Welcome to the commencement of Term 2. I wish all families the very best for the term ahead.

In comparison to this time 12 months ago, and also in contrast to the COVID pandemic globally today, we are so very fortunate to be in Australia and learning and teaching on campus.

Our students are certainly making the most of returning to School activities this year, with the first two of four outdoor expeditions for the 2021 Duke of Edinburgh Award successfully completed over the Easter break. The girls returned from their expeditions on the evening of Prince Philips’s funeral. Since its inception in 1956, Prince Philip remained committed to the Duke of Edinburgh Award with over 13 million people having taken part in the program, creating a legacy for young people worldwide.

St Catherine’s has proudly been involved in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award for over 40 years. Focusing on leadership, creativity, skill development, community service, physical activity and adventure, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is considered the leading international youth achievement program. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award provides individuals with values and experiences that are highly sought after in the workforce. From the service and volunteering completed to the adventure undertaken, employers are now seeking well rounded employees.

Today more than 168 countries have adopted The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program. Locally over 700,000 young people have completed the Award in Australia in the past 57 years, with on average 40,000 very diverse participants annually working towards achieving an Award. Students in Years 9 to 12 are eligible to complete their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award at St Catherine’s.

Our Gold of Duke of Edinburgh Award students hiked the high country in the Victorian Alps, enduring some very cold weather and the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award students, sea kayaked at the Gippsland Lakes. Our teachers reported that the girls’ efforts were tremendous, remarking how resilient they were, remaining in high spirits even when the challenging cold snap and wintry weather occurred. Another two groups will depart in June and September, travelling to New Zealand to undertake a hike, paddle and cycle through the Milford Sound. I extend my congratulations to all participants and admire your persistence and courage throughout the journeys.

I also extend my congratulations to four Senior Rowers: Sarah Marriott, Zara Bongiorno, Chloe Cooper and Bronte Cullen who were recently selected in the Under 19s Australian crew; the crew will continue training this term in readiness to compete in Sydney in a simulated World Cup in June. This selection is undoubtedly a testament to their outstanding dedication and commitment to rowing.

New Staff

I welcome two new members of the teaching staff who commenced this term. Ms Song Cui has joined the Languages Faculty as a Chinese teacher and will be taking classes from Years 8-10 and Year 12. Ms Emma Heupt has joined the Humanities Faculty teaching Year 7 History, Year 9 and Year 11 Geography. We warmly welcome both of them.

Anzac Day

This Sunday, Anzac Day, provides a time to remember the service and sacrifice of the Australian Defence Force while commemorating and remembering all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. We must never forget the enormous contribution and sacrifice our Forces made and the enormous loss of life amongst all those who served.

In our 125^th Anniversary of St Catherine’s this year, it is timely to remember that the School was not ‘untouched ‘by World War II. With the Defence Forces taking over Sherren House in 1942, an exchange occurred whereby our girls were evacuated to a Chalet in Warburton which was being used as a rest and recreation centre for the RAAF personnel.

The School campus was needed as a Medical Rehabilitation Unit for the RAAF. After a final assembly and a week of packing, 280 students and staff walked to Heyington Station and made the three-hour journey to the Chalet in Warburton where St Catherine’s School transformed from a predominantly day school in the city into a country boarding school. For the students of Warburton, it was a time of adventure. The girls loved being there. There was some normality – for example, form plays, visits by sports teams from Fintona, Lauriston, Firbank and Merton Hall, confirmations at the Warburton Anglican Church and student groups raising money for worthy causes. It had a deep impact on everyone who attended and the Old Girls remember this time fondly. In recognition of her enduring commitment and care of all students, the Principal at the time, Miss Edna Holmes, is remembered by the name of our Science building – The Edna Holmes Centre for Science. In 1992, 125 Old Girls and surviving staff met at what remained of the Chalet to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary. All could vividly remember the experience, open veranda’s refurbished as bedrooms in the harsh winter months but importantly the collegiality and friendships formed during this period of their lives.

At Speech Night every year, the Warburton Citizenship Award is given to a student in each year level from Years 7-11 who demonstrate courtesy, consideration and loyalty, and reflect high values and enthusiasm for their academic work and Co-curricular involvement.

Parents are warmly welcome to attend the Senior School ANZAC Service on Monday 26 April in the Dorothy Pizzey Centre, commencing at 10.20am.

Key Dates

Monday 26 April: Girls’ Talk Parent Seminar

Thursday 6, Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May:  Senior School Play ‘Letters to Lindy’

Friday 7 May: PFA Mother’s Day Breakfast

Wednesday 26 May: Years 5-12 Father / Daughter Dinner, The Long Room, MCC

Wednesday 2 June: Years 9-12 Jazz Night

Friday 4 June: PFA Ruth Langley Luncheon