GHS & ST HILDA'S OLD SCHOLARS ASSOCIATION | Decem ber 2019
1
H RO N IC LE INTRODUCING THE YEAGARUP CAMC PUS
PO ST
N EW SLET T ER
Issue 2 | Date: December 13, 2019
Outdoor learning is one of the cornerstones of our cocurricular programs at St Hilda?s. Providing the girls with the opportunity to extend and challenge themselves, away from family and in a natural setting, is an important learning that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.
We will spend 12 months renovating some of the common areas to ensure we have a campus that suits our future programs and the girls?needs. We see this as being a site that can be used for many different learning purposes as an extension of our wellbeing curriculum and cocurricular programs.
Our staff work tirelessly to give the girls new experiences that provide them hands-on skills and life-skills such as teamwork, leadership, resilience and self-discipline.
Having one place to house some of our extension programs will give us control over costs and provide efficiencies in running and managing the property. We are exploring management options to ensure that the property stays well maintained and ready for when the girls arrive.
The School Council has been discussing the possibility of purchasing a rural property for several years, so when the prospect to purchase a property in Pemberton arose ? one that came complete with a commercial kitchen and cabin accommodation ? we knew it was an opportunity we could not pass up.
Yeagarup Campus will be a ?home away from home?for all our girls and for future St Hilda?s girls as they get to experience this unique part of the South West.
Yeagarup Campus is located just out of Pemberton nestled in State forests and farmland. It is a 7.4 hectare property, complete with orchard, herb gardens and its own water tank. It is located near the Bibbulman Track, Munda Bindi bike trail and the Gloucester State Forest.
We will keep you updated on the progress of the renovations and our plans for 2021 when we plan to welcome our first set of students to the property. Fiona Johnston Principal
Back from starring as Christine Daae, in the West End production of Phantom of the Opera, International Soprano and Old Scholar Amy Manford (2010), features with Musical Director Mark Coughlan and the Vienna Pops Orchestra. Tickets available by visiting perthconcerthall.com.au , ticketmaster.com.au; or calling the Perth Concert Hall Box Office directly on 9231 9999.
2
FROM THE PRESIDENT 2019 has been a very busy and successful year for the Old Scholars Association and I hope you enjoy reading this last edition of the Chronicle Post for this year.
Year 7 OSA Academic Entrance Scholarship recipient is Meg Lamond from Mosman Park Primary School. Meg is the daughter of Jessie Lamond (Ladyman, 1988) and granddaughter of Alison Ladyman (O?Halloran, 1964). There were some outstanding applications for the 2019 OSA Career Development Award. Interviews were conducted in September and the decision was made to award Michaela Ivory (2006) as the recipient of this year ?s OSA Career Development Award. She will be using this opportunity to extend her training and development in music education and to provide the best possible Community Outreach Music Education program, ?Crescendo?, for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) where she has been a Teaching Artist since 2016. Congratulations to each recipient.
Many special events and activities of the GHS & Old Scholars Association have been held in the second half of the year. On a beautiful sunny day in August the annual 70 + Morning Tea welcomed more than 140 old scholars over the age of seventy back to the School for a delicious morning tea. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed catching up with each other and reminiscing about the old school days, especially the Class of 1966 who attended for the first time. Everyone also enjoyed watching the OSA video and being introduced to the Principal, Mrs Fiona Johnston, at her very first 70+ Morning Tea. A special thank you to Father Jon Cornish for saying prayer and attending the morning tea.
Each year the OSA recognises the outstanding input of staff who have provided service to the School for over 20 years. We recognise their loyal service by extending Honorary Life Membership to the OSA. I am pleased to announce that Donna Hughes (Drama), Sharon Sinclair (Physical Education) and Susan Beaver (Junior School Ed Assistant) have been named Honorary Life Members of the GHS & St Hilda?s Old Scholars Association in 2019. We welcome them to the Association.
The OSA Career Networking Series aims to connect those who have recently left school with experienced mentors in specific career areas. This year the event focussed on ?Women in Mining and Resources?. Old Scholar Megan McCracken (1984) chaired the event with a panel consisting of guest speakers Sabina Shugg (1984), Alison Muir (1990), Kylie MacPherson (2007) and Felicity Johnston (2007). It was held in the offices of Corrs Chambers Westgarth which was organised by old scholar Kirsty Sutherland (1983).
I look forward to welcoming new members and co-opted members to the committee in 2020. This year we farewell Mrs Angela Heaton from the OSA committee. Angela joined the OSA committee in 2006 and was President from 2011 to 2015. She has also served on Council for 6 years. During her time on council she has actively sort to increase the profile of the OSA amongst members by informing Council of all OSA activities during the year. Angela has been a dedicated and enthusiastic committee member for 13 years and I sincerely thank her for her commitment and support to the OSA. I would like to wish her all the best in her next pursuits and hope to still see her at many OSA functions in the future.
Each spoke about their career paths, challenges and aspirations which was followed by a lively question and answer session.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term as President of the GHS & St Hilda?s Old Scholars Association. I have particularly enjoyed working with such an amazing committee. Each committee member has been wonderful to work with and I wish to sincerely thank them for their hard work, support, diligence and dedication to the Association during the year and not to mention all those fantastic sandwich makers! A big thank you also to the OSA Alumni Officer, Leo Nye, for all her hard work in making everything run so smoothly during the year. I would also like to acknowledge the many old scholars who have been extremely generous with their time and for supporting all the OSA events held during the year. Without everyone?s support and enthusiasm this association would not be what it is today.
Old scholar Sophia Forrest, from the Class of 2012, is an actress and stars in the movie ?Ride like a Girl? which was the feature film at the OSA Movie Fundraiser held at the Windsor Theatre in October. Many members of the OSA and their friends enjoyed the afternoon catching up and watching the wonderful film at the same time helping to raise funds for the OSA. One of the Old Scholars Association?s most important contributions to the School is its scholarship program. Daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters of financial members of the OSA are eligible for the OSA?s scholarships. There are two scholarships offered to students each year, namely the OSA Academic Scholarship and the OSA Ammonite Scholarship. The OSA also offers an OSA Career Development Award to a financial member every year. There was once again a large number of applicants of a very high standard for this year ?s OSA Year 11-12 Ammonite Scholarship. The recipient of this award went to Esther Chaney daughter of Sarah Chaney (Carnley, 1988) and granddaughter of Angela Chaney (Clifton, 1958).
I would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday season and I look forward to seeing you all in 2020. Treffina Dowland (Lidbury, 1983) President, GHS & St Hilda's Old Scholars Association
3
W OM EN IN M INING AND RESOURCES
Alex McLaren (2018) left, Annabel Counsel (2017)
4
W OM EN IN M INING AND RESOURCES The OSA Career Networking Series this year featured a very engaging panel discussion from women in mining and resources, moderated by Old Scholar Megan McCracken (1984). Megan was instrumental in bringing together four women in different elements of the mining and resources industry for an engaging and informative panel discussion. The group consisted of two women in the early phase of their career, Felicity Johnston and Kylie MacPherson, and three women with over 25 years of experience in the sector, Megan, Sabina Shugg and Alison Muir. The discussion provided an opportunity to hear about different journeys and showcase the industry as a viable choice for daughters or students who are considering options beyond school. In WA the mining and resources industry remains a driving force in our economy and the broader ?operations?of the industry should not be disregarded. The conversations about the future of mining and the place for women in it, provided positive dialogue from our strong St Hilda's role models in the industry. Much appreciation to venue host Kirsty Sutherland (1983), Partner ? Corrs Chambers Westgarth, for providing a beautiful location for this wonderful event.
Megan McCracken (1984) currently works as a leadership coach. She provides support to leaders to navigate their professional lives while working collaboratively with businesses to maintain cohesive long term relationships. Megan?s experience spans over 25 years in the mining, automotive, energy and rail industries across Australia, with almost a decade at executive level. She is Chair of the National Association of Women in Operations (NAWO) and a member of the St George?s College Board. Volunteering her time as a mentor with the Women in Mining, NAWO and St George?s College, she is passionate about the industry and helping women move forward.
Alison Muir (1990) whose connection with the mining industry spans three generations, grew up in the mining town of Kalgoorlie. She is Manager of the AusIMM (Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy), the peak body for 13,000 resources professionals, which centres on building relationships and leveraging a broad network with a diverse group of stakeholders. Her passions for the future of the sector are identifying opportunities for a diverse and inclusive workforce, and she explained that the industry is not just for engineers, but for a variety of occupations.
Sabina Shugg (1984) has had extensive experience in senior roles with mining and consulting organisations in Australia. With an MBA from UWA and a degree in Mining Engineering from WA School of Mines, she is also a member of the AusIMM and holds a WA First Class Mine Manager ?s Certificate of Competency. In March 2010, Sabina was named the inaugural Women in Resources Champion in the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) Women in Resources Awards, for being an outstanding role model to people in the resources industry and the broader community. This year, Sabina was appointed Director of the WA School of Mines based in Kalgoorlie. Her passions for the future of the sector are identifying opportunities for a diverse and inclusive workforce, and she explained that the industry is not just for engineers, but for a variety of occupations.
Felicity Johnston (2007) who is on the front cover of this edition, went on to study a Bachelor of Chemical and Process Engineering at UWA. She accepted a graduate position at South 32 Worsley Alumina as a Process Engineer in 2014 and now works as a Technical Superintendent leading a whole team of process engineers. She is passionate about ?building high performance, diverse teams where everyone feels that they can bring their authentic self to work.? and believes that ?participation of women in the industry is key to achieving this.?
Kylie MacPherson (2007) began her studies in medicine, and considers herself an ?accidental miner ?. She holds a degree in Mining Engineering, and now works as a scheduling engineer for BHP based in the Pilbara Region. Her role involves executing the daily mine plan and ore grade control. Within BHP, Kylie has worked in Analysis and Improvement, delivering multi-million dollar cost-saving initiatives and safety improvements to the Drill and Blast department. She now enjoys supporting others in the industry and is involved in mentoring and education through the mines?Inclusion and Diversity Committee.
5
OSA AM M ONITE PIN This year, the Old Scholars Association reintroduced an ammonite pin for students who are daughters and or granddaughters of Old Scholars. This special commemorative pin worn on the blazer represents the traditions of the OSA and was given to the girls during multiple presentations in The Gallery earlier this year. It was wonderful to see many girls are able to continue their own family traditions in receiving a St Hilda's education.
6
PROFESSOR CAROLYN OLDHAM Carolyn Oldham (1979) is a Professor in the School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering at the University of Western Australia. She graduated with a BSc with Honours in Chemistry and a PhD in Environmental Engineering. Since 1994, Carolyn has worked to combine her research interest in environmental chemistry which requires collaborating with hydrologists, oceanographers, estuarine and groundwater scientists. She has led a diverse range of research projects on contamination of wetlands, rivers and ground waters and transport of decomposing seagrass wrack in coastal waters,
prediction of contaminant dynamics after mine closure, and acidification in surface and ground waters. Her trans-disciplinary approach in research is the same in her teaching and in 2010, Carolyn received a national Australian Learning and Teaching Council Award for an ?outstanding and sustained commitment to increasing the diversity of student learning experiences in engineering." She is one of the few women promoted to Professor of Engineering in Australian research intensive universities, and remains an active mentor for junior academic women.
We were very lucky to have Carolyn return to St Hilda's to judge a Year 7 STEAM project as part of their Science course. The students collaborated in small groups to solve real world problems associated with cleaning our waterways and conserving water. They were required to research these problems, brainstorm solutions and create a prototype of their invention, made completely out of plastic rubbish. After viewing all the projects, Carolyn awarded the winning invention to two groups, The Savvy Cleaner which uses wind captured in its sails to push the apparatus in the same direction of the plastic as it captures it. The second winner was the Reusable Reticulation, a system that collected unused reticulation water, then cycled it back into the reticulation so no water is wasted.
7
CLASS OF 1959 - 60 YEAR REUNION
The 60 Year Reunion for the Class of 1959, coordinated by Margie Halcombe (Buckeridge) was a wonderful celebration of friendships, beginning with morning tea and a chapel service followed by a school tour and beautiful lunch in The Gallery. It was an opportunity to remember friends , and reflect on the happy times at School.
8
10 YEAR REUNION - CLASS OF 2009
The Class of 2009 celebrated ten years since leaving St Hilda's. This was the first time many of these Old Scholars had been back to the School since they graduated. They travelled from Kalgoorlie, the South West and interstate to attend a School Tour before continuing at the Mosman Park Golf Club for more reminiscing about their school days.
9
70 PLUS M ORNING TEA
The 70+ Morning Tea brought back over 140 Old Scholars over the age of 70 years to gather in the School Hall. OSA President, Treffina Dowland introduced the Principal, Mrs Fiona Johnston who welcomed past students back to the School and shared plans for the future of St Hilda's. She was able to move around the Hall to speak with many Old Scholars and hear some of their stories of school days. This event has become a wonderful tradition, providing an opportunity for old scholars to catch up and share memories in the School Hall.
10
COUNTRY LUNCH
This year 's Country Lunch was held at the property of Robyn Longley (Nottage, '70) at Short Street Kitchen in Stoneville, which she runs together with her daughter Jess. 56 Old Scholars enjoyed the fresh produce prepared by the mother and daughter team while soaking in the ambience of the gorgeous extensive gardens. "There is something about old school friendships that endure forever even though we do not see each other regularly. The friendships spill over into other years and there is a common bond that lasts a lifetime. It is a connection that is hard to describe but it is strong nevertheless." - Gillian Daniels
11
70 PLUS THE FIRST M ORNING REUNIONTEA - CLASS OF 2017
The Class of 2017 met up at School for the first time since graduating. Some of the cohort have moved inter-state and while many keep in touch, it was nice to see everyone together and sharing news of what they have been doing over the past year and the various stories of life outside of St Hilda's one year on.
12
FOUR SISTERS, FOUR JOURNEYS
Four sisters from the O?Connor family recently visited the School to share the wonderful memories they have of their time here at St Hilda?s. Deirdre Stephenson (1952), Jacqueline Sprogoe (1953), Davilia Bleckly (1956) and Carolyn Knight (1957) are just four of the many great granddaughters of CY O?Connor. Famously known for establishing the Goldfields water pipeline and Fremantle Harbour, CY O?Connor was the Engineer?in-Chief who played a major role in the development of Western Australia.
Pamela Walter (Norris), winning in her age group.
The sisters have each had extraordinary journeys, and reflected on the wonderful opportunity that was given to them in attending St Hilda?s. Their father, Program Director for WA at the ABC (radio and television), saw the importance of attending a good school, and the value St Hilda?s provided through a ?classical education?.
Jacqueline also continued onto Business School after leaving St Hilda?s, but she reflects on her wonderful experience in her school Art Class (Mrs Linklater), which fueled her creativity. Following the death of her husband when their two children were very tiny, Jacquie returned to Perth so they could grow up with their cousins. This is where Jacquie followed her passion completing a mature-age degree in Design at WAIT, now Curtin University, and took up a position there as a Technician and Tutor. On a Grant from the Australia Council, she was invited to be artist-in-residence at the Fremantle Arts Centre, where she taught and subsequently managed the Craft Gallery Shop for 20 years, before retiring, but continues to work as a contemporary jeweler, exhibiting her work at various galleries locally and internationally.
After completing school, Deirdre attended a Business School and subsequently found work with the architect, Marshall Clifton. She later completed a Real Estate Management course which led her to work at Wesley Central Mission Property Committee and managed its city property in Perth. With her love for the School, she worked hard to ensure her two daughters were also able to attend St Hilda?s. Today, Deirdre swims regularly with the AUSSI Masters, swimming competitively at HBF Stadium, with fellow old scholars, Margaret Somes (Rex), Audrey Bullough (Rose) and
Davilia discovered her calling when she was in a nativity production at age four, so it was no surprise to her parents when she continued her love of drama and participated in all productions throughout her schooling. St Hilda?s provided the opportunity to pursue her talent, especially with her favorite drama teacher Nadine Francis, which led her to a career working in London as an actor. Between gigs she taught at Drama Centre London and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) until 1992/3 when she was invited to Perth to be the Acting Head of Acting at WAAPA for a
13
term before returning to RADA. Among the actors who she has helped to train were Hugh Jackman, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan. Since returning to Perth she continues to find plenty of work under her acting name of O?Connor. Current TV and film work includes ?Go!?, ?KoKo?, ?The Heights? and a soon to be released ABC series ?Itch? which has also been taken up by the BBC. Caro also reflects fondly of her school days, and after graduating, went on to pursue nursing. She worked as a phlebotomist for 30 years at Perth Pathology, now known as St John of God Pathology, and during this time trained nurses ?how to take blood?. Caro travelled overseas where she worked as a Private Nurse at the reputable Moorfield Eye Hospital in London. While in England, she met her journalist husband and both returned to Perth, where he took up a position as Executive Director at the ABC, coincidentally where her father had previously worked. Caro continued her nursing career working for Silver Chain where she stayed for 30 years before retiring. Caro is an avid trekker who has been to Nepal - Kashmir and different Camino trails in Spain and Portugal five times (once with Jacquie). The sisters meet up regularly with each other and also enjoy staying connected with their friends from School. They are very grateful for the opportunities St Hilda?s provided them.
OSA CAREER DEVELOPM ENT AWARD
OLD SCHOLAR GIFT Rosalind Ruth Phelps (Rowell, 1961) met with Principal Fiona Johnston following the kind donation of a piece of artwork of Moses holding a tablet with the Ten Commandments. The burnt poker on wood was completed in 1848 originating from England. This was purchased by Ruth's mother, who brought it back to Perth. The unique piece of art now hangs in the Chapel.
Michaela Ivory (Whittle, 2006) has had a love of music and singing from a young age and this was fostered throughout her 10 years at St Hilda?s through her involvement in the music program, chorale, barbershop, school productions, music concerts and solo performances. After graduating from WAAPA and ECU with a double degree in music, voice performance and education, she taught music and voice for the Australian Girls? Choir and at schools and performance academies throughout Perth. Since having three children of her own, Michaela?s passion turned to music in early childhood and the benefits it has to the brain, growth, physical, social and emotional development of young children. She shares this passion by teaching community music workshops through her own program ?Nurturing Notes?, classes for children and their families. She also hosts community events and writes a blog ?The Musical Mum?, where she shares music teaching tips and ideas for the classroom and home.
WA SCIENCE - HALL OF FAM E
WA SCIENCE HALL OF FAM E
In 2016, Michaela commenced as a Teaching Artist for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, as part of their community outreach music education program, Crescendo. This program provides free music education to the students at two primary schools with low literacy and numeracy levels in one of Perth?s lowest socio-economic areas. Since the program?s inception, these schools are now achieving their best academic results in over 10 years. Michaela and her team were awarded the APRA AMCOS National Art Music Award for Excellence in Music Education for 2019. Michaela is partnering with Anglicare to visit some teen mothers and their children as part of the Young Parents Support Service at Armadale Full Service Support School to provide them with a musical play education session. Michaela was absolutely thrilled to be the recipient of the St Hilda?s Old Scholars' Career Development Award. In January 2020, she will travel to Melbourne to meet with other nationwide music educators to undertake an internationally recognised FAME First Steps in Music qualification with Dr John Feierabend. This specialised curriculum aims to aid in the development of the ?whole child? and prepare children from birth to become tuneful, beatful, artful and most importantly ? musical. Michaela will be one of a limited amount of teachers in Australia with this opportunity and qualification. She is looking forward to bringing back her training and knowledge to further benefit students in her music classroom, and families in the wider community.
At the 2019 Premier ?s Science Awards, Old Scholar Professor Carol Bower (Stagbouer, 1964) was inducted into the WA Science Hall of Fame, through the profound impact she has had on the health of WA children. Her extensive career at Telethon Kids Institute and The University of Western Australia has involved work in landmark folate research and advocacy which has saved an estimated 4,000 children from debilitating and deadly birth defects. As an internationally recognised public health researcher, Professor Bower has devoted much of her career to understanding the causes and impacts of birth defects including neural tube defects, IVG-associated birth defects, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) ? and to developing diagnostic tools and preventive strategies. Her early work with Institute founder and fellow old scholar, Professor Fiona Stanley confirmed the link between low dietary folate in mothers-to-be and neural tube defects such as spina bifida in their babies. This research led to a public health campaign in the 1990s.
14
A picture capturing two generations of Athletics Captains:
2020 REUNIONS Class of 1975 Fr iday 20 M ar ch 2020 Tour - 4.30pm Drinks & Dinner Contact: Barbara-Dene Jones bdjones@iinet.net.au
Nieve Walsh, Athletics Captain - 2019 and her mother Rowena Keall-Walsh (Walsh), Athletics Captain ? 1985.
Class of 1955 Save t h e Dat e Friday 8 May 2020 Lunch Class of 1960 Save t h e Dat e Saturday 17 October
NOTICES BIRTHS
WEDDINGS
Con gr at u lat ion s t o:
Con gr at u lat ion s t o:
Nina Aldis-North (Aldis, 2002) on the birth of Jack Sidney North
Alexandra (Beetle) Rowell (2002) and Andrew Lane
Laura Thorn (Hirschmanner, 2002) on the birth of Sarah Grace Thorn
Gemma Moser (2009) and Matthew Baker
Louise Thompson (Pollard, 2002) on the birth of Jack Benjamin Thompson
Charlotte Ollis (2008) and Stephen Gwynn
Kathryn Boon (2002) on the birth of Beatrice Penelope Duckham Farah Hagen (Pourzand, 2002) on the birth of Sidney Lyn Hagen Indi Swan (French, 2002) on the birth of Alistair Washington Swan Rowena Reid (Dewhirst, 2002) on the birth of Sophie Isabella Reid
BEREAVEM ENTS
Emily Riddell (Rooke, 2002) on the birth of Luke Henry Riddell Natash Wilcox (Burn, 2002) on the birth of Charlotte Mae Wilcox
Ou r sin cer e con dolen ces go ou t t o t h e f am ilies of :
Fiona Baker (Anderson, 2002) on the birth of Harvey Banjo Katharine Elliot (Graham, 2002) on the birth of Clara Elizabeth Elliot Sarah McMahon (Venn, 2002) on the birth of Sophia Katherine McMahon Phoebe Leach (2002) on the birth of Theodore Simon Pollock Clarke Alex McTaggart (2002) on the birth of Bonnie Jane Keynes
Sarah Shellabear (Bennison, 1975) Constance Lodge (Hawker, 1948) Rosemary Hemphill (Goldie, 1938) Ros Bishop (Jackson, 1958)
Tina Cazzolli (2002) on the birth of Paige Cazzolli Currid
ROSEM ARY HEM PHILL 1922-2019 Rosemary Hemphill (Goldie, 1938) was born in 1922 in Broome. Together with her husband John, Rosemary established Australia's first herb growing business, Somerset Cottage at Dural, north of Sydney after WWII. For over forty years, Rosemary and John were involved in the cultivation, drying, blending and retailing of herbs, many of which were largely unknown in Australia at that time. Their work helped Australians to use a wide variety of herbs in their cooking. Rosemary and John wrote numerous books both together and separately. Rosemary died in September aged 97 in Sydney. Her sister Daisy Jeffries (Goldie, 1944) who predeceased her, had two daughters Celia and Felicity who also attended St Hilda's. Amongst her other books, The Master Pearler 's Daughter, is a15 book about Rosemary's memories of her Broome childhood.
Merry Christmasand Happy New Year!
As Old Scholars, you are part of the St Hilda's global community. Please stay in touch so we can provide you with support, scholarship opportunities, mentoring and news of events as well as reunion information. Feel free to share news at: oldscholars@sthildas.wa.edu.au
16