Old Scholars Association Update

It is a pleasure to introduce Treffina Dowland (Lidbury ’83) as the new GHS & Old Scholars Association President. Treffina has a long history with the School, being one of four generations who has attended GHS & St Hilda’s. She has been heavily involved as OSA Vice President for the past five years, and a dedicated committee member since 2011. Treffina has contributed to the success of the cook book “One Fine Day” and fundraising efforts such as “Spreading our Wings” representing the Old Scholars, an initiative which resulted in the building of the new Junior School. She has worked passionately to ensure the smooth running of the annual school and community event “The Bazaar” and behind the scenes coordinates the elegant and exquisite Tea House together with a strong and committed team of volunteers. During the last holidays, Treffina had a wonderful opportunity to spend time catching up with her daughter Christabel and other Old Scholars, who are currently working in Europe. Strong friendships and ties with the School are global!

On the next page, read about some of the events and activities of the GHS & St Hilda’s Old Scholars Association which took place in the second half of the year.

As outgoing OSA President Anu van Hattem (Palmoja 1975), we thank her for her outstanding and passionate work in leading a dedicated committee over the past three years. She has ensured the GHS & St Hilda’s Old Scholars Association has continued to provide opportunities for social engagement and intellectual enrichment which support the St Hilda’s community. Anu continues to meet the demands of her role as Honorary Consul of Estonia, but remains very involved with the School and the OSA, a contribution for which we are very grateful.

Leonora Nye Alumni Coordinator

Career Networking Event

A Career Networking Event which was held for a second year in a row this year focussed on “Women in Business”. This was open to the school community with over 60 people attending, including past students, current students and parents. Eliza Honey (2012) ensured the delivery of a well-organised event, and took the role as moderator at the beautiful EY (Ernst & Young) offices overlooking Elizabeth Quay. The audience heard from three guest speakers, Nita Peploe, CEO of Oryx Communities and newly appointed Chair of School Council, Anneke Brown, General Manager of COMO – The Treasury and Jay Barker, Senior Manager at EY. Each provided an informative talk about their career path, challenges and aspirations before taking questions from the audience.

Career Mentoring Day

This annual event is a tangible way for the OSA to remain relevant to current students. 39 Old Scholars from diverse careers returned to the School to provide information to the Year 10, 11 and 12 year groups about their career and or field of study. Feedback from both mentors and students was that this opportunity provided strengthening of knowledge, an opportunity to discover career options and pathways while mentees built self-confidence, learning how to access a variety of resources while making decisions for life beyond school.

This year we welcomed several of our Old Scholars who are relatively recent graduates, back to the school to address students during the year. For Nikki Heyder (2005), Jemma Dessauvagie (2003), Grace Forrest (2010), Cate Leedman (2006) and Eliza Honey (2012) the journeys have all been very different, yet all inspiring.

70 Plus Morning Tea

This year, the annual 70 Plus Morning Tea welcomed 140 former students from the Class of 1965 and earlier to share stories of school days and reconnect with old friends in the School Hall. This popular event saw many year groups coming together who maintain strong bonds with the School. Vivienne Jackson (1942) and Delphine Anderson (Parker 1944), both 92 years old, represented our oldest GHS students. The guests were welcomed by immediate Past President Anu van Hattem (Palmoja 1975) and Principal Mrs Kim Kiepe who introduced Father Jon Cornish.

Country Lunch

Old Scholars Pam Casellas (Greenway 1970) together with Ruth Phelps (Rowell 1961) organised a beautiful day at St Aidan’s Winery in the Ferguson Valley for the Country Lunch. Old Scholars from Perth joined Old Scholars in the surrounding South West region at the venue and 60 guests ranged from the Class of 1944 to the Class of 1996.

Scholarships and Career Development Award

All OSA fundraising efforts during the year contribute to the OSA Year 11-12 Ammonite Scholarship which was awarded to Saskia Cumming; the Year 7 to 12 Academic Scholarship was awarded to Evie Hewitt.

The OSA Career Development Award provides funding for an Old Scholar to undertake additional study or professional development in their chosen career. This was awarded jointly to Kate Naude (2003) and Monika Blankenburgs (2015).