Welcome to Term 3

Whether they have returned from three weeks of lazy Melbourne mornings or a busy break in a far-away destination, the girls have resumed Term 3 with their usual enthusiasm. They have enjoyed catching up with their friends and adapted quickly to the classroom routine and the learning journey ahead.

Mrs Michelle Carroll has spent much of her holidays making the most of the incredible opportunity to study at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Her three week sabbatical has meant that she has remained in the U.S. this week to continue her studies and I have been Acting Principal in her absence. Michelle will return on Monday 23 July and we look forward to hearing of some of her incredible experiences, including the opportunity to attend lectures by educational icons such as Howard Gardner, Professor of Cognition and Education at Harvard University.

Our Junior School girls and staff have had a very exciting week settling into their wonderful new classrooms. As an English teacher, I share their delight in being greeted by an iconic quote from a treasured childhood story as they walk into their classrooms each morning. The inspirational quote decals on the classroom windows are exceptional reminders to treasure each moment of their day and to appreciate each part of their educational adventure. While we know that educational inspiration is not dependant on the physical environment alone, we are pleased to able to offer our girls light and colourful learning spaces that inspire, as well as the most up to date technology and classroom resources to enhance their learning journey at St Catherine’s.

This week, parents of Years 8, 9 and 10 students enjoyed the opportunity to attend the Subject Information Night followed by the Subject Expo in the new Junior School Auditorium on Thursday 19 July. The Information Night provided students and parents with the chance to learn more about the elective subjects and the VCE subject offerings. Any parents who were unable to attend are advised to check the Portal for relevant 2019 Subject Selection information.

Year 12 students and parents are invited to attend the Year 12 Tertiary Information Night on Monday 30 July at 7.00pm in the Senior School Hall. The presentation will include what to expect from your daughter in the final semester and how the School supports this stage of learning, assessment and the next step beyond St Catherine’s. The School’s expectations of the Year 12 students’ study schedule during the practice examinations and in the lead up to the final examination period will be outlined. Parents will also learn about the tertiary application process for 2019 and how the School will support each girl with navigating this very important time in her educational journey. The application, results and offer periods will also be explained, as well as processes for interstate and overseas applications.

We have welcomed some new staff members to St Catherine’s this week. In the Senior School, Ms Sandy Yao, currently an Instrumental Flute teacher, will also be joining the LOTE Faculty to teach Chinese, following Mrs Mary Hugh’s retirement. Mrs Anita Fernando, Mrs Laura Neary, Ms Louise Kyriakou, Ms Marianne Ettery and Ms Lisa Barker will be replacing staff on leave.

We are also delighted to welcome Miss Elizabeth Ryan back to the Humanities Faculty. She has returned from her two year teaching role at The Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles. The Archer School is one of St Catherine’s exchange schools and we look forward to Elizabeth sharing her experiences with the staff and students.

Over the holiday break, Year 11 students, Adrianna Chai, Alexandra Hall, Rosy Brierly, Kavina Kalaichelvam and Madison Hunt participated in the Global Young Leaders Conference which takes place in both Washington and New York. This high school summer camp offers 10 amazing days of building confidence, independence and the opportunity to think globally. The students participated in Global Issues Workshops and studied the art of cross-cultural communication.

I look forward to another busy term with the St Catherine’s School community.