“Begin, be Bold and Venture to be Wise”

On 4th February 1896, Founding Principal, Miss Jeanie Hood, first opened the doors to St Catherine’s School, under the name of Castlemaine Ladies College. This week, 124 years later, Miss Hood’s vision for the School and her students remains true: “for girls to be women of the future”. Over this time, St Catherine’s girls have shaped a rich history of traditions and culture that shapes our unique School spirit.

This week, our Year 12s commenced a new chapter in their lives as we celebrated their leadership in the School symbolised by their receiving a Senior badge, signing the School Leadership Register and the whole cohort standing together to pledge their loyalty to the School as the 2020 Leaders.

I wonder what our Year 12 cohort in 2020 will be remembered for in years to come?

Their Senior badge and blue jumper are a continual reminder that they have ‘almost’ completed their journey through School; a reminder to savour every moment but most importantly, a reminder of everything they have and will accomplish this year.

The Ancient Roman poet, Horace, suggested that we should “begin, be bold, and venture to be wise”. I think as leaders there is much to be gained from this thought. My wish for our St Catherine’s Seniors this year is to be educationally bold, to embrace challenge, to not avoid difficulties and to be resilient and determined with their leadership.

As a Staff, we look forward to working with the Year 12 girls this year, their enthusiasm, willingness and quiet confidence was certainly visible last week as they prepared for the forthcoming year at their Leadership Residential Retreat at Trinity College. Our role as educators is to inspire their learning, and to work in partnership with their families to encourage their best effort across 2020.

I would particularly like to acknowledge our School Captains, Alex Shergold and Sophie Boyce, and wish them the very best for the year ahead.  The Co-Captains unveiled the Year 12 Theme for the year – 2020 Vision – an aptly titled focus for the year. Complete with Elton John style glasses, Alex and Sophie drew the attention of the younger girls with a need to each establish their own vision for 2020, a year-long goal to guide their learning endeavours.

“We wanted to explore the idea that everyone has their own goals, both big and small, which is similar to everyone having their own prescriptions. When Sophie and I swapped glasses, we couldn’t see a thing. But with our own on, of course, everything was perfectly clear. That’s because we all have our own vision. We want to inspire every girl in this hall to use their own glasses, either imaginary or real to find your purpose and strive to achieve your goals.”

The Co-Captain’s had placed a (surprise) sticky note under each chair in the hall, and the Senior School students each wrote down their own personal vision for 2020. The collective sticky notes formed a wonderful art installation on the glass windows of the Dorothy Pizzey Centre.

I encourage our Year 12 girls to lead with courage and compassion, to believe in themselves and to continue building enthusiastically on our 124 year history. We will undoubtedly be richer for their presence and the unique contribution of the Class of 2020.

Nicholas Research and Learning Centre (Library) Extended Hours

In the Senior School this year, we have extended the open hours of the Nicholas Library to 6pm from Monday to Friday. The Library will also be available for Barbreck girls in Year 6 to attend. All students must undertake quiet study or reading during this time. Students may also access the academic support from the teacher available during this time. To ensure the safety of the girls, particularly in the darker Winter months, the girls must follow the guidelines for registering their entry and exit to the Library.

Coronavirus Update

Next week, we look forward to welcoming the return of many students from the ELC to Year 12 who have undertaken the necessary precautions of a 14-day period of self-isolation following travel in China over January. Our teachers have communicated readily with their students, many videoing lessons or creating voice recording of lessons to be viewed on the School portal in the Senior School. This has undoubtedly been a challenging period for families and the School community very much appreciates their whole of school community care and focus.

My best wishes for the week ahead.

Mrs Michelle Carroll, Principal