‘You cannot know what you do not know. You cannot know about things you have yet to discover.’ – Jonathan Raymond.

Over these past few weeks, I have enjoyed talking with our Year 12 girls about their journey at St Catherine’s School. During these discussions, I have been impressed by the maturity, learning and preparedness for their life after school. A number of students agreed to share their reflections of their time at school and, in particular, their co-curricular journey. Provided below are snapshots of the students’ reflections. Each summary is accompanied by a link which allows you to listen to the full interview.

Emily Sutherland is a member of the 2019 Student Executive, Langley Templeton House Captain and Captain of Boats. Emily commenced at St Catherine’s in Year 4 with a focus on Swimming, which enabled her to build her endurance in her younger years. Emily acknowledges Mr Tom Crebbin, Junior School Head of Physical Education, as having a significant influence in her reaching her potential in her younger years and fostering a nurturing sporting environment in the Junior School. Emily believes she had many opportunities during her school journey to gain skills and learn more about her own abilities. Through each sport, she learned more about herself and what she needed to do to improve. In my interview with Emily, she reflects on her participation and learning through Athletics, Cross Country Skiing, GSV Weekly Sport and Rowing as she transitioned to the Senior School. She also reflects on the relationship between coaches and students in fostering an individualised environment for our girls in getting the best out of themselves. Through this environment, Emily acknowledges that the team culture and commitment from our girls provides a significant contribution from the team of girls. Emily lists teamwork, commitment, resilience and selflessness as the top four skills that were significant in her sporting journey at St Catherine’s. Emily says her experiences at St Catherine’s has shaped her as a person, by subconsciously participating in a range of activities contributing to her personal growth. In the future, Emily aspires to experience new cultures and countries, and hopes to study at a college in the United States. Please below to listen to the full podcast with Emily Sutherland.

Emily Sutherland.

Flynn O’Brien is the 2019 Boarding Captain and started at St Catherine’s School in Year 9. Flynn’s journey has very much followed in her two older sisters’ footsteps, but she has very much made her time at St Catherine’s her own. Flynn found the Heyington to Highlands program in Year 9 a significant turning point in her time at St Catherine’s School in getting to know the year level and learning about the Fijian culture, herself and her learning. “You get out of it, what you put in,” says Flynn. Flynn seizes every opportunity to enhance her own learning through enthusiasm and participation. Flynn’s interest in travel and other cultures has taken her on the World Challenge program in Nepal where service learning was a significant focus. The process of raising funds for this trip provided significant learning opportunities for Flynn. Flynn sought out an opportunity for further independence by participating in the French Exchange. Flynn’s confidence in the French immersion significantly assisted her French speaking skills and provided the opportunity to further her understanding about the English language through learning French. Flynn talks about assuming the role of “big sister” and connecting with the younger girls in the Boarding House. Flynn considers the grounds of St Catherine’s as her own “backyard”. She reflects on feeling supported by the St Catherine’s staff and community in every aspect of her school journey, through celebrating her accomplishments and providing encouragement along the way. You can hear Flynn’s enthusiasm for learning and connecting with others by listening to the full podcast.

Flynn O’Brien.

For Emily and Flynn, their journeys have been significantly different – each have found their way, following a different path, through our Co-Curricular programs and opportunities. Each girl has learned new skills which will assist with their development over time. Our students are continually learning on their journey through St Catherine’s School and these skills are built and added in each opportunity provided to them. Emily and Flynn are a small sample of stories and journeys that can be told from our girls. I look forward to sharing more of the girls’ stories in future articles.