Ammonite Semester 1 2018 by St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls

SEMESTER ONE

AMMONITE 2018

CONTENTS COUNCIL UPDATE ................................................ 01 FROM THE PRINCIPAL .......................................... 02 WHAT’S BEHIND A NUMBER? ............................. 06

08.

OH WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN .........08 AUTHOR-ITY .......................................................... 10

OH WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN

HILARY’S ANZAC TOUR........................................ 12 BEHIND THE LENS................................................ 14 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY ......................... 16 WALK FREE FOUNDATION ................................... 16 WALK FOR WOMEN’S CANCER ............................17 ON HOME SOIL ..................................................... 18 HELPING THE HOMELESS ................................... 20 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE ......................................... 22

02.

From the Principal

26. Arts Fest

PLAY COMES NATURALLY ................................... 23 INDIRA’S STORY .................................................... 24 ARTS FEST 2018 ................................................... 26 SINGAPORE MUSIC TOUR .................................... 30 THE KING OF SPIN ................................................ 31 GRACE’S PERSPECTIVES ..................................... 32 P&F UPDATE .........................................................34 OSA BAZAAR ........................................................ 36

22.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE / Steven Aiton / Ross Potter

34. P&F Update

COUNCIL UPDATE I am privileged and honoured to continue serving St Hilda’s by assuming the role as new Chair of Council. Together with my fellow Old Scholars, I share a lifelong connection to this wonderful School and I am continually amazed at the qualities and commonality of values held by all members of our School Community. Whether it is a Year 12 student talking passionately about her plans for the future, or her work to help younger students take advantage of all St Hilda’s has to offer, or an Old Scholar exhibiting her professional or philanthropic skills in the community, there is a common thread. I see this too in our highly valued and dedicated staff, as well as our parents and friends who so often give their time to support the School as well as their child’s educational journey. Our shared values of excellence, respect, inclusion and justice are continually on display and these values define our broader School Community. Recently, Council has worked with the School’s senior executive and Adjunct Professor Erica McWilliam (Faculty of Education, QUT) to adopt a future ready focus as a strategic priority in 2018. Professor McWilliam has also worked with academic staff in the professional learning programs to embrace the importance of preparing girls who will flourish as adults with the skills they need for their future, including:

disciplinary agility, divergent expertise, and a collaborative thinking culture. Such attributes will position St Hilda’s students to transition into our continually disrupted world with confidence and skill. Council has also finalised a Local Development Plan for each of our Bay View and Chidley campuses which will provide a strategy for St Hilda’s current and future needs and will articulate the intended development outcomes through consideration of built form and land use planning. Most importantly, the preparation and adoption of the Local Development Plan will facilitate the educational and wellbeing aspirations and strategic intent of St Hilda’s well into the future. As Chair of Council, I am very grateful to all Council members for their skill, expertise and commitment to our school. At our recent AGM, Mr Murray Johns was appointed Deputy Chair and Mr Douglas Craig continues in his role as Treasurer. Our gratitude and appreciation is also extended to our outgoing Chair Ms Deidre Willmott for all she has contributed in her years of dedicated service and support to St Hilda’s. Deidre first joined Council in 1999 for two years and after a period of five years in Melbourne returned to the Council in 2006. She leaves Council at a time when the School is in a very strong position. Her great love for St Hilda’s, having been a student and Head Girl, as well as parent of the School, Council member and Chair of Council, has meant that Deidre has been an outstanding Council member. As a member and later Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee, Deidre has made a significant contribution to Council’s commitment to the School’s built environment. This has included the master plan completion of a new boarding

house, the acquisition and building of the Chidley Campus, refurbishment of our Bay View Library, construction of the 50 metre swimming pool and geothermal bore, the Joy Shepherd Performing Arts Centre and the Nicholas Rinehart Science Centre. Now as a co-opted committee member, Deidre will continue to assist Council in the search for our new Principal. All Council members are aware of this key responsibility and we are well underway in our appointment process and I look forward to continuing to work with our committed team in the months ahead. We will keep the school community informed of progress in this area and wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Mrs Kiepe for leading our School since 2015, her continued commitment to our students, staff and parents, and all the initiatives she has lead and continues to lead in line with our Strategic Focus 2020.

Ms Nita Peploe Chair of Council

Relay Team, 19

RELAY, LEAPFROG & CLUBS 02

Physical education and sport in a previous era have always been a vital part of a St Hilda’s education. As long ago as 1913, in Miss Parnell’s time, a number of schools competed in the Girls’ Secondary Schools’ Sports Association.

Leapfrog Team, 19 31

Competition prevailed in swimming, tennis, hockey, lifesaving and drill (which involved swinging wooden clubs in rhythm to music). Forays into the historical archives show that Interschool Athletics included pass ball, obstacle race, sack race, flag race, relay race and leap frog. Fast forward to 1931 and we won the leap frog shield! St Hilda’s athletes wore the newly introduced linen sports tunic with matching bloomers at the Interschool Athletics and were considered very advanced by the other schools! In 1935, Miss Catherine Small, our seventh Principal, wrote “important in the education of children must be physical education. The first aim of this should be the physical fitness of each one and through gymnastics and games much of this can be achieved. In Sports, Swimming and Athletics, the arrangement of details is governed by the Combined Girls’ Secondary Schools Association which has, in my opinion, followed in an uninspired way the practice of boys’ schools and the rules of the past.”

Wo o

rill

Clu

My predecessors could not have known that in 2018 we would create an IGSSA record with 13 wins overall in the history of the IGSSA Swimming Carnival and 7 consecutive Champion School titles. Our Junior swimmers created JIGSSA history with their first win of Champion School for swimming this year. We are so proud of our swimmers and their prowess! Our current IGSSA group shares similar aims to that of the Association in 1917 through its intention to bring the Schools together in good healthy sports. The IGSSA Principals have recently engaged in a review of the IGSSA Sporting Model, through discussions about the core elements of a new program that meets the contemporary needs of today’s students. Extensive research has preceded the workshop discussions so that recommendations could be based on a full body of information. Consultation through student surveys and forums has also been imperative in looking at the next phase of the IGSSA sporting model. Miss Small’s point from 1935 still resonates in 2018, in that I believe we should follow her suggestion and adapt an original sporting model that suits the lifestyle and commitments of 21st century Year 7 – 12 girls.

fundamental movement skills impacting positively on their confidence, self-esteem and ability to develop social skills. Parents also have an important role to play in helping their children establish positive habits that will benefit them in the long term. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Ammonite showcasing the robust cocurricular programs happening outside the standard classroom walls. These cocurricular experiences in the sporting, musical and dramatic arenas encourage our students to live a full life. We see them rise to challenges and overcome obstacles. I acknowledge all students who are so actively involved in our programs and cheer them on in their love of physical activity and contribution to different facets of their school. It is with gratitude that I also recognise the commitment of staff and coaches throughout St Hilda’s history. I thank them for all their nurturing encouragement that fulfils our purpose to provide a vibrant school community that educates and inspires girls for life.

Researchers in Australia and around the world have been investigating the links between sport, physical activity and academic achievement. Activities such as running, swimming, kicking a football or playing netball help students perform better in the classroom with their learning. The research shows that regular physical activity and exercise leads to changes in the brain. It improves cognitive function, elevates mood, enhances learning and improves academic outcomes. Playing sport helps children develop Mrs Kim Kiepe Principal

THE FINAL STRETCH 04

YEAR 12S TAKING OFF AT THE STARTING LINE OF THEIR LAST EVER INTER-HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY EVENT AT ST HILDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

YEARS 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 ENJOYING THE VIEW ON THEIR MARINE TOUR IN CORAL BAY DURING THE APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Photo by Ocean Collective Media

G H N O I R D I N Z A O P NS X E

What’s BEHIND a number? Achieving an ATAR of 99.90 – the top 0.1 percent of the state – is no mean feat. 2017 graduate Claudia Sullivan is an example that at St Hilda’s, it is not just about the destination, it is about the journey.

General Exhibitions Claudia came to St Hilda’s in Year 8, after living all around the world during her childhood. “I was born in Perth, then we moved to Scotland when I was six months old, then we lived in Houston (Texas), Rio de Janeiro and Brisbane before coming back to Perth,” she said. “But it was so easy to fit in and everyone was so friendly from the start. The orientation program was fantastic and the Arts Fest held at the end of Term 1, especially when you’re new, is just so much fun and a great way to make friends. I’ve always remembered that.”

HENRI CURRIE 99.80 SOPHIE FANG LIN 99.60 EMMA HARRINGTON 99.65 STEPHANIE TAN 99.85 CHLOE WALKER CRINYION RUBY WIESE 99.90

99.65

17 STUDENTS WERE TOP 1% IN WA Claudia said the pastoral care offered at St Hilda’s was another factor that contributed to her success. “All the teachers give you so much help, they seriously give up so much of their time,” she said. “I asked them to help before exams and they did; it’s just such a supportive and encouraging environment at St Hilda’s. “Our Head of Year (Jo Swain) was amazing – always willing to help because she knew we were stressed, and the Year 12 Officials also put in effort to make it fun and make sure it wasn’t just study, study, study.” Claudia said the myriad of extracurricular activities on offer at St Hilda’s also helped her with her studies.

As well as achieving a Certificate of Distinction in Mathematics Specialist, Claudia achieved exceptional results in Mathematics Methods, Chemistry, Physics and English, leading to being accepted into the prestigious Bachelor of Philosophy course at UWA, which offers only 40 places each year. “I will also be doing a double degree in Engineering and Finance,” she said. “St Hilda’s definitely influenced me to go down the engineering path – I would never think I can’t do engineering because I’m a woman. Around this environment you’re never put down; they’re so encouraging of Science and Maths (STEAM) subjects.”

“I was involved in Cross Country, Athletics and Tennis for most of School,” she said.

“St Hilda’s is more than just academic – it’s not just about studying and succeeding, it’s about the balance, there’s so much on offer.

“It was a good way to keep the balance so I didn’t go crazy with study, and with training in the morning, it made it pretty easy to take part.”

“St Hilda’s sets you up for pretty much anything you want to do.”

31 STUDENTS ACHIEVED

TOP 2.5% IN WESTERN 55 STUDENTS IN THE

TOP 5%

AUSTRALIA

90 STUDENTS WERE

TOP 10% Other Students with an ATAR of 99 or above.

CLAUDIA SULLIVAN 99.90 AKANKSHA DAS 99.75 LIZZY YU 99.60 VARSHA BALASA 99.50 OLIVIA CALDOW 99.30 MARTHA MELLOR 99.15 MOLLY STAFFORD 99.15 EMMA STEINEPREIS 99.15 CHLOE JONES 99.05 MADHURA RAY 99.00 DEBRA TONG 99.00 07

OH WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN Jemma Dessauvagie (2003) addressed our 100 strong swim team recently at a breakfast leading up to this year’s 54th Annual IGSSA Swimming Carnival hosted by St Hilda’s at the HBF Stadium. After leaving school Jemma maintained her passion for sport and competed as an elite athlete for many years between graduating high school and eventually graduating from university. She played over 50 senior international water polo games for Australia, captained Australia B, spent a season in Italy, and captained her

Throughout this time she continued with her studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons.) from Curtin University in 2013.

After completing a Master of Psychology (Professional) at Curtin University, she worked as a sessional academic and research assistant. Jemma has delivered guest lectures, and was acting as unit coordinator on multiple occasions throughout her employment at Curtin.

In 2014, she completed a thesis titled; ‘What does it mean to be an elite athlete in Australia; A qualitative exploration of the lived experience of elite athletes within and beyond the competitive domain.’

At the motivational breakfast Jemma reminded the girls not to put too much pressure on themselves and that no matter the result, they would still be as highly valued after the carnival as they were before.

national league team. She retired from water polo at the end of the 2010 international season.

The ‘golden era’ began in 2012, when St Hilda’s won the title back from Iona College. The winning streak continued over the past seven years, and our swimmers dominated across the board to win four of the six year group pennants at this year’s carnival. St Hilda’s swam its way into the record books the following week, winning the Champion School title for the first time at the Junior Independent Girls’ Schools’ Sports Association (JIGSSA) Swimming Carnival.

ST HILDA’S MAKES IT SEVEN St Hilda’s made history at this year’s Independent Girls’ Schools’ Sports Association (IGSSA) Swimming Carnival, taking out the seventh consecutive win against other girls’ schools at HBF Stadium. We have now won the coveted Boans Trophy the most times out of any IGSSA school (13), and equalled the amount of consecutive wins with PLC (19771983) and St Mary’s (1984-1990).

Head of Sport, Ms Wild, said she was proud to see St Hilda’s growing from strength to strength in the pool. “This is due to hard work of the swimming coaches, PE staff, parents and girls, and I thank them for their ongoing support,” she said. “The girls performed exceptionally well on the night, with many personal bests broken. “They should be very proud of themselves.”

Mrs Kiepe said it was exciting to honour the title of Champion School. “As Host School for the evening, we were pleased with the outcome as Champion School in 2018,” she said. “Hearty congratulations are extended to the swimmers, coaches, teachers and parents for their commitment, dedication and sheer hard work of training in the early morning training sessions. “Without the effort invested by all swimmers and their support teams, we would not be able to enjoy the thrill of the annual swimming event.”

Author-

ity -

In Term 1, author Leigh Hobbs brought his cheeky friend Old Tom to visit the Junior School. The students had lots of fun learning how to draw a couple of Leigh’s colourful and popular characters. Sydney-based children’s author Jacqueline Harvey also visited our Year 5s in April, much to their excitement. The girls listened to Jacqueline’s stories, and then took part in a test to see who the best

Leigh Hobbs & Jacqueline Harvey

spy was! The girls were shown images with lots of information and then were asked a question, testing their memories and spy skills.

HILARY’S ANZAC TOUR Written by Hilary Andrews Since 2004, two hundred Western Australian students have travelled with the Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour to Belgium, England, France, Greece, Malaysia, Singapore and Turkey to commemorate Australia’s military history. In 2018 the Tour went to Vietnam for the first time, for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Coral-Balmoral and the Tet Offensive. The selection process involved an essay and a panel interview, and I had the honour of being selected as one of ten students to participate in this year’s Tour. Before departing in April we researched historical

figures and events, attended commemorative ceremonies, met dignitaries and attended a camp to get to know our fellow ambassadors and the teachers who would take us to Vietnam. The Tour began in Ho Chi Minh City on April 16, before travelling to the sites of the Battles of Coral-Balmoral and Long Tan, Vung Tau, Hoi An, My Son, Hue, Khe Sanh and the DMZ, finishing in Hanoi and commemorating Anzac Day at the dawn service at the Australian Embassy. During the Tour we visited historical and cultural sites including the Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai temples,

Photo: The ten Western Australian students who participated in the 2018 Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour to Vietnam, standing over the line of the former border between North and South Vietnam (Hilary Andrews 5th from right).

the Imperial City of Hue and Ninh Binh, which gave us an insight into the people, culture and history of Vietnam. A highlight was a visit to the Green Shoots International School in Hoi An, where we participated in a Model United Nations with the students. I was very proud to represent Western Australia and St Hilda’s as an ambassador for our state, and to honour the sacrifices of all the military forces that served in Vietnam. More than 60,000 Australian forces were in Vietnam between 1962 and 1972, and 521 died in the war. Lest we forget.

LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS

YEAR 7 CAMP WHARNCLIFFE MILL MARGARET RIVER

Behind the lens Creativity comes in a variety of forms. On any given day at St Hilda’s, you might see some athletic endurance, a musical masterpiece or some Oscar-worthy acting. Yet there are others who use their creativity in capturing and telling stories. The Journalism and Media Club have been busy capturing events and writing articles that have been published in the newsletter and on Facebook. We’d like to thank all of the Journalism and Media students who have put forward some very high quality work.

Photos of Drama Production ‘Compass’ by: Ruby Stammers

Photo by: Olivia Gherbaz

Photo by: Shama Hafeez

Photo by: Mischa Gilmour

Photo by: Adele Prosser

Photo by: Coco Roxby

Photo by: Shani Chalumuri

Photo by: Ella Caldwell

Photo by: Margot Kelsall

Photo by: Amy Jeitz

Photo by: Flora Davies

Photo by: Sarah Girdler

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

WALK FREE FOUNDATION

In celebrating International Women’s Day we welcomed Year 10 students and their mothers to breakfast, with an opportunity to listen to our special guest speaker, Old Scholar Nikki Heyder. Nikki graduated from St Hilda’s in 2005, and is an accredited Nutritionist, Counsellor and Wellness Coach. She has a double major degree in Human Resources and Small Business Management, which she has used to work with major corporations and create their in-house health and wellbeing programs. She is the Founder of NOOD, a Perth based whole food and lifestyle business, and was a finalist of the Telstra Business Women’s Award in 2015.

We welcomed Old Scholar Grace Forrest to address students and staff at a Senior School assembly in Term 1. Grace, who graduated from St Hilda’s in 2010, spoke about her own personal journey from her school days and how her experiences impacted what she is doing today. Since leaving school, Grace has had some remarkable experiences.

Nikki has a strong belief in living a balanced life; which means not allowing anything to overwhelm or consume you. She expressed the importance of finding time to look after your health, particularly when you are feeling the pressures of study or work. She also stressed the importance of listening to your body when you have pains or headaches, and being conscious of taking time out to de-stress, watching your diet and looking after yourself from the inside. While it has been a busy few years with the growth of her business, Nikki emphasised that a learning curve for her has been her ‘vulnerability’. That she has always believed she ‘can do anything’, but has realised she should never be afraid of asking for advice, and the key in any relationship in work or life is communication. When reflecting on her teen years, Nikki said she remembers questioning at the time why there were so many rules to follow. She now appreciates how the discipline gave her a stronger work ethic, great outcomes and success beyond school. It was wonderful to have Nikki return to St Hilda’s and have her connect so well with the students, mothers and staff that attended.

She is a Founding Director of the Walk Free Foundation (an international Human Rights organisation) and has worked as a communications strategist on the Global Slavery Index. Grace spoke of her experience and how she was inspired after visiting Nepal as part of a School Community Service program, where she met children in orphanages and later returned to the area to find that the children she had met previously had been sold to slavery. Grace said seeing first-hand the physical, emotional and mental trauma of children as young as three was unbelievable. This was the catalyst in becoming actively involved in change and becoming a voice and leader in the abolishment of modern slavery. Grace offered some advice to girls to “follow what fires you up”, find what moves you and get involved. Grace has done this with extensive time working on the ground with survivors and documenting slavery conditions throughout South East Asia and The Middle East, with a focus on refugee communities that are vulnerable to slavery and forced labour. This is being explored by The Freedom Fund for a hotspot intervention, which Grace is on the council of advocates. Grace has represented Walk Free Foundation at a variety of forums globally, including events at the Vatican and United Nations, and is an Ambassador for the Humanitarian Group and The Freedom Hub. She was recently awarded an ‘abolitionist’ award by the Nomi Network based in New York City, and she has just been asked to become a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Australia. This is both an appointment and an award in recognition of her contribution to human rights and the anti-slavery space.

WALK FOR WOMEN’S CANCER We were lucky enough to have Cate Leedman (2006) back at the School in her capacity as Fundraising Events Officer at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research to talk about the Hawaiian Walk for Women’s Cancer.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Funds raised through this event go toward continuing efforts to find better treatments, preventions and diagnostics for women’s cancer through the innovative, world class scientists and researchers at the Perkins Institute. Cate spoke directly with the Year 11s about her journey since leaving School, addressing some of the challenges and discovering passions along the way. She graduated from UWA and Monash University with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) / Bachelor of Arts (BA) Literature, Film and Television, Theatre and Performance. While she did not pursue Science after school, like many of her family, her school Chemistry has given her an understanding what goes on in the research world in which she now works. Working at the Perkins Institute for the past few years, Cate has managed the fundraising efforts of the Walk for Women’s Cancer. This event has grown significantly with hundreds of participants joining the cause each year. Cate provides constant support to those involved ensuring they meet their goals and facilitating the success of the Walk, which is a great achievement.

Twenty of our Year 10-12 students and five staff members volunteered their time at stations along the 42km Walk for Women’s Cancer course. Community Service captain Chloe Kam launched the initiative to support Women’s Cancer at the beginning of Term 1, organising fundraisers in the Senior School to raise money and awareness.

Sophie Kelly (2011), Christy Boxshall (1991), Erin Hutchinson (1999)

Hallie Purio (2008), Amanda Skea (2009)

It’s always nice to see some familiar faces return to teach. A warm welcome back.

ON HOME SOIL

To celebrate National Boarding Week we asked our boarders to bring us a little piece of home (a little jar of their home soil) to share with their City cousins. Geologically our boarders come from extremely diverse regions. The soils they have brought back are all very distinctive.

From the deepest iron reds of the Pilbara to the whitest fine sands of Esperance, shale from Groote Eylandt and shells from Quobba station on the Coral Coast. For those who could not travel with soil we asked for photographs of their landscapes.

HELPING THE HOMELESS Year 12 Head Sacristan Annabelle Elias has changed the lives of many homeless people in the city over the last six months.

Annabelle said it was a photography display of homeless people at St George’s Cathedral that really opened her eyes to homelessness.

The Very Reverend Richard Pengelley, Dean of Perth, was so impressed by Annabelle’s efforts that he wrote a letter of commendation to Mrs Kiepe.

In Term 4 last year, Annabelle sought the whole School’s help in organising and collecting food items to support St George’s Cathedral’s homeless program.

“I went with Mrs Kiepe to the display, and there were people there that had been taken away from their families and did not have a home,” she said.

“Annabelle is to be commended for her vision and compassion,” he said.

“My two brothers were in the St George’s Cathedral Choir for nine years,” Annabelle said.

“At times we would see homeless people come in and directly ask for food, and many would be turned away as they did not have enough.” “I knew I had to do something about it.”

“Whereas if you asked someone here, one of the worst things to happen to them may be not having a phone. It made me realise that the problems we face aren’t really that bad.” Determined to make a difference, Annabelle organised students in the Senior School to bring nonperishable food items such as tuna, baked beans, muesli bars, and juice boxes throughout Term 4. After the collection, Annabelle enlisted the help of the Junior School Community Service Committee to make more than 80 food packs; a way to spread awareness of homelessness throughout the whole School.

“(The food packs) will come in very handy as we head towards Christmas, a very difficult time for those in need.” Annabelle ran another successful food drive in Term 1 of this year, and along with the help of the School community again, she generated even more food packs than the first drive. “10 to 30 people come to St George’s asking for food each day, and many are turned away because there is not enough,” she said. “The more we can help the better – with this food drive you know exactly where it’s going and you know it’s helping people. “I think that your parents are giving you a lot so why not help others who aren’t as lucky as you?”

Steven Aiton

Late last year, our Year 6 students were lucky enough to work with local animation artist Steven Aiton, where they learnt the skills needed to plan and produce a stop-motion animation. As a collective they came up with the theme “About Time” and the first steps were developing their ideas into a simple story board. The girls’ range of ideas were fantastic, with small groups of Year 6 girls taking the idea of “Time” from so many different angles. Steven Aiton has many years of experience designing, developing and producing his own animation projects and has years of teaching a wide range of courses for adults and children. His knowledge and passion for animation is inspiring and his calm organisation allows the students to learn the skills and develop them in their own way. Junior School art teacher Teresa Richards said the girls loved having a professional visit them. “The art room just buzzes with excitement every week, and the girls are responding so well to the media and techniques,” she said. Steven helped the students complete voice over and musical elements before editing the sequences to form the final movies.

Ross Potter

In April this year, students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 had the pleasure of working with local artist Ross Potter, participating in workshops on the subtle art of pencil drawing. Ross Potter is known for his large scale and highly detailed pencil drawings of the buildings of Fremantle, natural objects and he has been recently focusing on animals: including a full sized horse for Horse Drawn – Group Exhibition at MJAC (Midland) and Humpback Whale at the Maritime Museum for the Fremantle Festival in 2017. Ross drew out a scale version of the pod of five Indo-Pacific Dolphins and added features that reflect the specific dolphins of the Swan River area, a graphic designer helped him grid out the image and break the picture into sections. Each student has recreated a section of the image using tonal shading of graphite pencils. Once the individual sections were complete, the students enjoyed watching the mural come to life as it was pieced together. This mural is featured on the front of this Ammonite magazine. The Junior Kindy and Kindy students also took part in their own little project, bringing the local Western Gobble Guts fish mural to life.

Outdoor learning spaces are fast becoming a big feature of Australian learning environments. To mirror this change in educational thinking, a brand new Naturescape playground was installed at the Chidley Campus at the beginning of 2018.

The playground offers our Junior School students a chance to foster an appreciation of the natural environment, develop environment awareness and provide a platform for ongoing environmental education.

The Parents’ and Friends’ Association helped fund the construction of the state-of-the-art playground. The all-nature playground was created by the same developer of the nearby Russell Brown Adventure Park, winner of the 2016 Parks and Leisure WA awards of excellence for ‘the best play space under $500,000’.

A brand new bright playground was also built at the Early Learning Centre. Featuring the traditional sand pit, the playground features numerous platforms, a climbing rope and a one-seat seesaw under a large canopy to protect students from the elements. Naturescape spaces are a great option for children as they can get dirty, create, climb,

splash and burn off steam. They provide children with more opportunities to develop gross-motor skills than typical pre-formed playgrounds. Contact with nature has been associated with a number of health benefits for children, such as improved cognitive function, increased creativity and improved interaction with adults. Research has also proven that children who play in natural settings play in more diverse, imaginative and creative ways and show improved language and collaboration skills. Natural, irregular and challenging spaces also help kids learn to recognise, assess and negotiate risk and build confidence and competence.

INDIRA’S STORY Q&A with Indira Devenish, producer of the documentary ‘The Story of Flannel’ To say 2017 graduate Indira Devenish is a fast learner would be an understatement. Taking on Media at the beginning of Year 12, Indira did not waste any time in reaching her potential. Her Media Production Submission, The Story of Flannel, has been used by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority on their website and other publications as their example of an outstanding documentary for other teachers, students and professionals to reference. We sat Indira down and asked her a few questions about Media and her final year at St Hilda’s

What inspired you to share the Story of Flannel? The documentary is based on the journey of how the clothing boutique Flannel began, and its success. The story was very important to me as Flannel was created and is still owned by my family, so I have seen first hand the amount of dedication and heart that went into creating and still expanding the brand. I was also extremely interested in creating a piece that would inspire people to follow their dreams and be ready to give 100% into doing what they are passionate about. This particular story allowed me to explore this as it shows how successes can rise from failure, and how hard work and dedication pays off. What was your favourite part of the documentary production (start to ﬁnish) My favourite part of this production was the editing process. Since I only started dabbling in media at the start of Year 12 the editing techniques were all still very new and exciting to me. I made all of my soundtracks, motion titles and effects from scratch rather than using presets which allowed me to further understand how these things are created and how they really work. What do you hope the audience takes away from viewing your documentary? I hope that from watching this piece my audience is inspired to do what they are passionate about, and understand that failure is just a stepping stone to success. I also wish that my audience will come away from this piece appreciating the importance of family and love.

View the documentary at youtu.be/s4F4H1afCpM

How did studying media at St Hilda’s equip you with the skills and knowledge to make your documentary? St Hilda’s media was extremely important in giving me all the tools I needed to grow creatively in this area. I am mostly grateful for the amazing staff, and my media teacher Mrs Barrett for being so hands on, and inspiring me to keep pushing my ideas further and letting them grow. Did you ever think your doco would be used as an example of outstanding Media Production Submissions? No not at all as I wasn’t really sure if it was any good. I think all people in media or in creative industries start out with the same struggles of not knowing how to tell if their work is up to standard from what I’ve heard. Also since it’s a time when your skills are expanding so quickly once you’re done with the project there’s already a million bits you want to go back and change/tweak. So it was a really nice feeling to know that there was value in this piece. Why did you decide to take up media in Year 12? I had never really thought to do media until Year 12. I had done design/photography since Year 7 and grew to really love it and consider doing something creative as a career. My friend and I got a few paid photography jobs here and there for brands and events and started up our own little business as a hobby. So from doing that I knew how to use a camera. Then I went on a family trip and thought it would be a good idea to make a film of our holiday. I ended up really loving the process so I dropped math and picked up media as my final subject to explore that more.

What advice can you give to current media students at St Hilda’s? My advice would be to be brave and explore new ideas, and always choose projects you are passionate about. But most of all to just have fun with it and be creative. What is next for you? I have moved to Melbourne, and am staying on campus at Monash University. I always have an eye out for new creative opportunities here (even if it’s just creating my own personal projects). I will be volunteering and doing casual work in a production company here when new projects arise, and see where it all takes me.

“

BE BRAVE, EXPLORE NEW IDEAS, AND ALWAYS CHOOSE PROJECTS YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT.

”

ARTS FEST 2018

SINGAPORE MUSIC TOUR

Thirty-four Music students recently enjoyed a fun-filled tour of Singapore. Highlights included a visit to the Night Safari and performing at the Australian International School in Singapore.

THE K ING OF SP IN Teacher King’s

Emma

the

Western

involvement

the

Fury,

Women’s

in sport is not just

representative team,

limited to her day job

in 2009.

as a Senior School Health and Physical

“I first started playing

Education teacher.

for the Scorchers in

On top of her busy teaching

load

St Hilda’s, Ms King is part of the Perth Scorchers Women’s Big

Bash

League

cricket team. “I

started

playing

5 or 6 with Kanga which

now called Milo into Cricket,”

King

said. A

when

the

first

Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) was created,” she said. “I

played

T20

matches for Western

cricket when I was Cricket,

the 2015/16 season,

Australia for six years before that.” Ms King, who was the Western Fury’s leading

wicket-

taker in the 2013/14 season, said she was

defensive

oﬀ-

impressed at how

spinner, Ms King has

quickly

played club cricket

cricket had taken oﬀ

with Subiaco Floreat

in recent years.

since

she

teenager,

was

women’s

before

being picked up by

“It’s she said.

fantastic,”

EMMA

“It i s am azing quic how kly KING the has spor grow t n th publ roug icity, h and grea it is t the re a clear re n ow path ways youn g gir for ls.” Ms King ’s g acco reate mpl st ishm inclu ents ded four First Clas s G r a nd Fina ls, a s we as ll hittin the g winn ing runs and capt ainin g he club r team a T2 t o 0 tit le, b she ut has h er si firml ghts y set on a goal noth . er

“I’d l ove t o win Clas a Fir s Titl st e,” s he sa i d . We wish E m the ma best all of lu her ck i excit n ing care crick er! et

GRACEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PERSPECTIVES 32

Written by Grace Chow I had auditioned and was offered the opportunity to be in the WA Youth Theatre Co’s 2017/18 ensemble earlier this year and after advocating my desire to have a hand at play writing, was offered a paid opportunity to write for the 24 hr Play by James Berlyn (evoking a weird mixture of fear and, for lack of a better word, excitement).

to be mentored by Paige Gibbs, who although had previously worked with Tim Winton, was above all analytically acute, wise and radiant in her own stead. Arts is such an integral part of society ‑ heck life, and it’s really encouraging to know that young people’s voices are being heard on these platforms. WAYTCo is such an incredible pre-professional platform that offers opportunity to be exposed and to grow as a person. Perhaps graduating has made me deliriously reflective, but one thing I am certain of, is that I am undeniably grateful for all teachers at St Hilda’s and at WAYTCo. They are the real heroes who invest time into youth and who ensure the arts has a firm place in society for the years to come, irrespective of funding.

“

As we were led down into the pleasant dungeons of the State Theatre, about to write for the next 12 hours bar sleep, I realised what I had gotten myself into. The challenge had begun and so had the smell of coffee. Seeing my work come to life at the State 24 hours after its conception has been the most rewarding and incredibly humbling experience. I was asked by a friend “how did you get this gig?” And I too, was mind boggled. One day I was sitting in Year 12 exams writing about Stalin’s revolution and the next I was sitting next to established Perth playwrights and directors; watching my work next to the plays of Will O’Mahoney, Mararo Wangai, Alicia Tuckerman, Vidja Rajan and Chris Isaacs. Some who were new to me and some whose works I had admired for a long time before then (one advantage of being a drama student is your ability to act your cool). I also had the privilege

GO OUT AND CHASE

OPPORTUNITY DOWN, EVEN IF YOU HAVE

NO IDEA WHAT YOU

WANT TO DO - DON’T

To the student who reads this: go out and chase opportunity down, even if you have no idea what you want to do - don’t wait to find out! Be active. Show up. Ask questions. Learn from failure. Be foolish - or one sliver of a step more than your parents will allow. I showed up to the WAYTCo auditions after finding out they were happening the day before! Maybe my passion for storytelling would have never even sprouted if I had let my failed Year 7 school musical audition get me down.

WAIT TO FIND OUT!

2017 graduate Grace Chow achieved a Certificate of Excellence in Drama and was also invited to audition for Performing Arts Perspectives.

”

PARENTS & FRIENDS

P&F Annual Sundowner 2018

The St Hilda’s Parents & Friends Association Inc. (P&F) brings like-minded parents together to build engagement within the St Hilda’s community, raise funds to support the School and to work closely with the School to enhance the educational experience of its students.

The launch of the 2018 St Hilda’s P&F Guest Speaker Series has been well received by parents and students alike, with the P&F’s financial sponsorship allowing the School to secure guest speakers including Paul Dillon (Teens, Parties, Gatherings & Alcohol) and Dannielle Miller (Navigating Girl World).

The P&F has hosted a number of social events in 2018 so far including the P&F Annual Sundowner, Welcome Drinks for Year Group Reps, a morning tea for new Year 7 parents and the inaugural social event for Boarder Parents: Dusty Boots ‘n City Suits. Planning is well underway for the key P&F social event for 2018: a “Gatsby” themed cocktail party on Saturday 4 August 2018. It’s sure to be a fantastic evening and a great opportunity to catch up with other St Hilda’s parents.

Following the successful consolidation of the P&F and the Auxiliary in 2017, the P&F embarked on a Strategic Review to collect feedback on how key stakeholders would like the unified parent group at St Hilda’s to operate going forward. The Strategic Review encompassed a 3-hour parent workshop and a parent survey, both facilitated by consultant Clarity Communications. The results of this survey were presented by Clarity to parents at the P&F Meeting in November 2017.

The results of the Strategic Review have underpinned the development of a set of proposed Operational Guidelines for the P&F. These Guidelines incorporate some aspects of how the P&F has operated historically, but also includes some proposed changes following the Strategic Review. One of the proposed changes which the P&F is trialling in 2018 is a new meeting format involving two formal meetings (AGM in March, EGM in November) and three informal parent forums (May, July, August). Another proposed change is greater parent and student input into the allocation of P&F financial resources via Funding Requests which are then voted on at the November meeting. The Draft P&F Operational Guidelines are available for comment on the Parent Portal (under the P&F section on the Home Page) and I would encourage you to login and review them. The Committee will be collecting feedback on these Draft Guidelines over the next few months and presenting them for approval at the EGM in November, together with proposed amendments to the P&F Constitution. If you have any feedback on the Draft Guidelines, Constitution or any other P&F matters, please email parentsandfriends@sthildas.wa.edu.au. It’s an exciting year for the P&F, and I look forward to keeping you updated with these initiatives. Sally Vasudavan P&F President

BAZAAR

MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS

The 2018 St Hilda’s Old Scholars’ Association Bazaar was again a great success. Held the day before Mother’s Day, a sunny May morning greeted visitors to the Bay View campus. There was variety of fantastic food, drinks, clothes, jewellery and plant stalls on oﬀer, as well as music, entertainment and the beautiful delicacies at the Tea House. Many Old Scholars and current students were involved in selling goods or volunteering their time to help out at a stall.

TEA HOUSE

The Bazaar is the major fundraising event for the OSA, and this year significantly exceeded last year’s total raised.

Every year the Old Scholars’ Association provides academic and endeavour scholarships to current Year 11 and 12 students, who are daughters and or granddaughters of Old Scholars. The OSA also provides professional development opportunities with a Career Development Award for our past students. The OSA scholarship programs are important as they help students and past students achieve their full potential, while making a strong and positive contribution to the life of St Hilda’s and beyond.

S SCULPTURE

VINTAGE CLOTHES

KIDS ENTERTAINMENT

FRESH PRODUCE

ART

JEWELLERY UNIQUE CRAFTS

FLOWERS

COVER ART: Junior School Artist in Residence - Ross Potter.

St Hildaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anglican School for Girls

BAY VIEW CAMPUS CHIDLEY CAMPUS

POSTAL PHONE EMAIL

Bay View Terrace, Mosman Park McCabe Street, Mosman Park

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PO Box 34, Mosman Park, WA 6912 08 9285 4100 sthildas@sthildas.wa.edu.au