Past Student Profile
Anne Tietz (pictured right, with Drama Vice Captain 2008, Emily Mead) grew up in Germany in a little town near Berlin and came to St Catherine's at the beginning of Year 11. Anne completed Year 12 in 2008, and was chosen to be Drama Captain and received the Drama Auxiliary Prize and the St Catherine's School Margaret Mulder Award for International Citizenship at the Year 12 Awards Night. Anne plans to study drama in Germany and become an actress.
What was it like to come to St Catherine's School from Germany?
I did experience some difficulties settling into a new life here in Australia, building up friendships whilst not being able to speak English fluently. Living in the Boarding House, however, made that a lot easier. Every girl is pretty much in the same situation - being away from home, family and friends - so I found it easy to connect with the girls.
How did you find being a Boarder?
Living in the Boarding House is one of the best experiences I have had in my life. You build such strong friendships with the other girls that you know when you leave you will stay in contact with them. The Boarding House has such a warm and welcoming feel with extremely friendly and helpful staff, so it is hard not to feel loved! The wide range of afterschool activities such as Drama, Music and Sport made it easier for me to meet people and be a part of the St Catherine's community.
How has St Catherine's given you opportunities to excel academically?
St Catherine's is a very fine school with an excellent academic program. I was surprised by all the different subjects the School offers. Always being a student who is more interested in artistic subjects, I was able to put together a timetable that covered all my interests such as Art, Music and Theatre Studies. Coming to St Catherine's benefited me in this area because in Germany I wouldn't have been able to do these subjects at VCE level.
What helped you to settle in as an International student?
Living in the Boarding House helped me a lot to settle in and make Melbourne my second home. All the different activities the School offers make it easier for International Students to connect and be involved right from the start. The International Club also plays a very important role in this area, as an area where International and local students get together and spend some relaxing, fun times together. I personally really enjoyed getting involved with the Drama Program. Besides giving me something fun to do on Sunday afternoons, being in the Senior Play helped me to build some strong friendships with local girls across different year levels. I can only advise every future International Student to get involved because it is the best way to meet new people!
What kind of characteristics do you think your education at St Catherine's has helped to build in you?
I used to be quite a shy person around people I do not know, however as soon as I get comfortable with them I come out of myself. During my time here I learnt that you have to speak up for yourself and show everyone what you can do, if you want to get somewhere in life. Especially being by yourself, without your parents, you have to make the effort to ‘come out of your shell'. I feel that I have become a lot more independent and mature. I have also learnt my strengths and weaknesses.
How did you find being Drama Captain this year?
I loved being Drama Captain! It was an honour to be selected. Drama is my true passion. I had so much fun being involved in Drama and seeing other people getting involved as well. Paintings sets, choosing costumes, rehearsing, advertising and just preparing everything seemed to be time consuming but, despite the nervousness, as soon as you hear the audience cheering and clapping you feel amazing and all the hours of work are so worth it. Being Drama Captain was a remarkable experience and I hope that St Catherine's will continue to have such a wonderful performance program.
How would you describe the St Catherine's community and the St Catherine's 'spirit'?
I had never seen such strong school spirit before I came to St Catherine's. Everybody just seems so proud to wear their grey dresses, blue socks and ribbons. Especially at sporting events you will always hear St Catherine's cheering the loudest! House events aren't any different and the spirit makes you grow as a team. I was also surprised to see how many parents are involved within the School community, supporting the students and making School life as enjoyable as possible. St Catherine's has a truly incredible spirit and a remarkable, supportive community.
Will you keep in touch with all your St Catherine's friends?
It is hard to say goodbye but I know that I will come back in a few years' time and I'm excited to see what paths the girls take in their lives. I'm also looking forward to seeing some of my St Catherine's friends come and visit me in Germany. It will be marvellous to show them my culture after they have shown me theirs.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Having lived here for more than two years and coming to love Australia and its people, it will be hard to go back to Germany, but being so far away from family is very hard in the long run. My big goal is to be accepted into Drama School in Germany and become an actress. I also want to come back to Australia for a couple of months, but this time not as a student but as a backpacker!