St Catherine's News - Spring 2023

“Over almost a decade at St Catherine’s, I have witnessed girls participating in sporting pursuits that fuel their learning in other areas of their lives, improving their self-confidence, leadership, and organisational skills. Sport develops our students’ talents, self-discipline and opportunities to pursue lifelong interests.”

MICHELLE CARROLL, PRINCIPAL

It was a pleasure to officially open the refurbished Sports Hall in the Dorothy Pizzey Centre on Wednesday 9 August 2023. This was a significant occasion in the 127-year history of St Catherine’s School, and importantly, our sporting history.

From the Chair of Council

This Spring Edition of St Catherine’s News celebrates the significant role co-curricular programs play in educating and nurturing the whole child at St Catherine’s School.

Throughout this Edition, we celebrate the remarkable creativity and dramatic skills of our performing arts students in our 2023 productions of Children of the Black Skirt and Seussical JR. Our Debating and Public Speaking Program is explored, along with the importance of student voice in our School’s leadership; finding yourself through camps and exchange programs; and acknowledging the outstanding performances of our Gala Concert musicians.

As a School Council we also proudly acknowledge the official opening of St Catherine’s School’s newly refurbished Sports Centre as part of the Dorothy Pizzey Centre redevelopment.

The new Sports Centre has enhanced the learning environment for all students at St Catherine’s, from our ELC and Prep children in the new Ashley Siswanto Tumbling Studio to the Strength and Conditioning Studio for our Senior students and Athlete Development Academy candidates.

The new Sports Centre complements our bespoke performing arts space, The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre, opened in 2022.

From the Principal

St Catherine’s Old Girl, Mrs Lauren Fox (Hewitt ‘96), officially opened the Sports Centre and entertained our audience with an exuberant account of her Olympic experiences. Lauren is fondly remembered by her teachers as bringing much joy to our School when she competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in the USA. Then, a Year 12 St Catherine’s School student, Lauren had the entire School supporting her through regular faxes coordinated through the Health and Physical Education and Sport Offices.

The Hall was originally built as a multi-purpose centre, and was opened by the Principal of the time, Miss Dorothy Pizzey AM, on 31 July 1989; over 34 years ago. The opening of The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre in 2022 and the Sports Centre in 2023 completes Phases 2 and 3 of the Dorothy Pizzey Centre Redevelopment. We now look forward to the final completion of the Dorothy Pizzey Centre

with the redevelopment of the Wintergarden in our current planning.

With this revitalisation of the Hall, we now have a Sports Centre, brought to life in three dynamic spaces for teaching, learning, playing, and training; the Ashley Siswanto Tumbling Studio designed for our younger ELC and Barbreck students, the Strength and Conditioning Studio for our Senior girls and the Sports Court, which doubles as a venue for our weekly Assembly and our annual House Arts performances, with a new tiered electronic seating system installed. The contributions of many community members to the ‘She is Strong’ capital campaign stands as a testament to our collective investment in the physical wellbeing of every young girl, today and into the future at St Catherine’s. With 372 seats named in the campaign and over $900K raised, we were thrilled with the response and the contribution towards the $2.5M cost.

As a School Council we are committed to the continual improvement of St Catherine’s School’s programs and facilities for our students now, and into the future.

The Dorothy Pizzey Centre redevelopment now moves into the final stage with the redevelopment of the Wintergarden to support the new Sports Centre and Performing Arts precinct.

Through these new facilities our students gain a well-rounded educational experience that places physical health, artistic expression, wellbeing, teamwork, leadership, confidence, and resilience at the forefront of their St Catherine’s education.

By creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment, we are nurturing the potential of our students and ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to succeed in the world beyond the classroom.

Ms Jane Hodder Chair of Council

Now more than ever, young Australian girls have the opportunity to be inspired by the achievements of Australian female sporting greats. One shining example is the electric enthusiasm surrounding the Australian Soccer Team, The Matildas at the Women’s World Cup this year. The Matildas have collectively captured the nation’s imagination and served as a beacon of hope for aspiring girls.

In addition to this, the Australian Women’s Cricket Team recently claimed the Ashes, our swimmers excelled at the Swimming World Championships, and the Australian Netball Team, The Diamonds, have enjoyed their victory in the recent Netball World Cup. Attending our official Sports Centre opening was our very own Ms Sarah Marriott (’22). Sarah was a crew member in the St Catherine’s First VIII in 2022 who were victorious in the Prince Philip Challenge Cup

at the Henley Royal Regatta last year. Sarah was selected in the U23 Australian Women’s Coxed IV, that won a Bronze Medal at the World U23 Championships in Bulgaria recently. Much like our country, with its modest population and ability to achieve remarkable sporting feats, St Catherine’s, though not large in size, consistently punches above its weight.

So, whether our girls are rowing, running, playing netball, badminton, basketball, swimming, or skiing, our aim is to elevate the athletic prowess, strength, and the overall sports engagement of every girl at St Catherine’s School. In the brief time the Sports Centre has been open, the Strength and Conditioning Studio has become an extremely popular destination for Senior School students and the ELC children thoroughly enjoy their new PE space as well.

Over almost a decade at St Catherine’s, I feel fortunate to witness, time and again, girls participating in sporting pursuits that act as fuel for learning in other areas of their lives. Most notably, improving self-confidence, leadership, and organisational skills. Importantly, sport develops our students’ talents, self-discipline and provides opportunities to pursue lifelong interests. Such activities have tremendous educational importance for the positive wellbeing and all-round development of every child.

Michelle Carroll Principal

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Young children are instinctively drawn to the outdoors due to its inherent appeal. Outdoor play holds significant value in children’s learning, development, and overall wellbeing, offering numerous benefits that contribute to their growth.

Engaging in outdoor play allows children to explore and connect with their environment, facilitating the development of muscle strength, coordination, and self-confidence. Active play in the open air promotes flexibility and refinement of fine and gross motor skills, balance, and coordination.

Physical exercise and activity are crucial for children’s overall health. Children require ample opportunities to utilise their muscles by running, swinging, climbing, jumping, balancing, and riding bikes. Outdoor activities involve the whole body, allowing children to experience risk-taking and embrace new encounters. These experiences play a vital role in helping children develop an understanding of their personal boundaries. As wisely expressed by Roald Dahl, “the more risks you allow children to take, the better they learn to take care of themselves.”

Spending time outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine is essential for children’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

It provides them with a sense of freedom to release their energy, leading to increased happiness and a calmer state of mind. Also, exposure to the outdoors enables children to naturally obtain Vitamin D, which enhances moods and fosters a positive attitude.

Outdoor play serves as an excellent platform for nurturing children’s creativity and imagination. Their minds are stimulated by the natural elements and objects found in their surroundings. They ingeniously incorporate these collected items into their play, inventing new and imaginative ways of utilising them.

The outdoors grants children a wonderful sense of space. Unlike indoor learning environments, the outdoors is less crowded and overwhelming, allowing children to relax and engage more openly in social interactions and small group play. This relaxed setting offers them opportunities to refine skills such as turn-taking, negotiation, and collaboration.

The recent addition of the Ashley Siswanto Tumbling Studio in our new Sports Centre has provided our ELC children with the opportunity to further develop their physical skills in a specialised space. Skills such as balance, coordination, strength, spatial awareness, direction, body position and various movements are gained through regular interaction with the obstacle courses and motor experiences offered in the Tumbling Studio.

In our Early Learning Centre, outdoor and physical play is a high priority which is seamlessly integrated into our daily program. We provide our children with regular opportunities to engage with our nature-inspired outdoor playscape, where they can freely run, climb, imagine, interact, and create using their entire bodies and senses.

Ms Sarah Bethune Head of Early Learning Centre

Research shows that pressure in the learning environment can have detrimental and long-term effects on academic success. These effects can include obsession with grades, anxiety, extreme competitiveness, changes in appetite, working constantly, sleep difficulties, inability to relax, social isolation, or loss of interest.

Balance is ESSENTIAL

As well as the personal effects pressure places on students and their families, it also affects learning. For example, if students feel their results are valued above their efforts, parents are disappointed with a B+ because it was not an A, inadvertently children can attach their personal value with their marks. This can lead to students concentrating on results rather than developing their skills and understanding the knowledge being taught.

This constant ‘results stress’ impairs a student’s ability to process material cognitively resulting in the opposite effect to the desired outcome.

In Barbreck, we believe optimal learning occurs when matched to students’ instructional level. This is what we call the Goldilocks Level – not too easy (they can do it independently), not too hard (even

with help, they cannot do it) but just right! At this level, girls have the necessary understanding and skill to learn successfully.

Our Barbreck culture supports all our students, ensuring their learning is built upon a solid foundation of skills and knowledge. At Barbreck we believe learning in the primary years should mostly be ‘stress free.’ These years should develop a love for

learning, finding where their strengths and interests lie, areas they need to work on and exploring new ways to think and learn through experiences.

Balance is essential to support our girls to achieve their personal best. Complementing our academic program is our diverse co-curricular program that ensures our students learn through experience. Our girls are immersed in Sport, Drama, and Debating

along with our specialty subjects in Art, Music, French, Health, and Library. The recent refurbishment of our Sports Centre also provides our girls with outstanding facilities to pursue their passion for sport and develop their love of life-long physical activity. Our Wellbeing Program also supports our girls to develop growth mindsets, organisation, self-care, and valuing a balanced life.

Our Barbreck environment encourages our girls to value their efforts and approach their learning with curiosity and positivity. It supports them to try new things, make mistakes, and discover what works for them. Through this approach our girls develop an intrinsic love of learning that nurtures healthy self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.

Ms Karen McArdle Head of Junior School

Oh, the Thinks You Can Think as a Team!

Our Years 5 and 6 production of Seussical JR. by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens took us on a whimsical journey through the extraordinary world of Dr. Seuss. This musical celebration showcased the timeless stories and beloved characters of Dr. Seuss.

The heart of Seussical JR. lies in its celebration of friendship and the power of self-belief. The story brought together iconic characters like the brave Horton the Elephant, the mischievous Cat in the Hat, the glamorous Mayzie La Bird, the kind-hearted Gertrude McFuzz and the determined Jojo from Whoville. This story reminds us of the importance of standing up for what is right.

The production aimed to capture the essence of Dr. Seuss’s magical universe, and it succeeded in doing so through vibrant sets, colourful costumes, lively choreography, and a refined stage presence developed over a series of intensive rehearsals across Terms 1 and 2. Behind the scenes, our team of teachers worked tirelessly to orchestrate rehearsals, supervision, costumes, sets, make up, props, choreography, lighting, sound, staging, ticketing, advertising, and more. This played an instrumental role in the success of Seussical JR. We thank all who were involved in this production for your hard work, care, and dedication.

The journey leading up to the performances was a testament to the growth and development of each performer, both as individuals and as part of our two

PERFORMING ARTS

ensemble casts – Thing 1 and Thing 2. The determination and dynamic collaboration within each Cast elevated the production to new heights, making everyone involved immensely proud.

To the talented Casts consisting of all our Years 5 and 6 students, you were encouraged to fully embrace the unique

qualities of your characters, bring them to life with authenticity and enthusiasm, and you did just that! Each character’s quirks, flaws, and strengths were embraced, adding heart and soul to Seussical JR. The energy and passion shared by each Cast was clear in all your performances.

The hard work and commitment of everyone involved made this event a truly memorable one. Congratulations!

Ms Kristen Dhono Isworo Junior School Performing Arts Coodinator

Snowsports SEASON 2023

House Snowsports

The 2023 St Catherine’s House Snowsports weekend kicked off with a bang, with students from Prep to Year 12 participating! From beginners through to seasoned experts, the sun was out, and students were ready to represent their Houses with pride. Mt Buller provided the perfect location for a weekend filled with camaraderie, skill-building, and a whole lot of fun.

The weekend began with a wonderful social event on Friday night, organised by our

incredible Snowsports Auxiliary. Our Senior Snowsports Captains, Georgia Szer and Matisse Stafford in combination with Junior School Snowsports Captain, Siena Lane had some words of wisdom to inspire our students before the competitions began. A huge thank you to our Auxiliary for a fantastic night.

Throughout each of the mogul, cross country, snowboard, and alpine events each student tried their best for their Houses. It was fantastic to see so many Junior School students and new families up at the snow, in what was for

some their first time in a ski race this season!

Davis won the 2023 House Snowsports event in the Senior School, whilst in the Junior School the incredible number of Prep and Year 1 students helped Holmes Kilbride take home the win!

Victorian Interschools Cross Country Championships

The Victorian Cross-Country Interschool Snowsports Championship was held over the weekend of Saturday 5 and Sunday 6

As we reflect on the 2023 Snowsports season, we are reminded of the power of determination, teamwork, and unwavering spirit. Our students showcased their abilities, pushed their boundaries, and represented St Catherine’s School with honor. We commend every athlete who participated in Snowsports this season and thank the parents, teachers, and supporters who stood behind them.

August. There was beautiful sunshine for the event despite an unfortunate lack of snow. The determination displayed by all St Catherine’s students from both the Junior and Senior Schools was nothing short of inspiring, as they displayed their skills and spirit of sportswomanship.

Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships

The 2023 Victorian Interschool Snowsport Championships were held from Monday 21 August to Sunday 27 August. Our dedicated students from Prep to Year 12 showcased their talents, determination, and teamwork at Mt Buller.

The Championships took place under everchanging weather conditions, a true test of our students’ adaptability and resilience. Rain, sleet, and sunshine alternated throughout the week, creating a dynamic and challenging atmosphere. Despite the unpredictable weather, our athletes remained focused and represented St Catherine’s with pride.

For our Year 12 students, this year’s Championships held a special significance as it marked their final opportunity to compete in the Victorian Interschools. For many, these students have grown up representing St Catherine’s since they were in Prep. Their performances showcased the culmination of years of dedication, discipline, and passion for Snowsports. As they bid farewell to the Interschool competitions, they left an inspiring legacy for our younger athletes to follow.

The 2023 Championships were remarkable, with students from all Year levels delivering outstanding performances across the board. I would like to extend a big congratulations to all participants for their hard work and perseverance. Unfortunately, the 2023 Snowsports Nationals were cancelled due to the lack of snow.

Individual Achievements

Victorian Interschools

Cross Country Championships

Division 4 Classic: 3rd Place – Isabella Wilkins

Victorian Interschools Championships

Division 1 Alpine: 2nd Place – Matisse Stafford

Division 1 Ski Cross: 1st Place – Matisse Stafford

Division 2 Ski Cross: 3rd Place – Catherine Ross

Division 3 Moguls: 1st Place – Kayleigh Yap

Division 3 Snowboard Cross: 3rd Place – Elsa Zhou

Team Achievements

Victorian Interschools

Cross Country Champions – Primary Girls

Runners Up – Secondary Female

Division 3 Classic Team – 1st Place

Division 3 Relay Team – 1st Place

Division 4 Relay Team – 1st Place

Division 5 Relay Team – 1st Place

Division 5 Classic Team – 2nd Place

Division 1 Classic Team – 3rd Place

Victorian Interschools

Championships

One of the most positive aspects of this year’s Snowsports season was the incredible sense of camaraderie. Students from various Year levels came together as a united team, supporting and cheering for each other across all events throughout the season. We cannot wait to see what the 2024 season holds for our Snowsports community.

Miss Olivia Cody Snowsports Coordinator

Runners Up – Secondary Female

Runners Up – Primary Female

Division 1 Alpine A Team – 1st Place

Division 1 Ski Cross A Team – 1st Place

Division 1 Moguls A Team – 2nd Place

Division 3 Moguls A Team – 2nd Place

Division 1 Ski Cross B Team – 2nd Place

Division 2 Ski Cross A Team – 2nd Place

Division 3 Ski Slopestyle A Team – 2nd Place

Division 3 Alpine A Team – 3rd Place

Division 4 Alpine A Team – 3rd Place

Division 6 Ski Cross A Team – 3rd Place

Division 1 Snowboard GS A Team – 3rd Place

FUTURE PROOFING

Early exposure to a breadth of career pathways can be critical in helping girls explore their full potential. At St Catherine’s this begins in our Junior School as part of Barbreck’s Years 5 and 6 Ambassador Leadership Program.

Within the Ambassador Program our girls take part in a series of Careers Days to open their minds to the possibilities of future careers and many of the interpersonal skills required to be successful in particular industries.

The Careers Days highlight a broad range of careers for the girls to consider and showcase what each entail. Highlighting the connectedness of our School community, our presenters are current parents and Old Girls of St Catherine’s.

Careers Days provide an inspiring platform for our girls to consider their futures and develop lifelong skills. Along with this the girls also continually develop microcredentials and interpersonal skills throughout their time at St Catherine’s so that they gain the best preparation possible for tertiary education and the workplace.

So far in 2023, two Careers Days have been held. During the events all our presenters shared their wealth of experience, discussed avenues for careers and provided great advice to the girls on the skills and attitudes they needed to consider in their careers. The presenters all identified several skills and dispositions necessary for successful careers that set them apart from their peers, including:

• Being an active listener and being a good communicator

• Being highly organised and able to manage time well

• Having a good work ethic and meeting commitments or expectations

• Being creative

• Having good ability to collaborate and work well with a wide range of people

• Being passionate about what you do

• Having a positive and determined attitude

• Being able to set goals and work towards them

• Bouncing back from setbacks

In Barbreck we are actively teaching and encouraging these skills through our Wellbeing Program and life within Barbreck. They are also skills that girls can work on while at school as they are part of our curriculum at Barbreck.

Thank you to our presenters:

Dr Damien Grinsell – Plastic Surgeon Consultant

Mr Lachlan McArdle & Ms Ellie Spinks –Lande Architects

Ms Suzi Shaw – Conservator of Frames and Furniture at the National Gallery of Victoria

Dr Hilary Grover (’10) – Sports Medicine, St Catherine’s Old Girl and SCOGA Fellowship Recipient

Mr John Tabbagh – Television Producer of shows such as Rove, Rove Live, Hard Quiz and Front Line

Mrs Liz West – Beauty Product Developer, formerly with Mecca, developing such ranges as Mecca’s Kit Range. Now has own business ‘Font of Beauty.’

Mrs Bronwyn Cox – Speech Pathologist servicing many school children in our area.

Artistic INTELLIGENCE

For Amanda Shen, her ability to balance Year 12 Mathematical Methods and English with an accelerated university subject at Deakin University is achieved through her involvement in Visual Arts.

“Art for me provides escape and inspiration for my other subjects. It allows me to take a break without leaving my concentrated mindset. Instead, I channel my attention into a completely different form of thinking whilst still gaining valuable productivity,” shares Amanda.

“Studying Art has allowed me to view and approach my Year 12 subjects quite differently. I have learnt to see things from multiple perspectives and look beyond the most obvious answer. In Legal Studies I use my Art skills to see cases and questions through an additional cultural perspective, which I have learnt has a heavy impact on the experiences and actions of people. In English, my critical thinking skills allow me to perceive perspectives others may not, providing me with a unique angle to present my ideas.”

As the leading girls school in Victoria for the second consecutive year, St Catherine’s School in Toorak, recognises the importance of equipping its young women with higher order thinking skills to critically discern information and develop a deeper understanding of the knowledge they are presented.

“St Catherine’s promotes individuality and personal creativity, focusing more on the process of learning rather than the end achievements, letting that come naturally,” explains Amanda, “As students we are assisted during the process with teachers who tailor their styles to individual needs.”

“Art teaches us to appreciate our deeper perspectives. It inspires us to think about our own purpose and meaning and encourages us all to think critically and reflect. My Visual Arts practice teaches me flexibility and openness in thinking across all my subjects and encounters in life. It teaches me to adapt and create meaning through my own ideas which I think is extremely beneficial as I move into tertiary studies.”

Amanda plans to study a mixture of Law, Commerce, Real Estate and Architecture, “Once I have finished Year 12, I am aiming to enrol in Land Economy at the University of Cambridge or stay in Melbourne and study Commerce and the Juris Doctor at The University of Melbourne.”

ON THE PATH TO

Greatness DISCOMFORT

In many situations in life being uncomfortable is a pivotal part of the learning and growth process. To reach our full potential and achieve our goals we must move outside of our comfort zones and deliberately place ourselves in situations where we may fail or be uncomfortable. This is a concept known as ‘failing forward.’ Failing forward requires us to let go and not hold ourselves back because of a fear of failure. It asks us to try new things, or something we are afraid to do. It means stepping outside of our comfort zones, even if the outcome or path is not clear.

While trying something new can be scary, to be truly open to personal growth and learning, we must be bold and independent in the face of these fears.

This failing forward approach underpins our co-curricular program at St Catherine’s School. We support our students with opportunities to reach their full potential through programs and experiences that require them to take positive risks, explore with curiosity and lead with strength.

STUDENT PROGRAMS

Rhea Werner talked about her signature moment during the DAV Debating Competition, where she used the wrong word in a debate and felt like her world had stopped. “But in that moment, I wasn’t banished or cast out, but instead people started to laugh, and it made me realise that it’s not about the outcome or being perfect, it’s about the mistakes we make along the way that make us into fearless girls.”

Our Student Executive leaders for 2024 recently shared their ‘signature moment’ at our School during their Leadership speeches held in Term 3. As I listened to these speeches, it was clear our new student leaders had developed their confidence to lead through failing forward and experiencing discomfort on the path to school leadership.

Jisu Yang shared her fear of public speaking when in Year 9, “After my first daunting public speaking experience, I decided to challenge myself even more, signing up for more competitions. While there were more losses than wins, what I realised was we should not be so frightened of our fears. My Year 9 self would not believe I am standing here today delivering a speech to our entire Senior School.”

Georgia Hennessy spoke about her collective experiences in the House Arts Program. “I realised that the significance of House Arts was never just the final performance, but the countless moments that lead up to it. The rehearsals, camaraderie, and support. Comparably, our time at St Catherine’s isn’t just marked by grand events or milestones. It’s the daily interactions, challenges, and small victories that truly shape our journey. It reminds us to value and nurture the quieter moments, where the real magic of our School lies.”

Alice Molnar said taking on a Netball coaching role for younger St Catherine’s girls taught her as much as it taught them. “We all learnt the importance of resilience, continued effort and that winning isn’t everything. The relationships we forged as a team were amazing. Coaching has been instrumental in making me feel part of the greater St Catherine’s community.”

As portrayed by our 2024 Student Executive, St Catherine’s School has many opportunities for our students to grow, develop and learn through exploring interests and taking up new opportunities.

Mrs Gina Peele Deputy Principal –Student Programs

CHILDREN OF THE BLACK SKIRT

Congratulations to the Cast, Crew and Production Team of the brilliant Senior Play, Children of the Black Skirt. After the success of our satirical 2022 Senior Musical, Urinetown, it has been wonderful to turn our attention to a more boutique dramatic offering that grapples with important ideas regarding children’s rights.

PERFORMING ARTS

The Australian bush. A timeless world. Three children stumble upon a run-down orphanage. Playing ‘dress-ups’ with the tattered and disused clothing sees them transformed, crossing the threshold into a timeless spirit world of the abandoned orphanage. The children become residents of the institution and under the strict, silent gaze of governess

Miss Emily Greenant – the Black Skirt, the changelings try to make sense of daily rituals but are haunted by the lingering voices from the past and tormented by the horrible Government Inspector. They tell stories to comfort each other, which releases the spirits of the orphanage’s trapped, forsaken children, one by one.

Written by one of Australia’s leading playwrights, Angela Betzien Children of the Black Skirt weaves real stories into a powerful theatrical world that is deeply poignant and engaging. It is an evocative play that has captivated audiences across the country since it was first performed 20 years ago.

Stylistically, Children of the Black Skirt is a gothic fairytale. In the classic tradition of Australian Gothic Theatre, it recounts the dislocation of the Australian psyche, its unresolved tensions with its landscape, its bush panic, and the stories of its lost children – abandoned, forgotten, stolen. This production served as a reminder of the significance of children’s rights and the inherent value of giving a voice to young people.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the people who made this production possible. Our outstanding cast – Lilla Barrington, Scarlet Russell, and Miranda Ware – all shone more brilliantly and further strengthened their inextricable bond with every rehearsal and performance. Engaging with conventions such as transformation of time, place and character was an exciting challenge for the cast. There were over 40 characters in this production and Lilla, Scarlet and Miranda have done justice to each of them.

To Ms Kathryn Lucas for the creativity, positivity, and grace she always brings to theatremaking. Our Backstage Crew, Stage Manager,

Phoebe Russell, and Ashleigh Jakobovits, Assistant Stage Manager; Technical Team, Danning (Rachel) Liu, and Anqi (Angel) Cai and our Maintenance Crew, Mr Andrae Sellar and Mr Mark Vincenzini – the cog turners, set builders and mood makers, thank you all.

To Aunty Gail Smith, Aunty Julieanne Axford, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, thank you for the guidance and support you have provided.

It was a privilege to work with such a wonderfully committed and selfless group of students and staff who contributed to this year’s Senior Production. It is one that will remain with audiences for years to come.

Mr James Brown Head of Performing Arts

The St Catherine’s School Gala

Concert held at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Tuesday 5 September saw approximately 270 St Catherine’s students celebrating and sharing music.

A Light in the Dark

The theme for the evening was A Light in the Dark. Whilst the theme provided an underlying sense of unity for the Concert, it also allowed performers and ensemble directors to be creative with their scope, imagination, interpretation, and repertoire choices. The focus for St Catherine’s Music Department for 2023 has been community and continuity. Driven by the opportunity to expand upon the new beginnings from 2022, with the theme of growth, the Concert provided an opportunity for students from Year 3 through to Year 12 to share their musical passions with friends and family.

Alongside the outstanding performances by soloists and ensembles, the Gala Concert also provided the chance to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of our active Year 12 Cohort, across their many years. The class of 2023 have provided many moments of outstanding leadership and rolemodelling, so it was appropriate that each Year 12 Music student was presented with a yellow rose during the Gala Concert. The rose symbolises the full circle in our students’ journey, with a yellow rose presented to each student at the commencement of Year 7. Seeing these presented by current Year 6 students

added extra significance highlighting the connection within our School community.

Thank you to our Music Tutors and Ensemble Directors for providing the creative inspiration for this celebration and to our students for performing so brilliantly. A concert like this is not possible without the help of the whole St Catherine’s community. Thank you to everyone for the support and assistance in making this such a memorable event.

Mr Nicholas Grunden Head of Music

It’s official! St Catherine’s School’s refurbished Sports Centre is now open!

Officially opened by Australian Olympian and St Catherine’s Old Girl, Mrs Lauren Fox (Hewitt ‘96) in a community event during Term 3, the revitalised Sports Centre has brought to life three dynamic spaces for teaching, learning, playing, and training.

The Ashley Siswanto Tumbling Studio is designed for our younger ELC and Barbreck students, the Strength and Conditioning Studio for our Senior girls and the Sports Court, which doubles as a venue for our weekly Assemblies, and annual House Arts performances with a new tiered electronic seating system installed.

NEW SPORTS CENTRE

“The Strength and Conditioning Studio provides so much opportunity for students to build a workout into their school day. We have seen girls use the bikes, treadmills, and weight equipment throughout the day, and members of our Rowing and Snowsports Squads, as well as the students in the Athlete Development Academy, have loved having state-of-the-art equipment for their strength and conditioning training sessions. Throughout Term 3, our GSV Badminton Teams have relished playing on the four brand new badminton courts,” shares Head of Sport, Mr Nick Racina. The Sports Centre has generated great excitement around School,

SPORT CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT

with students embracing the new state-of-the-art fitness equipment, engaging in physical activity before and after school, during lunchtimes and within their Physical Education subjects, and co-curricular programs.

“Working in the Sports & Conditioning Studio has increased the girls’ comprehension of the significance of muscular power and strength, flexibility and other crucial fitness components that contribute to overall physical health. Our VCE Physical Education students are also benefiting from using the new Sports Centre facilities,” explains Head of Health and Physical Education, Ms Debra Thompson.

The contribution of many community members to the ‘She is Strong’ Campaign stands as a testament to our collective investment in the physical wellbeing of every young girl, today and into the future at St Catherine’s.

As we continue to evolve how we use the new space, we aim to develop the confidence and competence of all students in using the Strength and Conditioning Studio. This will provide huge benefits to the girls’ general fitness, performance in sport and importantly, their confidence to engage in a healthy lifestyle throughout and beyond their years at St Catherine’s.

TRAVEL FAR ENOUGH YOU MEET yourself

Our Year 8 students developed a sense of self, values, and their own metacognition as they adapted to challenges as part of their Central Australia experience this year.

It was, for so many students, their first foray into independent travel, a moment to connect themselves with country and the stories that first started upon it, to forge new friendships, and create new memories. Reflection was key to this experience, and the words of our students provide great insights. Together, they paint a complete window into the trip.

From Melbourne to Alice Springs (1,858km north west)

Setting off very early on a Sunday morning we were transported from a very chilly and wet Melbourne into the heart of Australia, Alice Springs.

Over two days, the students discovered the beauty of the MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja), and the appetiser of sight-seeing at Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap (Rungutjirpa) – though our party of 84 may have scared off the rock wallabies!

“My highlight of the Camp was Simpsons Gap. It was astonishing. The magnificent view made me understand why the First Nations custodians wanted to protect this land so much.” Kerry

Ren

Alice Springs to Kings Canyon (328km west)

The vast landscape is something to behold in Central Australia. The big skies, desert plains, and never-ending rocky ranges. These mind-boggling distances are also the reason that the group formed such a strong bond with their tour guide and bus driver – discovering the great history behind each landform, the people of Central Australia and critical First Nations people’s perspectives and insights regarding the land.

“My highlight of the Camp was the Uluru cycle and the bus rides. Everyone had time to bond with each other to become one big family and sing along to the radio. The tour talks that John gave were amazing and I learnt many new things.” Chloe Fei (Chloe) Zhu

Learning about Indigenous Culture at Karkke

Along the journey to Kings Canyon, the students spent time learning about the culture of the Luritja and Pertame people at Karrke. This included bush tucker, medicines, weapons, instruments, and the meaning behind art in the region.

Kings Canyon

Scaling the heights of Kings Canyon proved challenging for some, but a real highlight for many. Completing the four-hour Rim Walk, the treacherous chasm, the sheer size, unfolding beauty and unexpected waterholes captured the eyes, minds, and cameras of our Year 8 students.

“The highlight of my experience was the 6km walk through Kings Canyon. It was so fun, but so challenging at the same time!”

Grace Champion de Crespigny

Kings Canyon to Yulara (324km north east)

After being duped into believing we’d spotted Uluru (alas, it was only Mount Conner – Artilla) but then realising there is more than one large red monolith in Central Australia, we arrived at one of the most iconic vistas in Australia, Uluru.

“The highlight of my experience was cycling around Uluru. This was an amazing experience and was so beautiful. I loved hearing the First Nations stories about the landform of the rock, I really found this fascinating.”

Samantha (Sam) Kudnig

But

there are always challenges. How do you handle that?

A pleasing aspect of the experience was the girls recognising their own metacognitive processes when faced with challenges. Understanding when they fell into common thinking traps gave them an opportunity to put in place strategies to adapt and enjoy the trip.

“I fell into the thinking trap of ‘ignoring the good’ when I was on the hike. I ignored the views and focused on being tired. I was thinking I wouldn’t be able to climb the mountain because I wasn’t athletic. What I ignored was that I had an entire group of staff and friends who could help me.”

Adele Wu

But it is always about the learning?

The opportunity for student growth in the domains of self efficacy, independence, collaboration, and agency were frequently identified within the students’ reflections.

I will leave you with one final quote from a student reflection which sums up all of the great things experiences like this can provide for each student.

“This Camp was a way to experience a different type of learning. Developing into an independent traveller will aid me in the future for both travelling and for organisation at School.

I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed quality time with my friends over the last six days and have been able to make great memories.”

Louisa Liao

Ms Liv Cher Head of Year 8

St Catherine’s School’s Debating and Public Speaking Program provides students with a strong foundation for success in their academic, professional, and personal lives. The Program develops skills in effective communication, critical thinking, confidence, research abilities, persuasion, conflict resolution, leadership, and networking.

DEBATING matters

Program Coordinators, Ms MaryAnne Keratiotis and Ms Merran O’Connor provide insights into the depth of opportunities available for our debating and public speaking students below.

DEBATING

A dynamic form of public speaking, debating promotes the intellectual exchange of ideas and confidence in students’ abilities to prepare, present and defend logical arguments. Students learn to think quickly and speak with spontaneity through St Catherine’s Debating Program.

Our Senior DAV Interschool Debating Program enables 10 teams of Years 9 to 12 girls to debate both prepared and secret topics against teams from other schools in the region. Coached by past students, our Senior Teams approach training sessions, and debates collaboratively to prepare and present speeches with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

The DAV Junior Secondary Debating Program caters for Years 7 and 8 students. This Program takes place in Terms 3 and 4. Our Junior Teams are supported by Year 11 mentors who help them prepare for their debates. Our Barbreck debaters also enjoy being coached and mentored by our Year 10 debaters who form the C Grade Team in the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) Program.

Traditional Debating is offered outside the Senior Debating season through the DAV Women’s Competition and the Deakin Law Debate, both of which attract strong debaters around the State.

MOOTING

An exciting component of the Debating and Public Speaking Program is the opportunity to participate in the Bond University National High School Mooting Competition. This Competition attracts students undertaking

DEBATING & PUBLIC SPEAKING

Legal Studies and sharpens their advocacy skills. Those interested in extending their skills beyond traditional Debating are invited to join the British Parliamentary Competition – a much more adversarial and animated style of Debating. This Competition provides students with the opportunity to develop legal arguments in response to a case study and present them in a simulated court proceeding before a panel of judges. This requires great dedication and resilience, as the students must firstly interpret previous High Court judgements and relevant legislation before applying them to the given case study.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

The ability to speak confidently in a public forum is a highly valued skill and St Catherine’s participates in several Interschool Public Speaking Competitions. Students interested in politics can now join the Robert Menzies Speech Competition. Those students interested in theatre and performance can take part in the Rotary Ainger Peck Public Speaking Award or the Festival of the Speech and Drama Teachers’ Association of Victoria, which reward personality and a strong manner in Public Speaking.

Traditional competitions offered by the Debaters’ Association of Victoria and Rostrum Voice of Youth have seen numbers almost double in the past few years. These competitions provide opportunities for students to explore both persuasive and discursive styles of Public Speaking on a whole range of topical and personal issues which assist them in developing strong personal opinions. Finally, those students who have really honed their skills over the years are encouraged to compete in the VCAA Plain English-Speaking Award, where maturity, originality and substance are the hallmark of the winners each year.

Across all aspects of St Catherine’s Debating and Public Speaking Program our students are supported by expert staff as well as Old Girls who return to Campus to coach the girls. This provides a wonderful mentoring opportunity for both our students and returning Alumnae.

Ms Mary-Anne Keratiotis

Head of English | Debating & Public Speaking Coordinator

Ms Merran O’Connor Debating & Public Speaking Coordinator

CATALYSTS FOR POSITIVE

Their regular meetings involve planning and developing the segments and running sheet for weekly assemblies, discussing ideas for the Student Representative Council (SRC), and addressing other School-related matters. This collaborative effort ensures that student ideas, celebrations and concerns are recognised and acted upon daily.

Our student newspaper, Stentorian (meaning: of a person’s voice, loud and powerful), is another avenue where students express their thoughts, ideas, and creativity.

This year has seen the consolidation of a range of student-led activities and initiatives, along with the introduction of VOICES (Voice, Ownership, Inclusion, Compassion, Empowerment, Strength) Sessions on Friday afternoons.

A large component of the VOICES Program is the work of our six Student Executive members. These student leaders play a crucial role in shaping the School’s culture.

Student-led assemblies have been a feature of Monday mornings for the last three years. These efforts demonstrate the commitment of students to making assemblies engaging and informative for the entire School community. The Student Executive, alongside various Captains organise the content, including guest speakers, to make assemblies relevant, educational, and entertaining for everyone in attendance.

The editors and contributors work diligently to produce a high-quality publication that reports on national and world events, as well as School events and achievements, and includes illustrations, movie, and book recommendations, and even horoscopes. By promoting the newspaper through the School’s communication channels, students can share their voice with the wider community.

To foster inclusivity and engagement among students, regular Student VOICES sessions now run on Friday afternoons. These

At St Catherine’s School, the importance of Student Voice is not just a concept, but a reality that is actively embraced through various activities and initiatives.

CHANGE

sessions are planned and organised by the Student Executive, House Captains and CoCurricular Captains, alongside other student leaders. Their collaborative efforts ensure that a variety of activities are offered. These sessions allow for students in different Year levels to work towards a common goal.

St Catherine’s unique Leadership Diploma develops students’ leadership skills and encourages active participation in the School community.

Students in Years 9 and 10 undertake various leadership activities, to set goals and reflect on their experiences in co-curricular pursuits, camps, and community service. The Leadership Diploma empowers students to take ownership of their personal and leadership growth.

STUDENT VOICES PROGRAM

Year 10 students have the option to embark on a Dark Blue Leadership Diploma, which is a small group-based community service initiative run within the School to support a charity of their choosing.

In 2023, Year 10 students have already run fund and awareness raising campaigns across both the Junior and Senior School in service of Very Special Kids, St Kilda Mums, Daffodil Day, The Pyjama Foundation, Do it for Dolly and The Humane Society.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) serves as a platform for students in Years 7 to 12 to voice their ideas and concerns. This year, along with some more pragmatic areas of attention, the SRC planned a celebration of Harmony Day with a Cultural Dress Day. Students were invited to wear items of cultural significance from their countries of heritage and had the opportunity to attend traditional cultural dance workshops.

These activities and initiatives highlight the dedication and commitment of students in making their voices heard. Through their active involvement in the Student VOICES Program, our students actively shape their educational experiences and contribute to the development of a vibrant and inclusive School community.

When students are given the opportunity to express their voices, they become catalysts for positive change, inspiring others and shaping the future of our School.

Mr James Brown Project Leader – Student Leadership

For Year 12 student Phoebe Russell, the decision to board at St Catherine’s School stemmed from her dream to one day play hockey for Australia.

“My goal was to board at St Catherine’s so I could continue my semi-professional hockey career and hopefully become involved in the Australian Hockey Development Program,” shares Phoebe. “Boarding at St Catherine’s meant I could continue my endeavours with State Hockey without compromising my education. It also reduced the travel time for my family who were driving me back and forth from regional Victoria to the city continuously.”

Boarding at St Catherine’s has provided a city home base for Phoebe so she can access specialised coaching programs that she could not have considered when living in regional Victoria.

“Within the Hockey Victoria Program, there is little regional scouting, so my ability to play hockey completely at metropolitan level has ensured I have easier access to scouting programs, while also more often being in the eyes of selectors for elite programs. Over the

SPORTING CULTURE at Her Doorstep

last two years I have been involved in the Under 21 Women’s Hockey Club Melbourne Development Program, as well as specialised drag flicking coaching offered by Hockey Victoria.”

Phoebe believes living in Melbourne with a large group of people also passionate about their sporting careers has kept her motivated and committed to her goals. “The environment that I have been immersed in since coming to St Catherine’s has only benefited my motivation and passion for my sport, and helped me make many lifelong friendships along the way.”

Along with the sporting benefits for her hockey career and access to Melbourne’s vibrant sporting culture, Phoebe has also thrown herself into performing arts at School, something she never would have considered prior to commencing at St Catherine’s.

“While my original aspirations were specifically related to my sporting endeavors, my time in the Boarding House at St Catherine’s allowed me to develop many more extracurricular and academic goals. Being involved in the Drama Program has also inspired me to pursue, in the future, a continued hobby of working

within stage management in amateur and semi-professional theatres across Victoria. Prior to moving to St Catherine’s, I would have never considered involvement within anything like this. However, I found once I participated in my first show, I could not get enough of it.”

Building FOR THE FUTURE

As we celebrate the opening of the redeveloped Sports Centre in the Dorothy Pizzey Centre, School Archivist, Ms Melissa Campbell walks us through the evolution of sport and sporting facilities at St Catherine’s School.

In the 1921 November Edition of the St Catherine’s Magazine, Mrs Cynthia Hunter (Taylor ‘22) wrote, “Fifty years ago it was thought unladylike and tomboyish to play any strenuous games such as hockey or basketball and people would have been horrified at the very thought of girls playing football. The present-day girl plays all these games, and none is worse for it.”

The first sporting teams to be created at St Catherine’s, Toorak were recorded in the 1920s School Magazine as Tennis, Hockey, Basketball and Running. In 1924 the first Baseball team was formed. In 1956 the School Hall, now redeveloped as the Nicholas Library, opened to accommodate School assemblies, freeing up the Ballroom in Sherren House to become a gymnasium complete with vaulting horse.

The brochure, Building for the Future outlined the need for improved and more facilities at the School with student numbers increasing from 500 to 800 over 10 years. It was also a priority to provide extra-curricular opportunities. The Master Plan outlined new facilities including a modern library, hall, and gymnastics studio. There was also a need to provide both indoor and outdoor facilities due to inclement weather and to reduce the strain on the School’s present physical facilities.

Miss Pizzey wrote in the 1989 School Magazine, “1989 has been a year of celebration at St Catherine’s. About 10 years ago we devised our Master Plan for the School. We thought through our educational programme and built new facilities or refurbished old ones to allow us to enlarge our curriculum or strengthen it.”

The new Hall was designed as a flexible space to provide indoor playing spaces for sports, and small rooms for workshops and lectures. The original Gymnasium was retained while the Music School was extended. Two tennis courts were built at the rear of the Music School.

Former Deputy Principal Mrs Yvonne Taylor, wrote in the 1990 St Catherine’s Magazine, “[Our School] responded with enthusiasm when the Hall offered a whole new range of sports including Badminton, Table Tennis, indoor Soccer, and Hockey as part of the sporting program. Currently 100 girls are attending sessions for Basketball establishing the basis for future success. The St Catherine’s Hall has been in operation for over a year, and it has added a new dimension to life at School.”

St Catherine’s Hall was renamed the Dorothy Pizzey Centre upon Miss Pizzey’s retirement in 1997. The continuing development of Sport for St Catherine’s students has created an enduring participation in individual and team sports, fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love for physical activity.

Ms Melissa Campbell St Catherine’s School Archivist

Following in their Footsteps

“Our daughters are now being taught the importance of strength, nutrition, and mental health. The Athlete Development Academy and the new Strength and Conditioning Studio at St Catherine’s are terrific testaments to the importance the School places on empowering the whole person,” shares Melissa. “However, what hasn’t changed is the dedication and commitment of the staff and parents. The St Cath’s School spirit remains unchanged.”

There is a mutual inspiration shared between these mothers and their daughters. They have not only passed down their love for sports but also the values of dedication, resilience, and teamwork. It is a bond forged through their shared experiences on and off the field.

“Playing sport is fun but it is also about working hard to achieve results which is true for all things in life, so it’s a great way to teach this lesson at a young age,” Ms Claire Simm (‘97), mother of Charlotte and Lucinda Morris shares. “Charlotte and I have loved training together and have entered fun runs together. Going to watch the girls’ netball on the weekends has also been a lovely, shared experience.”

“I always look forward to strategising pre-race and analysing post-race with Mum, through her experiences in swimming she offers good advice,” shares Coco Lutz, daughter of Mrs Rebecca Lutz (Paranthoiene ’97). For Rebecca it was very special to hear that Coco was appointed Swimming Captain in Year 6, “as that was a role I also had at School.”

In sports, where victory and defeat are inevitable, these women offer their daughters valuable perspectives on winning and losing and how to gracefully handle disappointment. “I have past experience to reflect on and share with Alice, which hopefully helps to fuel the wins and cushion the losses for her,” shares Mrs Fiona Dobbin (Goldstraw ’90), mother of Alice Dobbin, Year 9. Ms Melissa Sweetland (‘86), mother of Lily (Year 12) and Annabel (Year 10) agrees, “Playing sport helps our girls learn how to win and lose, yet still be friends afterwards, it builds resilience, shows the importance of routine, commitment, and hard work.”

As they watch their daughters play and train at St Catherine’s, they are filled with a nostalgic sense of pride. While the facilities have improved, and the coaching is expert, they all agree the St Catherine’s School spirit remains the same.

These mothers exemplify a deep commitment to their daughters and their daughters’ interests. “I love having mum cheering me on, she is always my biggest supporter,” Year 7, Ruby Cashmore says about her Mum, Mrs Lucy Cashmore (Olsen ’97). This sentiment is reciprocated by Lucy who has found cheering for Ruby and Poppy (Year 9) a wonderful tribute to her own parents, “Cheering for the girls has brought back lots of memories of my own time rowing and my parents doing the same all those year ago. I have always been my girls’ biggest cheerleader.”

Their unwavering support is a beautiful exhibition of love, reinforcing the importance of staying active, keeping fit, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout life. These stories are testaments to the enduring legacy of sportswomanship at St Catherine’s, and a celebration of the special bond between mothers and daughters.

A handful of St Catherine’s graduates have come together to share their memories of being young sports competitors and the joy they now find in watching their daughters compete for their School too.

Lucy Cashmore (Olsen ‘97) (third from the right), mother of Poppy and Ruby Cashmore

Lily Taylor, daughter of Melissa Sweetland (’86)

Annabel Taylor, daughter of Melissa Sweetland (’86)

Alice Dobbin, daughter of Fiona Dobbin (Goldstraw ‘90)

Claire Simm (’97) (left), mother of Charlotte and Lucinda Morris

Coco Lutz, daugter of Rebecca Lutz (Paranthoiene ’97)

Charlotte Morris, daughter of Claire Simm (’97)

Melissa Sweetland (’86) (right), mother of Lily Taylor and Annabel Taylor

Poppy Cashmore, daughter of Lucy Cashmore (Olsen ‘97)

Ruby Cashmore, daughter of Lucy Cashmore (Olsen ‘97)

Father’s Night

On Wednesday 24 May the PFA Father’s Night was held at the Toorak RSL.

With over 50 in attendance for the evening it provided a great opportunity for fathers of girls from all Year levels at St Catherine’s to get together and chat candidly about being a St Catherine’s father.

The location was perfect for such a get together with a warm fire, a billiards room, and an intriguing facility with a great background of RSL memorabilia. There was a great sense of inclusion and a welcoming atmosphere that ensured everyone was included in the conversations.

The PFA recognises the important role of fathers at our School. We would like to continue with social events such as these in the future and encourage fathers to attend whether they have an existing friend network at St Catherine’s or not.

The Father’s Day Breakfast held in Term 3 was another event for our fathers to get together with their daughters and enjoy each other’s company.

Dr Simon Kudnig PFA Committee Member

RUTH LANGLEY Luncheon 2023

The 2023 Ruth Langley Luncheon was another great success. The PFA hosted this year’s event at Leonda by the Yarra with a fantastic turnout of current parents, past parents, and Old Girls.

The Class of 1986 was strongly represented to show their support for our talented guest speaker Dr Meaghan Wilson-Anastasios (‘86) who graduated St Catherine’s that year. Guests were treated to an ‘In Conversation’ style presentation with Meaghan and her close friend and St Catherine’s parent, Ms Mimi Kwa.

Meaghan’s presentation captivated the audience with her recollection of her time at St Catherine’s and her fascinating work and travel.

Meaghan is an accomplished author and screenwriter. In print her work includes the best-selling adaptation of Russell Crowe’s directorial debut, The Water Diviner, and novels The Honourable Thief and The Emerald Tablet, and the bestselling nonfiction book, The Pacific: In the Footsteps of Captain Cook. Meaghan also has another novel to be published in 2024.

We have been fortunate to have Ms Mimi Kwa emcee the last few Ruth Langley Luncheons and this year was no exception. Year 12 student Miranda Ware enchanted the audience with her singing performance. We are very grateful she was able to take the time to perform for us.

Another highlight of the event was the generous donation from Ms Andrea Moss from Liberty Bell who donated cosmetic hampers valued at $1,500 for each table, giving each guest a wonderful chance to win.

The PFA are incredibly grateful to all who attended as we endeavour to raise funds for our pledge towards St Catherine’s newly refurbished Sports Centre and Wintergarden redevelopment.

I would also like to thank the PFA Committee for all the effort that goes into each event.

Mrs Roxanne Ktenavos PFA President, 2023

CLASS OF 2022 PAST PARENTS’ REUNION

On Thursday 18 May, around 40 parents attended the Class of 2022 Past Parents’ Reunion at the home of Mrs Rowena and Mr Nick Rudge. It was a great evening with everyone reminiscing over drinks and finger food about the girls’ time at St Catherine’s and the successful VCE results. We all enjoyed hearing what they are doing now as many are enjoying studies close to home, while others are embarking on interstate or overseas adventures. Travel commitments prevented more parents from joining us, but we know they will be with us next time!

For the parents of the Class of 2022 many social events were not possible during our final years at St Catherine’s due to COVID restrictions, so it was extra special to have the opportunity to catch up at our first St Catherine’s Past Parents’ event in 2023.

Everyone was excited when our surprise guest arrived, the girls’ Head of Year from 2020 to 2022, Ms Vasiliki Spanos. Ms Spanos supported the students and parents for three years from Year 10 to Year 12, through the lengthy and unexpected lockdowns and VCE. Ms Spanos holds a special place in all our hearts having guided us through such difficult times with a personal focus and calm presence. We cannot thank her enough.

It was nice to catch up with so many familiar faces and chat after such a hectic few years. We all agreed that it was wonderful to see everyone, and we were looking forward to the 2024 Past Parents’ Reunion!

On Sunday 28 May a large crowd once again turned out for the annual St Catherine’s Snowsports Swap. Excited shoppers filed into the newly refurbished Sports Centre at 10.00am to an extensive selection of new and used skis, boots, snowboards, clothing and more. The contributions of new and used gear from suppliers, St Catherine’s families and the general public were significant and greatly appreciated.

It was a very successful event with the team of volunteers processing 1,267 items for sale over the week leading up to the event. The Swap sold over $65,000 worth of equipment and clothing in just two hours on the day.

Unsold winter clothing was donated to Off Your Back, an initiative created by Old Girl Toni Joel (Silver ’82), as well as donations going to Rosebud Primary School.

The Snowsports Auxiliary was very happy with the result and extremely grateful for the assistance provided by members of the St Catherine’s community, both past and present. All proceeds from the Swap will be used to support the Snowsports Program at St Catherine’s School.

Mrs Julia Soutter Snowsports Auxiliary President

Mrs Rowena Rudge (Williams ’87) Parent of Eloise Rudge (’22)

St Catherine’s School Sports Centre Redevelopment

Through the incredible support from current parents, past families, and Alumnae, close to $1 million has been raised towards St Catherine’s Sports Centre redevelopment.

This generous commitment from our community emphasises the profound impact that can be achieved when we unite for a common goal. To date our community has raised $908,571, with a target of $1M, we are nearly there.

From the outset, it was clear that the new Sports Centre’s realisation would be a collaborative effort. In this context, our loyal donors have embraced the Campaign’s mission by empowering our aspiring athletes and the Sports Program at St Catherine’s.

There are four unnamed seats remaining as well as the opportunity to name one of the 16 ergos. Please contact St Catherine’s Advancement Manager, Ms Kathy Hines if you would like to Save Your Seat.

Thank you to all our donors who have supported the She is Strong Capital Campaign. Your overwhelming support has enhanced St Catherine’s Sports Program and increased participation opportunities for all St Catherine’s girls now and into the future.

Total $908,571 36 St Catherine’s News Spring 2023

Alumnae 39% 29% Past Parents 47 325 Named SILVER SEATS

Friends 3%

Within our She is Strong Capital Campaign was the Save Your Seat Giving Day. Just over $452K was raised on Giving Day. Three hundred and seventy six seats were available for naming on Giving Day, with front row Gold seats being named in a flurry of unprecedented donor support. Thank you to the 301 donors who either named a seat or contributed funds towards the $2.5M cost of the Sports Centre redevelopment.

Mrs Sally Joubert Chair, St Catherine’s School Foundation

$452,400 Giving Day Save Your Seat Funds Raised

Parents Staff & Past Staff

23% 329 3 Named 16 ERGOS

Sports Centre Opening

On Wednesday 9 August we were delighted to welcome over 300 Sports Centre donors who so generously supported our She is Strong Campaign to attend the formal opening of the new St Catherine’s Sports Centre.

Mrs Lauren Fox (Hewitt ’96), Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal Australian Olympian, a St Catherine’s Nil Magnum, and one of Australia’s most recognisable elite runners, officially opened the Sports Centre, sharing personal stories and reflecting on physical wellbeing and the impact of sport during her time at St Catherine’s.

The opening was a fabulous celebration for our donors who were delighted by the considered and contemporary re-imaging of what is fast becoming one of the

School’s most loved learning spaces. The Strength & Conditioning Studio was highlighted as part of the evening’s proceedings by our Sports Captains and Athlete Development Academy students.

The opening event incorporated the unveiling of the extendable hydraulic platform of named seats. It was wonderful to see our Gold and Silver seat donors eagerly viewing and photographing themselves with their named legacy.

Just prior to the opening event, the Foundation received a major gift which enables the completion of the Ashley Siswanto Tumbling Studio. This key space will be a vibrant area for our Early Learning and Junior School students to thrive in their very own training

hub. We cannot wait to share this final component of the Sports Centre with you, and the rest of our community!

The Sports Centre could not have been completed without the exceptional commitment of our loyal donors. Thank you!

Ms Kathy Hines Advancement Manager

If you would like to join the St Catherine’s Foundation by supporting our immediate fundraising focus on Scholarships, Learning Space Building Projects, or to leave a gift in your Will, please contact Ms Kathy Hines, Advancement Manager at kahines@stcatherines. net.au phone +61 3 9828 3032.

Connecting our Community

SCOGA social media is up and running on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. To stay up to date with SCOGA reunions and events, programs such as the Mentor and Mentee Programs, opportunities including our annual SCOGA Fellowships and general promotion of Old Girl success and stories you can find us on the platforms below:

Facebook: scoga.au

Instagram: @scoga.au

Instagram: @stcatherinesschool

Make sure you have added St Catherine’s School under education on your profile so you are listed as an Alumnae.

Bringing Old Girls Together

Over the past six months, SCOGA has been bustling with numerous successful events, evoking reminiscence, and laughter among attendees at Heyington Place. The Committee and Old Girl community have been actively involved, hosting various gatherings that fostered connections and camaraderie among the attendees.

Reunions have been particularly successful, reuniting old friends who shared fond memories of their time at School including our NYC and regional Victoria gatherings, gaining Old Girls from across the country. In addition to attending these events, we had Old Girls

speak at the Ruth Langley Luncheon and Mother’s Day Breakfast, which were a huge success. We also proudly supported St Catherine’s Prep students’ 100-days of School Assembly, presenting them with SCOGA commemorative bag tags to congratulate them.

The Committee's presence was felt at the official opening of the newly refurbished Sports Centre, witnessing the remarkable transformation of the area. SCOGA's generous contributions to the School's fundraising campaigns, including the $10,000 donation towards seats in the Sports Centre, reflect our commitment to supporting School initiatives.

Looking ahead, the SCOGA Mentor Program is set to return, with remarkable mentors already lined up for the Old Girls' community. As the year unfolds, SCOGA eagerly anticipates a bright rest of the year, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Committee and the Old Girls' community.

SCOGA 2023 Committee

1993 Year Group – 30 Year Reunion

Fellowship 2023

The St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association Fellowship was established in 2018 to strengthen the aim of SCOGA in supporting the professional development of Old Girls and to positively impact our community.

The Fellowship provides a financial contribution of up to $5,000 towards further study, a project and/or related travel in line with the purpose of the Fellowship. In 2022, the SCOGA Fellowship was awarded to Sports Physician, Dr Hilary Grover (‘10).

Hilary updates our community with how the Fellowship has assisted her professional development below.

“This year I am using my SCOGA Fellowship to attend two conferences focusing on Sports Medicine, athlete health and in particular supporting female athletes. One conference is the Female Athlete Conference and the other is the Australian College of Sports and Exercise Physicians Conference.

The Female Athlete Conference focused on women’s health regarding sport and exercise participation. We had world renowned speakers talk about mental health, contraceptive health, return to exercise from pregnancy and much more. The focus on mental health and the unique impact on our female athletes was a theme that I found particularly important. We must ensure that we are supporting our athletes holistically and not just focusing on their game day performance and physical output. This further highlights the importance of multidisciplinary teams to support our athletes and attending conferences such as this gives us exposure to a whole range of allied health professionals.

The next stage of my SCOGA Fellowship will be attending the Australian College of Sports and Exercise Physicians Conference in Wellington, New Zealand. This is an excellent opportunity to gain updates on Sports and Exercise Medicine that is particularly unique to Australian and New Zealand sports participants."

To learn more about the SCOGA Fellowship visit www.stcatherines.net.au/scoga

Dr Hilary Grover ('10) pictured with her Mother, Mrs Jane Grover

2024 EVENTS & REUNIONS

Leavers’ Panel

Monday 5 February

9.00am-10.00am

Sherren House Ballroom

Connecting Old Girs with current students to provide career and education support

Reunion Weekend

Born from the rescheduled reunions of 2020 and 2021, which received overwhelming praise, the SCOGA 2024 Reunion Weekend will bring together different Year Groups of Old Girls. Each Year level will have their own designated areas to reconnect. But the magic doesn't stop there, if you want to mingle across Year level groups, we've created common spaces. We are looking forward to another year of strengthening the bonds that tie us to 17 Heyington Place.

FRIDAY 1 MARCH

Class of 2019 – 5 Year Reunion

Class of 2014 – 10 Year Reunion

Class of 1999 – 25 Year Reunion

Class of 1994 – 30 Year Reunion

Class of 1979 – 45 Year Reunion

Class of 1974 – 50 Year Reunion

Tour 5.30pm | Reunion 6.00pm-8.00pm

Fountain (weather permitting)

Alternative indoor option available

60+ Reunion Luncheon

Tour 11.30am | Reunion 12.00pm-3.00pm

Sherren House Ballroom

SATURDAY 2 MARCH

Class of 2009 – 15 Year Reunion

Class of 2004 – 20 Year Reunion

Class of 1989 – 35 Year Reunion

Class of 1969 – 55 Year Reunion

Class of 1964 – 60 Year Reunion

Tour 5.30pm | Reunion 6.00pm-8.00pm

Fountain (weather permitting)

Alternative indoor option available

Boarders' Reunion Luncheon

Tour 11.30am | Reunion 12.00pm-3.00pm

Sherren House Ballroom Room

TOP 10 LESSONS WORKING IN BUSINESS

As a newcomer to the corporate world, tapping into our Old Girl network has proven invaluable, allowing me to gain insights and wisdom from the unique experiences of three remarkable Old Girls Christa Ray (Block ’03), Katrina Blair (Middleton ’90) and Anna Bathrick (Collicoat ’92), writes Miss Brooke Maat (’16).

Through conversations with these women, I gathered 10 valuable lessons for working in the business world. These lessons shed light on their triumphs, struggles, and the transformative power of determination and self-advocacy.

1. Be Your Own Advocate: To thrive in business, it's crucial to advocate for yourself. Recognise your worth and confidently communicate your value to the organisation. Aligning yourself with advocates within the company adds weight to your own advocacy.

2. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledging and celebrating small victories creates a positive atmosphere of support and encouragement, fostering unity among team members and a shared belief in each other's capabilities.

3. Navigating Maternity Leave: The transition to maternity leave can be challenging, but increased support from businesses and colleagues has eased concerns. Finding support systems from employers, like parent support groups and return-to-work

programs, helps with the transition back to work. Although not everyone had access to these initiatives, these examples raised consistent themes around seeking out common experiences and networks that alleviated challenges faced during the transition back to work.

4. Building Networks and Gaining Diverse Experiences: Actively seek opportunities to meet new people and travel for work or secondments to gain diverse experiences and expand your professional network, enhancing your development and future opportunities.

5. Gender Equality, a Work in Progress: While gender equality remains an ongoing battle, women in business have experienced a shift towards a more inclusive and supportive environment. Although certain industries remain maledominated, women now have access to support networks and allies who can help them navigate challenges and overcome barriers.

Brooke Maat (‘16) Christa Ray (Block ’03) Katrina Blair (Middleton ’90) Anna Bathrick (Collicoat ’92)

6. Support other women: By lifting each other up through mentorship, advocating for equal opportunities, and offering support, women create a stronger and more inclusive environment where all can thrive.

7. Challenge Yourself: High-achieving women often seek diversity and variety in their work. They actively pursue new challenges and opportunities or explore alternative avenues for growth. Embracing change and continuous learning is key to staying engaged and fulfilled.

8. The Role of Education in Confidence and Voice: These accomplished women attribute their confidence and ability to voice opinions to their educational experiences. Schools provide a platform for developing a strong sense of self and cultivating the belief that their opinions matter.

9. Tackling Imposter Syndrome: Imposter syndrome is a common challenge that many women face. However, it is essential to embrace the unknown and be comfortable with discomfort. Recognise that it is okay to not have all the answers and focus on personal and professional growth by stepping outside your comfort zones.

10. Seizing Opportunities and Setting Boundaries: Approach each opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to take on new challenges. However, it's equally important to set clear boundaries and prioritise a healthy worklife balance. Establishing these boundaries fosters productivity and ensures overall wellbeing.

I extend my gratitude to these three Old Girls who graciously shared their time and experiences with me. This opportunity deepened my appreciation for the strong bonds and sense of community among us as St Catherine's Old Girls.

Miss Brooke Maat (‘16)

St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association THE BULLETIN

To read the extended version of Brooke’s article visit www.stcatherines.net.au/blog/ top-10-lessons-working-inbusiness/

Christa Ray (Block ’03): Since graduating St Catherine’s in 1990, Christa has worked at PwC for 15 years and is currently a Partner in the Corporate Consulting team. Her primary role involves assisting clients in implementing intricate transformations and programs, emphasising the delivery of outcomes and value. Throughout Christa’s career, she has gained experience in various locations, including Melbourne, Perth, and London. Christa has also recently returned to Melbourne, where she resides with their husband and two young boys, aged 4 and 18 months.

Katrina Blair (Middleton ’90): After completing school in 1990, Katrina studied a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash University, majoring in Accounting. Katrina has worked in finance roles in a number of industries across Australia, Canada, and the UK. She is currently Chief Financial Officer at Tennis Australia. Katrina is married with two children, often splitting their time between Melbourne and their cattle farm in southwest Victoria.

Anna Bathrick (Collicoat ’92): After graduating school in 1992 Anna completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) / Bachelor of Business at RMIT University. Following this, Anna completed an internship at BP Australia Ltd which led to a 10-year career journey including bringing her to Chicago, where she has lived for the past 20 years. Anna joined PepsiCo in 2008 and has had a variety of commercial roles and is now the VPGM of Operations. Anna is married and has two children, two dogs and a cat.

NEXT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 103rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association (SCOGA)

10.00am Saturday

25 November 2023

Sherren House Ballroom

All Old Girls are welcome to attend in person or online. Any changes to AGM arrangements will be emailed to those registered to attend or available to view on the School website.

To attend online, please register with the Secretary at scoga@stcatherines.net.au.

Any member who would like to bring business before the AGM is required to give notice in writing to the Secretary no later than Saturday 28 October 2023.

RSVP by Friday 10 November 2023 to the Secretary: Prue Pisani (Gerritsen ’97) scoga@stcatherines.net.au

The Class of ’63 celebrated their 60th anniversary this year with a lunch in April hosted by Mrs Pamela Fortey (Rome ’63) at her home. It was a sit-down affair with beautiful food, champagne, wine, and lots of conversation. It was a wonderful occasion for catching up with the diverse group of personalities and talents who made up our class. Thanks to our Class Coordinator, Mrs Elizabeth Bostock (Carter ’63), for bringing us together again.

Mrs Lis Krien (Hooper

’63)

60 YEAR Reunion

MOTHER & DAUGHTER BREAKFAST

Dr Hilary Grover (’10) was a brilliant speaker at the Mother’s Day Breakfast. Her captivating presence and insightful words resonated deeply with everyone in the room, making the event a resounding success. Hilary's journey was not only inspiring but also incredibly relevant to every individual present. Her ability to connect with both current and past students was truly remarkable. Hilary effortlessly bridged the gap between generations, reminding us of the timeless values and traditions that unite us as part of the St Catherine's community. Her speech not only celebrated our shared experiences but also served as a testament to the lasting impact of our education. We are immensely grateful for her contribution and the inspiration she instilled in us all.

Ms Melissa Sweetland (’86)

USA REUNION

Reuniting in the Big Apple! Old Girls from across the USA gathered at Buddakan in New York for a much-anticipated reunion. The air was filled with excitement as these extraordinary women, separated by miles and years, came together for a lovely dinner. The night was spent reminiscing about shared experiences, transporting them back to the cherished moments they spent together at 17 Heyington Place. As the evening drew to a close, the Old Girls bid farewell with promises to stay connected and reunite again in the future. The reunion in New York reminded everyone of the power of friendship and the unique bond forged through their time together as Old Girls.

Ms Sarah O’Brien (’02)

2013 Year Group – 10 Year Reunion, Year Rep: Zoë Allatson and Nakita Wilson

1983 Year Group – 40 Year Reunion, Year Rep: Eliza Bellmaine (Edwards) 2008

Group – 15 Year Reunion, Year Rep: Olivia McKay

1993 Year Group – 30 Year Reunion, Year Rep: Joanna Chamberlain (Grant)

Reunion,

Reps: Christa Ray (Block), Laura Waters (Phillips-Waite) , Fiona Allen (Richardson)

Catherine’s

Miss Pamela (Judy) Shaw (’66)

Obituary

Judy attended St Catherine’s from 1959 until 1966, a day girl for four years and then a boarder. She was in Langley House and enjoyed Sport, particularly Tennis which she continued to play with the St Catherine’s Old Girls' Association upon leaving School.

Judy loved music and soon began piano lessons at St Catherine’s. She played the hymns in Morning Assembly and again in the Boarding House after dinner. She was made a Probationer in her final year.

On leaving School, Judy trained as a kindergarten teacher at the Kindergarten Teachers’ College and on graduating began a career lasting more than 45 years. Judy became well known and respected amongst the kindergarten teaching community, particularly for her play-based approach to learning and her focus on fun, which were both relatively new approaches at the time.

Judy always felt the salaries she and her colleagues received were undervalued.

She joined the Union and supported the early campaigns on pay parity for kindergarten teachers with school teachers. True parity was finally achieved in 2020.

Judy gained an Associate in Music Diploma at Melbourne University. She used music to great effect in her teaching, building confidence in the children and assisting newly arrived refugee children to learn English. She also taught piano privately to many children at her home.

Judy sang with several well-regarded choirs including the Star Chorale and the Victorian Women’s Trust Choir. She played recorder with the Melbourne Recorder Orchestra. She was an active member of a walking group and a member of the National Trust for many years, including an Inaugural President of National Trust Connections.

Judy dedicated her working life to guiding hundreds of pre-schoolers through kinder and giving them their first educational foundations.

Births

She was loved and admired – a daughter, sister, aunty, teacher, and friend.

21 April 1949 – 29 July 2023

Mrs Caroline Sargood (Shaw ’67)

Vale

Jacquie Connolly (Dunn ’58)

Rev. Wendy Hudson (’61)

Trudy Lundy (Laidlaw ’70)

Judy Shaw (’66)

Jane Torrii (past staff member)

1. Stephanie Rupert (Spring ’03) and Ryan Robert, a son Evan Charles. Brother for Skye.

2. Pira Schipp (Marshall ’12) and Alex Schipp, a daughter Florence Lucy.

3. Isabella Josipovic (Andres ’07) and Marko Josipovic, a daughter Olympia Rose.

4. Emily (Smith ’10) and Clive Fairbairn-Calvert, a son Arthur John.

Weddings

Weddings

Life Celebrations Interschool Golf Day

On Monday 20 March the Interschool Golf Day was held at Yarra Yarra Golf Club. Representing St Catherine’s was Lou Urquhart (Lobb ‘70), Amelia Campbell (Osborn ‘86), Chrissy Skinner (Condon ‘76), and Georgie Leigh (Stott ‘79).

The conditions were extremely difficult with high winds and very fast greens. The team had an adventurous day out and slogged it out to the end. Although their combined score was not good enough to win on the day, everyone had an enjoyable time representing St Catherine’s.

Top: Nikhi Wagstaff (’07) to Henry Cox. Bridesmaids Loren Leung (’07), Elizabeth Peak (’07) and Rebecca Chesterfield (Wood ’07); Bottom left: Lucy Court (’11) to Harry Baylis; Bottom right: Alice McCormack (’11) to Samuel Zimbler. Bridesmaids Alana McCormack (’14) and Georgia Shannon (’11)

CURRENT STUDENTS OF ALUMNAE

Child Mother Grandmother Great Grandmother

Clementine Abbott Anna Nieuwenhuysen (’91)

Sophie Abbott Anna Nieuwenhuysen (’91)

Camilla Aberdeen Nina Kirby (’94)

Maya Anagnostopoulos Melissa MeredithSmith (’85)

Fleur Angenent Emma Stanley (’97) Susan Connor (’61)

Giselle Armstrong Lachlan Armstrong (Old Boy ’95) Toni Pierce (’67)

Spindrift Batters Sunday McKay (’02) Sarah Baillieu (’68) Margaret Cox (’35)

Charlotte Bell Sue Catchlove (’59)

Annabel Calvert Fleur McKay (’94) Sarah Baillieu (’68) Margaret Cox (’35)

Clara Calvert Fleur McKay (’94) Sarah Baillieu (’68) Margaret Cox (’35)

Nina Calvert Fleur McKay (’94) Sarah Baillieu (’68) Margaret Cox (’35)

Violetta Capanni Anna Foley (’92)

Poppy Cashmore Lucy Olsen (’97)

Ruby Cashmore Lucy Olsen (’97)

Annabelle Christensen Marion Carlisle (’28)

Milla Cohen Susan Adamson (’90)

Pernilla Coleman Kirsty Gilmour (’86)

Saskia Coleman Kirsty Gilmour (’86)

Hugo Collins Olivia Thompson (’00) Margaret Peterson (’30)

Madeleine de Fina-Nash Geraldine de Fina (’89)

Alice Dobbin Fiona Goldstraw (‘90)

Jessica Dobbin Fiona Goldstraw (‘90)

Willow Douglas Elizabeth Gillon (’67)

Jessica Elshaug Sarah Moffatt (’93)

Amelia Esposito Suzanne Davies (’91)

Sarah Fanning Samantha St Hill (’87)

Holly Farrer Susie Cook (’93)

Sophie Farrer Susie Cook (’93)

Arabella Foote Sarah Scambler (’93) Margaret Drummond (’62)

Child Mother Grandmother Great Grandmother

Anoushka Graham Sophie McSweeney (’93)

Lucy Green Isabella Stokes OAM (’58)

Madison Grey Georgina McConnell (’88) Margaret Lemmon (’61)

Tania Hay Sophia Canet (’00)

Imogen Herron Prue Lording (’96)

Chloe Hessell Amy Lawford (’01) Sarah Wilson (’73) Ethne Hartnett (’49)

Emma Hessell Amy Lawford (’01) Sarah Wilson (’73) Ethne Hartnett (’49)

Emma Hoban Minnie Law (’83)

Zahra Hoban Minnie Law (’83)

Olivia Howitt Michaela Grogan (’86)

Amelia Hyams Ann Pisterman (’64)

Isabella Jamieson Emily Stephen-Daly (’98)

Ruby Johnstone Sally Neate (’92)

Lily Jamieson Emily Stephen-Daly (’98)

Evie Joseph Jonathan Joseph (Old Boy ’95) Louise Strauss (’62) Shirley Ellinson (’42)

Alex Kimpton Xenia Hammon (’01) Barbara Boynton (’73) Jill Warnock (’46)

Sophie Knight Constance Vanston (’22)

Charlotte Krumins Elizabeth Fry (’02)

Amelie Lane Lisa Tarasio (95)

Ilaria Lane Lisa Tarasio (95)

Sophie Lovell Sarah Leahey (’82)

Coco Lutz Rebecca Paranthoiene (’97) Robin Richards (’74) Jill Sargood (’48)

Ella Malyniak Jo Pizzey (’96) Rhonda Lake (’67) Helen Russell (’25)

Cleo McComas Phoebe Hammon (’04) Barbara Boynton (’73) Jill Warnock (’46)

Zoe McComas Phoebe Hammon (’04) Barbara Boynton (’73) Jill Warnock (’46)

Millie McIntosh Kate Correll (87) Brenda Pulling (’49) Phyllis Rowell (’31)

Skye McIntosh Kate Correll (87) Brenda Pulling (’49) Phyllis Rowell (’31)

Sophia McKinnon Anna Tracy (’87)

Chloe McMahon Caroline Morgan (’95)

(All mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers are listed by maiden name)

St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Association THE BULLETIN

CURRENT STUDENTS OF

Child Mother Grandmother Great Grandmother

Ella McMahon Caroline Morgan (’95)

Phoebe Messum Catherine Stoney (’97)

Alexandra Mirabella Sophie Panopoulos (’86)

Nadia Mohamed Farah Pasha (’91)

Willow Moore Camilla Fox (’11)

Missy Morley Bonnie Morris (’93) Joan Spooner (’61)

Charlotte Morris Claire Simm (’97)

Lucinda Morris Claire Simm (’97)

Chloe Nevins Simone Willis (’91)

Aria Nguyen Amy Burr (’03)

Mikayla Pajouhesh Victoria Guin (’90)

Jessica Paterson Sophie Nicholas (’89)

Camilla Peters Melissa Kavals (’00) Mark Peters (Old Boy ’94)

Emma Peele Elizabeth Gillon (’67)

Zara Peele Elizabeth Gillon (’67)

Alexandra Pitt Fleur Forsyth (’99) Patricia Loveless (’66)

Nina Portnoy Jane Davis (’85)

Scarlett Pringle Marnie Ross (’92) Victoria Jacobson (’65)

Tommy Rice Sophie Pelman (’97)

Richard Rice (Old Boy ’88)

Charlotte Rodgers Marion Teare (’50)

Ellie Rodski Maggie Harrison (‘99) Jane Morris (’71) Julie Davey (’51)

Scarlet Russell Bianca Russell (’95)

Anna Shears Penny Roysmith (’81) Betty Shields (’51)

Scarlett Shelton Letitia Cole (’58) Maroa Molesworth (’25)

Jessica Sibly Lucinda Langdon (’88) Janet James (’58)

Isabella Soutter James Soutter (Old Boy ’92) Prue Macnaughtan (’62)

Katharine Soutter James Soutter (Old Boy ’92) Prue Macnaughtan (’62)

Child Mother Grandmother Great Grandmother

Bella Spraggett Anna Shelmerdine (’96) Marigold Myer (‘45)

Chloe Stansfield Meredith Dwyer (’88)

Violet Stephens Emma Millis (’89)

Lily-Belle Stephens Emma Millis (’89)

Elizabeth Switkowski Georgina Hinton (’99)

Henri Switkowski Georgina Hinton (’99)

Harriet Syme Angela Tait (’59)

Annabel Taylor Melissa Sweetland (’86)

Lily Taylor Melissa Sweetland (’86)

Camilla Thomas Julia Hammon (’00) Barbara Boynton (’73) Jill Warnock (’46)

Charlotte Thompson Margaret Peterson (’30)

Isobel Thompson Margaret Peterson (’30)

Coco Thomas Ineke Hay (’98)

Mirabelle Thomson Rebecca Jockel (’98)

Charlotte Tiller-Smyth Justine Tiller (’90)

Camilla Tulloch Jacki Palmer (’97) Mary Calvert (’38), Beth Paxton (’34)

Charlotte Upton Lisa Hinrichsen (’83) Jill Smith (’55)

Giselle Upton Lisa Hinrichsen (’83) Jill Smith (’55)

Mia Upton Lisa Hinrichsen (’83) Jill Smith (’55)

Lily Van der Venne Susannah Guy (’96) Suzanne Holden (’50)

Pippa Van der Venne Suzanne Holden (’50)

Georgiana Walsh Fiona Kittson (’82)

Scarlett Webster Jonathan Webster (Old Boy ’97)

Toby Webster Shea Miller (’00), Alexander Webster (Old Boy ’01)

Sophia West Liz Sahhar (’96)

Coco Williams Jean Weatherly (’29)

Clementine Wilson Annabelle McSweeney (’92)

ALUMNAE (All mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers are listed by maiden name)