What was the year 2022? A set interval of time between two arbitrarily assigned days, a stream of smiles and tears that blur within each other as time passes… but from within this concoction, we have ‘plucked the day,’ taken the risk, and harvested some truly inspiring lessons and achievements. 

This year, we climbed onto the stage, knees a bit shaky, and we said, ‘Emerge.’ We wanted to focus on the process of things. In our minds, we had bears coming out of hibernation, turtles emerging from their shells, and phoenixes rising from the ashes. 

Just like the word, it’s hard to grasp. It’s ephemeral. Yet, it’s our determination to emerge that manifests hope. It draws out hope from the darkest corners. From the disorienting abyss of the past few years, we had to crawl out on hands and knees if we had to. But we didn’t. We flew. 

The co-curriculars this year, in all areas, have unfolded themselves in even more extensive and collaborative ways, being able to continue completely uninterrupted. The awards glitter in our collective memory, puffing our chests with pride, but it is the girls who sign up for everything, try everything, who make these co-curriculars buzz with activity. We are also proud to confirm that we have taken student run assemblies to the next level. From our first dance performance with an awesome audience chorus to an inspiring line-up of guest speakers and enlightening quizzes, the Student Executive powerhouse has had a good run with Mr Brown’s vital support. 

Intertwined with the days at School is our sharing of music, and we have taken it literally this year. Every Friday, we hope that you have sung or danced your way out of School with the bell, because over our time here, music has connected so many of us. Whether it’s Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas in Year 8 Music class, and periodically every December when we were rehearsing our Christmas classics for the Church Service, or any and every song for hours as we drove around the Northern Territory, singing any lyrics we could remember (often stemming from the Pitch Perfect soundtrack) … or even after the first assembly this year, giving our collective, rousing rendition of Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten. These songs have filled our lives with such elevating joy.  

Even watching a video of the students singing Shake It Off by Taylor Swift on the bus from Music Camp this year takes us back. The soundtrack of our School life reminds us of the brilliance, the strength, the enthusiasm, and the determination that defines us, and that will lead us beyond, to our passions, our purpose, and our people. This playlist of songs is so different for everyone, but its feeling of belonging and community binds us to the history of St Catherine’s, and ties us to every St Cath’s girl, past and present, along the ‘thread of gold and blue.’ The Ode, of course, is the title track. 

How do we begin to end the year that was 2022? To dig into our pockets, rummage for that piece of fabric, and tie it all off with an impeccable blue ribbon? Well, it was so iconic that it will live on in our recollections. Like the remixes of The Ode, it will echo in the halls, in the future generations’ conversations, and maybe reappear in spirit with the lotuses in the Fountain one day. 

We both feel very grateful and honoured to have been your Co-Captains for 2022. Thank you for laughing at our jokes, and… peace out.