From the Principal

Former USA President, Mr Barack Obama recently made a powerful statement during his visit to Australia, expressing his conviction that if every country on Earth were run by women for just two years, “the world would be headed in a better direction.” Obama’s words are both empowering and a call to action to encourage St Catherine’s students to step forward and make a difference.

Throughout our School’s 128-year history St Catherine’s women have made significant contributions to the communities around them. Many of our remarkable Old Girls are celebrated as recipients of St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association’s Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum Award. Translated to Nothing is Great unless it is Good, our Nil Magnum's exemplify the sentiments expressed by Mr Obama regarding ethical decision making that is both virtuous and insightful, together with the values of empathy, care and respect that enable the world to “head in a better direction.”

This Edition of St Catherine’s News focuses on the implementation of our Towards 2025 Strategic Plan, specifically focusing on Intent One – Academic Achievement and Intent Two – Wellbeing and Leadership. Indeed, education is key to empowerment. Education unlocks opportunities for personal and professional growth, encourages the development of character and supports the facilitation of creating a life purpose.

It is important for every girl to identify that she has the power to be the change we

At St Catherine’s School every girl can extend themselves in their learning, sign up for new opportunities, pursue their passions and discover themselves through experience across our diverse range of programs, within the Arts, Sport, Debating and Public Speaking, and community service. At St Catherine’s School every girl has the chance to participate in all aspects of our School offerings.

Throughout the Autumn Edition of St Catherine’s News we share stories of our students, staff, community, and programs that celebrate the importance of emotional wellbeing for success and the value pursuing your passions provides.

Ms Jane Hodder Chair of Council

wish to see in the world, with the potential to make a difference within our local community and beyond. At St Catherine’s, we believe the first step in making a difference is for our students to believe in themselves and their abilities. It is essential that girls build self-confidence, pursue education, and recognise that their voice matters.

Our School’s outstanding academic results, particularly over the past two years are a direct result of our unwavering belief that learning is shaped by students who are taught how to question, how to learn and how to possess an intellectual quality of thinking that prepares them for a complex and interconnected world. Balanced with this academic rigor is our belief that optimum learning occurs when our students are emotionally buoyant.

Inherent within all aspects of a St Catherine’s education is our newly introduced Model of Academic Care that supports, celebrates, and strengthens the unique characteristics of each of our students. Our bespoke Academic Advisory Program, highlighted in this Edition of St Catherine’s News, along with and our Thinking Agenda encourages students to take ownership of their learning. By facilitating student-led discussions and emphasising active participation, students are given the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and communication skills, while also building confidence and independence.

By way of example, the Harkness teaching methodology adopted in our Critical Conversations Year 9 Humanities Program creates a safe and supportive environment for discussion, where students are encouraged to express their opinions and engage in meaningful dialogue, while also learning to listen actively and respect the opinions of others.

Undoubtedly, this strategic approach helps students to develop the communication and leadership skills necessary for success in leadership positions. By investing in innovative and effective learning approaches like our Critical Conversations Program, we can help to create a more equitable and empowered future for all.

Michelle Carroll Principal