“When the day is over, let it go. Don’t dwell on what you could’ve, should’ve done. Tomorrow is another day and another chance,” Mandy Hale

The Head of Schoolgirls Regatta in Geelong over the past weekend endured a frustrating conclusion to the three days of Rowing. Crews competing in heats, repechages and semi-final races on Friday and Saturday enjoyed near perfect weather conditions until Sunday, when spectators and athletes withstood the squally conditions of heavy rain and 65km/h wind gusts; clearly dampening the spirits of all who had travelled to Geelong.

Our 90 St Catherine’s rowers, their many family members and friends, teachers who travelled to Geelong in support of their students and the 1,500 rowers and family members competing from other schools, commenced a waiting game with the elements. The wind persisted throughout the day, frequently causing white caps on the normally calm Barwon River. For the one race that went ahead on Sunday morning, the water conditions ensured the event looked more like a surf boat race than a Rowing regatta.

A one hour interruption, turned into a three hour delay, which led to a late afternoon decision to cancel all racing as the water conditions were deemed unsafe for the girls to compete. For our Seniors crews, in particular, the Division One Senior Coxed Eight, who firmly defeated Geelong Grammar School in the semi-final thus enabling our girls to qualify as the fastest crew for the A Final on Sunday, it was not to be! After nine months of training, this was a heartbreaking finish for the Year 12 girls who have enjoyed years of Rowing at the Head of the Schoolsgirls Rowing Regatta.

The Heyington Club again created a sea of light blue on the banks of the river which ensured a warm and vibrant welcome to all who ventured to Geelong to support our crews. I extend my appreciation and gratitude to the Heyington Club, in particular, President Lucy Fortey and the strong group of Heyington Club Committee members who so warmly invited all visitors to the St Catherine’s tent. As I suggested to our parents at the recent Heyington Club Dinner, there are many lessons to be learned in Rowing; it is recognised as the ultimate team sport. Crews are unable to even start rowing without the unified effort to lift their boat to the water’s edge. Ultimately, it is all about the crew, and being intricately part of something much larger than oneself. Every blister, early morning and fatigued muscle is each rower realising this level of commitment is much more than just single and personal ambition; it is the collective determination and focus of the crew.

I congratulate all our rowers across the Years 9 to 12 crews and was proud of the maturity and calm composure in which they approached the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta.

This weekend, we wish our Senior VIII crews the very best as they travel to Penrith to compete at the AON Sydney International Rowing Regatta. Details of the racing, including live streaming on Saturday and Sunday, is available through the Rowing Australia website, here.

The heats for the Schoolgirl Coxed Eight commence at 4.30pm today.

Concerto Concert

The annual St Catherine’s School Concerto Concert on Thursday evening continued to showcase the outstanding work of our Music students with six soloists – Sophie Hogan, Isabelle Binsted, Rui Shu (Maria) Wu, Jariyan Patel, Olivia (Rosie) Bogdan and Rachel Davidson, the Year 8 Trio – Catherine Chen, Madeleine Hooker and Jariyan Patel, the Year 12 Quartet, the Senior Concert Band and our Jorgenson Orchestra.

Our musicians were ably supported by staff members Mrs Lisa Cook, the Staff Quartet were accompanied by Ms Kate Denmead. To play alongside outstanding cellist Mr Michael Dahlenburg also provided an exemplary opportunity for our girls. Michael studied cello with Howard Penny at the Australian National Academy of Music and Molly Kadarauch at the University of Melbourne–Conservatorium of Music.

The Concerto Concert provides the opportunity for students who are recipients of our most prestigious Music Scholarships to also perform. The Shelmerdine Violin Scholarship provides two magnificent Italian violins, a Praga and a Postiglione, both gifted to the School by St Catherine’s Old Girl, Ms Lindy Shelmerdine (’80). Isabelle Binsted (Year 12) has enjoyed playing the Postigilone Violin; this particular violin was crafted in Italy by Vincenzo Postiglione in 1870 and is considered to be an absolute treasure for its tonal qualities, great depth and evenness across the registers. Isabelle’s performance of Violin Sonata in E Minor, 1^st and 2^nd movements, Francesco Maria Veracini was captivating for the audience.

The third violin was generously donated to the School in 2014 by Ms Sue Hayes, mother of the late Danielle Lloyd who was a boarding student at St Catherine’s School, Captain of Music in Year 12 and later a much revered Violin teacher. This Collin-Mezin Violin is of French origin, dating back to 1902, was beautifully played by Sophie Hogan (Year 10), performing Violin Sonata in G Minor 1^st movement, H.Eccles.

All three gifted violins place the most beautiful instruments into the hands of our very best students and undoubtedly provide an inspiring opportunity to study Music. The School is very appreciative of Ms Lindy Shelmerdine and Ms Sue Hayes for their generous donations to the Music Department.

Thank you to the Music staff, and in particular Mr Tim Collins and Mrs Lisa Cook, for coordinating the Concerto Concert this week. I, like many parents, enjoyed an opportunity to sit quietly and simply enjoy. With competing interests of time, our girls’ commitment to their music mastery is not without careful prioritising of other activities. I congratulate all the Music performers and encourage their continued pursuit of Music as they enter their Senior years of schooling.

Easter Church Services

Parents are invited to attend the Easter Church Services next week:

Senior School – Wednesday 28 March at 2.00pm at St John’s Anglican Church, Toorak

Junior School – Thursday 29 March at 2.00pm at St John’s Anglican Church, Toorak

End of Term

St Catherine’s School families are reminded of our change to the end of the School terms this year. Our endeavour is to reduce the disruption and loss to academic time with the final day of School next Thursday at the following staggered times;

ELC: 3.00pm

Prep to Year 2: 3.15pm

Senior School: 3.20pm

Years 3 to 6: 3.3Opm