“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” — Jack Welch.

Our Year 12 students are about to embark on a new chapter in their lives and as they prepare to leave the gates of 17 Heyington Place, they have been given the opportunity to reflect on their time at St Catherine’s School. The Year 12 students have provided this reflection as part of their School Colours applications, in which they highlight the significance of the opportunities in the School’s co-curricular programs and how this has contributed to the independent young women they have become. I am continually reminded through these reflections of how the programs we offer provide opportunity, inclusion, leadership, skill development, integrity, challenge and growth.

Below are a few extracts from the Year 12 reflection pieces.

“Ever since I joined St Catherine’s School in Year 5, I have experienced the strength and inclusiveness of our School community and the significance of every girl and the contribution she makes to our student body. I recognise how fortunate we are to be a part of something that is bigger and more important than the individual. I have always felt so valued in the contribution I have made through my journey at St Catherine’s, as the nature of our community encourages everyone to feel welcome and valued. I can see how all our individual contributions, however grand or small, together make for something so strong and powerful.” – Isabelle Binsted.

Through participation in the Sports programs at school, “I have developed a love for Tennis, Swimming and Cross Country, all sports which I have been involved in throughout my time in the Senior School and Junior School at St Catherine’s. One of the reasons why I love these sports so much is the culture and team spirit embodied by the teams. I was privileged this year to be given the opportunity to foster the positive culture in the St Catherine’s Swimming team as the Swimming Captain. We focused on the team mantra ‘we are hungry, we are confident, we are strong’ to encourage the girls to achieve their best results as well as focussing on creating a positive team experience for the younger year levels, which will hopefully continue through future years”. – Isabelle Gough.

“One of the things I love about St Catherine’s School is the opportunity available to students to become involved in a broad range of co-curricular activities no matter of their abilities. Since Year 7, I have aimed to make the most of this by being involved in many aspects of the School community. This has enabled me to broaden my learning experience whilst fulfilling the School values. At St Catherine’s, participation in a variety of aspects of school life is valued equally. However, it is the positive, respectful way in which St Catherine’s girls conduct themselves while engaging in such activities that differentiate them from students elsewhere. It is the willingness to become involved in our community no matter what your talents that sets our students apart and allows St Catherine’s girls to grow in confidence.” – Lucy Porter.

“The co-curricular opportunities at St Catherine’s School have helped me significantly in many aspects of my life. Sports such as GSV and Rowing helped me make long lasting friendships and helped me balance my social and school life. GSV Sport was a great way to make friends and branch out to other friendship groups, in fact in six years at St Catherine’s School, I have only missed two terms of GSV Sport… I am proud to say when I leave school this year that I have no regrets and have taken every opportunity given to me at St Catherine’s School, which has allowed me to have such a fulfilling and happy time here, and I am proud to be a St Catherine’s girl.” – Madeleine Leggo.

“In my time, my mindset has been a ‘give what you take’ approach to the School community for all aspects of school life. A particular highlight has been the Debating and Public Speaking program at School. If I were to go back and adjudicate my first Year 7 debate, I am sure I would laugh hysterically. However, ultimately what that shows me is how far I have come as both a public speaker, debater and member of the St Catherine’s community. Even though I am aware the skills I have developed through this program will be lifelong, what is most memorable to me is the way in which I have been able to give back. I credit my strategies, techniques and abilities to my ever knowledgeable and approachable mentors over the years: both staff and students. Yet, what humbles me the most is the way in which I am able to reflect upon my Year 7 and 8 self, being mentored by those who were ‘the big girls’ in that era and realise that hopefully I too have been able to make an impact on the younger girls I have mentored over my senior years… It has been a sheer privilege to be a part of a community that is so special and unique.” – Demi Markakis.

As we farewell our Year 12 students for 2018, we acknowledge their achievements throughout their time at St Catherine’s School. I have no doubt that they will continue to aspire, achieve and make a difference in our world and make us all proud of the powerful women they will continue to become.