Post Chronicle
GHS & ST HILDA’S OLD SCHOLARS ASSOCIATION
No. 01 March 2014
HONORARY LIFE MEMBER (HLM) 2013
Welcome to our first edition of
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
the Chronicle Post for 2014,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our former Head of the Junior School, Mrs Julie QuanSing-Rowlands for her outstanding contribution to St Hilda’s and for the many girls she cared for in her time. Julie was well loved and will be greatly missed. We wish her well in her retirement.
indeed the first edition for the next Century of our Association! It is with pride and satisfaction that we look back on our achievements of last year, the Centenary of the Girls High School and St Hilda’s Old Scholars Association. SENIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL We begin this year with the announcement from our Chair of School Council, Ms Karen Farley SC, of the retirement of St Hilda’s Principal, Mrs Joy Shepherd. Joy was appointed to the position in 1998 and has served as the Patron of the Old Scholars Association since her commencement. Under her leadership, the School has enjoyed enormous success on many fronts which will take it well into the next century.
It is with much pleasure that we welcome Mrs Andrea McNally as the newly appointed Head of Junior School. Andrea is youthful and enthusiastic and will be an asset to the team.
ACADEMIC RESULTS 2013 Our newest members to the Association are to be congratulated on their high achievements in their ATAR and VET (Vocational Educational Training) scores for 2013. In particular our congratulations go to Katerina Chua for receiving the highest award in the state, the Beazley Medal.
Joy has always been interested and encouraging of our endeavours as an Association. She has been most approachable and wise with her counsel to both former and present Committees and Presidents. On behalf of the Association, I would like to wish both Joy and her husband, John, the very best in the next stage of their lives.
There were a great number of General Exhibition and Certificates of Excellence. The VET students excelled and receiving certificates in Business, Tourism and Community Service.
Thank you Joy for your amazing contribution to St Hilda’s!
We wish these girls all the very best as they pursue their career pathways.
Each year the Association recognises members of staff who have given 20 years employment and/or considerable service to the Association. Last year the OSA recognised Mrs Mandy McFarland, Director of Development, as an HLM for her tireless commitment, valuable support and exceptional service to the Association.
OSA 2014 COMMITTEE For 2014 your OSA Committee Executive members are: President Angela Heaton (Mitchell, ’75); Vice Presidents Anu van Hattem (Palmoja, ’75) and Treffina Dowland (Lidbury, ’83); Treasurer Sheena Storm (Richmond, ‘83) and Co-Secretaries Kim Wedge (’75) and Libby Hocking (‘71). Committee members include Jill Binning (Mansel, ’60), Jody Hardcastle (Vincent, ’73), Sue Marshall (Love, ’74), Bonnie Tollafield (’71), Jane O’Dea (Deykin, ‘78), Melissa Harkins (Carter, ’81) and Zoey Tyson (’05). Co-opted members to the Committee are Denise Stransky (Lodge, ’74), Claire Moody (Stokes, ’79), Kate Owenell (Newbold, ’98), Libby Kelsall (Frayne, ‘81) and Sherin Pourzand (‘07). Chronicle Post Editor is Rosalind Bell (Williams, ’75). With a unique blend of individual strengths, this wonderful team will deliver meaningful support and
interesting events to you. Please don’t hesitate to present your suggestions to any Committee member for consideration at the monthly OSA meetings. Throughout 2014, the OSA committee will continue to provide opportunities for members of all ages to connect with friends, join annual events and benefit from new opportunities currently being planned. We hope that Year Representatives will greatly assist by spreading the word as details are confirmed and encouraging all to attend.
SCHOLARSHIP WINNER The Year 11/12 OSA Scholarship winner is Emily Benson, daughter of Donna Benson (Graham, ’82). Congratulations Emily and every good wish for your last two years at St Hilda’s.
EDITOR CHRONICLE POST At this point I would like to sincerely thank Penny Boon for carefully and diligently collating news over many years in her role as Chronicle Post Editor. Thank you Penny for your time and energy with all the publications you directed whilst on the Committee. We are extremely grateful of Rosalind Bell’s (Williams, ’75) offer of assistance in editing and working with Deb Hill to bring this publication to our members. Please send news of Old Scholars to Ros Bell or Deborah Hill, Alumni Officer: rosalindbell@optusnet.com.au or Deborah.hill@sthildas.wa.edu.au We look forward to seeing many of you this year. In particular I warmly invite you to join the St Hilda’s OSA Bazaar on Saturday 10 May; the largest annual fundraising effort of the committee where proceeds support scholarships and bursaries. Best wishes for the year Angela Heaton (Mitchell, ‘75) President angelaheaton@aapt.net.au
2014 OFFICIALS We offer our congratulations to our newest School Officials with OSA connections as a Mother or Grandmother:
Head Girl Eloise Hamill, daughter of Andrea Hammond (’80)
Blackwood House Official Emily Wilson, daughter of Catherine Wilson (Thomas,’81)
Fitzroy House Official Isabelle Leclezio, daughter of Belinda Hansen (’79),
TRAVEL AWARD RECIPIENT 2013 Kylie Jones (Morrison, ‘86) was the successful applicant of the 2013 Travel Award. As a Social Worker at PMH, Kylie deals with socially disadvantaged children and plans to attend a conference in Melbourne to gain further knowledge in this field of work.
Save the date: Saturday 10 May, Chidley Campus from 10am-4pm. Join the festivities, take a stall, offer to donate goods for sale… there are plenty of ways that you can contribute to the annual GHS & St Hilda’s OSA Bazaar. Bring Mum along as a special Mother’s Day outing, to enjoy freshly made treats from the Tea House and a wide selection of stall holder crafts. Fashion, jewellery, textiles, skincare, artwork and garden accessories are amongst the attractions. In preparation for the Bazaar we are calling for friends to make jams, chutneys, pickles and cakes!!! Your contribution will greatly assist the OSA Scholarship Fund. Please email deborah.hill@sthildas.wa.edu.au to offer your valuable support.
Following the interest generated in the Centenary Travel Award last year and the high calibre of applicants, this benefit will continue in 2014. The Travel Award will once again be extended to applicants who are financial members of the Association, who are planning to travel during the next 12 months to observe, learn from and contribute to different cultures and communities. The award is valued at $2,500.00. For further details, please email deborah.hill@sthildas.wa.edu.au for further information. The winner will be announced at the OSA Lunch on Saturday 1 November at the Chidley Campus.
KEEPING IN TOUCH Each year it is our absolute pleasure to share announcements, achievements, opportunities and notification of events through Chronicle Post. Distributed twice a year, Chronicle Post is a dedicated Old Scholar publication, keeping you informed of developments and connecting you to friends. As part of our strategic planning, the costs of publication and alternative forms of communication are reviewed.
With increasing costs of postage and printing, some changes to the distribution of Chronicle Post will be introduced, effective mid year. As we move towards electronic communication we earnestly request that you update your email address with the School. Please do so as soon as possible by emailing deborah.hill@sthildas.wa.edu.au. Don’t forget to send us your news for inclusion in our next edition. We look forward to maintaining contact and we encourage you to visit the School website for regular updates.
CATCHING UP - news of Old Scholars
1943 Beautiful and very poignant memoirs from Lydie... Lydie Sayers (Van der Mey, ’43) lived on a tea and rubber plantation in the Dutch East Indies with her family prior to pursuing her education in Perth. Lydie recalls…. I arrived at St Hilda's in the evening after a 3 week long boat trip and was picked up by Mrs Cameron. I woke up the next day with girls all looking at me, chatting away in a language I did not understand. But everybody was so helpful and soon I was getting used to school life and discipline and learning English thanks to Miss Wauchope who was patient with me as were all the teachers and girls. I picked up English in a very short time and could join in exams etc. I remember school, cold dormitories without windows but open to the wind blowing in, learning to make my bed, food that was so different, joining tennis, swimming and hockey, walking down to the Swan river in the early morning to swim and train amidst the jelly fish. The Sundays going to church (walking) and spending the afternoon talking, listening to music and sometimes sneaking out to the little corner store to get some candy. No sports were allowed on Sundays. Lining up to go to the dining room, rain or shine. Assembly twice a day. Having a day off once every month I think, inspection of uniform and cubicle, going to the movies maybe two if you could squeeze it in and lots of ice cream, scones and chocolates, getting back to school feeling not quite so well. Doing exams in the great hall while the kookaburras were laughing. Being punished for something and having to fill the inkwells with ink in two classrooms - yes we used ink and pens then. The cold showers with Prefects checking if you really got wet. When war broke out the trips by school boat were quite dangerous with the Uboats etc and I could not get back to school. In Java I joined the ARP Air Raid Precaution headquarters, tracing enemy planes and passing on orders to destroy or burn before the arrival of the enemy to the Islands, ending up by having to burn our own papers. And so I was in uniform. The War years were pretty horrible. My Mother, my sisters and myself spent 4 years in Japanese concentration camps, where the conditions were awful. But we survived. My Father was sent to Thailand to work on the infamous Bridge on the river Kwai although as an officer he was not supposed to work. After the war I wrote to my friends in Australia to let them know I survived and they responded by sending wonderful
parcels with lipstick, something we had not seen in 4 years, soap and many other things. We were then sent to Thailand (Siam at that time) on the " Staffordshire", a troop transport ship which hit a mine but thankfully there was no damage although the explosion was quite something. Girls had to work and so we had to clean toilets and work in the kitchen. I think the journey took about 5 days. Meeting my Father again after 4 years was a very, very special moment. We spent nearly a year in Siam. I joined the English Red Cross to help getting separated families back together. There I met my future husband, Lt Frans Sayers. He had also worked on the Bridge of the River Kwai. He was thought to be fit and sent to Kuala Lumpur with his men. Eventually he was sent back to Holland on sick leave where we met again, were married and had 2 lovely children, Frans and Renee. In Holland warm clothing and everything else was rationed, it was very cold and there was a housing shortage. A little example of rationing: when our son was born I was only able to get 6 diapers, so there was a lot of washing to do. But when my husband heard he was going to be called up again for 3 years’ duty to the Dutch East Indies we decided to emigrate to Canada in 1951. I wanted to go to Australia but my husband Frans thought it was too far away from family in the Netherlands, which it was in those days. We had a tough time in Canada but a good one. I did a lot of social work and we made many friends. I am now 88 years old and am blessed with my son and daughter, son in law and daughter in law, 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and many happy memories. Sadly my husband passed away in 2010.
1968 Elaine Harding (Chang) lived in Malaysia for 4 years after leaving St Hilda’s. From there she moved to Hong Kong where she married and had children. Elaine returned to Malaysia for 18 months then back to Hong Kong before being repatriated to England in 1983 where she has lived since.
1973 Lindy Sheridan (Grant) has been living in Philadelphia, USA for 23 years and just relocated from the city to a 50 acre farm to establish a retreat similar to a Bed and Breakfast. Working as an Occupational Therapist.
1976 Karen Farley (Barrymore) Chair of St Hilda’s Council, has been appointed Senior Counsel for and in the State of Western Australia. This appointment is based on eminence in the practice of law, especially in advocacy, unquestioned integrity, availability and independence. Congratulations Karen!
1978 Deidre Willmott Deputy Chair of St Hilda’s Council, is the new Chief Executive Officer for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Deidre has an impressive background that includes executive roles with Fortescue Metals Group, Chief of Staff to former Premier, Richard Court and Chief of Staff to Premier Colin Barnett, and also General Manager Executive Services of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
1989 Desiree Jones 2013 ended on a high for Desiree who was awarded the prestigious Slater and Gordon WA Official of the Year at the ANZ Sports Star Official of the Year Awards. This award recognises her achievements in judging gymnastics. Desiree started judging at 14 and was the Gymnastics Co-Captain in 1989 for St Hilda’s, helping coach the team.
Alida Sayers (van der Mey)
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Help us get the Chronicle Post and the electronic e-newsletter, In the Loop, to you by contacting the Development Office with your current email address. T: 08 9285 4246 or E: oldscholars@sthildas.wa.edu.au.
1991 Keiko Uno says she was “mesmerised by the way jewellery transformed her grandmother from my everyday grandma to a lady of distinction”. Keiko is a jeweller who takes her inspiration from her Japanese and Australian heritage. “I love the Japanese obsession with tradition, precision and excellence, but I equally love the creativity of the liberated, youthful Australian spirit.” Keiko’s passion extends to her humanitarian awareness when she created several designs of stunning mother-of-pearl, pink and grey striped unisex cufflinks for a courageous friend with breast cancer, part proceeds going towards this cause.
1995 Anna Casellas has been appointed a partner of Clayton Utz on 1 January 2014 after working 13 years with the firm. Anna specialises in workplace relations, employment and safety and has a combined Arts/Law degree from UWA and a Masters in Law from the University of Melbourne. Congratulations, Anna. Gillian Griffiths (Fowler) has published a book for families of children with fussy/picky eating, with the forward written by Prof Fiona Stanley (’63). For further information visit www.sense-ationalmealtimes.com.au.
1999 Holly McClellan has graduated with a PhD from UWA and is now considered a world expert on breastfeeding and pain associated with it.
REUNIONS
...the reports keep coming in for Centenary Reunions! Switzerland reunion Four of us met on Saturday 8 February for a lunch reunion in Bern. We had a delightful non-stop chatty lunch…and we plan to meet on a regular basis in the future. Judy Bonavia (Watt, ‘59)
Our Head girl Kirsten Maloney (Pollard) didn’t disappoint with a heartfelt off the cuff speech, whilst a slide show played embarrassing photos of us all with our adolescent faces teamed with the fashions of the 1990s bringing lots of laughter. A handful of girls had travelled from overseas for the event which was a huge effort, as well as interstate and regional WA. Everyone agreed what a dynamic and close group of girls the Class of 1993 were, and we all found it so interesting discussing the diverse pathways everyone has taken since leaving school. Emma Kiffen-Petersen
2013 60-year reunion L-R: Hilary Nathan (’95), Judy Bonavia (Watt,’59), Jacqueline Cvetanovic (Jacobs, ’66) and Helen Ann Lewis-Kommer (Kommer,’72).
2013 20-year reunion A week before Christmas the Class of 1993 attended their 20 year school reunion. "Where has the time gone?", "It feels like yesterday", "OMG you look exactly the same", were sentiments being screeched across Mosman Park as 62 girls converged on the front steps of St Hilda's for the first time since throwing our boaters in the air 20 years ago! The afternoon was spent touring the School…everyone agreed how fantastic the School looked and loved reminiscing as fond memories came flooding back.
WOMEN IN MINING Sabina Shugg (‘84) of Momentum Partners and Marnie Finlayson (‘92 ) of Rio Tinto were recently recognised for their efforts as part of December 2013’s 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining report. This was prepared by a collaboration of women in mining groups from the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and the US to highlight industry role models across the global mining sector in a variety of positions; Sabina as Head of Mining and Marnie as General Manager, Port Services.
The evening was spent at Freshwater Bay Yacht Club attempting to cover 20 years worth of news with a room full of noisy and excited girls!
L to R: Kirsty Forsyth (Godlonton), Bianca Edwards (Lee-Steere), Joanna MacNamara (Gibson), Denby Roberts, Fliss Brophy (Brockman), Heidi Cheffers (De Jong) , Angie Lidbury (Cocks) and Jane Orchard
Opinion was that we must be “aging gracefully” as we all recognised each other after 60 years! 18 of us gathered from as far away as Sydney and Melbourne for coffee and noisy catchup chat before a short service in the lovely chapel, and then an even noisier lunch at the School. Next day Helen (Chum) Ladyman offered Open House at her place for lunch, and this was a marvellous chance to catch up more closely long into the afternoon. Many who were unable to come this time sent greetings, so keep in touch for the next reunion in 5 years. Jacquie Sprogoe (O'Connor)
Old Scholars Association Events and School Reunions 2014 April Thursday 3
IGSSA Old Girls Tennis Competition Contact: Sheena Storm (Richmond, ’83) sheena.storm@dorado.com.au 0413 202 446
Wednesday 9
Bridge and Mahjong Day (see invitation below) 6-No Trump SLAM GAME on! Windy Chow – show us your tiles! Tell your friends and make up a table. Contact: Jody Hardcastle (Vincent, ‘73) 0413 352 884 philhard@iinet.net.au
May Saturday 3
Saturday 10
Broome reunion A joint venture - St Hilda’s will be participating in a field day and we would love Old Scholars to join us. Details will be added to the website. St Hilda’s Old Scholars Bazaar (see invitation on page 2) Chidley Campus, McCabe Street, Mosman Park. 10am – 4pm
June Monday 16
Mentoring Morning School Hall, Bay View Campus Contact: deborah.hill@sthildas.wa.edu.au
August Tuesday 12
70+ Morning Tea Bay View Campus 10.30am
Please contact Deborah Hill for further information deborah.hill@sthildas.wa.edu.au
2004:
Wednesday 15 GHS & St Hilda’s Old Scholars Association AGM The Gallery, Hope Nicholas House 7.30pm Great Southern Reunion St Hilda’s will be participating in a field day in Margaret River and we would love Old Scholars to join us. Details will be added to the website.
Sunday 21 December Amy McKerracher 0423 598 720 amymck@iinet.net.au
1994:
20 Year Reunion
1984:
30 Year Reunion
1974:
40 Year Reunion
Date: Contact: Phone: Email:
Date:
Old Scholar Lunch The Cortile, Chidley Campus
Saturday 2 August Rosie Hough 0427 716 055 sthildasleavers94@gmail.com
Saturday 5 April 3pm school tour followed by Canapés and Drinks at a private residence. 4pm - 7pm. $30.00, BYO drinks Contact: Sascha Hill (Lidbury) Phone: 0417 177 539 Email: sascha@smawa.asn.au Via Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/226887380760314/
Date:
1964: Date:
Saturday 11 October The Village Bar, Subiaco, $50.00 per person. Please forward old photographs to Sue via email (below) Heather Craig (Barron) 0409 844 346 hc.18@bigpond.com Flicky Keogh (Grant) 0424 267 228 flickykeogh13@hotmail.com Sue Marshall (Love) 0417 978 280 s_marshall@bigpond.com
50 Year Reunion
Contact: Phone: Email:
Saturday 13 September Chapel service, refreshments, School tour and lunch Gill Johnston (Forbes) 08 9385 1084 bokalbill@bigpond.com
1954:
60 Year Reunion
Date:
November Saturday 1
10 Year Reunion
Date: Contact: Phone: Email:
CIGS Golf Day Participation is open to anyone with a golf handicap Contact: Ann-Marie Tsaknis (Lilburne, ‘79) 0417 969 336 tsaknis@iinet.net.au
October
Friday 17
Old Scholar reunions are held to mark every ten years since leaving school.
Contact:
September Monday 22
School Reunions 2014
Contact: Phone: Email:
Saturday 18 October Lunch at the School followed by gathering at private residence Valerie Lapinski (James) 08 9384 4594 lvlapinski@bigpond.com
CENTENARY BOOK - “WE MUST EVER BE FRIENDS” (Edited by Old Scholar Pam Casellas). This delightful collection of Old Scholars’ memoirs is available online for purchase via the School website and at Collins Bookshop in Napoleon Street, Cottesloe. Proceeds from the sale of this book also go towards our Scholarship Fund. On the cover of our book is a cartoon by Williamina (“Winsome”) Atkins (deCastilla) which depicts a mother pig with her four piglets dancing and leaping behind her as she carries a bowl of supper to the table. This photo is of Williamina taken before she was married. Winsome (as her family called her), attended Miss Parnell’s school in Claremont which was referred to as “Girls High School” for 7 years. The School was located in the Anglican Church Hall, Claremont. Her brothers went there too! When Winsome finished school she was asked to stay on and teach, which she did until marrying at the age of 19. ”We Must Ever Be Friends” is available for sale from the School or by downloading your order form from the St Hilda’s website.
VALE MAX BINNING
MENTORING – 2014
It is with immense sadness that we farewell Max Binning, our dear, hard-working Honorary Life Member. Max was bestowed an OAM in 2003 by our country for his tireless work in the community and we at St Hilda’s can vouch for the worthiness of that award. At every Old Scholar function we’d be greeted by Max with enthusiasm that matched his enormous efforts to promote our School in its endeavours to educate our daughters to the supremacy that is acknowledged state-wide.
We are seeking young mentors from diverse and exciting industry backgrounds to share their experiences with current Year 10 – 12 students. This annual Old Scholar initiative will continue to inspire current students if volunteer mentors from different professions are represented. Please contact deborah.hill@sthildas.wa.edu.au if you are interested in giving back to the School and sharing your career path.
Max is survived by his wife, Jill (Mansel,’60), who continues as the longest-serving Old Scholar Committee member, a son and daughter, Fleur Binning (’88).
Births
Natasha Winburn-Clark (Kendrew, '90), a daughter, Astrid Stephanie Moore (’91), a son, Walu Dalgety Cole Amy Samuels (Marron, ’93), a daughter, Indiana Jewell Anita Bagshaw ('95), a daughter, Jessica McKinnon Mary-Jane Meehan (Boxall, ’96), a daughter, Adelaide Jane Felicia Brady (Potter, ’96), a daughter, Roxy Josie Samantha Putigny (’96), a son, Louis James
Angela Juengling (Stavrianou, ’99), a son, Nicholas Andreas Elizabeth Green (Devitt, ’00), a son, Angus Lawrence Sophie Carlshausen (Keogh, ‘00 ), a daughter, Peggy Phillipa Tidbury (Newbold, ‘00), a son, Harry Garner Lucy Toll (Holmes, '00), a daughter, Clover Mary Danae Johnston (Townrow, ’01), a son, Jack Alan Ross
Engagements Louise Pollard (’02) to Ivan Thompson
Elizabeth Harris (Kyle, ’97), a daughter, Amelia Ruth
Marriages
Joanna Edwards (James, ’98), a daughter, Heidi
Anastasia Christou (‘00) to Luke Coyle
Claire Webster (Pelliccia, ’98), a daughter, Lola Ruth Kara Lake ('98), a daughter, Lillian Acklin Felicity Dolton (Smyth, ’99), a daughter, Evelyn Elizabeth
Hannah James (’96) to Callan Walker
Annabel Shellabear (‘06) to Nicholas Wheeler
Chapel Weddings Amanda Dallimore (’01) to Peter Lynch
Deaths Our deepest sympathy is extended to the families of: June Brearley (Markham, ’61) Rosemary Caithness (Pascoe, ’63) Sarah Dawson (Wilkie, ’98) Roslyn Fornaro (Bell, ’64) Gillian Goldsworthy (Hollingworth, ’57) Pamela Groucutt (Crawford, ’39) Judith John (Keane, ’46) Kathryn McMillan (Adams, ’59) Joan Raymond (Martin, 49) Joan Shepherd (Wearne, ’44) Our thoughts go out to: Sally Brown (Thorburn, ‘63 ) on the loss of her husband Sandra Umbagai-Clarke (’04) on the loss of her grandmother, Eva Clarke Katharine Larkin (Wisdom, ‘99 ), Jill Anderson (Samson, ‘ 63), Rosemary Brent-White (Samson, ‘ 72), Anne Horn (Samson, ‘67 ) on the loss of their grandfather and uncle, Tony Samson, husband of Joanne Samson (Principal of St Hilda’s 1969-1975). Valerie Lapinski (James, ’54) on the death of her mother, Audrey.
Would you like your Daughter or Granddaughter to attend St Hilda’s?
Early registration is encouraged if would like your son or daughter to attend St Hilda’s. Registration forms are available online at www.sthildas.wa.edu.au. If you wish to attend a Tour Morning, please contact the Enrolments Office on 9285 4100.