This week, Term 1 drew to a close with the Junior and Senior School Easter Services conducted at St John’s Anglican Church. With the parents and staff who attended, it was a pleasure to press pause and enjoy the peaceful celebration of Easter, with the poignant music performed by the Senior School and Barbreck students. 

Our signature Choir in the Senior School, Viva Voci, conducted by Ms Juliana Kay, performed an enthralling and soulful rendition of City Called Heaven with Year 9 soloists Ava Murray and Kathrina Ang ensuring audience members were completely mesmerised. 

Our Church Services, at both Easter and Christmas, provide opportunities for gentle reminders of the values we hold dear as members of the St Catherine’s community. Our shared appreciation for our students’ enthusiasm, smiles and care for others are shown daily on our campus.  

As Principal, I cherish in our ‘post-COVID’ world that so many students choose to step into School every day with a willingness to participate, engage and be positive. At just a glance of the final week in our busy Term 1 schedule, I witnessed firsthand the wonderful choices our students make. 

The joy on the faces of our Senior School swimmers at the GSV Finals Night with their ‘Top of the Medal Tally’ winning performance, and the absolute dedication of our Senior Rowing Crews competing at the Australian Championships in Perth, evidence of girls choosing to participate and embrace an often gruelling training regime. 

Barbreck Easter Bonnet Parade

This blue-ribbon spirit is also reflected in the extraordinary persistence and visible intricacy of the music our girls created on the most exquisite instruments at the recent Concerto Concert. I also enjoy listening to the pride of staff members who share news of our Best Speakers at Inter-School Debating and the sheer number of Barbreck girls filling the Selina Yao Auditorium to play in a Chess Tournament. 

Our Barbreck girls embrace every day with excitement. From competing in the District Diving Competition or simply modelling a fabulous outfit in the Easter Bonnet Parade. 

I am thankful that in a world that has too much cruelty and harm, our blue-ribbon girls choose to care for one another, to forgive each other and to learn to be part of a community that places kindness at the core of our decisions.  

Easter is also a time to reflect on the true nature of care and giving. I believe ‘true giving’ comes from the same place as our deepest happiness. They are curiously intertwined. Whilst we give Easter eggs to our family and friends, a very special form of giving also takes place with small, personal acts of kindness. More often than not, it is not eggs, money or belongings people need, rather a kind word, a compliment, or a smile. 

The Easter celebration helps to remind us that we can always start over, no matter how difficult things might seem. Choosing to allow happiness into our words, our interactions, and our care for each other is choosing to ensure the world is a better place. 

Staff Movements

In Term 2, we wish the following staff the very best as they commence their Long Service Leave: 

• Head of English, Ms Mary-Anne Keratiotis for Terms 2 and 3; 
• Science/Chemistry Teacher, Miss Megan Vu for Term 2, immediately followed by Maternity Leave; 
• Head of Science, Ms Vanessa Jackson-McRae, Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 2; and 
• In Barbreck, Mrs Jenny De Nardis will also be enjoying Long Service Leave across Term 2. 

At this time, we also thank and farewell Humanities Teacher and Head of Year 10, Ms Roslyn McCulloch. We wish her the very best with exciting new opportunities beyond the classroom and teaching profession. We also share our thanks for the support of our teaching programs, and farewell our Art Technician, Mr Hugo Blomley and School Receptionist, Miss Demi Morrison. 

Next Term, we look forward to welcoming back from Long Service Leave, in the Senior School, Ms Vasiliki Spanos and in the Junior School, Mr Tom Crebbin and Ms Georgina Stride. We also look forward to welcoming Miss Tamara Andrews back from extended leave following her foot injury.  

Easter Good Wishes

Over the Easter holidays, I encourage all students to be gracious, happy, appreciate their many blessings and nurture the art of giving to others. 

I wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. I trust you will take the opportunity to thank those around you for all they do.