As I reflect on the conclusion of this academic year, I am compelled to share some significant highlights and express my gratitude. This marks the culmination of a decade of my weekly contributions to The Blue Ribbon, and while this is my final piece, I will communicate the VCE achievements of our Year 12 students in the coming days. 

Throughout the week, we have immersed ourselves in the celebratory spirit, witnessing the Year 6 Graduation, revelling in the vibrancy of our annual House Arts Festival, and enjoying the choral performances at the Church Services for both Barbreck Junior School and the Senior School. 

The Year 6 Graduation on Monday evening was a poignant occasion, providing an opportunity for our Year 6 Cohort to gather with their families and commemorate this significant milestone. On this occasion, I reminded parents of “the important moments in time that pass so quickly as a parent: the first day of Prep, Year 6 Graduation, Year 12 Valedictory. As a parent, one must settle deeply into the moment and imprint the snapshots and the feelings of these moments in your memory. Take in the still Junior School faces of your daughters, remember how you feel, as they will be young women before you realise.” The fleeting nature of pivotal moments in your daughters’ lives are worthy of embracing and cherishing. 

Barbreck Captains, Charlotte Morris and Camilla Thomas delivered eloquent speeches, encapsulating the essence of a Barbreck girl’s journey with confidence. Witnessing the transformation of our Year 6 students, poised to step into their senior years, left me in awe of their presentation and the collective accomplishments of the entire Cohort. 

Looking ahead, the Senior School staff, particularly Ms Samantha Basford, Head of Year 7, eagerly anticipates welcoming the Year 6 girls to the next phase of their education, witnessing their growth into strong, capable graduates by the year 2029. 

As we reflect on the year, St Catherine’s has achieved remarkable milestones, from outstanding VCE results that position us as the number one girls’ school in Victoria, to the brilliance showcased in the Performing Arts productions – The Adams Family, Seussical JR. and Children of the Black Skirt. The success in GSV Finals, notably the GSV Swimming Team and recently the Barbreck Track and Field Team, have added to our rich sporting history. 

This week, we received news that our School Captains, Ava Colosimo and Flora Du, were awarded a Swannie in Debating. This is the highest honour students can be awarded in the Schools Competition by the DAV. The Awards are testament to the assertiveness and confidence with which both Ava and Flora debate. We are pleased that the fine skills that both Ava and Flora have developed over the years are acknowledged in their final year at St Catherine’s. 

We also congratulate our six Senior School students who recently competed in the Evatt UN Youth Competition, Australia’s most prestigious Model UN Competition, administered by the United Nation’s Youth organisation in Australia. I would like to particularly acknowledge Year 11 students Olivia Hargrave and Rhea Werner for progressing through to the National Final following their impressive debating, public speaking, and negotiating skills in the Victorian Finals. In a demonstration of School spirit, both Olivia and Rhea chose not to compete in the National Final rounds this week, instead opting to perform in House Arts alongside their St Catherine’s peers. We look forward to them potentially emulating their efforts from 2023 in next year’s competitions following their experiences this year. 

Over the summer holidays, the planning continues with architects for the new Music School to be situated on the now-cleared block of land adjacent to the Dorothy Pizzey Centre. Undoubtedly, the inclusion of the refurbished Sports Hall, inclusive of the Strength and Conditioning Studio and The Ashley Siswanto Tumbling Studio to our teaching and learning spaces this year has been profound, with the opportunity to lift our sports training well received by students and teachers.  

On Monday evening, we transformed The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Theatre into a dining venue for 172 guests, and by Tuesday morning the sprung floor was again put to good use with the creation of the House Arts dance routines. During the year, we have sat comfortably in the tiered seating for 180 people to enjoy the Performing Arts productions. I am confident the final phase of the Wintergarden and Frank Osborn Centre refurbishments, together with connections to the Music School will raise the campus to stunning levels across all faculties and teaching areas.  

This year, it has been a privilege to witness the growth and development of each St Catherine’s girl and child in our ELC. I trust all students have experienced the opportunity to discover their passions, interests, and talents in the classroom. In my role, I am acutely aware of providing each student with a network of support and care as they navigate their way through their adolescent, tween, and childhood years. The significance of establishing a strong community to support our students can never be underestimated. With our careful guidance and nurturing of all students, our School remains enduringly steady and strong in its mission. 

I wish to thank the members of School Council, in particular, our Chair of Council, Ms Jane Hodder for her leadership and support throughout 2023. We are a community that has active parents and past students who volunteer a tremendous amount of time and effort and, therefore, contribute greatly to the success of St Catherine’s School. I very much appreciate all members of our School community for their generous support of St Catherine’s this year and over the past 10 years. 

As the school year draws to a close, I take this opportunity to thank all of our St Catherine’s School staff and members of our Senior Leadership Team who oversee the Educational and Business aspects of running a school. We continue to be passionate and determined in the pursuit of our vision and to nurture a school culture that values kindness and care.  

Undoubtedly, the true job of the teacher at St Catherine’s is to take each student on a journey to discover their talents and potential. In particular, I very much appreciate the lengths each staff member at St Catherine’s School has undertaken in helping our Year 12 girls discover and unlock their individual possibilities. Their level of expertise and experience is significant.  

At this time, we farewell and acknowledge the retirement of Ms Mary-Anne Keratiotis, Head of English and our Debating and Public Speaking Program, Ms Anna Pianezze, Head of Languages and Mr Tom Crebbin, Junior School Sport Coordinator. Each has made an extraordinary contribution to educating students, of all ages, in long-held careers in teaching.  

I also take this opportunity to thank and farewell Mr Andrew Gold (Language Faculty) who is relocating his family to Sydney, Mrs Cindy Requin (Barbreck Library), Ms Tori Shaw (Barbreck STEM), Mr Nick Grunden (Head of Music) and Ms Melanie Gertler (Music teacher) commencing at new schools in 2024.  

The School has almost finalised the recruitment of all new staff, and we feel excited by the level of expertise and value new staff will bring to the School. In completing the staffing matrix for 2024, we have also been able to make some internal appointments for staff stepping into leadership positions. In our Wellbeing Team, I congratulate Ms Samantha Basford on her appointment as Head of Year 7 and Mr Clint Blennerhassett as Head of Year 10.  

I wish everyone in our St Catherine’s School community a relaxing and joyous Christmas celebration. Christmas is a time when friends and family spend precious, valuable time just being together.  

Merry Christmas.