St Catherine’s School 120 year celebrations

Since our School’s foundation in Castlemaine in 1896, the School has been realising the vision of our Founding Principal, Miss Jeanie Hood, to develop “women of the future”.

I extend to new and continuing families and members of our St Catherine’s community a warm welcome to the commencement of the 2016 School year. I hope you have enjoyed a restful vacation and the opportunity to spend some valuable time with family members over the Christmas period.

This year, St Catherine’s School celebrates its 120th anniversary. Since our School’s foundation in Castlemaine in 1896, the School has been realising the vision of our Founding Principal, Miss Jeanie Hood, to develop “women of the future”. The School has educated generations of remarkable young women over its 120 years, and is well regarded as one of Australia’s finest girls’ schools.

The year ahead will provide many opportunities to reflect on the outstanding history and traditions of our School and to honour the many teachers, students, staff, families and community members who have contributed to the success of our School over many generations.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to launching the 120th celebrations on 4 February with our Foundation Day Church Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, commencing at 1.30pm. This is 120 years ‘to the day’ since Miss Jeanie Hood opened the doors of our School; all community members are invited to attend.

Also in Term 1, our School community are invited to attend the 120 Celebration Ball on Saturday 20 February, commencing at 7.00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for our current and past parents, and our Old Girls, to come together as one and to enjoy the exciting new Melbourne venue, The Glasshouse. A highly creative parent team have orchestrated a brilliant evening of entertainment and I encourage your attendance and support.

A summary of key dates is outlined for you below:

Term 1

  • Foundation Day Church Service, St Paul’s Cathedral Thursday 4 February, 1.30pm
  • 120 Celebration Ball, Glasshouse Saturday 20 February, 7.00pm
  • Past School Captain Reunion Breakfast (SCOGA), Mary Davis Centre Café Monday 29 February, 8.30am
  • Past Parent 120 Celebration Evening (PPFN), Wednesday 9 March, 6.30pm

Term 2

  • Senior School Musical – Sweet Charity, Dorothy Pizzey Centre Thursday 28 April, 7.00pm, Friday 29 April, 7.00pm, Saturday 30 April, 5.00pm
  • 120 Celebration Boarders’ Reunion (SCOGA), Mary Davis Centre Café Saturday 21 May, 2.30pm

Term 3

  • 120 Celebration Art Exhibition Opening (ELC to Year 12), Dorothy Pizzey Centre Friday 9 September, 6.00pm
  • Past Staff Lunch, Mary Davis Centre Café Saturday 10 September
  • 120 Celebration Gala Concert, Melbourne Recital Centre Tuesday 13 September, 7.00pm

We invite all members of our School community to join us at the events relevant to their connection with our School.

Our 2015 Year 12 cohort achieved outstanding results and with the recent release of tertiary offers, the girls will now embark on their tertiary studies across a diverse range of courses including Medicine, Commerce, Science, Economics, ICT, Advertising, Biomedicine and Computer Science at institutions including The University of Melbourne, Monash University, The Australian National University, RMIT University, La Trobe University, Swinburne University of Technology and Deakin University.

This very successful 2015 outcome is a testament to the hard work of the girls and the dedication of St Catherine’s teaching staff. I consider the 2015 cohort to be thoughtful young women who are confident of their ability to step forward now and make a difference in our rapidly changing world. They truly are ‘women of the future’ and ready to embrace all that life offers.

The success of our girls’ achievements last year points to the compelling approach of a St Catherine’s education. An education that embraces a carefully crafted and personalised teaching approach with committed staff that foster the growth and creativity of minds from a young age. Nurturing girls from their Junior School years through the critical formative years means surrounding them with a learning environment rich in experience and opportunity. Our strong commitment to, and deep experience in, girls’ education at the ELC, junior and senior levels permeates every classroom, teaching area and playground and we embrace innovation and new opportunities with vigour.

I enthusiastically await the sound of laughter and chatter as the students walk through the gates on their first day of School and I am looking forward to attending the Year 12 Leadership Conference at Ormond College this week. During the month of February, I shall also enjoy the opportunity to connect with parents and community members at the Year Level Parent Information Evenings, Morning Teas and Parent Social Evenings in the Early Learning Centre, Junior School and Senior School.

I thank you for your continued support of St Catherine’s School and wish you well for the forthcoming year.

Mrs Michelle Carroll
Principal

Up next