Zara’s organisation, enthusiasm and creativity shines through all that she has achieved at St Catherine’s School since commencing in the 3-Year-Old kinder program, 15 years ago.

As Davis House Co-Captain, Zara contributed to the House in Cross Country, Athletics and Debating. Zara was instrumental in the success of Davis House in the House Arts competition, where she collaborated with the Davis students to refine the ideas for the performance, and was wonderful as the lead in the winning production.

In recognition of her commitment to Davis House, Zara was awarded Year 12 House Colours. Zara was also a star performer in the Senior School production, Letters to Lindy. In recognition of which Zara was awarded a Light Blue Award for Performance in Drama.

Zara’s approach to her academic studies is thoughtful and considered and she has applied her focus and work ethic to achieve impressive results, particularly managing two Visual Arts VCE subjects during ongoing lockdowns, which is testament to her hard work and organisation.

Studying both Media Arts and Studio Arts in VCE, Zara exhibited her work in the 2021 VCE Art Show, including photographic lightboxes and digital photographs developing her theme of ‘connection to place’ and uncovering the histories behind buildings we walk past daily as part of her Studio Arts portfolio. In Media Arts, Zara’s piece, Submerged a 10-minute short-film, delves into the life of a teenage girl, struggling with her relationship with her father and passive mother.

Zara has grasped the many opportunities which St Catherine’s has provided and she has balanced her commitments to academic endeavours and Co-curricular contributions with aplomb. We wish her well in all her future endeavours.

To learn more about Zara’s time at St Catherine’s, read her profile below.

What do you plan to study post School and where?

I plan to study Film and Television with a focus on Directing, in the future I hope to study abroad.

Has completing your two years of VCE within the COVID-19 pandemic changed your perspective?

Yes. I now understand the importance of time spent with family and friends.

I also live in the present moment more and take on new challenges and experiences when the opportunity presents. Prior to COVID I never thought of studying abroad with the passion I do now. So, with being forced inside for effectively two years, I am eager to place myself out of my comfort zone, into new atmospheres and environments.

What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time?

I see myself supporting women in the film Industry. Vocalising the stories of female and marginalised voices and experiences into the moving image.

What have been some of the highlights of your time at St Catherine’s?

Going through each Year level as the years progressed and strengthening my bond with teachers and cohort. Another highlight lies specifically within my Art subjects, developing my final artworks and portfolio into finished pieces provided me with an immense sense of satisfaction, pride and achievement.

Despite COVID-19 what will you take away from this year?

I will take away my sense of routine and the importance of getting outdoors – not taking the ever-changing Melbourne weather, when it is sunny, for granted. I will also take away the memoires and bonds with my friends and teachers.

What are some life lessons you have learnt from your time at St Catherine’s, and particularly from 2020-21?

Time management is routinely practised at St Catherine’s. I have learnt a valuable life lesson to be at a meeting on time, or submit an assignment within the due date. I have also learnt that there are no ‘wrong’ questions and asking for help is how we learn from our mistakes and provides valuable lessons throughout life.

What has COVID-19 taught you that can be transferred into the next phase of your journey?

To not take anything for granted. To minimise putting things on your ‘to do’ list off, or that you have wanted to achieve for a while.

During the last two years we have been placed in a position solidifying how dynamic life can be. Therefore, just giving anything a go, meeting with friends, applying for a job, doing things that may be deemed daunting or challenging, is how new avenues of life open up.

How do you believe St Catherine’s and your teachers have helped you reach your goals?

St Catherine’s has taught me the importance of routine and time management. This in turn has lowered my stress levels when the work load of VCE increased.

My teachers were approachable, non-judgmental and vigilant, which pushed me to extend my knowledge and refine my skills in order to achieve my goals, such as creating one of my films during Stage 4 lockdown.

During this time my teacher was able to meet with me online and we liaised on how to problem solve and produce the best work possible, given the conditions. This not only achieved my goal, but I also learnt how to problem solve and work around large barriers to create a piece of work I can learn from and am proud of.

What advice would you provide to future Year 12 students?

Do not take the small aspects of Year 12 for granted. Having two years of VCE during COVID has removed some of the classic moments of being a captain, leader and bonding with the Year level from us. So, I encourage future Year 12s to live in the moment, give everything a go and do not get so caught up in the stress, because life can change in a matter of days.