel like this is critical in finding motivations to make a difference to the world.”

Ella Jakobovits

“Throughout my time at St Catherine’s, I tried as many co-curriculars as possible. I was involved in GSV from Year 7. In Year 9 I was a part of the Rowing Program. In Year 7 I was on the GSV Cross Country Team. I also participated in Community Service activities when the opportunity arose. My biggest highlight was the Year 9 Heyington to Highlands Program. I still read my journal every so often and hold so many fond memories of the trip. I learnt a lot about myself and consider it a life-changing experience.

“I hope to study a double degree in Commerce and Media and Communications. I have always known that I wanted to go in the direction of Business/Commerce. When it came to researching courses at the end of Year 11, I discovered Media and Communications which will allow me to study a more practical and hands on subject, opening many new pathways.”

“I attended St Catherine’s’ since 3-year-old kinder so it is incredibly difficult for me to pick just a few highlights. I have made so many incredible life-long friends and had amazing opportunities over the course of the 15 years I have been at the School.

“I have never had just one hobby which I was extremely talented at and focused all my time on. As a result, I immersed myself in as many activities as possible at School. Whether this was singing in one of the School choirs, or participating in every GSV Sport such as Softball, Hockey, Soccer, or Basketball over the years.

“One special highlight was the Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition. We hiked for eight days and climbed the highest mountain in Victoria, Mt Bogong. This was both the most challenging and amazing experience of my life as we camped in the snow, saw the most amazing night skies, and pushed ourselves harder than ever before.”

Sarah Pratt COMMUNITY SERVICE CAPTAIN

Young GLOBAL SCHOLAR

In 2022, St Catherine’s School

Co-Captain, Angela Yu was accepted into the Yale Young Global Scholars Program. The highly respected Program involves a two-week intensive seminar course, collaboration and networking opportunities and a real-world simulation under the guidance of Yale scholars.

Angela, who is passionate about a range of Humanities topics, participated in a series of sessions in the Literature, Philosophy and Culture program including ‘Human and Trans-Human: The Future of Our Species,’ ‘The Psychopolitics of the Immigrant,’ and examined ‘to what extent has socio-political propaganda and mass media exacerbated anti-minority xenophobic sentiments during the COVID-19 pandemic?’

Angela provides insights on the Program below.

What has this experience provided you? The Program helped me gain a fuller understanding of why we have literature, philosophy, and culture. These areas are significant to the human ability to reflect on our actions and achieve better in the future.

How will this experience guide you in the future? The Program helped bring my learning into reality. It reminded me to keep my mind open, not only towards different people and cultures, but to continually feed my brain with new knowledge.

Would you recommend the Program to other students? Yes, I would recommend it for those who enjoy learning for the sake of learning. In this Program, there is no one holding you accountable for how much you extend yourself. It also provided many opportunities to make connections with people from various backgrounds, with amazingly different stories from mine.

What was a highlight from the Program?

The collaborative problem-solving simulation. It was presented to us as a capstone project, so we could research any area of interest under the broad topic of the COVID pandemic. The social impacts of the pandemic were also of interest, specifically the increase in xenophobia. This topic brought us to some significant, but not surprising, statistics on the rate of hate crimes, and how the xenophobic speech of news media can cause spikes in such aggressive behaviour.

Emerging LEADER

through failures and resilience, and I want to express myself with creativity in all that I do, seeing things from different perspectives.”

Class of 2022 Alumnae, Lan Tian Yen-West, powerfully delivered this statement to the Menzies Foundation Emerging Leaders Program. Her message, along with a determined vision to create “global connections with female leaders to dismantle a patriarchal system forcing women and minority groups to be silenced,” secured Lan-Tian with one of only 11 Menzies Fellowships in Australia, recognising her as an emerging leader in our nation.

Lan-Tian’s powerful statement recognises that in Australian history, far too many women have been silenced, especially those from a minority background. As an Asian-Australian woman, Lan-Tian has been raised within both cultures, providing her with a first-hand appreciation for the value global citizenship plays in building personal leadership skills.

“I have a strong desire to have an impact on the world. I want to be bold and challenge popular thoughts and ideas when necessary. I want to be unapologetically independent – staying true to my own beliefs and learning from others around me. I want to accept I am a constantly evolving creature – growing and improving

Inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for boldly and passionately addressing inequity at the 2021 MET Gala, wearing a dress emblazoned with ‘Tax the Rich’, Lan-Tian aims to model her own leadership project, utilising the $1,000 fellowship endowment from the Menzies Foundation.

“I want to address inequity globally. My aim is to use the financial assistance I received from my Fellowship to create real-world value through a global coalition of young female leaders, dedicated to creating a better tomorrow.”

With a strong sense of social responsibility, Lan-Tian wants to maximise the opportunities and experiences she has been provided to benefit, “my generation and those who have not been given the same tools as I have, such as my St Catherine’s education and opportunities such as the Menzies Fellowship.”

“St Catherine’s has developed an ethical depth within me. I believe you demonstrate who you are when nobody is watching, doing good because it is right, rather than to be seen, this guides my leadership approach.”

“Inequity is when women like me are silenced... Let’s break the silence.”

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

The St Catherine’s Rowing Program may be small, but it certainly is mighty, including a stellar crew now recognised as the best Schoolgirl 8+ in the world. In 2022, the MMXXI was made up of four Year 12 students and five Year 11 students. The Crew worked hard to achieve what they did and their victory at the Henley Royal Regatta was well deserved.

Year 12 Crew members, Zara Bongiorno, Bronte Cullen, Summer Balla-Kellet and Sarah Marriott provide their reflections of Henley below.

Zara Bongiorno (Co-Captain of Boats): The support we received from the St Catherine’s

community really motivated us and pushed us through our season campaign. Before we went to Henley, we received special mementos, including drawings from girls in the Junior School which we hung around our house in Henley. It provided a constant reminder how many people were backing us. Once we returned home, we had people coming up to us telling us where they were when they watched the race and how they felt. It is so incredible to think we were able to provide people with that sort of emotional impact.”

Bronte Cullen (Co-Captain of Boats): “Henley was pretty amazing. Coming into the finish line I had Summer at the back of my mind saying, “you’ve done it, you’ve done it,” and that was with 300 metres to go, so we were all grinning coming

into the line Then crossing that line was really amazing. I was so incredibly proud of everyone around me. We came to the Regatta not expecting much, so knowing our hard work paid off and we did our best, it was such a great experience.”

Summer Balla-Kellett: Rowing requires a lot of grit and devotion; it is definitely not a sport for wimps. In those tough times, when it’s freezing cold and 5.00am, and the coaches say the piece you just completed wasn’t fast enough, you have to turn to your crew and lead with positivity and optimism. Rowing is a team sport, and sometimes when people are having a pretty rough day, it’s about “taking a beat,” a term we used a lot during the Henley Campaign. It means being open and honest with your crew

when something is troubling you, it strengthens the connection with the crew. I believe the key to success with rowing is having professional relationships, even at a high school level.”

Sarah Marriott: Rowing at Henley was more than just 2112m of head-to-head racing, it was the setting, atmosphere and traditions that really make the event a sporting and social must-do. From the boat bays, where you share racks with Olympians, to the vibrant blazers and dresses below the knee, it was an unforgettable experience for our Crew. We really appreciated all our families being there, trading in their puffers and jeans for long dresses and vibrant blazers. A massive thank you to all our families for facilitating this golden opportunity. We literally could not have done it without them.”

Greatest Rewards FROM GREATEST COMMITMENT

Congratulations to St Catherine’s Senior GSV Hockey Team who capped off an outstanding undefeated season by claiming the GSV Premiership in a terrific display of team first hockey, defeating MLC 11-0.

While the team has some incredibly talented individual players, with four players representing Victoria, what was evident throughout the season was a selfless approach where everyone contributed to the success of the team.

Mr Rob Marshall, St Catherine’s Deputy Principal, has coached the girls each of these years, “This Hockey Team has won the grand final each season since they were in Year 7. The girls play with commitment, passion, skill, and they have fun. Each of these girls represents the best of what we aspire St Catherine’s girls to be,” shares Mr Marshall.

For Year 12 GSV team members, Scarlett Davis (Captain), Sarah Pratt and Adelaide Mitchell their contributions to GSV Hockey during their time at St Catherine’s has been outstanding. All three of the girls have played every year since Year 7.

Scarlett Davis: “Winning the Grand Final was a lovely bookend to my schooling, like a final bow to tie off my Hockey ‘career.’

I also found a sweet comparison in my mum being Captain of the winning Hockey Team at St Catherine’s in her final year, even though she was a much better player than me!”

Sarah Pratt: “To win the Final together was a very emotional experience and so rewarding. We are the only three Year 12s that have participated in every year of Hockey together since Year 7. I have loved the bonds I made and the traditions we held.”

Adelaide Mitchell: “Being able to play Hockey since Year 7 has shown me the dedication of students in either wanting to improve on a chosen area of their sport or even just showing up to training, I learnt so much about commitment to a team and those around you.”

Congratulations girls, we are enormously proud of all your achievements.

THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

Greater

2021 House Arts marked the commencement of Year 12 captaincy responsibilities for our Class of 2022 House Captains.

At the beginning of 2021, each Year 11 House group randomly selected an envelope that contained a secret stimulus, which were all milestone Australian events from the 1890s; an acknowledgment of the decade in which the School was founded.

These social and cultural moments had a distinctly Australian backdrop – a droughtstricken sheep farm, bushland along the Snowy River, flashback scenes to Dagworth Station, and the streets of Adelaide during the Women’s Suffrage movement.

House Arts’ performance night is the culmination of a year’s worth of preparation for the Year 11 leaders, and a week of rehearsal and collaboration for every member of each House. The audience – both in person and live streaming at home – showed immense appreciation for the effort, passion and talent on display,

with every aspect of the performance led and run entirely by the students.

The judges across the five areas of Dance, Drama, Media, Music and Visual Art were full of superlative praise for the cohesiveness and creativity of the performances by the four Houses. After yet another close battle, Beaulieu Blair were announced overall winners. House Co-Captains, Emma Froomes and Summer Balla-Kellett, graciously received the Michael Bond House Arts Trophy, awarded in memory of Mr Bond’s legacy as the Head of Drama from 1997-2015, and for pioneering the House Arts competition 17 years ago.

There is much to be admired about the way the Year 11s step into their leadership roles during House Arts, having observed their peers as stewards of the process in previous years. Every year they reflect on the challenges and intricacies of managing such a large project; not just establishing a shared creative vision and teaching

the various elements of the production to other Senior students, but the amount of organisation, planning, scheduling and delegation for which they are responsible.

Year 11 House Arts meetings commence as a Year level or House group, then soon divide into smaller teams to refine a plot point, map out the blocking of a scene, sketch a backdrop, add to a musical score, decide upon a costume design, liaise with a staff member about using the drone camera, plan the next 16 beats of choreography, or consider the lighting plot.

The quality and pride in the final presentation of their work is a testament to the collaboration, creativity and dedication of the students, and their willingness to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Mr James Brown Head of Performing Arts & VOICES –Student Leadership, Project Leader

A DEEP PASSION for Creative Arts

After two years of COVID restrictions and cancellations, the creative arts at St Catherine’s in 2022 flourished.

The return of many much-loved events including the Gala Concert, Senior School production, and the VCE Art Show created opportunities for all our musicians, performers, and artists to share their passions and talents.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of our Senior School Production, Urinetown who received outstanding recognition from the Music Guild of Victoria (MGV) for their performances. “Whilst the title

certainly raised a few eyebrows, the performances enlightened audiences about the meta-theatrical, tongue-incheek content that satirised corporate greed, environmental issues, and the idea of revolution in an idealistic youth. Impressively, each performance was student run – from the tech desk to makeup artistry, the backstage crew, and the ushers. This is a feat of which we are extremely proud,” said Mr James Brown, Head of Performing Arts.

Along with several commendations from the MGV, 2022 Drama Captain, Charlotte Aston was nominated for Junior Female Performer in a Lead Role,

for her performance of ‘Bobby Strong’ in the energy filled and thoughtprovoking production. For Charlotte, along with the incredible experience of Urinetown, her involvement in Drama Club in 2022 was also incredibly rewarding, “I loved every second of my year as Drama Captain. I think the most rewarding was the friendships I made within Drama Club. With almost 15 kids every session, I had students from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10, making a super eclectic and unique bunch of girls. The energy was always high, and their excitement and bubbly personalities brightened up my day every time I saw them.”

St Catherine’s VCE Art Show was particularly exhilarating in 2022, as students’ artistic voice and achievements were celebrated together, for the first time since 2019. “The freedom of exploring our own concepts, working with whatever medium we desired, and being able to productively do something we are immensely passionate about was so very important to each and every one of us,” reflected Art & Design Captain, Scarlett Davis.

“I only joined the St Catherine’s School Family in 2018. The minute I was guided around Wiltondale I knew this was the school for me. The floorboards creak with love and such a deep passion for art. I don’t think I have ever been prouder of my classmates for coming this far and producing such a high quality and diverse range of works,” shares Claudia Bryant, Art & Design Captain.

For Head of Visual Arts, Mrs Vicki Marinelli the opportunity to exhibit student artwork was a key focus for the Visual Arts Department in 2022, “the students put their heart and souls into creating artworks that were individual, engaging, and strong, both artistically and technically. We were very proud of the VCE Visual Arts cohort for their ongoing commitment to pursuing excellence over 2022.” Congratulations to Jasmine Glass whose art installation was selected for the prestigious Top Arts Exhibition. Jasmine’s work will be exhibited in the NGV in 2023.

Music Captains, Catherine Chen, and Charlotte

Myer celebrated the “truly fantastic return to live performances,” during the many fantastic musical events across the year including the annual Concerto Concert that took place in March. “It was the perfect debut for our new, purpose-built performing arts space – The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre.”

“Our Senior Recital was held in the Sherren House Ballroom in May. This Recital is always a personal favourite of the students. Our Senior School choirs the Sherren Singers and Viva Voci, and our Flute and Clarinet ensembles, among others, continued to amaze audiences at Jazz Night, and our showstopping Gala Concert, held once more in the Melbourne Recital Centre.”

“2022 was a truly fantastic return to live performances, and we cannot wait to see the girls continue to shine in years to come,” Catherine Chen and Charlotte Myer, 2022 Music Captains.

Throughout the year and across our diverse range of creative arts opportunities it was wonderful to highlight and say farewell to our outstanding Year 12 creative arts cohort.

BRAVA!

Finding HerVOICE

Whether a performer, an orator or someone who has never dabbled in Public Speaking before, I cannot commend Public Speaking enough, as an opportunity.

To be given the chance to address a group of people is a privilege some are never granted in their whole lives.

I love public speaking as, essentially, an expression of voice. I love learning new things. I love having the opportunity to teach others. Public Speaking gives me a platform where I can form communications, influence decisions, and motivate change.

Without plunging myself into the Public Speaking Program at St Catherine’s in Year 9, I can confidently say I would not be the person I am today. I think the importance of Public Speaking as an instigator of change, both within ourselves and the community, is an immeasurable gift.

While an interschool Public Speaking Competition, such as the DAV (Debaters Association of Victoria) or Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award, can initially be a bit daunting (though progressively less so with experience), House Public Speaking facilitates a forum wherein you are surrounded by those who unconditionally support you, and are interested in what you have to say.

House Public Speaking is a chance to showcase your skills in an intellectual area to your peers. It brings forth something you feel needs to be said and heard. A favourite memory of my time at St Catherine’s was my experiences in House Public Speaking. It developed my voice to this very day.

Ciara Jenkins Class of 2022

THE STENTORIAN

When we first endeavoured to create St Catherine’s first student-led publication, we could never have dreamed of the level of eloquence, intelligence, wit, humour, and empathy that our student writers, artists and photographers would bring to the task. Our vision for this paper has been carefully planned and executed between the three of us (CIANGARA – Ciara, Angela, and Lara), and it is still being developed with each passing Issue.

A student-led voice was our priority. We wanted a paper for the students, by the students in Years 10 to 12. We could not be prouder of what has been accomplished over just one short year.

Beyond providing a platform for our student community to learn about issues outside

their own perspectives, The Stentorian, provides a forum for the students to express their creativity and opinions with agency and confidence. In our five monthly issues published thus far, we have covered everything from School news and world issues to opinion pieces, horoscopes, recommendations, creative writing excerpts, and much more.

It has been such a privilege to lead the newspaper as co-editors this year, and we are so honoured to have had a group of students who have sacrificed their time to work together and produce something we love so much. Thank you to each of these students – your contributions exceeded all expectations, and it has been so much fun getting to know you all.

Thank you also to Mr Brown. Without JB’s dedication and unwavering support, The Stentorian would never have been able to grow into what it has become.

Ciara Jenkins, Lara Thorn, and Angela Yu 2022 The Stentorian Co-Editors

Parent Reflections

A large part of setting them up for success is education and everything that comes with surrounding them with a community of people that are accepting, nurturing, that celebrate their success, help them strive to do better and provide support and understanding in the face of challenges.

As Joe and I reflected on 2022, we feel incredibly grateful that the bonds of St Catherine’s have shown through again this year. After extended lockdowns in Melbourne due to the pandemic, our young women have thrived being back among their peers this year, returning with a renewed sense of gratitude for the routine of school life, for their teachers who have so caringly and expertly helped them through their final year, and the strong bonds of friendship that we believe will last them a lifetime.

We are often asked why we chose St Cath’s for our daughters and the honest truth is we didn’t. Our daughter Maddie chose the School at just eight years of age after a rigourous process of elimination. Maddie felt at home immediately at St Cath’s and admired and wanted to be part of a cohort that looked out for each other. The sisterhood was evident, which was important to Maddie from Year 4 and has continued to play out for her over the last ten years.

Looking back, there are so many highlights but for Joe and I the standout was seeing St Catherine’s School First VIII Rowing Crew put the School on a global stage when they took out the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy at the Henley Regatta in the UK. Watching the girls bask in the glory after the significant training and commitment over numerous years was a moment we will always remember and celebrate.

We feel immensely proud of the girls in the 2022 Cohort, many of whom we have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know over the years.

We come away from the year feeling incredibly confident that the world is in good hands… that our girls have been given the confidence, resilience, and tenacity to question the status quo and bring positive change to the way we lead companies, countries, look after our planet, nurture families, and grow communities.

On behalf of all the parents we’d like to wholeheartedly thank our dedicated Principal, Michelle Caroll and all the teachers and support staff at the School for helping our daughters ‘emerge’ as young women who share a belief that they can do anything, that are ready to take on the world – to make it a better, more productive and a more caring place.

As parents, what more could you ask for?

Rachael and Joe

Powell

On behalf of the Class of 2022 Parent Cohort

As parents, we all share a common purpose; to do everything we can to see our children make a positive contribution and thrive and be happy in whatever vocation they choose in life.

No Mud, No Lotus

Since 2015, each consecutive Year 12 Cohort has chosen a single word to encapsulate their theme or focus for the year ahead.

Acknowledging the power of a common goal, the 2022 Year 12 Cohort chose the inspirational word Emerge, to encapsulate their focus for 2022. This followed the themes of previous years: Dare, Vision, One, Fearless, Beyond, Golden, and Absolutely. These annual mottos serve to bind our School community together and catalyse a clearly articulated vision and purpose. This choice is one that is both looked forward to as a rite of passage, but also as a significant leadership responsibility.

In their first address to the Senior School the School Co-Captains, Angela Yu, and Madeline (Maddie) Powell, introduced their expectant audience to the 2022 theme. Keeping their audience in suspense, Angela and Maddie shared a metaphor of the daily emergence of the lotus flower to symbolise how beauty and joy can come from struggle and challenge.

The Captains described how the lotus flower emerges from mud every day to bloom into a beautiful flower.

Tying this story to one of human resilience and perseverance, Angela said, “without mud, you cannot grow a lotus. The beautiful flower will not emerge.” She went on to encourage the audience to consider how this metaphor could symbolise a “reflection on our times,” noting that “we’ve all struggled through a multitude of things these few years... but the lotus reminds us that we can all come out of this together... even more beautiful, not just aesthetically, but on a deeper, more intricate level… no mud, no lotus.” Angela inspired the girls to see the worth of persisting through challenges saying, “What’s more, the process of coming up from the water and re-blooming every day requires consistency and persistence. There will be times when it will take so much effort to come up for air, to get on top of things, to float above the muddy water. But the lotus manages to do it every day, it doesn’t get easier, but every time you do is a chance for you to emerge as a better version of

yourself.” Angela explained, “the word ‘Emerge’ captures the process of things, the long, sometimes disheartening, but always worthwhile, process of reaching your goals, your dreams, your future.”

Linking to the School Values, Maddie explained “we are all our own, unique lotuses capable of emerging towards our visions and goals, and in control of the way in which we emerge –with Gratitude, Empathy, Integrity, Curiosity and Perseverance. In this way, we are mindful that we are in the same pond – metaphorically –as all of the other lotuses. Acting with kindness at the forefront of our minds and providing support if one day someone is finding it a bit harder to emerge out of the muddy water.”

The ‘Emerge’ theme and the lotus metaphor typifies the traits St Catherine’s girls aspire to –to be bold, independent, creative, and resilient. As Maddie said of the lotus flower in assembly, “It reminds me of a St Cath’s girl.”

Ms Merran O’Connor 2022 Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

CLASS OF 2022

Jessica Anderson

Haneen Ashmeel

Charlotte Aston

Lucy Bainbridge

Summer Balla-Kellett

Isabella (Bella) Bez

Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

Abbie Bond

Zara Bongiorno

Claudia Bryant

Katie Cacopardo

Megan Chang

Catherine Chen

Paula Chen

Amy Cooper

Claudia Crossing

Bronte Cullen

Olivia Cunningham

Scarlett Davis

Maggie Dryden

Megan Duong

Lara Elbilly

Madeleine (Maddie) Farrer

Sophie Filgate

Mia Foreman

Olivia Fortey

Emma Froomes

Jasmine Glass

Penelope (Poppy)

Glenning

Annabelle Green

Arabella (Bella) Hall

Grace Hayne

Lilli Holmes

Clarence (Clara)

Houle-O’Connor

Zeyu (Edith) Huang

Ella Jakobovits

Yasmin Jayasekera

Ciara Jenkins

Mary Kellis

Holly Landrigan

Wing Man (Cecilia) Lau

Mikayla Lee

Ruiyi (Rose) Li

Cassandra (Cassy) Lie

Arabella Llewelyn

India Marner

Sarah Marriott

Lily McNeill

Adelaide (Addie) Mitchell

Charlotte Myer

Olivia Nigido-Scott

Ika O’Halloran

Rosie Osborn

Jasmine Pierides

Val Plastow

Madeline (Maddie) Powell

Sarah Pratt

Audrey (Scarlett) Rose

Eloise Rudge

Emilia Searby

Pippa (Pippi) Shergold

Sophie Simons

Georgia Stoupas

Lara Thorn

Ruby Wake

Xiaoshan (Anny) Wang

Hailu (Lucy) Wang

Eliza White

Yui Hay (Hazel) Wong

Hao (Bella) Yang

Zhi Qing (Emma) Yang

Wing (Mavis) Yau

Lan-Tian Yen-West

Angela Yu

Pia Zayontz

Zihan (Jessica) Zhou

VALEDICTORY AWARDS

GOLD AWARDS

Outstanding Service to the School

Emma Froomes

Annabelle Green

Ciara Jenkins

Mikayla Lee

Sarah Marriott

Madeline Powell

Sarah Pratt

Eloise Rudge

Angela Yu

GENERAL AWARDS

Service to the School

Summer Balla-Kellett

Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

Wing Man (Ceclia) Lau

Arabella Llewelyn

Valerie Plastow

Principal’s Award for Co-Captains of School

Madeline Powell

Angela Yu

Melbourne University

Principals’ Award

Ciara Jenkins

The Sue Bell Humanities Prize

Rosie Osborn

The Australian Defence Force Future Innovators Award

Paula Chen

The Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award

Arabella Llewelyn

The Ampol Best All Rounder Award

Sarah Pratt

DARK BLUE AWARDS

Awards for Academic Excellence

Paula Chen

Bronte Cullen

Olivia Cunningham

Madeleine Farrer

Annabelle Green

Yasmin Jayasekera

Ciara Jenkins

Charlotte Myer

Audrey (Scarlett) Rose

Emilia Searby

Sophie Simons

Wing (Mavis) Yau

Angela Yu

LIGHT BLUE AWARDS

Performance in Rowing

Summer Balla-Kellett

Zara Bongiorno

Bronte Cullen

Arabella Hall

Clarence Houle-O’Connor

Ika O’Halloran

Performance in Debating

Haneen Ashmeel

Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

Paula Chen

Annabelle Green

Ciara Jenkins

Madeline Powell

Eloise Rudge

Lan-Tian Yen-West

Angela Yu

Performance in

Public Speaking

Ciara Jenkins

Eloise Rudge

Angela Yu

Performance in Music

Charlotte Aston

Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

Catherine Chen

Performance in Hockey

Scarlett Davis

Sarah Pratt

Performance in Track & Field

Emma Froomes

Olivia Nigido-Scott

Performance in Cross Country

Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

Performance in Water Polo

Lucy Bainbridge

Isabella Bez

Jasmine Glass

Annabelle Green

Ciara Jenkins

Lily McNeill

Madeline Powell

Georgia Stoupas

Ruby Wake

Performance in Snowsports

Catherine Chen

Olivia Cunningham

Mia Foreman

Arabella Hall

Pippa Shergold

Performance in Softball

Maggie Dryden

Jasmine Glass

Olivia Nigido-Scott

Sarah Pratt

Performance in General Sport

Sarah Marriott (Snowsports, Rowing, Water Polo, Track & Field, Cross Country)

Adelaide Mitchell (Rowing, Softball, Hockey)

Performance in Drama

Charlotte Aston

Emma Froomes

Ciara Jenkins

CO-CURRICULAR AWARDS

The Margaret Woodlock Award for Outstanding

Sporting Achievement

Sarah Marriott

The Sports Auxiliary Sports Citizenship Award

Adelaide Mitchell

The Catherine-Nellijke

Verstoep-Hilford Drama Prize

Charlotte Aston

The Bertha Jorgensen Prize for Leader of the Orchestra

Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

Music Citizenship Award

Emma Froomes

Sofya Vainer Award

Catherine Chen

St Catherine’s School

Debating Award

Ciara Jenkins

Sophie Borland Memorial

Award for Public Speaking

Eloise Rudge

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

Sarah Marriott

Sarah Pratt

The Langley Family Memorial

Award for a Boarder

Jasmine Glass

Annabelle Green

The Margaret Mulder Award for International Citizenship

Haneen Ashmeel

The Jeanie Hood Prize

Charlotte Myer

The Parents’ and Friends’ Association Citizenship Award

Emma Froomes

CO-CURRICULAR COLOURS

Debating Full Colours

Haneen Ashmeel

Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

Paula Chen

Annabelle Green

Ciara Jenkins

Madeline Powell

Eloise Rudge

Lan-Tian Yen-West

Angela Yu

Debating Half Colours

Emilia Searby

Debating Contribution Colours

Haneen Ashmeel

Annabelle Green

Ciara Jenkins

Mikayla Lee

Madeline Powell

Eloise Rudge

Emilia Searby

Angela Yu

Drama Performance Full Colours

Charlotte Aston

Ciara Jenkins

Drama Performance Half Colours

Emma Froomes

Drama Performance

Contribution Colours

Charlotte Aston

Emma Froomes

Ciara Jenkins

Drama Production Half Colours

Adelaide Mitchell

Drama Production

Contribution Colours

Sarah Marriott

Music Full Colours

Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan

Megan Chang

Catherine Chen

Charlotte Myer

Eloise Rudge

Angela Yu

Music Contribution Colours

Megan Chang

Emma Froomes

Sarah Pratt

Eloise Rudge

Angela Yu

Public Speaking Full Colours

Ciara Jenkins

Eloise Rudge

Public Speaking Half Colours

Annabelle Green

Angela Yu

Public Speaking Contribution Colours

Annabelle Green

Ciara Jenkins

Eloise Rudge

Angela Yu

Service Colours

Haneen Ashmeel

Annabelle Green

Ciara Jenkins

Mikayla Lee

Sarah Marriott

Madeline Powell

Sarah Pratt

Ruby Wake

Angela Yu

Sports Full Colours

Summer Balla-Kellett – Rowing

Zara Bongiorno – Rowing

Bronte Cullen – Rowing

Arabella Hall – Rowing

Sarah Marriott – Rowing

Catherine Chen – Snowsports

Arabella Hall – Snowsports

Sarah Marriott – Snowsports

Scarlett Davis – Hockey

Adelaide Mitchell – Hockey

Sarah Pratt – Hockey

Maggie Dryden – Softball

Jasmine Glass – Softball

Adelaide Mitchell – Softball

Olivia Nigido-Scott – Softball

Sarah Pratt – Softball

Emma Froomes – Triathlon

Lily McNeill – Water Polo

Georgia Stoupas – Water Polo

Olivia Nigido-Scott – Track & Field

Sports Half Colours

Lucy Bainbridge – Water Polo

Isabella Bez – Water Polo

Jasmine Glass – Water Polo

Annabelle Green – Water Polo

Ciara Jenkins – Water Polo

Sarah Marriott – Water Polo

Madeline Powell – Water Polo

Ruby Wake – Water Polo

Olivia Cunningham – Snowsports

Mia Foreman – Snowsports

Pippa Shergold – Snowsports

Lily McNeill – Swimming

Emma Froomes – Track & Field

Sarah Marriott – Track & Field

Sarah Marriott – Cross Country

Rosie Osborn – Cross Country

Sports Contribution Colours

Emma Froomes

Mikayla Lee

Sarah Marriott

Madeline Powell

Sarah Pratt

Eloise Rudge

Ruby Wake

School Colours

Emma Froomes

Annabelle Green

Ciara Jenkins

Mikayla Lee

Sarah Marriott

Madeline Powell

Sarah Pratt

Eloise Rudge

Angela Yu

House Colours

Haneen Ashmeel

Charlotte Aston

Summer Balla-Kellett

Abbie Bond

Claudia Bryant

Catherine Chen

Bronte Cullen

Scarlett Davis

Maggie Dryden

Megan Duong

Madeleine Farrer

Emma Froomes

Penelope Glenning

Lilli Holmes

Ciara Jenkins

Holly Landrigan

Wing Man (Cecilia) Lau

Mikayla Lee

Arabella Llewelyn

India Marner

Sarah Marriott

Adelaide Mitchell

Rosie Osborn

Valerie Plastow

Madeline Powell

Sarah Pratt

Audrey (Scarlett) Rose

Emilia Searby

Sophie Simons

Georgia Stoupas

Lara Thorn

Ruby Wake

Eliza White

Lan-Tian Yen-West

Angela Yu

Pia Zayontz