The Year 12 Class of 2019 have had a very happy and busy start to their final year of schooling. It was wonderful to welcome the Year 12s on Tuesday 29 January for their Leadership Conference. The day began with a parent-daughter breakfast at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, and we were honoured to have Ms Sally Capp, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, address the audience of students, parents and staff. In summary, Ms Capp spoke about three important rules: respect failure and do not fear it, speak up and tell people what you want, and make sure you have a network of quality supporters around you (it is about quality rather than quantity).

Year 12 students and their parents enjoyed the parent-daughter breakfast at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

The girls returned to school for a series of sessions run by Mrs Michelle Carroll, Mr Robert Marshall and Ms Merran O’Connor. This was followed by an address delivered by guest speaker, Glen Gerreyn from The Hopeful Institute. Glen spoke to the girls about the importance of discovering purpose and meaning in our lives. He advised the girls to seek a calling, and not to settle for a job or a profession, to do something with their lives that they are passionate about. He posed three questions for consideration:

  1. Who am I? (Self-awareness).
  2. Why am I here? (Meaning and reason).
  3. Where am I going? (Destiny and direction).

Glen reminded the girls that “in order to cope and succeed, it is vital to find a true and strong sense of self and maintain an innate core of anti-fragility, strength, purpose and most importantly, hope.” The girls also received their blue jumpers and despite the 37 degree heat, enjoyed wearing them all day!

At the end of the first week, as an act of kindness, the Year 12 students made fairy bread in the Common Room at lunchtime for all the girls in the Senior School. It was certainly received with much enthusiasm and requests for more fairy bread!

The Year 12 students made fairy bread to welcome our Senior School students to the new school year.

The Year 12 students have already immersed themselves fully into the co-curricular programs offered at St Catherine’s for the last time. Senior play rehearsals are in full swing and we are all looking forward to the production of ‘The Crucible’ in May. Debating training has begun, with the first Senior debate taking place towards the end of the month. Community Service activities have taken place, namely the Red Cross Calling and Sporting teams and Music ensembles have also commenced. Training and rehearsals are well under way for upcoming events such as the Head of the Schoolgirls’ Rowing Regatta and the Concerto Concert.

The Year 12 Wellbeing program, under the banner of weLead, has seen the Year 12s involved in guided meditation and yoga sessions; a visit from the President of SCOGA, Mrs Chrissy Ryan; careers sessions; House Meetings; the launch of the new Colours system; and a visit from a representative from the University of the Arts London.

At the end of 2018, I introduced our Co-School Captains to the St Catherine’s Community, and in this article, I would like to introduce two more of our Year 12 students who are on the Student Executive for 2019. The Student Executive consists of our School Captains, Georgina Cottrill and Kavina Kalaichelvam, along with Hope Kudelka, Emily Sutherland, Clementine Aston and Annelise Cody. The Student Executive meets regularly with Ms Merran O’Connor, Deputy Principal and Director of Student Wellbeing, to discuss school initiatives and student led activities.

Hope Kudelka is Langley House Co-Captain. Her goals for 2019 are to work hard, enjoy school and become involved with as much as she can in her final year of school. Outside of school, Hope enjoys sewing, reading, playing tennis, travelling and going to the beach. Something unusual that you may not know about Hope, is that she is very quick to put IKEA furniture together! Hope has aspirations to pursue Medicine, Design, Engineering or a field that has a positive impact on the environment. Hope has enjoyed her time at St Catherine’s School and says it is easy to get to know everybody personally and she appreciates the care of the teachers and the support students are given.

Annelise Cody is Co-Captain of Davis House and enjoys the small and inclusive St Catherine’s community that provides endless opportunities for the girls and the close friendships that are forged. After Year 12, Annelise would like to pursue a degree in Business or Commerce in addition to some travelling. Something you may not know about Annelise is that she loves croissants but does not like butter! Annelise plans to balance her academic studies with her many co-curricular interests this year. She is a very keen athlete and skier and also enjoys cooking on the weekend and going out for breakfast.

Mrs Melissa Braddy, Head of Year 12 & Learning Plus/Education Support Teacher