CONTENTS From the Council
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From the Principal
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Rowing Rescue
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Messages of Hope
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Beyond the Classroom
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St_Hildagram 12 An Important ‘Pupdate’
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Arts Fest
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June Jones Memorial
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Aurelia’s Adventure
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Coral Bay
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Performing Arts Perspectives
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The Next Generation
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Boarding House Refurbishment
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Mother Daughter Breakfast
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Parents and Friends
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Old Scholars’ Association
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FROM THE COUNCIL In January we warmly welcomed Mrs Fiona Johnston as the 13th Principal of St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls.
Congratulations to the Class of 2018 on their outstanding results, including six General Exhibition winners, one Subject Exhibition winner, 13 Certificates of Excellence, 46 Certificates of Distinction and 32 Certificates of Merit. We had the highest performing students in Western Australia in 12 subjects. We should all be particularly proud of our median ATAR of 91.65, (the WA State Median was 81.80). These results continue the reputation for academic excellence for which St Hilda’s is known and we thank our dedicated and professional staff who support our girls in seeking and achieving their individual goals across all aspects of School life.
As Chair of Council, I am very grateful to all Council members for their skill, expertise and commitment to our School. In January, we welcomed Mrs Treffina Dowland, the new President of the Old Scholars’ Association, to Council. We farewelled Rev Ross Kilpatrick, who served on Council as the Archbishop’s Representative from 2009. We also farewelled Mrs Angela Heaton, the OSA past President, who served on Council from 2013. We thank them both for their many years of valued service and for always carrying out their duties with professionalism and in the best interests of St Hilda’s. Over the summer holiday break, Stage 1 of the Boarding House refurbishment was completed, led by Murray Johns, Chair of the Building & Grounds Committee. The internal refit of the Junior Boarding area and expansion of the common and recreational areas has provided inclusive and bright environments currently being enjoyed by our Boarding girls and their families and visitors. December 2018 also saw the School’s continued commitment to sustainability
and future cost management. Following a robust tendering process, a 100kw Commercial Solar Power System has been installed across both Chidley and Bay View Campuses. The system is expected to generate some 164,000kW of electricity which will lead to a 44% reduction in energy consumption with an estimated $24,000 per annum saving at Chidley Campus and a $56,000 per annum saving at Bay View Campus. The continued diligent management of the School’s sound financial standing has enabled Council to continue to shape the detail of our future capital works program with confidence. The Master Plan for both Bay View and Chidley Campuses encompasses strategic development up to 2030 and beyond. We now look towards our next major building project that will best serve our students, staff and community well into the future. 2019 has seen our School strengthen ties with our brother school, Christ Church Grammar School. Several new opportunities for engagement for students, staff and parents have occurred including, increased participation by
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Year 9 girls in CCGS’s On Queenslea Drive program, co-hosting of regional events to promote boarding, and the inaugural combined parent function Soiree on the Bay at RFBYC in May. We look forward to continuing to build similar opportunities and initiatives in the future. Finally, I thank all members of our community for their support and encouragement in 2019 and for our shared excitement in together defining the next chapter of St Hilda’s lead by Mrs Fiona Johnston. Ms Nita Peploe Chair of Council
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Mrs Johnston brings an international perspective and outward looking focus as the School continues to pursue programs and opportunities to assist our girls in becoming confident and contributing global citizens. First term provided numerous social events for parents, Old Scholars and prospective parents to meet her and hear her educational philosophy and I thank all in our community who have so warmly welcomed Mrs Johnston and her family to Perth and St Hilda’s.
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THANK YOU FOR EMBRACING ME SO WARMLY AND FOR YOUR ENCOURAGING AND SUPPORTIVE WORDS AND MESSAGES.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear St Hilda’s Community,
It was an honour to be commissioned as the thirteenth Principal of St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls on 5 February this year. Since joining the St Hilda’s community I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and kindness that radiates from the girls, staff, parents and Old Scholars. Thank you for embracing me so warmly and for your encouraging and supportive words and messages. I look forward each day to learning more about our incredible community and the students and staff that I am privileged to lead in my role as Principal. I shared during my Commissioning and throughout the many welcome events in Term 1, my first impressions of St Hilda’s. Our young women certainly have a grace, a presence and a quiet confidence that leaves lasting impressions. I observed very early on in my arrival that St Hilda’s purpose is timeless. To provide a vibrant
I would like to acknowledge the most recent leadership of Mrs Kim Kiepe. I know that during her leadership she introduced a number of new initiatives, broadened opportunities for our girls and led St Hilda’s 2020 Strategic Intent with passion and purpose. I was able to commence my position seamlessly due to her foresight and planning for 2019 and am most grateful for her generosity of time during our handover period last year. I now enthusiastically embrace the responsibility to build on Mrs Kiepe’s exceptional leadership, and the outstanding headship of previous Principal’s, and make my mark at a time that I believe is a ‘golden age’ for girls and young women. I have shared with our community what initially attracted me to St Hilda’s. Certainly our values – Respect, Excellence, Inclusion and Justice were enticing and the School’s longstanding reputation of excellence focusing on each individual girl’s development of tenacity, confidence and compassion were strong considerations. However,
there was one thing that was even more important to me – the opportunity to make a difference.
opportunities for our girls and leading the way in girls’ education – locally, nationally and internationally.
I have learnt over my years of working in education that you cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the people around you. What you do each day matters. What you do each day makes a difference. You just have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.
In Term 3 this year we will be launching our 18-month “Dreaming Big Together” campaign to determine our next Strategic direction. This will involve community voices and begin with a deep dive into St Hilda’s with a series of surveys, workshops and forums. All members of our community will have the opportunity to share and provide feedback on St Hilda’s areas of strength, areas for further development and importantly, the direction for our next exciting chapter.
Making a positive difference to the lives of St Hilda’s girls by broadening opportunities (both locally and globally) and exposing our girls to experiences that inspire, influence, motivate and support each girl to be leaders of today and leaders of tomorrow is something I deeply value. We all share a great love for St Hilda’s. Building on its history of excellence and leading the community through the next exciting chapter has been at the forefront of conversations with Council and School Executive. I believe passionately that collaboration is the most powerful weapon in modern education and I am motivated by the opportunity to work strategically with the School Council, parents, our girls, Old Scholars and prospective families as we dare to dream big together, expanding educational
I look forward to working collaboratively with our community and leading St Hilda’s as we dare to dream big and remain committed to excellence in all that we do and achieve. Yours faithfully, Mrs Fiona Johnston Principal
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I am delighted to be able to share with you our Semester 1 edition of the Ammonite, a publication that allows us to proudly share with our broader community an insight into the incredible learning opportunities for our girls and the wonderful achievements of St Hilda’s community members.
school community that educates and inspires girls for life is as relevant today as it was in 1896, even though the world around us, and opportunities for young women, have changed so much.
ROWING RESCUE Josh Wilkes was commended at a staff morning tea in early Term 2 for his amazing act of bravery rescuing a taxi driver from the Swan River on a cold Saturday morning. 6
Josh was on his way to set up for a Rowing Regatta at 5.00am on a Saturday morning when he noticed a taxi submerged in the Swan River. Josh quickly swam to the driver and assisted him to safety; saving the driver’s life. Josh was happy to have been contacted by the Taxi company several days later saying the driver was home safely with his family. He reiterated that it was Eric the truck driver’s flashing lights which made him slow down and see the Taxi in the river, and gave credit to Eric as being very much a part of the team effort to rescue the driver. This was an incredibly courageous effort by Josh which is a true reflection of him as a person and also reinforces the amazing staff at St Hilda’s.
Josh Wilkes Rowing Coordinator and Humanities Teacher
BREAKFAST CLUB The St Hilda’s Junior School Environment and Community Service Committees recently held a book sale to raise money for environmental projects around the campus and worthy causes within the community. Some of the proceeds from the book sale will go towards the Mosman Park Breakfast Club, run by Mosman Park Primary School. The Breakfast Club, which includes students from both the Mosman Park Primary School and the Mosman Park School for Deaf Children allows the children to have a substantial breakfast twice a week before school. A large amount of the students, particularly from the Mosman Park School for Deaf Children commute from far and wide to get to school, and by the time they would arrive, were often hungry. Twice a term, the St Hilda’s girls visit the Breakfast Club. The girls spent Term 1 learning to use sign language to communicate with the deaf students.
All students attending their club must sign greetings, food and manners. The club aims to foster inclusion between hearing and non-hearing students. St Hilda’s Year 5 teacher, Sharne Clayton explained that “The incentive behind the book sale was to raise money to provide support within the local community – the MPBC and school based projects. The Community Service Committee combined with the Environment Committee came together to plan an environmentally friendly initiative that would also provide a service within our school. The children love to read and what better way to promote this than to hold a pre-loved book sale. It is good for the planet, teaches our children the importance of recycling and how easily we as individuals can make a difference, all while promoting the love of reading a great book.”
SWIMMING TO SUPPORT AUTISM WEST 7 AMMONITE 2019
Olivia Kennedy-Perkins, Julia Kent, Anastasia Peel, Lauren Yee and Emily Whelan. Absent from photo: Aurelia Thomson.
On April 7, Olivia Kennedy-Perkins (Year 10) took part in the 2019 Autism West Team Sprint Cup, for her fifth consecutive year. Olivia was joined by fellow classmates Julia Kent, Anastasia Peel, Lauren Yee, Emily Whelan and Aurelia Thomson who took part in the 6x50m swimming relay.
Olivia explained what motivated her to sign up for the first time in Year 5.
Explaining why she continues to take part in the swim each year, Olivia stated,
“As an individual, I was aware of the autism awareness community and have known friends who work with people who are affected by autism. As I enjoy swimming and am involved with the community I decided to round up a group of friends and head down to this incredible event.”
“Since my first year participating I have watched the event grow to what it is now and have seen the impact it has had on the Autism West foundation, knowing that I, with the help of friends, have supported this amazing foundation to raise money and continue to help others in the wider community is incredibly selfrewarding. Not only does the day allow me to compete in a sport I love, but I also get to hang out with friends and know that I am contributing to something in the bigger picture.”
All funds raised at the event go towards Autism West in creating opportunities for teenagers and young adults with autism to gain skills and experiences that allow them to successfully connect with others and the world around them.
The Autism West Team Sprint Cup celebrated its 11th year in 2019.
MESSAGES OF HOPE
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Access to education is a human right. However, for 130 million girls around the world, this access to an education is denied. The Maiden Factor is an organisation which has used the vision of UK sailor Tracy Edwards, to promote access to education for girls from different backgrounds and countries, helping them to realise their full potential. To share this message far and wide, an all-female crew set sail on an around the world journey on the 58ft yacht, christened Maiden. At each stop along the way, the crew would collect messages of hope from schools around the world. Before Maiden and her crew arrived into Fremantle, the Maiden’s school team visited our Junior School. The team gave an inspiring presentation about the Maiden’s history, how Tracy Edwards and the original all-female crew battled to be taken seriously nearly 30 years ago and how recruiting an all-female team to start the world’s toughest yacht race was a huge challenge. Some Year Six representatives went down to the Fremantle Sailing Club to welcome the Maiden and the inspirational crew. The girls were invited on board by Skipper Wendy Tuck, and two new members of the crew, Iona
Taylor and Ayesha Lobo, to explore the Maiden above and below deck, learn about all the equipment and even tried operating the winches and wheels.
The St Hilda’s girls handed the ‘Message of Hope’ baton to the crew before boarding, which Maiden will carry around the world. The baton contains messages of hope and solidarity to the 130 million girls across the world who are unable to access an education. The St Hilda’s girls were then given a 360 square metre sail to take back to the School, which was laid out in the Cortile. A group of students added their handprints to the ever-growing rainbow spiral of school children’s hands from around the world. The girls were very engaged in all aspects of this experience and were not afraid to ask the tough questions. A huge thank you to Teresa Richards who organised this experience for our students and for giving them the opportunity to reflect on the importance of continuing to strive for equality.
ACCESS TO EDUCATION IS A HUMAN RIGHT. HOWEVER, FOR 130 MILLION GIRLS AROUND THE WORLD, THIS ACCESS TO AN EDUCATION IS DENIED.
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Junior School girls adding their handprints to the 360 square metre rainbow spiral sail.
GLOBAL SUCCESS
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM 10
Across Term 1 and 2, our girls have not only excelled in academics and co-curricular activities within the school, but have gone above and beyond at out of school events. Here are just a few of the many St Hilda’s girls who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their out of school activities.
Lottie Thompson Competed at the Australian Triathlon Championships in Devonport, Tasmania.
Piper Lloyd, Abbie Loraine and Anna Colgan WA Surf Lifesaving Championships.
Chelsea and Jasmine Wu Winners of their violin performances at The Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition in Italy.
Madeleine Blair Competed at the National Kayaking Championships at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre, Perth.
Sophie Lloyd Surf Life Saving Championships in Queensland.
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Jessie Culley Represented Australia at the World Junior Teams Tennis Qualifying event in Kuala Lumpur.
Jessica Freedman Competed at the 2019 U15 National Championships for hockey in NSW.
Zoe Boyd Selected as a trumpet player for the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) South West Regional Tour.
Lauren Smyth State synchronised ice skating team 2019.
We like hearing about our girls’ success beyond school walls. If you believe you have any stories that could potentially be used in future editions of Ammonite, please email communications@sthildas.wa.edu.au
Trinity Chisholm Competed at the 2019 U15 National Championships for hockey in NSW.
Zara O’Dea 1st in State U10 discuss at the West Australia Athletics Stadium.
Nieve Walsh Competed at the National Athletics Competition in Sydney.
ST HILDA’S LAUNCHES A NEW INSTAGRAM
ST_HILDAGRAM
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St Hilda’s new Instagram was launched at the beginning of Term 1. @St_Hildagram is focused on celebrating the St Hilda’s community through student photography.
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Each week, a student is chosen to take photos that relate to a particular theme. Through their own perspective, the Instagram celebrates the amazing talents of our students behind the camera and allows the girls to explore their given theme in a unique and creative way. Here are just some of the amazing photos taken by our girls. You can also follow Mrs Johnston’s Instagram @StHildas_Principal.
IGSSA CROSS COUNTRY St Hilda’s have taken out the win at the 2019 IGSSA Cross Country Carnival. The inaugural IGSSA Cross Country event was held in 1983 with St Hilda’s winning the championship title that year. St Hilda’s then won the title 5 years later in 1988, and now back to back wins, 2018 and 2019.
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120 girls attended this event led admirably by their Overall Captain, Nieve Walsh and Vice-Captains Ashleigh Yee and Lottie Thompson.
IGSSA TENNIS CHAMPIONS The St Hilda’s tennis teams have taken out the championship title at the 2019 IGSSA tennis season. The girls won 6 pennants in total, including the Tennis Champion School pennant, in a narrow win. Congratulations to the St Hilda’s IGSSA tennis team and all involved.
HILDA'S GRADUATION
AN IMPORTANT ‘PUPDATE’ On Thursday 2 May, St Hilda’s was very proud to announce that Hilda, our sponsored puppy from 2015, graduated as an Autism Assistance Dog at Guide Dogs WA.
In 2015, after the Year 1s were presented an education session on vision impairment by Mrs Burnham and parent Deborah Andrews, the Year 6 Community Service Committee decided to take this information to the entire Junior School as the year’s focus.
The frame of Hilda that the girls received on behalf of St Hilda’s in appreciation for our contribution and support.
Margie Bradley from Guide Dogs WA spoke to the Junior School on multiple occasions about the foundation and how the girls can help, as well as bringing in guide dogs in training and people living with vision impairment. Influenced by the powerful effect these dogs have on those with disabilities, the Community Service Committee in 2015 collected sponsorship for Hilda through a lapathon event. With all students
St Hilda’s have been receiving ‘Pupdates’ throughout Hilda's training. Unfortunately, Hilda wasn't quite right for guiding, however, her loving nature made her the perfect candidate as an Autism Assistance Dog. Hilda’s graduation in May this year was attended by the two Community Service Officials from 2015, Trinity Chisholm and Harriet Mann along with this year's Community Service Officials Sofia Samie and Grace Martino-Wheeler. The girls heard how Hilda has transformed Zane and his family’s lives, allowing them to be more active within the community and providing Zane with security and companionship. It was lovely to see Hilda in her role tethered to Zane and the bond they have all created. On behalf of the School, the girls received a framed photo of Hilda in appreciation for our contribution and support. We wish Hilda and her family the best and thank all our families past and present who helped to support the training of Hilda for her special role.
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Noted as having the particular skills of being affectionate and empathetic towards children who are distressed, Hilda is the perfect companion for 4 year old Zane.
from Junior Kindergarten through to Year 6 participating in the event (250m laps around the oval for 20 minutes), the Junior School raised $36,780.30, exceeding the goal of $30,000.
ARTS FEST
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ARTS FEST
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JUNE JONES MEMORIAL
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On March 27, we celebrated the life of June Jones, Principal of St Hilda’s from 1980-1997, with a special memorial service attended by June’s family, friends and members of the St Hilda’s community. During the memorial, a newly installed painting of St Hilda by artist Jillian Green was blessed in the Chapel. The painting was donated by the family in June Jones’ memory. Jillian Green’s motivation and description on the divine image of the St Hilda painting was read aloud during the memorial by Mrs Jones’ daughter, Katie Prevost. “No one today really knows what St Hilda looked like. In initial discussions it was decided that, given her reputation for wisdom, strength, and compassion, her face should appear both kind and strong. And like this beautifully designed chapel, the painting should both honour the past and sit comfortably in the present.” June Jones was the first appointed St Hilda’s Principal who had been both born and educated in Western Australia. During an interview for the Chronicle in 1980, June emphasised that ‘the most important area to develop is the concept of the total school community.’ This love for her community was portrayed in all aspects of her time at St Hilda’s.
The undeniable love for St Hilda’s and the legacy June left behind was reflected by Father Jon during her memorial. “This newly installed painting of St Hilda in this chapel is in every way a fitting memorial to June. It represents her strong faith and deeply felt spiritual connection with this community in this place. God called her to walk in the light. It will help remind students, as they leave the chapel, to walk in the light as well. We as a community are grateful for this gift from the family in memorial to June Jones. We thank you Ron, Sarah, Katie and Alex & your families for the generosity of your time and resources in providing this gift to the school. We deeply appreciate and value this gift. Be assured, this piece of art will become another part of June’s marvellous legacy – another voice calling us forward into the light. May it bring blessings and connection to all who see it.”
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“ NO ONE TODAY REALLY KNOWS WHAT ST HILDA LOOKED LIKE. IN INITIAL DISCUSSIONS IT WAS DECIDED THAT, GIVEN HER REPUTATION FOR WISDOM, STRENGTH, AND COMPASSION, HER FACE SHOULD APPEAR BOTH KIND AND STRONG.”
AURELIA’S ADVENTURE To what extent could 1918 be considered a year of victory for Australia and its people?
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If you were presented this question, how well could you answer it? Aurelia Thomson (Year 10) submitted an essay on this question for the Simpson Prize Competition late last year and answered it so well, she won the 2019 prize for Western Australia. Each year, the prestigious competition asks Year 9 and 10 students across the country to respond to a quote that explores the significance of the ANZAC experience on Australia both in the past and today. Aurelia flew to Canberra in March and accepted the award from Brendan Nelson AO at the Australian War Memorial. As a state winner, Aurelia also had the opportunity to travel to Europe during the April school holidays. The following is Aurelia’s recollection of her experience: In April, I had the opportunity to travel to Europe with 7 other students from around the country. Travelling to England, Belgium and France we visited many different places and landmarks. Starting off in Paris, we visited the highlights of the city such as the river cruise on the Seine, the Arc de Triomphe,
Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, and Montmartre. Continuing on, we headed to Amiens, a city in northern France. From then on we travelled through the French countryside, following the path of the Australian troops of World War One, through the Western Front, stopping at momentous places such as VillersBretonneux. Located here was the Sir John Monash Centre, an interactive museum telling the story of Australians on the Western Front. While in northern France, we went to places such as Pozieres, the Somme and Bullecourt, which all have significant meaning for Australia, and where Australia is still recognised and honoured. Travelling on through the French countryside, we headed to Ypres, Belgium. Ypres is known for the Menin Gate, which now is a memorial but served as a gate, which soldiers marched through. Visiting places like Fromelles and Polygon Wood, we were able to see the lasting impact the First World War still has on these places. We attended an ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Polygon Wood, attended by
many government figures from Belgium, New Zealand and Australia including the Honourable Scott Ryan, President of the Australian Senate. We travelled back down to Lille from Ypres and onto London. Visiting places such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Tower of London we were able to see objects such as the St Edward’s Chair and the Crown Jewels. We also went to museums such as the Churchill War Rooms, the place where Churchill lived and worked during the bombings in London and the Imperial War Museum. We also had the opportunity to go to King’s College and participate in a discussion and interview with students from the UK and researchers and historians at the College. Our tour guides, Alexandra, Conrad, and Kevin all had a wealth of knowledge which they shared with us. Our chaperones Kim and Mark were wonderful and Dr. Lachlan Grant who also came with us gave us so much information. I really enjoyed this trip and I got to meet some incredible people.
WE WENT TO MUSEUMS SUCH AS THE CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, THE PLACE WHERE CHURCHILL LIVED AND WORKED DURING THE BOMBINGS IN LONDON AND THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM.
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Aurelia’s Platoon Experience.
CORAL BAY 24
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Year 9-12s on the Coral Bay Marine Activities Trip in the April school holidays.
PERFORMING ARTS PERSPECTIVES – EMMALENA HUNING 26
As well as being selected for Performing Arts Perspectives this year, 2018 graduate Emmalena Huning has recently been accepted into the Royal Academy of Music in London to study the Bachelor of Music for four years. Beginning violin at the age of four, Emmalena has grown up immersed in the music culture. “Music is quite an intrinsic part of who I am and it definitely defines the way I think, feel and experience things in life,” she said.
Orchestra, played in the Orchestra for the school productions, assemblies and chapel services and was also on the Music Committee.
The Royal Academy of Music is a worldrenowned institute, training nearly 700 students from over 50 countries in more than 20 music disciplines.
“St Hilda’s offers a lot of ensemble and performance opportunities. The music department itself is very alive.”
As Emmalena prepares to move to “I will be learning from a Professor called London, we asked her where she sees György Pauk who was a Hungarian soloist. her music taking her. He is a big name in the violin world so I “The dream is to be a soloist. Lots of am very excited and very lucky.” work and practicing for hours on end During her time at St Hilda’s, Emmalena so I guess I’ll see how far I can go.” was closely involved in the music We wish Emmalena the best of luck in department. Emmalena was a member London and for her future music career. of the String Orchestra and Symphony
“ THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT WAS SO HELPFUL AND I DON’T THINK I WOULD HAVE AUDITIONED FOR WAAPA IF IT WASN’T FOR THEM.”
PERFORMING ARTS PERSPECTIVES – CLARE HUGHES
A nasally voiced American inmate, Tallulah Mason, finds herself in prison after her addiction to shopping leads to a physical assault on a fellow shopper during a sale. While comedic in nature, the piece explores the more serious themes of consumerism and how society places unrealistic standards on how people should look and dress. Currently studying the Diploma of Acting at WAAPA, Clare was selected to perform her OSP at the Performing Arts Perspectives night at the Perth Concert Hall on March 27. The Original Solo Performance is a 4-6 minute selfdevised piece which explores a character or characters’ journey through stylistic choices and use of drama elements. The piece is an opportunity for students to showcase what they have learned over the ATAR course in their own creative expression.
Presenting her OSP at the Senior School Assembly in preparation for the Performing Arts Perspectives night, Clare reflected on her experiences with acting and performing during her time at St Hilda’s and the impact this had on her decision to apply for WAAPA. “St Hilda’s is just honestly the best of the best. The drama department was so helpful and I don’t think I would have auditioned for WAAPA if it wasn’t for them. They were always so encouraging and really encouraged us to go with our instincts, even if we were doing something whacky. They would always support our choices.” “You don’t realise how professional the things we do here are until you leave school. Being surrounded by so many driven and ambitious women who kind of bolster everyone up and everyone is looking out for everyone, you can’t help but thrive for excellence and thrive to be better.” The Performing Arts Perspectives night showcases the top performing drama, music and dance students from the ATAR exams across Western Australia.
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A bucket, two boxes, a pair of sparkly high heels and an orange jumpsuit were all that was on the black stage when Clare Hughes, 2018 graduate performed her Original Solo Performance (OSP) in front of the St Hilda’s Senior School.
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THE NEXT GENERATION Every year, as the summer draws to a close, thousands of people visit Cottesloe Beach for the annual Sculptures by the Sea.
Ammbi standing with her Sculptures by the Sea piece.
For 2017 St Hilda’s graduate, Ammbi Muir, this year’s event was extra special. Located on the grassy hill overlooking Cottesloe Beach stood a ceramic piece of art based on Ammbi’s grandmother’s painting, Seven Sisters Rockholes – a family story about an adventure for witchetty grubs. Originally from Leonora, Western Australia, Ammbi is exploring cultural expressions by adapting new mediums to tell historic Aboriginal stories.
“Each tile on the side represents each member of my family. It is leading on from my grandmother's artwork and I added my own story into it so the dots are leading off the top and onto the side to keep it connected.”
We visited Ammbi and her sculpture to grasp the motivation behind her project. Whilst finishing the final coat on her artwork, Ammbi explained that during her time at St Hilda’s she went on excursions to Sculptures by the Sea and it was the inspiration for her decision to apply for this year’s event. We were so pleased to see Ammbi’s work being celebrated at the 2019 Sculptures by the Sea. Her hard work over four months to create the detailed and well thought out piece certainly paid off. We look forward to seeing much more from Ammbi in representing the next generation of Aboriginal artists to carry the culture and traditions of the old ways into new and unique mediums.
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“It shows the significance of my family and myself, as within indigenous people family is very important.”
A Witchetty grub on top of Ammbi’s piece.
BOARDING HOUSE REFURBISHMENT 30
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Over the Christmas holidays and into Term 1, Stage 1 of the multi-million dollar Boarding House upgrade was completed. This included a new reception area, upgraded bathrooms in Durack, Balla Balla and Molloy, the creation of an enclosed gym, larger communal spaces in Durack and Molloy and transformed activity room into a multi-purpose flexible recreation space. The refurbishments are designed to provide the girls with a more comfortable and practical living environment. Stage 2 is anticipated for December 2019/ January 2020.
COMBINED CONCERT 32
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St Hilda’s and Christ Church Combined Concert at the Joy Shepherd Performing Arts Centre. Photo by David Kuek and Joseph Kuek.
MOTHER DAUGHTER BREAKFAST 34
The Year 12 Mother Daughter Breakfast.
Junior School Mother's Day Breakfast.
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PARENTS AND FRIENDS
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The St Hilda’s Parents’ & Friends’ Association Inc. (P&F) brings parents together to build engagement amongst families at St Hilda’s, thereby enhancing the sense of community from which our children will directly benefit. The P&F event calendar has hit the ground running in 2019 with the annual P&F Sundowner continuing to be strongly supported by families at the start of the School year. The ticketed-event Dusty Boots & City Suits at Steve’s Hotel in Nedlands on 11 April 2019 was also well-supported following a fantastic inaugural event in 2018, providing an opportunity for boarder and day parents to come together the night before Arts Festival. Most recently, the P&F was excited to support a combined social event with parents from Christ Church Grammar School: Soiree on the Bay held at Freshwater Bay Yacht Club on 18 May 2019. With more than 500+ parents in attendance from both St Hilda’s and Christ Church, parents enjoyed canapés, live music and dancing. We have now completed the P&F’s strategic review which has been underway for the last 2 years and
culminated in the approval of a new Constitution and the adoption of a set of Operational Guidelines. These documents are now effective and are available for parents to access on the Parent Portal. A significant amount of work underpinned the P&F’s Strategic Review and the preparation of these constituent documents, and I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Laura Fitzgerald (P&F Secretary) for her tireless dedication and commitment to this important project. Looking forward, the next task for the P&F is to invite and consider requests for funding from the School community: from parents, students and teachers. This new Funding Request process was successfully launched by the P&F in 2018 and focussed on improving transparency and facilitating greater parent input into this P&F decision-making process. In 2018 the P&F approved ~$31k of Funding Requests for STEAM makerspace resources ($5k), humanoid robots ($7.5k), sewing machines ($6k), wellbeing program ($6.8k), Perth Symphony Orchestra collaboration ($3k) and a Year 12 Ball contribution ($3k). We look forward to receiving the P&F Funding Requests for 2019 and sharing those with parents in due course. Sally Vasudavan P&F President
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Photos from the P&F Sundowner.
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OLD SCHOLARS’ ASSOCIATION Twenty of Perth’s emerging and established artists displayed their work at the inaugural St Hilda’s Bazaar Art Exhibition.
The exhibition was part of this year’s Bazaar, a community event that has grown into the biggest event in the Old Scholars’ Association (OSA) calendar. The Cocktail Preview for the Opening of the Exhibition took place on Friday 10 May and over 150 guests enjoyed drinks surrounded by the stunning artwork of Old Scholars Cy Rocchi, Rachel Gillam, Rowena Keall Walsh, Emma Leggett, Annabelle Brockman, Louisa Warwick and Lynn (Chip) Male who joined other emerging and established artists such as Gail Dell, Jen Mellor and Jo Duffy.
It was wonderful to showcase artistic talents and utilise the space in the Forrest Foyer as an addition to the Bazaar to bring members of the community together.
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The Bazaar draws more people to the School each year. The popular Tea House provides a perfect location to catch up with friends and family members before exploring the assortment of wares in the Hall and Great Court. Much appreciation goes out to the many Old Scholar volunteers and current students who gave their time to this whole school event opening the doors to the wider community. All proceeds from the Art Exhibition and Bazaar provide funds for scholarships for students at the School and to assist past students with career development after graduating.
Opening night of the Bazaar Art Exhibition
COVERT ART: 'An Empty Street at Midday' This painting is a suburban scene from North Fremantle, and I chose this particular composition because of the one point perspective and the variety of textures in the shrubbery and on the wooden fence. I created this piece by tracing the outline of the photograph onto a canvas using transfer paper, and doing a layer of water colour wash as a base. Then, I used oil paints for the top layer, blending the paint to create a realistic look. I was influenced by the realist and surrealist work of Jeffrey Smart, and the urban landscape in Australian suburbs. This painting was challenging but I learnt how to use oils to create a layered and blended realistic scene, and developed my understanding of colour. Essi Elliot, Year 10
St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls
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