The commencement of a new school year is always a wonderful time. This week we welcomed our students through the Heyington Gates. There were those girls familiar with our School having already spent a number of years as a student and there were those entering our School for the first time.  

Year 7 girls especially were the most thrilled as they entered St Catherine’s with a mix of being a little nervous and joyously excited at the same time. One of my favourite things about St Catherine’s is how our Year 12 girls meet and greet new students at the Gates and escort them to their lockers. This simple action, which is repeated every year, exemplifies the vibrant community we have at St Catherine’s. 

For the Year 12 girls, this year marks the end of their School journey. The VCE year will present challenges for the girls but will also provide an opportunity for them to do their personal best. At the Induction Assembly held on Thursday, we celebrated the Class of 2024 and their leadership symbolised by their leadership badge and signing the Leadership Register. The whole Cohort stood together to pledge their loyalty and commitment to our School and the community as our 2024 leaders. Their badges and blue jumpers are a continual reminder that they have almost completed their journey through School. This is a reminder to savour every moment, but most importantly a reminder of everything they have, and will, accomplish this year. 

At the Assembly, I shared some advice which I hope can assist all our students during 2024. I asked the new students to put a smile on their faces, find the courage to talk to as many people as they can, and seize every opportunity in the classroom and the vast array of co-curricular programs offered at St Catherine’s.  

I also shared a quote from a speech which inspired me on Australia Day. Professor Georgina Long AO and Professor Richard Scolyer AO were named the 2024 Australians of the Year. They are scientists who work in the treatment of skin cancer. Over many years of hard and diligent work they have developed new techniques in finding cures for this terrible disease. Professor Scoyler is suffering from a terminal brain tumor. Despite this he is living life to the full. He offered the following perspective on how to live life. 

“So, I say to all Australians, no matter what life throws at you, seek out opportunities to contribute, to participate and to action change. And as I like to say, have a crack. And don’t just lean in, leap in.” 

To the continuing St Catherine’s students, I encouraged them to be totally inclusive, show kindness by inviting new girls into their friendship group, sit next to new people in the classroom and encourage the girls to try new activities. This is their opportunity to shine and to demonstrate what it is to be a St Catherine’s girl. 

The final piece of advice I offered was inspired by my mother. My Mum used to say, “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do!”  What she meant by this isn’t that you can just do anything you want, but you should follow your dreams. Don’t let others put barriers in your way. 

As we embark on another year of life at St Catherine’s, I look forward to seeing all our girls embrace the many and varied opportunities that await them. I also look forward to watching the Year 12 girls grow this year as our student leaders of the School. Their enthusiasm, willingness and quiet confidence is certainly evident. Our role as teachers is to encourage their enthusiasm and commitment, so these girls can achieve their best in 2024 and beyond.  

Vale Dr Sylvia Walton AO, FACE 

Dr Walton was St Catherine’s Principal from 2007 to 2013 immediately prior to Ms Michelle Carroll. We received the news that Dr Walton passed away last week. Dr Walton is remembered as a great educator and principal in her time at St Catherine’s. Dr Walton had great belief in the capacity of the individual to do great things. In one of her final articles for St Catherine’s News Dr Walton wrote, “Sometimes we have an opportunity to do our personal best using the various capacities we have, in ways that can change the world or at least a small part of it.”  

As a School community we pass on our condolences to Dr Walton’s Family.