2024 has been a year of significant change for St Catherine’s.  

First, there was the departure at the end of 2023 of Ms Michelle Carroll after 10 highly successful years as Principal. Our next Principal, Ms Natalie Charles, will arrive in January 2025 and the School will embark on a new era. The future is full of promise and St Catherine’s is going to continue to be the great school that we all know so well. 

Great leaders stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before them. St Catherine’s is no different. Sadly, we have seen the passing of notable St Catherine’s women in 2024.

Earlier this year, our much-loved former Head of Boarding, Mrs Sue Collister passed away, along with former Principal Dr Sylvia Walton AO and past Head of Barbreck Miss Anne Smith. These three remarkable women left an indelible legacy on our School. We are all the beneficiaries of their deep commitment to students of St Catherine’s over many years.   

Sadly, another great woman in our School’s history passed away last week, our esteemed past Principal Miss Dorothy Pizzey, AM. I wrote the following statement last Friday. 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Miss Dorothy Pizzey, AM, former Principal of St Catherine’s School.

Miss Pizzey, a highly respected Principal who served from 1977 until her well-deserved retirement in 1997, gave unstintingly of herself for 20 years.

Under Miss Pizzey’s leadership, St Catherine’s School demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing and empowering our girls in a safe and supportive environment.

A visionary leader and contemporary educator of her time, Miss Pizzey was intent on developing girls intellectually and physically to be women of the future – an impressive leader who was earnestly committed to educating generations of remarkable young women. 

Over this past weekend, there have been many comments across many online platforms about the impact of Miss Pizzey. A sample of just a few of the comments are testimony to the impact she had on our School. 

“Vale Miss Pizzey. She was an incredible Principal and leader, and most definitely ahead of her time. In one Assembly, she said, “Girls, a knight in shining armour is probably not coming to save you, so it would be best to start considering what you will be pursuing as a career.” Mrs Fiona Jack (Cameron ’91)

“She truly was a woman ahead of her time. She led by example as an impressive, fearless woman who championed the view that ‘the only limit to your dream and your ability is the limit you place on yourself.’ She was an educational trailblazer who wanted women to always remember that their identity was their own and that they should not wait for and expect others to be responsible for them. ‘Stand on your own two feet’ she would say! Vale Miss Pizzey. Rest in peace. You leave a great legacy!” Mrs Thalia Livadaras (Stathopoulas ’88)

“Firm but fair, ‘Dot’ was certainly one of the first leader female role models for me. I was in her office more than most, but our discussions, often long, were often about inner reflection rather than a harsh authoritative telling-off. She was a realist but encouraged us to aim for the top. Be independent, unique, and ourselves. Quite the pioneer.” Mrs Savannah Poolman (Gadsden ’88)

“She was an inspiring leader in my Senior School years. A tremendous role model and a kind, wise woman.” Mrs Sarah Fuhrmann (Padbury ’93)

St Catherine’s has been fortunate to have women of intellect, wisdom and great character lead our wonderful School. Miss Dorothy Pizzey AM was one of the best. 

Vale Miss Dorothy Pizzey AM