In 2022, we welcome Ms Kathryn Hines, as Manager of Advancement at St Catherine’s School. Kathryn has a wealth of experience working within donor communities, event management, extensive engagement and stewardship processes and team leadership. She has worked in several schools, including Trinity Grammar School, Geelong Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar and Lauriston Girls’ School. Kathryn brings great experience to the Advancement role.

What is the Advancement Manager responsible for in the School?

My role works closely with the St Catherine’s School Foundation, and is responsible for advancing the School through relationships, and to gain philanthropic support for the various fund pillars i.e. Scholarships, Building Projects and Bequests.

Personally, I think my role is one of the most enjoyable on staff, as not only do I help direct donors to support their particular areas of passion, but I have the pleasure of assisting with community engagement events and reunions, ensuring there are strong links between the School and various community and auxiliary groups.

What are your priorities for 2022?

Engagement: Immersing myself into the rhythm and culture of St Catherine’s. I aim to attend as many events in the School calendar as I can to introduce and familiarise myself with our families and Alumnae. I am so excited to get to know our community.

Philanthropy: There is something very special about empowering and engaging a donor community to reach optimum fundraising goals. St Catherine’s has achieved so much to date with the various scholarship portfolios and redevelopment of an existing footprint. With strong philanthropic connections already in place, I am looking forward to getting to know existing Foundation Members and expand our donor community. I look forward to sharing plans for the next exciting building phase; the refurbishment of the Dorothy Pizzey Centre to incorporate a Sports and Fitness Centre.

Events & Stewardship: Construction of the Black Box Theatre is well underway with a delivery date looming within the next month. As our most recent capital building project, the official opening of this bespoke performing space, is another successful St Catherine’s Foundation fundraising project. This special VIP event will incorporate the annual Foundation Cocktail Party, enabling us to appropriately and respectfully thank our generous donor community.

Bequests – St Catherine’s Circle: To build on, and enhance the profile of the St Catherine’s Circle Bequest Program to increase membership. St Catherine’s Circle plays a significant role in strengthening the School’s Endowment Fund, thus helping to provide a consistent source of philanthropic support. We have commenced planning a special lunch later this year to celebrate our current members.

What is your work background and experience?

My background is varied, with a history of support and service focused on building meaningful relationships to develop a strong and loyal philanthropic community, and ultimately deliver outcomes to meet objectives. Having worked in several schools throughout my career, I have now come full circle back into a girls’ school environment which I love. I am a single mother of one daughter and have always been passionate about the educational development of girls, and as such, enjoy helping others to give back to support a flourishing school environment.

Why is the generosity of giving important in a community?

Many of us experience the self-confidence and sense of purpose that comes from helping others. Philanthropic support in the education sector is so rewarding. It enables us to change the lives of our young people in immediate and significant ways. The ongoing generosity of the School’s community helps to build a strong future for the School, supports the delivery of inspirational learning spaces and experiences, and provides our scholarship recipients with opportunities that would not otherwise be available.

In your time at St Catherine’s so far, what do you believe makes our School special?

There is a palpable sense of authenticity at St Catherine’s. It is a kind and caring community. I felt it the first time I walked through the Gates and the feeling continues to grow with the wonderful welcome I have been given. The girls are vibrant, happy and engaged. Respectful and supportive relationships extend to staff, parents and Alumnae, which I feel is a result of sharing common values, aspirations and goals.

Can you tell our community something about yourself that may surprise people?

I love Street Art! I have so much fun chasing fresh walls all over Melbourne, and other cities, photographing artwork created by local and internationally renowned artists. It was such a nice surprise to find that St Catherine’s has its very own street art wall in the Junior School; a vibrant piece painted by Rowena Martinich (’97) and Geoffrey Carran.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I was brought up in New Zealand, had the most incredible childhood, and taught to appreciate the simple things in life. To accept and embrace other cultures, support those less fortunate, always be hospitable, and to respect and protect nature.

I visited Melbourne on holiday in the early 80s and stayed. Australia is now my home but I return to New Zealand as often as I can. My dream is to retire to a house on a hill overlooking the ocean, I think Nelson (where I grew up) or the Bay of Islands would suit me just fine!

New Zealand is such a unique and multicultural society which has evolved into an incredible tourist destination, a country led by a strong, progressive and inspiring woman.

My mantra has always been: ‘Kia Kaha’ which from the Maori language translates to ‘stay strong’!