From the Head of Year 11

As I stand on the boundary line most Friday afternoons to watch the girls play AFL, with my four year old son standing beside me, I reflect on the myriad of opportunities available to girls at St Catherine’s School.

My Year 11 girls continue to amaze me with their involvement in so many sporting activities and their enthusiasm to be involved in opportunities outside of the classroom which foster their learning and growth. Mooting at Bond University, Debating, instrumental lessons, overseas trips and lunchtime clubs come to mind as activities that our Year 11 students enjoy.

Many Year 11 students participated in the recent Senior School musical, Crazy For You, both on stage and behind the scenes. The performance was outstanding and the enthusiasm and dedication the girls showed to their roles was nothing short of sensational. It was very clear on their faces that all students thoroughly enjoyed performing to full houses.

The Year 11 students have recently had a guest speaker from Sex Education Australia visit the School to speak to them. The focus of the session was on their rights, responsibilities, safe sexual practices, contraception, consent and the impact of pornography. Girls had an opportunity to ask questions anonymously at the conclusion of the session and they were answered by our speaker. It was a most informative session and was well received by the girls.

The Year 11 students also had a presentation from Ms Cassie Monahan, our Human Resources Manager at St Catherine’s School, on the tips and tricks of job seeking. The girls were asked questions such as, what would an employer find if they looked up your Facebook profile? Does your profile have the strongest security settings in place? Are photos visible to the public appropriate? Other topics of discussion included cover letter preparation and essentials, resume tips and tricks, behavioural interview tips and interview techniques.

On 10 May, all Years 11 and 12 students attended the annual Careers Breakfast. This early morning gathering provided an opportunity for the students to listen to a variety of speakers from many and varied fields of employment. Each student had the opportunity to enjoy a healthy breakfast and listen to two chosen speakers. It was an invaluable opportunity to be exposed to the life journeys and experiences of these speakers and to hear their take home messages. Several speakers advised the girls to not define themselves by their ATAR, but instead to be guided by what makes them happy and to pursue their passion no matter what obstacles may get in their way.

Year 11 students attending the Careers Breakfast – Flynn O’Brien, Henrietta Paterson, Heidi Tokatlidis, Alice Richards and Mardi Bray.

On Saturday 19 May, the Year 11 students will have their Formal at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. It promises to be a fun and entertaining evening.

Mrs Melissa Braddy, Head of Year 11