Have we had enough of COVID and the flu yet? I certainly have after being hit by both this term. A double whammy! Fortunately, I only had a relatively mild dose of each, but it was more than enough not to wish either of these infections onto anyone. Even with these bouts of illness, from my perspective, this has been an amazing term. 

Sitting in as the Acting Principal while Michelle Carroll has been on sabbatical has been a rare privilege. I have seen our School from a different viewpoint and now it is the end of the term, I can look back with a reflective eye. The most significant thing I take away from this term is a greater appreciation for how extensive our community is and the number of people working so hard to make St Catherine’s a great school.  

Starting with the School Council led by the very able Chair, Ms Jane Hodder, the dedicated team of people who volunteer their time and expertise is humbling. They all have high levels of expertise in a range of fields from legal, finance, construction and engineering, education, health, and business is to recognise but a few of their talents.  Council members devote countless hours of their time to the School. Sitting in on the various meetings of the Council and the numerous sub-committees this term, has revealed the sheer complexity and breadth of the involvement of people in the St Catherine’s community.  

Apart from the activities of Council members, there are a multitude of parents involved in various auxiliaries, all dedicated to supporting our School and of course our students. The Creative Arts Auxiliary, Heyington Club, Parents’ and Friends’ Association, Snowsports and the Sports Auxiliaries are all made up of a dedicated group of willing supporters spending time supporting St Catherine’s. 

This term, we have seen the opening of The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre and several performances from the Concerto Concert, to the musical Urinetown and the spectacular Jazz Night. The sheer number of supporters required to make these events happen is overwhelming to say the least. From parents selling refreshments, putting up decorations and just helping in so many ways, I have seen our community come together for the good of everyone. 

A genuine highlight during this term has been interviewing prospective students and their parents. To see firsthand the enthusiasm and desire of these families to be a part of our community is heart-warming. It is clear to me after interviewing so many parents and students the high standing our School has in the wider community. Apart from our academic achievements, what draws people to St Catherine’s is our reputation for being a warm, friendly, and kind community. This, more than anything else, is a feature which sets us apart from other schools. 

Being the Acting Principal has meant I have spent a good deal of time in all three sections of our School this term. I feel familiar now with the ELC, Barbreck and of course the Senior School. I have attended all sorts of meetings which cover academic programs, co-curricular activities including the Arts and Sport, building and property, the Business Office and talking to a wider variety of staff than previously. The ELC is one the most beautiful parts of our School. On more than one occasion I have found myself joining in with the children in whatever learning activity they are participating in. If you are ever having a bad day and need a pick me up, a visit to the ELC for five minutes will soon bring a smile to your face. 

My strongest memories from this past term have been about being with others. Enjoying morning tea with our School Captains from Barbreck and the Senior School was fun, attending the AFL match between St Cath’s and Lauriston was wonderful and interacting with all the students and parents who came to watch was just as good as the more professional version of the game. The enthusiasm and spirit were so evident amongst everyone attending. This is yet more confirmation of the strength of our community. 

The other strong experience this term has been my interaction with our staff. Term 2 is always the busiest term for teachers. Assessments, tests, exams and writing comments on work all add up to a very busy time. Despite the demands on our teachers, I kept getting asked if there was anything they could do to assist me. Despite their hectic schedules, people demonstrated their kindness to me and their colleagues again and again. 

I have spent many recesses and lunchtimes over the last couple of months walking around the School grounds talking with students. Our students are always friendly and happy to have a chat. Even when I have been at the School Gates for the start and end of the day they have always been warm and friendly. This is more pronounced than any school I have ever been involved with. After nearly 40 years in schools, I have the utmost confidence in saying that our St Catherine’s community is the most welcoming and accepting I have experienced. Last week I wrote about leadership in our community. While we have some extraordinary leaders within our School, what we actually have is a leading community. The strength of our School is the strength of our community.   

I will finish this piece with two quotes. One is from Michelle Obama. “The difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued.” At St Catherine’s people are valued. Whether it is the students, the staff, or the many parents and those contributing in ways small or large, we form a strong and vibrant community.  

The other quote, and at the risk of messing with a classic Australian song, I have taken the liberty of making an amendment to the lyrics… “We are one, but we are many. And from all the lands on earth we come. We share a dream and sing with one voice: I am, you are, we are Australian St Catherine’s.”  Have a safe and restful holiday break and we will all be back together next term, with students commencing on Tuesday 19 July.