DIRECTOR OF SENIOR SCHOOL

DIRECTOR OF SENIOR SCHOOL

St Hilda’s 125th year has certainly been one to remember! After what has been a fast paced and exciting year, it is only now that I have the time reflect on all that has happened and why I feel so proud of the wonderful community we have here at our Senior School. Our students are capable of anything and everything. Every Friday when I attend Senior School assemblies, I’m amazed, but in no way surprised, at the many achievements, awards, experiences and leadership displayed by our students in all that they do. Breaking down the year and choosing highlights is near impossible when so much has happened, but there have certainly been some enjoyable events that bring joy in my role. The Year 12 Mother Daughter Breakfast and Father Daughter Evening, are always two particularly special events where I see our most senior students enjoy themselves with their loved ones away from the pressures that come from Year 12. Witnessing the first group embark on our inaugural Year 9 Wandering Spirit program was also highly memorable. To see the hard work and countless hours of planning of this incredible program come to fruition and to hear the feedback from students overwhelmingly supports this wellbeing initiative. However, perhaps the most enjoyable part of my role is the everyday conversations I have with our staff, parents and students. With my office situated right off the Great Court, there’s always plenty of movement, laughter, singing, conversations and spirit radiating into my office. I cherish these small moments as gentle reminders that the St Hilda’s Spirit goes beyond events and opportunities for students, but rather creates an environment where girls can be their best and happy selves. Recently, I attended the inaugural Year 8 St Hilda’s and Christ Church Grammar School Outdoor Education Program, Cape to Cave. This was another program that was the outcome of hard work from key stakeholders across both schools, and it sure paid off. The interaction between the students, the quality of the activities on offer, and the educational benefits that I witnessed for all the students was just another reminder of the positive direction in which we continue to thrive and look to the future. It’s been a privilege to lead the Senior School this year, and as much as I look forward to the next chapter, it’s been refreshing to reflect on our 125 years and how we have been consistent in sparking extraordinary futures for all our students. Andrea McNally Director of Senior School

“Witnessing the first group embark on our inaugural Year 9 Wandering Spirit program was highly memorable. To see the hard work and countless hours of planning, of this incredible program come to fruition and to hear the feedback from students overwhelmingly supports this wellbeing initiative.”