It is the last day of school for 2024. Right up to the end, it has been extremely busy. The Senior School has been participating in House Arts and the Barbreck girls had a very special evening on Tuesday night with the annual Year 6 Celebration. 

Rituals and events are a very important part of communities. Through our rituals and iconic events, we stay connected within our community. 

A wonderful example of this last Friday was our PFA Christmas Fair. Students, families, and teachers all gathered to enjoy each other’s company and enhance the social bonds that make our School so special. 

On Wednesday of this week, I attended the Memorial Service for past Principal Miss Dorothy Pizzey AM. The congregation who attended was a gathering of St Catherine’s Alumnae of varying ages. Wearing the School Blazer was an obligatory accessory, including quite a few past Captains of the School. Our incoming Principal, Ms Natalie Charles attended the service, and I think she fell under the spell of St Catherine’s.   

A genuine highlight of the service was a performance from our very own Viva Voce Choir. They sang the School Anthem which in recent times has been absent from the singing schedule. It was heartwarming to not only see and hear our girls sing the Anthem so beautifully but many of the Old Girls joined in as well. 

Heritage is so important to embrace. The legacy of those who have come before us must always be acknowledged. While House Arts is a relatively new event on the School’s calendar, it is now 20 years old. If it is not already considered an important part of our traditions, and it is, over the coming years it will become even more entrenched in the very fabric of our culture. 

Watching our Senior School students take over the School this week during House Arts, with their organisation and enthusiasm on full display, is always wonderful to behold. The complexity of each House creating a production from scratch with only five days of rehearsals is an amazing feat. The quality of the performances seems to get better each year. 

It is a splendid way to finish the year. The girls are totally engaged, and they finish the year on a high. 

Now that the year is coming to a conclusion, our thoughts turn towards holidays and Christmas. May I wish everyone in our community a truly happy festive season and that everyone stays safe and well over the next few weeks.

I look forward to seeing everyone return in late January.  

Happy Christmas to all.