Fideliter | Autumn Edition 2024

SHAPING THE FUTURE

FIt is with immense pride and excitement that I share with you the many incredible developments on the horizon for our beloved school. As we embark on our 103rd year of inspiring our students to discover their best, St Mary's continues to demonstrate a commitment to evolution and growth that has been a hallmark of our school’s rich history.

rom the merger of Miss Gouly's Girls' Grammar School and Miss Hilfirty's Alexandra High School in 1921 to the expansion to Craigmore in 1959, the relocation to Karrinyup in 1966, and the countless milestones that followed, our school has consistently adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of our aspirational students. Each era has brought with it new challenges and opportunities, and St Mary's has risen to the occasion with resilience and innovation.

Now, as we progress our Masterplan 2019-2030, we are thrilled to witness the transformation taking place on our campus. The extension to the Lady Treatt Centre for Music and Dance, the construction of Atkins Drive, the creation of a green corridor connecting our Junior and Senior Schools, and the opening of our new Creative Arts and Design Centre are all integral components of this exciting journey.

The Creative Arts and Design Centre, in particular, represents a significant step forward in fostering creativity and innovation among our students. This state-of-the-art facility will provide a dedicated space for students to explore and express their artistic talents, ensuring that St Mary's remains at the forefront of arts education.

Equally thrilling is the construction of our very own observatory, a testament to our commitment to promoting scientific inquiry and exploration. This observatory will allow our students to gaze into the cosmos and ignite their curiosity about the universe.

Furthermore, our plans for a new Science, Enterprise, Technology and Innovation (SETI) Centre underscore our dedication to preparing students for the rapidly evolving world of technology and entrepreneurship. The SETI Centre will be a hub of innovation, providing students with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in careers of the future. The completion of this build will then enable us to retrofit existing classrooms to provide contemporary, innovative learning spaces throughout our campus.

As we celebrate these tangible achievements, it is crucial to remember that they serve our greater goal of enhancing the educational experiences of all our students. Our new buildings and initiatives are not just physical structures but tools to engage hearts and ignite curious minds. With a strong culture of learning, St Mary's has always understood that investing in our students, staff and community yields the greatest dividends for our school.

Beyond the bricks and mortar, we take immense pride in the holistic support we provide for the wellbeing of our students. Our commitment to nurturing the aspirations of our staff and fostering a purposefully engaged community reflects our belief that a thriving school is built on a foundation of connected and fulfilled individuals.

As we stand on the cusp of a new era, we have reason to celebrate the incredible journey of our School. St Mary’s ability to evolve and meet the changing needs of our students has been a constant throughout our 103-year history. With the opening of the new Creative Arts and Design Centre, the construction of our observatory, and the plans for our new SETI Centre, we are not just embracing the future – we are shaping it. Together, let us continue to build a legacy of engagement and excellence for generations to come.

Mrs Judith Tudball Principal

As Lent draws to a close, Holy Week begins for Christians around the world. It is also worth noting that Ramadan falls at approximately the same time this year for Muslims, which means that roughly half the world’s population is observing a time of prayer, fasting and reflection. This brings me great hope for the future.

Holy Week at St Mary’s is marked by two major occasions. On Monday 25 March, the Junior School enjoyed its annual visit from Little Donkey, to remember Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday. Afterwards, the girls enjoyed an insightful chapel service.

On Thursday 28 March, our Senior School students gathered in Dannatt Hall for their annual Holy Week reflection. The Hi Fidelity choir sang Benjamin Britten’s Corpus Christi Carol, our Years 11 and 12 drama students re-enacted elements of the original Holy Week, the Year 11 and 12 Dance Ensemble performed a liturgical dance to John Legend’s version of Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar, Grace Brennan and Emma Luckley, accompanied by

Mr Jonathan Bradley, performed the hymn My Song is Love Unknown, and prayers, Bible readings and reflections were shared.

All of this is designed to encourage staff and students to take a pause from the busy pace of school life and think deeply about what really matters. Holy Week reminds us of our blessings as we enjoy peace, freedoms, an abundance of material comforts and a level of education that very few people in the world experience.

When we return from the holidays, our community will celebrate Easter and Anzac Day. These are commemorations of great courage and sacrifice that ultimately bring about new life and hope, which is fitting, given that new life and hope lie at the heart of everything that we do at St Mary’s. As we look around our campus, new life is everywhere, from buildings to the bush, creating an attractive, inspirational learning environment. As we journey with our students, from bubbly Kindergarten enthusiasts to mature, altruistic agents for good about to enter the ‘real world’, we walk beside extraordinary life and hope.

I am delighted about another sign of ‘new life’ at St Mary’s, with the commissioning of the Reverend Ruth Chapman as Assistant Chaplain on 10 March by the Right Reverend Kate Wilmot. Ruth comes to us from England, where she has had experience in schools and parishes. She loves sport, films and other media, and has extensive experience in community service and servicelearning programs. We are very blessed to have her among us.

May you have a safe, enjoyable and meaningful Easter full of new life and hope.

The Reverend Richard Pengelley

Introducing Reverend Ruth Chapman, Assistant Chaplain

I“Look at the stars and not at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious."

Stephen Hawking (First Class BA Physics, University College, Oxford).

n years to come, possibly when the next chapter of A Place to Grow is written, 2024 will be noted as the year that the St Mary’s community looked to the stars and, with curious minds, wondered what made the universe exist.

The establishment of St Mary’s observatory will truly set us apart globally, as we become one of just five schools across the world to join the University of Oxford’s Global Jet Watch program. It will ensure that our foundations continue to progress and prosper. It is the perfect metaphor for everything we hope for this generation and future generations of girls – to have no limits on what we want to see, do, explore and contribute.

The observatory, our new Creative Arts and Design Centre, and planned Science, Enterprise, Technology and Innovation (SETI) Centre are more than just material constructions. They are statements to our community and beyond that St Mary’s continues to be an exciting and forward-looking ‘place to grow’. It is a place where we bring together curious educators and administrators, engaged and excited families and girls, and grateful generations of Old Girls.

With eight billion people residing on the ‘third rock from the sun’, we can opt to think of ourselves as insignificant or we can step up and attempt the extraordinary, test our limits, love to learn, be creative and ensure that this chapter of St Mary’s history takes us beyond our Karrinyup sanctuary and makes a mark on the lives and learnings of others.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, I thank you for choosing to be a part of the St Mary’s community and providing opportunities for the next generation of young women to dream big and make us all better and stronger.

Elizabeth Carr (’81) AM Chair, Board of Governors

It is truly an exciting time to be involved with St Mary’s, as it stands on the brink of several remarkable developments. The unveiling of our Creative Arts and Design Centre marks the beginning of an era that promises to elevate the educational experiences of our students. Following this momentous occasion, we are set to embark on yet another extraordinary journey, with the construction of our very own observatory.

While our students will soon be looking at the stars in wonderment, the Foundation Board of Management does not need to peer into the depths of space to find sources of inspiration, as they are right here in our very own community. We are incredibly thankful to the 200-plus donors who contributed more than $300,000 to the Foundation in 2023. This included a very generous donation from the late Dr Raymond Hyslop, who graciously gifted the Foundation $100,000 in honour of his wife, Helen Hyslop (Judge ’50).

Last year, we proudly welcomed 22 new members into our Fideliter Society, a collective of donors who have generously supported St Mary's for five or more years. This benevolent society now has an impressive 107 loyal members.

Our 2023 Annual Giving appeal witnessed the support of 29 new donors. More than 60% of our donors maintained their 2022 donation sum, while 20% increased their giving to the School. The dedication of our community to our shared vision is truly heartening.

As we express our sincere thanks to every contributor, I invite you to view the 2023 Donor Roll on the opposite page. Each name represents a commitment to shaping the future of St Mary's and investing in the potential of our students.

Looking ahead, we are preparing for our 2024 Annual Giving appeal. In addition to supporting our Scholarship and Library Funds, donors will have the opportunity to contribute to the final major project of St Mary’s Masterplan 2019-2030 - the Science, Enterprise, Technology, and Innovation (SETI) Centre. Later this year, we will invite members of our community to have private and confidential conversations about SETI Centre investment opportunities. We look forward to sharing more information about this in the coming months. With the synergy of St Mary’s ground-breaking developments and the unwavering support from our community, there is so much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone who selflessly invests in our school and students.

Bree Rosagro (Buxton ’98) Chair, St Mary’s Foundation

JOANNA ROUSE SCHOLARSHIP

I am pleased to report that a deserving girl is enjoying the benefits of a St Mary’s education thanks to the to the generosity of an Old Girl.

Year 7 student, Piper Coad, commenced her journey as a St Mary's boarder at the beginning of the year after receiving a part-funded scholarship made possible by Old Girl, Joanna Rouse ('89). Without this scholarship, Piper would not be able to attend St Mary’s.

Joanna, who lives and works in London, has enjoyed a successful career in Human Relations and People and Culture, working in the financial services, mining and construction industries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. She is passionate about encouraging young women and previously served on the board of The Women’s Foundation Mentoring Programme for Women Leaders.

Piper, who hails from Wongan Hills, is following in the footsteps of her sister, Montana, who graduated from St Mary’s in 2022. We cannot wait to see what she achieves during her time at the School.

than K s to You 2023 DONOR ROLL

St Mary’s extends its gratitude to everyone who supports our vision to be a leader and innovator in the education of girls. It is our aim to provide the very best learning environment for our students today and in the future.

This Donor Roll records the names of donors who have supported St Mary’s between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023.

The donors listed in maroon have supported St Mary’s for five or more consecutive years and are recognised as members of the Fideliter Society

ANNUAL GIVING SCHOLARSHIP FUND, BUILDING FUND, LIBRARY FUND AND SPIRIT OF ST MARY’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Helen Adams

Dr and Mrs Afilaka and Family

Ai Family

Appleby Family

Arvidson Family

Elizabeth Atkins

Atkins Family

Attwill Family

Rod and Lyn Baker

Shannon Baker

Wendy Barnao

Bronwyn Barnes (Cooper '84)

Glenn and Lisa Barrett

Baskerville Family

David Bean and Miriam Borthwick

Monique Beaudoire and Steve

Hogden

Adrian Beck

Tyson and Allison Bennett

Alecia Benzie

Bouckaert Family

Ann Boyer

Brades Family

Paul, Victoria and Lilia Bradley

Brindal Family

Brownley Family

Vanya Burton

Paul and Wendy Butler

Buzynski Family

Carey Family

Elizabeth Carr ('81)

Marlene Carter ('63)

V Cearns

Pamelia Cheshire ('63)

Xing Family

Chong Family

Virginia Christie ('84)

Civitico Family

Counsel Family

Carolyn Cover (Walder '74)

Dr Leonie Coxon

Crabb Family

Jane Crisp (Cyprian '81)

Jaslyn Cullen (Gibson '94)

George Cyprian and Family

Amy Dawson (Fraser '94)

De Mattia Family

Rhys Dickinson

Amy Dickson (Paterson '94)

E P Dodson

Douglas Family

N Doyle

STUDENT AWARDS AND PRIZES

Donors who provide awards and prizes that recognise the outstanding achievements and service of students and Old Girls:

Shirley Duncan

Peter Evans

Jennifer Falkiner

Feng Family

Finnie Family

Galjaardt Family

Dr M Gebre-Mariam

Gibb Family

Rodger and Judith Gibson

C and G Giglia

Gillmore Family

Jane (Fisher '70) and John Gillon

Alisa Silaratkit

Elizabeth Gorey ('71)

Gray Family

Gregory Family

Griffiths Family

Gurgone Family

Cheryl Haak

Fiona Harris

Lisa Harris

Renton Harris Family

Trish Hawkey ('88)

Marjorie Heaney (Long '65)

Terri Herbert (Jasper '98)

Erica Herron

Lybus Hillman (Manning '65)

Dana Hlavacek

Lynda Hocking

Holdaway Family

Michelle Houwen

Elizabeth Howson

Vander Wal Family

Ireland Family (Breanna '21)

Eric and Louise Isaachsen

Jago Family

Janse van Rensburg Family

Deborah Jarman

Jeffs Family

Jiang Family

Johnson Family

Cate Johnson ('20)

Johnston Family

Joan Karmelita

Leo Kelly and Marlene Downing

Kenny Family

Kercheval Family

Knight Family

Komaromi Family

Koranis Family

Mrs Poonam Kulkarni

Pamela Leiper (Biggs '55)

Estate of Kerensa Allason (’89)

Estate of Fay Bailey (’40)

Estate of Esmee Byatt (Templeton ’30)

Dr John Craig, in memory of

Frances Craig MBE

Estate of Deborah Cook (Parker ’29, Head Girl)

Cora Barnes

Marilynn Freitag

Felicity Letch

Letrone Family

Min Lin

Lowson Family

Lucas Family

Lynch Family

James and Jessica Lynch

Mary Ellen MacDonald

Coral Mack (Hayes '64)

Wendy Mann (Barr '63)

Manuel Family

Judy Martin (Spark '56)

Paul McCarthy

McCarthy Family

McLean Family

Millett Family

Jane Milloy

Terry Minello

Molloy Family

Moncrieff Family

Hinkley and Morrell Family

Muir Family

Stephanie Neille

Patricia Nicholls (Hobbs '59)

Dr B Orebanwo and Dr Y Lucas

Palmer Family

Dr Nikki Panotidis

Joan Parke

Rebecca Payne

Anne Pesic (Nicolaou '91)

Phan Family

Ruth Phelps (Rowell '62)

Jo Philpott ('78)

Rosalie Poyner ('63)

Lesley Prowse

Ramel Family

Ramm Family

Louise Richardson (Kelly '85)

Grace Richardson (Snook '48)

Bree Rosagro (Buxton '98)

Margaret Saunders (Harris '70)

Indiana ('16) and Madeleine ('18)

Scanlon

Peta-Jane Secrett (Hogg '98)

Jacinta Sirr-Williams and Glen

Williams

Solacraft

Stout Family

Su Family

Y Su Family

Hongqi Sun

Sutherland Family

Hyslop family, in memory of Helen Hyslop (Judge ’50, Head Girl)

Genevieve Stone (’74)

Audrey Jackson AM

Joan Karmelita

Denise Lane (Marshall ’79)

Pamela Mathers

Ruth Phelps, in memory of Ruth Rowell (Robinson ’33)

Margaret Saunders (Harris '70)

Greg Tapscott and Sandy Slee

Temple Family

Deborah Thomas

Lynne Thomson

Thomson Family

K and D Thomson

Debbie and Rik Thornton

Dana Trtica

Judith and Rod Tudball

Tutton Family

Liam Twigger

Louise Tyson

Sally van Rooyen

Roger and Pam Veary

Jade and Sophie Vella

Keeva Verschoor

Judy Waddington (Crews '70)

Sharon Warburton and Damian Johnston

Brett and Kirrilee Warr

Wasley Family

Weerakody Family

Giles and Elspeth West

Karla Williams (Floan '82)

Piper Williams

Sarah Woods

Sun Family

Zamudio-Concha Family

15 donors who wish to remain anonymous

221 St Mary’s staff members who made a donation ahead of attending the Staff Dinner

ENDOWMENT FUND

The families of all new students in 2023 who contributed to the Foundation’s Endowment Fund, which provides for the long-term future of the School.

SCHOLARSHIPS

David and Coral Mack (’64)

KEE Bundu

Joanna Rouse (’89)

Two donors who wish to remain anonymous

Maria Stannage

St Mary’s Parents’ Society

St Mary’s Old Girls’ Association

St Mary’s Foundation

Robyn Taylor

Lynne Thomson

Estate of Lady Treatt (Wilson ’32, Head Girl)

Western Australian Journal of Medicine

Every effort has been made to ensure that this list is accurate. If an error has been made, please accept our sincere apologies and contact us on (08) 9341 9111 or giving@stmarys.wa.edu.au Please note: some minor adjustments have been made to align with our naming conventions. Should you wish to view the list of approved formats, please contact our Philanthropy team.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023

On behalf of the entire St Mary’s community, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2023 on their outstanding WACE results. The cohort's achievements are testament to their dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to discovering their best.

We pride ourselves on empowering each student to take their best path towards achieving academic excellence, whether through our ATAR or Elevate pathways. The Class of 2023’s accomplishments serve as inspiration to future generations, showcasing that with dedication, perseverance and support, anything is possible. Their achievements are also a reflection of our exceptional staff, who go above and beyond daily to ensure that our students are cared for and have every opportunity to reach their potential.

Mrs Judith Tudball, Principal

5 General Exhibitions

Sarah Flahive

Misree Trivedi

Siena Hamilton

Katrina Ailakis

Anya Chen

5 Subject Exhibitions

Lucy Blake (Mathematics Applications)

Anya Chen (Literature)

Sarah Flahive (French: Second Language, Italian: Second Language)

Amy Jones (Marine and Maritime Studies)

99ers

Membership is for sudents who achieved an ATAR of 99.0 or over. In 2023, we welcomed 18 members.

Katrina Ailakis

Justina Benyamine

Anya Chen

Emily Feng

Sarah Flahive

Alana Gregory

Madison Hamilton

Siena Hamilton

Amy Jones

Jaime Leivers

Isabella Love

Lily Paterson

Alice Shang

Kruti Sheth

Mae Siah

Sorielle Smith

Misree Trivedi

Chloe Tsui

14 ATAR Certificates of Excellence

Justina Benyamine (English)

Lucy Blake (English, Mathematics Applications)

Ciara Buckingham (Human Biology)

Anya Chen (Literature)

Mia Costas (Mathematics Applications)

Sarah Flahive (French: Second Language, Italian: Second Language)

Siena Hamilton (Physics)

Amy Jones (Marine and Maritime Studies)

Louisa Lu (English)

Annabel Opie (Marine and Maritime Studies)

Zoe Shaw (Mathematics Applications)

Misree Trivedi (Chemistry)

49

49

400 Club

In years past, students who achieved a TEE of 400 points or higher out of a possible 510 points in their university entrance examinations were inducted into St Mary's ‘400 Club’. In 2010, the TEE was replaced by the TEA, with a maximum possible score of 430. To continue this proud tradition, each year we convert our Year 12s’ TEAs into a score out of 510 and acknowledge those students who have achieved 400 points or higher. In 2023, 30 students joined our 400 Club.

Katrina Ailakis

Justina Benyamine

Lucy Blake

Ciara Buckingham

Anya Chen

Mia Costas

Pia Dethlefsen

Emily Feng

Sarah Flahive

Alana Gregory

Madison Hamilton

Siena Hamilton

Hayley Hyde

Amy Jones

Nicole Kirby-Smith

Kate Lagana

Jaime Leivers

Isabella Love

Ella Martino

Lily Paterson

Olivia Pech

Tarian Rothman

Alice Shang

Kruti Sheth

Mae Siah

Sorielle Smith

Zoe Shaw

Misree Trivedi

Chloe Tsui

Jessica Wheeler

High Flyers Assembly

On 2 February, the St Mary’s community convened to honour the members of our Class of 2023 who achieved exceptional academic results in our ATAR and Elevate pathways. Assembly highlights included a thought-provoking address from 2023 Archibald Packing Room Prize winner and Old Girl, Andrea Huelin (Wilhelm ’87); an insightful speech from Sarah Flahive, who achieved an ATAR of 99.95 and was Western Australia’s top student in French and Italian; and a perceptive reflection from Christia Serra, who excelled in our Elevate Pathway.

The Class of 2023 achieved outstanding results. More than 57 per cent of our students who achieved an ATAR earned a ranking of 90 and above, five students received General Exhibition awards and St Mary’s students earned five Subject Exhibitions. The cohort attained a median ATAR of 92.05 and our Elevate students acquired 73 VET qualifications throughout Years 11 and 12.

2024 PREFECTS and CAPTAINS INVESTITURE

“...I would love to be like an older sister to you all. This year, the Prefects, Captains and I want to adopt a theme of sisterhood within the school. Why sisterhood? Well, this theme is rather special to me, as it describes my journey at St Mary’s.”

Before I discuss anything about my theme for the year ahead, there is one very important thing that I want everyone to remember. I am not just an elected figure. My fellow Prefects and Captains are also not just elected figures. I want so much more than that, and I know this leadership team wants the exact same thing. We are real. We are approachable. And we are here to help you.

This brings me to our theme for 2024. Throughout this year, I never want to seem out of reach; I would love to be like an older sister to you all. This year, the Prefects, Captains and I want to adopt a theme of sisterhood within the school. Why sisterhood? Well, this theme is rather special to me, as it describes my journey at St Mary’s.

I joined the school in Year 9, a year after moving to Australia from England. This move brought many ups and downs but eventually I found my sisters. Thankfully, I now know who I need to go to for advice, who I need to go to for a laugh and who I need to help me unwind. The most beautiful thing about sisterhood is that it is never constant, and it is forever blooming. In different situations this year, you will find yourself relying on different people and opening up to people that you never imagined you would.

While thinking about how to sell this theme to you all, I came across a very fitting quote from author Amy Li: “Having a sister is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of. You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there”. Fortunately, you can’t get rid of me until the end of the year, and no matter what you all do, I will support you and make sure that you will always strive for the best, because I know that you can do it.

So, I ask you, don’t limit the ability to create an ever-flourishing sisterhood this year. It may seem scary to put yourself out there, but it really will do you so much good.

Our goal as student leaders of St Mary’s is to ensure that each and every one of you feels comfortable and appreciated. I wish you a joyous year of working together as one, to strengthen the St Mary’s sisterhood.

I am honoured to be your Head Girl, and I am extremely grateful that you have placed your trust in me. Thank you to everyone; I know we will have an amazing year.

Chi Chi Ijeneme 2024 Head Girl

IJENEME

STELLAR AMBITIONS

St Mary’s set to join global space program

St Mary’s will soon embark on a groundbreaking journey into the cosmos as it prepares to construct its very own observatory, marking the beginning of a new era of discovery for the school.

This exciting development, slated to commence later this year, will position St Mary's as one of only five schools worldwide to join the University of Oxford's Global Jet Watch program.

THE GLOBAL JET WATCH

The Global Jet Watch, which has been running for more than 11 years, utilises strategically positioned observatories across the globe to engage in time-lapse spectroscopy, capturing the dynamic essence of the universe. The goal of the program is simple: to transform our scientific understanding of the cosmos and inspire the next generation of young minds.

The nucleus of The Global Jet Watch is its network of research-grade telescopes, strategically placed in residential schools worldwide. These telescopes, which can be operated remotely, take advantage of the Earth's rotation to conduct investigations, studying black holes and other celestial phenomena within our galaxy.

St Mary's will soon become the program's fifth site, joining schools in Chile, India, South Africa and New South Wales. This collaboration will allow the School to contribute to cutting-edge astronomical research while providing our staff and students with unparalleled access to the world of astrophysics.

The Global Jet Watch is led by Katherine Blundell OBE, a Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Oxford and a Research Fellow at St John's College. Her impressive list of accolades includes a Philip Leverhulme Prize in Astrophysics, the Royal Society's Rosalind Franklin Medal, the Institute of Physics Bragg Medal and the Royal Astronomical Society's Darwin Lectureship. Professor Blundell's commitment to astronomy and education, demonstrated by her OBE appointment in 2017, which recognised her services to astronomy and the education of young people, underscores the importance of inspiring the next generation of scientists.

The location of St Mary’s Karrinyup campus ensured that the school was a leading contender for The Global Jet Watch’s fifth site. However, Professor Blundell said that the School’s overarching purpose and values, which matched the aspirations and ethos of her team, made St Mary’s a perfect fit for the program.

“We visited a number of schools at the longitude of Western Australia and spoke with the school principals and staff at each. We were delighted to see how the values and motivations of St Mary’s, embodied in their purpose, engaging hearts and igniting curious minds, resonated very much with our own. We loved the collegiality, the care, and the cando attitude at St Mary’s.

We are looking forward to commissioning the telescope, and to the girls having the opportunity to explore the night sky for themselves,”

Professor Katherine Blundell OBE

Our staff and students will benefit from visits by Professor Blundell and her team, who will conduct training sessions on operating the observatory's telescope during site visits. They will supplement this with regular Zoom meetings to provide additional education, and guide our staff and students through initial observations. Once adequately trained, our staff and students will be free to operate the observatory’s telescope when it is not being utilised by The Global Jet Watch team.

As St Mary's prepares to construct its observatory, it not only enters a new era of discovery but also embraces the prospect of contributing to a global initiative that promises to deepen our understanding of the universe and inspire the scientific minds of tomorrow. The partnership with the University of Oxford’s Global Jet Watch team ensures that the School will play a crucial role in unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos.

St Mary’s launches LIBRARY WITH A TWIST

In recent years, our Junior School staff has embraced Kath Murdoch’s inquiry process of learning, which is grounded in the philosophy that education begins with the curiosity of the learner. It empowers students to take charge of their learning journeys and encourages them to arrive at an understanding of concepts by themselves.

An important aspect of delivering this innovative approach to education is finding ways to show students how they can apply their learning in the real world and empowering them with communication skills that will stay with them for life. That is why our Junior School is launching St Mary’s first ‘Human Library’.

This novel project aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application by connecting students with a diverse array of experts from within the School community. The Human Library will operate just like a traditional library, but with a twist. Instead of books, the ‘shelf’ comprises a database of human resources made up of current and past parents, Old Girls, grandparents, current and past staff members, and friends of the school.

Deputy Head of Junior School (Curriculum), Natasha Denham, said the idea came to her while undertaking a Purposeful Pedagogies: Global Competencies

course facilitated by the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA).

“A huge part of the course focused on students contacting experts and that was the catalyst for St Mary’s own Human Library. We wanted our students to tap into people in our community because we know that there are so many people – parents, grandparents, Old Girls and staff –who are experts or knowledgeable in a vast range of topics,” Natasha said.

The Human Library, according to Natasha, will facilitate the practical application of classroom concepts and provide students with insights into the real-world relevance of their studies.

“Our students often ask, ‘When is this used in the real world?’ or ‘How is this going to help me after school?’ To have people in professions communicating what they do, will give the girls an insight into where they could use new skills or where their life could go," she said.

The St Mary’s community has rallied to 'stock the shelves' of the School’s newest library. It already possesses several engineers, doctors, lawyers and mining professionals, a midwife, an anaesthetist, a sustainabilityin-fashion expert, a fighter pilot, an arts manager, a mental health professional, a florist and a dentist, as well as experts in crisis management and ancient Greece and Rome. It even has a two-time Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist. As our Human Library expands – stocked with the wisdom and experiences of those who have walked varied paths in the world beyond the classroom - it will not only enhance the educational experience of our students but also foster a sense of connection, curiosity and inspiration that will undoubtedly shape our girls’ future endeavours.

Join our Junior School Human Library!

If you are interested in sharing insights about your profession, studies or hobbies with our students, we would love for you to be a part of our Junior School Human Library. Our goal is to create an extensive database of ‘human resources’ who possess knowledge about a variety of topics.

To sign up, please scan the QR code. For more information, please contact Natasha Denham at ndenham@stmarys.wa.edu.au

Paris Cambodia New

EXPLORING THE WORLD AND EXPANDING MINDS

Global Learning Experiences Shape Student Perspectives

In 2023, St Mary's proudly relaunched its international service and study tours, which afford our students opportunities to add layers and context to their learning by immersing them in different cultures, environments and experiences. At the end of the year, three groups of students travelled abroad for our New York City Arts Tour, Year 11 Cambodia Service Expedition and French Study Tour. We hope that you enjoy the following student accounts from these trips, which convey the profound impact that these global learning opportunities had on perspectives, understanding and personal growth.

New York Paris

New York City Arts Tour

The New York City Arts Tour was an experience like no other. From a musical theatre student’s perspective, it was a dream come true, filled with dance, drama and music workshops, Broadway shows and sightseeing. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would get the chance to go to New York for musical theatre. Each day in New York usually consisted of a workshop of your chosen stream, along with some sightseeing and plenty of shopping. My favourite workshop was the first workshop the musical theatre students attended. Our teacher, Drew Nellessen, was a performer in the show Chicago on Broadway. He taught us some of the amazing work of Bob Fosse and taught us a dance piece from the Broadway show. He also gave us some tips and tricks on how to work hard and achieve our best. Two nights in New York were reserved for Broadway shows. Every student attended the wonderful production of Wicked and then each student saw an additional show, either Chicago, Aladdin or Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. We also enjoyed a private tour by a student who attends one of the best performing arts schools in the world, Juilliard. I truly believe that attending the musical theatre tour will help my studies as a performing arts student. It has, without a doubt, clarified what I want to work towards and how I want to improve moving forward. I would like to thank all the teachers and staff who made this wonderful trip possible. I will never forget it.

Charli Simmons Musical Theatre

In December 2023, we embarked on an exciting artfocused trip to New York City. Led by our passionate art teachers, students from Years 9, 10, and 11 joined the adventure.

The city that never sleeps became our canvas as we explored its diverse artistic industry. Our itinerary was packed with visits to renowned art institutions like the Met Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Brooklyn Museum. At these iconic venues, we immersed ourselves in diverse artistic expressions, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works that pushed the boundaries of creativity. We marvelled at van Gogh's Starry Night and engaged in thoughtprovoking discussions sparked among us. But our time wasn't just about looking at things. We actively participated in hands-on art workshops led by accomplished artists. These intimate sessions provided invaluable insights into various artistic techniques and processes, allowing us to unleash our creativity in inspiring ways. Whether experimenting with paint like Basquiat or constructing like Cooper Hewitt, each workshop left an unforgettable mark on our artistic journey. Among our artistic explorations, we also embraced the vibrant cultural tapestry of New York City. From savouring street food to strolling through Central Park, every moment was infused with the city's dynamic energy.

As we farewelled the Big Apple, we felt a deep love for how art can change us and for the strong friendships we made while being creative together. We carried not only souvenirs but a profound appreciation for art's transformative power and the enduring bonds forged through shared creative experiences.

Eirene Kiratzopoulos

Art

Cambodia New York

Cambodia Service Expedition

During the December holidays, I was one of 24 students from St Mary’s and Christ Church Grammar School who attended a service trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Our primary focus was assisting teachers in English lessons at various Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) schools.

Despite language barriers, it was incredible to connect with the children through games and see their academic growth over the weeks that we were there. At the Neeson Cripps Academy, our afternoons were filled with cultural immersion, as the older students taught us traditional Cambodian dances, in preparation for our performance on the last night.

Beyond the classroom, we went to the Peace Community School to aid CCF student leaders in distributing shoes to school children, honed our bartering skills at the Russian and Central markets and met the incredible grannies who fostered children as part of the Girl-to-Girl program. The food program was a highlight for me, as we

helped the incredible student leaders provide dinner for people in the surrounding area and entertained the children by playing soccer and limbo.

Our visits to the Tuel Sleng Genocidal Museum and the Killing Fields were sobering experiences. They were particularly confronting after experiencing the kindness and generosity of the Cambodian people. Our last evening was a celebration of cultural exchange, featuring our learned dances and performances of We are Australian and the Nutbush.

The trip was nothing short of life-changing and made me so much more grateful for my life. I learnt so much about the incredible Cambodian culture and formed lifelong connections.

Merlyn Jijo

York Paris

French Study Tour

And though Paris was incredible, a dream-like city where the entire world was at our feet, the highlight of my trip without a doubt would be the time we spent in Nice. My host mother made me feel like I was truly a part of her family, and the language school’s cat, Groot, sat in on our language lessons. Each day after lunch, we explored different villages around Nice, my favourite being the gardens of St Jean Cap Ferrat. As we stood together, looking over the trees dappled with the first rays of sunset, and the sea reflecting early stars, I could not help but be forever grateful that I was exploring a new part of the world with people who felt like my own sisters.

For me, learning a language is so much more than memorising verbs and phrases for vocab tests. It’s about seeing the language in the social context it was designed to be in, and truly immersing yourself in layered connotations and colloquialisms. This is what was at the heart of the French Study Tour, and the reason it is my favourite school experience so far.

From our very first croissant, we were surrounded by French culture and customs. We were given the freedom to learn how to express ourselves outside of the classroom, and the room to explore the language in ways we never could within our set school units.

During the five days we spent in Paris, we explored places we had only dreamed of: we ate lunch at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, spent hours wandering the halls of the Louvre, stared at the mesmerising stainedglass ceilings of Saint Chapelle and, of course, spent hours inside patisseries, choosing which pastry would accompany our lunch!

I will always cherish the memories I made throughout the French study trip. Even the fleeting moments, like walking down Nice’s shopping avenues or simply weaving through the streets to find a hidden bakery for lunch, strengthened my love for learning the language. I am so thankful to have been offered this experience of a lifetime.

Lilia Dorfman

Wordsmiths help students find their voice

Nurturing and encouraging student voice is at the heart of St Mary's educational philosophy. In fact, it is a guiding principle woven into the fabric of everything that the School does. That is why exploring ways to develop our students’ creative expression is central to a new initiative launched by our English Department this year – a Writers in Residence program.

Head of English, Dionn Godhino, said that the Writers in Residence program is an exciting initiative that will give students in Years 11 and 12 the opportunity to pick the brains of two accomplished Western Australian wordsmiths. She hopes that by participating in workshops and one-on-one sessions with the experienced writers, our students will have more tools in their English arsenal to develop and share their authentic voices.

“The true purpose of this program is to develop ‘student voice’ within the school, which is a key element of St Mary’s strategic plan. Voice is also

one of our core concepts in English, but crafting an authentic voice is something that our students can struggle with at times. I am excited to see our students find their true voices with the help of our writers in residence.”

During Term 1, the program welcomed poet, author and St Mary’s Old Girl, Siobhan Hodge (’05). By steering the students away from getting bogged down in formulating complex plots, Siobhan encouraged the girls to explore moments in time or personal experiences. Her influence extended beyond traditional writing, as she

urged the students to experiment with circular narratives, motifs and patterns of imagery.

In Term 2, rapper and spoken word artist, Mark Lloyd, will focus on helping students explore new poetic avenues and developing their language control. One of his goals will be encouraging the girls to deviate from exploring clichéd topics and create original imagery in their language. Additionally, through the development of prose writing, he will urge students to delve into personal or shared experiences that captivate readers' imaginations.

The influence of the Semester 1 Writers in Residence program will be available for the St Mary’s community to appreciate, thanks to another noteworthy English Department initiative, the publication of a 2024 Creative Writing Magazine. Siobhan and Mark’s mentorship will undoubtedly contribute to the rich content of the magazine, which will hit the shelves during our Creative and Performing Arts Festival (CAPAF) on Friday 23 August.

The magazine will ensure that the Writers in Residence program will be remembered as much more than a momentary exploration of creative expression, as it will stand as a lasting celebration of the School’s commitment to developing and empowering student voice.

The Writers in Residence program was made possible thanks to a grant from the St Mary's Parents' Society.

WRITERS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM

SIOBHAN HODGE ('05) has a Ph.D. in English Literature. Her thesis examined the creative and critical legacy of the ancient Greek poet Sappho. She won the 2017 Kalang Eco-Poetry Award and the 2015 Patricia Hackett Award, placed second in the 2019 Ros Spencer Poetry prize, and was shortlisted for the 2019 Fair Australia Prize. Her work has been published in numerous places, including Overland, Westerly, Southerly, Cordite, Plumwood Mountain, Axon, Peril, Contrapasso, and the Fremantle Press Anthology of WA Poetry. Her chapbook of horse poetry, Justice for Romeo, is available through Cordite Books.

MARK LLOYD is a rapper and spoken word poet from Albany. He made a name for himself by winning the Australian Poetry Slam competition in his formative years and has since developed an eclectic catalogue of music rooted in a mix of hip hop, folk and soul music. Mark has completed three national tours, amassed millions of streams on Spotify, won a Western Australian Music (WAM) Song of the Year award and supported the likes of Action Bronson, Macklemore, MGK and Peking Duk. His is also a TEDx performing poet.

A new look for

Outdoor

Erinn, who has extensive experience as a freelance outdoor learning instructor and Outdoor Education teacher at various schools, brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Stuart has a similar background. He has worked as an outdoor learning instructor in Australia and internationally, and has taught at interstate and local schools. Additionally, both Erinn and Stuart lecture in outdoor education courses at the University of Notre Dame, emphasising their dedication to the subject.

The pair’s primary focus is developing the scope and sequence of St Mary’s Kindergarten to Year 11 outdoor learning program.

"Our goal is to build a sequence of learning, starting in Kindergarten, so that when our students embark on more challenging expeditions in their senior years, they are self-sufficient because we have steadily developed their skills throughout the program,” Stuart said.

St Mary's Outdoor Learning Program is gearing up for an exciting transformation in 2024, with the dynamic leadership duo of Director of Outdoor Education, Erinn Campbell, and Outdoor Education Teacher, Stuart Montgomery, taking the reins. Their mission is simple: to develop an Outdoor Learning program that is aligned more closely with the Australian Curriculum and provides St Mary’s students with enriching, interdisciplinary learning experiences in natural environments.

Erinn said that there were undeniable advantages to beginning the outdoor learning program in the girls’ formative years.

"Young children are eager to try anything, so the earlier that we make them feel comfortable in an uncomfortable setting is greatly beneficial. If they have had early exposure to feeling comfortably uncomfortable, we can challenge them a little bit more down the road, and they will reap the rewards of their adaptability,” she said. Stuart added, "Investing in the sequence of the program will allow us to ease the girls’ cognitive load every year. The theory is to stretch their cognitive load and then relax, stretch it again and then relax. Every time you challenge them, they relax past the point where they were previously, so every year it’s a comfortable stretch.”

With that in mind, Erinn and Stuart have incorporated some considered changes to the program in 2024. Our Year 3 students will now participate in an overnight, oncampus sleepout; the Year 6 cohort will focus on building resilience, fostering personal growth and developing leadership skills while delving into the rich tapestry of Australia's history during a camp at St Mary’s at Metricup; and our Years 10 and 11 experiences will offer a different perspective on challenges, emphasising personal growth and societal impact.

Under Erinn and Stuart’s leadership, St Mary’s Outdoor Learning program is poised to provide our students with a structured, engaging and transformative educational journey which fosters their connection with nature and prepares them for challenges, both in the wilderness and in life.

OUTDOOR LEARNING PROGRAM: sco P e and se Q uence learning

KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR 2: IGNITING CURIOSITY

Our Ecology Immersion and Awareness Program is designed to engage our students in the wonders of nature, fostering a deep connection with the environment while nurturing essential skills and knowledge. Through engaging activities, including nature-based art, collaborative cubby building, and citizen-science projects, our students will embark on a journey of scientific inquiry learning, resilience building and creative exploration.

YEAR 3: ENGAGING HEARTS

Aligned with the Health curriculum, our Year 3 activities are designed to strengthen our students’ personal identities by exploring the influences of family, friends and school. Beachbased activities such as dune restoration at Trigg Reserve and coastal conservation programs provide hands-on experiences that connect our students with the environment. A cohort sleepover in Hearn Hall will offers the girls a chance to connect with Senior School mentors through shared activities, like a night walk into the reserve, animal spotting and a blindfolded walk to the top oval, to instil the value of teamwork and trust.

YEAR 4: CONNECTING COMMUNITY

Our Year 4 program focuses on nurturing social and emotional wellbeing, resilience, creative and critical thinking, and fostering community connections. Aligned with the Health curriculum, our activities aim to empower students with tools for positive responses to challenges and failure.

Engaging activities include team-building exercises, small group hikes, orienteering, transition art using bush materials and a memorable campfire with a night walk. A unique community service activity will allow our students to actively contribute to their surroundings. In Year 4, our students visit our Metricup campus for the first time during an overnight mother-daughter stay.

YEAR 5: ECOLOGY STEWARDSHIP

Our Year 5 Stewardship Program focuses on instilling a sense of responsibility, environmental awareness and cultural understanding in our students. Aligned with the theme of stewardship, our integrated curriculum blends geography, inquiry learning and the formation of friendships to create a holistic learning experience. In this immersive program, students investigate threatened species in the local area, participate in conservation efforts and learn about the dynamics of fire. Cultural heritage is celebrated through visits to Ellenbrook Homestead and local Indigenous sites near our St Mary’s at Metricup campus.

YEAR 6: ADVENTURE CHALLENGE

Our Adventure Challenge is a transformative journey where our students focus on building resilience, fostering personal growth and developing their leadership skills, all while delving into the rich tapestry of Australia's history and culture. Aligned with the students’ history curriculum, the program explores Australia's systems of government and citizenship. Through a series of exhilarating activities such as canoeing, mountain biking, sleeping under a tent, and cooking outdoors, our Year 6 students are not only challenged physically but also encouraged to develop resilience, leadership qualities and a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural foundations of our nation.

YEAR 7: CONNECTIONS

Our Year 7 Connections Outdoor Learning Program at Metricup is a transformative five-day, four-night experience designed to help the girls form meaningful connections—to nature, to their new peers, and to holistic learning that engages their hearts and minds. Our diverse range of activities is curated to provide the girls with a well-rounded experience. From the thrill of snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters to the teamwork required in raft building, the serenity of yoga, and the creativity unleashed in theatrical sessions, every moment is a chance for growth and learning.

YEAR 8: CHALLENGE AND EXPLORE

Our Year 8 Outdoor Learning program entails an exhilarating fiveday, four-night adventure at our Metricup campus, which challenges our students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the beauty of the outdoors. From riding waves during surfing lessons to conquering new heights on high ropes courses, navigating mysterious caves, and honing essential hiking and navigation skills, each activity is crafted to inspire personal growth and a sense of accomplishment. The program also includes learning the art of trangia cooking, which gives the girls experience in preparing meals outdoors.

YEAR 10: BOORA KOORT

Boora Koort goes beyond traditional outdoor programs, providing a holistic approach to personal development. Our students will be encouraged to step into the unknown and embrace challenges that not only build their resilience but also contribute to a shared sense of growth. Through engaging exercises, the girls will delve into their intrinsic values and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Boora Koort isn't just about individual growth – it's a journey of community involvement and service.

YEAR 11: KAARTDIJIN

The name ‘Kaartdijin’, meaning knowledge, encapsulates the essence of this transformative program. The four-day experience based at our Metricup campus is designed to empower our students with profound insights into themselves and others. Kaartdijin is more than just an outdoor adventure; it is also a platform for honing leadership skills. Curated workshops provide a structured framework for students to delve into self-reflection, interpersonal dynamics and the principles of effective leadership.

YEAR 9: ADVENTURE

This immersive experience begins with a short visit to our Metricup campus before venturing into the Margaret River region for five days and four nights to challenge the students in a journey-based experience. Designed to foster resilience, grit and determination, this unique experience encourages students to step into the unknown and discover the strength within. Activities include canoeing the Blackwood River, hiking sections of the Cape to Cape trail, climbing, abseiling and mountain biking.

OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION

As I reflect on the second half of 2023, I am delighted to share the wonderful moments that we celebrated together as a community. Each event was testament to the strength of the St Mary's community.

In September, we warmly welcomed back our esteemed Old Girls who left St Mary’s 50 or more years ago during our annual Fleur de Lis Club Morning Tea. This event is always a wonderful way to foster connections and revisit shared memories.

The Old Girls’ Association had the pleasure of hosting more than 60 alumni for a glamorous Summer Soirée in November. Amidst the festivities, we unveiled the OGA’s Centenary gift to the School, the Fideliter Garden, a dedicated space for Old Girls to reflect and unwind while visiting the school. Please make sure to visit the garden the next time you are on campus; it is truly magnificent.

December featured our inaugural Year 13 Catch Up event, an intimate occasion that provided School staff and members of the OGA an opportunity to check in on our newest graduates. It was a wonderful afternoon full of reminiscing and laughter.

Following the Christmas holidays, we reconnected with members of the Class of 2023 at our annual High Flyers Assembly. This is always a fantastic event, as we celebrate the successes of the girls’ ATAR results and Elevate accomplishments. It goes without saying that we are extremely proud to call all members of the Class of 2023 St Mary’s Old Girls.

The celebratory event was made all the more special thanks to an address from Old Girl, Andrea Huelin (Whilhelm ’87), winner of the 2023 Archibald Packing Room Prize. Andrea spoke eloquently about her path to a career in the arts. It was such an inspiring and humble story, and so appropriate, given that the School is preparing to open its new Creative Arts and Design building.

During the assembly, I had the pleasure of presenting the Marlene Carter Old Girls’ Association Scholarship to Year 7 student, Ashleigh Clancy-Lowe, and the Ethel Beaton Old Girls’ Association Scholarship to Year 11 student, Caris Emmott. Jane Gillon was also thrilled to present her Jane Gillon Arts Award to Year 12 students, Eve de la Rie and Stella di Nardo.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the School’s new Alumni Relations Coordinator, Old Girl Lucy Wiseman (’17). Lucy has an extensive background in marketing, events and stakeholder engagement. She has returned to St Mary’s after working as an Events and Promotions Officer for the Uniting Church’s Engagement Ministry Team in Adelaide. Lucy is looking forward to connecting with our wonderful Old Girl community; please make her feel welcome.

In closing, I must emphasise how excited I am for the year ahead, which will feature a variety of fun and engaging events. I look forward to seeing you at one of them soon.

Amy Dawson (Fraser ’94) President, Old Girls’ Association

OLD GIRLS' ASSOCIATION UNVEILS FIDELITER GARDEN

The Old Girls’ Association was proud to unveil its Centenary gift to the School during its Summer Soirée event in November. Aptly named the Fideliter Garden, the dedicated space for Old Girls to reflect on their time at St Mary’s was designed by the incredibly talented Paula Kuka (’99). The garden features an impressive corten steel sculpture and two beautiful hand-crafted seats made of timber from the magnificent old tuart tree that took pride of place on the lawn near the Senior School Administration building.

Positioned between the Old Girls' Association Foyer of the Lady Wardle Performing Arts Centre and the Chapel of St Mary, the Fideliter Garden connects these two cherished Old Girl venues.

Its name was selected to reflect the strong bond that our Old Girls have with St Mary's, a faithful bond that draws them back to the school with a profound sense of pride and connection.

OLD GIRLSʼ NEWS AND EVENTS

OLD GIRLS' LONDON REUNION RETURNS

Principal, Mrs Judith Tudball, was delighted to host our first Old Girls’ London Reunion since 2018 on Sunday 24 March. The venue was none other than the Raffles London at The Old War Office, a stunning Grade II Edwardian Baroque-style building located in Whitehall, the epicentre of the British Government. The building housed the office of Winston Churchill during World War II. A vibrant mix of young and trailblazing Old Girls gathered for this special occasion, turning the event into a lively exchange of memories, connections and updates on the latest from St Mary’s. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the generous Joanna Rouse (’89) for contributing her time and resources to make this memorable reunion possible.

OLD GIRLS GATHER IN CANBERRA

This year’s Canberra Old Girls' Reunion, held at the Hyatt Hotel’s Howard Lounge on 29 February, featured a diverse group of Old Girls actively engaged in work and studies across the nation's capital. Attendees relished in exchanging stories, reflecting on their time at St Mary's and seizing networking opportunities. Despite a back injury, the eldest Old Girl present, Grace Richardson (Snook ’48), demonstrated remarkable determination to attend, epitomising the enduring spirit of our St Mary's community.

SAVE THE DATE

21 Hearts Production

Monday 5 August

Join us for the moving production of 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke

Fleur de Lis Club Morning Tea

Tuesday 15 October

Celebrating Old Girls who left St Mary's 50 or more years ago.

Old Girls' Day

Saturday 23 November

This special event provides an opportunity for our Old Girls to gather, reminisce about their time at school and share their life stories.

Reunions

The Classes of 1954, 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014 will all be celebrating significant anniversaries in 2024. Invitations will be sent from reunion coordinators in the coming months.

JESSICA GETHIN (’97)

Conductor inducted into WA Women’s Hall of Fame

Award-winning conductor, Jessica Gethin (’97), was inducted into the Western Australian Women’s Hall of Fame on International Women’s Day 2024. This prestigious honour recognises Jessica's contributions to the music industry and her dedication to empowering women in the arts.

Jessica is Principal Conductor of the West Australian Ballet and Head of Orchestral Studies and Conducting at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). A fierce advocate for women in music, she is the Ambassador for Perth Symphony Orchestra's Women on the Podium initiative. Her leadership has inspired a new generation of artistic leaders, elevating emerging women artists in her wake.

Jessica said that she was deeply humbled to be inducted into the WA Women's Hall of Fame.

“This recognition is not just for me but for everyone who has supported me throughout my career. I hope that the recognition helps to open doors to the next generation of emerging artists.”

MARLANIE HAEREWA ('16)

Old Girl honours her heritage

Congratulations to Marlanie Haerewa ('16), who won the Best Australian Short Film competition’s WA First Nations Filmmaker Prize for her compelling film, The Tale of Mr Kimberley

The Tale of Mr Kimberley tells the life story of Marlanie's Uncle Sammy, who was part of the Stolen Generation, became a master stockman and later came to be known as the godfather of tourism in the Kimberley.

Marlanie, a proud Nyikina woman, told Perth Now that she had always been captivated by the power of authentic storytelling.

“There’s something beautiful about listening to our elders share tales from their lives or sharing laughs with family over shared memories. By capturing these narratives through the lens, we not only honour our past but also ensure that future generations can learn from and connect with these voices long after they’re gone. To me, filmmaking isn’t just an art form, it’s a means of holding onto the essence of our humanity and keeping it alive for eternity.”

Marlanie hopes that winning the competition will enable her team to expand the project into a more comprehensive exploration of her Uncle Sammy's life.

Emma awarded prestigious scholarship

Congratulations to Old Girl, Emma Bond (’19), who was awarded one of two Westpac Future Leaders Scholarships to support her studies and endeavours in the hydrogen industry. The prestigious scholarship, which offers up to $120,000 in financial assistance, helps recipients explore leadership development opportunities and fund overseas study for up to six months.

Emma, who is currently studying a Master of Chemical Engineering at The University of Western Australia, is also a Fogarty Foundation Scholar and was a recipient of the St Mary’s Old Girls’ Association’s Fay Bailey Scholarship for Engineering, Science and Law.

Emma said that the Westpac Scholarship would help her to engage with people pursuing a diverse range of passions and studies to make a difference in Australia.

“Hydrogen is a strong candidate to help decarbonise hard-to-abate industries around the world and my study and research aims to address the technical challenges these sectors face. I am interested in how international dynamics are influencing the energy transition and hope to head to Germany to collaborate on technology development.”

EMMA BOND (’19)

Powerful portrait moves judges

An Old Girl’s artwork is in the running to win one of Western Australia’s most prestigious portraiture awards, the 2024 Lester Prize Youth Award.

Sophia Fuzikova (’23) impressed the judging panel with her emotive portrait, Maame Nsuyaa (We Are Who We Were), a portrait of her greatgrandmother.

The portrait, which Sophia produced as part of her Year 12 ATAR studies, seeks to honour an inspirational woman who raised nine children while running a cocoa farm in Ghana as a widow.

“The inspiration of my artwork is my greatgrandmother, Maame Nsuyaa. She is sitting on a porch at her cocoa farm in Ghana. She was a young widow who raised nine children while running a cocoa farm all on her own. Her dedication to her family allowed my grandmother to move away from the farm to Accra, the capital city of Ghana. It was a difficult decision, but one that provided an opportunity for my mum to receive a good education and move to Australia, where I was born. This piece is a commentary on the independence and strength of the women before me.”

Sophia’s portrait will be exhibited at WA Museum Boola Bardip from 12 April to 14 July, alongside other Lester Prize Youth Award finalists.

Lucy’s sweet venture

Entrepreneurial Old Girl, Lucy Long (’18), recently opened a bricks-and-mortar venue for her booming online sweet treats venture.

The former criminology student, whose cakes have been an online sensation for several years, opened Gather Bakehouse, located at 201B Oxford Street in Leederville, on 17 February.

Lucy said that increasing demand for her tantalising treats led to the expansion of her enterprise.

OLD GIRL PROFILES

Tertiary Education:

Bachelor of Science at The University of Western Australia (Double Major in Physics and Computer Science), Master of Physics (Astrophysics stream) at The University of Western Australia

Currently:

PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics at The Australian National University

Current Occupation:

PhD candidate

Madeleine McKenzie (’14)

Where has life after St Mary’s taken you?

I have been at university since finishing at St Mary’s. I earned my undergraduate degree and Masters at The University of Western Australia, and I have been doing a PhD for the last three years at The Australian National University.

Astrophysics

What does your current role entail and what does a typical day look like?

When I’m not in meetings, it is usually 50% writing, 20% coding, 20% reading and 10% supervising students. I get up, I work, I do some form of exercise, I go to sleep and then repeat the process. No one said that doing a PhD is fun!

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Seeing my students find new results and watching them give their end-of-project research talks.

How did St Mary’s help you to discover your passion for science and, specifically, astrophysics?

I always wanted to be an astronomer for as long as I can remember and St Mary’s gave me the tools and support to make it happen. I am forever grateful for the time my teachers spent helping me.

candidate PhD

What advice would you offer to current students who are contemplating a career in astrophysics?

Be comfortable with failure and question everything.

Success in astronomy (and, quite possibly, other sciences) is just a game of how long you can stick around during all the failed projects, observing proposals and computer coding (and more) until you have a small win. In my experience, determination beats sheer intelligence in the long run.

Learning how to be critical of scientific literature is fundamental. Some of the biggest discoveries in astronomy are born from trying to prove someone else wrong. Additionally, be prepared to be proven wrong and graciously accept different perspectives when new information becomes available. For example, the new James Webb Space Telescope has turned many theories of star formation and galaxy evolution on their heads. Astronomy is a constantly evolving field and new discoveries are changing what we thought was true.

OLD GIRL PROFILES

Katerina Dodds

KATERINA

Tertiary Education: Bachelor of Marine Science at James Cook University

Current Occupation: Operations Manager, Willie Creek Pearls Broome

Where has life after St Mary’s taken you?

Life after St Mary’s has taken me around the world. I have been lucky to earn some research opportunities in Mexico, Iceland, Thevenard Island and Useless Loop, but I mostly used those as excuses to work and travel. I was the General Manager of Ocean Park Aquarium in Shark Bay for five years and worked as their dive instructor, running dive courses and trips to see wildlife. I am now the Operations Manager at Willie Creek Pearls in Broome and try to get involved with the community as much as I can.

operations manager (’06, Head Girl)

What does your current role entail and what does a typical day look like?

My role encompasses overseeing the dayto-day operations of Willie Creek Pearls. During the dry season, I run three jewellery retail stores, the Harvest Café located at Willie Creek, tourism operations – including content, bookings and availability at the pearl farm – and the maintenance and running of the farm itself. Every day is different. I could be painting floors, selling pearls, valuing pearls, teaching people about the pinctada maxima or even making coffee! I love to be busy and I love variety – this role definitely has both of those!

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am still very proud of some achievements that I managed to get while still in school. I would rate being Head Girl in 2006 and swimming the English Channel as part of a team in 2005 as things that I am most proud of. More recently, being involved with the community and assuming the role of secretary of the Broome and Shark Bay Marine Rescue groups has been very rewarding. I have also recently trained with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to become a trainer assessor and teach volunteers skills to enable people to participate in rescues.

How did St Mary’s help you to discover your passion for marine science?

When people ask how I got into scuba diving or marine science, I tell them I was really lucky that they were part of the curriculum at St Mary’s. Having a head start in learning about animals, relationships and ecosystems and being able to partner that with real-life experience through diving and observing, kick-started my passions and gave me an edge when I started university.

What advice would you offer to current students who are contemplating a career in marine science?

Try and get as much practical experience as you can. Start diving, snorkelling or being on and around boats. You can learn a lot through books, but practical experience is another way of learning and it puts you together with like-minded people, to talk with and learn from. I also found getting involved in and volunteering with dive clubs and marine rescue groups helped me get more exposure to people in marine industries and people who have similar passions.

ARCHIVAL ANECDOTES

In memory of

TViolet

he Old Girls’ Association’s generous Centenary gift to the School was the beautiful Fideliter Garden, which is located between the Chapel of St Mary and the Old Girls’ Association Foyer in the Lady Wardle Performing Arts Centre. At the launch of the Garden, our Old Girls marvelled at the garden’s eye-catching corten steel sculpture, which reflects on a stunning three-piece painting that takes pride of place the Old Girls’ Association Foyer. That artwork, God’s Breath by renowned artist Marjory Bussey, was donated to the School by Violet McLennan (Bethell ’28, Head Girl).

ABOVE: Roseworthy School, Miss Tothill standing c1910s

RIGHT: Violet in a Dutch drama costume, 1919

BACK ROW (L-R): Kathleen Cullen, Deborah Parker, Ngaere Purser, Margaret Leckie, Ray McClintock, Gwen Saw, Enid Norris

FRONT ROW (L-R): Betty Hart, Violet Bethell, Mollie Murray, Betty Mitchell

BELOW: Violet’s Roseworthy School Certificate, 1920

Violet was born as Louisa Violet Bethell in 1909, to Laura and Charles Bethell, living at 8 Walker Avenue West Perth. Remarkably, the house is still standing and is a splendid example of its era with long verandahs, a wrought iron fence, sash windows and a pitched iron roof. Young Violet attended Miss Tothill’s Roseworthy School on the corner of Kings Park Road and Altona Street, and later at 64 Ord Street in West Perth, which was a quick skip and a jump from her home. An extremely clever student, Violet thrived under the tutelage of Miss Tothill. During 1923, Violet accompanied her family to Melbourne for her mother’s medical treatment and temporarily attended Lovell House, a branch of the Melbourne Church of England Girls’ Grammar School. On her return to Perth, The Roseworthy School and Miss Tothill had joined the newly created Church of England Girls’ School, St Mary’s West Perth, and Violet started her story as a lifelong St Mary’s girl.

Her reports shone with excellent results, form prizes, awards and good attitudes, culminating in her Leaving subjects of English, Biology and Drawing, being on the Almerta Committee, becoming a School Prefect in 1927 and Head Girl in 1928. Always an active Girl Guide, Cadet and Patrol Leader, Violet compiled the Guide Song Book: the 1st West Perth Girl Guides Association, returning to help run the Guides at the School. She was a dynamic member of the Naturalists’ Club, the Dramatic Club and joined the Old Girls’ Association, becoming its first representative on the Board of Governors in 1933, a tradition that has continued to this day.

Violet married Allan Neil McLennan from Whittlesea Victoria in 1946, who had attended Geelong College and Melbourne University, been a decorated soldier in WWI and was a Major in the Intelligence Corps in WWII. Violet’s mother, Laura, passed away at an early age in 1930. Her father, Charles, died in 1951, and her husband passed in1968. However, with a life full of children and grandchildren, Violet remained buoyant and always cheerfully attended St Mary’s reunions in Melbourne. She kept in touch with her school friends and cared deeply about the future of St Mary’s by contributing to fundraising.

In memory of Violet, her daughters donated her school memorabilia to the School’s archives in 2010, and gave significant works of art to the National Gallery Victoria on her behalf. Violet had always appreciated the importance of art and its value in being shared with others. So when you are next viewing an artwork that appeals to you, consider the artist and their intent, but also those who have made the work available to be seen: the sponsors, the loan arrangement or the generous donor who provided a fragment of beauty for you to behold, even if only in passing.

Stephanie Neille Archivist

VALE

St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School offers its condolences to the families of the following members of our community.

Norah Williams (Clement ’40)

Loma Toohey (Buckenara ’47)

Sandra Noni Gray (’51)

Helen Campbell (Willis ’54, Head Girl)

Margaret Joyce Stowe (Nicolay)(Cole ’65)

Larissa Golden (’07)

RIGHT: Prefects 1928