ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL MAGNOLIA MAGAZINE
CELEBRATING OLD GIRLS
WELCOME
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A remarkable foundation As I sit in my office at Miss Patterson’s desk, with Mrs Jane Barker gazing down from her portrait above the fireplace, I am reminded daily of the remarkable history that underpins St Catherine’s.
It is a history I feel deeply honoured to be part of, a legacy of learning, care and enduring community spirit. Since beginning my time as Headmistress, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of our Old Girls. Each encounter brings a familiar thread: stories of strong friendships, girls who were known and cared for, and a
and model what it means to lead with integrity and compassion. I’m also moved by the generosity of our alumni. A recent donation from the Old Girls’ Union to the Faith Paterson Scholarship is already making a tangible difference in the life of one of our girls. Thank you for continuing to invest in the future of our community. In a recent assembly,
community that has always punched well above its weight. “There’s something so solid about this place,” a parent told me recently. “Headmistresses will come and go, but St Catherine’s remains strong.” I couldn’t agree more. Much has grown since those early days. From a graduating class of twelve to a thriving enrolment of over 1,100 students, St Catherine’s continues to flourish. Our many sporting achievements, whether it’s
“ What hasn’t changed is the heart of this school. Our girls are still grounded, hardworking, and well-rounded. They are led by teachers who care deeply and who model what it means to lead with integrity and compassion.
one of our recent graduates shared what St Catherine’s means to her: success, leadership, support and the strength of connection. She reminded us that, “As Old Girls, we are never truly gone, we are part of something lasting. And we are here for one another.” As I continue to learn the stories of this place, thank you for sharing yours with me. I promise to care for
Tennis at Tildesley, Rowing, Netball or Water Polo, are outstanding. Our students are excelling in Debating, Robotics, and academic learning. Our Boarding House is full and vibrant. But what hasn’t changed is the heart of this school. Our girls are still grounded, hardworking and well-rounded. They are led by teachers who care
St Catherine’s with the same devotion and love that has already shaped our beautiful school for so many generations.
Deb Magill Headmistress
4 CLASS OF 1975
IN 1975...
WELCOMING BACK THE CLASS OF 1975
475 students enrolled overall There were just 27 girls in Year 12 (or Sixth Form as it was known at the time). Afternoon Clubs and Choirs The event, then called Club Afternoon and Interhouse Activities, was held in the afternoon for the first time since the competition began. Senior Public Speaking The topic of the competition in 1975 was “Motor Car – Master or Slave?” with Sally Clendinning in Barker placing first overall. Casterton house victory Casterton won nearly all the house events, including both the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. Opening the Green Lab The new laboratory (pictured, above) was opened on 19 April. The green-coloured room sat between the Jane Barker Hall and the St John’s building. Students raised $1,685.45 Roughly $14,600 in today’s money was raised for the Archbishop’s Disaster Fund for Darwin in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy. Year 12 Revue The Class of 1975 performed a parody of Speech Day Prizegiving for their Revue. Bishop’s Reception After Bishop Hulme-Moir’s retirement, Sixth Form girls and other student representatives were invited to his farewell. Papua New Guinean feast The school celebrated the nation gaining independence with a traditional mumu feast.
When the Class of 1975 last gathered at St Cath’s for a reunion, the OJ Simpson trial was making headlines, Disney’s Pocahontas had just hit theatres and Microsoft was preparing to launch its first stand-alone Windows program. It was 1995, and Dr Diana Whitton (STC1975) had organised their 20-year reunion, spending weeks tracking down classmates across the country through a series of handwritten letters. “Don’t worry about what you have or haven’t done over the last 20 years,” she wrote at the time. “This reunion isn’t about achievements — it’s simply a chance to reconnect, catch up and remember the things we shared all those years ago.” Now, as the Class of 1975 prepared to celebrate their 50-year reunion, it was significantly easier to bring everyone together — but the occasion was no less special. As the group arrived, it felt as though no time had passed since they were students. Stories, laughter and memories were flying thick and fast, with Diana remembering burning her foot on a hot water urn while helping her mum coordinate the Devonshire Tea stall at the Magnolia Fair, while Celeste Dunn (Dawson, STC1975) brought along a remarkable piece of St Cath’s history, a 1910 school report she had discovered hidden behind a cabinet while doing home renovations. “It must have been left by a member of the clergy who lived there at the time,” she said. “It just goes to show that no matter where I go in life, I’m still connected to St Cath’s.” We were so honoured to have the Class of 1975 join us back at school for a special celebration on Foundation Day.
This year, we decided to pull out all the stops to properly honour the Class of 1975, by introducing a new tradition into our Foundation Day festivities, on Tuesday 4 March 2025. Historically, our alumni who graduated 50 years ago are honoured at our Jane Barker Luncheon in May. But this year, we decided to move the luncheon forward to Foundation Day. This change meant that we were able to invite the Class of 1975 to join us for a special K-12 Assembly. While not everyone could attend, we were thrilled to welcome those from the Class of 1975 who were available to be with us on the day. The group excitedly made their way to the Jo Karaolis Sports Centre for the first school assembly they had attended in over 50 years, where they were invited to proceed in with the official party. This was a special highlight for Jennifer Fealy (Grouse, STC1975) who remembered doing the same thing as a prefect during her time at St Cath’s. At the assembly, our students surprised the Class of 1975 with a special presentation about what life was like in their final year at school. Then, each alumni was presented with a Magnolia Pin by a junior school student — a symbolic gesture celebrating their legacy as St Cath’s Old Girls. For Diana, the entire day was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on her school days. “We had some strict teachers, some hard teachers — but boy, they were good at their jobs,” she said. “They made sure we learnt and understood the world. At the time, I probably didn’t appreciate that in the way I do now.”
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CLASS OF 1975
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6 JANE BARKER LUNCHEON
Years ago, Susan Mattey (Nutt, STC1970) was walking with her brother when they passed a boy from his school. JANE BARKER LUNCHEON
“I asked him why he didn’t say hello and he said that he didn’t know him. It was strange to me because I knew everyone at St Cath’s. I could have gone up to any one of them and said hello,” Susan said. This was certainly true at our 2025 Jane Barker Luncheon as alumni excitedly greeted one another with huge hugs and smiles. The event is a wonderful opportunity for alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more to catch up, share stories and see how the school has changed. As our alumni converged on the Performing Arts & Aquatic Centre on Tuesday 4 March, it didn’t seem to matter that they had been in different year groups — with Old Girls joining us from the Class of 1948 all the way up to the Class of 1975. Everyone was eager to see each other again and celebrate the time they spent together at St Cath’s. Dianne Keniry (Cooper, STC1962) reminisced about Miss Hind getting her
in trouble after her hair lightened from spending the summer holidays at the beach, while Jacqueline Warnock (Asher, STC1968) fondly remembered having picnics under the Magnolia Tree on Sunday afternoons with the boarders. “It’s so nice being together again after all this time. Even if we were in different years, we all still remember each other,” she added. “It’s so lovely to see how beautiful the school still is and all the little ones learning here. It’s been such a long time in the making. St Cath’s really had such a big impact on what my life became, which I hadn’t really realised until coming back here.” Susan also felt the same, noting that St Cath’s had been the main constant of her childhood after she became a boarder at age nine following the tragic loss of her mum. “The school became my home. The fact that there were the same teachers and the same girls gave me a place to belong.”
“ St Cath’s really had such a big impact on what my life became, which I hadn’t really realised until coming back here.
Jacqueline Warnock (Asher, STC1968)
GENERATIONS
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Since her daughter Maeve started at St Cath’s last year, Leah Kirwan (Park, STC1995) has found herself frequently reminded of her own school days. This happened for the first time when Maeve came home singing the Friday Friends Birthday Song last year. It had been decades since Leah last heard the beloved tune — as a junior school student herself — but she could instantly recall every word. It’s a common experience for many alumni whose daughters now attend the school, and a popular topic of conversation at this year’s Generational Afternoon Tea, which brings together alumni families who currently have daughters at the school. As Helen Kwong (STC2003) reflected at the event, “I used to spend my days running around here with my friends and Familiar songs and traditions united our alumni at this year’s Generational Afternoon Tea. THREADS OF TIME
not want to leave because I wanted to hang out with them more. Now my girls are here doing exactly the same thing which just feels so incredibly special.” It’s just as meaningful for the daughters of our alumni, who now get to experience for themselves the stories they
“ It’s so nice that Mum did the same things I’m doing now. It’s like I’m walking in her footsteps.
Mum about her sports career and now I’ve been able to play lots of the same sports, so it’s like I’m continuing her legacy,” Suzannah said, while Sarah added, “Mum did a lot of debating and won many
Of course, not everything has stayed the same. Rachel vividly remembers spending a PE class doing abseiling lessons off the Dame Joan Sutherland Centre. “They obviously don’t do that anymore, it was probably quite dangerous,” she said, “but I will say that St Cath’s gave me every opportunity to pursue everything I was interested in. That’s why I wanted my girls to go here.”
Sarah G (Year 9)
grew up hearing. For example, Suzannah and Sarah G love taking part in the same cocurricular activities their mum, Rachel Greenwood (Jensen, STC1995), once enjoyed. “I grew up with lots of talk from
public speaking competitions. I currently do Archdale debating and am part of the public speaking program. It’s so nice that Mum did the same things I’m doing now. It’s like I’m walking in her footsteps.”
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8 STAFF PROFILES
CIRCLE BACK TO HOME
Nicky Schey (STC1990) Head of Research Centre
1990
A well-timed job advertisement brought Nicky back to St Cath’s — a place that had always felt like home. But Nicky was slightly thrown when she was interviewed by Headmistress Mrs Jo Karaolis, who had also led the school when Nicky was a student. Despite the initial nerves, Nicky was offered the role and has since been making a lasting impact in both the History department and Research Centre. “It is a privilege to be here. I know that every moment contributes to building a foundation the girls will carry with them for life.”
Each year, St Cath’s graduates return to us as staff. Let’s hear from just a few Old Girls who have come back to St Cath’s.
2003
Meagan Sharpe (McLachlan, STC2003) Community Relations Manager
One of Meagan’s favourite memories as a student was Tub Fridays in Year 12. “The Deli only sold ice cream tubs on Fridays, so we’d enjoy them in the sunshine on the Senior Lawn by the library,” she recalled. But it was a well-timed phone call — not ice cream — that brought Meagan back to work at St Cath’s. “I’m so grateful for the chance to work here, to have met so many amazing colleagues and had so many opportunities for personal and professional development.”
2014
“ It felt so natural to return back to this place that had given me so much.
Sally Ghattas (STC2014) Senior School History Teacher
Starting at St Cath’s at just four years old, Sally made a friend on her very first day who remains a close part of her life to this day. “That kind of lasting connection says a lot about this place,” she said. So when the opportunity to work at the school came up after graduation, Sally didn’t hesitate. “I came back because of the people — the teachers who became mentors and helped shape how I see education. It felt so natural to return back to this place that had given me so much.”
Sally Ghattas (STC2014)
STAFF PROFILES
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Kirsty Walsh (STC2009) Junior School Teacher
2009
Despite spending years teaching Kindy and then working as a Stage 1 Coordinator, Kirsty is almost embarrassed to admit she spent her first day of Kindergarten at St Cath’s in tears. Fortunately, with the support of her Year 6 Friday Friend — who came down at recess and lunch to make sure she had someone to play with — Kirsty soon settled comfortably into life at St Cath’s. By Year 3, she was fortunate to have Mrs Anne Robinson as her classroom teacher. “She made every single student feel valued and seen,” Kirsty recalled. “She was the first person outside my family to believe in me — her belief never wavered, even when I didn’t believe in myself. She always told us to try your best and no less. That’s something that has stayed with me through the years. I hope that one day, a student of mine will look back and remember me for the same.”
“ Each girl that walks its halls shifts it slightly. It’s a bit like a clay sculpture — always evolving and being shaped, but firm in its foundations.
Kirsty Walsh (STC2009)
2021
Alice Mourant (STC2021) BTC Administrative Assistant As a student, Alice remembered being coached in sport by recently graduated students. “I always looked up to them and
“ There will always
be challenges, but when you’re surrounded by a community like St Cath’s, you’re never facing them alone.”
thought it was so special how they stayed connected to the school,” she said. So after graduation, Alice jumped at the chance to be a similar role model to our current students. She started teaching in our pool, before moving into her current role as BTC Administrative Assistant. “Being able to help create the same positive experiences I had as a student is something I don’t take for granted,” Alice shared. “It means a lot to be able to show the girls that if I could do it, so can they. There will always be challenges, but when you’re surrounded by a community like St Cath’s, you’re never facing them alone.”
Alice Mourant (STC2021)
10 CONNECTIONS
Passing on the torch
“ We’re sharing tradition and continuing the sisterhood that was established when they were at school. Having these ongoing traditions that are now happening year after year establishes a strong school community and a sense of pride in being a St Cath’s girl.
When our alumni reflect on their time at St Cath’s, it is often our special St Cath’s traditions that stand out.
However, our alumni haven’t had many opportunities to be actively involved in passing these traditions on to the next generation. This changed in early June when we were
honoured to welcome back Ava Saunders and Taya Cohen from the Class of 2024, who returned to help share a special new tradition with our current Year 12 students. In 2024, we introduced 100 Days of Year 12, a celebration marking the final stretch of our students’ time with us before their graduation in September. Although the tradition is still in its early days, we are excited to see it continue and become a much-loved event in the St Cath’s calendar. As part of this event, the Class of 2024 wrote a chant, which they performed at recess, led by Ava and Taya. This year, it felt only natural to invite Ava and Taya back to help teach the chant to our current Year 12 girls. “We were the start of the newest St Cath’s
Molly A (Year 12)
tradition last year, which was really special as traditions are so important to this school,” Ava explained, “It was really special to be invited back to teach the chant to the girls. I was so sad to leave St Cath’s but it’s nice knowing that we’re always connected, we can always come back and be a part of things.” From the moment Ava and Taya stepped onto campus, it was clear the day would be something special. Students ran across the playground to greet them, and by the time the full year group had gathered in a circle on the Cloisters Lawn, there was a clear buzz of excitement in the air. Ava and Taya quickly took charge, first taking time to explain the significance of what they were about to share, before leading the group through the chant. It was wonderful to see our alumni working with our current students to bring this
tradition to life for another year. “Having this tradition passed down to us by the older girls meant a lot,” Molly A (Year 12) said, “Together, we’re sharing tradition and continuing the sisterhood that was established when they were at school. Having these ongoing traditions that are now happening year after year establishes a strong school community and a sense of pride in being a St Cath’s girl. It’s also nice to know that even after you leave, you’re still part of the school, you’re always welcome. You might not be attending it and you might not be working for it, but you are still part of the family and the culture that is created.”
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CONNECTIONS
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Lessons of a lifetime
Sarah Donnelley (STC2008) vividly remembers the moment her future came into focus. It was during her final year at St Cath’s, when she and her fellow prefects organised a leadership workshop for Year 6.
her throughout her life. “It was challenging, both mentally and emotionally, but you have to be challenged in those ways to actually feel that sense of empowerment and strength. It taught me that I can do anything,” she said. Sarah also cherishes the time she spent at school under the Magnolia Tree, which has sat at the heart of our campus since the very beginning. Sarah remembered retreating to its calming shade before music performances at the Dame Joan Sutherland Centre to calm her nerves. It was also a quiet place for important conversations with friends who needed time to talk or work through something. “I often was having these conversations with young women who were younger or older than me,” she added. “I think another special part of St Catherine’s was the ability to have friendships with young women of all different ages, in terms of supporting each other.” For Sarah, these connections have carried her throughout life, with her St Cath’s friendships holding a special place in her heart. “There’s something different about it, it is more of a sister connection. I’ve seen some of these women from five years old, from nine years old. We all had different experiences here. We all had different pathways, whether that was different house groups, different subject choices, different teachers, different school social groups. But we all have that connection, and that’s something that’s really strong.”
This firsthand experience of teaching — while still a student herself — “set the trajectory for my life and what I wanted to do,” Sarah reflected. Recently, she uncovered the time capsule she created as a Year 7 student at St Cath’s. Inside was a Post-it note that read: “I want to be a teacher/singer,” which she found funny “because that is exactly where my path has taken me”. After graduating from school, Sarah studied education at The University of Sydney before taking a teaching post in Wilcannia, a small town two hours east of Broken Hill. There, she reimagined the classroom experience through the power of music. In 2020, she was awarded the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher of the Year and in 2022, she published a book, Big Things Grow , about her experience in Wilcannia. But even as her journey took her far from our hill overlooking the ocean in Waverley, Sarah continued to draw on the lessons she learnt here at St Cath’s. “One of the really important things in my education was being taught as a woman that you can do absolutely anything you want to do,” she said, “There were all sorts of opportunities to nurture whatever your interest or inkling was. Right the way through my schooling, it was instilled from an early age that the world is open to you to just go out there and grab it.” She also credits her junior school music teacher, Mrs Jenny Birrell, with showing her the enormous impact an educator can have on the lives of their students. To this day,
Sarah still uses many of the tools, songs and activities she first experienced in Mrs Birrell’s classroom. “She built confidence, she got me up on the stage. She is such an important part of who I am as a person,” Sarah added. “ Right the way through my schooling, it was instilled from an early age that the world is open to you to just go out there and grab it.
Sarah Donnelley (STC2008)
Among the experiences that shaped her were the outdoor camps in Years 9 and 10. From freezing canoe trips along the river to tears of frustration and mud-covered clothing, the camps were tough at the time. But for Sarah, these difficult experiences taught her something she has carried with
SCAN FOR SARAH’S STORY Want to hear more of this incredible young woman’s story? Scan to watch our interview with her and learn more.
14 CONNECTIONS
SCAN TO SHARE YOUR JOURNEY St Cath’s is looking for Old Girls who wish to inspire the next generation
A MOMENT OF ST CATH’S SERENDIPITY
A TRUE SISTER ACT For Amelie and Abigail S (Year 12), their big sister Rachel (STC2019) has always been their go-to person for advice. Still, the twins couldn’t help but feel a little nervous when Rachel, who recently graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy, was invited to speak to their entire year group at a Careers Conversations session this year. While they’ve spent their lives learning and benefiting from Rachel’s wisdom and guidance, Amelie and Abigail weren’t sure how their classmates would respond. But in the end, they needn’t have worried, with the entire class appreciating Rachel’s honest and relatable approach to her career journey so far. “She’s been through the school so she knows how it feels to be where we are now. It is so helpful to have someone like that to learn from,” Amelie said, while Abigail added that she was “so proud to see my sister on stage with our whole year group listening to her talk about her career. She has worked so hard to get to where she is now, so it was a pretty great moment to acknowledge that.”
A remarkable discovery brought together two girls whose great-aunts were at St Cath’s over 80 years ago. In March, School Archivist Mrs Evangeline Galettis OAM (Barris, STC1969) had been contacted by Stephen Bargwanna, who has a long-standing family connection to St Cath’s. Stephen is the grandfather of Finn T (Year 4) and the father of Old Girl Orlaith Bargwanna (STC2004). His mother, Mary Wills (STC1938), and aunt, Nancy Wills (STC1942), also attended the school, and Stephen was especially eager to learn more about their experiences at St Cath’s. Drawing on records from our archives, we were delighted to share with him some anecdotes of his mother’s experience as a boarder at the school in the late 1930s. We were also thrilled to be able to locate specific materials related to his aunt Nancy at that time. In a remarkable turn of events, that very same afternoon, Cecilia Richie, mother
of Frances L (Year 4), visited the museum to donate a collection of photographs that had belonged to her great-aunt, Pamela St John (STC1942). To our astonishment, among the beautifully labelled photographs were several showing Pamela alongside her school friend—none other than Nancy Wills, Stephen’s aunt! The two girls were close friends, with the images perfectly capturing their time at St Cath’s. We were amazed by the serendipity of it all, with such a remarkable and unexpected connection unfolding in a single afternoon. And as if that coincidence wasn’t extraordinary enough, we soon discovered that Pamela and Nancy’s great-nieces, Frances and Finn, are not only classmates but also close friends in Year 4. We immediately knew what we had to do and brought the two girls together to recreate one of the original photographs of their great-aunts, taken more than 80 years ago. It was a beautiful moment that really emphasised the strength of the connections within our school community.
CONNECTIONS
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16 ALUMNI STORIES
A STORY TO SHARE We are proud to spotlight just a few of the many talented and accomplished women within our alumni community.
1987
Nicole Williams (Zammit, STC1987)
Who was your closest friend at school, and what made that friendship special? From the minute I walked through the gates Nicolle Rubin (Levi) welcomed me with a huge smile, open arms and a warm embrace. The energy she had and still has complemented mine and we knew then
What’s your favourite memory from your time at St Cath’s — and why does it still stay with you? I have so many wonderful memories from my time but my favourite was when loads of us would come in the school holidays to do our art major works. We shared so many amazing, funny and silly stories and also some important challenges but even though all of us came from different backgrounds we would all listen and support each other so very much. We were so young but had so much freedom to come and go as we pleased. To share this part of life with amazing friends in a happy and safe environment is truly something to be grateful for. Having my daughter attend St Catherine’s from Kindy to Year 12, I felt that the school was still the same when it came to accepting the individual person and supporting all needs.
we were going to be like two peas in a pod. She took me under her wing as I started St Catherine’s later in high school but I felt like I had been there since Kindy. That is what made Nicolle so special. Our friendship is inseparable and is what I felt St Catherine’s was all about — inclusion for all.
“ That is what made Nicolle so special. Our friendship is inseparable and is what I felt St Catherine’s was all about — inclusion for all.
Nicole Williams (Zammit, STC1987)
1993
Amber Daines (Daines-Unger, STC1993)
What are you up to now? I run my own award-winning communications agency called Bespoke Co. which I started in 2007 and last year became the founder of a tech start-up called ESG4PRTM. I am a former award-winning journalist who has worked in print and broadcast media across Australia, Asia, the UK and Europe. I recently started a new podcast project called Life After the Whistle . Personally, I am a mum to two sons aged 16 and 12 and live with my husband, our two cats and one very pampered dog on the NSW Central Coast. I am also a fan of spinning and sometimes a bit of weight training!
Who were your closest friends at school, and what made those friendships special? I was fortunate to have a wide circle of friends from Years 7 to 12. Being a boarder there were those friends who you essentially see all the time, away from the school day, and then other friendships with day students. That said, my closest friends at the end of my six years were a mix of both – names including Jacqui Ma, Jules Webster and Sarah Knox whom I am still in regular contact with today, although they all live abroad now.
ALUMNI STORIES
17
2023
Kayla Heng (STC2023)
Who was your closest friend at school, and what made that friendship special? My closest friend throughout high school was Abbey Lissenden. Our friendship began in Year 7 on Orientation Day when we happened to sit next to each other in our first house meeting and I think that was a huge part of why our friendship just blossomed and grew so quickly. Being in the same house as Abbey meant that no matter what there was always a time in the school day that we got to see each other and just have some laughs. The friendship I have with Abbey is so special because through everything you go through during Senior School and your teenage years Abbey is someone who is always by your side cheering you on, and to think that started with two awkward Year 7 Casterton girls bonding over their fear of immunisation needles makes our friendship so special to me.
What’s your favourite memory from your time at St Cath’s — and why does it still stay with you? One of my favourite memories from St Cath’s would probably be all the cadet camps I was able to go on. These camps were some of the most fun and memorable times I had
during Senior School! It still stays with me to this day as cadets was something that allowed me to form lifelong friendships with girls from a range of different year groups as well as some of the Waverley boys. More specifically the bonds and shared experiences we had over these camps made our friendships so much stronger.
1998
Nicola Breakspear (Cardamis, STC1998)
“ In Senior School, there were so many teachers that helped shape and mould my journey.
What’s your favourite memory from your time at St Cath’s — and why does it still stay with you? Gosh, this is hard as I spent 13 years here! Most of my junior school memories include the little moments, like playing ‘Stuck in the Mud’ around a big Magnolia Tree, the Weather Shark, singing around Mrs Seally’s piano, Mr Shelley and his cartoon Biblical drawings, Mr Rogers throwing us in the pool to teach us how to swim, Friday Friends Assembly (and yes, they still sing the same birthday song today!), and watching the Museum getting lifted by a crane to make way for the DJSC building. In Senior School, there were so many teachers who helped shape and mould my journey. Our French classes with Madame Hilmer were always a weekly highlight (and were even better when they involved excursions or croissants). Debating in the Archdale team was a highlight as we weren’t the most knowledgeable about current affairs, but we could argue well! Reaching the Archdale grand final, or debating against the Prime Minister’s son
Nicola Breakspear (Cardamis, STC1998)
When I left St Cath’s, I completed a Communications Degree at UTS and worked as a public relations consultant in a global firm. After a few years, I realised that it wasn’t for me and education was where my passion really lay. I retrained to be a primary teacher at Macquarie University and then completed more special education qualifications. I’m currently completing my Master of Education in Language and Literacy through La Trobe University, so I guess you could say I haven’t stopped learning since leaving school!
without realising are memories that remain. Being in many different productions in the DJSC was a highlight despite the long rehearsals. It was a great way to have fun and meet people across years and in different schools. What are you up to now? I’m a mum to four children (two girls are currently at St Cath’s). I also currently work as a Learning Enrichment Teacher in a primary school and focus on helping students with learning difficulties. I wasn’t always a primary school teacher.
18 ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni News From birthdays to weddings and reunions, our alumni have had much to celebrate over the past year.
Doing Australia proud We are thrilled to report that Kiera Gazzard (STC2019) became a dual Olympian after competing at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics in Artistic Swimming. Congratulations Kiera! Also representing Australia, Madeleine Swain (STC2024) has been selected for the Under 19 Australian Junior Rowing Team. She will be competing at the Junior World Championships in Lithuania in August this year. We wish her all the luck as she represents Australia at this prestigious competition. From the sports field to the universe We are honoured to share that Professor Tamara Davis AM FAA (STC1993) has been elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. Based at The University of Queensland, Tamara leads pioneering research that aims to strengthen our understanding of dark energy and the fundamental nature of our universe. Tamara is also a dedicated international athlete and was selected to represent Australia in the World Age-Group Championships in both Triathlon and Ultimate Frisbee this year. 90 years young Happy birthday to Lesley Bowers (Lawrance, STC1952) who was a student at St Cath’s from 1940 to 1950. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends. Up until two years ago, Lesley was a regular visitor to St Cath’s, attending the annual fete, reunion events and the annual Old Girls Luncheons. Unfortunately her physical health has meant that she has been unable to attend in recent years but she loves reading the magazines the school sends out.
Documenting love and loss In July, Adelaide (STC2016) and Lucinda Miller (STC2018) premiered their documentary Nansie at the Ritz Cinema in Randwick. The sisters have spent the past four-and-a-half years producing the documentary which explores their personal journey with dementia. Woman in charge Congratulations to Sue-Ern Tan (STC1996) who was just appointed as the head of the newly established International Energy Agency in Singapore. The agency is part of a global energy authority that aims to provide data, analysis and solutions for a sustainable energy system.
A sparkling wedding anniversary Congratulations to Miranda Tam (Tsang, STC1960) who recently celebrated her diamond wedding anniversary. Miranda has great memories of her time as a boarder at St Cath’s, alongside her two sisters Amy and Wendy. She was our school pianist in 1960 before going on to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Miranda taught music in schools before she married Anthony Tam in 1965. Anthony is the brother of another St Cath’s alumni, the late June Tam (STC1958), and the couple have two daughters and six grandsons together. Pictured above are Miranda and Anthony on their wedding day and again cutting the cake at their diamond anniversary celebrations.
Blooming with pride Zoe Macarounas (STC2001) received the Outstanding Florist Award at the Randwick Council Local Business Awards in November 2024. For 14 years, her business, Flowers by Zoe, has been a labour of love, where Zoe’s creativity and dedication have blossomed into a thriving family-owned business. This well-deserved recognition highlights her passion and commitment to excellence in floral design.
ALUMNI NEWS
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As our Year 12 students prepare to enter a workforce where strong networks are essential, they are blessed to have generations of St Cath’s alumni for guidance, mentoring and support. Our careers events are the perfect place for these connections to begin, offering current students a valuable step into this lifelong network. To help facilitate this, we host Careers Conversations sessions for Year 12 students with recently graduated alumni. From construction to cinema, we invite alumni across a wide range of industries to share their professional journeys, so that our current students can find someone they connect with. In fact, after the formal session, our alumni will often stay to have individual conversations with interested students, offering further advice and support. Another opportunity for networking is our biennial Careers Beyond St Cath’s event, where students and parents from Years 10 to 12 join us for an evening of alumni panels. “Our career events are a great networking opportunity for our students and alumni alike,” Mrs Meagan Sharpe (McLachlan, STC2003), Community Relations Manager, said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our alumni helping students plan their futures and also support them as they go on to enter the workforce after graduation.” A lifelong network starts here
Oxford bound Congratulations to Brittany Pembroke (STC2011) who has recently begun a Master of Science in African Studies at the University of Oxford. This is her second Master’s degree and will bring together her experience of living in Rwanda and working with companies including MASS Design Group, BAG Technologies and Digby Wells Environmental. Brittany will be based at Wadham College in Oxford as part of St Anne’s College for her degree. Writing through the generations Olwyn Campey (STC1954) has just published her second book, which she has worked on with her daughter Bronwyn Shields (STC1988). The book details the history of the Campey family in Australia. Olwyn thankfully received the majority of the book research from her daughter before it was lost in the Parkes floods last year. Olwyn’s first book was about the Centenary of Red Rock back in 1999 and she is already planning another work about the Griffiths family in Australia. Reunion time Although many Old Girls remain close from their school days, it is still so special to see everyone gathered together for a reunion. This year, the Class of 1980 had a fantastic time enjoying lunch at the Olive and Oak at Bondi Junction while the Class of 2004 braved the footy crowd to spend time together at the Clovelly Hotel. We also have reunions coming up for the Classes of 1975, 1987, 1995, 2010, 2015 and 2020, so please keep an eye on your inbox for details if you are part of these year groups.
Building regional connections On Friday 16 May, St Cath’s alumni, as well as current and future parents, joined Headmistress Ms Deb Magill and staff at Lazy River Estate in Dubbo. The evening was a wonderful opportunity to build on our long connection with regional communities. There will be other opportunities for our country community to come together throughout the year, and we look forward to sharing this information with you soon! Sisters carving bright futures We’re thrilled to share an update from the Taylor sisters. Annabelle Taylor (STC2018) graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Primary Education and is now in her third year as “Miss Taylor,” teaching Kindergarten at Bondi Beach Public School. Her sister, Tamsyn Taylor (STC2021), is currently studying a combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney. She recently completed her Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) component and is working as a Legal Assistant at Hall & Wilcox while finishing her law degree.
SCAN TO EMAlL US ABOUT YOUR REUNION If you would like assistance in holding a reunion this year, please scan the code to email us, or contact us via alumni@stcatherines.nsw.edu.au
20 ST CATHERINE’S OLD GIRLS’ UNION
“ Each of these activities, as well as being great ways to get together with other Old Girls, add to our fundraising for the school.
ST CATHERINE’S OLD GIRLS’ UNION 21
A year of connection
2024 was a busy year for the Old Girls’ Union, writes St Catherine’s Old Girls’ Union President Mrs Cathy Ridge (Ward, STC1983).
Our social secretaries, Sue Henderson-Smart and Helene Galettis, organised two theatre parties and a cooking class. Death of a
valuable and extensive knowledge of the school to the School Foundation over the last 3 years as the Old Girls representative. Evangeline Galettis OAM who works tirelessly to ensure that the Old Girls’ Union runs efficiently and spends so much of her time keeping in touch with our older Old Girls. This was her 50th AGM which is an amazing commitment. Finally, a special call out to Beryl Cato and Kay Magnay who are regulars at our AGM and up until a few years ago were active members of our committee. They both left school 70 years ago and are still dedicated to the Old Girls’ Union. “ One of Deb’s values that she spoke about at the meeting was the importance she places on community, and this is something that resonated particularly with the Old Girls’ Union. PLANS FOR THE REST OF 2025 The Old Girls’ Union again has a busy social year planned. We have booked two theatre parties for the rest of the year — Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None and MJ the Musical . We also have a Jazz Harbour Cruise planned for Saturday October 18 and our annual lunch is to be held at The Homestead in Centennial Park on Saturday November 15. All Old Girls are welcome at these events — please let Evangeline know if you are interested in attending so we can send you more details closer to the time (contact her via email at egalettis@stcatherines.nsw.edu.au ). We will also be assisting the school at the Back to St Cath’s Day on Saturday September 6 and hope to see many Old Girls on that day.
Salesman , starring the amazing Anthony LaPaglia, was a very profound play that had the audience spellbound, and on a lighter note, Sister Act had us all laughing along as Deloris goes undercover as Sister Mary Clarence at the local convent. Finally, our Italian cooking class was a great success, some of us making pasta for the first time and then sharing in the delicious food we had made. Each of these activities, as well as being great ways to get together with other Old Girls, add to our fundraising for the school. The Old Girls’ Union provides 14 prizes at Speech Day each year and updates the Honour Boards in the Sports Centre. For the last two years, we have also donated funds to the Faith Patterson Scholarship Fund as well as donating the beautiful Magnolia panels for the new building. Our annual function was held last year at the Fullerton Hotel in Martin Place in the city. We had 40 Old Girls for lunch covering each decade from the 1950s down one end of the table to the 2000s at the other. Judith Poole was unable to make the lunch, however, the following week we presented her a farewell gift from the Old Girls’ Union — a print of Bronte Beach and a beautiful hand-painted card from Old Girl Robyn Chadwick — both of which Judith loved. It was with great pleasure that the Old Girls’ Union welcomed Ms Deb Magill, our new Headmistress, to her first Old Girls’ Union AGM and Chapel Service in March of this year. One of Deb’s values that she spoke about at the meeting was the importance she places on community, and this is something that resonated particularly with the Old Girls’ Union. We look forward to working closely with Deb over many years to come. At the AGM, we also took time to thank some of our committee who give tirelessly to the Old Girls’ Union. Our very talented pianist Patricia Wong who has been providing the music at our Chapel Service as well as other functions for most of the last 40 years since she left school. Jenny Monaghan who has provided her
22 VALETE
Valete St Catherine’s School extends its sincere sympathies to the families of our Old Girls who have passed away.
Amelia Symonds (Kaldor, STC1997)
We were very sorry to hear of the death of Amelia Symonds (Kaldor, STC1997) in December 2024. Amelia was a boarder and participated in music, sports and drama for the two years that she attended the school. Our thoughts are with Amelia’s family and her young daughter.
Valmai Tink (Tuck, STC1950)
Marcia Cocks (Boyden, STC1937)
Megan Clifton wrote to tell us of the passing of her mother Valmai Tink (Tuck, STC1950) in October 2023. Valmai was a boarder at St Catherine’s and took great pride in attending Old Girls’ functions and keeping up to date with news from the school. During her time at school, Valmai enjoyed all sports and competed in Tildesley Tennis. In 1992, Valmai attended Back to St Cath’s Day and gave an interview to members of the Year 12 History class, where she recalled her school days being very happy. Photo: In this picture of the school’s production of HMS Pinafore, Valmai is in the centre.
Marica Cocks (Boyden, STC1937) died in March 2025 at the age of 104. Marcia was a boarder at the school from 1936 to 1937, commuting with her sister Elinor from their home in Ulmarra. Marcia was particularly good at sports and was senior hurdles champion in 1937. The Casterton House Notes of 1937 recall that Marcia “Excelled herself by securing second place in the 15 years race” at the All Schools Sports Carnival. In 2021, Marcia was featured in The Bulletin celebrating her 100th birthday. Photo: Marcia celebrates her 100 th birthday,
Fiona Nicholson (STC1991)
Our community was very sad to hear of the passing of Fiona Nicholson (STC1991). Fiona is remembered by her classmates as being a caring and positive person, lively and forthright and a true and enthusiastic friend. Perhaps it is a testament to this character that her friends wrote in their Year 12 summations of their time at St Catherine’s, that one of their highlights had been “meeting Fiona Nicholson.” Photo: Fiona is shown in her Year 12 class photo at St Cath’s.
Vivienne Lee (STC2020)
Marjorie Beck (Ohlsson, STC1954)
In November 2024, we were saddened to hear of the passing of Vivienne Lee (STC2020), following a car accident near Taree. Vivienne is warmly remembered by her peers and our staff. A talented dancer, a caring and resilient student and a warm and positive member of the boarding community, Vivienne is sadly missed by all those who knew her within our community.
Marjorie Beck (Ohlsson, STC1954) was Captain of Bronte house and after leaving school became a vocal advocate for flying foxes. Working tirelessly to ensure that native bushland was protected for the survival of the fox, Marjorie lobbied the government and residents alike. Marjorie has left a strong legacy of care for the flying fox and nature.
VALETE 23
St Catherine’s School www.stcatherines.nsw.edu.au stcaths@stcaths.nsw.edu.au 26 Albion Street Waverley NSW 2024 Australia
+61 2 8305 6200 CRICOS 02322K
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