FIDELITER S T M A R Y ’ S A N G L I C A N G I R L S ’ S C H O O L • S U M M E R E D I T I O N 2020/ 2021
CELEBRATING
with gratitude
contents
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL
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FROM THE CHAPLAIN
12 FEATURE: NAIDOC WEEK AND BUSH TUCKER GARDEN
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FROM THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
14 ST MARY'S AND HALE BOND
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FROM THE FOUNDATION
16 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
10 FROM THE HEAD GIRL
18 STAFF SPOTLIGHT
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20 2021 STUDENT LEADERS
SPEECH NIGHT 2020
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COVER: Ella Higgins and Elly Sara (Year 9) add the finishing touches to one of the six poles in our new bush tucker garden.
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FIDELITER CONTENTS
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18 21 CENTENARY FEATURE
40 OLD GIRL PROFILES
28 LIVE PITCH SHOWCASE 30 JUNIOR SCHOOL
46 ARCHIVAL ANECDOTES Profile: Bishop Charles Lawrence Riley CBE
34 PARENTS' SOCIETY
50 VALE
35 ST MARY'S AUXILIARY
51 CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
36 OLD GIRLS' ASSOCIATION 37 OLD GIRLS' EVENTS AND NEWS
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FIDELITER Fideliter is a publication of St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School. please direct all correspondence to:
St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, PO Box 105, Karrinyup WA 6921 telephone:
(08) 9341 9111 email:
publicity@stmarys.wa.edu.au
editors:
Danni Wick and Amanda Kemp
editorial assistants:
Joan Karmelita and Jacinta Spry
design and production:
Dessein
feature photography:
Jacinta Spry and Raeley Jones
FIDELITER CONTENTS
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL Mrs Judith Tudball
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elcome to 2021. As we embark on our Centenary year, I am grateful for the strong community we have at St Mary’s and the outstanding way we connected to overcome the challenges of 2020.
It was a year in which schools across the globe faced unimaginable and unprecedented challenges in education owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are many positives to glean from our lived experience. I am immensely proud to have led our school through this challenging time and I was constantly buoyed by the display of community spirit and the love and care demonstrated for our St Mary’s family, past, present and future. I am delighted that we held strongly to our values as we managed the unimaginable; we are a stronger community for this. I pay tribute to the staff of St Mary’s for the way they willingly accepted the challenges imposed upon them this year and the way they remained so flexible when circumstances led to our usual teaching practices being turned on their head. I am grateful for their commitment to their changed teaching practices and in awe of their professionalism and their deep care for the girls and each other. Of course, the teaching staff could not have successfully undertaken such enormous and fast-paced change without tremendous support from the staff as a whole, our administration and ancillary staff, our boarding staff, and our grounds and maintenance staff. It truly was a team effort. Our students were so very patient and understanding as we explored new ways of teaching, and new ways of undertaking co-curricular activities, once COVID-19 restrictions began to ease in Western Australia. It was a stark reminder that schools are much more than places to learn and develop strong academic skills. They are social places where people develop a strong sense of belonging, and where our students can experience new activities and opportunities outside the classroom, to help shape them into confident, creative and compassionate girls and young women. I am impressed by the growth in independence and resilience demonstrated by our girls, and I know they will draw on these skills as they navigate the ups and downs of their journey through life. I am grateful that we were still able to complete two of the St Mary’s Masterplan 2019-2030 projects. These included the extension to the Lady Treatt Centre for Music and Dance, as well as the perimeter drive and Junior School drop-off and pick-up areas, providing improved access to our beautiful campus. I am also thankful that we were able to return to a more usual St Mary’s experience in Term 3 and to recommence our engagement activities with our community. I give thanks for the outstanding service that Mrs Cheryl Haak, Deputy Principal and Dean of Curriculum (pictured right), has provided to St Mary’s over the past 20 years. Mrs Haak is a much-loved and highly respected member of our community and we will miss her dearly. In recognition of Mrs Haak’s outstanding service, we are proud to name the Year 12 Study the ‘Cheryl Haak Learning Common’, a shared-learning space that is reflective of contemporary, independent learning practices. This is a fitting tribute for such an esteemed and highly valued colleague.
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FIDELITER From the Principal
I am buoyed with enormous hope for the future. Hope is at the heart of resilience, and as a community, we can commence 2021 with a hopeful and positive mindset and the belief that things will be better and brighter in the future. Our Centenary year reflects the strongest enrolments we have ever achieved in our magnificent 100-year history of the School, and we have planned a wonderful suite of activities to celebrate this remarkable milestone. I look forward to celebrating these with you throughout the year.
FIDELITER From the Principal
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FROM THE CHAPLAIN
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ime is such a relative thing. As our Centenary year begins to unfold it is tempting to think that St Mary’s has been around forever. When you consider that the oldest continuous school in Australia, Newcastle East Public School, was founded in 1816, our age becomes more relative. Then when you consider that our inspiration, Mary of Nazareth, educated her son Jesus some 2,000 years ago, and that Indigenous people have walked this land and educated their children for at least 50,000 years, our longevity is put into some kind of perspective. And yet a great deal has happened in our world and society in the last 100 years. St Mary’s was founded just three years after the end of WWI and four years after Lenin and the Bolsheviks came to power in Russia. Australia was still recovering from the pandemic of the Spanish flu, which killed over 12 000 Australians (at this point, we have lost fewer than 1,000 Australians to COVID-19). We were about to enter the Great Depression followed by WWII and the Cold War. Perhaps most significantly of all is the changing role and status of women and girls in Australian society. At a time when few women finished high school, let alone received
EUCHARIST FOR THE FEAST DAY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
OPPOSITE (LEFT TO RIGHT): Reverend Richard Pengelley, Reverend Eleanor O’Donnell, Reverend Canon Terry Curtis, Mrs Judith Tudball, The Right Reverend Kate Wilmot, Reverend Frida Lemi, Pip Chitty (Chapel Boarder Prefect), Stephanie See Toh (Chapel Day Prefect), Reverend Dr Gift Makwasha.
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FIDELITER From the CHAPLAIN
a tertiary education, by 1923 St Mary’s had appointed a female Principal (Miss Dannatt). Interestingly, we didn’t have a female Chair of the Board of Governors until Miss Elizabeth Carr, AM in 2017. However, at every step of the way over the last 100 years, St Mary’s has been at the vanguard of women’s opportunity and equality. And one thing that has never wavered is our Anglican foundation. As well as the obvious inclusion of Chapel and Religious Education, Judeo-Christianity forms the theological basis of the pastoral care (from being a pastor or shepherd), and discipline (from being a disciple or following inspired leaders and being committed to all that we do) that represent the bedrock of who we are at St Mary’s. Complementing all this, we continue to draw inspiration from the life of Jesus as we try to instil notions of social justice, inclusion and care for the most disadvantaged members of our society. Yes, we’ve come a long way in 100 years. Much has changed but the foundation remains the same; fidelity to a life of truth, compassion, faith and integrity, and gratitude for our supportive and connected community. Reverend Richard Pengelley
FROM THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS From the Chair
“When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.”
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his proverb resonates with me. It reminds me of the line from our School hymn, “the steps which other feet have trod, you tread today.” In a year so different from that which we anticipated, we remain strong, centred and well prepared to begin another 100 years of educating girls. We do this on the strength of decisions made by others, respecting them, building upon them and knowing that, at the core of all we do, our values of Fideliter remain planted in the roots of who we are. At a recent school event, a new staff member quietly commented to
VIETNAMESE PROVERB
me, “What a wonderful evening. You cannot fake culture. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of this, the St Mary’s culture.” I, too, am grateful to be part of our St Mary’s community.
we look forward to the future with confidence and optimism. We are confident that future generations will ensure that the roots of the St Mary’s tree of educating and giving are well protected and nourished.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, thank you to the Executive, staff, volunteering parents and Old Girls, who are doing all they can to enable our girls to discover their best selves and live a grateful life, by example.
I wish you all a wonderful summer holiday filled with the delights of exploring life beyond St Mary’s, and preparing to enjoy an exciting year of Centenary celebrations ahead.
I wish you a warm welcome to our Centenary year. As we enter 2021, with the largest number of students and families in our history,
Elizabeth Carr (’81) AM Chair, Board of Governors
SEEK SUPPORT | SEEK REDRESS
As advised in the Winter 2019 edition of Fideliter, St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, alongside our brother school, Hale and other Anglican Schools, became a participating member of the National Redress Scheme.
our commitment to recognising suffering endured because of abuse, and to ensure that any members of our community who may be impacted, receive an opportunity to have a voice should it be required.
Our joining of this scheme signifies
We continue to encourage former
students to contact the School by phone (9341 9111) or email (principal@stmarys.wa.edu.au) if they would like to discuss any issues, or alternatively to contact the National Redress Scheme directly at www.nationalredress.gov.au.
FIDELITER From the Board of Governors
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FROM THE FOUNDATION
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n a year like no other, the St Mary’s Foundation sincerely thanks every donor to St Mary’s for their generous support for the School. Your response to the St Mary’s Fee Relief Fund and for needs-based scholarships was inspiring and was a clear demonstration of the strong community spirit in our School. Thank you for helping our families in need of assistance in these uncertain times. We are also especially grateful to the Class of 2020, who have established the Spirit of 2020 Fund to support students in need of financial assistance for co-curricular activities, such as music, dance and sports coaching. What a wonderful legacy they are leaving for the girls who come after them. Last year, the Foundation welcomed Mr Paul Butler to the Foundation Board. Paul brings a wealth of experience in independent schools in Australia and England, as well as operating his own consulting business. His daughter is a member of the Class of 2000. As we look further ahead in St Mary’s Centenary year, the Foundation is delighted to sponsor the Centenary Bishop Riley Memorial Lecture on Wednesday 23 June 2021. Dr Craig Challen SC OAM and 2019 Australian of the Year is sure to deliver an inspiring address to our community as he draws on his experiences as an Australian cave diver and his role in saving a soccer team of twelve boys and their coach in the 2018 Thai cave rescue. Over the last 100 years, St Mary’s has unquestionably progressed and prospered, and we are deeply grateful to the generations of donors whose passion and foresight have realised the School’s aspirations for the girls’ education. My heartfelt thanks to you for playing your part. Marlene Carter (’63) Chair of the Foundation
A THRIVING SUSTAINABLE GARDEN In November, the Year 9 and 10 Environmental Science girls ran a market to raise money for the maintenance of the sustainable garden and to raise funds for an environmental charity. The sustainable garden was established in 2016 thanks to donors to the 95th Birthday Giving Appeal and it plays an important educational role for the girls pursuing this subject. Baked goods, seedlings and herbs, handmade propagation stations and nutrient-rich worm wee were on sale and the girls raised over $450, which will be used for ongoing maintenance and to donate to Blue Gum Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation.
BISHOP RILEY BEQUEST SOCIETY It was with great excitement that, on 14 September 2020, the School's 99th birthday, members of the Bishop Riley Bequest Society were among the very first to tour the extension to the Lady Treatt Centre for Music and Dance. Year 11 student, Calista Goh, played the piano and the Senior School Jazz Ensemble had everyone’s toes tapping. Breanna Ireland, the inaugural recipient of the Lady Treatt Performing Arts Scholarship, established thanks to Lady Treatt’s bequest, also thrilled guests with a beautiful contemporary dance before members enjoyed catching up over drinks and canapés. If you have included St Mary's in your will or would like to have a confidential discussion about how a gift in your will can have a lasting impact on future generations of St Mary's girls, please contact Linzey Allinson, Director of Philanthropy, on (08) 9341 9120.
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FIDELITER From the Foundation
Scholarships
HELPING MAKE DREAMS BECOME A REALITY Since its earliest days, St Mary’s has offered students the opportunity to come to the School through an array of needs-based scholarships and bursaries. From the Soldiers’ Scholarships of the 1920s, which provided tuition fees for the children of World War 1 veterans, to the Annual Giving Scholarships of the 2010s, St Mary’s has always placed great emphasis on providing opportunities for talented and deserving girls.
MEET THE 2021 ANNUAL GIVING SCHOLAR In 2021, St Mary's welcomes Scarlett Clarke as the fourth 2021 Annual Giving Scholar. The generosity of the St Mary’s community for needs-based scholarships has already provided three girls with the opportunity to come to St Mary’s and a fifth award will be made during 2021. Scarlett was Head Girl at her primary school, plays and coaches netball and also manages to fit in surf cadets and AFL. "I am a very motivated person who strives to do my best and I want to take advantage of all the opportunities available to me. I am looking forward to immersing myself in the School and all it has to offer. I'm so very excited to be able to be part of the Marine Science program at St Mary's and take that through to ATAR. I love participating in interhouse sports events and can’t wait to represent St Mary's in the Independent Girls' Schools' Sports Association competitions.”
MEET THE 2021 KAARTDIJIN SCHOLAR Thanks to a generous donation from a St Mary’s family, Emily Collard joins St Mary’s as the Kaartdijin Scholar in 2021. Emily is a Noongar woman with cultural connections to the Wagyl Kaip (Great Southern) and Ballardong (Wheatbelt) regions of WA. She is a keen sportswoman and was the 2020 Sports Captain at her primary school. Emily commences in Year 7 and can’t wait to get here! “The word ‘Kaartdijin’ means learning in Noongar language, and I plan to take up all the learning opportunities that St Mary’s has to offer,” said Emily. “I am very grateful to be able to attend the School, it has always been a dream of mine. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can challenge myself with next year, and to meeting many new friends.”
ST MARY’S INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIP 2022 St Mary’s invites applications for a new scholarship for an indigenous girl from the Perth metropolitan area who is entering Year 7 or 8 in 2022. This scholarship will provide full tuition fees for the student’s time at St Mary’s and has been made possible by a member of our school community. Further information can be found at www.stmarys.wa.edu.au/scholarships
FIDELITER From the Foundation
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Student leaders
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FROM THE HEAD GIRL
hen I recall looking at the radar for the remainder of 2020, back in Term 2, it didn’t look at all like the way it has actually turned out. The sun came out for the beginning of Semester 2 with our first school assembly since mid-way through Term 1. Although the whole school was unable to come together in the one place, the assembly was instead live-streamed to several venues, meaning that we could finally feel like a whole community again. In my opening speech for Term 3, I mentioned how important it is to be grateful for what we have here in WA. People had the chance to explore our great outdoors freely, while most of the other states were still under strict restrictions. There was definitely an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to be at school among the girls, as we had just seen how the students in the northern hemisphere were graduating through Zoom calls. It clicked for a lot of us how great school really is, when you have your friends close by and such a strong support system.
Many events that we thought we had lost, ended up going ahead. This, in a way, made them even more special. Being a cast member of the Senior School production of ‘A Musical’ was very exciting. It was a great showcase of the talents of the girls in musical theatre. The Year 12s were so grateful to have had our show go ahead. I think it was a blessing in disguise really, as we got to experiment with a variety of genres and moods, as the production was made up of hit songs from various musicals. It has definitely left the 2021 Centenary Senior School production with a challenge, to live up to the creativity and originality of ‘A Musical’! I remember being told at the beginning of the year to look forward to the Year 12 Pyjama Party, ‘the event’ of the year, apparently! Having had ours postponed from the start of the year, when it looked like it would not happen at all, to the beginning of Term 4, really worked out quite well. It ended up being one of our last gatherings as a year group. The ice-cream bar was a hit, as was the company, and we all felt very proud to have made it that far. This was just another event we all felt so grateful to have been able to enjoy. So, with that being said, I wish the very best year to the Centenary Class of 2021 and I hope you can enjoy these events as well. Year 12 really has been a blast and I am already missing school! Molly Addis Head Girl, 2020
ABOVE: Cast members of the 2020 Senior School production ‘A Musical’
MOLLY ADDIS 10 FIDELITER Head Girl
(’20)
CELEBRATING UNDER THE STARS AT SPEECH NIGHT 2020
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t was with great relief and pleasure that we were able to celebrate the culmination of the 2020 academic year in our traditional St Mary’s way – under the stars on the boarders’ lawn, flanked by the towering tuart tree and twinkly fairy lights. Students from Years 7 to 12, as well as parents of prize winners and the evening’s performers, came together along with the staff and members of the Board of Governors and the Foundation. We congratulate all the students who received academic awards, including our Dux of Year 12, Olivia Nolan, and the joint Proxime Accessit winners – Nimmat Grewal and Catherine Pile, as well as the winners of VET Excellence awards, Zoe Blake and Stella Hitsert, and the top academic student in the Elevate program, Olivia Peters. We were honoured to have the Right Reverend Kate Wilmot, Assistant Bishop of Perth and Ms Elizabeth Carr AM, Chair of the Board of Governors, as well as Old Girl guest speaker, Jessica Gethin (Walker ’97), join us to mark the culmination of the 99th year of rich and vibrant education for our girls. Jessica Gethin, a world-renowned conductor and St Mary’s very first Music Prefect in 1997, shared a powerful message as she spoke about some of the challenges she has faced as one of the very few professional female conductors in the world. She described how disappointment and frustration can lead to greater opportunities, and the importance of resilience and stretching oneself to give things a go outside of our comfort zones. Mrs Tudball acknowledged the supreme efforts of staff, thanked the community and congratulated the students on their resilience and can-do approach and how well they finished the year with hard work and positivity. Our Head Girl for 2020, Molly Addis, gave her final address to the St Mary’s community. In her usual upbeat and enthusiastic way, she spoke about applying four things she has learnt at St Mary’s to her new life outside St Mary’s. These are critical thinking, having the confidence to achieve, allowing room for failure and being comfortable with discomfort. What a terrific message for all of us! Our talented music and dance students put on a royal performance and, for the first time, we had Years 5 to 12 students taking part in a massed choir, performing ‘The Prayer’. As a stunning addition to the music, Years 10 to 12 students added some magic with a liturgical dance item.
We wish the Class of 2020 every success and fulfilment in the years ahead and know they are well-equipped for lifelong living and learning, after their years at St Mary’s. Cheryl Haak Deputy Principal | Dean of Curriculum
FIDELITER SPEECH NIGHT
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F E AT U R E
celebrating NAIDOC WEEK 2020
CELEBRATING NAIDOC WEEK 2020
Kaya, Wandjoo! Nidja Noongar Boodjar noonook djinanginy. (Hello, and welcome! This is Noongar country you are seeing.)
12 FIDELITER Feature: NAIDOC WEEK
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t Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School acknowledges that the land upon which we learn, create and grow is the traditional land of the Whadjuk Boodjar people. We honour Whadjuk Boodjar people both past and present, and acknowledge that their cultural and heritage beliefs are important and significant. We respect the Whadjuk Boodjar peoples’ deep spiritual relationship and connection with their country. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors to Whadjuk Boodjar country in recognising you as original custodians, and your continuing connection to land, water and community. We also acknowledge and respect the cultural diversity of the students, families and staff represented in the St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School community, in the past, present and future." This is how students, Amity Oakley (Year 11) and Ella Higgins (Year 9), opened our NAIDOC Week assembly, when the School gathered around a beautiful sand mural created in the theme of NAIDOC 2020, ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ -
about the firstborn people of this land. Our Indigenous students shared the way the mural represents the different paths taken in their lives and the knowledge they have learnt from Elders, their school teachers and from reading. The girls worked diligently to create the mural, despite the September rain. They created it to represent their spiritual connection to the land and each other. The Wadumbah Aboriginal Dance Group received a warm welcome as they entertained students and staff with their music, storytelling, dance and incredible energy. There were many activities held during the week in appreciation of Indigenous culture, from the beautiful sand mural and dotpainting river stones to dampermaking and an ‘EGIncursion’, a virtual reality session on Aboriginal history. Our Year 1s, Pre-primary and Kindy students painted boomerangs, made animal keyrings and did scratch art to dreamtime stories with our Indigenous girls. Many of the Junior School girls, as well as some of our senior girls, enjoyed the chance to taste crocodile, buffalo, kangaroo and emu.
BUSH TUCKER AT THE HEART OF THE SCHOOL
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n November our Indigenous girls, along with a friend each, established a bush tucker garden within the School grounds.
The week concluded on a musical high, with a special didgeridoo performance by Joe, the father of Year 9 student, Elly Sara. It brought to a moving finish an incredible week spent acknowledging and celebrating Indigenous culture and honouring the original custodians of this land. A heartfelt thank-you to Future Footprints and MADALAH for their participation and support, and to the Australian Government’s National Indigenous Australians Agency for their sponsorship of St Mary’s NAIDOC Week. Julie Garnett Indigenous Support Co-ordinator
celebrating NAIDOC WEEK 2020
The garden is located in the centre of the School to create a talking point, so that all students can see and learn from the planting experience. With the help of the ‘Tuckerbush Schools Program’ which involved a Bush Tucker Garden Starter Pack, a Bindi Bindi Dreaming workshop and an educational learning resource, the girls worked tirelessly to create the garden. The girls were taught about the variety of native Australian plants with edible fruits, nuts, seeds and leaves.
The establishment of the garden will see all students taught about local Aboriginal culture and the traditional use of plants in a native bush tucker garden, in the years to come. All students will now care for and maintain the plants and learn how to eat and cook with the food in the following years. It will encourage the exploring of the strong spiritual connection between Aboriginal people and Country, including the importance of land, caring for country and using natural resources in a sustainable manner. The students also created, developed and designed artwork on six jarrah and tuart poles to reflect the six seasons – Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Djilba, Kambarang and Makaru. They were guided in this project by local artist, Ruben Yorkshire. The poles have been placed in the newly established bush tucker garden. Together the girls came up with designs to reflect the seasons and then created their artwork. It was a great way to connect with country and culture. Students from all years watched as the girls painted the poles across two days. Over time, we hope that all students will learn the history and language of the six seasons, be educated on the weather of the seasons and have a visual representation of the idea and experience of the six seasons, and thereby develop a greater appreciation of and connection with the spirit of the land. We would like to thank Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS ) and the St Mary’s Parents’ Society for providing the funding towards establishing the bush tucker garden and the poles to represent the six seasons.
St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School proudly acknowledges that the land upon which we learn, create and grow is the traditional land of the Whadjuk Boodjar people. Julie Garnett Indigenous Support Co-ordinator FIDELITER Feature: Bush Tucker
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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: GROWING BROTHER-SISTER SCHOOL BONDS While this has been a year in which we anticipated that few of our planned activities would be able to go ahead, we are grateful to have provided our girls with so many shared opportunities with their Hale ‘brothers’. We have been fortunate that St Mary’s and Hale School have managed to grow our brother-sister school relationships, with opportunities for our Junior and Senior School girls to join in many co-curricular activities, social get-togethers and learning experiences with the boys from Hale.
14 FIDELITER Best of both worlds
Year 11 girls were part of a combined St Mary’s-Hale community service program that offered gardening assistance for people who live in Salvation Army homes, and assistance with running programs for homeless people in the city. The prefects and captains from both schools have participated in joint prefect meetings, honing their collaborative leadership skills. In addition to our well-established combined schools’ social, musical, drama and debating activities, new programs have enabled our girls to develop and stretch their communication and interaction skills with boys. This semester, we also launched our inaugural Year 10 combined cocurricular program, during which Year 10 students from both schools signed up to participate in fun
lessons together. Held across our two campuses, the classes enabled students to learn skills in fields such as healthy cooking, wood-working and scuba diving, in a collaborative environment. In December, a joint team of entrepreneurial Year 10 St Mary’s girls and Hale boys won the national Shark Tank competition, in the General category. They pitched to build an app called ‘Forage’ that supplies information for people looking for restaurants that cater to different dietary requirements. Their outstanding pitch was awarded first prize ahead of 300 plus other competitors, and includes the opportunity to work with Perthbased venture capitalists, Perth Angels, to further develop their proposal.
Our Junior School students continued to enjoy learning experiences, play dates and bush walks together, with the Friends of Trigg Bushland. The strength of our brother-sister school relationship traverses all parts of our two schools, across our Junior and Senior Schools and boarding houses. We like to refer to it as ‘the best of both worlds’, as our girls learn in an academic environment focused on how they learn best, while participating in an engaging co-curricular and social program that encourages them from a young age to develop meaningful and respectful relationships with boys. Sheevaun Darby Deputy Principal, Operations
FIDELITER Best of both worlds
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT We are delighted to share just some of the many amazing achievements of our students this year. To have had the opportunity for them to participate in so many activities and to do so with determination, perseverance and commitment, is testament to them being St Mary’s girls.
DACHSHUND DELIVERS ACCOLADES Congratulations to Year 12 student, Michelle Edward, whose series of paintings of her pet dachshund has been selected for this year's Pulse Perspectives Exhibition at the Art Gallery of WA. The exhibition will run from 7 March – 29 June 2021, where her paintings will be showcased alongside other talented Western Australian Year 12 artists.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
MADALAH YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Year 12 Media Captain, Grace Mincherton, won the Best Film for students post-Year 10, for her film ‘Round to It’ in the 2020 MyState Bank Student Film Festival. She was also a nominee in the Bond University Film & Television Awards (BUFTA Awards) for best Art Film – a new category this year that celebrates artistic expression by breaking established conventions. Only the best and brightest of Australia’s high school filmmakers were nominees for these awards.
Congratulations to Brooklyn Cowdrey (Year 8) for having been selected to attend the Youth Leadership Summit for MADALAH in November. Brooklyn was successful due to her written application about the importance of family and culture, leading to her joining 20 other emerging leaders to experience cultural engagement activities, and connect with Elders and leaders within the community.
16 FIDELITER STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
WA YOUTH PARLIAMENT We proudly acknowledge Lucy Lönnqvist (Year 11) and Claire Craig (Year 12) who represented St Mary's at the WA Youth Parliament in the October holidays. Claire explained, “this is a national project that allows young people to take an active role in their community by contributing the views of their electorate at a state level.” Lucy spoke of the intensity in participating in a simulated state parliament: “Each day we tackled real-world issues prevalent in WA. It was a jam-packed week that pushed me beyond my personal boundaries and tested my problem-solving and decision-making skills.
LITERARY GREATS Write a Book in a Day - Students in our Year 9 Extension English took part in the Write-A-Book-In-A-Day competition. This is a fun, creative and collaborative competition where students work in teams to write, edit, illustrate and bind a children’s book in less than 12 hours, all while raising funds through sponsorship for The Kids’ Cancer Project.
The long day produced great results, with two of our Year 9 teams winning awards with their books: Batting for Herbert, which won best overall book in WA in the Middle School division; and The Chrysalis Crisis which won best illustrated book in WA in the Middle School division. LEFT: The Chrysalis Crisis team. RIGHT: The Batting for Herbert team.
Make Your Own Story Book Congratulations to Year 7 student, Charlotte Lamb, for winning first prize in the 2020 ‘Make Your Own Story Book’ competition. In this annual state-wide competition run by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Charlotte won the Year 7-8 Story Book category for her creative book Blue-Sky-Eyes.
DINING OUT AS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
2021 PREMIER’S ANZAC STUDENT TOUR Three St Mary’s girls will be among 14 WA students who will travel our State next April as part of the 2021 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour in commemoration of the ANZAC legacy. Congratulations to Alana Gregory (Year 9), Grace Hailes (Year 10) and Lucy Lönnqvist (Year 11). The girls are photographed discovering war items courtesy of the Riley Collection, housed in the Marlene Carter Heritage Centre at St Mary’s.
St Mary’s and Hale joined forces to participate in the Shark Tank eSchool competition, hosted by the University of Adelaide. Shark Tank is an action learning, project-based activity that provides students with an opportunity to develop the skills of entrepreneurship and innovation, including pitching and presenting their ideas to a panel of judges and industry experts. The top two teams are invited to a state pitch event with the overall winner competing at a national event. We are delighted to advise that St Mary’s Hale team, Forage, went on to attend the Shark Tank National Finals and win their category. They pitched their app ‘Forage’, a restaurant locater for people with specific dietary requirements. The team’s winnings include $1,000 plus $500 worth of digital consulting with Enabled Solutions, should they wish to progress their technology.
congratulations
FIDELITER STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT FAREWELLING MRS CHERYL HAAK IT IS NOT HARD TO THINK OF WORDS OF PRAISE, WHEN SPEAKING OF MRS CHERYL HAAK, RETIRING FROM HER ROLES OF DEPUTY PRINCIPAL AND DEAN OF CURRICULUM AFTER 20 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND COMMITMENT TO THE EDUCATION OF GIRLS AT ST MARY’S. THROUGHOUT THOSE YEARS, CHERYL HAS ENGAGED WITH ALL ASPECTS OF THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL.
As a classroom teacher – summed up as “The Best Maths Teacher Ever” by her final class at St Mary’s, a Year 8 group, Cheryl has been clear and patient, encouraging and firm, inspiring with her love and knowledge of her subject. In her classes, girls learned to love learning.
intelligent approach to all aspects of curricular and teaching, Cheryl has inspired their professional and personal growth. As an energetic, vibrant participant in and supporter of camps and overseas language tours, an exuberant spectator at sporting events and an appreciative member of countless audiences at school music, drama and dance events, Cheryl has been the best role model to the girls of how to be a lifelong learner and enthusiastically enjoy all the opportunities life presents us with. As a fellow staff member of all the Executive, administration and auxiliary, boarding, grounds and maintenance staff, Cheryl’s professional approach to all that she does, coupled with her personal warmth and integrity, has defined her as always being part of their teams.
As an intelligent and caring counsellor, Cheryl has provided wise advice about students’ approach to their learning, course and subject selection and tertiary education directions, to girls and their parents, advice based on her always up-todate knowledge of new directions in education, curriculum developments and changes, and her depth of understanding of teenage girls. Sometimes, Cheryl’s advice may have been hard for girls and their parents to hear, but they could never have doubted that that it was good advice, always given with the girls’ best interests in mind. As a highly valued and respected mentor and colleague of teaching staff, who benefited so much from her clear-sighted direction and her immense knowledge of and 18 FIDELITER Staff spotlight
All the groups who make up the St Mary’s community will know and love Cheryl for her smile of genuine warmth, her great sense of fun, her love of life, her care for others. All who in any way are part of St Mary’s will know how much she will be missed at this wonderful school. She has been a hugely significant part of making it such an extraordinary place in which to learn and to be. In her farewell in the School yearbook, Almerta, Cheryl talked about the African philosophy, Ubuntu, referring to our shared humanity, and translated as “I am, because of you”. Cheryl, we are, because of you. Joan Karmelita
Congratulating LONG-SERVING STAFF WE ACKNOWLEDGE AND THANK THE FOLLOWING STAFF WHO HAVE ACHIEVED 20 YEARS’ SERVICE IN 2020:
Bev Ashby | Irene Cumming | Cheryl Haak | Julie Lamb | Sandra Lebbon | Di McRobb | Chris Shurman | Deb Thomas. We commend them on their contributions, dedication and loyalty to the St Mary’s community.
Farewelling
With gratitude for their outstanding contributions, we bid a fond farewell to four of our long-serving staff and wish them well in their adventures ahead: Mrs Kim Banting, who has been a valuable member of the Design Technologies team (a.k.a. Home Economics) in both a part-time and full-time capacity since 1998.
Mrs Claire Jeffery, who has done an outstanding job in her 26 years of teaching English and Japanese at St Mary’s, as well as being our Debating Coordinator.
Mrs Jo Burnfield, our Junior School Early Years Physical Education Teacher, who has run a lifetime of sports carnivals and done a wonderful job inspiring the girls to achieve their best.
Mrs Elize de Rooster, who joined us in 2006 as a school psychologist, looking out for the wellbeing of the Senior School girls and, thanks to her caring nature, her colleagues.
Announcing
TINA CAMPBELL | Head of Boarding We announce the appointment of Mrs Tina Campbell, Head of Boarding, to the position of Principal of St George’s Anglican Grammar School in Perth. Mrs Campbell has led the boarding community at St Mary’s for the past 12 years, providing a loving and caring home away from home for our boarders, a welcoming environment for our boarding families and outstanding leadership of the boarding house. Mrs Campbell will continue to lead boarding during Term 1, as we look to appoint a new Head of Boarding. While sad to see her leave, we know you will join with us in congratulating Tina on this fine and well-deserved appointment.
CLARE JOHANSEN | Dean of Community We congratulate Mrs Clare Johansen, who commenced as the Dean of Community in Term 4. Mrs Johansen, previously our Deputy Head of Science, brings to the role over 17 years’ experience across diverse leadership positions in schools in Australia, the United Kingdom and in the United Arab Emirates. Mrs Johansen has also owned and managed her own events company and has a wonderful grasp of the nuances of connecting community. In our Centenary year, Mrs Johansen is looking forward to strengthening and honouring our treasured community connections.
Welcoming
CHRISTOPHER ION SCHOLTEN | Dean of Studies Mr Christopher Scholten joins St Mary’s in 2021 in the Executive role of Dean of Studies, moving from Presbyterian Ladies’ College, where he held the position of Head of Curriculum, after previously working as the Year 7-9 Coordinator and as a teacher of Politics and Law. Mr Scholten has a broad background in curriculum leadership, having also practised as a school consultant, workshop leader and school evaluator for the International Baccalaureate organisation. After 13 years in girls’ schools, Mr Scholten is a passionate advocate for girls’ education, student agency and entrepreneurship, and we are delighted to welcome him to St Mary’s.
FIDELITER Staff spotlight
19
Eva Hill
Daisy Casey-Trinder
Rainn Zu
Caroline McGinn
Katharine Parker
Laura Kung
Charlotte Waugh
Harper Phillips
20 FIDELITER 2021 student leaders
Grace Worsfold
Elyse Weston
Hamilton Tothill
RILEY CAPTAINS Myles
WARDLE CAPTAINS
Amity Oakley
Riley
Simone Waller
C A P TA I N S Lucy Lönnqvist
Calista Goh
Drama
Ashlyn De Barros
Lefroy
Hannah West
Hackett
Abbie Fairweather
Sarah Bond
Annalise Conti
Alessandra Gillmore
School
Sophie Walford
LEFROY CAPTAINS
Debating
Makayla Poole
Mitchell
Chapel Day
Charlotte O’Beirne
Technology Hannah Hopkins
Dance
Hollie Scholz
Craig Poppy Briggs
School
Sophie Hallam
Rachel Hyde
Madison McCaw
Skye Simpson
Elen Lynch
Chapel Boarder
Kim de Vries
HACKETT CAPTAINS Gabrielle Waller
Kelsey McPhee
Charlotte Norrish
Phoebe Jones
Senior Boarder
Claire Lewis
Media Reanna Silver
Sport
Miliana Murphy
Theresa Needham
Angeline Arto
Athallya Sujono
School
Charlotte Roberts
CRAIG CAPTAINS Senior Day Girl
Stefanie Lovi
Art
Alysha Sloggett
Annabel Greenland
COMMUNITY
School
Eleanor Keating
Breanna Ireland
DANCE Head Girl
Shayani Galhenage
Amelia Miles
Isabella McKay
Ashleigh Williams
DRAMA
Emily Letch-Avenell
MUSIC
Jaime Cohenca
SPORT
Isobel Finnie
Amélie Caporn
Lily Caldow
Hannah Logan
Sophie Whitfield
Hannah Manuel
Lola Bailey
Sally Hicks
ST MARY'S CENTENARY STUDENT LEADERS PREFECTS
School School
Library Music
Wardle Wittenoom
W I N G C A P TA I N S
Dannatt Macdonald
WITTENOOM CAPTAINS
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS!
Throughout 2021, we will be celebrating our Centenary and we are delighted to invite you to join us for all the fun and festivities.
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ttend a ‘Discover 100’ event and enjoy catching up with students, staff and families – past and present, and friends and supporters of the School; explore moments from our rich history of education and community on the Centenary website; take home a copy of the Centenary book, A Place to Grow, or share memories of your own St Mary’s journey as we reflect on 100 years of inspiring girls to discover their best. During our Centenary year, we will honour and celebrate our traditions and the contribution and service of those who have gone before us, as we create new memories, strengthen our connections and look with excitement to the next one hundred years of educating girls. We look forward to you joining us at St Mary’s! Discover more at 100years.stmarys.wa.edu.au
FIDELITER Launching our Centenary Year
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CENTENARY
1921 OUR FOUNDATION
On 14 September 1921, the Church of England Girls’ School, St Mary’s West Perth is founded as a parish school, following the amalgamation of the Girls’ Grammar School and the Alexandra High School.
1940 THE HOUSES
The Houses are renamed to acknowledge three significant men whose support had helped to establish St Mary’s – Bishop Charles Lawrence Riley, Sir John Winthrop Hackett KCMG and Mr Frank Wittenoom.
The first uniform is a navy blue tunic, white shirt, black stockings, black shoes and a white panama style hat with chocolate and blue hat band and Maltese Cross hat badge. Isabel Greig (a ten year old student) wins the competition to design the school crest, choice of school colours and school motto, Fideliter. The first Head Girl (known as Senior Prefect) is Hope Bregenzer and she holds the position from 1921-1924.
1940’s
1920
1930
1925
1940
1934
ALMERTA
UNIFORM
The first issue of Almerta, the annual school magazine, is produced by an editorial committee of seven Form IV students. The name Almerta is taken from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘very good’.
The School uniform changes to a maroon tunic, beige shirt, beige stockings, brown shoes and maroon beret to distinguish St Mary’s from other schools. OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION
The Old Girls’ League is established and is later renamed the Old Girls’ Association.
1935 JUNIOR SCHOOL
St Mary’s opens a second Junior School in St Margaret’s Hall, Tyrell Street, Nedlands and enrols girls and boys aged three to eight.
1938 HOUSE SYSTEM
A House system is introduced to ‘afford more competition not only in sports but also in school work’. The House names are taken from Aboriginal words – Milpera meaning ‘company’, Killara meaning ‘always there’ and Thuruna meaning ‘together’. 22 FIDELITER Centenary Timeline
TIMELINE
1962 DIOSCEAN SCHOOL
1947 BOARDING
While some St Mary's girls had boarded with Miss Tothill from the 1920s, it is not until after the war that Mrs Myles establishes more formalised boarding. In 1950, the Board takes over, acquiring three boarding premises fronting Colin Street, Emerald Terrace and Ord Street.
St Mary’s becomes a Dioscean school, rather than a parish school managed by the St Mary’s West Perth Parish, providing access to increased funding and support from the Church.
FIDELITAS MAGAZINE
Fidelitas (later Fideliter) begins as a means of communication from the Principal and School management to the parent body CRAIGMORE and students. St Mary’s leases Craigmore, a vast house with extensive gardens on Kings Park Road, to accommodate the Junior School, provide more boarding accommodation and additional space for sports.
1959
1950’s
1950
1960’s
1960
1964 A PLACE TO GROW
Mrs Theresa Macdonald (Principal 1957-1965) launches a fundraising campaign to move St Mary’s from the cramped and outdated buildings in Colin Street, West Perth to the open spaces of Karrinyup. Bishop Charles Lawrence Riley chairs the campaign.
1965 A NEW BEGINNING
The Foundation stone is laid at Karrinyup, after a monumental effort to raise $58,000 in one year to build the new school at Karrinyup. Architect, Miss Margaret Feilman’s plans are soon under way. A year later, the first classes commence at Karrinyup, although some year groups remain at West Perth, and a system of buses and taxis runs between the two sites.
FIDELITER Centenary Timeline
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1970 NEW BOARDING HOUSE
The opening of the new boarding house at Karrinyup marks the end of St Mary’s association with Colin Street, West Perth, with all students united at the new campus for the first time. It is named Anne Symington House in 1986.
1981 RENAMING
Sir Thomas Wardle opens the swimming pool and a new House, Wardle, is established to cater for a growing roll of students.
St Mary’s Church of England Girls’ School is renamed St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, in keeping with the renaming in Australia of the Church of England to the Anglican Church of Australia. The Chapel of St Mary is dedicated and consecrated by The Most Reverend Dr Peter Carnley, Archbishop of Perth.
1978
1989
DANNATT HALL
BEDBROOK-REDENBACH SCIENCE LABORATORIES
A new multi-purpose hall opens and is named after St Mary’s first Headmistress.
The laboratories are renovated and extended and are named after two former members of the Board. WWW.
1970
1980
1990
1980
1987
TWO NEW HOUSES
ST MARY’S FOUNDATION
Craig and Lefroy Houses are established to ensure that every student has the opportunity to take part in interhouse competitions.
St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School Foundation is established to secure the long-term future of the School and support its capital development.
OUR PRINCIPALS
BISHOP CHARLES LAWRENCE RILEY CBE Principal 1921-1923
MISS ETHEL DANNATT Headmistress 1923-1937
24 FIDELITER Centenary Timeline
MISS KATHERINE CARTER MBE Headmistress 1938-1940
MISS BERYL HAMILTON Headmistress 1940-1944
MRS ELIZABETH MYLES Headmistress 1944-1956
1993 A NEW JUNIOR SCHOOL
A separate and specifically designed Junior School opens.
1994
2008
SUMMER UNIFORM CHANGE
ST MARY’S AT METRICUP
The gingham dress is adopted as the summer dress for all students.
The first of its kind for an all-girls school in Western Australia, the Lady Treatt Centre for Learning and Leadership opens as the School’s outdoor education centre.
1996
AUDREY JACKSON LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES CENTRE
The Centre opens and a year later the School launches its first website.
1997
2012 ELIZABETH MYLES LIBRARY AND RON FARRIS MEDIA STUDIES CENTRE
The Elizabeth Myles Library moves into a new purpose-built building and its old home is renovated to become the Media Studies Centre. It is later named after the inaugural Chair of the St Mary’s Foundation.
2004
2015
LADY TREATT CENTRE FOR MUSIC AND DANCE
MARLENE CARTER HERITAGE CENTRE
The Centre for Music and Dance opens and is named after Lady Treatt (Frankie Wilson ’32, Head Girl).
The new home for the School’s Archives collection is named after Marlene Carter (’63), (President, Old Girls’ Association, 1988-1998).
PETER ARNEY CENTRE FOR EARLY LEARNING
2018
Catering for four and five year old girls and boys, the Centre is named after a long serving Board member.
JANE GILLON ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
A new playground is named after Jane Gillon, (Fisher, ’70) Honorary Member for Life of St Mary’s. 2010’s
2000
2010
2000
2011
2016
LADY WARDLE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
HEARN HALL
THE POLSON ROOM
The new gymnasium is named Hearn Hall, after Mr Leslie Hearn (Chair of the Board, 1986-2000).
The Polson Room opens and is named after Reverend Joyce Polson (Deaconess).
Providing a 509-seat auditorium and classrooms and rehearsal spaces, the Centre is named after Lady Wardle.
With Year 7 moving into the Senior School, a new Year 7 Centre is developed.
2021
ST MARY’S CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF EDUCATING GIRLS
MRS THERESA MACDONALD MBE Principal 1957-1965
MRS ANNE SYMINGTON Headmistress 1966-1982
MRS AUDREY JACKSON AM Principal 1983-1997
MRS LYNNE THOMSON Principal 1997-2018
MRS JUDITH TUDBALL Principal 2019 - current
FIDELITER Centenary Timeline
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26 FIDELITER United at St Mary's
FIDELITER United at St Mary's
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ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
on Show
ST MARY’S FLAGSHIP ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM, I3 – INTERDISCIPLINARY, INTELLIGENCE AND INNOVATION, CONTINUES TO GROW AT AN EXPONENTIAL RATE. THIS YEAR SAW 190 YEAR 10 GIRLS PARTICIPATE IN 39 TEAMS AT THE FINAL SHOWCASE, ALONG WITH INCREASED INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT AND SPONSORSHIP.
Launched in 2018, the compulsory Year 10 program aims to integrate STEM subjects across multiple discipline areas in collaboration with technology, enterprise, science and mathematics teaching, while also developing the students’ so-called ‘soft skills’ of critical thinking, ideation, creativity, communication, teamwork and presentation ability. The program requires students to work together across the year to come up with a solution to a real-world, United Nations goal, by the development of an app to help manage the problem. The course culminates in the annual ‘i3 Live Pitch Showcase’ in which the teams of students pitch to a panel of expert industry judges.
28 FIDELITER Live Pitch showcase
The girls all did incredibly well as they were pushed outside of their comfort zone to successfully sell their ideas. Several teams were even offered contact details from judges and mentors to take their ideas further, while some students have accepted work experience placements over the school holidays with their industry mentors. The overall winning team was Sustainabuy, made up of team members Juliet Crabb, Grace Hailes, Alexandria Moncrieff, Ella Smith and Jade Wallwork, with their app which is designed to use AI (artificial intelligence) recognition technology to help customers improve the sustainability of their product choices while shopping. Other successful teams were DONaid with their app to connect the 3.4 million Australians who are under the $2.70 per day poverty line, with donations of clothes and other items, and Eco-Diary with their tracker-based app, to enable users to input their daily activities to receive an overall rating of how sustainable they have been on that day, to aid climate change. The real-world nature of the program is in a huge part thanks to the enthusiastic contribution across the year of our
judges, mentors and their organisations. We thank them for their vital part in making the program and the Showcase such a success: BHP | BAE Systems | Bankwest | City of Stirling | Commonwealth Bank | Dell Technologies | Edith Cowan University (ECU) | Fortescue Metals | Microsoft | Ninja Software | PwC | St Catherine's College, UWA | The University of Western Australia | Vince Connelly MP | Water Corporation | Wood PLC | Woodside Energy Special thanks also to Scitech and Amazon Web Services for donating prizes for the winning teams, and to Ninja Software, who assisted with the new-in-2020 judging app, 'JudgeFest'. We also thank our guest speakers - Zara Fisher, General Manager of Utilities and Operational Readiness of Fortescue Metals Group, Alex Dunmow, CEO of Ninja Software, and Theresa Needham, 2021 St Mary’s Technology Captain. We are very proud of all our girls for embracing the opportunity to create new technologies and to develop their entrepreneurial and presentation skills. We look forward to seeing what ‘startups’ they develop in the future. Michelle Fitzpatrick Head of Technology and Enterprise
FIDELITER Live Pitch showcase
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FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
THIS YEAR WILL BE REMEMBERED AS BEING A VERY DIFFERENT AND INTERESTING ONE. WHILE FOR A TIME WE THOUGHT MANY OF OUR JUNIOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MAY NOT GO AHEAD, IT WAS WITH JOY AND GRATITUDE THAT THE GIRLS WERE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE MANY MILESTONE OCCASIONS.
We were so pleased to invite our Year 4 mothers to travel south to Metricup, to participate in the Mother/Daughter camp, albeit a little later in the year than originally planned. The weekend, while wet, was a wonderful opportunity for the mothers to spend time with their daughters, exploring the beautiful property and creating artistic pieces together. It was also with grateful hearts that our Year 5 teachers travelled to Metricup with their classes for the Year 5 Camp. All were excited to come together to learn about Indigenous culture with Wadandi custodian, Josh, from Koomal Dreaming, and about the South-West environment, which was an important focus of the Year 5 program. The Early Years’ girls have been able to continue their Bush School program, discovering the flora of Trigg Reserve, and our Year 4 students worked with actual scientists, which was a valuable experience in learning how important it is to care for the natural environment. Venturing further afield, the girls also explored
30 FIDELITER Junior School
the Rio Tinto Naturescape in Kings Park, where they further connected with nature and came to appreciate the unique Western Australian environment. It is with gratitude that we have been able to enable our girls to discover and explore this year and participate in interactive experiences that enrich their education. We are equally proud of the Junior School Music Program, from the Kodaly-based classroom programs to the Year 3 strings and the Year 5 band program. The girls have been encouraged to explore and develop their musical skills. An important component of the program is performance. Through the music department’s careful and creative planning, the students and parents have been entertained on many occasions, including being part of the mass choir at Speech Night. I acknowledge all of our budding musicians for their entertaining performances. To have such dedicated and talented teachers at St Mary’s is a privilege for the students. Our teachers inspire
and encourage the girls, motivate them and deliver engaging learning experiences. The National History Challenge is one such opportunity. Sabrina and Leigh Van Clef, in Years 5 and 4 respectively, both entered this competition under the guidance of Mrs Dencker Morrison. Sabrina entered the Women’s History Category, based her project on Astronomy at the Perth Observatory and Human Computers, while Leigh’s topic, in the Year 1-4 category, was Servant or Slave in Australia. Both girls were awarded silver medals and we congratulate them on their achievements. As we head towards St Mary’s Centenary year, it is with excitement that we look forward to celebrating and sharing the School’s history with the girls and our extended community. Helen Adams Head of Junior School
CREATIVE SCHOOLS: WHERE NATURE INSPIRES LEARNING CREATIVE SCHOOLS IS A PROGRAM AIMED AT ENHANCING STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC LEARNING AND CREATIVE THINKING SKILLS. INITIATED AND LED BY FORM, A PERTH-BASED, CULTURAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, WA SCHOOLS WERE ABLE TO APPLY FOR A FUNDING GRANT TO JOIN THE PROGRAM, AND OUR JUNIOR SCHOOL WAS ONE OF ONLY 16 SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE.
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he Creative Schools program ran for two of our early learning classes weekly in Terms 3 and 4 and instilled great excitement into our learning. Our visiting practitioner, my Year 1 class was Trudi Bennett and for Mrs Crispin’s Year 2 Class was Daniel Burton. Both are powerful advocates for connecting children with the natural world and worked together with their class teacher and students to guide and encourage us with different approaches to teaching our chosen topic. We embedded the curriculum and content through wonderful connections with nature and looked at ideas through a different lens. In Term 3 my class chose the HASS focus of Past, Present and Future to begin our learning journey together. With Trudi’s cubby-building expertise and amazing skill set, and our staff
being well-organised educators, our outdoor learning program thrived. The students designed and built cubbies from the past, present and future, with emphasis on developing connections with nature and focusing on the Learning Assets implemented in class. This handson approach developed resilience in the girls and allowed them the freedom to learn by instinct. We noticed more children taking risks and working collaboratively as a team. Some students who had difficulty in the classroom with the written component of learning, were able to shine in this environment. In Term 4, as the weather warmed, we took our learning to the beach. Our HASS curriculum was drawn on to learn about the natural geographical features of a coastal environment and how it changes over time.
We explored and wandered the beach environment, learning about sustainability and representing this through ephemeral beach art. The excitement was evident when the children knew it was a Creative Schools afternoon. They were so keen to get out into nature to continue their projects and were so incredibly proud of what they were able to accomplish. During feedback time, they were able to reflect on their learning and relate it back to their Learning Assets. The program has had such a positive impact on the staff and students involved, with the girls developing resilience, empathy and an understanding of nature, all while having a wonderful play adventure! Deborah Scanlon Year 1 Teacher
FIDELITER Junior School
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UNITED IN JUNIOR SCHOOL BUSH NESTING BOXES PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM WITH THE FRIENDS OF TRIGG BUSHLAND OUR YEAR 4 STUDENTS WERE HUGELY EXCITED TO BE A PART OF THIS EXCITING AND IMPORTANT INITIATIVE. FRIENDS OF TRIGG BUSHLAND RESERVE SECURED A LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANT TO BUILD SEVEN BIRD-NESTING BOXES AND SIX BAT BOXES IN OUR NEIGHBOURING TRIGG RESERVE. WE WERE SO GRATEFUL AND INSPIRED TO HAVE SIMON CHERRIMAN, OF ‘INSIGHT ORNITHOLOGY’ AND JOE TONGA OF ‘NATSYNC ENVIRONMENTAL’ VISIT THE SCHOOL AND SHARE BOTH THEIR EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE AND THEIR INCREDIBLE PASSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
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ear 4.2 built and painted the bird boxes with Simon and Year 4.1 worked alongside Joe to build and paint the bat boxes. The girls not only demonstrated excellent woodworking skills, but they also used the opportunity to learn and ask so many interesting and thoughtful questions. Simon chatted to the girls about the different features that the boxes needed to have, such as airflow, nesting materials, wire attached to the inside to allow the birds to climb out (as they can’t expand their wings inside
32 FIDELITER Junior School
the box), drilling holes in the bottom to prevent flooding and the importance of design in order for the nesting boxes to be successful. The girls were astonished to learn from Joe that micro bats eat up to 1000 mosquitoes every night and bat-nesting boxes are now being used in some orchards and vineyards as a natural way to control pests. They were also fascinated to learn that up to 25 bats could inhabit one box at the same time.
Both presenters explained the necessity of nesting boxes due to habitat destruction leading to some of our native species now being endangered. Our girls were so engaged and they enthused about the project. Jaime Kerchavel said that she did not know anything about nest boxes. “But after I built them, I wanted to do more about it because it was so interesting, a lot of fun and it’s good for the environment,” Jaime said.
Sophie Foerster was impressed by the almost total use of recyclable materials used in the construction. “Reusing materials is very important and it is our responsibility to try and do this as much as we can,” she said. Elizabeth Funston said, “We are building these boxes so that the birds like the red-tailed cockatoo, ring-necked parrot and the pardalote could have space to nest. It can take up to 100 years for termites make a tree hollow.” The girls were asked to reflect on the experience and think about how the learning had made a difference to them. Aimee Chong wrote, “This experience made me more aware of the effects of land clearing and climate change. I’ve learned never to waste and that I can help our native animals which I never thought I could.” Ayeesha Vaswani wrote, “The learning we did will make a big difference to me because I know a lot more now.”
‘When Simon and Joe came in, it changed my opinion on both bats and birds. I had no idea that some of our birds were in such danger,” wrote Chloe Devellerez. The girls will wait in anticipation to see the local endangered species attracted back to the School and surrounding bushland. We are so lucky to have Trigg Reserve right at our gates and to be able to play an active role in the conservation and restoration of balance within the bush. This kind of real-life learning with tangible outcomes was hugely engaging in 2020. The girls look forward to continuing the learning about and monitoring of the boxes in 2021. Make sure to look out for them when walking through Trigg Reserve these holidays. Vikki Kennedy Year 4 Teacher
TOP: Simon Cherriman, of iNSiGHT Ornithology, and a volunteer help to prepare the bird boxes with Year 4.2 girls. RIGHT INSERT: Joe Tonga, Natsync Environmental, educates the Year 4.1 girls about the bat boxes they installed in the Trigg Bushland Reserve.
FIDELITER Junior School
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PARENTS' SOCIETY
T
he Parents’ Society is pleased to be involved in the school community through organising events such as the Sundowner and Careers Expo, but also has the privilege of determining where the parent levy funds are allocated each year. Our aim is to always make sure that these funds are used for the greatest benefit of as many girls as possible. In 2020 we directed funding to items across a huge range of areas within the school, from sound mixing equipment and biotechnology machines, to lighting kits, aquaponics systems and library shelving. There have been some fabulous initiatives that we have been fortunate enough to support, and we are sure that many girls will enjoy the addition of all the items and events this year and for years to come. Many thanks to our dedicated committee members, who continue to work on your behalf to help enhance and enliven our school community. We congratulate Sonia Addis, who was presented with an Honorary Life Membership this year, for her years of volunteering and service to our community. Thanks also to Clare, Toni and Paul for their huge contribution to the School over many years and events!
34 FIDELITER Parents' society
Thank you once again to all the wonderful staff who help and support us in our endeavours each and every year. We say farewell to the lovely Cheryl Haak. Cheryl, we thank you for the years of care and support you have given to everyone here at St Mary’s. You are such an integral part of school life, and your dedication to all things St Mary’s will be greatly missed. We wish you much joy and happiness in your retirement. To the Class of 2020, we wish great things for your future.
‘Behind you, all your memories. Before you, all your dreams. Around you, all who love you. Within you, all you need.’ Elizabeth Price President
ST MARY’S AUXILIARY
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his year has changed us all, in many small and significant ways. Although for many, this year was extremely challenging, I hope that you have all found something to appreciate from the year 2020. For the St Mary’s Auxiliary, we are grateful for the few events we could still hold to welcome new families to our community. The orientation days for Senior School and Junior School were wonderful events - thank you to the parents who served morning tea. You were amazing at keeping the events running smoothly in varying conditions and with new guidelines. We also appreciate that our class reps could organise celebrations for their year groups to finish the school year together. As of 2013 the Auxiliary has had the pleasure of awarding a Year 10 and a Year 11 student with Speech Night Memorial Prizes, recognising their service to the school and wider community. Our 2020 recipients were Juliet Crabb, honouring Marney Penn, and Lucy Lönnqvist, honouring Bonnie Barnes. Congratulations to these girls and may they continue to uphold their community spirit.
Committee and as a class rep. Julie has been recognised with an Honourary Life Membership of the St Mary’s Auxiliary. Also, it is with great honour that I thank the St Mary’s Auxiliary for the biggest secret and greatest surprise when I too was awarded an Honourary Life Membership of the St Mary’s Auxiliary. I have thoroughly enjoyed my varying roles over the past 11 years. St Mary’s has a unique and outstanding community. It has been my pleasure to contribute and be involved, to see first-hand, humanity at its best. Congratulations to Mrs Cheryl Haak on her 20 years at St Mary’s. Cheryl has held many significant roles over the years, finishing as our Deputy Principal. We wish her all the best in her retirement. May our 100th year, 2021, bring us all much joy in celebration of our outstanding school, to which we are so fortunate to belong. Daina De Mattia President
On behalf of the St Mary’s Auxiliary, I would like to thank Julie Hancock for her time and valued commitment over the years on the Auxiliary
LEFT: Julie Hancock and Daina De Mattia were both awarded Honorary Life Memberships of the St Mary’s Auxiliary in 2020. ABOVE: Year 7 Orientation Day.
FIDELITER St Mary's Auxiliary
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OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION
A
s 2020 comes to an end we reflect on what an incredible year it has been – utterly unlike any we have experienced before. It is a year that has made us grateful for our closeknit family and friends but also our wider and broader community, including St Mary’s. We are thankful to Mrs Tudball and the Executive for all they have done to support our Old Girls and the support they have also given to our future Old Girls, who are currently at school. On 22 October, we welcomed the newest Old Girls, the Class of 2020, at the Valedictory Dinner. This is always an event full of hope and excitement, as well as a hint of nostalgia, and this year was no different. We wish all the 2020 leavers the best in their future endeavours and look forward to hearing of all their successes. This year, we have also had the pleasure of awarding scholarships to current students. Congratulations to Stella Banfield on being awarded the Jane Gillon Arts Award, Lucinda Hodby, daughter of Andrea Hodby (Constable ’93) on receiving the Marlene Carter Scholarship for Year 8, and Tessa Hudson, granddaughter of Elaine Hudson (Hornsby ’57) on receiving the Ethel Beaton Scholarship for Years 11 and 12.
In closing, I would like to thank the Committee and all the staff who support the Association. I look forward to a productive and enjoyable 2021, a year when we will be celebrating our belated 95th Birthday and the School’s 100th Birthday. Please keep an eye out for events and initiatives to celebrate these milestones. We hope to see many of you back at school. Have a safe and happy summer holiday. Amy Dawson (Fraser ’94) President Old Girls’ Association
OGA MEETINGS FOR 2021 All Old Girls are welcome to attend our committee meetings. Meetings are held in the Seminar Room of the Senior School Administration building. For meeting dates in 2021 please visit stmarys.wa.edu.au/oga
36 FIDELITER Old Girls' Association
2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 7.00pm, Tuesday 16 March 2021 You are invited to join the OGA Committee for the 2021 Annual General Meeting. Please contact us at oga@stmarys.wa.edu.au if you would like to attend or join the committee.
OGA Committee Members who are seeking re-election in 2021 are: Jane Crisp (Cyprian '81), Amy Dawson (Fraser '94), Necia Drazevic (Moffet '87), Kristine Gillmore (Headling '87), Hannah Jago ('07), Margaret Jago (Parker '72), Julie O'Meara (Grose '81) and Bree Rosagro (Buxton '98).
OLD GIRLS EVENTS AND NEWS OLD GIRLS’ SCHOLARSHIPS NOW OPEN A number of scholarships, generously supported by former students and members of the School community, are available to Old Girls to support them through their university years.
ABOVE: CIGS Golf Team
55 TH COMBINED INDEPENDENT GIRLS’ SCHOOLS GOLF DAY After a challenging year with golf holes blocked and flags permanently in the ground, we were elated to gather at Lake Karrinyup Country Club for our annual golf day. The weather was kind and we enjoyed a near perfect day of golf. Most of us were not so delighted with our scores, but the friendship and camaraderie were evident with all pairs having a wow of a time. The pairings of Amanda Lekias (Young ’85) with Amanda Hepburn (Wilhelm ’85) and Ermie Robinson (Seabrook ’69) with Lyn Hancock (’65), were the counting pairs for St Mary’s. Although we came 6th, we were only
one stroke away from 5th and I am sure we all had that one putt that was ‘oh so close’. Penrhos College/ Kobeelya had a great day out, winning the trophy. We extend our thanks to St Hilda’s as the host school for a well-run event followed by a most delightful lunch. St Mary’s will host the tournament in 2021, with the event being held on Monday 20 September at the Cottesloe Golf Club. Save the date and if you would like to play, please contact Lynne Malone through St Mary’s, oga@stmarys.wa.edu.au. Lynne Malone (Eakins ’66)
OLD GIRLS HAVE THE INSIGHT Our Insight Breakfasts and Eating Up Science program provide the opportunity for current students to learn from Old Girls about life after St Mary's and the different study and career options available. They are also a fantastic way for our Old Girls to reconnect with the School. This year presented some challenges; however, our new way of connecting through online meetings meant that Old Girls from around the country could share their experiences with our students. Thank you to our Old Girls who so willingly shared their advice and travelled from far and wide both in person and virtually! If you would like to chat to current students about your experiences after leaving school, please contact Amanda Kemp, Alumnae Relations Officer, oga@stmarys.wa.edu.au.
Applications for the 2021 scholarships are now open in the areas of medicine, nursing, science, law, engineering and fine art. We also invite applications for the Molly Riley RISE Award. For further information about how to apply for these scholarships please visit stmarys.wa.edu.au/old-girlsscholarships-and-awards. Applications close on Friday 26 March 2021.
UPCOMING EVENTS
OLD GIRLS’ DAY AND CENTENARY DINNER 2021 Saturday 20 February 2021 Former students are warmly invited to Old Girls’ Day. Preceded by the launch of the centenary book, Old Girls are invited to tour the campus and attend a special eucharist service. The day will culminate at the Centenary Dinner, which will include the presentation of the OGA's Women of Distinction Awards. Join us for a once-in-a-hundred year celebration and reconnect with old friends and reminisce over times gone by. WATCH THIS SPACE We are excited to share that we are planning Old Girl reunions on the East Coast during 2021 in celebration of our centenary. More details will be released throughout the year. To register your details for the above events or to update your details please contact us at oga@stmarys.wa.edu.au
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NEWS FROM OLD GIRLS VILIA FLEMMING (Baird '52) was farming with her two sons, one of whom is now deceased. Her son, Terry, is now in the export business with her grandson and granddaughter. Vilia has retired to Myalup and keeps active with art, Red Cross, Garden Club and helping senior citizens. She is in good health and is keeping very busy! KAY WATTS ('69) lived and studied in London in the 1970s before returning to Perth in 1979. After completing a Bachelor of Social Sciences at Curtin University, she moved to Sydney and worked in academic publishing as Marketing and Sales Manager for Australia and New Zealand for 20 years, five of which were in Melbourne as Director of Marketing. Kay moved to the Gold Coast in 2018 and now works in Brisbane as a senior recruitment consultant in the oil and gas industry.
It was lovely to see the CLASS OF 1966 over lunch recently. CELEBRATING 54 YEARS since leaving St Mary’s, this group of Old Girls regularly gets together to reminisce over days gone by.
BACK ROW, L – R: Margaret Yull, Margaret Lutz (Prichard), Lesley Wells (Poole) Suzanne Wyche (Blackburn), Leigh Richardson (Brockway), Eileen Doherty, Gail Sainsbury (Williams), Margaret Tasker (Spark), Wendy Price (Newman), Leonie Whittome (Arnold), Jan Keogh (Stodart), Lynne Malone (Eakins). FRONT ROW, L-R: Sandy Squire (O’Donnell), Jenny Woodman (Blackburn), Mary Hind, Joan Price (Compagnoni).
JODI YOUNG's (Mincherton '85) two daughters, Eloise and Leisha, were also boarders at St Mary's. Eloise ('10) is a primary school teacher and Leisha ('13) is a registered nurse, working in theatre at St John of God Hospital, Subiaco. Both girls were successful in achieving their Diplomas in VET, through the wonderful guidance of Pamela Underwood. As such, both of Jodi's daughters return to St Mary's to talk about the pathways they took.
JOY HOPWOOD ('86) has completed her third independent feature film, Rhapsody of Love, which is the first Asian-Australian romantic comedy. Congratulations, Joy.
38 FIDELITER News from Old Girls
KARALEE KATSAMBANIS (Tilvern ’90) is an accomplished Australian TV commentator, author, journalist, columnist and media trainer. She has recently written and published a book based on her experiences as a step parent. Step Parenting with Purpose – everything you wanted to know but were too afraid to ask provides invaluable insights and advice to those beginning or already on their stepparenting journey. During March this year, it was ranked number 1 in Amazon’s ‘Step Families and Blended Families' category’.
KAREN HASELDINE (Panarese '96) is living in Kingsley with her husband, Brad, and their two boys Chase (8) and Miles (5). She is currently working part time as a bookkeeper.
Congratulations to JASMINE WONG (’05) and Hale Old Boy, David Yeo, on their recent wedding. COVID-19 caused a massive disruption to their plans and, in the end, they decided on a small, intimate celebration at home. KATIEJEAN ENRIGHT (’07) and Brett Davies tied the knot at Holy Trinity Church in York in September 2019. Our very own Chaplain, Father Richard Pengelley, presided over the nuptials. The wedding was well attended by generations of Old Girls! Congratulations to you both!
L-R: Father Richard Pengelley, Julia Jones (Pustkuchen ’67), Lorraine Johnston (Pustkuchen ’72), Melita Enright (Pustkuchen ’76), Amy Pannell (’07), Katiejean Enright (’07), Veronika Crouch (’07), Rebecca Hewton (’07), Laura Kerr (’07), Erin Szczecinski (’07), Hannah Thornton (’07) and Natasha Clemens (’07).
BRONTÉ PEMBER (’09) and Edmund are thrilled to announce their recent engagement. The ten-year wait was worth it! Congratulations to you both.
Congratulations to SAVANNAH SETH (’17) who was one of the 2021 recipients for the New Colombo Plan Scholarship from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Savannah has chosen to attend Sophia University in Tokyo, where she’ll complete a year of political science and development. The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government, which aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to study and undertake internships in the region. Savannah is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and International Relations at Notre Dame University.
EVERYONE LOVES to know what their contemporaries are up to. Please send us news of what you are doing now, as well as photographs. Email: oga@stmarys.wa.edu.au Telephone: (08) 9341 9132 By post: Old Girls’ Association, St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, PO Box 105, Karrinyup WA 6921
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OLD GIRL PROFILES A St Mary’s education is different for every girl. It is not just about the curriculum or the maroon uniform; it encompasses so much more. Each student is encouraged to tread her own path to reach her potential and engage in a variety of activities. We are delighted to share the stories of three of our Old Girls with you.
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WITH OLD GIRL MARLANIE HAEREWA (’16) CLASS OF: 2016 CURRENT ROLE: Performer / Theatre Maker TERTIARY EDUCATION: Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts WHO WOULD BE YOUR DREAM DINNER GUEST? Zendaya MUSIC YOU ARE CURRENTLY LISTENING TO? Billie Eilish FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL? Art SUM UP YOUR EXPERIENCE AT ST MARY’S IN 3 WORDS: Full of memories
MARLANIE HAEREWA 40 FIDELITER Old Girl Profiles
(’16)
Q:
Where has life after St Mary’s taken you? Was there a defining moment when you decided on the pathway you wanted your career to take?
A: When I graduated in 2016, I had no idea what career I wanted to follow. I was always interested in acting but I hardly ever took this on board at school. I loved singing and at St Mary’s I was involved in many opportunities that allowed me to perform on stage, which is where my confidence grew and became stronger. In Years 11 and 12, the daunting question of ‘what do you want to do after school?’ was creeping in. I had my eyes set on a Bachelor of Performing Arts at WAAPA but had absolutely no experience in theatre or performance making. Therefore, I thought I should try out the Cert IV in Aboriginal Theatre at WAAPA. This was a full-time course, exploring Indigenous plays and learning the basic techniques of acting. I was captivated. Acting and the arts soon became a big part of my life. I then auditioned for the Bachelor of Performing Arts and was successful. It has been a long three years of studying at WAAPA, and now that it is the end of 2020, I am in my final weeks of graduating with my degree and moving on to more exciting things.
Q:
How do you think St Mary’s prepared you for life after school?
A: During school I was given so many opportunities to sing on stage and push myself that I believe St Mary’s was the platform I needed to boost my stage presence and confidence and it also helped with my communication skills.
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This year has caused everyone to stop and reflect on what is important to us all. Were you surprised by what you were grateful for?
A: Since starting my degree, I have also had many opportunities in the arts industry. At the beginning of 2019, I lived in Singapore for three months, completing a summer exchange unit at the Intercultural Theatre Institute where I studied the ancient art form of Noh Theatre. This was an intensive experience where I found myself learning Japanese language. I returned to Perth to continue my studies and perform in Barking Gecko Theatre Company’s play My Robot where I had the privilege of touring Western Australia and performing at the State Theatre Centre. In the final months of 2020, I have been completing my degree and have also found myself touring to Broome with Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company’s show FIFO. This has meant that my family from Derby could also come and watch me perform. There are many other opportunities that I would love to share; however, they will be announced later in 2021. I am so grateful that I have experienced these wonderful opportunities early in my career - it has been a blessing.
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Who has been your biggest influence?
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What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: My biggest influences have been my family. They have been very supportive in the career choice I have made. They have worked hard to give me the best opportunities in life; therefore, any opportunity I am given, I take with both hands and give it my all. I have to thank my family for being my biggest fans.
A: The accomplishment that I am most proud of is coming out of my shell over the years. I remember being a very shy girl who never liked the attention. I didn’t think I would be the one going to university and studying something I love. Graduating with a degree never crossed my mind I wasn’t confident I would be able to accomplish this, but here I am, doing just that. It is something I am very proud of.
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What is your fondest memory of your time at St Mary’s?
A: My fondest memories during my time at St Mary’s are of Mrs Godinho’s English classes. She taught me to smile, even on the days I didn’t feel like I wanted to. Mrs Godinho’s support and guidance were always so strong. There are days where I miss sitting in her English class, just learning.
Q:
What advice do you have for current St Mary’s students.
A: If you seriously put your mind to it, you can do it. Don’t ever let anyone say that you can’t - you are the writer of your own book. So, fill it with amazing memories, experiences and personal accomplishments, because one day you’ll be asked to read your own journey, so make it a good one.
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WITH OLD GIRL MONICA ZHENG (’10)
CLASS OF: 2010 CURRENT ROLE: Part-time podiatrist and fulltime student (again) studying Doctor of Medicine TERTIARY EDUCATION: Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (2014) at the University of Western Australia DREAM DINNER GUEST: Mary Quant – pioneer of female fashion in the 1960s MUSIC CURRENTLY LISTENING TO: Zero Gravity – Kate MillerHeidke FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL: Music ST MARY’S EXPERIENCE IN 3 WORDS: Invaluable, encouraging, fun
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Where has life after St Mary’s taken you? Was there a defining moment when you decided on the pathway you wanted your career to take?
had always wanted to study medicine, but I didn’t achieve the ATAR grades or admission exam requirements to receive an offer at undergraduate medical school. Instead, I studied a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine at the University of Western Australia, with an aim to study postgraduate medicine instead. Despite graduating as a podiatrist in 2014, it wasn’t until 2017 that I received an offer to commence a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Notre Dame Fremantle. In those three years, I found a passion for dance medicine and science, and now treat whole spectrum of dancers from local ballet schools to the West Australian Ballet. I travelled to Italy, Spain, Portugal, China and the Kimberley region, exploring and learning about different
MONICA ZHENG 42 FIDELITER Old Girl Profiles
(’10)
The array of opportunities available at St Mary’s allowed me to explore numerous different interests and encouraged me to try things I perhaps would not have considered otherwise, without fear of judgement or failure...
cultures and meeting friends that I keep in touch with to this day. Whilst this made it difficult to revert to a student mindset when I finally started university again, I was very grateful that I had experienced some of the outside world. I’ve continued to work and travel during my studies, endeavouring to maintain a balance with university requirements. I haven’t so much decided on the pathway I wanted my career to take, but rather an end goal that I want to get to. One of the first assignments we had at medical school encouraged us to reflect on our emotions and express these in a creative manner. A few weeks earlier, I bought myself a hot air balloon charm (because I thought it was cute) and realised that it was quite an appropriate symbol for the journey I had just started. I know what my destination is, but I also know that I’ll be tossed from side to side, soar above the clouds and occasionally feel like I’m plummeting to the ground as my flame threatens to flicker out. Sometimes these things will be in my control and sometimes they won’t. Instead, I think my defining moment has been the realisation that things happen for a reason - it might just take a while for you to see it.
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How do you think St Mary’s prepared you for life after school?
A: The array of opportunities available at St Mary’s allowed me to explore numerous different interests and encouraged me to try things I perhaps would not have considered otherwise, without fear of judgement or failure and with support to get back up and try again. The sense of being part of a community has also resonated with me, and I’ve continued to pursue different interests and put my hand up for opportunities to be a part of different communities, societies and organisations in life after school.
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This year has caused everyone to stop and reflect on what is important to us all. Were you surprised by what you were grateful for?
A: By nature, I am quite reflective, and a strong focus on emotional intelligence, reflection, personal and professional development in my medical degree has only reinforced that. This year definitely solidified those things that I am grateful for – family, friends and good health – and has forced me to stop and take some time for myself when I would usually be full steam ahead in social, work and university life. It was nice to take a step back and slow down and not feel like I had to be busy all the time!
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Who has been your biggest influence?
A: My family. They have always encouraged me to step outside my boundaries and try new things, to persevere with things I might have lost faith in, when they know I will be grateful for it, once it’s done. Whilst they are my biggest support, they also are the most critical. But they know me better than I know myself and I’m always thankful for their influence.
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What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: There isn’t a single accomplishment I’m most proud of. I think accomplishments can be ever evolving. I’m proud of so many things I’ve done; they’re all special and important in different ways, but I’m always looking forward to my next challenge.
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What is your fondest memory of your time at St Mary’s?
A: Metricup and Year 9 camp before it was built, the opening Music Under the Stars concert and subsequent music and Year 11 camps, planting the grape vines and drinking the wine made from those grapes, which we were given the year after we graduated!
Q:
Three pieces of advice for current St Mary’s students.
1. Have a sense of purpose so you can get the most out of the things you do – big or small, personal or professional. It could be to go for a run, to read a book, to work in the field you’re passionate about, to have the courage to say yes to opportunities and even more courage to say no to others. 2. Forge your own pathway and don’t be afraid of the obstacles, junctions or detours that will inevitably come your way. 3. Be yourself, because everyone is different. There is only one you. Celebrate what makes you special and look after it.
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in 60 seconds
W I T H O L D G I R L T I F F A N Y ALL E N ( J A C K S O N ’ 9 3 )
CLASS OF: 1993 CURRENT ROLE: Chief Executive Officer, Construction Training Fund (CTF) TERTIARY EDUCATION: Diploma in Project Management, Certificate in Direct and Digital Marketing, Certificate III in Business (Frontline Management), Australian Institute of Company Directors WHO WOULD BE YOUR DREAM DINNER GUEST? Andrew Denton MUSIC YOU ARE CURRENTLY LISTENING TO? Imagine Dragons, Tame Impala, Baker Boys, The Weekend FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL? Physical Education SUM UP YOUR EXPERIENCE AT ST MARY’S IN 3 WORDS: Memorable, foundational, family
Q:
Where has life after St Mary’s taken you? Was there a defining moment when you decided on the pathway you wanted your career to take?
A
fter I graduated, I went to Bolivia as an exchange student. When I returned, I realised that the pathway I thought I was going on was no longer where I wanted to go. The experience had really broadened my eyes as to what was out there and the opportunities. Not that I felt constrained; it was more that I thought I had to have an answer when I returned, but as soon as I got back, I realised that you don’t have to have an answer and your life can take you in so many directions. I’ve never really had a defining moment where I’ve decided my exact career pathway. Instead, all of the steps in my career have just been doors that are open and I have been brave enough to walk through them. I’ve allowed opportunities
TIFFANY ALLEN 44 FIDELITER Old Girl Profiles
(JACKSON ’93)
...my favourite saying, Diversity is a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, belonging is having your voice heard. St Mary’s was always and still is a place that I belong.
to happen, but I still don’t really know where I’m going. So, the defining moments for me have been never saying no to an opportunity and using my values to guide me in my decisions, knowing what I believe in and following my heart. Ultimately, where my journey after St Mary’s has taken me is to two beautiful children and a variety of roles, which have allowed me to really contribute to the WA community.
Q:
How do you think St Mary’s prepared you for life after school?
A: I think it gave me a really strong foundation in diversity and really appreciating the value that every person can bring, that understanding that we are all different, and you really have to have eyes wide open and not have bias or filters on everyone or pigeonhole them. Because St Mary’s is so big, people come from all different backgrounds, so it really has that diversity of views. It’s really been my foundation for life – that I haven’t then been closedminded to what’s in front of me and that’s allowed those opportunities. The sense of community at St Mary’s has also instilled in me the importance of being part of something that’s bigger than myself.
Q:
This year has caused everyone to stop and reflect on what is important to us all. Were you surprised by what you were grateful for?
A: Yes and no. I think I’ve always been very grateful to be living in WA and to be brought up here. I think this year reinforced why our state has so many great things going for it. And even though people may say it is a quiet state or is so far away, those are now our advantage points, so it probably surprised me that other people are only realising that now.
Q:
Who has been your biggest influence?
Q:
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Winning the 2019 UDIA Women in Leadership Award and showing my kids that smart work, good ethics, values and a belief in yourself and others can take you a long way; showing other female leaders that you don’t always need a trade skill or a university degree to be successful. The award also gave me a platform to continue building on my charity work for Headspace and so far, I have raised over $21,000. Mental health is so important for all generations and all schools and workplaces.
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What is your fondest memory of your time at St Mary’s?
A: Meeting such a diverse group of people and connecting with them on all different levels. Particularly at the Duke of Edinburgh camps, wandering around the bush trying to find our way, thinking for the last five kilometres that we were heading in the right direction, only to find out we weren’t and having to trek back and arrive at camp in the dark, giggling the whole way.
Q:
Three pieces of advice for current St Mary’s students.
1. Be proud and humble at the same time. It’s important to own your successes as well as your failures. 2. The path you choose may not be the path you ultimately take and that’s ok. Be true to your values and you will reach success. 3. Don’t see barriers as a dead-end; they are just solutions you haven’t found yet. Never give up. Lastly, my favourite saying, “Diversity is a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, belonging is having your voice heard”. St Mary’s was always and still is a place that I belong.
A: The matriarchs in my family. Both my Grandma, Joyce, and my Mum, Robyn, have been my biggest influence. Both are very strong, outback-raised women. They’ve survived a long time working hard in tough Australian environments, so would never let me get away with anything and I was held to account always. They taught me about standing up for myself, asking the question why, never doubting myself, always giving everything a go, and never letting myself run away with my ego.
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ARCHIVAL ANECDOTES
‘I AM A PART OF ALL THAT I HAVE MET’ PROFILE: BISHOP CHARLES LAWRENCE RILEY CBE IT WAS ONLY THROUGH THE VISION, DRIVE AND SHEER HARD WORK OF ONE MAN THAT THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND GIRLS’ SCHOOL, ST MARY’S WEST PERTH DID NOT BECOME A ‘NINE DAY WONDER’, AS DID MANY SMALL SCHOOLS STARTED IN THE FIRST DECADES OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. THAT MAN WAS THE NEWLY APPOINTED RECTOR OF ST MARY’S, WEST PERTH, THE REVEREND CHARLES LAWRENCE RILEY.
ABOVE (L-R): CL Riley at 6 years in Preston 1894; whilst Captain of Hale School c.1905; ordained as a priest 1914 OPPOSITE PAGE: Appointed Bishop of Bendigo 1938.
C
harles, known as Tom, was born in 1888 in Preston, Lancashire, where his father was Rector of St Paul’s Church. When Charles was eight, his father was appointed Bishop of Perth and the family moved to Western Australia in 1895. Having settled into Bishop’s House, situated on St Georges Terrace and with a garden running down to the river, the Riley children (Charles had two brothers and three sisters) had plenty of opportunity for adventure in their new environment. At the age of eleven, Charles was sent to Perth High School, now known as Hale School, where he excelled both academically and on the sports field. During his time there he was Senior Prefect, played cricket
and football for the school and, in 1905, won a Government University Scholarship of £450. In 1906, Charles returned to England to study at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge. There his performance was even more impressive than it had been at school, with a BA in Classics in 1909, LLB in 1910 and an MA in 1913. In sport, he rowed in the College First Boat, played first eleven hockey, was in the Cambridge ‘Wanderers’ soccer second eleven, and the tennis second six. He was also Captain of ’C’ Company, Officer Training Corps. Back in Western Australia, Charles spent 1911 teaching at Guildford Grammar School, before returning to England in 1912 to be ordained a Deacon in Lichfield Cathedral. Two
years later he was ordained Priest, again in Lichfield Cathedral, and moved back to Perth to become Rector of St Hilda’s, North Perth parish. On 8 March 1916, The West Australian reported, “On February 22, at Moora parish church, a very quiet wedding was celebrated, between the Rev. C.L. Riley (eldest son of the Archbishop and Mrs. Riley) and Miss Lucile M. Lefroy (second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Lefroy, of Moora). …Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Riley eventually left for Perth, in a sidecar, already well known to his Perth friends. Mr. Riley, who is in charge of the parish of St Hilda’s, North Perth, is doing splendid work, and is much beloved by his parishioners.”
BISHOP CHARLES 46 FIDELITER Archival Anecdotes
ARCHIVAL ANECDOTES
LAWRENCE RILEY CBE
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ARCHIVAL ANECDOTES
ABOVE (L-R): Archbishop COL Riley Chaplain General AIF (standing on cannon) and CL Riley Chaplain AIF (reading from Bible) ANZAC Day Service 1927; CL Riley ‘tinkering’ with the car.
MILITARY SERVICE During the First World War, Charles enlisted at Blackboy Hill for fulltime service on 15 June 1918 and was appointed Captain Chaplain 4th Class. Nine days later he was on a ship bound for Africa, where he was initially attached to the Imperial Camel Brigade (ANZAC Section). This was followed by post-war attachments to the 10th and 15th Light Horse Regiments in Egypt and Palestine. After the Great War, Charles became an active member of the Returned Soldiers League (later renamed Returned and Services League of Australia). He also continued his work as an Army Chaplain in peace time. In 1920, he was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire “for services in connection with the Soldiers’ Comfort Funds”. The beginning of the Second World War saw Charles appointed Senior
Chaplain to the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) and from 1942, he was Chaplain General to the Australian Military Forces. He saw active service in Africa, the Middle East, New Guinea and Borneo. For his services and “untiring efforts for the spiritual welfare of the AIF”, Charles was awarded the Volunteer Officers’ Decoration and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He retired as Chaplain General in 1957. MINISTRY AND RETIREMENT In civilian life, Charles had been appointed Rector of St Mary’s, West Perth and instituted by his father, the Archbishop of Perth, on 7 February 1921. During his nineyear incumbency, Charles worked tirelessly for the Parish. One of his significant achievements in West Perth was the foundation of the Church of England Girls’ School, St Mary’s West Perth. He was the
inaugural Principal, a foundation teacher, Chairman of the Board of Governors and general handyman about the school buildings. A move to the Wheatbelt took place in 1930, when Charles was appointed Archdeacon of Northam. As in his past parish life, his personality shone through, making him a trusted confidant and friend to people in all walks of life throughout the Archdeaconry and beyond. His exceptional qualities as a priest were also recognised in 1938 when he was appointed Bishop of Bendigo in Victoria. The move from Perth to Bendigo highlighted another of Riley’s passions – motor cars and their mechanics. Of the journey to Bendigo, West Australian author, Freda Vines Carmody, wrote in her memoir of Riley, “With Mrs Riley he drove his Austin car across the Nullabor and, thanks to his skills as a mechanic,… he was able to drive the same car home again” in 1957.
BISHOP CHARLES 48 FIDELITER Archival Anecdotes
ARCHIVAL ANECDOTES
LEFT: CL Riley’s family - Owen, Molly, Joan, Bill, Lucile (Mrs Riley) and CL Riley c.1940.
After 19 years as Bishop of Bendigo, Charles retired to Perth. In his ‘retirement’, Charles was equally as energetic as he had ever been and he took on the pastoral care of the Parish of St Michael and All Angels, North Beach. He was associated with countless organisations, including the YMCA, Rover Scouts and the Girl Guides’ Association. Always willing to take on a cause, Charles led the Barracks Defence Committee, which tried to prevent the demolition of the old Pensioner Barracks at the head of St Georges Terrace. Under his leadership, the fight was partially won and the Barracks Arch, to this day, stands as a testament to his leadership and influence. In the early 1960s, Bishop Riley also found time to lead the fundraising for St Mary’s move from West Perth to Karrinyup, as President of the A Place to Grow campaign. The Rileys had four children: Lawrence William (known as Bill),
Mary (known as Molly), Charles Owen (known as Owen) and Joan. After attending St Mary’s Junior School, both boys followed in their father’s footsteps, attending Hale School. Molly and Joan both attended St Mary’s. Molly was Dux and Head Girl in 1937 and Joan completed her schooling in Bendigo. Bill was ordained and was Rector of St Mary’s, West Perth from 1968-1970, Honorary Chaplain to St Mary’s School 1968-1971 and a member of the Board of Governors 19681978. Sadly, Charles Owen drowned in 1954 in an accident in Watermans Bay whilst rescuing three girls caught in an undertow. The Charles Riley Memorial Reserve, North Beach, was named after him. Bishop Riley eventually retired from North Beach parish in 1969, when emphysema was drastically impairing his health. He died on 1 April 1971 at the age of 82. The West Australian headed a report of his death, ‘Bishop with the Common Touch’. Of him,
Freda Vines Carmody wrote: “In a farewell address to Legacy when leaving Bendigo, he stressed the need for total involvement with the community and that there was no room for passengers in life … Few have succeeded better in being part of the human experience than our bishop for all seasons, Tom Riley”. A line from Ulysses, by Alfred Lord Tennyson, was often quoted by Bishop Riley, and best describes his approach to life: “I am a part of all that I have met”. Bishop Riley is remembered at St Mary’s through the naming of Riley House in 1940, the window of St Mark in the Chapel of St Mary, the Riley Founders’ Bursary, the Bishop Riley Bequest Society and in our significant birthday years, the Bishop Riley Memorial Lecture. Richard Offen, author of A Place to Grow, with thanks to the Riley and Walters families
LAWRENCE RILEY CBE
FIDELITER Archival Anecdotes
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VALE IT IS WITH SADNESS THAT WE RECORD THE DEATH OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBER OF THE ST MARY’S COMMUNITY. ANNABEL FLORENCE BAINBRIDGE (VINER ’85) 17 MAY 1968 – 30 AUGUST 2020
Annabel was born in Cottesloe to Ian and Ngaire Viner, one of seven children in a large and close-knit family. She had a happy childhood and even at a young age, displayed a natural athletic ability, often crossing the finishing line first in primary school athletics carnivals, with the chant of “go Anna” coming from the sidelines. In 1981, Annabel joined her older sisters, Catherine and Elizabeth, at St Mary’s, with her younger sister, Natasha, joining a few years later. She continued to thrive, making lifelong friends, and excelled not only in athletics but also academically, especially in History and French. In 1985, her all-round ability at school, saw her being elected Craig Sport Captain. Annabel’s father, Mr Ian Viner AO QC, is a former Chairman of the St Mary’s Board of Governors and is well respected in the St Mary’s community. During her last year at school, Annabel received a Rotary scholarship to live in Belgium for a year. Upon her return, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree from UWA, before setting her sights on becoming a lawyer. Showing determination and independence, attributes she displayed her whole life, Annabel moved to Darwin to study law before returning to Murdoch University to complete her final year. She then joined Perth law firm, Mony de Kerloy, and this was the start of a successful 25year career with some of the best law firms in both
Perth and Melbourne. The respect and admiration with which Annabel was regarded by her colleagues is reflected in the words they use to describe her – professional, passionate, and with an ability to connect with people on many different levels. In 2000, Annabel moved from Perth to live in Melbourne. It was here she met Peter, and they were married a few years later. Early in their marriage, they had the opportunity to live in India, an experience that Annabel embraced. Mia was born there and a few years later, after they returned to Melbourne, Bridget arrived to complete their family. Annabel adored her daughters and they were a constant source of pride and joy for her. Despite juggling motherhood with her career, Annabel always found time for the many friends she gathered along the way, who were all drawn to her unique openness, sense of style, lively conversation and the intensity with which she lived life. Annabel’s love of the ocean was a constant her whole life, and she was at her happiest when at the beach, swimming at Cottesloe, Watermans, Molloy Island and Somers in Victoria. Annabel will be greatly missed by the many people around Australia and overseas whose lives she touched. Our sincere condolences go out to her entire family.
ARCHIVAL DONATIONS TO THE MARLENE CARTER HERITAGE CENTRE Thank you to all of those from the St Mary’s community who have donated to the Marlene Carter Heritage Centre over 2019 and 2020. Your generous donations of time, photographs, memorabilia and memories, have enabled the collection to develop, and have been invaluable for the writing and production of the St Mary’s centenary book, A Place to Grow, by Richard Offen. If you have any items that you would like to donate to the Archives, please contact Stephanie Neille, the School Archivist, on archives@stmarys.wa.edu.au or (08) 9341 9113. Lynne Thomson for Lady Treatt (Frankie Wilson ’32, Head Girl) Catherine Bagster for May Metcalf (Neale ’37) and Christine Bagster (Neale ’38) Lila Dixon (’39) and daughters, Marianne Dixon (’68) and Kay Jansen (Dixon ’71) Cynthia Ritson (Leake ’39) Jane Gillon (Fisher ’70) for Heather Tasker, daughter of Patricia Wilkinson-Cox (Gorman ’46) Ray Hyslop for Helen Hyslop (Judge ’50) Judy Wilson (’72) for Lesley Briscoe (Baxter ’54) Judy Martin (Spark ’56) Dot Merito (Lukis ’57) and for Madeline Bell (Forrest ’57) Leonie Harper (’59) Kaye Howell (Henson ’60) Diane Porter (Wardle ’60) Marlene Carter (’63) 50 FIDELITER Vale
Suzanne Dunne (Snooke ’63) Kathy Money (Watson ’63) Dana Trtica (’63) Jan Ring (Hatfield ’64) Jan Jackson (Burton ’64) Carole Kagi (Speedie ’64) Pam Mann (Beard ’67) Lila Strickland (Patton ’67) Geraldine Swan (Denney ’67) Julie Upton (Bedbrook ’67) for Sir George Bedbrook Kerry Rapley (Beard ’68) Barbara Kerr (’69) Dawn Masters (Crawford ’69) Yvonne Dean (McCumiskey ’71) Kay Jansen (Dixon ’71) Judy Wilson (’72) Sally Wilson (’74) Gaila Davies (Klimaitis ’78) Diana Jackson (Haddon ’80) Fiona Wilkins (Arbuckle ’80) Jane Crisp (Cyprian ’81) Amanda Girling (Roberts ’81)
Sarah Coney (Pope ’82) Pelagia Christodulou (Kakulas ’83) Justine Harding (’83) Louise Richardson (Kelly ’85) Katherine Embry (’86) Juliette Dye (Collison ’88) Daina De Mattia (Gale ’90) Rebecca Dickerson (Gale ’92) Peta Brown (Johnston ’94) Amy Dawson (Fraser ’94) Katy Keddie (Knowles ’94) Kelly Sinclair (Strahan ’96) Nicole James (Heales ’98) Bree Rosagro (Buxton ’98) Peta-Jane Secrett (Hogg ’98) Clare Sigrist (Bowden ’99) Jenny Moynihan, for Verity Moynihan (’09) Sarah Oliver for Amy Oliver (’20), Charlotte Oliver (’17) and Emily Oliver (’14) Ronda Beck (Deputy Principal, 1985-2008)
Margaret Field (Head of Junior School, 1970-1993) Rob Freitag (current Junior School teacher) Home Economics Department Julie Lamb (current Junior School teacher) Peta Madalena (Archives Volunteer) Kerryn Mead (Archives Volunteer) Reverend Joyce Polson (Chaplain Emeritus) Carey Redenbach for Campbell Redenbach Tim Riley (grandson of the School’s founder, Bishop Charles Lawrence Riley CBE) St Mary's Auxiliary (previously, Ladies’ Auxiliary) Lynne Thomson (Principal, 1997-2018)
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F O U R T E E N S E P T E M B E R T W E N T Y T W E N T Y- O N E
K E Y E V E N T S AT A G L A N C E
D I S C O V E R M O R E A T 1 0 0 Y E A R S . S T M A R Y S .W A . E D U . A U Events will proceed subject to the Government COVID-19 advice and restrictions in place at the time.
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ST MARY’S ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL INCORPORATED 75 Elliott Road Karrinyup Western Australia PO Box 105 Karrinyup WA 6921 TELEPHONE: (08) 9341 9111 WEBSITE: www.stmarys.wa.edu.au CRICOS Number 00454C
