I recently spent a weekend with a long-time friend and his wife who are recently retired.  They had just come back from a trip to Africa and had many stories and equally, many, many photos of wild animals taken on their safari. They are having a great time enjoying the freedoms that come with retirement.  

For most of the weekend my friend kept asking why I haven’t retired. I explained to him that I don’t consider what I do at St Catherine’s to be work. Rather, it’s how I choose to spend my time. Yes, there are some days when the idea of sailing through the Greek Islands has a certain appeal, but, as I said to him, coming to St Catherine’s every day makes me smile and gives me a genuine purpose. I love being part of this community.  

This past week has, if anything, made me feel even more connected to our extraordinary School community.  

Old Girl, Dr Alexandra Dvorscek (`12)

I started the week attending our Senior School Science Assembly to celebrate Science Week. Guest Speaker at the Assembly was Old Girl and SCOGA Fellowship recipient, Dr Alexandra (Ali) Dvorscek (‘12). Ali spoke of her journey at St Catherine’s and into academia including her PhD studies at Monash University in the Department of Immunology. Ali is also about to head off to Imperial College, London to pursue a postdoc position investigating immune responses to respiratory viruses. A highlight of her presentation to our students was her recollection of her time at St Catherine’s. Ali spoke about the deep relationships she formed in her time as a student and how important the community was for her. 

That sense of community was emphasised further this week at our Careers Breakfast. Apart from our students, there were a number of Alumnae sharing their insights and stories about their chosen careers. The real magic of the morning was the strong social connections being made by everyone in the room.  

Then, last night I attended our School Foundation Annual Cocktail Party for 2024. In attendance were Council Members past and present, SCOGA Members, Jeanie Hood Society Members and Foundation Members. A very special guest at the event was our incoming Principal, Ms Natalie Charles.  

The evening provided an opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of the many people in our community who provide their ongoing support in so many ways. Moving around the room, it was abundantly clear what St Catherine’s means to everyone.  

A highlight of the evening was a presentation of a 3D ‘fly-through’ of our new Music School. The excitement and enthusiasm in the room was palpable. The conversations during the evening were an opportunity to connect, reconnect and deepen the bonds within our very special community. 

Thinking about my friend’s retirement in light of my experiences this week, and yes, he had a great career in a job he enjoyed, what I do at St catherine’s isn’t a job. I am privileged and grateful to participate in a beautiful community that matters. I am able to be part of a team of people who make a difference to the lives of young girls who walk through the Heyington Gates every day.